OK, so first of all, apologies for the longer video!

But the Great North Run probably deserves some decent time, as it's (apparently) the worlds biggest halfmarathon. Regardless, it's certainly my biggest i.e., only half marathon to date and it was filled with mixed emotions. In the weeks and days leading up to it I was flitting between excited and "it's just another run" vibes. On the morning of the run I was slightly nervous about getting there on time, not the actual run. (Make sure you plan your travel and allow for busy traffic/public transport).

I knew it would be busy, but I was not expecting the amount of waiting around, and oddly for a guy with bad knees it was my back that was sore by the end of the day and not my knees, no doubt due to 3+ hours of standing around in the rain, together with tummy ache and lack of sleep it took the shine off the memory of the day slightly.

But the run itself is largely an absolute joy, with runners, volunteers and spectators all making for a unique atmosphere and essentially a 13 mile long support chain. Initial misgivings on the evening after the run, largely due to tiredness and tummy ache, have given way to the realisation that running GNR is among many other things an achievement, an epic journey of self discovery and affirmation, and a chance to find out about some wonderful causes that people run for.

Take a break, grab a coffee (seriously, it'll keep you awake through my voice overs ) and enjoy the GNR from a firsttime halfmarathon runner.

Thanks for watching!