Completing The Great North Run

Sitting at home with the kettle boiling and my medal from Sunday hung up in the window, the buzz and atmosphere of the day is finally beginning to sink in. I never imagined that one day I would be able to run a half marathon but loved every step of the way.

I’ve been training for the Great North Run for a few months around the hills in the Yorkshire Dales. I remember when I first went for a run on the road and was completely out of breath but it was all about building it up and slowly but surely I got fitter and could run for longer. On Sunday all the practice was put into place and it was a proud moment as I crossed the finish line.

I ran for the Brooke charity, Action for Working Horses, Donkeys and Mules as their youth ambassador. I’ve recently been out to east Africa to see their work in action and every mile I ran I thought about the working horses and donkeys.

The atmosphere of the Great North Run really carried me through the race, the public watching at the sides were shouting your name from the front of your badge and spurring you on; it really was a great experience.

As I got to mile 10 there were just 3 miles left, I’d been pacing myself throughout the race so picked up the pace until I got over the finish line which was a relief and my mum was cheering on from the side lines, which was lovely.

I completed the race in 2 hours 30 minutes, a time which I was very proud of and have raised over £500 for the Brooke charity which is brilliant. I’ve already signed up for the 2020 Great North Run and will be looking to cut down my time slightly.

It was nice to get back home and see all the animals. Although Alf wasn’t with me on the day I knew he would be cheering me on from back home. Since returning home he has been trying to chase me around the fields which wasn’t ideal as my legs are a bit sore!