And so we arrive at the final race of 2025. It’s been quite a year. I’ll be reflecting on it all in the Christmas Special. The perfect read for when you need to hide in the bog and avoid Uncle Flagshaggers’s 17th monologue about ‘the boats’.
It seems only fitting then that I finish the year with my favourite race on the calendar – Brampton to Carlisle. Not only is it a well organised 10 mile road race through rolling countryside, it’s also a club trip piss up.
So I’m treating this one as an end of season celebration. Enjoy the day and the run, with the only real aim being that I would like to match or better my time from last year.
First off though, a couple of days before, it’s the Club’s Presentation Night. I always get myself a ticket for this. Despite sitting firmly marooned in the mid pack when it comes to races, with zero chance of winning anything but plaudits, I do like to go to this for the buffet and the craic.
And the alcohol.
Ok, mostly the alcohol.
After several trips to the bar, and only a couple to the buffet (honest), it’s time for the business part of the night – 20 minutes of award giving with polite applause. Then I can get back to the drinking. And whatever hasn’t been eaten.
My daydream – making a chip butty from whats left- is broken by something quite odd.
My name being read out.
That’s right. I’ve won an award. A Coach’s Award. I can’t decide whether I’m delighted or mortified. It’s overwhelmingly delighted by the way.
I know I’ve had a good year. In fact, 2025 has been the year of records. Fastest everything, furthest everything. But still, I’m not in it for the glory, so this is a lovely surprise. It also gives my 5 seconds in the Crystal Maze.
Thing of Beauty
So, being an AWARD WINNER, I stay longer and drink more than I had planned. Eventually staggering home at around midnight, waking my wife, as I stumble into the bedroom wafting a crystal in the air whilst mumbling ‘iwonaaward’. Popular, I wasn’t.
The next day, I’m a tiny bit rough. It’s a rest day thankfully. Well, it is now.
36 hours or so after my night of glory, it’s race time. I mentioned at the start that I was going to approach this as a celebration. Well, now I’m an AWARD WINNER, let’s fucking celebrate.
It’s an early start on the Sunday. There are 40 odd of us from the club getting a coach to the start – Brampton is around 50 miles/just over an hour away.
It’s not a great start. Our coach doesn’t turn up on time. In fact, it’s 40 minutes late. ‘Technical Issues’ apparently. The way it splutters over the first roundabout we get to doesn’t bode well. However, it soon gets its shit together, and we’re at the start with about 35 minutes to spare.
Just enough time to dump my crap on the baggage bus, do a warm up, take a piss in a random field, and have the obligatory ‘why are we all up so early on a Sunday in November’ group photo.
We do this for ‘fun’
I feel great on the warm up and – WANKER WEATHER KLAXON – it’s text book running weather. No wind – about 7 degrees. Beautiful.
It’s a perfect storm to smash the shit out of this race – I feel great, the weather is spot on, it’s my last race of the year, and I’m an AWARD WINNER.
So fuck it. Let’s go for it.
Last year I did this in 1:19:35. It was my 10 mile PB, the first time I’d ever run a double figure distance at sub 8 min mile pace. After my sub 1:45 half marathon in July, I’m confident I can easily beat that.
I’m not a cocky twat though. I may be AWARD WINNING, but I’m not the kind of idiot to go out there gung ho.
Until the Starter Pistol goes and I fly out gung ho.
Last year, the non-AWARD WINNING and far less confident version of myself popped himself near the back at the start. This resulted in being caught in congestion – meaning the first mile was slow going.
Not this year. I get myself much nearer the front and find far more room from the off. So much so, that mile 1 is a 7:43.
The first 4 miles follow this pattern. Two 7:46s then another 7:43. I feel great. Really loose, full of energy, like I can handle this pace no problem for the last 10k.
I’m really enjoying this. I said in last year’s review that I like this course a lot. It’s pretty much flat, give or take a couple of climbs, nice countryside running without having to do anything daft like go across a field of mud. I don’t do that Cross Country nonsense. I might have mentioned it.
I’m at the half way point now, and rather than starting to tire, I’m feeling stronger. My mile 5 is a 7:38, my fastest so far.
I notice that I’m also passing quite a few runners. This spurs me on even more. Whether it’s psychology or adrenaline, it’s amazing the energy boost you get from moving up the field in the latter parts of a race.
I take a gel at the halfway point, and it may as well have been spinach to Popeye. Miles 6 and 7 (sIx sEvEn!) are both 7:35s. I’m getting faster and feeling stronger as the race goes on. AWARD WINNING.
I’m aware we have a couple of those gentle climbs coming up near the finish, but the way I’m feeling at this point I couldn’t give a toss. Only injury is going to stop me now. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
I attack the two climbs at miles 8 and 9 whilst hitting a 7:25 and a 7:24. Honestly, I feel like this race could go another 5 mile and I wouldn’t get tired (I have no doubt though that isn’t true, and I’d be blowing out my arse on mile 11).
Mile 10 involves one last climb into Carlisle, before we drop over the other side for a lovely downhill sprint finish.
There is someone in front of me heading into the finishing straight, so I decide to try and catch him. But the gap is too big and he also finishes like a beast, so I accept defeat. However, just the thought of me trying to ‘attack’ the line makes me chuckle. You’ve come a long way baby.
I do cross it in 1:15:56. Knocking a whopping 3 minutes 37 seconds off my 10 mile PB – set in this same race last year. Well, I did say I wanted to better last year..
Behold its glory
I’m absolutely delighted. And what better way to celebrate, than a trip to the Pub. Which is exactly what the 40 of us do. I find an All Day Breakfast washed down with several pints of Guinness is great for recovery.
Recovery Session
3 hours later, we zig zag back to the coach ready for our journey back home. It’s fair to say the bus is a lot more ‘excitable’ than on the way out. Music, more drink, and jelly shots help keep the mood high.
Three pee stops and a couple of hours later, we’re dropped off. At the Pub. Hey, one for the road and all that.
Eventually, I head off home. To wax lyrical to the family about my awesome run, before spending an hour stroking my Award. That is not a euphemism.
On reflection in the days after, I come to two conclusions. The first is, I can’t recover from day drinking as well as in my younger days. The second is this is now officially my favourite race of the year.
My racing in 2025 is officially done.
The blogging is not however. See you for the Christmas Special on December 24th.
Another month, another 10k race. I’m like Mo Farrah. If he’d been a lot slower and chunkier.
I’d actually forgotten about this one. Which is strange, as it’s the only one besides the Great North Run that I do every year. It wasn’t until my Race Bib dropped through the post the week before that I thought – ‘Shit. Oh yeah.’
However, this is not entirely my fault. The NT 10k always takes place on Easter Sunday. Which usually happens in the Spring. Or whenever Jesus feels like it. I know we get ‘late’ Easter some years, but even that would be taking the piss.
In this instance, it has nothing to do with God and everything to do with the local Council. Unless of course the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Mayor in a vision, demanding she build a cycle lane on the sea front.
Because that’s what they’ve spent the last two years doing. Plopping down nearly 4 mile of shiny new cycle route. Personally, despite how long it has taken them, I approve.
Back during Covid, where we all needed a bit of space (2 metres to be exact), they built a makeshift one down there. They basically just coned a bit of the path off. And it was great for everyone. So they applied for some cash, got it, and now they’ve built a proper one.
Predictably, it created quite a lot of whinging online. Caps Lock obsessed boomers, the unemployable, and people who hang flags off lampposts mainly. Anyway, now it’s finished, and great, all of this has gone quiet. It’s like they didn’t even know what they were complaining about in the first place. Which they didn’t.
Aaaaanyway. They didn’t finish it till the Summer, so they delayed the race till the September. Sensible decision. Me and running in the vicinity of traffic cones is a dangerous combination.
Political and logistical issues now behind us, it’s finally race day. Let’s be completely predictable and start with the weather. Early in the week, it’s not looking good. Not only is it predicted to rain, there will also be the double whammy of a head wind.
The day before, on the Saturday, it absolutely pisses down. And I mean, pisses down. Torrential rain all day, shit loads of wind. Basically, proper awful running conditions.
Thankfully, the next morning the Weather Gods are smiling. The rain is gone and the sun is out. There is still going to be a head wind, but compared to yesterday it’s like the Med out there.
As usual, the start of the race is at the Parks Leisure Centre in North Shields. My original home town, where I was raised, where I’d probably still be living if I hadn’t have married well. I always do that joke. It’s true by the way.
It’s a 10am start, but I have to get down early to chuck my stuff on the baggage bus. Far too early in my opinion – the busses will leave by 9:15am.
I see someone I used to work with and we catch up on gossip, occasionally character assassinating some of the knackers we used to work with. It’s quite cathartic to be honest.
I’ve reviewed this race a lot, so went back to reread what sort of drivel I’ve posted in past years. The below, my description of the start area one year, especially tickled me..
“As per usual, there are a lot of Running Club vests kicking about. All tribally hanging out together like a shit West Side Story.”
Because can you guess what I’m doing at this point? That’s right, I’m wearing my Club vest, hanging out with my tribe, and singing I Want to Live in America. I’m such a fucking hypocrite.
Club mingling done, it’s time to head into the Pen. I say Pen, we all just squeeze onto the very tight Dock Road round the corner. I manage to get much nearer the front than usual – a sign of how I’m feeling about my running at the moment. I used to be a bit sheepish about going too far forward. Today, balls of steel.
