My first experience of the Great North  Run weekend has certainly been memorable. I say weekend as it really is a full weekend of sporting and running joys. Travelling up to Newcastle on Saturday meant my sister and I were able to witness the Junior races taking place around the quay, as well as the Great North City Games in action. Seeing world class athletes perform up close was fantastic. I particularly loved seeing Jo Pavey race as I am a big fan of hers. As the games ended and we headed to the Great North Run pasta party you can thus imagine my delight as we literally bumped into her! Feeling about 12 years old I asked for a photo which she kindly accepted and wished me luck for tomorrow - the Great North Run itself. 

Race day arrived and after a good nights sleep I was feeling excited. Despite a horrendous week of running behind me and my legs suffering from tiredness and overtraining, I put this to the back of my mind, and instead as we walked to the start line I was imagining all the wonderful runs I had completed and reminding myself of what I was capable of. We got to the starting area in good time, not too much of a queue for baggage and the toilet queue was just what you would expect for the large volume of runners! Getting into our starting zone was another story. Despite being early, the stewards decided to close our pen, it was too full apparently and we must join the very back. There was uproar among us runners, which led to someone breaking down a barrier, allowing a stampede of runners to charge into our area which of course I capitalised on. Standing waiting to start, my sister and I then had to lift barriers up to help other runners slide underneath to get into the zone. I even saw one man scale the high fending just to get in - the Great North Run clearly means that much to people! 

The amount of runners at the start gave me a huge buzz, and as we crossed the start line I felt ready for the challenge in front of me. The positive race atmosphere was instantly apparent, the 'oggy oggy oggy' shouts bellowing through the early tunnels setting the tone well. As my sister and I hit Tyne Bridge the Red Arrows soared above us, creating a perfectly timed picture. Then the real challenge began...

It was hot. The sun permanently out with no real breeze to cool the air. Then there was the hills, which I did not expect at all, numerous long inclines which eventually caused my calves to scream. Lastly the shear volume of runners meant the mental challenge of weaving a clear runway was ongoing and draining. 

Despite this I felt comfortable running until about the ten mile point. My calves were now at their tightest, and this one long road set on a gradual incline made them feel about to explode! By now I knew I was not going to get close to the 1hr 45min mark, my dream goal. The start had been promising, but in the last few miles the hills had taken their toll and tired fellow runners had also become increasingly harder to dodge. Entering the final stretch I still had a new PB (current PB 1.49.01) in my sights. I was however gutted to find the stewards bottle necking us into a tiny strip of road which removed any chance of a clear, fast finish.

MONDAY: The start of a very cautious race week leading up to the Great North Run on Sunday. After Sunday’s horrendous run in which both my legs and my (usually unbreakable) mental toughness escaped me I decided not to run today. My sports therapist also advised this, which I felt I would be stupid to ignore, as she had diagnosed my legs to be very tired and tight (see previous blog) I opted for a stint on the Vario machine at my gym, which is supposed to mimic running without the impact, followed by Body Pump.

TUESDAY: Rest Day - today was my Masters graduation, and thus I took this opportunity to give my legs break from any form of activity (see lovely non running photo for once!)

WEDNESDAY: Another spell on the Vario machine before my Body Pump class. Although the Vario felt boring, I was pleased that my legs felt stronger than they did on Monday, which gave me a bit more hope and confidence I was doing the right thing in terms of preparation for Sunday.

THURSDAY: Too scared to leave running for an entire week before the Great North Run, I headed out for a very steady 8k run. I purposely did not take my watch with me so I would not be stressed or fixated by my speed, and instead could just focus on giving the legs a gentle spin. Initially the run felt odd, but after the first kilometre was behind me I started to feel more confident, my legs felt ok, neither awful nor good, but just ok. I would take that heading into Sunday!

FRIDAY and SATURDAY: Two rest days before Race Day.

