In preparation for the run, I started training 2 months before with a poor level of fitness. I ran 2 or 3 miles 4 times a week and then as my fitness improved I stepped that up to Carsington most weeks which is 8 miles. By the time the run came around I found my fitness had improved dramatically and I was looking forward to getting out there and reaching my aim of breaking 1 hour 40 mins. I’d also raised £420 for the fund so I wanted to give it my best shot time-wise.
During the run, people spurred you on at the sidelines and it was a brilliant experience, with great weather and a fantastic atmosphere.
The satisfaction of completing it under my target time was one of the best parts making the training worthwhile, with the last run down the finishing strait being up there due to the lift the crowd gave me as I neared the end.
Two other highlights were the Red Arrows at the end and also getting a nice leg rub from Dawn Farnsworth!
Sam Harrison
Preparation
I planned to start training well in advance and get up to running 10 miles at a good pace before the big day however this didn’t really go to plan!
I began running around the block a couple of times a week, 3-4 miles and a longer run on the weekends. I ran with my dad who helped spur me on and gave me that extra encouragement.
I am a member of my works running club and entered 10k races with them, which helped me improve my fitness and speed and increase my distance.
But before the day I only managed to run around 7 miles and was therefore very worried about having to run double that!
Leading up to the race
The weekend before the race I ran the Tom McGonigal 10k held at Belper Meadows Cricket Club, a gruelling circuit put together by Dawn! This made me realise what a challenge I had set myself signing up for the Great North Run!
The week running up to the race I was off work really ill and unable to get out of bed never mind get any last minute miles in. Therefore when Saturday came round and we were heading to Middlesbrough, where we were staying overnight before catching the bus to Newcastle early the next morning, I was feeling very very nervous.
Race day
I arrived in Newcastle by coach very early and I was dropped at the start whilst James was taken to the finish line. I therefore had a long wait alone but phone calls from James, Dawn and Sue and messages from all my friends kept me upbeat.
The support from the people on the sidelines is brilliant, they are all there to cheer you on and give you drinks and ice-lollies!
Overall the day was fantastic, the atmosphere and support was amazing and completing the race in a good time (2 hours 30 mins) made it feel even better and had me keen to do it again!
Raising over £600 for the Tom McGonigal trust fund made it even more special and I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me and helped me raise this much for such a worthwhile cause. I’m thrilled Sue asked me to enter and will be starting running again soon…
Clare Thomas
Funds raised:
Jane Coope £470; Sam Harrison £421.50; Tracey Dupeyron £250; Clare Thomas £661.00; James Byard £280
Totalling £2,082.50 - what a great amount!
This was a brilliant achievement by all especially considering James had done no
training, possibly was out the night before and completed the run in
a good time!
In the picture are James Byard, Clare Thomas and Sam Harrison
Comments Off 
Themocracy