To have signed up to do the GNR?

[Mammyloveswine]

I started couch to 5k earlier in the summer as I've put a bit of weight on and needed to get fitter. I've NEVER been a runner but somehow have muddled through and managed an actual 5k race yesterday which I weirdly enjoyed.

Of course today I watched the GNR and thought "how amazing must it be to do it?" and so I signed up to run for charity for a cause very close to my heart.

Yet when I told a few people (my parents and partner) they all just laughed and said "you couldn't do it!!". I know it should make me more determined and 2 months ago I couldn't even run for the bus yet now I'm running 5k in just over 30 mins! Yet I'm now doubting myself and feel like a bit of an idiot...

Yes! Yes you can! I did exactly the same thing with the London Marathon. I am the least likely in my family to do a marathon, and I did it :-)

If you can run 5k in 30 minutes than you can absolutely train for a half marathon in a year. A relatively healthy non-runner could do it in 4-6 months I reckon.

Find a training plan online (there are loads and loads depending on how far you currently runs how many times a week you want to train etc) and stick to it. Ignore the doubters, some people don’t like to see others being brave and trying something new!

If you've already built up to 5K in 30 minutes you can definitely train for a half marathon in a year. Have a look at training plans online - or maybe look for a nice friendly running club locally where there might be others doing the same thing?

You can definitely do this and prove the doubters wrong!

Get yourself down to your local parkrun on. Saturday and meet lots of others whose families said they’d never do it either

I did it and I'm absolutely NOT a runner! I trained for a year beforehand from a starting point of no running at all and very low fitness generally.

It was a brilliant experience, I ran the whole way (very slowly) and it's probably one of the things I'm proudest of having achieved! Go for it.

My DH did it and he cannot in any way be described a runner - his dad who is a runner beat him by miles which is always a good thing to wind him up with.
You can do it especially if you are motivated
Loads of people I know have done it (I'm in the NE) and lots of them aren't 'runners' but all say it's a fab experience, you do have to commit to doing it though.

Make sure you do plenty of training including hill training and you'll be fine! Try a coaching app or find a local running group you can join. People of all ages and abilities go to them, so don't think you won't fit in.

GNR is great at the start through Newcastle and Gateshead. The thrill of running over the Tyne Bridge and plenty people cheering you on. The Felling bypass still has plenty of people, especially when it goes through the houses. People have little stalls in their front gardens handing out snacks and drinks and some run hose pipes out to give you a refreshing shower!

Then you hit the John Reid Road. There's a few people here but long stretches with no spectators. It's a long slow incline. This is the worst bit and the bit and it really saps your energy. You really need to do the hill training for this bit.

You hit The Nook towards the top - a residential area with a long row of shops and it's always busy there. You'll pick up again with all the people cheering you on.

Then you see the sea at the end of the road and think you're finished. This is not true! You see the sea then turn left and have another mile to do before the finish. You can see it in the distance along the cliff tops, and it feels like you're just running and running and you'll never get there. You need plenty mind over matter here just to keep your legs going.

Once you get over that finish line and get your medal, it's worth it. You'll feel absolutely amazing and all the aches and tiredness just vanish!

I should have been running today but I had major surgery a couple of weeks ago and I'm too ill to run. I'm gutted but determined to be well for next year.

Do you go on the C25K forum on Healthunlocked.com? There's a Bridge to 10k forum and Marathon / half marathon forum too - all super supportive and full of good advice. A year is plenty of time to train for a HM, ignore the doubters!

You can definitely do it and you will love it. I completed it today, it was fantastic despite not completing enough training.

Of course you can! I’ll be on the John Reid Road cheering you on

Thanks everyone! I'm going out with my local running club for the first time tomorrow night!

I'm so determined and just think living in the NE it's something I've "got" to do!

Got a 10k in the new year to aim for too so trying to keep up the momentum!

@ineedmoresleepnow amazing! Well done!

So excited for you! Joining the running club and all of it, such a wonderful goal to have and take no notice whatsoever of the naysayers. Think how you will feel when you cross that finish line! Maybe don't tell people if it dispirits you then get yourself on telly this day next year and watch their Jaws drop! Good luck OP, you can DEF do this!!

Go for it OP!

It’s an amazing event and my DB finished his second GNR today, 3 years ago he watched the race and decided to enter, he hadn’t ran for years was massively unfit by his own admission and I wasn’t convinced that he would do it (I certainly never said that to him tho!) and I’ve never been happier that he proved me wrong he did it in just over 2 hours so an amazing time!

He started individual runs and then joined a running club and has never looked back, to for it OP you’ll not regret it, I’m even considering the wheelchair race (tho lack of a racing chair would be my issue)

I've done the GNR OP. I live in the region.
There's a reason why it's so highly regarded. The support on the day is immense. It's a brilliant experience and I was buzzing the whole way round. Crowds come out along the whole route and they high five you as you run past. Little kids, old people, all sorts. There's also bands playing live along the route and that really gives you a boost too. I built up to running around 10 miles. I pulled out the extra 3 miles on the day no bother. I planned on around 9 minute miles and achieved a final time of just over 2 hours.
You can do it. And you will love it.
We tend to get a lot of celebrities and people in funny costumes too. I passed Carol Vorderman on my run.
Great way to raise money for charity too.
Make use of the run through showers, water and energy bars. And wear your t shirt and medal with pride at the end.
I didn't take the day off work afterwards and was rather stiff. But I got many congratulations and respect from colleagues (and of course collected my sponsorships)

Oh and seeing the red arrows go over as you cross the Tyne bridge is awesome.
Bucket list moment!
And yes of course I'm slightly biased because I love my region.

@Thereisasystem haha great plan!

Ahh @ConorMcGregorsChin I'm welling up reading your post! I WILL do it and can't wait!!

I'm in the north east and feel like it's something I really SHOULD do!

Me and my sister are just recovering tonight from running the GNR together today. Great atmosphere and support from the crowd (knackered now though!)

It really is a one of the best runs ever. I did it 2 years ago and trained from only previously running 5ks. As suggested make sure you add a bit of hill training in as you will need it. The crowds are amazing and really do help you along.
That feeling running along the sea front to the finish is amazing. I actually burst into tears as I crossed the line as I was so overwhelmed and proud of myself.
Really debating going for the ballot for next year.

You'll do great, you're doing better than most already, just keep working.