Towards the end of 1992, I decided that I really wanted to have a go at the Great North Run. It’s safe to say I wasn’t a long-distance runner (or a short-distance one, come to think of it), and the prospect of completing 13.1 miles was daunting to say the least.
I can clearly remember my first training run, when I managed about four hundred yards before my chest started burning, and I started to wheeze like an octogenarian smoker. It was embarrassing; even the blue-rinsers dashing for the bingo could comfortably outpace me.
I persevered and eventually completed five half-marathons before my hip problem was discovered. I hadn’t jogged since the diagnosis, so it was with significant trepidation that I stepped out onto the track at Gateshead International Stadium in August 2014 to attempt a two-mile run.
I know it doesn’t sound far, but equally I was well aware that every step could be the one when one (or more) joints gave out and the challenge would be over. I did some stretches, walked half a lap and jogged a few yards to see if the old magic was still there.
It was…
For about 300 yards!
In fairness, my legs and hips lasted longer than I expected. It very much had shades of 1992 and I had that breathlessness from being totally unfit. It was baking hot too, which didn’t help, but I made sure I was sensible, drinking and pouring water over my head at regular intervals.
The last time I’d run on this track, I was training for the 2005 Great North Run – and did 20 laps in 42 minutes. I’ve heard it said that the stadium is a “fast track” – well, that certainly didn’t apply to the lane I was in!
There were no adoring crowds to cheer me across the finishing line, but equally there were no shouts of, ‘Just shove him out of the way, Beryl! The number 24’s coming and it’s “eyes down” in 20 minutes!’
I can clearly remember my first training run, when I managed about four hundred yards before my chest started burning, and I started to wheeze like an octogenarian smoker. It was embarrassing; even the blue-rinsers dashing for the bingo could comfortably outpace me.
I persevered and eventually completed five half-marathons before my hip problem was discovered. I hadn’t jogged since the diagnosis, so it was with significant trepidation that I stepped out onto the track at Gateshead International Stadium in August 2014 to attempt a two-mile run.
I know it doesn’t sound far, but equally I was well aware that every step could be the one when one (or more) joints gave out and the challenge would be over. I did some stretches, walked half a lap and jogged a few yards to see if the old magic was still there.
It was…
For about 300 yards!
In fairness, my legs and hips lasted longer than I expected. It very much had shades of 1992 and I had that breathlessness from being totally unfit. It was baking hot too, which didn’t help, but I made sure I was sensible, drinking and pouring water over my head at regular intervals.
The last time I’d run on this track, I was training for the 2005 Great North Run – and did 20 laps in 42 minutes. I’ve heard it said that the stadium is a “fast track” – well, that certainly didn’t apply to the lane I was in!
There were no adoring crowds to cheer me across the finishing line, but equally there were no shouts of, ‘Just shove him out of the way, Beryl! The number 24’s coming and it’s “eyes down” in 20 minutes!’