SUNDAY: Great North Run – a wonderful opportunity to experience such a renowned race – I feel privileged to have been able to take part in both the London Marathon and Great North Run this year. My time was 1hour 49mins 36 seconds, not a PB, but a time I am happy with considering I found the course to be a lot tougher than my previous half marathon, plus I was able to run it all with my sister which made the day extra special. Full blog to follow.

Overtraining – is it possible? After successfully taking part in 16 weeks of marathon training, as well as previous programmes for other races, I will put my hands up and say I didn’t think overtraining would affect me in the lead up to the Great North Run. But, as we progress through race week, it would appear I was wrong. Sleepless nights, restless legs, poor training run performances, and the total collapse of my body and mind on Sunday has led me to this diagnosis. Anxiously seeking the advice of my sports therapist, she confirmed my legs were very tired. My muscles didn’t just feel tight to me; they were visibly contracted, my calves not even moving when she touched them.

Initially I was puzzled by how this had occurred. I had been following my plan, taking my rest day each week, having regular massages etc. However my friend pointed out to me that I have been in some form of training all year, only having a slightly easier week the week after completing the London Marathon (even then I still went to my Body Pump class the day after the race!). I am struggling to recall having more than two days away from any form of exercise in nine months. I therefore think I am suffering the consequences of prolonged high levels of physical activity - the addict (see image).

MONDAY: Bank Holiday Monday meant I was able to run in the morning before a rescheduled Body Pump class. I was feeling tired from my weekend away and the associated travelling, but despite this was pleased to record a sub 5 minute/km pace for the 8km run.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class. Today really led me to question if this class will ever get any easier! The floor track was once again a huge challenge, I refuse to let myself complete the press ups and tricep press ups on my knees which probably doesn't help...! My instructor called me 'hardcore' for getting through the track 'on my toes' - a comment I was both a mixture of proud and embarrassed by!

WEDNESDAY: I literally could have swam my 9.5k run today. The weather was horrendous, turning from grey and threatening to torrential rain about 30 seconds after I stepped out the door. It just would not give up either. My watch died on me so I have no idea how fast I ran, but I know the weather conditions certainly made me get a move on! Arriving at the gym for Body Pump I had to use the changing room hairdryer to attempt to make myself a little more presentable, acceptable and comfortable for the class (see image)!

THURSDAY: Rest Day

FRIDAY: Not sure what was more challenging today, trying to memorise and work out how I was going to run my plan's suggested interval session, or actually running it! 8k with 16 x 1 minute fast intervals proved to be tough. Every half a kilometer I ran an interval, which hence meant that after a minute of fast running, the next intervals was not that far away at all! Spotting this, I tried to focus on making the fast intervals quality, and my dropping pace in between to sufficiently recover. 

SATURDAY: My legs were heavy and tight today, my shins and hamstrings being particularly affected. I trudged around a steady 8k, finishing at the gym. Here I spent about 30 mins on the stationary bike trying to give the legs a spin out with the vague hope this may loosen and flush them out a bit.

SUNDAY: Horrible run. Yesterday's feeling of heaviness and tightness had not disappeared but worsened. My legs hurt from the very start,  every step feeling tight and an unnatural effort. It was a huge mental battle to keep running, probably the worse I have ever experienced, I even felt like crying at one point! I try not to let a run bother me too much usually, but I was upset and confused as to why I was feeling like this having not really done anything different compared to the last eight weeks of training! With the Great North Run one week away it was not the most confidence boosting long run to have in the bag either. So approaching race week, I am not feeling great! The plan; rest the legs as much as possible... probably avoid my Body Attack class for a week... foam roll and stretch daily... eat well... drink plenty... sleep lots... try just about flipping anything!!! (Any additional advice most welcomed and much appreciated!)

