Grandad's memorial race 2016

Chapter one

Running is a very expressive sport; not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. We all know it can be draining and feel exhausting after. However, the magical endorphins make all of us runners not just feel happy, to be out in the fresh air with nature and friends. But every time we run a race, we can experience the thrill of winning by making our mental and physical health electric.
We choose to put one foot in front of the other and never have to come first, second or third to feel on top of the world; for it's the taking part that has always only mattered. So the thrill of the chase for many athletes is the joy of competing and never the meddles and trophies.
I am writing this book in celebration of my wonderful, funny and warm grandads brave and exciting life; including his love for sports. He enjoyed watching the likes of rugby, horse racing and athletics on the grandstand TV program, every Saturday afternoon. He would ask my lovely sister or me to pick a piece of paper out of his hat. Grandad Edgar would write on the slip of paper and go to the betting shop. The exceptional kind and family man would place our 50 pence each way bets, on our chosen horses. We would get excited to watch them race on the telly vision once Grandad had come home on his bicycle.
I could always see in his eyes that it was never about winning and losing, but the enjoyment of watching. He loved the elegant horses and brave jockeys, taking on the race of their lives. Grandad could feel the adrenaline and thrill pumping throughout their athletic bodies.
It felt the same for me when I began to run at school, for I practised sprinting with the one hundred and two hundred meters, orienteering across fields like fell runners; we took part in a long run competition called the Oulton triangle, with plenty of road running and vast hills. It made me feel alive with speed and endurance and never about winning. As Grandad always made us understand, it's the journey of life and never the destination.
One day I never expected to be celebrating the life of the greatest grandad ever, with his epic grounded morels. I took part in my first 10k road running race, in celebration of his epic and happy life.
I chose something we both loved to watch on the T. V; running and the magnificent London Marathon. I gave him the most fitting memorial I could ever give a sports fan, despite it still hurting every single day, in the nine years since the loss of my grandad: Edgar Downing. XXX XXX

Chapter two

In 2015, the unthinkable happened to my family; my wonderful, kind and caring grandad Edgar became very ill. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
It knocked us all for six, and I became so low, I'd get very upset every time I thought of his warm and funny personality. I felt angry had been taken from us, and didn't know how to deal with my feelings. I became so withdrawn that my mental health was affected until my 8-year-old son brought a leaflet home.
Tyler Greatrex had a sports flyer in his school bag, which advertised a road race in my hometown. It was the exciting Stone 10K, organized by the local running club: Stone Master Marathoners.
My name is Lee Greatrex,
one day when my son Tyler came back from school I opened his bag to discover a thrilling leaflet. It advertised the town's six-mile road race.
Suddenly an idea bubbled up in my mind that I felt like I'd won the race before it had even been started.
I read the flyer over and over again and again. When from out of nowhere, an idea formed in my mind; could I put my trainers on and physically run six miles around my hometown? But most importantly, could I ask people to donate vital funds for cancer research? This would be an awesome tribute to my fabulous grandad: Mr. Edgar Downing.

Chapter three-

My handsome son who loves Legos said,
Oh for I have every faith in your ability to succeed at everything that you do, Daddy Lee! So go out there and imagine grandad Edgar is running with you, and helping you to reach the finish line. Here's a pen to fill out that epic form.
Also, please try to remember not to be afraid, for you've certainly got this, and all your family will be cheering you on from Nan and Gramp's house.
Fly like an eagle. And run this great race, for not just our awesome grandad, but for yourself. Up the irons, Dad; for you'll be running wild and running free, yeah.
I gave Tyler a giant embrace and for the first time in months, I started to feel right with the world again. I was emotionally ready to take on this mighty challenge for my grandad. I loved helping at his allotment or fishing with him every weekend, I would stay at his relaxing house.
But first I had to put on my shorts, and shirt and fasten up my shoelaces, ready to practice my technique. I had to get my body physically and mentally prepared, otherwise I would stall before I reached mile one. I unlocked my front door with in-trepidation at the thought of taking the first steps, so I could be ready in just six weeks.
