#great north run

[insidecroydon]

Coulsdon's Tiernan is running together to help NHS charities

Ha’way the lads and lasses: 60,000 are expected to start Sunday’s Great North Run, including many running for NHS charities Sunday’s Great North Run, Britain’s biggest road running event, will include 600 runners taking part to raise funds for NHS charities. One of them will be Coulsdon’s Antony Tiernan. Funds raised during the half-marathon will provide vital support to the NHS, whether that’s…

[blindsteve]

Running in Norway: Beautiful Challenges for the Blind Runner

My latest running training update, how you all enjoy it

Image shows an image of Steve in Norway. Steve is stood facing the camera wearing black shorts, a yellow running shirt with Blind Runner on it. He is stood on a track that is winding off into the trees in the background. To the left of the photo is the river and the background shows the rolling hills and cloudy sky . Hello running blind fans, It’s been a while since my last update but life…

[activeady]

My First Running Video // Great North Run Training // Living With Runner...

[f8ie]

the Great North Run

September 10 2023 was my very first time participating in the Great North Run, an event that had held a special place on my bucket list since childhood. It was also my first half-marathon where I didn't stop.

This was Mo Farah's last ever race before his retirement and I was very happy to be part of it. With 60,000 participants in scorching hot weather, the race day began with a massive queue and by the time I crossed the starting point, Mo Farah and the elite runners had already completed the race!

As I began running, I quickly realized that my pace was 10 minutes and 30 seconds per mile, which I knew was too fast for me. However, with the weather turning cloudy and cooler, I felt good and decided to maintain this pace. After covering 5 miles, I adjusted my goal to finish at least 11 minutes per mile. By mile 8… I was exhausted and I was just determined to finish without stopping, regardless of the pace.

If ever you do GNR, consider having your family or support team cheer you on near the last 2 and 1-mile markers. The temptation to give up becomes remarkably strong at that point, and hearing someone just shout "GO [YOUR NAME]!!!" can help you push through the pain and exhaustion. Kudos to all those strangers shouting my name near the finish line! You have no idea how you have helped me get through all the negative thoughts at that time.

I was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment when I finished. My training for the Great North Run started in January. I followed a daily plan that meticulously broke down each activity. As I progressed through this journey, through the running, strength training, stretching, lazy days, injured days, rainy days, rest days and sunny days, I found myself pondering, "Why on earth am I doing this?"

When I initially signed up, I was motivated by someone really special in my life and raising money for BHF. However, as I neared my goal and exhaustion set in, I came to realize that I was now doing it for myself.

The question became: Can I show up for what I told myself I was going to do?

This challenge had become a personal test of my commitment and determination because recently I have been failing a lot and quitting on things quite easily in other aspects of my life - which resulted in me being stagnant.

Surprisingly, I completed the half-marathon despite never running the full 13.1 miles in one go during training. I am grateful to my past self for choosing that even on the days when I despised strength training and stretching (and trust me, there were plenty of those days!) I still went ahead. I admit there are times when I didn't give my 100%, but the consistency of just showing up daily paid off when the time came to perform.

I felt so much love primarily from my family, who took time off to be there and meet me at the finish line. Thankful to my friends and colleagues (30 supporters) who sponsored me and made donations to my chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation. Going back to work, I was surprised by the messages from colleagues and they wanted to know how it went.

In a nutshell, this half-marathon taught me:

The importance of having a goal

The value of breaking that goal into daily tasks with designated timeframes

The significance of setting a deadline for this goal

How to find fun or seek help on challenging days

The benefits of self-reflection, including recording progress, gathering statistics, and seeking feedback from peers

Taking breaks when needed - BE PATIENT!

The reminder that there will always be people (maybe not all) rooting for your success!

While some may find these lessons obvious or have learned them when they were younger, for me, this half-marathon was the defining moment when I truly grasped the essence of GRIT and SMART goals which hopefully I can use to take on any challenges in my life. (Dramatic as that sounds, I am still saying it.)

Finishing time: 1h 27 minutes Position: 25654

[grumpyghostdoodles]

The Almighty Sheriff!

Save a horse, ride a cowboy~

[isavedyouthewaltz]

Hunk Volleyball! From The Great North "Bad Speecher Adventure” S04E01

[bibleofficial]

god bless sleeping 12hrs nightly

[etoilesbienne]

i am straight up having a bad time right now ngl

[woosh-floosh]

I didn't know "song of the summer" meant an actual popular song that comes out over the summer. I thought it just meant a song you listen to a lot over the summer, so much so that it defines your summer. When asked what the song of the summer is I've been saying shit like "Unicorns by Colour of course!" and "Atlas of an Eye by Hammer No More the Fingers :)" until my Dad asked "Do you actually think people are listening to that?"

