Great North Run 2017 after a mixed summer after my success at Manchester 2017

Long time no blog I  have neglected to blog some of my races over the summer oops

My training for the Great North Run had taken a different form this year after achieving my half marathon PB of 2:56:53 In Manchester on 28th May 2017.

Usually GNR is the only half I do in a year this year I had Manchester before the GNR to focus on. My long training runs before the GNR were mostly helping friends train up to longer distances from guiding a blind runner training for the GNR while her guide was away on holiday and doing my first race as a guide runner (Gateshead Trail 10k)  to helping a friend train to her furthest distances ahead of her first GNR.

Then when I did get the chance to do a long run alone the day before I was due to do it 2 weeks before GNR disaster struck whilst being run director at rising sun parkrun I went over on my ankle.. not once but twice just for good measure, cue instant panic would I be able to do a long run at all. 2 days later I managed to do 8 miles of the 10 miles I had planned (problems unrelated to foot, hamstring i least expected in fact).

Onwards and upwards I was determined not to let my training stop and managed to get back on track and do club sessions and a final long run in the nick of time before tapering and it all came good in the end.

Onto the day itself before the run met up with other Tyne Bridge Harriers for a group photo

















After the pace of my training my aim was to see if i could get  course PB beating 3:24:54 from last year, after everything lately I would have been just happy with that and my best guess and aim for what I would get was about 3:10 based on how my training was going.

The Race itself

Waiting to get over the start line I was determined that I was just going to enjoy it and what will be will be, managed to film red arrows up ahead a few minutes before crossing the start.


Mile 1:  10:46

The aim was to not start to fast felt like I took it easier this year joined in the oggies in the underpass, nearly tripped over (avoided phew) before long I was out of the tunnel and at 1 mile feeling strong

Mile 2:  11:51

There was no oggies in the tunnel before the Tyne Bridge can't have that so I had to start one off again, it was at this point I was looking for Tyne Bridge Harriers supporters Rachel and Caitlin who were holding a tyne bridge vest banner i still felt strong at this point. I did some hi fives at the kids as I crossed Tyne Bridge

Mile 3:  12:21

My next aim dont walk up the hill between tyne bridge and felling bypass- success then felt strong heading towards Gateshead stadium where I saw Heather Dorman from Tyne Bridge and Andy Burdon from Parkrun, supporting.

Mile 4:  13:07

Had to brace myself at 5k i knew what was coming the hill up to Heworth that i have only ever been able to walk up in the past... no not this time I ran up to Heworth without stopping. At this point knew going even a little further without stopping would have been a record for me.

Mile 5:  13:26

At Heworth I knew there was Tyne Bridge Harriers supporting ( Thanks Morag, Elaine and Sara for the compliments) I felt like I was getting into a comfortable pace and could continue without stopping.

Mile 6:  12:45

Felt even stronger and was settling in to the pace , couldn't believe I was ahead of schedule and target pace that would have got me 3:10. headed towards a strong 10k split,  huge smile on my face

Mile 7:  12:51

Still felt strong with smile on face half way point in about 1:20  the sudden realization if I kept up the way I was going I was looking at 2:45 and knew sub 3:24 was more than likely going to happen after a few days panicking about it. Halfway temperature this year 14C much better than last years baking hot 17C such a bonus.

Mile 8:  13:11

Unknown territory could I get past mile 8 without stopping, I almost stopped but I kept going Ice pop salvaged it.

Mile 9:  14:29

Can i do the John Reid road non stop????  I was aiming for the water station after running through shower where I knew Tanni Grey Thompson would be waiting handing out water was still on a roll so couldn't stop and chat to her but she said my name and how fast I was

8.7 miles was where my attempt to run as much as possible stopped first walk break

4 miles last year to 8/7 this year I call that a success tried to pick  myself up again but then my stride was broken as i passed a lady giving sausage rolls out ( couldn't stomach it)

Mile 10:14:04

Little wobble over picked myself up a little bit and cracked on a quick time check and doing the maths I was on 1:55 at 9 miles and worked out if I do 4 miles in an hour sub 3 was a possibility, love the music and motivation station, found out Mo had won the mens race, jelly babies stuck to my throat i nearly gagged, The Nook never gets easier.

