Team NewsGreat_North_Run_success_story

Let’s rewind 8 months when the Great North Run ballot opened and I thought, “hey, I could do a half marathon, there’s plenty of time to train and what a great challenge for 2017!” in the back of my mind also thinking, “I’ll never get a place so there’s nothing to lose!”, fast-forward to the day an email pinged into my inbox with the message “YOU’RE IN!” and the realisation hit….I’m doing a half marathon and haven’t ever ran further than 4 miles in any one attempt!

 

8 months on, here I am, with a medal and t-shirt to prove, I DID IT!

 

For anyone contemplating a challenge, whether that be signing up to your first ever 5k, a triathlon or even a marathon, I would highly recommend it, no matter how big or small, a challenge is a challenge and completing that challenge gives you an overwhelming feeling of success.

 

In my case, the Great North Run was more of a mental challenge than physical (although it definitely pushed my physical ability too) but trying to overcome that little voice in my head saying, “you’re tired, take a break” when my body was in fact doing alright was the most difficult part of the day.

 

The Great North Run is renowned for its amazing atmosphere and I can vouch for the fact that being cheered on around the course and handed much needed jelly babies definitely helped spur me on to the finish line!

 

Not only did I achieve my goal time and prove to myself that I can in fact run for 13.1 miles without collapsing, I also raised over £200 for York Mind which is a charity that I hold very close to my heart. The team at York Mind work tirelessly to raise awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health and helping towards their cause makes the achievement all the more satisfying!

 

If you’d like to donate to my fundraising you still can here.