My race plan is that I don’t really have much of a race plan. Besides run it as fast as possible. It must be said, this is traditionally not a great course for a 10k PB, due to a few factors at play.
Firstly, the start. I said we’re all squeezed in on this road. That can make the start line a little crowded and slow, meaning you’re already chasing your tail pace wise early doors.
Secondly, this is not a flat fast course. Not really. There is a big drop at the start, but what comes down, must go up. At 2 miles you have to climb up from the river to the Sea Front via the notorious Priory Road. It’s steep and it can slow you down – not only during, but once you’re up and over. What with it leaving you completely fucked.
Lastly, is the Weather. Once you do hit the Sea Front, it’s 4 miles straight North to the finish. Get a day with a northerly head wind and it’s a right bastard.
Today, we are predicted that head wind. How bad it will be we won’t know till we hit the coast. It’ll be a lovely surprise I’m sure.
Anyway, we’ll worry about that later, we’re off.
Antisocially elbowing my way nearer the front may not have won me many friends, but it’s definitely made a difference to my start. I don’t feel like I get held anywhere near as usual and I’m off to a flyer.
It’s downhill this first part – a quick check of my pace shows I’m doing about 6:50. Talk about getting carried away. Once we reach the bottom I level it off a bit, as any attempt to try and maintain this pace will see me laying in a pile of my own vomit by mile 4.
This first mile follows the river towards its mouth vis the Fish Quay. It’s always crowded this part of the race, but I do feel like I’m doing less ducking and weaving of runners – another sign I’m nearer the front.
Someone from the club takes a picture at this point, where for once, I don’t look completely shit/tired/weird/like I’m having a stroke.
The Fish Quay. Yes, it does smell how you’d think
Mile 1 down, 7:12. Fast for me. I blame the hill. Next up, we’re heading along the Prom. This bit always separates the men from the boys/women from the girls as we see who likes/trained for an uphill and who wishes they’d stayed in bed with the cover over their head.
It’s a double climb up from the river to the coast. We get one short climb (where we hit Mile 2 – a 7:20) before it mocks us by levelling off before the much worse climb up Priory Road.
I used to despise this climb. However, those of you who read my Marathon Training blogs (both of you) will know I used this road a few times for my Friday Hill repeats. So going up it once rather than ten times feels like redemption.
I ‘fly’ up it, the hard part done, and now we’re on the Coast. You do get a reward for that climb – a drop on the other side. Again, here’s another not completely shite photo of me on said drop. I must have had my photogenic head on today.
Catching my good side
We’ve levelled off again and I’m at the halfway mark. It’s a 7:23 mile – not bad when you consider we had two bastard hills in it. We’re now into Cullercoats and yet ANOTHER photo of me is taken. This one is very hi-res. Did I say I was looking photogenic earlier? I lied.
Smile you miserable bastard. This is fun.
To be fair, I feel far better than I look in this picture. I know I’m over the worst bit when it comes to climbs. It’s the weather that comes into play now.
Remember that head wind we talked about earlier? Well, it’s here, but it’s not bad. More of a tickle than a punch. For now.
More importantly, something else has quietly happened that I don’t realise till later – I’ve just broken my 5k PB. In the middle of a 10k. With a hill in it. Into a head wind. 22:24. Odd stuff.
And the hits keep on coming. I’m on familiar territory now, bombing along the coast on paths I must have run over 100s if not 1000s of times before. I feel great, and that’s reflected in a 7:11 mile 4.
Just before the Spanish City at mile 5, I feel my heels get clipped, and I nearly go flying. I instantly look behind me for the culprit – not to kick off by the way, but to reassure them I’m ok and that accidents happen. Because they do.
A very nice lady from another club instantly starts apologising and looks mortified, and I make sure she knows I’m really not upset and there’s no damage done. Later, when I relay this story to my club colleagues, they reckon she’s done it on purpose and was trying to kill me. Like some sort of Assassin. Cynical bastards.
Anyway, she slows me down by a huge 2 seconds as I clock a 7:13 mile 5, so there really wasn’t any harm done. We’re into the last mile, and that head wind is either starting to get stronger or I might just be tiring a bit. Here I am anyway, on the last incline that I’d completely forgotten about and am cursing under my breath.
Nearly there
One last push now, at a slightly slower 7:18, and I’m over the line in 45:26 – my 10k PB falling for a remarkable third time this year. It really isn’t my plan to do this when I set off – I really am just going out there to run as fast as I can whilst still ‘enjoying’ it.
PB Tastic
The goody bag is as always exactly what I’m after – a t-shirt and some socks. Who doesn’t need more running socks?
The other bonus of this race is the finish. Mainly, its proximity to my house. Within 30 minutes, I’ve walked home. No recovery jog. I can’t be arsed.
Next up, it’s the Coxhoe 10k Trail run where I can guaranfuckingtee you that my PB won’t tumble again. That’s nothing to do with being humble, and everything to do with the 3 mile hill you have to climb.
Well, lot’s of people actually. I’ve mentioned before in my previous reviews that it’s a proper Marmite of a race. Some people love it, some people hate it with a passion.
I’ve also talked in past posts about my relationship with it. I fall in and out of love with it. Like a girlfriend who one minute tells you you’re the one, and the next minute has left you for their Strictly dance partner. Or was that a dream I once had.
At this point in our relationship, we’re currently loved up. I’ve enjoyed the previous two years, I’m running well at the moment, and getting my sub 1:45 in July means there is no pressure to run this fast.
I think part of the problem in the past is that I used to take this race far too seriously. Nowadays I approach it far differently. I always do this for a local charity rather than in Club colours, and that is my main motivation.
Having said that, I do have a Race Plan. This is the fifteenth time I’ve run the GNR, and I’m yet to sub 1:50 it. In July, I posted a 1:44 Half. I’m therefore fairly confident I can finally duck under 1:50 – whilst still having ‘fun.’
Wanker Weather Watch Moment (I need a sponsor for this) – it looks like it’s going to be warm and windy. Warm as in 21 degrees, windy as in a slight noticeable head wind at points.
So to the day. I’m up early, get the usual runner wankers breakfast into me (Porridge, Toast, and a Banana) before being picked up by my Mother in law, who is as the tradition now, going to dump me somewhere near the start.
Not before my wife makes me pose for a photo. Ffs.
Good God
That hostage photo aside, the day starts well. I manage to get dropped off quite near the Town Moor with no problems at all. It’s the next part I’m interested in – getting from Exhibition Park onto the Town Moor.
The last two times they’ve tried this at the start, they’ve royally fucked it up. Just go back and read my 2024 rant about it. This year though…they’ve listened. They’ve opened the gates. It’s a non-Christmas miracle.
I’m a fair man, so here goes…
Well done GNR organisers. Well done for listening to feedback. Well done for opening those gates. I apologise for calling you dip shit crayon eaters.
As a result, the atmosphere in the holding area is much better. In fact, it’s the most chilled I’ve ever known it. There are only Orange Wave runners in here at the moment – we’re the first four pens of the race – there’s loads of room and loads of toilets. Bliss.
I pop my baggage on a bus and…well…I’m sorted. Far earlier than usual. So I sit on the grass and relax for a bit. The sun is out and it’s a nice rather than too hot kind of warmth.
After a bit, I head for the Pen. This is also much better this year. They’ve made the gate onto the Central Motorway wider and it’s another minor but simple change that makes a huge difference.
In a weird bit of deja vu, I see my mate as I pass one of the front pens and chat to him through the fence. Exactly the same spot and time as last year. Spooky. We wish each other luck, and I get into my Pen.
Last year, Heart FM did the pre-run ‘atmosphere’ stuff and it was truly awful. This year, another big improvement. They only have one of the annoying DJs on duty, and he’s far less irritating on his own. Plus, he’s not on often.
Instead, they blast lots of 90s Dance, which I hugely approve of, and just go to him for short interviews with local ‘celebrities.’ Unfortunately, one of those ‘celebs’ is a guy I’ve had the misfortune to encounter in a race before.
I’m probably going to sound like a right miserable bastard here, but I can’t stand run influencers. Or runfluencers. Or bellends. Or whatever you call them. Basically, anyone running with a fucking selfie stick shouting into it. The sooner races start barring these things the better.
It wouldn’t be the GNR without at least one rant. So there you go.
Mass warm up done, gun fired, and we do the usual walk and stop to the start. I feel like this year we move towards the start a lot more, but it takes us longer to get there. Which makes no sense at all, I know.
It takes 32 minutes to get over the Start Line. And I’m classed as being at the front. See why some people hate this race? As is the tradition, I always try to high five the celebrity starter.
Being a long time Newcastle United season ticket holder, I’m blessed with having the choice of two players this year. Having already touched the magnificent Eddie Howe a couple of years back, this year I smash a huge high five on our keeper Nick Pope.
I understand that those of you who don’t know/like football are a bit lost right now, but it was a big deal for me.
Anyway, we’re off! As always, stick right and go over the Central Motorway. Some bloke was trying to persuade first timers in my pen to go left and under. Don’t listen to these people. They’re wrong. Right and over, every time. The Elite always go right, and they do this stuff full time, so who do you believe?