Mile 11: 15:20

I knew I had a parkrun to go and at 2:09 on my watch I knew Sub 3 was a real possibility but I couldn't bank on it. My head and legs were starting to battle with each other at this point as was my back, I had to walk it out thanks to the little boy who gave me a big ice pop I walked and I enjoyed it, then I cracked on and vowed to give sub 3 every chance I had.

Mile 12: 14:29

I had demons to fight with this mile normally by this point I only have enough energy to walk it but this year run/walk in spurts, the hill never ends but Tyne Bridge training sessions got me up the hills that proceeded it. My focus was the top of the hill and the hill down to the seafront that i absolutely love running down it actually kickstarted my energy to run again alas i had to swerve round just to avoid bumping into someone.

Mile 13: 13:08

2:38 on the clock and I was at the last 1.1 miles to go I knew sub 3 was more than likely by this point, I was determined to try run as much of the last mile as possible, kept it steady but the finish wasn't getting anywhere in site, even with the pesky 800m, 400m to go signs.

the last .2: 2:24

I had 2:52 on my watch and i had 4 minutes and 52 seconds to get to the finish line if I wanted to beat my Manchester half PB and bring that PB back home to the North East.

Waved my arms crossed over finish line with a strong finish

COURSE PB: WAS 3:24:54 NOW 2:54:11 ( 30 minutes)
HALF MARATHON PB WAS 2:56:53 ( 2 minutes 42 seconds)

Certainly a day i wasn't expecting when after constant niggles and injuries hampered training.

Shocked but elated to get 2 half marathon PBS in the space of 4 months.

I couldn't do it without the support of Tyne Bridge Harriers and club sessions.

Aa went to Blaydon Races, 'twas on the ninth of Joon, Eiteen hundred an' sixty-two, on a summer's efternoon;

The Famous song

Just a short one reflecting on my latest race a big day in the North East Sporting calendar

It was my third year in a row running this race, I had one aim beat 1:14:38 from 2016 after beating 2015 time of 1:21:40.

I wasn't sure how I would fair with it being my first race back post my sub 3 Manchester Half achievement, feels such a dream to be writing that 2 weeks later crazy i know anyway.

Arrived early in town lots of runners there already it was only 5pm the race started 7:15 thought i would have been the only one there I was wrong.

 My Club gathered for about 6:45 for a club picture that ended up in the chronicle

Me and Monica my friend who had been working on the elections the night before and came from London to do the race. Monica was a fellow volunteer from Glasgow 2014.

Come 7pm the atmosphere was building as we gathered in the club starting pen and the geordie anthem Blaydon Races was played

At 7:15 we were off my target was maybe aim for sub 70 minutes set off nice and steady trying not to go too fast

Mile 1 10:42

I had demons to fight with this race, dont stop on the hill entering Scotswood Road and dont stop on the hills on Scotswood Road

Headed up the first hill of the course heading past the 02 academy kept going saw familiar faces pass me along the way then a lovely downhill to centre for life when i saw friends and Angela Kirtley from Newcastle Parkrun was at centre for life spectating, no sooner did that happen i was at the hill where i normally always walk up, result i didnt i felt strong.

What a sight as i arrived onto Scotswood Road with a sea of runners ahead of me on a warm night I kept it steady 1st mile done

Mile 2: 11:18

slowed pace down to conserve energy in heat for later in run nothing much to say about this mile just up and down the hills of scotswood road passed car garages i could tell i still had chance of a good time i hadnt stopped yet


Mile 3: 11:37

a band playing started this mile always encouraging and club friends were great support along the route shouting encouragement. Danny Fletcher was great support and commented on me smiling through the race. he was right i was having a good time.