So I took a deep breath and smiled, thinking of Grandad and then marched out my front door with massive confidence. I walked to the top of the road and began to pick up speed when I suddenly felt my place in the world at last. I had unstoppable feelings as if I were Sir Mo Farah or Sir Steve Cram. The endorphins kicked in, and I began to smile and loved every mile that I ran. Now I longed for this mighty 10k to begin, but running with others troubled me a lot.
Chapter 4
It was now June 16th 2016 and race day had finally arrived, I felt like I was about to run the London marathon, the race was that important to me and my family.
The butterflies swam around my stomach that made me feel anxious like I was about to go upside down on a rollercoaster. Except something else was transpiring within my newly lean body, an extraordinary buzz was pulsating and making my veins tingle with excitement. My heart palpitated at a tremendous thud every second I thought of the run; this made my pulse vibrate out of my wrist, giving my jitters, to fluctuate rapidly between my Optimism and doubtfulness.
I was preparing breakfast in my average size kitchen; where I struggled to articulate the correct balanced healthy meal to consume, at such a critical time. I suddenly remembered my grandad's love of fruit, so I had a mix of apples, bananas, and strawberries, my favourite: pineapple and red grapes. Grandad would have poured milk on his, but I liked mine without and plain. I had a cup of Earl Grey tea that my sister Clare loves to drink.
I'd been sitting on a wooden stool at the family breakfast bar that was located near the cooker and sink.
Furthermore, I had been churning over the race since 4 am and had been to the toilet 17 times with my nerves. Quickly, Tyler and Tracy G burst in and both proceeded to execute positive vibes, by implementing an almighty loving embrace. Tracy gave me a passionate kiss on the lips whilst gripping my hands tightly, and Tyler whispered confident affirmations into my ear. Five minutes later, my dearest family manoeuvred me into our blissful and peaceful peach-coloured living room. Tyler showed me a beaming smile and unexpectedly gave me a Good luck card. They both presented me with some presents. The Friendly and epic lad said,
your family couldn't let you do such a monumental and selfless thing in running Your very first organized road race; honouring grandad Edgar, without showing our love and appreciation. Mummy and I hope you have the most sensational morning run ever! Please try not to worry about the other athletes, this is your race for our Wonderful grandad. We hope you love our gifts, and they're is one special present from all our family, including grandma Jessie. She said,
I am so proud of you my epic grandson and delighted in your kind memorial run for grandad Edgar, and hope these top-of-the-range beauties make you fly around the course and win at a Phenomenal pace.
Good luck Daddy Lee Lad, we're with you every mile you run. You are my inspiration, and I will be cheering at the top of my little voice from the roadside as you speed past. Let's show the stone runners that the Greatrex daddy has a natural gift for the endurance sport. Remember, think positive thoughts and anything is possible. Now go and have a blast!
I hugged my wonderful human beings in the known universe and thanked, my wife and son for the gifts. Now I proceeded to open them without shaking. The first present was some bright shiny blue shorts, which were a perfect fit. I thanked Tyler and then out of the gift bag I removed another present that was in shiny gold paper. I opened it gently and removed the contents which were a brand-new blue t- t-shirt with a grandad photo on the front and mine on the back and an astonishing message that read; Lee Greatrex is running remembering his grandad Edger in 2016 and Supporting Cancer Research UK. I couldn't believe my eyes, my family had bestowed the warmest and most loving gift I could imagine. Not only that, but I genuinely showed my appreciation for such a monumental attire by giving Tracy a warm loving hug and kiss.
Master Tyler Lee Greatrex, suddenly informed his brave and handsome father of the time; saying,
Dad, dad, daddy, oh daddy you better hurry for you've only got 3/4 quarters of an hour before the organizers blow the start whistle. So you had better quickly open Nanny Janice, Auntie Clares and Grandma Jessies present, we all hope you love it!!!
I smiled at my Tyler; my Stoke City fan and removed the final wonderful kind present. My heart melted when I read the message from my Nan which read,
Thank you for being you and this loving and brave tribute to your wondrous grandad, who would be Sensationally proud of you, I know I am Lee xxx Hope these beauties can help you go supersonic around the roads, but stay safe my kind and caring grandson xx love you more than words can ever say!
Tears began to form in my eyes and rolled down my face as I quickly removed the packaging to reveal bright orange and red brand-new running trainers. They were fabulous, and I was so grateful to my family!
Next, I quickly put my new running gear on and mummy Tracy took mine and Tyler's photo. She then kindly drove me to Tyler Primary School, the headquarters of the race. I kissed my wife again, while my son wished me luck. They reminded me they'd be at the school after the to meet up with me, but would cheer me on from Nan and Gramps home.
Chapter five . . . .

Sitting on the sofa of our perfect home in Stone, England, I slipped my feet into my new epic trainers and fastened the laces just enough so that they would not undo or be too tight. I jumped up and made sure I had my keys and phone, Tracy and Tyler had gotten in the car and were waiting for me with the engine running, so I quickly had yet another nervous wee.
I zoomed through the front door locked it behind me, and then jumped into our Audi 2.5 litre red car. Trace drove like a bat out of hell, but safely to Tyler's school, while I sat on my hands, and I'd let anxiety take control. Furthermore, I began to think of all kinds of scenarios that could go wrong.
Tyler had been talking to me for five minutes and I had zoned out and never heard a word. Mummy Tracy banged hard on the steering wheel to knock me back into the heart and now. The beautiful and generous lady pressed on the horn and shouted at me,
Lee Greatrex snap out of it, please! Don't let your nerves affect your mental health and make you not run even before you have begun! Now get out there and run it for your happy and clever son, my brave hubby. Ring me throughout the race if you still feel anxious, and I'll kick you up the ass eh, lol.
Now get out of my car and go run like your life depends on it, but at the same time, Tyler and I hope you love every single mile, my roadrunner! Good luck Lee, you can do this just like you're an epic dad!!! See you at Tyler's school later, my handsome man!!!
I came back to reality with a gigantic jolt and realized my OCD had been impacting my judgment yet again. I gave my wife and son a quick hug and said,
Oh, shoot! Sorry, I didn't know I let my mental health take over my mind yet again. Please forgive me! I'd better fly to the start as it's about to begin, eh! I can do this for you all!! Love you both!!
Tyler smiled and high-fived his brave dad and said?
Don't worry our great dad for we know it's just your illness, try not to listen to its wicked voice in your head! We both know it wants you to fail at everything and ruin your precious life. Tell it to go to hell as you're never listening, now or ever!!!
Come on Mr. Daily Thomson, you can, will and must run this great race, to celebrate the life of Grandad Edgar. We have every faith in you! Now you better hurry and get your race number from my school, else they won't let you run my smeg head dude!
I laughed at the last part of Tyler's fantastic message and I said to the greatest son in the multiverse,
Thanks, son and you most certainly know me more than I know myself eh! Red Dwarf and Bill and Ted, cool. With that, I will say; smoke me a kipper I'll be back for breakfast! You're an epic lad Tyler thanks, I have most certainly got this! Let go yay!!! Love you guys XXX
I jumped out of the car and zoomed in like a flash. I ran into Tyler's school and went over to the kind ladies giving out the numbers and told her my name, and she searched for it in her box of envelopes. She quickly found my name and handed me, my very first number and said,
Good luck Mr. Greatrex You'll be great! Please remember your safety pins, oh and no headphones! All the very best!
I smiled at the woman and said,
Awe! Thank you. This is my very first race, and I'm very nervous but excited at the same time. I am running it for my grandad whom we lost last year.
With that, the lady got up and gave me a massive embrace and said,
Don't worry Lee, you have got this. And don't forget to breathe and not to go out too fast at the start, or else you'll burn up your energy before you have begun. Take your time and enjoy it. You'd better hurry, for the Stone 10k is about to begin in ten minutes.
I thanked the Stone Master Marathon running lady picked up four pins and walked over to a part of the school hall that was less crowded. I began to remove my number and pin it to my new shirt but tried not to cover up my lovely grandad's photo. Likewise, I smiled at other athletes and even though they were all strangers, I was telling people it was my first race because I felt a rush of joy and happiness race through my fit body, once more.
