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Location:Portsmouth UK
It was a cold, rainy morning with no sight of the sun! But… as we saw it – perfect power walking weather!!
Our Great South Run experience began at 6am, in fact an hour earlier for some of us who had forgotten that the clocks had been turned back! On the bright side, at least that provided some welcome light hearted banter for the first part of our journey. Having arrived in Portsmouth about an hour later we familiarised ourselves with the start lines and the city centre, and headed off to collect our signature pink balloons. Needless to say, with the winds threatening to carry away our balloons, and possibly us as well in the process, we were already making our presence felt.
The Great South Run this year had enticed a record 19500 entrants and it had all the makings of a great event. It was a privilege to be there representing Walk the Walk. One by one we were joined by the rest of our team understandably with many layers on. It was a proud moment when the warm up started and our brave ladies revealed their beautifully decorated bras in true Walk the Walk style.
We set of on our 10 mile walk around 11.20 and made our way through the streets already lined with cheering supporters, clapping and shouting out words of encouragement. It was heart warming to see many more smiling and waving to us from their windows.
The group of army runners pulling along a military model Landrover proved to be a huge hit with everyone, and I am sure we were all very impressed with their unique challenge. One of the more memorable moments was passing the retirement home where several residents had set up their chairs on the pavement in support. Their cheery encouragement was most uplifting.The miles were counted down as we passed the markers and before we knew it was just 1 more to go.
This event was a great experience. Our Walk the Walk team was made up of a lovely group of people, and bringing up the last of the walkers, it was great to see our bra clad women and our bright yellow caps dotted intermittently in the crowds ahead of us. We were only a few but we were definitely getting noticed.
To everyone who joined us in participation and in support, thank you for being part of our team.