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It's a Wonderful Life

On Sunday, I ran in the Olympic Park and finished the 5 mile route with a lap of the Olympic Stadium.... like it says on the back on my medal: "I followed in the footsteps of legends". And it was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience, a perfect reminder that running for me is so much more about where and who with than how far and how fast.

Before the Start with Mavis and Janet
The day started early... along with my mum, I arrived in Olympic Park at around 8am, which gave us plenty of time to find a good viewing place in the stadium for my mum before I went off to the start to meet up with my friend Mavis. I used to work with Mavis and if anyone had suggested that I'd running with her, never mind in Olympic Park, I would never have laughed long and hard. But times change and we're both regular runnners now (and also share a parkrun addiction too).
Moving up to the Start!
We took part in the energetic warm up and then slowly shuffled forward to the start line. Sir Chris Hoy was the official starter, the klaxon sounded and we were eventually underway. Our running pace was comfortable for both of us and we chatted most of the way around the course - trying to work out where we were in relation to the different venues from London 2012, as quite a few sections of the park were significantly altered or being reconstructed. The Velodrome, Copper Box and Orbit were really the only recognisable landmarks away from the stadium. We did spot a sign for cocktails but sadly none being served!

Getting Closer Now!
As we snaked around Olympic Park, getting closer then further away then closer again to the Olympic Stadium, the anticipation was building and the excitement growing. Those first 4.5 miles were the prelude to the main event for everybody... we just wanted to get to the stadium. Musical interludes, including a steel band and lots of different drummers, keep us entertained, and the run-through shower provided an opportunity to cool down. I even managed to say hello to Tommy Hill (another parkrun connection) as he overtook us by the velodrome!

Then we were there, with two laps of the stadium to complete before the finish. The first lap was underneath in the stadium tunnels... commentary from Mo Farah's victory in the 10,000 metres at London 2012 blasting out from the speakers for extra inspiration. We definitely speeded up at this point, desperate to get out on to the track.

Suddenly we were there on the track and it was actually eerily quiet... just as we were coming into the stadium, a proposal was taking place at the end of the run, shown on the big screen for everyone to see. He asked, she said yes and there was a huge cheer. We didn't really know what was going on at that point, but the huge cheer was an amazing sound and added goose bumps to our goose bumps.

Now, we had just 300 metres to go. Normally, I'd be going for a sprint finish but not on this day. This was my chance to run on the track in the Olympic Stadium - where running legends really had gone before me. We'd been there to see Hannah Cockroft win gold and David Weir reach his 5,000 metre final for the Paralympics - that was an amazing night. But now I'm there, on the same track.
We're on the Track!


Round the Final Bend!











Slow down, look around, soak up the atmosphere and the sights and sounds. Wave to the crowd and imagine they are waving back. Take deep breaths and just revel in doing something so amazing that you want it to last that little bit longer. Before we knew, we were on the home straight and there were just 100 metres to go... 

Waving to the Crowds!
Coming up to the Finish Line












We waved some more, took pictures, smiled, laughed and made it to the finish line... what joy as Mavis and I celebrated our achievement.

At the Finish with Mavis - Big Smiles All Round!
Once the run was complete, we were directed off the track and joined a queue to collect goody bags and medals and revel in what we'd just being part of. The finish of any race in the future will just never compare with that! Eventually, we found our way back to the stadium concourse and I said farewell to Mavis and went in search of my mum to tell her all about my experience. It was an emotional day too - it was exactly one year since my Dad died and he was in my thoughts as I completed the run. I know he would have been proud and I was pleased that my mum could share the day with me.

With my mum after the run
Still buzzing from my participation, it was great to spend a little bit of time in the stadium celebrating the achievements of all those taking part - it was clear from watching that this was proving to be a memorable day for everyone involved. We also bumped into the Holmes family (another parkrun connection) and had great fun cheering on Millie, Julie and Bryn as they took part in the family run. It looked like they enjoyed their experience as much as I did.

What an incredible privilege to run in the Olympic Stadium, what a wonderful day. Even with all the pictures, it's still hard to believe that I actually got to do this! And I'll be back there next weekend for the Anniversary Games - a birthday treat for Mr T. I'll be able to sit in the stands and say "I ran there"! I'm sure it won't get annoying at all.

Happy Running

Liz T

PS Lots more pictures available here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.538422922878675.1073741827.100001329173367&type=1&l=cb75cea5ca
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