Anyways my Song of the Fucking Summer right here:

[phoenixiancrystallist]

DAAAYYYYYYYYY

what the hell day is it *does math* Day 355? No, 354. No? *checks* Yeah. 354. Guys I can't count past like 40 without getting lost, this is really hard for me says the accountant XD

ANYWHO, I have done things! And stuff! And I keep adding unnecessary details to this bed, but the more I add to it the more it looks exactly like every bed in every shitty motel/cheap hotel I have ever stayed in and I'm having fun, so do I care that the detail being added is unnecessary? No I do not. Besides, something other than Iggy's shirt needs a fun texture and I don't get to use the wood grain brush very often :P

[morrigan-sims]

music I actually listen to tag

I was tagged by @simgerale and @latteaki ! thank you both!! <3

✨ When you get this, you have to write down 5 songs you actually listen to and post them. Then send this (ask or tag) to 10 of your favourite followers cool ppl✨

Coffee - Roses & Revolutions, Lostboycrow

Throw Me In The Water - WILD

New Religion - The Heydaze

Rearview - Run River North

Feel Bad - A Story Told

I'm going to tag @wileyfern @wavvi @rebouks @adelarsims @simarcana @void-critters @plasmajayne @warwickroyals @aurorangen @softimbue (no pressure!)

[blindsteve]

Running Blind: Pushing My Performance

Check out my latest running update.

Image shows A map from a run mapped through strava of Steve’s route along the riverside path. To the left of the image is a set timing splits per KM and at the bottom of the image is a line graph of the run showing the elevation v’s speed per KM. Hello running blind fans, so this week we hit two massive milestones for me, firstly I have managed to run constantly for a whole hour and secondly I…

[a-rainbow-girl-detective]

I feel like it's extremely important to note that "you're an explorer, you'll figure it out" is in response to this:

aparently in the latest fantastic 4 comics johnny storm has been in a relationship with an alien, and that would be pretty standard affair for marvel heroes, right.

except someone at marvel with fucking balls of steel and the biggest brain in the known universe made the alien look... actually alien

this is the greatest thing ive seen in my life, is almost enough to make me want to read the comic

[f8ie]

This is pancit! I have signed up for the Great North Run, a half-marathon that has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. I have been living in the North East for most of my life, yet I only learned today that the GNR is the world's largest half-marathon, with people from all over the world taking part even Mo Farah and other famous athletes.

There are four ways to participate:

Join the AJ Bell GNR membership for £70 for three years. This will secure your place and you get a shirt.

Enter the general ballot for £59 to be placed in a draw. If you are not chosen, they will refund the money.

Run for a charity, which is what I did. I had to pay £30 to sign up and raise at least £500 for the chosen charity, which in my case is the British Heart Foundation (BHF). I've always wanted to run for them, for a special person who went through congenital heart disease, and I've been volunteering in their shops since I was a teenager.

Sign up as an Elite runner - You have to have a finishing time of 1 hour 30 minutes (for women) to even make it onto the list.

For option 3 I've set up a JustGiving page. To fundraise I was thinking of sell my stuff, my mum's home made greeting cards, bake banana bread, sell plants, and make little cat crochet keyrings.

We are all encouraged to join the TeamBHF on Facebook.

***Update for March: After signing up, I was connected to Full Potential, a personal coaching company for all BHF runners. I had to fill out a Google form to provide my current health status, including how much exercise I do in a week, etc. They responded with a very comprehensive guide and a daily schedule for my training. The schedule includes information on running, rest days, types of runs, and strength training, covering the period from March 13 to race day, with an additional 2 weeks for recovery afterward. I used Google Calendar to map out all of my training to remind me and use Strava to collect data on my workouts and runs. I used my Apple watch to time my pace and heart rate. I also used Nike Training Club for my strength training exercise (my favourite is Bettina Gozo and Brian Nunez).

Somewhere in the middle of my training, around July, we had a Zoom call with Full Potential's Keith and Debbie. They asked about our progress and if we had any questions. It was a great opportunity to feel like a part of Team BHF. Throughout the training, we received numerous reminders and updates via email about what we needed to do. Weeks before the race day, I experienced some discomfort in my right hip. I contacted Full Potential, and Keith called me to discuss my hip. He advised that I rest and take it easy for two weeks before the race day.