I could see the bridge at the end of this mile and i still had not stopped yippee i would have normally given up on the many uphills along scotswood road started to sense maybe i could do this non stop

Mile 4: 12:21

Great club support from David Daniels super encouraging keeping me going Thank You

I was aiming for the bridge whilst needing a drink managed to take one and keep going.

It was up onto the bridge with lots of support my focus was the top of the hill, then i knew i could recover on the downhill loop that followed.... ahhhhhh then slowed a little heading uphill towards the turning loop plenty of support from runners at the other side of the loop spurring me on it lifted me

Mile 5: 12:49

Got to the turnaround point lots of people round me knew i was doing well as normally at this point theres hardly any behind me quick look of the watch and yep i was still in with a good shot of a pb

arrived at water station impossible to drnk water out of a cup and run so this was my only stop of the race for a quick millisecond

then saw photographer Ian Harman taking pictures just before the start of the final hill (pictures at bottom of blog) again in past i normally cant run this hill this year i did

the final 0.6 7:30

The top of the hill in sight I could see Morrisons store I knew this was the start of a downhill at this point I was confident of a PB it was just a case of how much it was just a case of a final corner after then the car park and the finish field, the car park always feels long at this point from seeing the morrisons my pace picked up and I ran for home with a strong sprint finish to boot. I could hear friends shouting me in but was in the zone so not sure who did.

So 7 minutes knocked off in 2016 and 2017 Tyne Bridge Harrier training sessions are to thank for the progress.

Until the next race.

Great Manchester Half 2017

Shortly after completing Europe's biggest 10k at Manchester in May 2016 and achieving a 10k PB (1:19:04- since beaten) Great Run posted a video launching their first half marathon in Manchester on 28th May 2017. 

This did appeal to me from the get go however I spent from October 2016-February 2017(before half entries shut) debating whether to play it safe and do the 10k again or set myself a challenge and do their inaugural half. The challenge was too good to miss and in February I got my entry in quickly before it was full. 

Fast forward 3 months later after training, increasing mileage, races, 5K PBs and 10K PBs along the way 28th May 2017 arrived and it was race day. Of course with my achievements in training I was starting to dream that maybe a sub 3 was possible based on recent times and achievements in races and training, but at the same time feared it wouldn't be guaranteed anyway i was determined to try my best and see what happened. Given the recent tragic events in Manchester that happened in the week leading up to the race i was determined to do it for Manchester. Very poignant and at one stage this week leading up to the  race there were fears that the race would have to be cancelled, very grateful to the police and security services for giving it the go ahead.

This was my third half marathon in 3 years but the first half that wasn't the Great North Run- previous PB 3:24:54

Here is the story of the day:

9am start so after an early breakfast I headed to the start assembly area on portland street 

Before the start there was an amazing but sombre atmosphere as poet Tony Walsh, aka "Longfella", whose This is the Place recital folded even the hardest of hearts at the vigil for victims earlier in this difficult week read out the poem followed by a minutes silence as the church bells rang out at 9am, what followed was an amazing atmosphere where 8000 runners all started singing along to don't look back in anger, shortly after we were given the go ahead to start, I was more than ready and was determined to run for manchester. I felt quite emotional at this point.

Great Manchester Run 2017- 2:56:53!! previous PB 3:24:54

Mile 1: 11:06

As I crossed the start line I started a little too fast but was following the crowd trying not to get in anyones way i then settled down and dropped back into a regular rhythm, all too soon I arrived at the junction where you look right and could see the finish , tremendous amount of spectators on the sidelines it was then onto the slip road onto the mancunian way (little narrow at this point i must say but once we got onto the mancunian way we could spread out. it did help control my pace though.

