REPORT ON THE GREAT NORTH RUN

Sunday, 1st October 2006

 

 

Dear all at Wesham Road Runners,


Gareth and I have just completed the Great North Run in times of - Gareth 2:34:03 - Sarah 2:36:21.


We were pleased with the times being total beginners to running back in February when we applied for the run. Gareth had a head start on me as he played Sunday league.

 

We started running with Wesham in July. Unfortunately Gareth tore his calf in August, (due to an old football injury), so was unable to go to the club nights, but was able to train for 3-4 weeks before the race.

 

As for the race, it was great fun, if a bit warm when the sun came out; we were expecting showers the whole morning! We were late arriving at the start, due to the traffic, (we stayed in Consett and parked in South Shields), but we didn't have to worry as we passed the start line at +35 minutes; I would have liked more time and room to stretch though. Gareth stayed with me throughout the race, partly to pace himself so he didn't injure himself again. We set out just to enjoy the race and not worry about our times. The crowds were great and kept me going when I felt like stopping. We also waved at a lot at the cameras and crowds through the race. I was amazed that by the 10k mark I was still running and was feeling OK. It was a lot easier than the training had been; I had hardly noticed the hills. It was by the 9- 10th mile I started get tired and walked for a bit. Gareth then got out of his stride and had to walk more as well. Gareth left me at the 12th mile on the steep down hill slope; I found this the hardest part, but managed to run most of the last mile.  

 

Afterwards I was very stiff and could hardly walk but neither of us got blisters, (although Gareth got a sore nipple!)

A quick note: Sarah was running for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of her father and she has raised about £400.

From Sarah Jones

 

PS

I have to add to Sarah’s note that around the 10th mile I was feeling it too; I wasn't just ‘off pace’.  The last mile I just used gravity to my advantage on the steep down hill.

 

From Gareth Jones

We'll be down on Monday.

Cheers
Written by: Gareth & Sarah Jones

Submitted: 8th October 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor