What is it with those who stand out in the rain and cold, watching their mates, family or loved ones run around? Dutiful servants or frustrated wannabes? Standing alone watching the leaders of the Santa ParkRun, the silence is deafening as they whip by. You know it's all 'chaaaaaaarge' in their heads, but outside it's just the pitter patter of feet. It seems churlish to clap, or give a 'well done' as they pass, fearing it will be a distraction in the quiet morning and a little repetitive as all 400 runners pass.
But as the event unfolds, spectating awkwardness soon fades to outright jealously and just a hint of resentment. Ugly, I know! You can feel your mates breathing deep and heavy, drawing in the runners ahead, that look in their eye, focussed, determined, hungry. My trip to physio Wayne left me with a very sore leg and words of caution. Of all my planned runs over Christmas, Shuttlingsloe is what I really want to do the most. That makes me a reluctant spectator today. "You can be our bag carrier, Rich". Great!