MONDAY: after Sunday's horror show of a run I approached my run with caution today, aiming to stick to 5 minute kilometres, and also being totally accepting if I felt I needed to run slower than this. However the run felt good, and I managed the 8k distance in 4.56min/km, which helped banish any negative thoughts from Sunday. Body Pump class afterwards.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class. Again the instructor mixed the tracks up this week, which I feared a little, as my body was very sore from Body Pump; especially my arms after adding extra weight onto the bar for the bicep track. The 'floor' based track in Attack was therefore very tough, involved severely gritting my teeth, and caused a lot of pain. Walking home after the class I actually felt a bit sick, which I guess shows just how much effort I put in!

WEDNESDAY: Despite fearing that my soreness may be heightened today with added Body Attack DOMS thrown into the mix, I actually felt a lot better today - thank god! I ran my planned 8k run with my friend, who sped me up a little, recording 4.48min/km. Body Pump after.

THURSDAY: today my plan suggested that the 9.5k distance incorporated hills, whether it meant 19 hills I am not quite sure - but thats what I did (see image)! The road I live on has a number of streets running off it which are all on inclines, so I zig zagged my way up and down these until I reached my goal distance. 19 relentless hills were tough on the legs, but I was pleased that my average pace was 5.12min/km - quicker than when I previously attempted the same hill session before the Liverpool Rock n Roll Half Marathon in June when I recorded a pace of 5.25min/km.

FRIDAY: an early morning 11k featuring 10 lots of sprints was probably not the best idea after yesterday evening's hills, and I certainly could feel the tiredness in my legs. My sprints were therefore more like fast bursts as opposed to Usain Bolt style exertions!

SATURDAY: I visited my sister in Liverpool this weekend and hence was able to complete my long run with her. She is also running the Great North Run, so I did not just drag her out for a 19k jog against her will! We ran out and back along the docks which normally I would have found demoralising, but being in a new city meant I could take in some of the views. There was a strong headwind on the way out which happily was gone on the way back - although oddly the wind was not behind us but just completely dropped. My calves caused me a bit of discomfort towards the end as the uneven surface led to them tightening, but overall the run felt good. We ran at the same pace as I completed the Liverpool Rock n Roll Half Marathon in during June, which pleased me, as I hope that on race day I can pull a faster time out the bag.


SUNDAY: Rest Day - which felt odd for a day notoriously associated with long runs!

MONDAY: today I felt I really needed a run to give myself a bit of head space after a lot of important decision making over the weekend (I hate making decisions at the best of times!)  An 8k loop followed by Body Pump was just what I needed to finalise and confirm things in my mind.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class. With a new release of tracks impending the instructor mixed things up this week with a selection of older and newer workouts. The class was absolutely full of lunges, including these jumping air lunge type exercises (!), as well as featuring a really tough 'floor' track targeting the core, triceps and chest - an enjoyable challenge!

WEDNESDAY: the DOMS from Body Attack hit instantly today, just sitting up in bed I could feel my glutes were sore, my chest was sore and my core was very, very sore - it just shows what mixing up from your usual routine does to your body! By the time it came to my scheduled 12k run later in the day I was still tender, so I took it fairly steady, aiming to stick to 5 minute/kilometre pace. This I achieved fine, but in my Body Pump class afterwards I began to feel tired and the DOMS were making their presence known - I felt almost a fraud standing next to my friend who is in the midst of a full on marathon training programme!

THURSDAY: an 8k outdoor intervals session - week two of sticking to my no treadmill running rule! My plan suggested 6 x sprints should be incorporated into the run, however once I started I really enjoyed the fast paced sections, so ended up doing 30 seconds of sprints at every half a kilometre.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: my friends and I ventured to Lincoln Park Run today, a run in which I came frustratingly close to my current 5k PB, recording at 22.39 finish time - just two seconds away! Any disappointment was soon lost however amongst the - clearly deserved - post Park Run cake my friends and I enjoyed!

