My Great North Run

So, I actually completed the course in a respectable time. Wonders never cease.

My main memory is that hurts so so so so much. Much worse than I imagined. I have been making girly yelps all day. I feel like I've broken my knee, but it was definitely worth it.

When I look back, I almost ran a perfect race. I knew that if I got to ten miles in ninety minutes I could finish in under two hours. I hit ten miles in 1:32 Then the soul destroying incline started. Two horrible miles uphill.

The last mile is the best part of the race: no more hills, a nice breeze, beautiful views across the sea and thousands of people cheering you on. I crossed the line one minute outside the two hour threshold in 2:01:48.

I am glad now that I just missed out on two hours, because it gives me a great incentive to come back next year and smash it!

Last Training Run

I cannot believe I'm about to go on my last training run before the big day.

It has been a great exprerience training for this run. I never thought I would be able to do it in a million years, but here I am actually enjoying it all.

For anyone needing to get into shape, putting a target like a 13 mile run in the diary really gives you that kick up the arse you need.

At the end of June (about 12 weeks ago) I couldn't even run 100 yards without gasping for breath. I have come on so much in a very short space of time. I have burned off loads of excess flab and I feel like I have more energy all the time. I drink less alcohol and now appreciate a bevy even more than I did (if that is possible)

Most of all I really feel like I am on the verge of achieving something. In fact, in raising £1000+ for a great charity I already have.

Roll on Sunday and those rolling steep hills. I am determined to enjoy every gruelling second of it.

The Last Week

I had a great training run on Sunday - 10 miles. I made sure it was a hilly course so that I don't get any nasty surprises on Sunday. I finished the 10 miles in 90 minutes and was amazed by how good I felt at the end.

I have been thinking about how my endurance has improved, and I put it down to pre and post race preperation.

About an hour before my long runs I will have a banana, a Lucoazde Energy Bar and around 300mls of Lucozade Sport. I have also been using the Lucozade Carbo Gel during my long runs. I swig it down with some Lucozade Sport at around 7 miles and it really does give you that second wind.

This is how I will prepare for Sunday's run, and I reckon my finishing time will be somewhere between 1:59:59 and 2:15:00. The difference will be determined by how well the next few days go....

Duck Tales

According to my physio, my knee problems are caused by my thigh bones which are turned outwards slightly, meaning my feet naturally point outwards also.

Apparantly this incurable birth defect is the reason why I waddle when I walk (think Harry Enfield's Scousers).

It means I am putting pressure on my outer knees every time I run. I'll probably always have knee issues. And always walk like a duck. Nightmare!

I have carried on regardless and last week I completed three 5 mile runs and one 9 miler. Pain and people laughing at my running style are now second nature to me.

This week I'm doing 5 miles ,6 miles,1 hour circut training + 3 Miles, then 11 miles.

Then it's full on Carbo Loading - no carbs from Sunday to Thursday, then lots and lots of carbs up to race day.

I can finally make use of all those pieces of bread people have been throwing to me!

Great Yorkshire Run

Today was my first ever race, the 10k Great Yorkshire Run.

My prep wasn’t ideal, I put that down to my dodgy knee but some might say the 18 hour bender at Creamfields didn’t help much either ...

Being placed in Wave A meant I was right up by the elite performers in a 5000 strong race. I was certain there would be a stampede!

I felt ok at first, then we went uphill for what seemed like forever. At the 4k marker I really wanted to stop.

The halfway point was quite an experience. There was rave music playing, flashing lights and a DJ shouting ‘wave your hands’. Was I back at Creamfields?

At this point I got a second wind. I actually started overtaking people and it felt great.

The last 2k were hard but crossing the finish line for the first time was an amazing feeling.

I’ve just had my official time through at 0:54:48 which I am delighted with. My new predicted time for the Great North Run according to our website is 2:00:49.

Anywhere near that and I will be ecstatic!

Great North Run

I am a complete amateur when it comes to running. This will be my first ever long distance run and I am really looking forward to it. I have been training really hard and completely changed my lifestyle. I am no longer that semi-alcoholic couch potato my family used to know and love!

In terms of times I will be absolutely delighted with anything under 2 1/2 hours. In fact, just getting around alive will do fine this time around!