Mile 2: 12:05 

I settled into a rhythm and could see the road ahead going up and down and knew at the end of this mile my hotel was on the left hand side literally next to the motorway (i would see this point again at mile. I didn't panic when i saw the hill i just took it steady 11-12 pace didn't want to push too hard my breathing was fine.

Mile 3 12:19

This mile was mostly uphill continuing along mancuanian way until we reached the junction that led us onto Ashton New Road, Prior to this junction we went under a bridge and i wasnt prepared for the familiar sound of oggy oggy oggy something which i though was only associated with the Great North Run as you approach the Tyne Bridge, i joined in of course, it was then after corssing under this bridge at the other side of the road was the leaders of the half (already at 6.6 miles)

Mile 4: 12:45  5k split time 37:24

Kept it steady, couldn't believe i was holding onto this steady pace and wondered how long it would last, took on water at water station but at same time didnt want too much incase it made we want to stop i was determined not to but decided i would review how i felt when i got back to the water station at 6 miles. I was still heading uphill but i turned left and could see the Ethiad stadium the turning point of this point of the route.

I then saw a friend who I had done a training session with as she was doing the half she was on her way back from the stadium, shortly after i saw Fellow Tyne Bridge Harrier Suzanne Dunn who spurred me on.

Mile 5: 12:48

I was prewarned of a hill to get up to the stadium saw runners ahead climbing the bridge to it but i was determined to not stop, what went up came back down sure enough, atmosphere was amazing this mile running down the hill towards the stadium along past music being played and I felt strong and could see the turning point, made sure to thank the marshals, then it was back over the bridge again after high fiving 2 very enthusiastic medical staff Thank You 

Mile 6: 12:55 

Back the way I had come felt downhill, started to feel what I thought was a blister but was not stopping just kept it steady could see the 6 marker ahead felt positive I was doing well i knew if i had done roughly 5 miles in an hour i was in for a good chance I was going to review time again at 10k and halfway 

Mile 7: 12:42 10K split time 1:17:08

Got back to the water station took on more water but decided not to stop for loo break I didn't want to stop my rhythm, i felt ok still strong couldn't believe i hadn't stopped yet, in training i tend to hit the wall at 7 miles and thats with plenty walk breaks- non stop so far.  reached 6.55 miles halfway in about 1:21 and thought at the rate i was going there was a slim chance of 2:45 surely not, it did boost me a bit, back onto the mancunian way the way i came 

Mile 8: 13:39

Felt as though I was starting to slow down dropped pace (especially when i saw an ambulance at other side of cordon, passed my hotel again, recovered pace again by the end of this mile and knew sub 14 was still good. i could see the city centre and knew soon we would be taking a left up to old trafford meanwhile could see people heading down to deansgate and the finish.

Mile 9: 14:06

On to continue the familiar part of last years 10k route (bar a shorter route for the half marathoners) so i knew what was to come in terms of the course and gradient etc kept my pace mostly below 14 minute mile until the wall came and hit me at 8.9 miles i could see the 9 mile sign and had just seen fellow Tyne Bridge Harrier Suzanne Dunn at the other side of road smashing it at 12 miles but giving me encouragement again Thank You. My first walk break at 8.9 miles (never ran that far before without stopping I am happy). Worked out i had about 1 hour 5 minutes to do the last 4.1 miles knew it was still possible if i didnt give up

Mile 10:  14:23 15k split 1:59:53

Passing the 9 mile sign i picked myself up knowing my dream of sub 3 was still on i just needed to work for it, after 4 minutes walking i picked myself up and my pace improved a good 6 minutes of running got me to Old Trafford where i caught up with some girls who i met at the start line. I didnt expect to see them again but one girl was having a problem with her knee and i was encouraging them with a parkrun to go whilst at same time trying to encourage myself.

Mile 11: 14:50

I tried to find the get up to continue running but it wasn't coming, this mile went up and down in terms of pace reverted to run/walk. 10 miles done in about 2:09 i just had to convince myself i could do the last 3.1 miles in under 51 minutes surely???