Mile 1 is an 8:05 anyway. Lovely, that’s what I want. Sub 8:10 miles and I’ll be happy as a pig in shit. Just before the Tyne Bridge I see my family and veer off to high five them. Not as exciting as slapping Nick Pope, but always grateful for their support.
Taking of support, because the weather is nice this year, it feels like there are shit loads of people out. For those of us who love this race, that’s what it’s all about.
Mile 2 sees me post an 8:08, whilst I hit the 3 mile mark at Gateshead Stadium with an 8:02. Beautiful. This is going well, despite the fact I don’t honestly feel like I’m 100% with it today. I think I was in the Pen too long and, as a result, don’t feel like I’ve really got going.
Miles 4 and 5 are always a bit of a slog anyway. This is the part of the course you climb a fair bit, despite lots of people claiming this is flat. It absolutely isn’t flat. Bet that left hand side choosing prick in the Pen reckons it’s flat.
I do an 8:10 and an 8:07 for Miles 4 and 5. Then, I suddenly wake up. The energy levels lift, the grogginess or whatever it was disappears. As such, my Mile 6 is a 7:56. I’m enjoying this now.
See, look, I’m loving it.
Shit Terminator
I take my only gel at 6.5 miles and instantly feel the benefits. It could be science, it could be the placebo effect, but it does its job.
After an 8 minute flat Mile 7 and an 8:04 Mile 8, the next tester arrives just after this point – the John Reid Road. I’ve spoken about this part of the course many times before, but it’s always my bench mark to whether the last 5 miles of this race are going to be sunshine and lollipops or a world of pain.
You take a hard right on the roundabout, then it’s climb time. It’s a steady but what feels like long climb here. I reckon it’s only about 0.4 of a mile, but it can feel like forever.
I attack it, as I did last year, and get up it no bother, despite there being a stinker of a head wind. I also see this as a real morale booster as well. Get over this swine, you can get round the rest of it no bother. At least, that’s what you need to tell yourself.
Mile 9, with this climb, is still a rather healthy 8:05, and I hit the golden 10 mile mark with an 8:06. It’s at this point the sponsors take your photo and let you have it for free afterwards. Should have run in a better place…
An even shitter Terminator
5k left now and one thing is for certain – this is going to be my fastest GNR ever. Barring alien invasions, hurricanes, or any other unforeseen interruptions.
An 8:09 Mile 11 – then a very surprising 8:02 on the notorious climb at Mile 12 – it’s time to drop onto the coast and enjoy the run along the sea front to the finish.
As soon as I plonk onto this part of the course, I can feel a decent tail wind. That’s what we like. I feel great on this last mile, and have the energy to put my foot down.
It’s a very enjoyable end to the race, the crowds are huge and noisy. This factor, plus that lovely tail wind, means I unsurprisingly post my quickest mile of the day – a 7:53.
I get those Tom Cruise arms going again as I cross the line, coming over in 1:46:20. Sub 1:50 mission accomplished. Not only my quickest GNR of all time, but also my second fastest Half Marathon ever. Canny.
I’m still not paying £30 for this
I’ve never been at the end this early before, and it’s like a whole different experience. I get my medal and swag bag quickly, get out to pick up my bag from the bus even quicker, and I’m at the Charity village before I know it.
The amazing St Oswald’s volunteers at the Charity Tent give me some fantastic home made sweet and savoury, which I demolish. I’m offered a massage, but I know this will only make me more stiff. Or send me to sleep.
They do insist I have my usual finishers photo taken. I always think I look a bit shit in these. I need a new ‘I’m finished but I’m trying not to look fucked’ pose.
Medal Wanker
The Red Arrows shoot over as I head off for the Ferry. I pass the Metro queue and notice, well, there isn’t a Metro queue at all. I really am much earlier than usual.
Even more proof of this is seen when I get to the Ferry. Again, no queue, I get straight on it, and I’m on the ‘proper’ North side within minutes.
Loads of time for a Pint before I go home then! Don’t mind if I do. I pop into the Low Lights Tavern and meet up with a couple of other club members for a well deserved and refreshing Guinness.
And there you go. Another Great North Run successfully completed – my best and fastest. Can’t sniff at that.
That’s not the end of the racing this year however. I’ve still got three Grand Prix races, the North Tyneside 10k, the Coxhoe 10k Trail Run (whoops) and the fantastic Brampton to Carlisle 10 miler all before the end of December.
And, breaking news – I’ve signed up for another Marathon in 2026. More on that one in the New Years special.
Barry the Baptist, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
London turns your snot black.
My granny used to say that to us when we were kids. She also made the worst dumplings on the face of the earth. Honestly, the Dambusters could have used them to take out half the Ruhr Valley.
I’ve never touched a dumpling since and never will again. So I didn’t give much credence to her snot statement. I don’t think she had any scientific data to back this up – this was pre internet. But this was a woman who couldn’t properly mix flour, water and salt.
Anyway, I’ve been to London many times since, and my snot stayed clean as a whistle. Time to test her shit theory once again though, as I’m off down to the Capital for a few days.
This is my second time in the city this year. In March, during the peak of Marathon training, I came here for a Cup Final, and spent three days in an alcoholic stupor.
This is a very different trip though. Business rather than pleasure. I’m here with work, visiting our London office with some quite important things to do while l’m here. So it’s professional head on time.
I haven’t been to the London office in a couple of years. Last time, I got a few runs in from Blackfriars to Westminster. It was great to take the chance to run along the Embankment (the bits that weren’t dug up) as this is the last section of the London Marathon.
Having said that, the A3211 road the Embankment runs alongside is busy as a bastard, even early in the morning, which made it quite noisey – not exactly a serene plod along the river. So this time round, I’m aiming for the other side of the Thames, the South Bank.
I arrive early Sunday evening, check into my hotel, then head out for a walk to stretch the legs and get in some recce for a route.
I’m right next to St Paul’s, so I cut through it on my way to the river. Quite nice innit.
Luftwaffe repellent. Kind of.
I walk along the Embankment side first to see if it’s any better than two years ago. Meh, not really. They still haven’t finished the work and, crucially, you can’t get under Blackfriars Bridge, which means crossing the busy bridge road instead.
I follow this all the way to Westminster Bridge and cross to the South side. It’s a Sunday evening, but it’s heaving with tourists. I’ve therefore made two easy decisions – I’m not running the Embankment this week, and I’m not running in the evenings.
Democracy. Allegedly.
South Bank is also rammed full of people. However, this side of the river is all pedestrianised. So there will be no traffic to negotiate or avoid getting hit by. Also, at 6am it won’t be teaming with people.
Right. Recce done, mind made up, time for an early night.
I’m up and out for 6am and, this being London, 6am here is very different from 6am anywhere else. It’s a nice morning, although we’re starting to feel that slight chill in the air now the days are getting shorter. Winter is coming.
There are two busy roads to cross over, one before St Paul’s and another after. However, both are quiet and I safely get over without stopping or getting hit by angry Black Cab driver or a Lime bike.
Dangerous part over, I’m on the Millennium Bridge. I look left and the view is iconic. I’m running over the Thames, with Tower Bridge just in the distance. Straight ahead of me, sits the Tate Modern.
The iconic view from the Bridge
I’m now on the South Bank and, as predicted, it’s quiet. There are still a few runners about though for 6am – I’ll pass quite a few between now and when I finish.
I’m heading West, towards Westminster Bridge. The plan is to turn when I get there and head back to where I started, making it 3.5 miles ish. I think.
I’m really enjoying this run. I feel great for a start. The lack of traffic and people makes this a far better experience than when I ran on the Embankment the last time. I mentally back slap myself for making this decision.
I pass under and through Blackfriars Bridge, the OXO building, Waterloo Bridge, the Jubilee Gardens, the London Eye, before I arrive at Westminster Bridge. I feel so good, I decide to carry on for a bit. Why not?
So rather than turning, I continue through the tunnel under Westminster Bridge. Out the other side, to my right, I have the Houses of Parliament.
Much more interesting and poignant however, is what is on my left. The Covid Wall. An at first unofficial memorial wall where relatives could leave hearts and tributes for their loved ones in plain sight of Parliament, it is now officially recognised and here to stay.
A poignant reminder
I’ve seen it on the news, but it’s far more powerful seeing it in the flesh. I decide to run to the end of it, just before Lambeth Bridge, before turning and going back the way I came.
My initial plan was to stop once I get over the Millennium Bridge and then walk back up the hill to my hotel, but I feel so good that I run back all the way. It’s a 5 miler in the end, further than initially planned, but a very enjoyable run.
Remembering that I’m actually here to work, I demolish a well earned Premier Inn breakfast, and have a very productive rest of the day in the Office.
I repeat this run over the next two mornings, cutting it slightly shorter on the Wednesday as it’s forecast to absolutely piss down, which it does a mere seconds after I finish.
It being London, I do see some odd sights over those three runs. One morning there is a very pretty and very nice dressed young lady sitting on a bench overlooking the Thames, doing some knitting whilst smoking a huge spliff.
Another morning I pass a guy dressed very boho and, for some unknown reason that I wish I had asked, carrying a Bugle. I’m not sure if he was off somewhere to announce the sunrise.
There is also the sad and bad of London. I do pass homeless people hunkered under the bridges, trying to keep dry and warm. Stuff like that keeps you humble.
Then there was the guy, and remember this is 6am, just sitting on a bench and very loudly watching porn on his phone. Just to clarify, he wasn’t doing anything lewd to himself or anyone else, just watching porn on full max volume. Amazing stuff.