SUNDAY: today's run can only be described as hideous. I ran with my friend and as soon as we started we knew it was going to be a tough run. The wind was strong and we had also misjudged just how hot it was due to be, heading out close to 10am was not a good idea. Despite this, the first 8km of the planned 16k run was ok (see happy photo next to my surname road sign!), we were on pace, with the wind even offering a bit of relief from the sun. But, as I reached the half way point, all energy seemed to drain instantly from my legs. It was suddenly an effort to lift them from the ground and my pace rapidly dropped. I had absolutely nothing in me, with another 8k still to go! Despite encouraging my friend to run ahead, she stayed with me, which I am really grateful of. Together we plodded the remainder of the route, which I can honestly say felt worse than the last section of the London Marathon this year! I was now running at my old marathon pace and it felt pedestrian! Any tiny stoppage, when we had to wait to cross roads, saw a pins and needles sensation begin to wash over my legs, which made restarting running again even harder. Needless to say this last 8k was a massive struggle, but I was determined I would not walk. And I didn't, but when my Garmin hit 16k I definitely stopped! Why was it such a bad run? I think it was a combination of factors; 1) overdoing things in the week; Body Attack clearly had a big impact on me, I added more intervals than suggested on my plan, and ran a Park Run 2) ignoring my plan; for today's run it said I should run 10k, not 16k, which must be suggested for a reason! 3) poor nutrition; as I touched on earlier, I have had a lot of things happening in my life outside of running (yes it exists!) the last couple of weeks, and when under stress or feeling upset, my eating generally goes to pot. Overall, I think I was therefore paying for a week of bad choices all round! I will put the run behind me, learn from it, and now happily head into week eight of training!

MONDAY: started the week with a run that literally didn't feel good nor bad, and instead just felt like I was running along my usual 8k loop in autopilot. I was pleased my autopilot setting was on sub five minute kilometre pace, and it was also kind of refreshing to have no mental debate going on in my head about how the run was feeling. Body Pump class after.
TUESDAY: Body Attack class. I also had my sports massage today, which gave my legs a good once over; especially my shins which proved to be very tight and the massage left some considerable bruising to emphasise this.

WEDNESDAY: a 9.5k run before Body Pump. My legs were a bit tender from yesterday's sports massage and the subsequent bruising, but I again kept to a sub 5 minute pace for each kilometre.

THURSDAY: after the pain treadmill intervals caused my shins last week, I headed outside for my interval session. My plan informed me I should run 16 x 1 minute fast intervals over a 8k distance - and this was tough! The intervals came round really quickly as I ran two within each kilometre, and by the last sprint it was an effort to keep my legs going. I did not struggle running intervals outside as much as I feared, however it was a little frustrating having to be fixated by my Garmin.

FRIDAY: on a hideously wet evening I splashed my way around an 11k route. To be honest I lost focus on my pace and instead just focussed on getting home as the rain persistently battered me! I still managed sub 5min/km pace and the strangest feeling was finishing the run and not being hot and sweaty - just soaked (see image!)

MONDAY: today I went out with the intention of running slower than I have been, I wanted to attempt to make this more of a recovery type run. I aimed for 5 minute kilometres - which I know is still fairly fast! - and was pleased I stuck to this. To be honest it was not that hard as my legs felt heavy still, so in a strange way this actually helped! Body Pump after.

TUESDAY: after feeling a bit crap all day after waking up with a cold and the associated joys this brings, I did fear how my Body Attack class would fair. I was picturing burpee tuck jumps with my head banging and persistent sniffling. Oddly, and rather pleasingly, I actually felt so much better in the class than I had done all day!

WEDNESDAY: my legs were not amazing today but definitely felt a lot fresher than on my last couple of runs. I ran 9.5k and was more bothered by how laboured my breathing felt thanks to my cold, but did average 4.48 minute kilometres. Body Pump after.

THURSDAY: I struggled for energy today and felt a little wiped out from my cold. I was tempted to rest, but I really wanted Friday to be my rest day since I was racing the Bassingham Bash 5 mile road race on Saturday. I dragged myself to the gym (I phrase I rarely have to say!) and managed 8k of interval running on the treadmill. I mixed the intervals between my target half marathon pace, faster running, walking, and all out sprinting. For some bizarre reason I then headed to the bike for hill intervals and then did some leg strength work. I felt suitably knackered afterwards.