Mile 12: 15:22 (only mile above 15 minutes)

A mile of 2 halfs started off well i went through a lovely shower on route after the imperial war museum before heading back round to old trafford walked again until water station but then a downhill section boosted me briefly, at 11.7 miles i could see Deansgate tower where it finished, knew i was going to finish and had 25 minutes for 1.5 miles started to get confident again after a spell of maybe its going to slip away and convincing myself I had sub 3. I was encouraging the last participants of the half at the other side of the barrier at 9 miles heading to old trafford.

Mile 13: 14:52

This was the time i had to make it count, visualised my home parkrun course, it was like running from just before wylam brewery at newcastle parkrun to the finish, kept it steady with what i had left with a few walk breaks to save myself for the last part, went through the last shower with about 1k to go. quick look at my watch at 12.7 miles i had 10 minutes to do the last 0.4 (ended up being 0.5) 2:50 at this point

Home straight the final 0.2 3:01

I gave it all I had left  could see the finish, heard someone shouting my name (turns out it was Katrina who i had seen in the run earlier) came in for a strong finish stopped my watch to look at final time. 

I DID IT FIRST EVER SUB 3 HALF MARATHON 2:56:53 

Just a little 28:01 PB on GNR 2016 

The training and progress my club can give me 

Great experience at Great Manchester Half 2017 on the most poignant of weekends to host it, Crowds and supporters were very good found the course a little less tough than GNR anyway but hard to say as I have improved with the club since my last GNR so time will srely tell at GNR 2017.

Race number 3 Pier2Pier South Shields to Roker 2017

Well What can i say

I signed up to run from South Shields Pier to Roker Pier and today I did it

After a lift to the start I did a warm up jog to South Marine Park to meet up with friends Jo and Jasmine.

We all then headed to the car park near the start at the pier where everybody was gathering.

Before I knew it I was in a crowd of people all heading down the sand dune onto the beach, found the sand hard to walk on at first and then realised it may be tougher than I initially thought.

There was a lovely sense of atmosphere as we gathered at the start after a walk on the sand to the start line, chatting away to friends then all of a sudden we were off, all quite spread out along the beach. I kept it steady then realised the tide had gone out and i was running through water, quite exilarating. After about 0.8 miles all the runners were aiming right i followed and.... oh a sand dune to go up, having a fear of going up uneven hills and sandy ones as that was enough to make me decide to take it easy, take a walk break just to get up it. The last thing I wanted in this race was to cause myself any damage so walk i did.

My friend Carole then caught me up as i got to the top i still hadnt got my breath back so walk/ran the next part went for the option of flat path and then a hill up that i had done before, just knew i could only walk it. 

At this point i decided i wasnt doing as well as I had hoped for but pushed on and opted for shortcut across headland rather than long way round the coast (nobody else was opting for longer route) the sun was beating down i was struggling plodded along but my mind was like i need the loo i knew i had to focus on getting to Marsden Grotto whilst trying to work out if i could justify a pit stop.. arrived at grotto and took the pit stop. 

Pit stop over and feeling dissapointed i then noticed friend Janis Oliver was circling as was waiting for partner who was behind, we then decided just to carry on together keeping each other going and i am glad we stuck together from 3 miles onwards good to have company. The sun was really beating down

Onto the water station grabbed a quick drink then played dodge the water cup as i struggled with breathing really dont know what was up today i just seemed to give up.

We all then followed the coastline and Janis was looking out for me but in doing so nearly gave me a fright when she lost footing and fell near the cliff edge she was fine.. phew. i also nearly fell over and went over my ankle a couple of times.

We then saw the pier we were heading too a long way in distance. Had a bad spell at 4.5 miles when i just couldnt control my breathing enough to run, a theme that seemed to develop in this run.

