BUPA Great North Run 2006

oops_a_daisy

I have finally managed to get a place to run in the Great North Run this year with MENCAP :T . Just wondered if there is anybody else out there who has already done it or is planning to run this year. It would be nice to share tips and advice on training and how to raise the sponsorship money. I have set up a fundraising page with just giving HERE just incase anybody wants to sponsor me early

Kavanne

My boyfriend's mother will be running and luckily the weekend before is the weekend (hopefully) we'll be going up to start our first year at Durham university, so we get to go and watch!

You are so brave! I could never do a run like that

troll35

I'm doing it along with DH, two of my SIL's and one of my BIL's. It's becoming a big family event for us. DS, aged 9, is doing the mini run the day before too.

This will be my second time. I did it in 2 hours and 9 minutes two years ago (I didn't get in last year).

The best boost to my training was joining my local running club. They have a beginners section where new runners get lots of encouragement and help. So my advise would be to check out your local council website and look for links to sports clubs in your area. Membership is usually cheap too, especially when compared to gym prices.
My other advise would be to make sure you include some hills on your training runs at some point. There aren't any proper hills on the course but there is a long shallow incline which can be hard for people who have only ever run on the flat (I live in the hilly pennines/bronte country and we have real hills!). If you manage to get to between 8 and 10 miles on your training runs then you'll be able to run the whole thing just on the exhileration of taking part.

I couldn't believe how long the buzz of finishing lasted. I was on a permanent high for about a week.

oops_a_daisy

well I am up to about 6 miles so far and that does include hills as the estate that I live on is quite 'hilly'. Unfortunately I hurt my knee last week so I have stopped running this week so that it can get better as I am doing a 10k womens run on Sunday in Sunderland. I am itching to go out and run but have to rest it and fingers crossed I will be alright for Sunday - if not I will be walking it my BF is running the GNR this year too but he has done it before and we may not be able to run together because they are doing it in waves this year so that everybody does not set off together. He managed to get a place in the ballot but my place is through MENCAP. I am pleased that I am running for MENCAP though because my cousin is in a MENCAP home.

troll35

Good on you. I found running a few 10K's quite helpful in my training. I'll try and find a link to a website that lists loads of local races around the UK. I did my first GNR for Multiple Sclerosis after a friend was diagnosed with it. I had to raise a minimum of £250 and I did just short of £600 which was really brilliant. I had one anonymous donor give £50 through justgiving...amazing.

This year I got in through the ballot. DH is running for Riding for the disabled and one of the SIL's is running for the Samaritans.

kiwigirl

Hi

I've done the last 2 years and really enjoyed it - the camaraderie is brilliant, I have started both on my own and within the first mile or so have had company for most of race by different individuals. I'm not doing it this year but may consider it again next year.

Last year I passed a woman that was suffering quite badly on one of last hills and I managed to get her over worst by just talking with her. The people there are brilliant, last year we were being handed ice lollies in middle of the estates, the fire service have like sprinklers systems (such as the ones in a greenhouse type of thing) and that helps reduce your temperature.

Go early - I just managed to get to the line around 5 minutes before the guns went off last year! I had to get Metro and walk around 5 miles before I got to starting place! Another thing too is take old clothes that you can discard before the race, i.e. take a jumper to keep warm and just before the race starts people just throw the extra clothes to sides and charities pick them up later and they're sold on etc or take a bin liner to keep warm on starting line.

Also as been suggested hills and running other races - I think people told me if I could run 10 miles then the HM would go quite quickly.

Get someone else to drive you there - I did race, got back to car and then had to drive 5 hours home, which hurt my back severely, but every motorway stop I had you had loads of people with a permanent grin and sore legs and same t-shirt in sight! :rotfl: I went to work on the Monday, walked into reception and the receptionist just burst out laughing as I was so sunburnt!

I walked into another part of work and I couldn't stand up straight and I was being called all sorts of names for that too! Nutter and mad un being two of them. But it's worth it when you have your medal and t-shirt and that grin from ear to ear!

troll35

I've found the website we often use to get details of races. It is https://www.ukresults.net Most of the races are northern but there are a fair number of more southern races also included.

jamminjamaica

hi there

you should also log on to runnersworld.co.uk and join the forum for the great North Run. lots of people talking about their experiences and last year we all wore green ribbons etc and made shirts so that we would recognise each other. there is a lot of advice and support on the website. i am running it again this year and last year was my first great North. It was an amazing atmosphere.

tips for fundraising. last year i did up a letter and more or less said who i was and that i had challenged myself to train and run the half marathon and explained a bit about my charity. i sent the letter out to several local and national companies and was very surprised with the result i got two large cheques of £250 from pharmaceutical compainies and my local airport sent me £50. most companies have a charity budget and will donate if you ask.

davieb71

Hi there,
just wanted to add my bit if you dont mind.
I used to live at Heworth, right next to the bypass where the run takes place. Was always good fun and i used to run for Ghd Harriers at the time so enjoyed seeing all the famous faces going by etc.
Anyway, just a quick tip, the large wrist bands you can get nowadays are ideal. Wear them and when you go past the water areas wet the bands. Keeps you fresh all the time.
I used to do that but also carry water on me and sip it.
Training wise, well theres an awful lot of advise available although eating the right foods help, going to the gym and doing light training, try the running tracks at Gateshead Stadium or you local centre, stretching correctly and the most important thing warm downs.
If your having difficulty in finding the right schedule or training for yourself then i'd be more than happy to help.
Good luck.

oops_a_daisy

Thanks for the donation DavieB :j . I did the 10k run last Sunday and my knee is just about recovered so I am off to the gym tomorrow to go on the cross trainer to see how I get on. I keep seeing joggers out there but my knee is still recovering so I am still resting its driving me up the wall. I am also going to send off some letters to companies to try to raise extra sponsorship. I managed to do the 10k run in 1 hour and 4 minutes which isnt bad for my first

Karb

I'm doing my 11th GNR this year, only this time instead of being the end of my running for the year, it is part of my training for next year's London marathon. GULP!

If you're up to 10k already, you should have no problems being able to do 13 miles by October, as long as your injury heals. Pain is there for a reason - your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. Make sure you get plenty of rest, and look at other ways of keeping fit eg cycling or swimming.

Good Luck, see you at the finish.