During this training period, I felt well taken care of as a volunteer running for BHF. Full Potential and BHF were easily contactable and they reply very quick. Although I was disappointed that the T-shirt didn't arrive on time, in hindsight, I should have followed up earlier and faster, considering they were dealing with so many people.

SEPTEMBER: In the weeks leading up to the race, I had recurring dreams that I wouldn't be able to run because I forgot my bib. I was very anxious because I was bringing the car to the UK through the ferry for the first time and was filled with dread about crashing and not being able to participate. Thankfully, we arrived safely on Saturday after a 4-5 hour drive. Had a carb loading night eating bacon carbonara with my family. I was just really happy that we are complete for the first time after 5 years :). *RACE DAY*

I had breakfast at 7:30 am, which consisted of apple and cinnamon oatmeal. We arrived in Newcastle around 8:30 am and parked in Eldon Square. However, I learned that this was too early, as the race was scheduled to start at 10:45 am, but the massive crowd caused a long queue (I was in section J which is the last), and I didn't get to run until 1:00 pm. By the time I started, I was quite hungry.

Arriving in the venue there was so much hype that my family was encourage to also take part for next year. Everyone was just so cheery and we were blessed with a nice weather... in my opinion a bit too hot that I was concern I might black out. I received a free hot drink from Greggs, one of GNR's sponsors, but I gave it to my parents because I didn't want upset my stomach. I didn't bother bringing a water bottle since there were plenty of water stations along the route to keep me hydrated. In my pockets, I had Rowntrees fruit pastels for a quick energy boost. Since it was sunny, I decided not to bring my waterproof jacket. I timed my consumption, having 1 or 2 fruit pastilles and sipping water every 3 miles. Overall, I drank at least 3-4 bottles of water and didn't need to use the toilet.

There were many portable toilets, especially at the starting point of the race (not the beginning of the queue), and buses were available to transport our belongings to South Shields. Fortunately, I was with my family, so they carried my stuff.

At the very start of the race, there were so many people that it determined my pace because it was just too crowded. Some people were even carrying random items like a washing machine, a cardboard airplane, dressed up as a rhino or carrying a model of the Tyne Bridge as their personal challenge.

I tried to mentally document every mile:

1 - Going too fast 2 - Still fast and feeling confident that I can maintain this pace 3 - Feeling a stitch, so slowing down. 4 - Trying not to get too upset about slowing down 5 - Getting tired, so slowing down more but trying to stay positive 6 - The stitch moved from the left to the right side of my body, and I had my first Rowntrees 7 - Saw people needing an ambulance twice, which made me a bit scared that I might need it too 8 - Developed a bit of a tummy ache, considered going to the toilets but saw the long queue and changed my mind

Saw the British Heart foundation bus - (so every charity has it's bus dedicated to it) there is a photographer that takes photos of all those running in behalf of them - they distinguish who they are by the tshirt that the runners are wearing, which I was not able to get on time. So they were not able to take a photo of me. 9 - Left side of my body is hurting and feels heavy, particularly my chest. Shaking and stretching my shoulders to awaken my left side. 10 - Questioning my life choices, wondering why I'm putting myself through this. 11 - I'm almost there!!! There are shower places which you can go through like a car wash to give you a bit of a cold wet breeze which I didn't like. Some kid had a water gun and i moved away because I don't actually like getting wet but somehow he still squirted water on my eye. 12 - Questioning why is this mile so long? 13 - Just sprinting and closing my eyes until I reach the finish line. I heard people scream my name which gave me a little bit of push to sprint. Reached the finish line. My head is throbbing, I kept walking, feeling all the pain in my legs. I want to see my family so I can go and eat all the carbs I can think of.

After finishing the race, I can say that my overall experience of the GNR was amazing! The crowds was buzzing and you can really feel the people coming together to celebrate this event. People coming out of their houses offerings sweets, beer, orange slices and even sprinkling water to combat the summer heat. I truly enjoyed it and I believe it was very well organized and a great example of excellent event planning. (I mean it's been going on for 42 years). I knew where to go both before starting the race and after finishing it. There was an app that allowed my family and colleagues to track my progress by showing which miles I had completed, my pace, and the estimated time of my finish.

After crossing the finish line, there was a clear path to follow. First, there was a water station, then you received your medal, followed by a giveaway station where you lined up based on your T-shirt size (only 3 choices). In the giveaway bag, you received popcorn, an energy bar, and your finisher T-shirt. Then you were directed to the photo wall, and you could easily locate your family as the meeting points were organized by letter.

