Johanne's Great North Run by Johanne

I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2hours 14 mins 38 seconds.

Kicking myself now that didn't push harder to achieve 2 hours 10 but will just have to do that next year.

Fantastic fantastic fantastic day and loved every minute of it. Need to get near the front next time as I spent the whole time struggling to pass people and I think that added crucial minutes to my time. Tried to sprint last mile but just impossible as so many people and so many walking. Great atmosphere and cannot believe how quickly the time went.

Worst moment: the portaloos were a nightmare - should have been twice as many.

Best moment: between 6 and 10 miles - pace really good and felt really comfortable, even started to sing along to my ipod (apologies to anyone who had to listen to that). Got to 10K in 61 minutes so knew I was doing an ok time although must have really slowed down on the last three.

2nd Best Moment: the man on the bus shelter with a hose. Why?

What have I learned from this: that I need to be faster and although I have the stamina I need to do some proper training to improve speed. Intervals and hills I suppose. If I am up to it going to try the Castle Howard 10K next weekend and work on the hilly bits that crippled me last year.

Definately doing it next year and already looking for another half marathon to try before then (maybe).

Good luck to everyone for sunday.

Weather looks to be about right so should be good!

All going according to training plan - did 60 minutes on sunday and 20 minutes last night. Rest tonight.

I have learnt so much over the last 16 weeks, things I had not known about in my previous life - running gait, tapering, compeed, zinc oxide tape, pain - but it has all been worth it.

Roll on sunday!

Long time no blog - I have been just too busy running!

The 'Sutton Seven' was a breeze as it turned out. Actually it was really horrid. It was hot and dusty and I didn't like the course. I still don't understand how that airfield was so hilly - how did they land the planes?

A small incline and it wipes me out which is bad news really.

Last sunday I did the Ryedale Run in Malton. This was a fabulous run and I definitely recommend to anyone for next year. Really friendly atmosphere and lovely scenery. Just a really nice course. Now I was  thinking it was a 10 mile run so I started to worry a bit when I got to 9 miles and I still seemed miles faway rom the car park and the finish line. And as it turned out I was - 1.75 miles to be precise as it was a 10.75 mile run!

Did the 10 miles in 1:42 and the 10.75 in 1:47:25. I was very pleased indeed, very very hot, but pleased.

Ran last night 9.2K but my feet were really hurting. I have two black toes nails and a third is hurting. Feet have always been an issue so I am not at all surprised and even if I could change my shoes now, and its way too late, I know it wouldn't make a difference. My feet have been taken over by aliens and I do not recognise them anymore - bloodied blistered black and bruised. I am having 2 days rest now so that they can recover a bit.