All in all, a great work trip. 13 miles of iconic running along the South Bank to keep me ticking over for the Great North Run at the end of the week.
Running 13.1 miles, with the sole aim of hitting a PB, bang in the middle of Summer, during a heatwave. Welcome to the Newcastle Half Marathon, next race on the Notbuilttorun 2025 Grand Tour of stupidity.
To be fair, when you sign up to any race between May and September in the UK, you’re asking for trouble. Our weather here is both predictable and unpredictable. It’s pretty boring and mundane mostly, but occasionally it does something where, we as a nation, let out a collective ‘holy shit.’
This weekends ‘holy shit’ comes in the form of another mini heatwave. Thankfully, this is the North East of England, so you can always minus off 5 degrees from the rest of the country.
But we’ll come back to the weather later.
So, the Newcastle Half. I’ve done this one before, last year, its debut year. It’s not very exciting if I’m honest. A long out and back along some ordinary looking country roads. It’s in the Newcastle Post Code, but doesn’t pass any points of interest. Apart from the Airport Runway. If that kind of thing floats your boat.
The Course AKA Wonky Tadpole
However, I’m not criticising or being a dick about it. It was really well organised and, as unexciting as the course was, I knew that it was perfect for a PB attempt.
Last year, I didn’t even entertain a PB. I entered solely as a favour to someone to help pace them to a 2:10 PB (mission accomplished). This year, I had the freedom to attack it, if I fancied it.
I do have the Great North Run in September. But it’s the biggest Half Marathon in the world, which also means the most congested Half Marathon in the world. It’s a Fun Run with 50k people in it. It’s like going to Tescos for your food shop three days before Christmas. Chaos.
But far more enjoyable than going to Tescos. Obviously.
No, if I want to use my Marathon fitness to score a PB, then doing this one is a no brainer. Local to me, a straightforward course, and with a field of only 800 runners. Plenty of space to put my foot down.
I said we would come back to the weather, so let’s get it out the way. Leading up to the weekend, they are predicting another heat wave for the UK. Even us peasants in the North East won’t escape. Early forecasts indicate it could be in the low 20s at the 9am start.
That’s not good. Thankfully, the good old North East coast has other ideas. By the Friday, it’s predicting that it will drop to a much more manageable cloudy 17c. Although it will ‘feel like 20c.’
I’ll take it.
True to its word, when I get up on Sunday, it’s noticeable cooler and the sky is a thick blanket of grey cloud. I’m not falling for that one though. The Sun is definitely going to pop its head out, and it’s definitely going to get warmer.
As such, I lather myself in sun cream, have a runners breakfast (the trusted Porridge, Banana and Protein bar combo) and I’m out the door to catch my old friend The Bastard Metro.
Remarkably, as I have to catch two of these to get to the Start, it doesn’t let me down. Miracles can and do happen. I’m at the Start with about 45 minutes to spare.
The Start (which will also be the Finish) is Kingston Park Rugby Stadium. Quick confession, I’ll watch and appreciate any Sport. The only big one I do neither with is Rugby. It’s like Roller Coasters to me. Does nothing. Leaves me dead inside. Each to their own though, it’s probably just me.
Rugby slagging aside, it’s a good venue, and one of the main reasons I think this is a well organised race. Clean and plentiful toilets, loads of room to sit, warm up, or just chill beforehand. If it did rain, we also have cover.
Kingston Park Stadium. For those who like that sort of thing.
Baggage dumped, Banana and Gel consumed, and short warm up completed, the Start comes around in no time.
They have a good system for the Start here as well, that I remember from last time. They get Pacers to stand by the side of the Stadium with huge placards showing finishing times, and then ask you to stand in position, before leading everyone out in a procession to the Start. Clever.
It’s not completely perfect though. I stand between the 1:40 and 1:50 placards, next to two fairly loud girls who chat about how they’re hoping to get under 2:10. Which is all very commendable, don’t get me wrong – no criticism here. Except GO AND STAND IN THE SUB 2:10 PEN AS INSTRUCTED THEN. I needed to get that out, I’ve been bottling it up for days.
Time to head back for a weather check. It’s still cloudy – grey cloud – but it’s noticeable got quite humid. Something important to point out at this juncture – I’m not wearing my Club Vest. I know, outrageous. Two reasons for this.
Number one, I wanted to do this one incognito. Despite being a local race, very few of my club colleagues are interested in doing it. I think I saw two club vests. In fact, you see very few of any club vests. This very much feels like a non-club runners run.
Second reason, is the heat. I have a much more lightweight Puma vest that I wear for my summer weekend long runs that is far more airy, loose, and comfortable in the heat. As soon as there was a whiff of a heatwave, I made a decision I was going with it.
With the warmth and mugginess already being felt at 9am, it’s a good decision. The gun goes, and we’re off..
I mentioned at the start that this isn’t the sexiest of courses, and from the start we’re out onto a straight country road. I forgot to mention that there is also a 10k going on – they will all turn back at 3 mile (obviously) – so it’s difficult to gauge paces.
Having said that, the sub 1:50 pacer flies past me and moves ahead. Which is really not right, as I’ve started quite quick and am currently doing a sub 1:45 pace. He may just be a bit excited, or forgotten what he’s meant to be doing. Either way, if I was someone after a 1:50, I’d be pissed with him.
After about a mile, I pass him and never see him again. My first mile is a rather tidy 8:06. For reference, to hit my PB, I just need to come in under an 8:20 average pace. With one eye on the heat, my plan was to aim for around 8:10-8:15.
My next two miles are 7:59 and 8:00 respectively. So, I’m kind of fucking this up already. However, that’s because I’m not feeling the heat. At Mile 3 we lose the 10k runners, the field opens up, and I’ve settled into a rhythm.
At Mile 4 we take a sharp right turn, and for the next 2 miles we have a constant and steady climb. That’s reflected in my next times – an 8:05 and an 8:08. Still, nicely below my target time, and I cope with the hill with little problems. In fact, look how much I’m enjoying it.
Christ my Form is shit
We take another sharp right at mile 6, but we’re now going downhill for half a mile, before yet another sharp right. This is the halfway stage (good at maths me), so I take a gel.
We’ve now got a couple of miles of steady down hill, which has the opposite effect from the two we climbed, by giving me two 7:53s on mile 7 and 8.
Two quick lefts, and we’re back on the straight road that will take us to where we started. 4 miles left, but there are a couple of quick climbs to contend with in there.
Still, I seem to have really hit my stride now. Miles 9 and 10 are a 7:53 and a 7:54. I’m suddenly now very much aware that, barring any kind of disaster, I’m pretty much guaranteed a PB.
I come into civilianisation at Mile 10, the village of Dinnington, and I feel great. Aware of my time, I’m in good fettle, and the people that come out to cheer start to spur me on.
At 10.5 miles though, I feel the heat for the first time. The Sun has come out and it’s roasting. 2 and a half miles left, but I’m suddenly feeling the effort I’ve put in.
Despite this, I push on. Mile 11 turns out to be my fastest of the day – a 7:50. Mile 12, despite now feeling the heat, is a 7:55. I haven’t gone over an 8 minute mile since mile 6. At around the mile 12 mark, there is another official photographer, so I pretend to look like I’m pissing it.
Float like a butterfly
We’re back in Kingston Park now, and it’s just a bit of road then into the Stadium for the finish. Mile 13 is a 7:52. More interestingly though, I clock that I’ve just hit 1:43:56. Hold the phone. I suddenly realise that sub 1:45, which I had no expectations of doing, is on.
So I put on the jets and see what I’ve got left. Surprisingly, quite a bit. I sprint finish, passing two other runners, and stop my watch on 1:44:50. Boom motherfuckers.
Winning
Well, what a turn up for the books that is. I came for a sub 1:50, I left with a sub 1:45. Whilst the weather behaved itself to a certain extent, and we didn’t get the heat a lot of the rest of the country was experiencing, it was still warm. And I’m usually shit when it’s warm.
Not today though.
I do feel knackered when I’m finished. I sit in the shade to take on fluids and eat some snacks. I then head straight off for the Metro and don’t have to wait long for either, meaning I’m back in the house before midday. Everything is coming up Milhouse.
That’s it. Every distance, from 5k to Marathon, I have set a PB in this year. I still have more races planned to see out the year, but I’m done with PB slaying. It’s fun running from now on.
Next up, I’m off on Holiday to the South of France, and my running gear will be coming with me. You wouldn’t expect anything less.
“I get it, you’ve caught the scent of a lesser stag in your nostrils”
White Goodman, Dodgeball
One of the biggest pieces of advice I was given after completing my Marathon, other than walk up stairs backwards (this works by the way) was to sign up to as many races as possible.
The idea being twofold. Firstly, it’s a great way to maintain your running mojo, keep away the post marathon blues, and give yourself new goals to hit.
The second reason was that Marathon training should give you levels of fitness you’ve never experienced before. Make use of those newly acquired super powers by smashing out fast times in races.
I have to say, both of those schools of thought have been spot on. I haven’t hit what many call the dreaded Marathon Blues. I’ve still got my mojo. The two races I have completed since, both around 10k, have been fast and enjoyable.
So with that in mind, here we are once again, a third 10k race, 7 weeks post Marathon. It’s the Tynedale Pie and Peas 10k. Not a race I had planned on doing if I’m honest, but they had me at ‘Pie.’