FRIDAY: Rest Day - my shins were sore today which I attribute solely to the fast running I had completed on the treadmill, a conclusion which means I will now run any intervals outside even if it is a struggle!

SATURDAY: today I entered the Bassingham Bash 5 mile road race with my friend. The race is held in a small village just outside of Lincoln where I live.  It was a gorgeous day, a lovely distance to try racing, and I was very happy with my time of 37.32 - full blog to follow!

SUNDAY: almost a repeat of last Sunday's ten miler when my legs felt tired within a few minutes of the run starting - great! I had to run early as I had plans for the rest of the day, and I certainly did not enjoy my alarm waking me at 5.45am. I think the Bassingham Bash had also taken a bit more than I expected out my legs. I made it round though, and when I put it into perspective my time was not too horrendous, but a fair bit slower than normal and did not feel as enjoyable! 

MONDAY: brightened up a grey, miserable and damp 'summers' day with a fast 8km. My average kilometre split was 4.46 minutes so needless to say I was happy to be well under the 5 minute mark! Body Pump class afterwards.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class

WEDNESDAY: evening commitments meant I was up early for the 7am Body Pump class at my gym. I ran to the gym, grateful that the unseasonably fresh morning air helped to wake me up! I also ran back from the gym, but with a post-body pump heavy feeling in my legs I was glad this was only a short distance. After work I managed to squeeze in my planned 8k run, again recording a fast average pace - slightly faster than Monday - of 4.44min kilometres.

THURSDAY: after two reasonably fast runs this week I chose to head to the local common for my 9.5k run. I hoped the terrain would force me to run slower - and it did a little, although probably not as much as I thought it would. I finished the run at the gym for stretching and some leg strengthening exercises.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: despite not feeling amazing, and my glutes feeling sore still from Thursdays gym work, I was shocked to nearly hit my 10k PB time on a 10k training run, managing 47.51 minutes.

SUNDAY: within a few kilometres of starting my long run I could tell my legs were tired. They did not feel fresh at all. Reflecting back this was probably due to a week of fast paced runs and no real easy session, especially running a relatively fast 10k run only the day before. I ran with my friend though which helped me keep the pace consistent despite feeling like I wanted to slow down. Towards the end of the 16km my legs felt extremely lethargic, and I did succumb a little. Although it did not feel amazing my average pace was only just over 5 minute kilometres with an overall time of 1hour 20mins - so I was happy. We also managed to add another animal selfie to our collection, scouting out a willing goat who posed duly for the camera (see image)!

MONDAY: 8km in very muggy conditions. I did not fully appreciate just how dense the air was before starting my run, and probably went out a bit too fast, meaning the heat hit me rather. I managed to record an average pace of sub 5 minutes per kilometre but it was a bit of a challenge. Body Pump after.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class.

WEDNESDAY: I ran my pre Body Pump 8k with my friend, which made a nice change to my usual solo runs after work. The weather was much cooler than Monday, and it was noticeable more comfortable to run in. My legs also felt really good, the best they have felt in a long time, (I wish I could say why this was, I cannot even really hazard a guess!), and we managed to keep all kilometres sub 5 minutes.

THURSDAY: today's planned run was 5km of intervals, so naturally I headed to the treadmill as I am still trying to muster the confidence to try and run intervals outside! As soon as I started running I could tell me legs felt strong – two days in a row! With this feeling spurring me on I really tried to push the pace, leading to a new 5km treadmill PB of 21.50 – nearly 50seconds faster than my non-treadmill PB of 22. 37. I followed this with some core and leg strength work in the gym.

FRIDAY: an early morning 9.5k run before work, to keep me motivated for this I chose to change my usual running route, instead opting to do a loop around the local common. The common is a challenging surface to run on, the uneven ground means you have to concentrate hard, and there is also a nice challenging incline to tackle, so all in all it’s a good training run.

