Great North Run training plan

Following along with you @Fizzypineapple

I have place in GNR in Sept. Most I've ever run and that was run walk was 10K. I've had two kids since then!

I'm doing the couch to 10K currently x

You need to eat more! Have a good feed over the weekend and then drop your calories back down again.

Things to think about putting on your Christmas wish list:

• proper running socks
• belt with water flask and pockets for gels/snacks, or
• hydration vest
• some gels/energy blocks to experiment with (you don't need advanced nutrition for a Half in the same way that you do for a full marathon, but you might want to try them to see if you like them)
• lightweight running jacket
• gloves and hat (I find that winter training is much comfier if my ears and hands are warm)
• a buff or two (good as headband when it's not cold enough for a hat, or round your neck to keep drafts out)
• Epsom salts, for post-run soak in the bath
• foam roller, or splash out on a theragun

You don't actually need that stuff, but if there is a Santa looking for things to fill your stocking.....

Brilliant start!

I began running after (finally) shedding the surplus poundage, and began C25K when I was close to target. One of the best things I've ever done.

Another good training plan btw is the one CRUK publish for their charity runners. I got my Half PB after following the "improvers" plan properly. It's based on time on your feet, rather than mileage, which is a good approach for novices as there's less scope to be running for too long to achieve a distance if you're a bit slow. It also recommends cross training activities, gives rest days and has weeks that build followed by one that drops back a bit to consolidate/rest/repair, as well as final taper

Training for a half marathon | Cancer Research UK

That's a brilliant start! The running will feel easier without that extra load too

Your thread popped up and I've just read through- very inspiring! Great work in the past few months as well! How are you feeling in your body?

I would focus on losing weight first - really good nutrition, above all and just getting out for a walk and dojng some yoga or similar until you have lost a good deal of weight. and gradually introduce running as part of the exercise routine when it feels comfortable. Couch to 5k would be realistic in a year but I'd say go for 2026 for the GNR.

That is great going on the walking front!!

Have you read Chris Van Tulleken's Ultra Processed People? If you can get the Audible version it would be good to listen to on long walks

It's really helped me start to see processed food differently over the last few weeks. The audible version has some extra bits of him talking with his brother and updates at the end which is good.

Sounds like a good basic plan. You might want to look into jeffing/run-walk plans as they can reduce injury risk and don't slow you down as much as you'd think. Alternatively Nike run club has a good half marathon plan with guided audio.

James Dunne's YouTube channel is a good resource on strength building for runners and also has some tips for runners who are overweight covering technique and injury reduction.

Be careful with dieting while training - you will want to eat healthily but you need protein to gain muscle and carbs for energy. Lots of diets have the effect of reducing muscle as much as fat, so eating plenty of protein and continuing strength training are vital to counteract that. Trying to lose weight before starting serious training makes sense but I would definitely make sure you fuel well in your final training phase.

For a half I'd always recommend doing the full distance before race day. I know so many people who've trained to 9 or 10 miles and then wonder why the wheels come off before they get to the end. Unlike marathon training, the full distance is perfectly reasonable to do as a training run without breaking yourself.
The hardest bit of your plan might be getting a place in the GNR!

Hi OP

You can definitely do this!

Everything above sounds good - I would just add

• as soon as you can, start walking. Build it slowly at first, but track it and try to build up the kms (whilst listening to your body!) idea being to get yourself used to walking for longer and longer

• to that end - get yourself some decent trainers NOW see if you have a local running shop who can advise, or at least try on several pairs. You will need another pair next year when you really get going but you still need some now for the walking

I've a very similar experience to @BogRollBOGOF !

Started c25k at the start of lent 1.5 years ago. Followed the programme to the letter. Think I finished it about April, continued running mostly 5ks, then one day did a 10k, did a couple of 10ks, then did a few longer ones and then did a HM in November. Not the best training plan but I did it!
I took about 6 weeks off after the HM because my knees were extremely sore after it and I didn't want to do further injury.

I'm back running again now but not really that bothered about doing another HM.

So training-wise, yes you can do it. The weight loss will be tricky. Best of luck!

Good luck!

I loved the GNR which I ran in 2006.

There was a bunch walking at the back so check the current cut off time and, if walking is still allowed and meets the timeframe, you need not worry. Do your best and enjoy the atmosphere.

Good luck OP - and you have loads of time so you should be fine. My only bit of advice would be that your distance runs are too heavily stacked towards the end of your plan. If you are only aiming to hit 10k by end June, then you're only giving yourself two months to build up the distance to closer to 10 miles before tapering before the race.

I would aim to keep your c25k in at the same time (ie starting in the new year) but then increase your long runs by a mile a week immediately afterwards, thus hitting the crucial 10-mile mark earlier in the summer and giving yourself time to feel comfortable at that distance before tapering down.

I also wouldn't bother doing the full distance before race day, as the risk of injury when you're starting from scratch could outweigh the potential training benefit and mental boost.

Sure you'll smash it - you have a full year to get to where you need to be!