We arrived at the promenade in Seaburn after a climb up from the fish shop in Whitburn. Lots of friendly people assuring us we didnt have too far to go, yes i could see the pier but it was getting no closer, in my head it was getting further away was really starting to tire along promenade seeing David Daniels on his bike gave a little boost as did people saying not much further to go. 

We headed round promenade and down a hill to enter the beach, the pier was getting closer i could see the finish flags in distance. 

I tried to keep running but it turned into a run/walk.

Then seeing the finish i found something and saw a few tyne bridgers, (Victoria, Vicki and Debbie being the main ones i saw but sure there was more, sorry i was in the zone) watching so found a sprint finish and put what little i had left into it, actually mistook the first set of flags as the finish but then realised it was ahead and noticed the last 100m of sand was tough and hard to get through, I powered through the best i could trying not to fall over. Crossed the line and i thought i was going to be sick, after i had got breath back the feeling went and i headed to get goody bag, i do wish this wouldn't happen at the end of a race.

I DID IT I RAN FROM ONE PIER TO ANOTHER-OFFICIAL TIME 1:37:41

yes it may have been slower than what i was aiming for but i did it and so many lessons will have to be learnt from this, but the terrain made it feel much harder/longer and its just not the same as road running.

Some pictures and my time 

Race number 2 Siglion Sunderland 10k 2017

Race number 2 of the year Siglion Sunderland City 10k

Race day arrived this morning woke up with the usual mix of nervous excitement wondering can I do this today? I feel tired blah blah anyway I knew I could so made my way to Sunderland

Now Sunderland 10k an event I have volunteering at for the last couple of years (once at stadium of light then last year at its new home of Keel Square) both occasions it rained this year marginally better a few spots on the way there and in tail end of race anyway moving on this year it was my first time actually taking part in this race.

Arrived with tonnes of time to spare the parking location I chose wasn't as busy as I had imagined it to be.

Then did a warmup run to Keel Square just to let my muscles know that something was going to happen.

Caught up with some friends wishing them luck (both 10k and half)

Went to the assembly area but knew it was going to be a longer wait to get going as the earlier kids race was delayed due to a car on the course. 10am came and went and after what seemed like an eternity just after about 10:15 away we went.

I set out with the aim of run to feel, whatever was going to happen would happen, whatever time I would get I would get. Knowing my 1:13:10 pb may be unrealistic to beat today i set out with the aim of seeing what happened and how I felt.

Set off to cheers from fellow Tyne Bridge harriers members watching the 10k before their half marathon set off gave me a boost but I set off comfortably as quite crowded at the start.

Official finish time 1:17:23

Mile 1 11:16

First mile winded round the streets of Sunderland busy in places so took some gaps on the paths and just kept it steady. 1st mile ended at a water station decided to skip water at this point as felt ok and was on wrong side of road and was focused on my steady pace

Mile 2 11:11

Spent this mile keeping it steady and wondering am I on the right route where's the bridge? Should I not be seeing it by now but surely​ enough turned a corner saw the bridge at the top of a hill and focussed on it keeping my rhythm going and determination not to stop for a brak. I succeeded

Crossed wearmouth bridge plenty of people supporting.

The end of mile took my breath away a lovely downhill section down to the river loved this hill and finished this mile strong

Mile 3 12:35

In awe of the view of the scenery I carried on strongly but made decision to grab some water at the water station. I loved the water pouches instead of bottles so much easier and better for the environment too.

Following the river I then wasn't prepared for the climb up from the river

Made the decision to walk this one till it flattened in the view that it may pay off later.

What went up then came down to a spectacular view of the marina after high 5ing a Marshall fantastic Marshall support finished that mile strongly

A quick time check roughly 36 minutes at 5k I knew it would be hard work to beat 1:13

Mile 4 13:29

Ahhhh the sea roker pier fantastic I just love running by the sea enjoyed it so much my pace slowed  and I was encouraging others

Had to take hat off (again) too windy for hats today

Arrived at roker park had been warned of the hill again decided to walk whilst having some more water from water station. Followed by a few more walk breaks.

