The end of the challenge

Job done.  Yesterday's Great North Run concluded the "100 runs in 100 days" challenge.  It was an early start, I woke up around 3:30am, excited and nervous for the day ahead.  I picked up Gaz and Frank around 5:30 and we headed off to towards the M62 and met the A1 around 6am.  We listened to 5live and chatted about the race ahead of us and plans for after, given that Newcastle was all ours that evening.

A "toilet break" at Durham services, and we found ourselves joining other runners who had the same plan, so there was a substantial queue.  We got to the Travelodge around 8:15, to be met by the sight of a fire engine outside the hotel, dealing with the aftermath of a stag party - the police followed around 10 mins later.  We loaded up with essentials we were taking with us to the race and hopped in the pre-booked mini-bus which ferried us as near to the start line as it was possible to get.

Red Arrows Flyover

I was interviewed by BBC Radio Newcastle on the bridge.  This was pre-arranged by Louisa at the JDRF Press Office, and it was good to raise the profile of the JDRF and explain why I had chosen to undertake the challenge.  There must of been hundreds of charities competing for airspace, so I'm pleased they took interest in the challenge, my story and I was able to plug the charity.  I was wearing my "100 runs" t-shirt that Beth from A3 Sports made, as were Gaz and Frank - so many people stopped and asked about the challenge and were full of praise - thanks Beth!

Gaz, Me and Frank - pre race in Beth's T-shirts - much admired on the day!

The race itself went pretty well.  I mis-timed the last fluid intake so was desperate for a wee as soon as the gun went off.  I had to stop and relieve myself just under the flyover about a mile into the race.  I pretty much stuck to the plan and did my best to enjoy the atmosphere, whilst keeping my foot on the gas, and getting past people so I could get my desired 1hr 50min time.  As with most of these events, I was outnumbered by the bigger charities, however kept the pace with "Lu" who was running for Diabetes UK.  The lovely sunshine gave way to rain around mile 9, and from then until the finish we were running in the driving rain, causing my vest to rub and give me some of the old "nipple trouble".  I managed a sprint finish and got 1:57.  I'm not disappointed at missing a target time, because I was full of emotions at this being the 100th run that I wasn't bothered to be honest.  Gaz got a good 1:51 and Frank steamed to an impressive 1:34.

All done!

My schedule ment I couldn't meet up with the other JDRF runners at the end, however I did bump into Jon Medcraft at the start of the race, and he wished me well.

The journey back to the hotel wasn't too bad, Gaz and Frank presented me with a bottle of fizz, which was a really nice gesture, and I managed to to bag the double bed for myself in our "luxurious" Travelodge family room (one towel...).  Travelodge treated us to no hot water which was nice of them, just what you need when you've run 13.1 miles.  We all had quick showers, and popped into Newcastle for a few drinks and a well earned curry.  With one last mouthful of spicy food and bottle of Indian lager, the challenge was complete - 100 runs in 100 days.

My previous post covers all my thank yous, however I have had lots more donations on my justgiving site since then, so to everyone who donated and wished me well on facebook - thank you!  A follower on Twitter has let Justin Webb know that she no longer follows him, given his reluctance to "re-tweet" or show support to my cause.  If he doesn't re-tweet, then fair enough, however I don't think I could have done any more to try and "reach out" and spread the word on Twitter.  In the end I felt like I was begging, so I decided to leave Twitter alone for a while.  Until this morning that is.

A Tit, yesterday

The TV "pundit" and Mail on Sunday's Live Magazine Ian Hyland (formerly of the News of the World) has made a pretty tasteless remark regarding the X Factor contestent Amelia Lily, who has type 1 diabetes:

"I’m not so sure. But I’d be amazed if 16-year-old diabetic Amelia Lily wasn’t a contender.
And let’s face it, the fact that she has to inject herself three times a day means she’s already better prepared than most for a career in music."

The Daily Mail online website still has the quote on their website, and unbelievably carries the quote again in bold under the photo of Amelia.  I think he's tried to apologise via Twitter, however by keeping this rubbish on their website, the paper (if you can call it that) appears to endorse his attempt at wit.  Disgusting.

The challenge may be over, however the campaigning continues.  Let's celebrate everyone who lives with Type 1 and overcome the petty mindedness of people like Ian Hyland.  I raise my glass to you all, for you deserve all the plaudits I received during the challenge.