Great North Run
by Sue Barbour (Personal Trainer at the Wildmoor Spa and Health Club)
September 2009 arrived … the day I had been training to run the Great North Run. Although I have trained clients for marathons and half marathons running had never been part of my life until 2006.
Health and fitness has for as long as I can remember never been far away. I just love it and the feeling it gives afterwards along with the huge benefits. I guess that’s why I made a decision to change my life in becoming a personal trainer - turning a hobby into a career. My days as an air stewardess and for many years being office based in marketing publishing seem so far removed from today.
In 2006 I decided to enter a 5km Race for Life. I really enjoyed the way in which running made me feel both internally and externally – kind of therapeutic – a way in which to switch off from my sometimes crazy lifestyle! Early in the morning or at the end of the day I felt so much better after running; more energised and ready to face the world in a more positive way. It was so easy to do from home too or when travelling and fitness facilities weren’t close at hand. Suddenly the countryside I thought I knew so well seemed so different from whizzing by in the car. Trainers on, i-pod connected to listen to my favourite music as I ran up those hills and the love of fresh air. How fantastic.
The distance started to grow into 10km and I made a goal to myself in 2009 to enter a 10km race each month from March to August which I achieved knowing the best training of course! I could see my times improving through functional and gym training and running (mostly x 3 week). To my surprise, I won the 10km Race for Life at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire in July.
So when one of my lovely clients who I was training for the Great North Run (half marathon) asked if I’d like to join him and a team of friends in the challenge I hesitated for a second! After all, 13.1 miles is just over double the distance of 10km. I completed the GNR in 1 hr 42 mins and raised just over £1600 for breakthrough breast cancer (thanks again to all those who supported me – greatly appreciated). I found the day rewarding, fun and fabulous. The sun shone in Newcastle, the atmosphere was amazing and 54,000 wonderful people took to the roads to complete the challenge, improve their health, raise money for a charity or sick family member or friend, beat their personal best time or just to try something different. I came somewhere in the top 2,700 and 30th in my age and gender category. If I can do it aged 44, anyone can. Go for it … it could change your health for ever.
For contact details and further information visit Sue's Personal Training page.