Mile 5 12:32

Decided at about 49 minutes there was a slight chance of pb but I had to work for it. I didn't acre at this point I was having a lovely run so scenic and stunning time wasn't everything exiting the park I picked up pace and saw the sea had a burst of energy carried on at a steady pace encouraging other runners

Mile 6 13:23

First half of this mile I was steadily running along felt good headed down a hill but then realised after going along after the downhill that an uphill was coming, at 5.5 miles i could tell today wasn't the day I didn't care I decided I would then be happy with sub 80 walked up the hill and was encouraging others could see the Bridge again in the distance and gave what I had left

The last 0.27 2:59

Arrived at the bridge where hours earlier I had ran it as warmup and knew I only had 400m to go saw some people from my club encouraging me

I kept this steady really I hadn't looked at watch much in this race and I would finish when I finished

The home straight lots of support including friends and club runners shouting my name I feel I finished strong and put hands up in the air.

Moments later I was bursting with pride as running ninja friend Helen finished her 10k battling demons she has faced gave her a hug could tell she was emotional

We ninja friends then formed a ninja queue where ninja cath was volunteering giving out medals

I then went to the finish after getting goody bag to wait for my mum to finish and watch the remaining 10k Finishers and cheer friends finishing the half marathon.

I then saw Aly Dixon and Paula Radcliffe racing to finish the half, aly just popping Paula to the post

After a while we got cold at moved towards the bridge as was waiting for my friend Debbie to finish and on cue I saw Debbie decided to run back towards the finish with her as my cool down as felt she could use the encouragement

So until the next race technically relays on Wednesday coming

Long time no blog but going to blog my 2017 race series first stop North Tyneside 10k 2017

Hello everybody, 

Dont think i have blogged since GNR 2015 

Been toying with this idea for a little while so going to give it a go OH YOUR STILL READING GOOD!

I have seen lots of my friends posting online race reports so i have decided to follow suit not original i know. This year i have quite a few races and i thought it would be a good idea to blog throughout the series. 

April already and my racing 2017 has only just started, that being said i have currently done 177 miles out of my 450 yearly target for this year (thinking i set the bar a little too low on that one) way more at this point last year anyway. Had a fantastic winter training season and spring seems to be following suit with new PBS galore in 1 mile, 2 miles, 5k and now 10k (8 miles and 10 miles to boot too) 

So lets get started with an account of today before i completely lose it from my brain

Race 1 2017 North Tyneside 10k Sunday 16th April 2017 Happy Easter 

Mixed feelings going into this one following 2 days prior representing my running club at the Good Friday Relays and achieving a new 1 mile and 2 mile record in the process (9:52 and 20:52 respectively) and having one of the best days ever in the process and doing the best for my club with my teammates Gillian Smith and Kay Black proving that even beginners group can take part in the relays but back to the task in hand.

back to the mixed feelings as was also running for the third day in a row having yesterday guide run at parkrun for the first time so wasn't really sure how my legs were going to respond. 

So the day started with me waking up too early with mixed emotions and self doubt wondering with the improvements i have been making lately leading to the new PBS could see me getting a new 10k PB whilst not trying to put too much pressure on myself. I pulled myself together and got ready proudly wearing my Tyne Bridge Harrier vest and promising myself after fridays achievement that i would try my very very best.

9am: Me and mum get dropped off at the start, my legs already thinking about refusing and chat to various people that i have met thanks to running and shortly after gather together with my Tyne Bridge Harrier teammates for a team photo, time then seems to pass relatively quickly up to a point with friends coming over to give me support convincing myself i can do this 

A good club friend Debbie Wardle suggests we go for a warm up before a last minute loo visit so thats what we did, it seemed to tell my legs your doing something anyway.

