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After four
months of intense fundraising and “training” the day had
finally arrived to actually run and complete the British 10K
run. Over 25,000 participants gathered at Hyde Park Corner
on the 6th July 2008. Amongst them were eight keen
individuals running to raise awareness and funds for Skanda
Vale Hospice.
After waking up at a ridiculous hour we arrived in the heart
of London early enough to be near the elite runners at the
starting line. A mixture of dread, anxiety and excitement
overcame us as we realised there was no possibility of
pulling out or turning back at this late stage. Despite the
initial nerves, there was more than enough adrenaline being
pumped around our bodies to allow us to face the challenge
ahead. With knees and ankles strapped up with various forms
of additional support such as tubigrips and Sr. Monika’s
marvellous lymph tape we were indeed ready.
Before we knew it the run had officially started. The
initial madness of people dodging each other, accidentally
elbowing each other and with the occasional “I’m sorry”
reminded me of the end of summer sales in the high street
stores along Oxford Street.
The weather was ideal for running –dry for most of it with
slight drizzle, in other words typical British summer
weather. I decided it would be best to pace myself after all
it was not a race. This worked out to be a good strategy.
The first 7K was bearable and surprisingly enjoyable with
the spectators cheering and encouraging you to keep going
and the end was not far. On route volunteers were handing
out water. You just grabbed a bottle as you ran past, took a
few gulps without choking to death, threw the still ¾ full
bottles onto the pavement without trying to splash any
nearby spectators. I really felt like a marathon runner at
these moments.
The last 3K was the hardest and longest of the entire run.
However knowing the end was nearing made me determined to
keep moving one leg in front of the other. Turning the
corner from the Embankment, entering Whitehall, seeing and
crossing the finishing line was an incredible feeling. A
sense of relief, achievement and agony filled me as I
searched desperately through the masses of people for anyone
that resembled a supporter of the Skanda Vale Hospice. With
my legs feeling liking jelly I slowly followed the crowd to
receive my medal and meet the other Skanda Vale Hospice
runners in Leicester Square for our well earned glasses of
Champagne.
Looking back I feel very proud of myself and the other team
members to have participated in such an event and raise a
significant amount of money for such a worthy cause. If you
are interested in taking part in the 2009 British 10K Run in
aid of Skanda Vale Hospice, please contact Brother
Jakob/Sister Carol at the Hospice on 01559 371222.
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