Great North Run 2017

So the world’s largest half marathon has been and gone again. In a funny kind of way it feels like Christmas. Loads of preparation, build up, excitement, nerves, expense (!) and then it’s all over in a flash. Some of us love it and embrace it others stay well clear.

I am one of the aforementioned. Yes I know it’s expensive, yes I know the course is hellish and over-crowded but as soon as the sign goes up on the Tyne Bridge I get butterflies. It’s just special. You can’t beat the atmosphere, which is just as well as you need it to get you up that John Reid Road. And all those tens of thousands of people raising money for charity, with stories that make your heart ache, with their own personal challenges. The sight on the tele as the helicopter pans out across the huge expanse of runners stretching back for what looks like miles.

This year had everything going for it: Mo, overcast and coolish weather, no metro fiascos and it was my number 10! I promised I wouldn’t put pressure on myself but with a 10k pb in the bag just under a fortnight before and no scorching sun I was quietly confident. I had a race buddy (albeit he was stung by a bee just minutes before we set off! Poor Dave, but he was so brave) and for once I didn’t let the excitement of the start carry me away.

I was exactly where I wanted to be until an unexpected loo stop at mile 5. Even then I didn’t let it deter me. I could see Dave in the distance and I steadily caught up. It wasn’t until mile 9 that we were reunited and by this point we were both starting to flag. Regret at not training over 10 miles started to niggle away at me and my legs just couldn’t keep up with the rest of my body. I wasn’t going to let it get me down though. Mile 11 was ‘Terry’s mile’. A recent tradition that has got me through some tough GNRs. It’s always such a gruelling mile so for that one I think about Terry and what he would do in my situation. I can hear him shouting at me, telling me to keep going and that’s what I do. Before too long I was on the home straight trying not to give it my last push too soon cus there’s no way that last 800m is only two laps of the track!

Dave went for it and got his PB. I didn’t get mine but so what, I enjoyed it and in any case, it wasn’t really about me was it. And there’s always next year…!

I must take this opportunity (on behalf of everyone) to hail the awesome IronMan Joe Collins, who made a half marathon look like a walk in the park while he swam, biked and ran to the finish of IronMan Wales in an incredible 13 hours and 12 minutes. And for anyone who fancies a flatter, less congested course (and less controversial goody bag!) you should take a leaf out of Elaine’s book and try the Vale of York Half Marathon on the same day. She got a blastin’ PB of 1hr 38! Congratulations Elaine.

To the super Green and Gold GNR clan (I’m so sorry if I’ve missed anyone, please let me know if I have):

Simon Lyon (1hr19!!!!), Matt Darbyshire, Kevin Wilson, Brian Hetherington, Dave D, Paul James, Joe Colligan, Gavin, Kev Hood, Andy Wigmore, Sarah Robson, Sam Proud, James Torbett, Steve Mallam, Mick Skeldon, Neil Armstrong, Dave Hall, Emily, Steve Armstrong, Kris Stobbs, Laura Firth, Ross Pichler, Caroline and Steve, Ian Gowing, Nina, Darryl, Michael Lindsay, Liam Smart, Gary and Leanne, Marion Dreano, Hayley Gibson, Mish, Craig Howett, David McPherson, Lesley Cummings, Sara Morgan, Fay Longstaff, Paul McAleer, Brian Robertson and Andy Graham.

See you at the club champs folks.

Emily