Hello everyone

[Rachyee]

I have been a c25k graduate for almost 4 years and on impulse entered the Great North run and have got a place. I am looking for a training plan and some support and encouragement

[Cmoi Marathon]

You might find this pinned post helpful Rachyee : healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Can't recommend any training plans as they, and events, aren't my thing. Enjoy your preparations!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Hi Rachyee. I trained for the GNR in 2021, even got as far as Newcastle on the day, but a family issue meant that I returned home instead of lacing up.

I think that there are two things; the training, and then there is preparing yourself for the sheer scale of the event. I now use the Nike Run Club free app. You can download the print training plan and also listen to the guided runs as you run. I find that voice in the ear really helpful because it reminds me to pay attention to the little things; breathing and running form for example. I ran a HM distance last year using the plan. Apart from a bout of Covid-19 towards the end, it all went pretty smoothly. I only did three of the five runs per week (3 is the minimum recommended); 1 interval, 1 recovery run and then the long run. There are lots of plans as Cmoi has suggested; the NRC one suited me. I do regular strength and flexibility exercises too…oh I swim once a week too…and walk the dog!

As for the event itself; it is huge and attracts a wide range of entrants ranging from elite athletes to people in fancy dress. I was advised to start near the back of my wave as many people would be walking, and overtaking loads of people is good for morale!

The only other tip I can think of is to sort out your accommodation/travel; the City will be packed !

Good luck with your preparation.🙂

[Rachyee in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you for your information. I have already booked a Premier inn( very expensive even this early!). I do yoga and pilates already and feel that I have been given this opportunity at this time in my life. My husband died suddenly in October 2023 and I feel like this is part of the challenge of accepting my new life. We are from Essex but originally he was from Newcastle .. I have never run with anyone or in an organised event. I was thinking of joining my local running club for motivation.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Rachyee]

The local running club sounds like a good idea. Lots of early risers go to Park Runs too. I have to confess that it is a long time since I did a Park Run; I keep saying that I will get back to them, but getting up for a 9am run 20 minutes drive away seems to be a problem 🙄. Getting used to running with other people around you is the important thing; it will also help you to explore different paces and build confidence and technique. The NRC helps with pace too, with intervals and tempo runs mixed in with the distance stuff. I took a friend to a Park Run pre her GNR; she was very glad that she didn’t jump straight into the GNR (she completed it by the way, and she was a novice runner in her seventies).

For the most part,I enjoy running on my own. I am not anti social; it is just that running is a “head space” thing for me, which became very important after the sudden loss of our daughter. I did run an HM soon after the GNR in 2021; I raised money for a related charity which seemed to be something positive I could do. I hope you find your running to be a big help.

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Rachyee]

Oooooooh 👀 I'm from Essex but now live in Middlesbrough!!

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Rachyee]

Well done on moving forward with such a loss. Running can be such a great thing for us. Like Beachcomber66 says, Parkrun is fantastic and a wonderful way to meet lovely people.

[GTFC Marathon]

It's unreal!! You'll love it. It's an absolutely massive event and the support you get out on the route is incredible. I've run it twice so far and loved it. I'm doing it again this year too. Get yourself ready for a fantastic experience ⭐

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Hi! A very warm welcome to this forum Rachyee - you've landed up in the right place 😊

As cmoi says, there is a lot of info in the post she has linked; from choosing the plan itself to crossing the finish line!

BC mentions the NRC training plan which is very popular and gives scope for flexibility in terms of how often you run and what types of run you do. The Great Run group also publish HM plans which you can find here: cdn.greatrun.org/wp-content... And there are many, many more.

Most HM plans assume you can run 10k. Are you running that distance already? Elapse time can be anything from 12 weeks upwards, so you have lots of time. One of your key decisions will be how many times a week can I run? The plan must fit your lifestyle, not the other way round! Some plans take you to 10 miles and leave the last but for event day; others take you to 13.1 or just beyond, so your head knows you can do it! Again, have a think which may work best for you.

If you do a search in this forum for the Great North Run, there will be race reports for previous GNRs (although I think last year's was rather exceptional due to mad weather conditions).

Ask any questions as you go; you can write your own posts or join in our weekly chat and let us know how the training is going. There's lots of support here.

Running a Half Marathon is very rewarding , but given your situation I am sure it will be especially so. Enjoy the training journey, look forward to the great day ... and be ready to feel dead chuffed!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Just want to add my welcome too.

You’ve had some great advice and you’ll get loads of support and encouragement here.

Good luck with your training and keep us updated on how you’re getting on 🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

Hello 👋

Ooooh a race! How exciting 🤗🤗🤗

Another Nike Run Club fan here. I’ve been following their half marathon plan for several weeks. I love the guided runs 😍

Having an event booked will give real focus to your training. Good luck with it 👍😀

Keep us posted with your progress. Most important! Have fun out there 😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Welcome Rachyee , how exciting! Something to focus on after your very sad loss. I’m so sorry to hear about that.!🙁

You’ve had great advice already, and I’m also one who can advocate for the Nike Running Club HM plan. Coach Bennett is great, although I know some people don’t appreciate his cheesy jokes - I have to admit I find him a hoot and he can have me chuckling out loud mid-run! It’s a very flexible plan offering five runs per week, and you can choose how many you want to do. I tend to pick three or four.

I mostly run solo (with dog whenever possible) but I love parkrun and barely miss a week. It’s a great way to get used to running with others, and it isn’t a race so no pressure at all.

Anyway enjoy! The GNR is a race I’d love to do one day! I’m not local (Bristol), but I think it needs to be done. 😀