This made me excitable and talkative but I forgot not only the time to the start but going for one last toilet stop. So I darted out like speedy Gonzalez, and my heart sank when I saw the length of the cue for the portals. I decided I'd ask my old school friend, Phil, to use his. So I ran up the lane next to the school and headed for the heavy-rocking motorcycle friend
Chapter six
I raced to Phil's house, but I could see he was out, now what to do? The only thing possible that I could, was to leg it to the canal and urinate behind a large tree, hiding myself from praying eyes.
It was now 9:27 am and I had 3 minutes to speed back to the top of the estate, where the start had been set up. I zoomed at my top pace, hoping the whistle hadn't been blown, and I was not late for this grand public spectacle of endurance. I had promised my family that I wouldn't worry about absolutely anything! So I darted along, keeping positivity in the forefront of my hippocampus.
Everything was fine and even with 45 seconds to spare people were still arriving from the race headquarters. Now was the moment I'd been excited about for six weeks. Suddenly, I began to feel my legs turn to jelly. When I was hardly able to move a single muscle. I quickly thought to myself,
Sod this I'm not afraid, I'm a walking razor blade, for I know it's all the anxiety in my head, and I'm a good runner from the practice I've put in, So I know I can move and go!!!!
As I arrived back at the starting area, there were hundreds of eager runners all lined up and squashing one another. I decided to push forward, as I thought I'd trip up when it got going. Then I found myself right at the front of the pack with the strong, fast, elite runners.
Never mind. They will leave me standing in 0.2 seconds I'm sure.
I thought to myself but then a few seconds later; Ken, the race organizer said
Please have such a fabulous and safe run, and do watch out for traffic on the roads. Please remember your photos online later.
As I mentally prepared myself for this special undertaking, by getting into the famous zone. Except before I could focus on the inner me and quieten the surrounding noise to be able to run the best I could.
Within an instant, the whistle blew, sending a shockwave of high decibels that nearly knocked me off my feet. Suddenly, I felt a wave of bodies surge forward, all ready to run.
And now it began. . .
Chapter Seven """""
I felt as if I was moving in slow motion when the start of the race was officially announced and every man and woman had passed me. I thought I'd blown Grandad's important race and was going to be last. Likewise, I know winning or losing had never been a factor; though I at least wanted to show I'm a decent runner.
However, I decided that I wasn't prepared to give up before the Stone 10k had even reached one mile. So I dug in and followed the other runners, hoping to at least pass one or two along the route. I could hear the crowds cheering and calling out my name that was written on my shirt, but I thought,
The spectators were kind and thoughtful, they cheered everyone on, even when they not doing so great. I waved and thanked them all, including the marshals for their generous encouragement to keep running. I tried to keep an eye out for places I knew around my hometown, but it all seemed a blur, and now I could feel my heart beating like a volcano erupting. Not only that, but I gathered myself briefly by slowing down a little and searching for my parents' house and all my family. They were nowhere to be seen, and I was further on in the course than I expected, but how was this physically possible, surely, I was last and then some.
I saw exactly my location, but I thought this was due to excessive ambition in trying not to be last, and now I was hallucinating because I was convinced I could see my grandad's old allotment. This happened to be roughly 2.2 miles (3.54 km) from the start.
I searched for other athletes, but I could see no one in sight, and I believed that everyone was still in front. I thought I'd been excessive in going out the blocks, just like the numbers lady told me to avoid doing.
I decided to push on regardless, as I had enough rest and needed to get myself back into the race, if possible. Furthermore, I kicked up another gear in my running and didn't hold back, despite my feet feeling they were on fire and at 100 degrees.
Now I was by the canal near to my old rented house, again this was just not possible, surely I only reached a maximum of five hundred yards and off my parents' housing estate? I tried my grounding techniques for my OCD and anxiety, as now I was convinced it was my mental health that had caused my delusions. I did colour breathing and my heart rate began to steady and my pulse felt partially manageable again.
All of a sudden, I got the shock of my 41 years and found I had reached Tyler's school and run the first lap already. Then out of the corner of my blue eyes, I saw all my family, including my Nan, aunts, uncles, and cousins; plus my friends Phil, Zac, and Adam. Des, Mike and Rob. There was a wall of noise that hit me like a tsunami after an earthquake. I could hear Tyler and Tracy scream,
Wow, Daddy Lee, you are just phenomenally epic and winning the race for grandad Edgar!!!
