Wednesday 28th August 2024 – The Blackpool Night Run, in aid of Brian House Children’s Hospice.
7.5KM along the promenade under the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations. No cars. No bikes. Just 4,000 runners helping to raise much needed funds for this charity.
This was going to be a great ‘appetiser’ ahead of the big one – the Great North Run – 11 days later and so I took the opportunity to sign-up my personal trainer, Matty Schmid from Active4You, to run with me. Matty is also joining me at the Great North Run on the 8th September and so it would be a good warm-up event for the both of us.
As 8.30pm approached, we took our place amongst the runners at the start. A few minutes waiting and Matty eyeing up the competition and we were off heading north up the promenade, under the illuminations. A good steady pace, slightly slower than my ParkRun pace but we were amongst many more runners and finding a bit of space was tricky.
Half way distance and we reach the turning point where we run back on the other side of the road. There was a surprisingly steady breeze as we head south back towards the Blackpool Tower. At the 5km point Matty decided he was going to pick up his pace, so off he went into the distance.
Despite the strong breeze I was able to increase my own pace a little bit too and as I headed towards the finish line, passing cheering crowds, I had completed my first mass participation running event, my longest running event.
For someone who would, a year ago, struggle to walk a mile without being breathless, now running these distances is a genuine achievement. 12 months ago the goal was just to finish the Great North Run one way or another – potentially walking it. Now I have larger expectations.
I also received my very first medal/trophy/award for any sporting achievement. I was never known for sporting achievements. When I was at primary school in the 1970s we used to play the sports day super 8 cinefilm backwards in the projector so I would finish first 🙂 We really did do that!
To be at the Blackpool Night Run with Matty was very special. This guy has been by my side as my personal trainer at JD Gyms since 6th September 2023. He has supported me, trained me, encouraged me, pushed me and helped build my confidence in and out of the gym.
I’m pretty pleased with that!
