Wonderful Winter Run, Wow!

It was an early start for most of today's race team as we prepared to travel in to the city for the London Winter Run but we were soon leaping out of bed, wide eyed and ready for the day. Duncan had made his way in previously and was soon sharing photos on WhatsApp of the blue skies over Nelson's column as the rest of us made our way in. Martin had started at Thameslink Leagrave, with David, Musa, Yasin and Gill jumping on the train to join him at Luton, along with a whole host of other runners all sporting the tell tale blue bags and race numbers. Ruth has headed in solo and Lizzie was making her way to cat h the train in from Hitchin. Arriving at Trafalgar Square, with the feeling of excitement rising (even if the temperature wasn't), it didn't take too many messages before Martin's group were joined by Lizzie, and then Dani and had some idea of Duncan and Ruth's locations. And once we'd navigated our way through bag drop and a final loo stop we hooked up with Rebecca and our team was just about ready to go. Although the start was in sight across Trafalgar Square in front of the National Gallery, it soon became apparent that there would be some distance to walk - Dani and Gill got all excited when they came under the first inflatable arch, turning on Strava and starting a gentle jog, only to realise this wasn't the start of the race but the start of the funnel to get to the start. Stravas off and continue onwards... Then Martin noticed the first few spots of rain, and there was a moment when we thought we were in for a drenching. But fortunately the running gods were smiling on us this morning, and the rain soon dried up and we were raring to go.

Ruth had set off in an earlier wave, and had also got a little wet in the temporary shower but was well on her way to the finish.

The klaxon sounded and we were off. It was a fabulous route, lined with many well wishers, penguins, polar bears, bands, sound systems, choirs, a soloist, samba bands, a steel band and much more beside. We were cheered on, high fived and applauded. It was a treat to run amongst the beautiful architecture of the City, running up the strand, past many well known theatres, skirting round St Paul's Cathedral, passing by Monument and other significant statues. And what fun to be amongst the throng of so many happy and committed runners. We even managed to make acquaintance with several GoodGymmers from other patches too.

Ruth was through the finishing arch and then stationed herself a few metres from the end to cheer us all along on the final stretch. This was greatly appreciated as some of our legs were starting to flag at this point (well mine were anyway). And before we knew it we were all congregating to congratulate ourselves, marvelling at the PBs (Lizzie and Gill), grabbing water and snack bars, and making our way back to the bag drop with medals dangling around our necks.

And if that wasn't the best way to spend a Sunday morning, Ruth had then organised for us to go to Wahaca for some post run tacos and snacks, and a debrief. Absolutely the icing on the cake to a Wonderful Winter Run.