Spirit of Play

For those who are interested in my athletic exploits (and I expect that to be at least 4, bandees) I dragged my sorry ass round the Great North Run course in 2 hours and 17 minutes. That's 26 minutes slower than Gordon Ramsay, 41 minutes slower than Ben Fogle, but crucially, 35 minutes faster than Cheryl Baker. In your face, the Fizz.

The heat and hills did for me, I'm afraid. I felt my chances of a podium finish disappearing as I was overtaken by a man dressed as a tree and a galloping giraffe, and I eventually stumbled over the line in 21,311th place. It's always difficult finishing just outside the medals.

South Shields made quite an impression on me. It was very much like a recreation of VE Day, with bunting, cheering and old ladies in aprons hanging out of windows waving flags. There were also lots of children having a great time "high fiving" strangers and firing water pistols at everyone, completely guilt free. To be fair, the atmosphere was amazing, and I'm not sure I would have made it round at all without people shouting "Come on, Blue Top!"

A mention must go to Sting, who started the event. What a tosser he is.