Non Runner - Signed up for Great North Run!

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I've always wanted to run through GNR. Not only to raise money for charity but for an achievement for myself.
I am a complete beginner and have started doing training following the training programme via Runkeeper. I am currently aiming to run 5k without stopping to walk.

I am 45 and never done a long run like this.

I know I will be able to run/walk the GNR.

Any advise from others who have ran/walked a half marathon?
Thanks in advance x

Ooh fab. That's always seemed like a wonderful atmosphere and a great goal. Concentrate on good running form right at the beginning and don't increase your pace or distance too fast (that's a highway to injury). You can run on 'niggles' but don't push through pain. Adjust your training if you are ill or injured. Think about hydration and fuel as the runs get longer and the weather gets warmer - on the day there will be lots of drink stations but you might need to carry a water bottle in training. Energy drinks should be enough for fuel, or some jelly babies. Enjoy your training.

@GoWalkabout

Ooh fab. That's always seemed like a wonderful atmosphere and a great goal. Concentrate on good running form right at the beginning and don't increase your pace or distance too fast (that's a highway to injury). You can run on 'niggles' but don't push through pain. Adjust your training if you are ill or injured. Think about hydration and fuel as the runs get longer and the weather gets warmer - on the day there will be lots of drink stations but you might need to carry a water bottle in training. Energy drinks should be enough for fuel, or some jelly babies. Enjoy your training.

Thanks for the tips! Do you think running and walking is doable for a half marathon? I am so unfit at the moment

How have you signed up, OP - I thought this years event was full?

Yes, definitely. You will be fine. Just don't go off too fast. You will pass the people that do once they flag. I did the Bristol and the Bath half marathons 10 years ago and loads of people walked on and off, while I ran slow. My friend did the great North run and was overtaken by an elderly power walker. I don't know if you have heard of Jeffing? The Jeff Kelloway method is run for 30 seconds (or your preferred interval up to two minutes), then walk for 30 seconds. My preferred interval is 1.30-30. But I have switched back to running the whole way now. Many runners get better overall times from the run walk method, and it's really sustainable for a long distance which is why I mention it. Can you enter a 10k race during your training? I've registered for the virtual London marathon in October and I haven't run that distance before so I am working my way up to starting training proper in June. Did 4.5 miles this morning, beautiful run.

Good luck! Yes you will be fine to run/walk a half - plenty of people do that. If you’re on Facebook, look up the Girls That Jeff (based on Jeff Galloway run/walk method) group and Run Mummy Run. Both inclusive and supportive groups. Good luck and enjoy.

@fellrunner85

How have you signed up, OP - I thought this years event was full?

I had signed up last year but I deferred my place to this year

Wow! Thanks for the advice guys. I've never heard from Jeff in but will definitely check this out! X

My advice would be to pace yourself - the GNR is bloody tough and around mile 7 or 8 it inclines up the infamous John Reid Road. That stretch can feel like an absolutely eternity as it's gradual uphill for a couple miles and you're already exhausted from the previous 7/8 miles!

The atmosphere is incredible and it's one of the best things I've ever done. The crowd keep you going.

Arrive early - queues for the loos are like nothing I've seen before, with 50,000 people wanting a wee at the same time 🙈

Good luck!

You'll be totally fine. I've done the GNR several times, including once running and walking. It's the most inclusive half marathon there is, and even if you're very, very steady, there will be people behind you!

It's not a hilly course by any means, but there are a couple of bumps where you might want to walk - ie the John Reid Rd up to the coast is on a slight hill, which you can really feel if you've been working hard, whereas just walking it on a normal day you hardly notice it's a hill at all! The biggest challenge is not going off too fast, as the first couple of miles is all downhill to the quayside.

Just enjoy the atmosphere, soak it all up, and don't expect to be able to get a Metro back to Newcastle quickly at the end!

I've just jeffed a virtual half. I've run a good number of halfs now, usually run-all, but without the race day atmosphere plus having had a ropey winter, I deliberately jeffed with a timer beeping 5 mins running and 1 min walking and keeping my pace down. That was 15m slower than my typical race pace, not a substantial difference!

Break it into smaller goals in training. 5k, 10k, 10mi. 10mi is sufficient training to complete a HM.
5k parkruns are returning in June which is a useful structure to include in training.

I didn't start running until I was 50ish

You'll be fine!

Start with C25K (or maybe you're already doing that, as you say 5K is the current aim?)

Definitely go along to parkrun once it reopens (due June) - if I was re-doing my time as a beginner runner the main change I would make is to get along to parkrun sooner.

Some basics - sort it your kit early - good trainers and a good bra are musts, but you need to think about everything also you'll be wearing on race day and make sure it's comfy (you don't want elastic at top of socks to start chafing, for example). Think about getting a good belt (to stash phone, keys, bank card, snacks etc) or even a light hydration vest with many pockets for that kind of thing (Decathlon own brand is cheap and good, but wait for shops to open and try it on - they're cut for male chests, and you needs to check how well it fits). You probably don't need to carry your own water at the event, but you will probably need it in later stages of training, and once you're in the habit, carry on - then you're not dependent on where water stations are on the day

Thank you for all your kind advice guys. I am working on completing a 5k without stopping to walk. Then will focus on 10k and upwards.

Going for a run tomorrow morning before work 💪x