Well, kind of. My mate has started running again, felt like he’d got a 10k in him, and I noticed this one was close to where he lives. So I thought, why doesn’t he do it, and why don’t I do it?
It’s not one I’ve done before, but I do know it’s a beautiful part of the world – a mixture of Countryside and Riverside. But let’s be honest, its real selling point is the plate of pie and peas you get when you finish. Winner.
Scenic
It is one of those pesky mid week evening races however. A Wednesday evening, with a 7:30pm start. This is also a rare one that I’m going to need to drive to. All for Pie.
Is it time to mention the weather? Course it is. In summary, it’s pretty fucking weird. When I leave the house, it’s windy and pissing down with rain. More like January than July. Halfway on the drive there, the clouds clear, and its glorious blue skies. Make your mind up.
After a slight detour to pick up my mate on the way, I find somewhere to park, and we’re off to the Pub. Sadly, not to get smashed and call the whole thing off, but to pick our numbers up.
The pub is busy and full of club runners huddled together. I’m in my Club Vest, but I’m aware there are only about half a dozen of us signed up for this one, and even then, there is only really one guy that I know to talk to. The others are all those Mythical Beasts in the fast groups. I’m with my mate anyway, so it’s a good excuse not to join in with the club tribalism.
Number easily picked up, we’re off to the start. Which is a mile and a half from the pub. Warm up run anyone? Nah thanks. We take a nice leisurely stroll there instead. The weather has now settled on blue sky and calm. It’s a typical warm English Summer evening. The walk to the start is also up a scenic and quiet country road. So far, so good.
The start is at Ovington, a normally quiet little village, but now with 300 runners jamming the only road that runs through it. None of the locals appear to be out, other than four women standing by the side of the road quaffing wine. Fair play ladies, fair play.
The Starting Pen.
The Race Director addresses us all with instructions, which everyone goes quiet to listen to. Well, apart from the two blokes behind me, who chat loudly to each other during the whole thing. I’m sure it wasn’t anything important.
Anyway, it’s 7:30pm, and we’re off. I wish my mate good luck and shoot away. That sounds like a dick move, but this is his first 10k in a while, so his plan is to run the whole thing in under an hour. Me, I’m going to race the fucker. Because, why not.
The first mile is on the road we walked up and is all downhill. Lovely. The pace is quick and I pass quite a few runners. It’s a 7:27 mile, and before we know it, we’re in the neighbouring village of Ovingham. I know, they didn’t have much imagination when they named shit round here.
Ovingham. Lovely.
Here, we’re climbing for the first time, but it’s short and over quickly. We’ve now got a very scenic mile and a half of riverside running until we hit the next village of Wylam.
The field has opened up, it’s far less crowded, and it’s another down hill section. I could get used to this. As such, I’ve really hit my stride now. Mile 2 is a slightly slower 7:34, but spoiler alert, this will be my slowest one of the night. When I enter Wylam at Mile 3, I clock a 7:28. We’re halfway, and this is going rather well.
Wylam is lovely, I know it and have run and cycled through here a few times. It’s famous for two things – a Brewery, and George Stephenson. The latter, the father of the Railway, was born here. Well, sort of. The house is slightly further down the river, but Wylam claim him.
Due to the Brewery, you won’t be surprised to hear that Wylam is full of lovely pubs. Tempting on a warm evening when you’re sweating your bollocks off.
The Boathouse. Just one of the temptations in Wylam
We wind around Wylam, avoiding the beer (I recommend a pint of the Jakehead, if you’re ever in the area) and onto the old Wagonway as we pass Mile 4, which is a 7:25.
Here, a guy who’s been around me since around Mile 2, tells me he thinks my keys might be falling out of my pocket. Which is a bit random, seeing as I’m not carrying any.
I’m confused as first, but then I get it. I don’t pin my race number on with safety pins. I use magnets. I can’t recommend this enough. I’ve been doing this for a few years now, and my Bib and magnets stay intact every time.
However, it makes my Bib really noisy. Other runners have passed comment on it. Some of them jokingly, some of them passive aggressively. This is what he’s talking about, he thinks the noise of my Bib is keys jangling. I mean, this could actually be a dastardly ploy to get me to stop and check, but I thank him anyway.
Next up, the most scenic part of the course. We’re going to cross the Tyne via the old Hagg Bank Railway Bridge. Think of it as a smaller version of the Stand By Me one.
Hagg Bank BridgeLovely, isn’t it?
Once over the Bridge, we’ve got about a mile and a half left of flat riverside trail that will take us to the Finish which is…er…back at the Start. My Mile 5 is a 7:26, meaning my pace is still good and I must be hovering somewhere around a cheeky PB.
The last mile is a lovely run in by the River, and it really is quiet now. I can see a couple of runners in front of me, but when I look behind I can’t see anyone. I could be lost like.
I cross the line, with my last Mile a 7:17. Hit the jets on that last one. My coaches would be proud. It’s also a 46:06, knocking 4 seconds off the 10k PB I set at the Cookson in May. I have to be honest, I never expected that, so it’s a nice surprise.
The Mythical Beasts from my club are at the finish and I have a quick chat, before making sure I stay on the line to cheer my mate home. He comes in, looking good, with a 56:47. Well under an hour, he’s massively happy with that, as he should be. A good nights work for both of us.
Therefore, there’s only one thing left to do. Pie and Peas. We head to the Pub and get in the queue. When we reach the front, there is even a selection. Meat, Veggie, Gluten Free, or Vegan. Something for everyone, I think you’ll agree. To say we demolish said Pie and Peas would be an understatement. Hey, I’ve earned it.
You’ll note the lack of Race Photos in this Review. That’s because there aren’t any. There didn’t seem to be anyone taking them, either Amateur or Professional. Which is odd these days, but just goes to show how small a race this was. In a way, there is something quite nice about that.
So, another post Marathon race completed, another PB, and another enjoyable evening. Mark this as one I will definitely do again.
Next up in what is turning out to be the 2025 Grand Tour, it’s Half Marathon time. Now that one, I am planning to attack and hit my PB. Fingers crossed…
There’s a dad joke that everyone does at my local running club.
‘You doing the Blaydon Race?’
‘No. When is it?’
If you’re from the North East of England, then I hope for at least a small chuckle. If you’re not, then I expect tumbleweed.
You see the Blaydon Race always takes place on the same date every year, the 9th June. That’s because it’s based on a very famous song round here, that you’ll be shocked to know is called ‘The Blaydon Races.’ That’s about a race. In Blaydon. That happened on the 9th June.
That original 9th June occurred way back in 1861, and it was Horses, not Ken from Accounts in his Vaporflys, running it. It was such a success, they asked a local composer, Geordie Ridley, to write a song about it to drum up punters for the 1862 meet. Bit like asking Justin Timerlake to strut about, grabbing his crotch, singing ‘Ow, the Stanley Cup final is next week, shumon’ or something.
To quote Run DMC, it went a little something like this..
Tap those feet
There’s even quite a famous painting, based on the song, that is in turn based on the race. Anyway, never mind a Horse Racing Meet, this looks more like some of the nights out I had in the 90s.
William C. Irving’s The Blaydon Race
Fast forward to 1981 and the local Running Club, The Blaydon Harriers, cleverly decide to organise a race that gets as close as possible to recreating the original route mentioned in the song.
In short, History lesson over, every year on the 9th June there is a 5.8 mile Race that runs from Newcastle to Blaydon. Still with me? Lovely.
This year, the 9th June falls on a Monday night. I’m looking forward to it if I’m honest. I’m really enjoying my running at this point in time. I’m running well, not feeling any pressure of having to hit times and paces, but knowing that I can go fairly quickly without it being an uncomfortable or painful effort. It’s a good place to be.
What was that? I haven’t mentioned the weather yet? You know me too well dear reader. It’s going to be shit. Depending on which App you believe, it’s either going to rain lightly or rain heavily. But it is definitely going to rain.
Aware that I may be drenched at the finish, I pack a change of clothes. I also pack my stuff into a waterproof bag inside my normal backpack, as I know my baggage will be sitting on the grass at the finish, exposed to the elements. I’ve being doing this far too long.
One of the Pros of working from home, is that I’m able to get changed, sorted, and out the door for my old friend the Bastard Metro in plenty of time. There are loads of runners from my club doing this tonight, therefore there’s quite a few at the Station when I get there.
When we arrive, there is rain in the air, but it’s light. Which is just as well, as we’re going to be standing around it in for a while. Despite the race not starting till 7:30pm, everything has to be on the Baggage Buses by 6:20pm.
One thing it isn’t is cold. So I may be wet, but I’m warm wet. Which sounds dodgy when you say it out loud. I mentioned earlier that there were shitloads of runners from my Club doing this one. So we all head to the front of the Law Courts for a big group photo. The Mayor, never one to pass up a photo op, jumps in on it. The cheeky bastard.
Where’s Wally
Despite the song telling us to start outside the Balmbra’s Music Hall in the city centre, we’re on the Quayside. For two reasons really. Balmbra’s is long gone for one. The second reason is just speculation, but I imagine the surge in popularity of the race has meant that, logistically, it’s far easier to manage down here by the river.