Unfortunately, it rained so heavily minutes after I finished that it flooded South Shield's metro. It caused a congestion as everyone just want to go home all at the same time. I wanted to experience the Apre-Run Zone or just get a massage but it was just too wet and we just wanted to go home. In hindsight if I ever get to do this again. 09:00 - eat breakfast 10:00 - arrive in Newcastle 10:45 - be in line 13:00 - run! BOOK A HOTEL/B&B in South Shields to avoid that chaos if ever it rains again. One might want to park there because at least you are in the car when it rains but seeing the traffic it was probably faster to walk 3 miles and get to the nearest open metro.

Overall I am glad I am able to cross this off my bucket list. I will probably not do this again alone, but if any of my family members are up for it I might do it with them. I have learned so much triaining for this and in the future I hope to be able to do the London Marathon if given the chance.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

“Man’s Leg Broken By Train’s Impact,” North Bay Nugget. July 29, 1932. Page 1. ---- James Dale of Kirkland Lake Believed to Have Tried Suicide ---- As the result of what is believed to have been an attempt at suicide, James Dale, aged 45, of Kirkland Lake is confined to St Joseph's General Hospital suffering from a fractured right leg.

Dale received his injuries at about 2.30 yesterday afternoon approximately 45 mile north of here on the T.N.O. when struck by freight train No. 85, north bound, which left North Bay at 12.15 pm.

It was reported that the man was lying on the tracks apparently waiting for the oncoming freight to end his existence, but the engineer, sighting the man in time brought the train to stop before it passed over Dale. He was struck by the locomotive, however, but his injuries were confined to the broken leg. 

Brought into the city late in the afternoon on a freight and removed to the hospital he was attended by Dr. A. H. McMurchy.

[maxbegone]

The election doesn’t start tomorrow, it ends tomorrow.

If you haven’t already, please make sure you are registered to vote and know where your polling place is (vote.org is a great and easy way to get that information). Additionally, please make sure you have a way to get to your polling place. Uber and Lyft often give free or discounted rides to the polls, and this year the car rental company, Hertz, is allowing free one-day rentals to get to the polls. More information on that here.

EDIT: NAACP has a discount code to use for Lyft, valid for two rides up to $20 ($40 total). Use code: NAACPVOTE24

The following states allow same day registration for general elections, ie: the presidential election:

California

Colorado

Washington DC

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Iowa

Maine

Maryland

Michigan

Minnesota

Montana

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Mexico

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Note: North Dakota does not require formal voter registration, and upon presenting valid identification at a polling place, eligible citizens receive their ballot to vote.

all info here

The following states are required by law to give you time off to vote (between one and three hours):

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Georgia

Illinois

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Maryland

Massachusetts

Minnesota

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

New York

Ohio

Oklahoma

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

*Most states requiring employers to permit voting leave also require that this time is paid. Among the above, the following do not: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Dakota. (info here)

Again, it is your right to vote. If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line. It is your legal right to vote.

If you are turned away at the polls, say the following verbatim: “Give me a provisional ballot with a receipt as required by law.”

If you make a mistake on your ballot, you have the right to ask for a new ballot. Don’t cross anything out, simply ask for a new one.

Poll workers are required to make reasonable accommodations for voters who need, including ballots in other languages or translators.

Canvassing is not allowed at polling places, and no one is allowed to threaten or intimidate voters. You have the right to report anything of the like.

All info taken from here

Some tips:

Don’t wear political merch to the polls.

Don’t engage with anyone about your politics at the polls.

Don’t take phone calls inside your polling place — it can wait, please be respectful.

Research who is running locally and see what their policies are. Additionally, research any local propositions that may be on the ballot. The language on ballots is made to be purposefully confusing, so make sure you read everything carefully in addition to your research.

If you’re able to get up early on Election Day, go right when your polling place opens to beat the line.

REMEMBER: IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!

Here are a list of state-by-state voter protection hotlines, as well as hotlines in various other languages:

Please vote tomorrow if you have not already. It’s so important, and choosing not to vote or voting for a third party is a vote for extremist measures. Vote down the ballot, and do not let anyone bully you into voting one certain way.

What we are seeing throughout this election cycle (and the last two election cycles) is entirely abnormal. The bullying we see from a certain side and its supporters is childish and dangerous. They spew false information, make racist remarks, and sexualize and discriminate fellow candidates. No single presidential candidate is completely and wholly good, so criticize accordingly.

Vote with those you love in mind, vote with your safety in mind, and vote for those who will be affected for decades to come. Vote for someone who speaks coherently, not for someone who is, let’s be honest, not cognitively alright — and that is the bare minimum of the issue.

If you have anything to add to this post, please do. If anything is incorrect, please let me know and I will gladly change it.

Vote. Vote. Vote.