365 - Day 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36

Following the exploits of travelling back from Paris, a good tactical snooze was had on day 29. This meant that I didn't start running on the treadmill until 20:00. I felt quite fresh though and managed half marathon number 29 in 03:22:07.

Day 30 saw a slightly earlier start at 19:00. Once again the treadmill was used. A slightly quicker time of 03:20:54 was done. I was definitely boosted by a really generous donation from Chris Parry earlier in the day. At this point the charity fund for St. Benedict's Hospice stood at £625.13.

Day 31 was a tricky one to manage logistically. As well as fitting 13.1 miles in, there was the small matter of watching Newcastle U18s at Manchester City, checking in to a hotel in Warrington, travelling to Liverpool then watching Newcastle take on Liverpool. Needless to say, I was on the treadmill just before 05:30. I managed to get 6.6 miles done. I had anticipated running the rest in between matches on the cold dark roads of Warrington. Much to my delight, when we checked in, I discovered that the hotel had a treadmill. I rattled off the final 6.5 miles to give a total of 03:25:11. 

I went to the match in high spirits but that was soon crushed! A generous donation to St. Benedict's Hospice from Phil Hargreaves ended the day on a bit of a high at least. 

We drove home from Warrington at the start of day 32. Another generous donation to St. Benedict's Hospice came in via https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365. This one was from long term supporter David Gateshill. 

A monumental tactical snooze was had before hitting the treadmill once again at 19:00. I managed that one in 03:30:11. I was very tired by the end. I was fast asleep as soon as I hit the pillow.

I was supposed to start running on day 33 at 15:00. Work plans put paid to that but I still managed to get out at 16:30. Despite more rotten weather, after 4 consecutive days of running on the treadmill, I was very pleased to get out onto the paths and roads of Bedlington, Stannington and Morpeth. My head torch was put to good use all the way to Morpeth. I made it to the half way point at Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth before heading back home.

This run felt as comfortable as any I'd done this year. I've written many times that my aim is to run at 4mph during these early months. I was ever so slightly slower than that going out but managed a "negative split" to finish in 03:16:11. That turned out to be the second quickest of this campaign (another Morpeth run on day 24 pipped this one by just 20 seconds). 

After 33 days of running half marathon distances, I feel like I've got a little more pace to give. What's holding me back is the thought of having to "do it all again tomorrow". There's also the horrendous conditions I've been running in too. When will this rain stop? 

It's worth repeating that after the run across the USA last summer, I only did one 3 mile test run before embarking on the 365 campaign. Madness some might say. Allowing my feet to recover in time for 365 is my excuse. Paris and 40,000 steps aside, they have recovered really well. I've now managed 432.3 miles and they are showing no signs of the usual problems. So far, 365 is confirming what I thought. There is life left in my feet for running. Day in day out half marathon distances might just be my limit without taking on damage. I'll revisit this thought in a few weeks time.

Family commitments meant that I didn't start running on day 34 until just after 19:30. I could have easily gone on the treadmill again and avoided the rotten weather. However, for some reason, I was looking forward to getting out onto the streets. 

I feel now that I'm in a routine of sorts. Habits have been formed. Donations to St. Benedict's Hospice are fuelling my daily motivation. So day 34 was probably the day when running 13.1 miles every day felt "normal". There's no chance of "I can't be bothered today" or "I'll do it tomorrow instead". It's been a good start. A slow start. But a good one.

Meanwhile, day 34 presented another rotten night weather wise. I really didn't mind. I was well wrapped up. I had some banging tunes on the iPod and 4mph felt pretty comfortable again. I had no particular route in mind so I headed to the Ridley Arms at Stannington. Sadly, I didn't have time to call in for fish and chips! That's only 4.5 miles away to the west. After a few quick calculations I worked out that running on to Bedlington Station and then back home should get me at least the half marathon distance.

I eventually ran past my house at mile 9. That wasn't good for morale I can tell you! It was another 2 miles to Bedlington Station. I made it there in decent time. 

The paths and roads were muddy and flooded in parts. The last few miles back home were a little slower. Although, what I've been noticing recently is a consistent set of mile times. There is now generally less than a minute difference for each of the 13.1 miles I do. That's easy enough to do when running comfortably. 

Kind donations to St. Benedict's Hospice from Eilidh and Keith while I was running were very timely. When donations are made during a run my mind switches from questioning my life choices to "There's another mile and there's another donation. Let's keep moving". Money coming in to the hospice in "real time" is a brilliant feeling. 

I finished day 34 just after 23:00 in 03:27:21. It was a risk to finish so close to midnight. If I ever fail to get 13.1 miles done in a day then this challenge is over!