I do a mile warm up, then wait for one of my fellow runners to have a quick piss. At this point I bump into someone I used to work with who I haven’t seen in ages. Unfortunately, whilst I enjoy the catch up and salacious gossip about my ex-colleagues, I lose track of time. And don’t get in the Pen in time. Whoops.
There is no way of getting in now either. Not only am I not in the Pen, I’m at the back behind a huge crowd and can’t even push my way through. Not that I would anyway. That would be a dick move.
You know what? Starting at the back might be fun. It’s a new challenge. My gun time will be shite, but at least it should make things interesting.
I’m so far back, I don’t even hear the gun. I’ve no idea even if the race has started. It must of though, as those of us at the back are funnelled into the pen. I eventually get over the line at around the 5 minute mark.
Remember 2 paragraphs ago when I said starting at the back might be fun? It isn’t. It’s a fucking nightmare. I’m not blaming other runners though. Most people have got into the pen based on their pace. I’m the one who’s fucked up and hasn’t.
Therefore I’m having to duck and weave around much slower runners. Again though, I can’t stress enough how much I’m cursing my own stupidity at this stage, and not anyone I have to pass. They all started at the right spot. El Dipshit here didn’t.
I people dodge on the way back home
The first two miles follow the road along the River. This is the part I spend most of my time zig zagging around other people. Unsurprisingly then, that these turn out to be my slowest 2 miles of the night – a 7:42 and a 7:36. Still not too shabby though.
We then pop out at Scotswood Road where, as I expected, the field opens up and there is a bit more space. That’s because I’ve managed to pass the majority of the back of the field, coupled with it being a dual carriageway and a wider road.
We’re going to be on Scotswood Road for 2 miles ish. It’s raining, but like Andie MacDowell, I haven’t noticed. 4 Weddings is a shite film by the way. I’m British, I’m allowed to say that. I’ve hit my stride now anyway. I feel strong. I feel like my pace is fairly quick but sustainably.
Gawn Alang the Scotswood Road.
And my pace is quick. Mile 3 is 7:15. Look at me. I go over the Scotswood Bridge onto the South side of the River and hit a 7:19 Mile 4. I’m amazed at how good I feel at those paces. Marathon and Club night training doing its thing.
Just the Blaydon Highway, another dual carriageway, to go before we turn into Shibdon Park where we’ll finish on the grass. My Mile 5 is another 7:15. I think it’s fair to say, I’ve made up a lot of the ground from starting at the back.
I’m starting to feel it a little bit now. I definitely couldn’t sustain this pace for a 10 miler or a Half Marathon, that’s for certain. Having said that though, my last .80 of a mile is still a 7:21.
So, onto the field, last push to the Finish line, and I’m over in 43:39. I will take that and then some, especially when you consider my start. I’m also quite impressed with my second 5k. Signs that, maybe, there’s an even faster 10k in there somewhere.
Race photos are brutal, aren’t they?
It’s still raining lightly when I finish, and my bag is out in the open as predicted. So putting stuff in the waterproof bag was a good idea. Go me.
What I also like about this race is the Finishers pack. You get a running shirt, which I’m always grateful for, plus a sandwich and a can of Beer. All bases covered.
I spot one of my fellow club runners and we head straight for the free buses back to the start. This is really well organised, we’re straight on, and it doesn’t take us long to get back.
Being British, we head to the Pub. Course we do. Quite a few of the crew are there, but it’s quieter than usual, the rain has got a bit harder and put a few off.
A couple of pints down the hatch to quench the thirst, before I head off with a couple of others for the Metro home. Which breaks down halfway back. Because it’s shit.
Metro shitness aside, it’s been another good night of racing. Yes, I fucked the start up, but I’m more than happy with how I ran. Plus, I enjoyed it. That’s the key. Yes, getting a good time is great and all, but if you’re not enjoying it, then what’s the point?
Next up, the Tynedale Pie and Peas 10k in July where, guess what, you get Pie and Peas at the end. I mean, what’s not to like?
“So, the Labyrinth is a piece of cake, is it? Well, let’s see how you deal with this little slice…”
Jareth, Labyrinth
Now that pesky Marathon is out the way, it’s time to get back to racing. Well, I don’t really have a choice. I’d forgotten I’d signed up to a 10k race just two weeks later. Why am I so stoopid, to quote the brilliant Sifan Hassan.
This is also a 10k race with a mile climb in it. That you do twice. However, it is a hill I know well, as I grew up at the top of it. My youth was spent, walking, cycling, running, and drunkenly staggering up it. The latter when I was bit older, obviously. Therefore, I like to think I have the ‘muscle memory’ advantage. I tell myself that, anyway.
When I was a kid, I used to watch this race every year. I would sit on the wall outside my house and clap the runners as they passed. I always said that one day I would do it. It took a couple of decades, but eventually I did.
I know, that sounds like a proper shit film. And it would be. At least if we got Michael Bay to direct, it might have some ridiculous explosions in it. What am I even talking about. Who knows.
Back to the Cookson, post-Marathon I’ve been ok. My left hip has been a little sore, but not when running and not to the point where I’m in any real pain. I’m just aware of it.
My biggest problem has been the need to retrain myself to run fast. Or untrain my Marathon pace. And I have 2 and a half weeks to do it.
Someone at the club has told me though, having gained a tremendous level of fitness from the training blocks, I should be hammering out belter 10ks. I’m not convinced.
I want to try and match or better my Cookson time from last year, which will require a 7:58 pace. On my runs leading up to here, I’ve been nowhere near that. However, in a race situation with others, it’s amazing what you can pull out the bag. Or so I hope. As a precaution, I spend the 48 hours leading up to the race shouting ‘faster you bastards’ at my legs. That should do it.
The great thing about this race is that the Start and Finish are less than a mile from my house. So I really have no excuse. I’m allegedly at the top of my running fitness game, with no ball ache logistics getting there and back. Basically, I have no excuses if I’m shit.
Just taking a look at the course, it’s 2 laps of the below. As I mentioned earlier, from the green dot to the roundabout just before the 7 is the hill. What goes up, must come down though, so from just before the 8 to back to the start is downhill. So, two long climbs, two long drops.
Not as flat as it looks
Last year, my build up wasn’t exactly ‘elite’ standard. I was in Greece on a family holiday, only landing 4 hours before the start time. My hydration and pre race diet wasn’t great either. I think I sweated out about 20 gallons of Mythos. Despite all of that, I got a PB. No, me neither.
As tempting as it was to prepare for this year in a similar fashion, downing copious amounts of Mediterranean Larger on the days leading up to it isn’t really recommended. It’s not big, and it’s not clever. It is fun though.
After an attempt at the weekend to do 10 miles at a faster pace, I follow this up with an easy 5 on the Monday. Then on the Tuesday, I skip the Club session and have a rest day. Look at me, what a pro.
So to Race night, and it’s not a bad evening for a run, 11c and sunny. There has been a manky coldish wind kicking about for a few days. As usual, it’s coming in off the sea, but in this instance that’s a good thing, as it will be behind us on the climbs.
The aforementioned start (and finish) is at a local school. As I half arsedly walk towards it, it’s the usual pre-race scenes I’ve grown accustomed to. Pockets of beasts doing shuttle runs, sprints, slow jogs, whatever their poison is. This used to intimidate me. Now I’m tired just watching them.
I dump my stuff in the school and have a good old chin wag with some of my fellow club runners. I’m still drinking off the glory of my Marathon exploits, in that I’m still being asked about it, so it’s nice to continue boring people with it nearly 3 weeks later.
After a few minutes of holding court, we head down to the starting corral. This isn’t a massive race, 500 places with only about 400 of those usually turning out. Due to us starting on a pedestrian path though, it can feel quite congested at the start.
Some quick words from the Race Director (basically, be careful now) and away we go. As soon as we start, we hit a sharpish right turn. This bit is always a little chaotic. I marshalled this point one year and thought I was going to die. Death by a thousand Vaporflys, trampling over my head.
I feel great once we start. Perhaps too good, as I notice I’m doing sub 7 min mile pace. Whoa there. I slow down, but not too much, seeming to settle on around a 7:40 pace for this first mile up the hill.
Still, that’s quite quick for me on a 10k. Once at the top we pass my childhood home, and I give the aforementioned gate post I used to sit on and watch this race a slap as I pass it. They’ll stick that in the movie.
It’s a quick right into the Lonnen. This is another trip down memory lane. The Lonnen is basically an old short country road that connected two villages. It was at the end of my road, so I used to play down it as a kid a lot.
Not only that, it’s also where I started my running journey. It’s a quiet road most of the time, and as it winds round fields, it’s sort of like being in the countryside, even though you’re not. So perfect for running. Sadly, it’s also doomed. 5,000 houses are about to go up around it. Progress eh?
Nostalgia aside, it also marks the point that we’re going to be heading down hill for a mile or so. It’s a lovely early summer evening, and flying down through the fields with the sun starting to set will never get boring. It’s nights like tonight why I run.
Running Utopia
As I head round to complete Lap 1, I’m aware that this is going quite well. I feel quite strong and my pace is in for a Cookson and 10k PB. However, Lap 2 of this is always the tester. You’ve just done a quick 5k, can you climb for a mile?
I said at the start of this review that I had the advantage of muscle memory when it came to this hill. Well, it’s time to test that theory. I attack it from the off and feel great. I’m passing people who are huffing and puffing on the way up, turning to them as I pass and shout ‘WHAT YOU GOT?’ That last bit may be a lie. However, I know that these people will shoot past me on the flat and downhill. That’s life. For now, I’ll have my moment on the hill.