After a bit more standing around for what seemed like forever we were called to the start to gather for the race starting by this point i just wanted to get away and see what happened with my course PB being 1:23:53 and 10K PB being 1:16:51 set in November at Memorial 10k race on the town moor having beaten previous PB of 1:19:04 at Manchester 10k 2016. I knew in my mind if i could as least beat last years time i would be happy.

All too soon the race was underway, didnt take me too long to get over start line from the middle of the back where i was standing with Alison Harris and Helen Blades from Tyne Bridge Harriers.

Mile 1- 10:14

Started steady didn't want to push off too hard in mile 1 as knew what was to come this year each part of the course unlike last year so just settled into a slower rhythm encouraging friends as the passed me made my way steadily down the hall down to the North Shields fish quay not letting myself go flying into others as we were still tightly packed at this point carried on steadily until we went onto the Fish Quay which is wear mile 1 ended. 

I didnt check what my mile split was at this point but mile 1 completed in 10:14 

Mile 2- 11:41

Just going onto the Quayside path, by this point was listening to some of my friends training for a marathon chatting just behind me before they passed. I was going steady along the Quayside whilst trying to plan my priory hill strategy and how i was going to take it, Had a bit of a panic as knew if i pushed too hard up the first incline that my goal of not stopping on priory hill would not be achieved but started gently running up the start of the climb up from the quayside and this ended mile 2 in a split of 11:41

Mile 3- 12:07 

My aim: not to end up walking on priory hill having done a practice with TBH at the end of December 2016 12 times up and down the thing 

I knew there would be an army of TBH members not running today supporting at the top of the hill and i couldn't be seen walking up it so at the top of the first incline before the main priory hill after a brief walking break i plucked up the courage and took the hill slow and steady until near the top where i saw Kay Black, my physio and fellow Tyne Bridge Harrier Sophie Marr and a few other club members and their encouragement made me power up the final part of the hill, i could tell they looked impressed and i was ecstatically happy that i met my aim and did the hill non stop. 

I then tried to pull myself together and carry on strongly but the effort had me feeling a little queasy tried to put this out of my end took a breath and recovered down the hill that followed i then felt a little better and mile 3 ended at a steady split of 12:07 when that included a big hill i was impressed.

Mile 4- 12:20

Following the coastline i am guessing i hit 5k in about 35 minutes but felt as if i was slowing so an overall pb might be slipping out of reach but not totally over. 

3.5 miles another wave of nausea hit me so i had a quick walk at this point assessing the situation and pretty much feeling that i really don't want to be sick during a race and that i was slipping a bit so decided to slow pace for a little while, then some girls from a this girl can group offered me some sweets and i am glad i said yes as then felt better.

Mile 5- 12:31

I could see St Marys Lighthouse in the distance as i took this mile steady whilst talking to the girls who gave me the sweets before they went off ahead a quick time check and i worked out you know what a 10k PB is not out of reach but its going to involve hard work but i regained focus

Tyne Bridge Harriers cheerers  Michelle Moat and Kathryn Stevenson were there with signs which brought me huge encouragement and was fantastic to see support

Mile 6- 11:35

Arrived at Whitley Bay Promenade where a parkrun Buddy John Mccargill then spurred me on i knew sub  1:16:51 was still on but if the worst came to worst i would get course record sub 1:23:53 but i decided to push along for it as knew supporters would be on the final stretch.

true to my word saw Karen Jeff from choir and many club mates on the way from their own race pushing me onto the finish i still had energy and i increased my pace and told myself its now or never and began to realise the time i had left it was getting more and more possible to achieve 

The final 0.2

Without looking at my watch i increased pace as could see the finish and my friends and family watching i really went for it. 

Took a look at my watch and it said 

1:13:11 I had to look twice 

I CAME AND SAW AND I CONQUERED

not only had i smashed last years time by 10 minutes 40 seconds i achieved a 3 minute 41 second PB and i couldn't be more thankful to my friends for believing in me.  

Until the next race happy running.