Despite heading out early I was also shocked to see so many people I knew on my run, none actually running I might add, but all of whom I know must have been thinking I was crazy!

SATURDAY: Rest Day – Friday night was a bit of a blow out and involved a lot of alcohol, dancing and a huge amount of take away at 3am in the morning….needless to say running was not really on the agenda today!

SUNDAY: these days I rarely go as crazy as I did on Friday night, and therefore I could still feel the effect of the evening’s consumption on my body today. However my friend and I (who was also still suffering from Friday evening!) headed out for a 14km run. We tackled the hilly Riseholme village route again, and to quote my friend it was ‘not as hellish as I thought’. Neither of us felt perfect, but our pace was only very slightly slower than last week when we ran the same route in ‘peak condition’. The run definitely helped me feel a little bit more normal again, plus we also managed to snap a selfie with a  new type of farmyard animal – a cow (see image)!

MONDAY: I started the week with a much needed sports massage, which I hoped would sort out my troublesome hamstring. I am not going to lie this month's massage hurt a lot! I was tight everywhere, let alone in my hamstring. When my hamstring itself was massaged the pain nearly brought me to tears as it was manipulated and stretched. My therapist said it was almost like I had ran a marathon again how tight my legs were! I have no idea how my legs had got to this state, but despite the pain, it did feel good to get them loosened. My 8k evening run and even my Body Pump class afterwards felt noticeably easier post massage, it was like a new range of motion had been restored into my legs.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class

WEDNESDAY: due to evening work commitments I set my alarm today for a 6am run. I tried to run a fast 5km but I found this a bit of a struggle with it being so early. I did manange to get my average kilometre split at 4.49mins so was reasonably happy. I finished my run at the gym for a DIY Body Pump session (aka lots of weights!) as I was missing my usual evening class.

THURSDAY: 8km of treadmill intervals, followed by a long stretch and foam roller session. Despite the pain I experienced on Monday during my massage I had unusually not come out in many bruises. Normally I am black and blue after a massage, and hence foam rollering is literally out of the question for a good week!

FRIDAY: I switched my long run to today, which I often find a struggle after a full day at work. But this time the run felt really good and very enjoyable. I took on the hilly route I revisited last Sunday, this time running with my friend who had never tried the route before. I could not believe how the run felt in comparison to last week, the hills still proved tough, but the feeling of dragging my leg along with me was

thankfully gone! As usual, company on the run made it feel so much easier and quicker, and I enjoyed being able to show my friend a new part of Lincoln - including the sheep (see image)! My time improved significantly from last week too, with an average pace of 4.58min kilometres for the 14km distance.

SATURDAY: Rest Day - I had intended to run today, however I had a slight burning sensation in my shin in the same spot which I had injured pre London Marathon earlier this year. I also stupidly overstretched my hamstring a little whilst enthusiastically kicking a football during the Saturday morning football session I coach. I thus decided to be careful and postpone my run until Sunday.

SUNDAY: Another early morning run - two in one week! Volunteering all day at community music festival meant a 5.30am alarm for my 8.5km run. I didn't want to push myself as I had a long day ahead, and I also was aware I had ran all my other runs this week at a reasonably fast pace. I therefore enjoyed roaming the empty streets with a light drizzle in the air, at a comfortable average pace of 5.09 minute kilometres.

MONDAY: This week marked the start of my official ten week training programme for the Great North Run, and began with an 8k run. I gave my new running shoes a spin and the run felt amazing! My legs were fresh, and I managed to keep every kilometre under 5mins, averaging 4.47 minute kilometres. Body Pump after meant it was a great start to the week.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class

WEDNESDAY: Rest Day - I was invited to London today for a celebration event as part of the community volunteering I am involved with. This meant catching the train at 7am and staying over in London - so it felt like a natural option to have this as my rest day, although was slightly strange being mid-week! Being in London also brought back lots of London Marathon memories. The event itself took place at City Hall which overlooked Tower Bridge - one of my favourite parts of the race. I also had a few moments of deja-vu when I was walking around and suddenly would remember running down a certain street!