I now thought I was hearing things again too, but decided to put the brakes on and skidded to a grinding halt. My feet were as hot as lava and smoke bellowed from out of my new awesome comfy trainers.
As the Uncertainty began to loosen its grip on my mind and the anomaly of the race became ultra-sharp and coherent, I realized my family were there and telling the truth.
I ran over to Tyler; and high-fived him, along with kissing Tracy and thanking my family and friends. But Tinker Tyler G screamed at an infinite sound to wake his Auntie Clare's niece: Jessie, and nephew: Dylan in Australia. He wailed,
D " d " d" daddy Lee don't stop those incredible speedy elite runners are catching you up. . .
Remember * * * Give Me Fuel * * * Give Me Fire * * * Now Grandad Edgar has given you all that You need to succeed at his: Mighty Memorial Race!!! Now keep focusing and let the endorphins fill your head and body with superpowers. Oh. And keep singing your favourite running song to keep your energy and speed up. It's only one more park run to go!
Now go go go!!!!

Chapter Eight . . .

I roared at the top of my voice,
YAY!! I got this for my grandad Edgar!!!
I managed tonight
more endurance to regain my pace. I waved again to my loved ones and friends as I set off, with my arms and legs manoeuvring at an electrifying speed that came from deep within my soul.
This time as I ploughed down the streets of my hometown, I could witness the crowds of people cheering loudly for me, which felt bizarre at first, with not being the center of attention guy. However, this wasn't just my race, it was all for Grandad!
I was now winning by over six minutes behind the known top fastest runner, but I felt determined to win, and I was going to do Grandad proud tenfold!
My expression was one of the most beaming smiles since Tyler was born, and Tracy and I were married, making me feel like a zillion dollars!!! I just had to remember to keep my breathing at a steady maintained rate, as well as to work my hardest to keep the pace up, without burnout.
As I got to the village of Walton, which was located a mile from my house, I felt awash with emotions. It was near Grandad's house and allotment, I felt low, for he wasn't here to see me perform the strongest race I'll ever do in my life. I shouted at the top of my voice, towards his lovely peaceful home and said,
Thank you for all the love, kindness and caring you showed me and all the wonderful memories, You are in my heart and soul forever! I hope you're loving your special race and if I win the 10k I will put your name on the epic trophy! Love you to the edge of space and back forever!!! Take care grandad xxx
I let some desperation in and for 45 seconds I wondered if there was much point to finishing the rest of the race. But then the crowd lifted my spirits once more, and I sped back to my inconceivable 4 min per mile. Then I remembered my epic little boy's advice,
Sing your favourite song, Dad, which has the power to keep your concentration focused and ultra-sharp. That song happened to be my favourite band: Iron Maiden and the song is; The Serenity of the Long-distance Runner. So at first, I began humming the music in my head and as I passed the location of my old work, Norman Rheads garden shop, where Grandad brought his plants and compost. The owners had decided to sell up in 2001.
Next; I started saying the lyrics,
It can be tough on the track when you're running with the rain and sweat beating down upon your back,
Your heart beating so loud it goes on and on with every step you tread and bangs inside your head! With each breath you take, gives you all the determination to make you keep running on and on, and the endorphins push you further and never stop! The urge to win and go until you drop, trying to keep the pace to succeed in your race. Your mind gets cloudy, and you have only run halfway, but the feeling of being out in the fresh air and running your race fills your heart full of joy. . .
So remember, it's the serenity of the long-distance runner! Running on and on, the endurance makes the sport lots of fun.
As you run along the course, across styles and through fields, constantly checking who's on your heels, you are way ahead of the whole field! Now it will take all of your might to reach the finish line, that's just out of sight, do you seek the glory of it all or is it the serenity of that long-distance run that makes you a contented athlete? Just enjoy every step you tread and keep running on and on.
Now I felt unstoppable and on course to run another three miles back around the course I'd just gone. I headed down the road and was aware I had to maintain my fast pace without hitting the wall and burning out at the last minute. I wasn't bothered about the position I would come when I finally reached the last few meters and saw the chequered flag., I slowed my breathing down and only spoke if a marshal or spectator wished me well, to keep my energy levels maintained with the blood circulation. Especially throughout my legs, the main part to keep me on track.
