I’d thought I’d start my first blog with a forewarning, mainly because I’m someone who likes to know what I’m getting into before committing a lot of my precious time (I’ve got a GNR training plan to stick to y’know!): I’m not a member of a running club, I’m not planning on winning any races, but like thousands of others on 16 September 2012, I’m striving to get whatever is left of my legs after training, all the way from Newcastle to what will be the much anticipated coast of South Shields.
My first taste of ‘real’ running came in October 2010, when it was suggested I have a go at Newcastle parkrun. My memory isn’t strong enough to remember my exact thoughts when being faced with in excess of 100 runners congregating on the town moor at 9am on a Autumnal Saturday morning, however, I do remember getting to 3 miles and thinking ‘where’s the end?!!!’ The following week I was back. By my 6th parkrun I’d shaved 6 minutes off my PB, going from 32 minutes down to 26, a time I’ve never beaten after 21 further attempts!
I continued running sporadically, completing the Leeds Abbey Dash as my first 10k, and then decided the next step would be a half-marathon. I began a training plan which I found pretty easy to stick to, and was pleased when I crossed the finish line of the Edinburgh Half-Marathon in May 2011 in 2hrs 9mins. With the elation of my first half-marathon still in my mind, I entered the draw for the Great North Run. Sure enough, the money left my bank account, and I was committed to a 13.1 mile run.
In the summer of 2011, my legs became really painful, and after reading around and a quick trip to the GP, it was confirmed that I had shin splints. My response to the doctor’s suggestion of resting and missing my first Great North Run was of complete disheartenment. After gradually getting stronger, I’d felt like I’d hit a wall, with the more running I did, the worse the pain would get. However, everything was turned upside down again, when the physiotherapist told me I could run if I stretched. Taking advantage of this new suggestion, I went ahead and completed the Great North 10K, as well as the Tynedale 10 mile Jelly Tea Race, both of which were painful runs but both of which I completed in reasonable times with a LOT of help from compression socks.
I continued running sporadically, completing the Leeds Abbey Dash as my first 10k, and then decided the next step would be a half-marathon. I began a training plan which I found pretty easy to stick to, and was pleased when I crossed the finish line of the Edinburgh Half-Marathon in May 2011 in 2hrs 9mins. With the elation of my first half-marathon still in my mind, I entered the draw for the Great North Run. Sure enough, the money left my bank account, and I was committed to a 13.1 mile run.
In the summer of 2011, my legs became really painful, and after reading around and a quick trip to the GP, it was confirmed that I had shin splints. My response to the doctor’s suggestion of resting and missing my first Great North Run was of complete disheartenment. After gradually getting stronger, I’d felt like I’d hit a wall, with the more running I did, the worse the pain would get. However, everything was turned upside down again, when the physiotherapist told me I could run if I stretched. Taking advantage of this new suggestion, I went ahead and completed the Great North 10K, as well as the Tynedale 10 mile Jelly Tea Race, both of which were painful runs but both of which I completed in reasonable times with a LOT of help from compression socks.
As September approached, I knew my legs had seen better days and I had no finishing time in mind (quite fortuitous considering my supermarket-bought running watch stopped 4 miles in!), but the stretching was easing the pain. The 13.1 miles felt long and I tried to disconnect from the pain in my legs, mainly using my upper body to push on. It turned out I’d completed my first Great North Run in 2hrs 17mins, a time I was reasonably pleased with, but I still felt like I could have done better with more training.
This year my main running pursuits have been tied up with Gateshead parkrun, both running and volunteering. My other runs this year include the Blaydon Race, completing it in 50 mins, knocking 7 minutes off last year’s time, and the Bridges of the Tyne Race which I dragged myself round in 43 mins, the flatness of both races I loved in contrast to Gateshead parkrun, and especially enjoyed how hill training affects my speed.
So that brings me to the Great North Run 2012. Not overly keen to run the course again (due to its uninspiring route and cost) I left it to fate and decided I wouldn’t run if I didn’t get drawn from the ballot. It seems the running Gods want me to run again, so here I am in week 4 of training. I’ve been following a sub 2hr training plan which I’m quite enjoying as my miles are gradually increasing, and I’m seeing the effects in faster runs. Alongside my sub 2hr aim for the GNR, I’m also aiming to improve my Gateshead parkrun time; my PB currently stands at 26:45mins, so hoping the training pays off!
Thanks for reading, will keep you updated as I go along my GNR training journey, happing running! (...and if you’ve ever seen me thoroughly out of breath and very flustered running around Gateshead, hope this clears things up!)
This year my main running pursuits have been tied up with Gateshead parkrun, both running and volunteering. My other runs this year include the Blaydon Race, completing it in 50 mins, knocking 7 minutes off last year’s time, and the Bridges of the Tyne Race which I dragged myself round in 43 mins, the flatness of both races I loved in contrast to Gateshead parkrun, and especially enjoyed how hill training affects my speed.
So that brings me to the Great North Run 2012. Not overly keen to run the course again (due to its uninspiring route and cost) I left it to fate and decided I wouldn’t run if I didn’t get drawn from the ballot. It seems the running Gods want me to run again, so here I am in week 4 of training. I’ve been following a sub 2hr training plan which I’m quite enjoying as my miles are gradually increasing, and I’m seeing the effects in faster runs. Alongside my sub 2hr aim for the GNR, I’m also aiming to improve my Gateshead parkrun time; my PB currently stands at 26:45mins, so hoping the training pays off!
Thanks for reading, will keep you updated as I go along my GNR training journey, happing running! (...and if you’ve ever seen me thoroughly out of breath and very flustered running around Gateshead, hope this clears things up!)