THURSDAY: today I was feeling the effects of the numerous glasses of free wine, and the other alcoholic beverages I had consumed during a evening out in Soho. Running with a hangover makes me feel less guilty, although is usually a bit of a struggle. I managed my planned 8k with a 5.19min/km average pace, I wouldn't say it was enjoyable though!

FRIDAY: Another 8km run, this time on the treadmill with sprint intervals. My right hamstring, which had been tight last week, was back with a vengeance tonight. I felt like my leg coud hardly extend and I had to stop at one point to stretch it out. After the run, I made up for missing my usual Wednesday Body Pump class by doing a lengthy weights session.

SATURDAY: 8km again! My arms and upper body were very sore from yesterday's gym session and again my hamstring was uncomfortably tight. I managed to get under 5min for my average kilometre pace, but it was tougher than Monday's run.

SUNDAY: this run can be summed up as hamstring hell. Before I even started running I knew it was going to be a challenge, just walking my hamstring was tight. Althought the run was only 13km, so shorter than what I have usually been running on Sunday's, it was hard going. I chose a route I had not ran in months... and soon remembered why! My friend had shown me the loop at the start of my London Marathon training, and at the time I remember struggling with it and having my admiration for my friend increased even further after watching her breeze through it. It features a lot of inclines, of varying lengths, peaks etc. so this was not probably a very good idea for my hamstring, but I wanted the challenge. At times it literally felt like I was dragging my right leg along with me and I had to stop at one point (see image with sheep for support!) to give it a stretch. But I made it, and now literally cannot wait for my sports massage tomorrow! There was one moment of light relief on the run, when my inner competiveness came out again. On one of the inclines I somehow entered into a race with a young boy on a bike, who's friend stood at the top of the hill cheering him on. It was a tightly fought battle, but I am pleased to say I came out on top, laughing to myself as his friend shouted abuse at the boy for being beaten 'by a girl'!

This week marks the start of my training for the Great North Run, the largest half marathon in the world. I will be running the race with my twin sister and it will be the first time we have ever run a formalised race together. I am not counting a Color Run in this, however I suppose I could stretch back to our days representing our school at Cross Country, running around muddy fields in the freezing cold and both strangely enjoying it! The Great North Run will be my second half marathon following the Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon I ran in June. It will be my sister's third, although her first race for over a year. Timewise my current PB is set to 1hr 49mins 1sec whilst my sister's is a rapid 1hr 34mins 43secs. Now I'm not saying we will be competing with each other...but I clearly have some work to do if I want to get anywhere near her PB!

For me, training for the Liverpool Half Marathon was more of a process of trying to recover from the London Marathon. I focused on getting some speed back into my legs without causing myself an injury, rather than aiming for a specific finish time. I am now at the point where I feel I am back to where I was pre London Marathon in terms of leg speed, as my recent Park Run performances have demonstrated. The London Marathon has also obviously given me a whole new level of endurance, both physically and mentally, to draw upon. So for Great North Run the aim is to get closer to the 1hr 45min mark. I know the race will be very, very busy - so this in itself could prove a challenge, but I am willing to give it a go!

To kick start my training I have invested in some new running shoes (pictured). I love my old Nike Pegasus 31s and cannot see myself ever throwing them out as they have London Marathon memories attached to them; but after four months of marathon training, the marathon itself, and two further months of high mileage running, I feel they have lost their edge. So the new Nike Pegasus 32s have been purchased, after many weeks fantasising over them on Twitter and Instagram! The advertising (fronted by Mo Farah never the less!) pitches them as fast shoes, so lets hope they can give me that boost needed to get closer to the 1hr 45min mark.... and also beat my sister! (NB: I am only joking Sophie if you read this!!)