I had now reached Aldi and thought of my great-dad; Mr Ian Greatrex, who loves steak from this supermarket. I remembered our saying whenever we see each other, we both say,
Oh, what do you think you're doing over there? Making a fuss, making a stare, what are you doing over there?
I chuckled to myself and this gave my spirits a boost, making my legs feel indestructible despite the coercive torture, I'd put them through for 5 and a miles.
I realized I needed to consume the number of fluids I'd just sweated out, fortunately, there was a water station coming up. As I ran towards this luxury offering, gathered crowds and the Marshalls giving out this vital liquid, gave me the warmest and most fabulous cheer and they all said,
Fantastic run Lee, keep going not long, and you'll be a winner. You have certainly got this for sure.
I thanked the men and women, who had given up their morning to make the race go ahead and safe for all. I took a good sip of refreshing amber nectar and poured a little over my sizzling head. This instantly cooled me down in the June heat, and I gathered my pace easily enough again.
The only hurdle in the entire race was fast approaching, a steep incline going from one housing estate, up onto the main road of another. I just hoped my battered legs could take the extra momentum while being forced up this brutal slope. If I lost a few minutes climbing that would not matter so much but any longer and those fit, lean and strong elite runners, would be catching me up for sure.
Except I decided to allow the anxiety of this hazard to overflow my senses for 10 seconds and then let it worry me. Once the time had passed I would force it away and push with all my might, up the hill.
Now I was on a long straight road leading down to the river and for the first time in 5 and a half miles, I could hear the pounding of feet behind me. I quickly got concerned and allowed myself to take one tiny glance behind me. Fortunately, the Young athlete was a good 75 m in the distance, giving me the advantage. The key to success is not letting your fear of failure and what's not transpired yet completely overwhelm you! Though I was not foolish into thinking it was that easy, for l was being followed by a supercharged young man and others surely behind him.
I chose to concentrate on what was in front of me and deal with that while still enjoying Grandad Edgar's memorial race. I had to keep reminding myself I was running it in his memory.
Suddenly, grandad must have injected me with some vital energy, for I discovered an extra gear. Now I shot down the A road like Concorde. Nothing and no one was going to get past Daddy Lee Lad, despite still hearing the other competitors upon the thrill of the chase.
Next, I had to manoeuvre from the fast road and turn left down through a concrete style. Again my fear was slightly elevated but there was nothing to write home about. I saw the marshalls, who clapped and pointed the way down to the river. It was true. I had to put the brakes slightly, so as not to trip on this hazard. But once I had successfully negotiated my way around, I found the new pace again, and I knew that I was fast approaching the journey's end and I'd be announced the winner of the stone 10k in half a mile.
Now was the moment I'd been dreading; for I had arrived at the hardest part of the race. Except my attitude stayed the same in that if somebody passed me and I didn't win, it wasn't the end of the world, for I'd given the race my greatest effort. Although I had now begun to believe I could succeed, and I was surely going to make Grandad even more proud by winning rather than coming second, a hundred yards in front of me.
Now another song came to mind that would guarantee me that magical first place. It was called: Fuel, from the mighty Metallica. This gave me the propulsion to spring me homeward-bound. The lyrics with their aggressive mindset went like this,
Adrenaline pumping through my veins, engine churning hard in my direction, making me feel unstoppable! So give me fuel, give me fire give me that what I desire yay!!!
Now I could feel as though lightning pulsated around my toned body and I became the superhero: The Flash. I raced down the main road leading back towards Tyler's school and victory. The other runner had caught up and was neck and neck with me, so as I reached the lane to get onto the school field, I lit the torch paper and flew like a bat out of hell for the last few steps.
The whole school went crazy and I could see my loved ones and friends waving their hands in the air and jumping up and down with such incredible excitement and happiness for me.
Mum, Dad, Tracy, Tyler, Nan, Richard, Mary, Graham, Janet, Sam and Simon, including my great friends, were all delighted for me.
I ran like Usain Bolt in the 100 metres, breaking the tape and crossing the magical finish line. I not only came first but a massive personal best of 24 minutes and 15 seconds for the Stone 10k 2016.