I’m maintaining pace once I hit the flat and still feel strong. This is going great and, whatever happens now, this is going to be a really enjoyable run. One of those where you’re not fighting to keep going, you feel loose and fast, but I’m also not arsed about what everyone else is doing. If people are passing me on these closing stages, I’m not even noticing to be honest.
Levitating with half a mile to go
I cross the line in 46:32, with a pace of 7:25. It’s a 10k PB, 4 minutes faster than last year. I’m given an official time of 46:30, finishing in a respectable middle of the pack 182nd. Not a bad nights work.
Love a hill
As the course itself is just over 6.2 miles, my official 10k PB pings up as 46:10. If I never run a quicker 10k in my life, I’ll be absolutely fine with that. This is my ‘home’ course, so if this is the one my PB will always stand against, it would be quite profound. If you believe in that kind of shite.
Because of all the above, it’s fair to say I’m delighted with this run. When races come together like this, weather, pace, body, mind and enjoyment, you embrace them.
Next up, the iconic Blaydon Race in June. Hopefully, I bottle whatever I’ve got at the minute and take it with me. Especially if it’s a bottle of EPO. I’m kidding again. I have no idea where to buy it.
The fact is, I’m having fun with my running at the moment, and isn’t that really what it should all be about?
“If anyone is feeling anxious, worried or maybe you just want a chat, please, please do not come crying to me.”
Sister Michael, Derry Girls
It feels like an age since I wrote a Race Review. The last one, it transpires, was in January, when I covered the North Tyneside 12k Trail Run.
What I do know is that I’ve really struggled to write this post. I think I’ve rewritten this whole first section half a dozen times. Honestly, if you think this intro is shit, you should have seen what got binned.
Before I cracked on with this review, I went back and re-read a blog I posted way back on the 1st January. It talked all about my motivations and expectations of training for and then running a Marathon.
It does make interesting reading. Well, it does to me, as it’s a mindset 18 or so weeks ago of someone stepping into the unknown. There’s a teeny bit of fear in there, not overtly, but you can certainly smell it.
Fast forward to May, and I’m on a plane, heading to Belfast, ready to run that Marathon. I’ve brought the family with me, a nice extended Friday to Tuesday weekend. Time for sightseeing, with a pesky 26.2 mile run squeezed in on the Sunday.
We arrive on the Friday after only a 40 minute flight. Honestly, I’ve been stuck on the Metro longer than that. I love Northern Ireland straight away. Our Taxi driver is loud and a bit mental, exactly how I like them.
Our hotel is right in the City Centre. It’s also going to be on the route of the Marathon – mile 9 to be precise. This gives the family a great and convenient spot to see me on the day. They can literally have a lie in, breakfast, then saunter outside. Don’t worry family, I’ll do all the work.
Saturday morning, after an extremely restrained breakfast where I stay well away from the all you can eat fry up buffet, I’m off to the Expo to pick up my number.
Again, the location of the Hotel is a winner here, as the Belfast ICC is only a 10 minute walk straight down the road. I couldn’t even get lost if I tried. Signs, literally, of what is to take place tomorrow are already on show.
Careful now
I’ve never been to a Marathon Expo before. Obviously this one is much smaller in scale to the major ones, but it’s fairly busy and very well organised. We’ll come back to these later, but there are three separate events on the Sunday – The Marathon, The Marathon Relay, and the 8k Walk. Everyone is filtered through to the right area.
As I come in, one of the Volunteers asks ‘Marathon?’, and for the first time I get a tiny ping of nerves. It passes quickly though, and I pick up my number and pack from the lovely ladies on the desk. The nerves quickly disappear, as my instincts about this race seem to be right. I wanted my first Marathon to be fairly chilled, no drama, no stress. A short walk to a busy but not crazy Expo is a great start.
I can even leave my bag here today, which I do, to save the stress of messing about tomorrow. It’s a good start, and other than making sure I catch one of the Shuttle Buses in the morning, all of the logistical stuff is done. Easy peazy.
In the afternoon, we do the City Bus Tour. This is a great way to do some sightseeing whilst also staying off my feet. It’s also a recce for the course. The tour takes us round various parts of it, including the hilly bits, which I want to see in advance. The verdict? Hilly in parts, but nowt dramatic.
In the evening, I deploy the Eat Pasta, Run Faster principle at a lovely local restaurant. This is all going too well. I get to bed early, feeling far too relaxed and prepared with the whole thing.
I sleep surprisingly well and, much to my daughter who is sharing our rooms disgust, up at 6am to get ready and put some fuel down me. Porridge, Battle Bar, Banana. Breakfast of Champions.
I’m staying just round the corner from the City Hall, and this is where the organisers have provided free buses to get us to the start at Stormont. Again, this is well organised, and I get on one with no issues. I look around and it’s full of lots of very serious game faces. I just look out the window, still feeling quite chilled about all of this.
It’s quite a quick journey to Stormont and we’re there in no time. It’s a beautiful morning, and Stormont looks stunning in the early sun. It’s a fantastic place to start any race from.
Lovely Stormont
It isn’t too busy just yet, so I head for my final toilet stop. There are only 12 portaloos, which isn’t great if I’m honest. I always find that most races, big or small, tend to balls this up. By the time we start in a hour, the plants and bushes around Stormont have had an extra water, as runners dive into anywhere to avoid the queues. I have to imagine anyone going for a nice stroll around the place later that afternoon would be enjoying the strong smell of piss.
The Start line itself is on a downhill coming out of Stormont. Again, it looks fantastic. On the TV footage that I watch later, they have a drone shot of this where it looks even more spectacular.
The Start. Love a downhill
Two other guys from my Club are running this (they blame me for planting the seed) and we meet up and chew the fat before the race starts. This really helps with the nerves, having two familiar faces who I’ve trained with, here with me, miles from home.
You know what though, what nerves? I’m not nervous. We talk this out and realise none of us are nervous. We’re feeling confident, no fear. We’re ready, we’ve put in the miles and trust the process. I’ve got a tiny ping of excitement, which is a bit weird. Really, I should be shitting myself.
The starting pen is very relaxed. I mean, there are no pens, no barriers, just see where the pacers are and position yourself accordingly. Handshakes with my club buddies, we all go and stand where we kind of want to be. For me, that is a little behind the 4 hour pacer. I want anything sub 4:10, but I’m not nuts enough to try and do anything stupid. I promised my wife.
No, today is about running the race I trained for. Run the whole thing, no stopping, keep a steady pace to get me in the 4-0-something ballpark. The horn goes, let’s do this shit.
I’ve not mentioned the weather yet, which is weird, as I’m properly fucking obsessed with it. Well, it’s ‘perfect’ for running. Allegedly. 11c and a bit of a breeze. It’s Sunny (and it will stay that way all the way through) but it will never get warmer than 12-13c.
As soon as I come out of Stormont, the crowds are great. This will be repeated throughout the course. Whilst there are only 4,000 of us running the full Marathon, there are another 18,000 doing the 5 leg Relay.
I feel good. My head and my body feel like they’re in the mood. I hit my pace and keep it as well. Canny start. The first Relay changeover is just after 4 miles and it’s carnage.
There are SHITLOADS of runners waiting for a baton changeover. How they spot people I have no idea. Full Marathoners are told to keep right by Stewards, Relay runners to the left, but there’s lots of criss-crossing and it’s a miracle I don’t get tripped. Thankfully, as the race goes on and the field opens up, the four remaining change overs are far calmer.
At mile 5 a runner saunters up beside me and starts to chat. His name is Nick, and he currently lives about 3 mile up the road from me. He spotted my club vest so knew I was local to him. So begins the start of a new friendship, forged over the next 21 miles.
In fact, Nick used to run for my Club. He’s in Northern Ireland as this is where is wife is originally from. He’s going to be moving here permanently in the next year or so. He’s also more of a Triathlete these days, but is a Marathon veteran. He’s running after just recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, can he tag along with me?
So from here till the finish (spoiler alert) it’s me and Nick. The next few miles fly by. We cut through Ormeau Park at mile 7 which is a nice change in scenery. This is also the only part of the course we will see again – we’ll finish here. That’s still another 19 miles away however..
We’re now heading into the City Centre, mile 9, and the spot where my family will be. I come round the corner, hang right, and I spot them straight away. My daughter takes a few photos, including the one below. It’s great to see them, and my wife points out later that I hit this section at exactly the time I told her I would. So far, so good.
My Daughters pic at Mile 9
We’re now heading out of the City and into South Belfast. We pass the Rise Sculpture and Windsor Park, as we drop further South and hit the half way point. I suddenly feel great, and Nick and myself pick up the pace a bit.
We’re about to hit an interesting section of the course, heading towards North Belfast via the Falls Road and the Shankhill Road. If you know your history of Belfast and the ‘troubles’, you’ll recognise these as famous, or infamous depending on your views, places of cultural importance.
We’re starting to climb for the first time as well. Very subtlety, but it’s definitely there. The crowds are still out in their droves and are noisy and encouraging. Throughout the course, I hear a few shouts for my club vest. It’s lovely support, and much appreciated.
