Today saw the final entry to this purple year with a quick 2 lap jaunt around Prospect Park, something I'd have been truly dreading a couple of years back but managed this time with a lot less exhaustion thanks to a certain level of fitness i'm somehow managing to attain. The run was on behalf of the British Heart Foundation and the turnout reminded me of the Reading Rush which didn't happen, not great. As the race was to be a 'Santa Dash' I was expecting a sea of red and white at the start but was greeted by no more than 150 I reckon. The suit provided would have fitted Hulk Hogan, laying to rest any fears I had of another Austin Powers incident with a suit designed for a 12 year old.
After a couple of awkward minutes doing warm-ups (You do feel quite stupid doing star jumps dressed as Saint Nick) We lined up ready to start. The starter and the Lady Mayoress were both drowned out by the weather which was beginning to close in nicely. Off we went. The elite runners or 'show offs' as we liked to call them raced off ahead while the rest of us mixed jogging with costume adjustment. Every other stride seemed to involve tucking the jacket in, pulling up the trousers or picking the fake beard's cotton wool out of your mouth but for only £10 all in, no one was too bothered. It's hard to say where I came overall but I wasn't too bothered, a few of the runners went hardcore and went on the third lap but 2 laps was enough for me and most people. At the finish I was greeted by two chuffed looking parents, a bottle of water and an unexpected finishers medal. Unexpected but along with all the others received so far, greatly treasured.
A quick message on my Christmas works party at the Calcot Hotel. This was the first year I'd helped organise one and I have to say it was a very mixed experience. I never dreamt it would be so time confusing convincing a group of people to got out at Christmas to enjoy themselves. Complaints about cost, location, timing and seating started to take their toll near the end. I'm surprised certain teachers dared challenge their students on forgetting homework or equipment when it took them 4 attempts to bring their deposit money in. In the end though, none of it mattered. Not the constant changes in the seating plan, not the method of using the drinks vouchers not even the crowded reception area we all had to stand in before the dinner. The evening had been a success, in spades. As co-organiser, my responsibility hadn't ended at the booking stage. I felt responsible for everyone's happiness in the party, making damn sure everyone was having a good time. The picture below is one of my favourites of the year. The 3 people who had made the party happen, a look of true contentment and satisfaction at a job well done.
Rossifer x
