The Bumble Bee made it’s first public appearance on the weekend!!  I ran my 15 mile (24km) training run along the River Thames in full costume.  It took alot of nerve to work up the courage…but I did it!!!  Wig, fake eyelashes, antennas, wings…the whole she-bang! 

We arrived into London Bridge at 7.30am and almost immediately it began to rain.  While waiting for the rain to ease I almost lost my nerve…but 15mins later, we were off…me running and hubby riding next to me (there was no way I was doing this run alone!!). Luckily London Bridge was fairly quiet that time of morning, but definitely not so lucky on the return!!

Some people did a double take, others pretended they didn’t see me, lots gave smiles, cheers and knowing nods.  There were also the random comments, such as ‘What the frig?’ and ‘Hey George, I just seen a bumble bee go running past!’ and ‘I’m sure there is a perfectly good explanation?’ and ‘Are you running the London Marathon?’.  I also managed to capture the attention of an entire tour bus of young/old and became the tourist camera focus point at Tower Bridge.

I really enjoyed the run and I am proud for pushing myself outside my comfort zone.  Besides the fake eyelashes which I have never in my life worn before, my biggest worry was the wings; how they would move and if the elastic would rub.  The test run proved successful…the costume was comfortable and no adjustments needed.

So, next weekend is the Bromley 5km Fun Run…I plan to give the costume another rehearsal, this time under race conditions and under a larger public eye :o)