Between the Falls Rd and the Shankhill Rd, we go through the gates and into the Peace Wall. Again, the cultural and historical importance of this is not lost on me. It’s also the start of some real testing and steady hills. We’re going to have about 2 miles of this.
The support both sides of the wall is fantastic. I hate to get all wanky, but it really is a humbling experience as I run along the wall. Just thinking about how different a place this was, even in the 90s, to how it is now. I’m not naive enough to think it’s all sunshine and lollipops between the two sides now, but I certainly wouldn’t have entertained doing a Marathon in this city 30 years ago. It’s come a long way.
We push through these hills, from around 17-19 mile, and we’re onto the most northerly part of the course – The Water Works. This is the old and decommissioned reservoir that used to serve the city. It’s now a nice park.
In fact, I’m told that this is where the first ever Parkrun in Northern Ireland took place. I can see why, with its waterside path and rolling hills in the background, it’s a lovely place for a run. Maybe not when it’s at mile 20 of a Marathon.
Last 10k to go. This is it. We pop out of the Water Works and a lady shouts at us ‘you look fabulous lads.’ And you know what, I think we probably do. I feel ok. The legs are a little tired, but not to the point where I feel like I’ll need to stop. My pace is steady and on target. If anything, it’s going too well.
We’ve now got some lovely downhill as we head South East back towards the finish in Ormeau Park. We’ll go via the river Tow Path, then round the outside of the park, before cutting in for the finishing straight. The Tow Path, at around 23 miles, is the first point I notice runners pulling up. I’m not going to do that though. I mean, look at me, I’m not even sweating.
I laugh in the face of Mile 23
Off the Tow Path, we’ve got a testing mile coming up – the Ormeau Rd. I was expecting this, a mile of steady uphill. This section is tough, but it’s where the crowd play their part. There is a tight funnel of people on the road, all shouting us up it. It’s amazing. I feel like I’m on a mountain section of the Tour de France. My legs are a bit tired, but I’m pushing through strong and the supporters are really driving me on.
Suddenly, we’re reached the top of the climb, it’s a sharp left, and we’re dropping down a hill on the other side of the park. This is mile 26, the last one, and the realisation hits me that I’m going to make it.
I’m going to run a full Marathon, without stopping, and it looks like at the pace and time I was after. Any drop in energy, or weariness in my legs, disappears. Nick and I shake hands while we run this stretch, thanking each other for the company and the mutual help getting through it.
Once again, the crowds are plentiful and loud. We come into the Park and can see the finish. I’m punching the air as I come in. Afterwards, when I check all of the photos, I find as usual that 99% are shit. But the one below is a doozy. Hang it in the Louvre.
FINISHING IN BEAST MODE
I glide over the line, arms outstretched, with a time of 4:06:39. Get. The. Fuck. In. Unofficially (but factually), I hit 26.2 in 4:05:33. Right in the wheelhouse of what I was aiming for. Nick and myself give each other a big hug. That’s about as emotional as I get. I should be crying, jumping up and down, something like that. But instead, a big manly ‘thank you’ hug is all I need or want. Cheers Nick.
I receive my medal, and I think it’s a beaut. Same with the finishers top. Modelled here later in the hotel after my wife made me pose so she could send it to randoms.
Medal Wanker
I bid Nick goodbye as he wanders off to find his wife, thanking him once again and wishing him luck. The two other guys from the club spot me and again it’s big man hugs all round. They have also had blinders. The club WhatsApp group has been live tracking us throughout, and it’s mad to check it and see in real time everyone’s rooting for us hundreds of miles away.
We feel so good, we skip trying to get on a shuttle bus back to the centre, and just walk it. It’s a 20 minute walk, but I couldn’t give a shit. I still seem to have energy, the legs haven’t given up. I think it’s adrenaline.
My daughter meets me outside the Hotel and it’s more hugs. I’m enjoying the hugs. I have a glorious shower then pop down to the bar where I down a Guinness. Because I can.
After some recovery yoga and a nice little nana nap, the family head to the Europa for a celebration meal. I burned 3,400 calories today, I intend to replace them. I have the Fish, Chips, and Mushy Peas. It’s Heaven. I wash it down with more Guinness, then stuff my face with Sticky Toffee Pudding. Again, because I can.
We finish the long weekend on the Monday by going to the Titanic Museum, which by the way is brilliant. My quads are a bit stiff, but other than that I’m in good nick.
Not the Titanic.
What a Weekend. I don’t know whether the stars aligned, Lady Luck was shining, or someone above (or below) was on my side, but everything seemed to come together. From travel, to prep, to race, to finish.
Would I do another one? Probably. Would it be Belfast? It’s a good shout. For now, it’s time to take stock, and concentrate on the shorter stuff I have in the next few weeks and months.
For reference, here is the course as published by the organisers.
So, here we are. Week 16. The end of training. By Sunday afternoon, I’ll either be a Marathoner or a DNF. Either way, I know I’ve done my best. I’ve followed the Club plan pretty much to the letter, give or take one or two sessions.
If it goes tits up on Sunday, then it goes tits up. It won’t be for the lack of trying or prep, it’ll just not be my day. What I have done over the last 16 weeks, is give myself the best opportunity to make sure it does go my way. And you can’t say fairer than that.
Philosophical bollocks out of the way, it’s time to look forward to the big day. Over the weekend, London and Manchester Marathons both happened. The vast majority of my Club Marathon WhatsApp group were either doing one or the other. I mean, none of them were doing both. That would be nuts.
If you live in the UK you’ll know that Sunday was the start of a mini heat wave. So, unfortunately, both runs took part in slightly unseasonably temperatures. And lots of people suffered in it.
The WhatsApp support group starts to be the complete opposite. I’m under no illusions that next week is going to be hard, but hearing horror story after horror story coming in on the Sunday starts to put a dent in my confidence.
That evening I decide I need to shut out the noise. So I lock the chat, whilst also making a conscious decision to stay off Social Media. I think proper athletes call it ‘being in the zone.’
Ah, that’s better.
On to week 16. I already feel like I have a bit more in the legs after the slightly lower milage week, especially with a two day rest. That means the weights session feels quite good. Another bit of good news, the Weather is looking like it won’t be too gruesome. The Met Office is predicting sunny spells, 11c when I set off, about 13-14c when I predict to finish. I’ll take it.
Back to this week, Tuesday sees my final Club session. I’m quite looking forward to it as well. No 5 mile warm up required, and I’ve to drop to a slightly slower and less intense group. Lovely.
It means I’m back in my old group that I was ‘promoted’ from 15 months ago. The session is 4 loops around the estate where I did some of my Threshold sessions. It’s a warm one tonight, the warmest it’s been all year.
There is something quite cathartic about it. Thinking about the cold and dark Thursdays I was dragging my arse round here, then tonight I get to sit on the back of a slower group and trot around on a glorious evening. The only negative is that there are a lot of greenfly in the air. I hope they’re full of protein, as I must have swallowed hundreds of them.
What is also lovely about this session is that a few people approach me and wish me good luck for Sunday. These are genuinely nice gestures, and I’m actually quite touched by it. It’s been a good night. My legs felt good, the run was enjoyable, and it’s given me a great confidence boost.
Wednesday is due to be even warmer than Tuesday. In fact, the next two days are the peak of the heatwave, before it thankfully dies off. The warmer weather means the sea front will be packed, so for my Easy 6 miles I’m going to head down the Wagonway.
It’ll be much quieter down there, plus there are pockets of shade. This will be much easier than my usual easy as well – I’m going to slow it right down. It’s a beautiful evening. It’s like it was meant to be, if you believe such stuff.
My knees are a bit stiff, but the legs are noticeably less heavy and tired. I enjoy this run, especially on the turn and back for the last 3 miles. The mood is good, and so is the playlist.
And then, it was over. It’s Thursday. It’s the last run of my Marathon training. Should I be emotional or something? I’m not sure how I feel. Maybe I’ll re-read all of the past weeks the night before and it will sink in then.
For now though, the end involves an easy 4 miles with some hill reps. It’s going to be peak heatwave day and evening, hitting 22c, so I’m again going to avoid the sea front.
Well, that was the plan, until around 4pm ish, when the clouds and a breeze roll in and it drops to a much more pleasant temperature. Ironically, I’ve spent the last 16 weeks slagging off the weather coming in off the sea. During a heat wave though, it’s a beautiful thing.
I do some half arsed hill reps down the Quarry to start with, then head down and along the sea front. The biggest thing I notice, is that my legs aren’t tired. In fact, they feel the freshest they have in months.
The sea front is busy, but not too busy. Between the weather, my legs, and the coast being fairly quiet, this is a perfect way to finish it. And finish I do.
I’m not sure how I feel. Maybe it will sink it later, but the answer to ‘will I feel emotional’ when I finish is, well, no. I feel nothing. What a cold bastard.
The important thing is that I’ve got through it injury free. Nothing pulled, twisted, tweaked, or torn. Getting to the Start line healthy should never be sniffed at.
Never been so happy to see cloud
So, there we are. The next time you hear from me will be the Marathon review. The tone of that review is unknown.
I’ll leave you with this in the meantime though..
When I first agreed to take up the Marathon plan, there were a set of rules to adhere to. Firs one was ‘no fucking walking.’ Fair enough. Second, was ‘be confident.’ No problem. The third, was to listen to the below. I’m Joe Cal-fucking-zaghe.
Notbuilttorun.com 