I was given a medal and goody bag with sweats, chocks and water and then had to wait until everyone had come in until I was awarded my special prizes. I was flabbergasted at winning not only the race that I loved but my very first 10k. Especially not forgetting it was all for my incredibly happy grandad.
I sat down on the grass to gather myself and catch my breath and all my relations and friends came over to congratulate me. Now I felt on top of the world and Id kicked that wicked mental health right up the ass!!!
Chapter nine . . .
Yippee! Yay! Oh! My! I couldn't quite believe, that I'd only gone and run against over 500 people in my local race and come in with flying colours. There was only one thing I could envision doing, which was a celebratory lap of the school, but making sure not to get in the way of the other runners. There was a field at the back that I could run around, so I removed my new epic shirt waved it over my head, and shouted as I sprinted;
Yay, I won! Yay! I won! You can't run past Daddy Lee, lad!!!!
Ten minutes later, I calmed down and went to my family and friends, where we decided to watch the other athletes finish. I felt it was the right thing to do, and I wanted to give those epic men and women taking part, all the encouragement I could give!
An hour later after Tyler had been around all the stalls at the school summer fair, he wanted to go home, but Tracy said,
Just another ten minutes T. G. so we can watch your daddy be awarded his prizes for winning the race.
Tyler high-fived his mummy and apologetically said,
Oh, I am truly sorry mum, I have all the time in the world to play fortnight or my footy games, right? It's much more exciting to watch our epic dad be awarded for his monumental efforts and see what prizes he receives.
So we all walked over to the school hall for the prize-giving. The room was full and there were plenty of elite runners, all looking furious with me, but I'd won fair and square and certainly without any recreational evil drugs that I'd never take in under any circumstances!!! I ignored their harsh stairs and clicky attitude and sat down opposite the large brown stage.
The organizer of the race: Chris Barlow came out and addressed the gathered runners and their family and friends. He took hold of the microphone and said,
Thank you to all the fabulous organisations from my team and those sending the vital funds to Mombasa in Kenya. Well, what can I say about the 2016s race? What a monumental performance from the winner who fought every mile to sprint through the finish line. In the twenty years of holding this event, I've never seen a newcomer to the sport win it with a blazing personal best. Please put your hands together for the exceptional Lee Greatrex.
I couldn't believe the really lovely kind words from the main organizer. I walked to the stage and shook Mr Barlow's hand. Before he handed me my prizes, I got an inconceivable surprise. The best mum in the universe came out and spoke to everyone and said,
Hello, I am Lees's mum, please forgive me for this intrusion, but these are unusual circumstances for you to see, my son not only won but dedicated his race to his grandad, who sadly passed last year. He wanted to do something special in his memory and this was it. We have an extra unique surprise for Lee. So please put your hands together for my daughter: Clare Henderson, her husband: Scott and their son: Dylan who's 3 years old. They had come from Australia to watch Lee run his very first race, and we had no idea he was going to win. So she is going to hand her brother the trophy. Congrats again son, we're so proud of you and your grandad would be too!
What? I was mesmerized and over the moon to see my sister and her family, and I gave her a massive hug and a kiss. She kissed me on the cheek and addressed the happy men, women and children,
Hello Stone and surrounding area runners, well done to you all for an exceptional effort today. I'm flabbergasted at my big brother for winning his hometown race and honouring our wonderful grandad.
Clare picked up the giant trophy and the prize money of £150, then proceeded to hand it to me. I thanked her for the kind words took the beautiful gold-coloured trophy raised it above my head and shouted,
This is for my sensational grandad who I loved very much and for every underdog runner who thinks they can't win! Yay, I won, he he he. Congratulations to every athlete today, for you were wonderful! Thank you and see you all next year.
We went home to my lovely Nans house, where we celebrated with a family party and my friends and workmates joined us.
Soon after I joined the Stone Master Marathoners club and made lots of friends and ran so many more races.
Five years later I have run the London Marathon and still love running, especially for my mental health. And every time I start running, I say,
Something inside me says I am strong enough now, to run 26.2 miles (ca. 42 km) in every marathon on Earth and I'll run them all for you, my amazing Nan and Grandad, yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

L. I. Greatrex