Day 35 was another tricky one due to travelling to Manchester to watch Newcastle play City in the League Cup. Thinking outside the box again, I managed 9.5 treadmill miles between finishing work and setting off for the match. The remaining 3.6 miles consisted of a brisk walk to and from the stadium from the parking place. Donna set a very good pace and I just about managed to keep up with her. I'd actually ran slower miles recently than her brisk walking pace. Day 35's miles were done in 03:25:01.

We arrived home from the match just before 02:00 on day 36. As my head hit the pillow my final thought for a long day was what kind of impact this would have on day 36's half marathon.

I was working in Gosforth on day 36. The plan was to run home starting in some daylight. Work commitments put paid to that plan and I set off in the pouring rain just before 18:00. Donna messaged me to say "Weather is treacherous - you might want to get the bus home and consider the treadmill". Once again, I was just glad to be outdoors. I knew the conditions would slow me down but I was fine with that. The photo below is not the best but I think it captures the night perfectly.

I started to find the 4mph pace up the Great North Road at mile 5. The remaining 8.1 miles were very consistent with only a maximum variation of 50 seconds between each one. At the top end of Wideopen, at the 7 mile point, I turned due east towards Dudley. All of a sudden I was running into the icy blasts of rain. I felt pretty hungry and the smells of the numerous take aways was torturous as I ran past. Another couple of donations were made to St. Benedict's Hospice while I ran (my GPS watch alerted me to that). Thanks to that morale boosting generosity, it's no wonder I was powering through the awful conditions. 

I managed to get across the A19 at mile 9.5. A few quick calculations made me realise that I'd be running onto unsafe roads by mile 12. To remedy this, I increased the safe mileage by running up numerous side streets and estates in Cramlington. This meant that I would have a well lit finish line at Shankhouse. 

I reached the finish line in 03:39:20. It would have been even slower had I not put in another negative split. Donna came to pick me up in the car. The day ended with a much needed pizza which helped to warm me up a bit. Órlaith (our golden retriever) slept in the bed and she was like an electric blanket. Albeit one, who takes up most of the bed! Once again, my final thoughts were "how tired am I going to be tomorrow?". I'd gotten away with it today. It's sure to catch up with me sooner or later. 

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has sponsored me with a donation to St. Benedict's Hospice. If you'd like to do so then please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365.

365 - Day 28

Day 28 was done prior to Newcastle playing Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League. My aim was to take things slower and steadier (if that was possible) than usual and enjoy some of the sights. This was a day that reminded me of running through New York on day 1 of the run across the USA last year. There was plenty of stop/start movement as I waited for numerous road crossing to show green. 

The first major landmark was the Arc De Triomphe just before the 3 mile point. There were plenty of tourists about. I didn't hang about too long and made my way towards the next landmark.

I was mindful of not drinking too much water as I ran. The lack of toilet options (as opposed to, say, the wilds of Northumberland) were limited. That said, I was absolutely bursting from mile 3. Apologies for the details! Imagine my astonishment, when I found some free toilets at the Trocadero Gardens. A complete stroke of luck! I decided that I'd go thirsty from that point onwards as I might not be as fortunate next time.

I crossed the river Seine and ran past the Eiffel Tower (4 miles in). The next 3 miles were on a nice quiet stretch along the south bank of the river. As I made my way towards Notre Dame I noticed a few runners. I don't think I passed a single one of them!

I crossed over the river at Ile St. Louis and when I got to the north bank I couldn't believe the amount of people out running. I reckon that, in the mile and a bit to the Louvre, I must have seen almost 1000 runners. Yet again, I didn't overtake a single one of them.

I reached the Musee Du Louvre after 8.25 miles. It was time for another photograph. I was last here 11 years ago but the sight is very familiar from the closing stages of the Tour De France. I could see the peleton making it's way across the vast court yard in my minds eye. 

By now I had lost the little momentum that I had. The next mile to Place De La Concorde was a real struggle. At least I was entertained by the scenery, the landmarks and visions of the peleton weaving its way onto the Champs-Elysees. 

I made my way back to the Arc De Triomphe at the 10.5 mile point. I saw a familiar face there. It was none other than Newcastle United kitman Neil Stoker. We had a good conversation and swapped stories about charity ventures. He was currently undertaking one himself.

I was just about to get back underway and saw that my match going mate, Tino (not that one), was nearby. He'd been on a wander round Paris. I decided to stop the running and we walked back to the hotel together. Needless to say I reached mile 13.1 in 04:00:45. Not so much of a half marathon, more of a sight seeing saunter around the French capital in the end.

After a quick shower, me and Tino went to find some food. I was thinking Pizza. In fact I'd been thinking that for the previous 6 or so hours! We eventually found somewhere and I'm pleased to report that it was delicious. It was some kind of parmisan / truffle concoction. 

The next task was to get the metro to the Parc des Princes to watch the match. As per usual, I arrived in plenty of time. That called for a bit of a walk around to kill some time. All the while I was adding to my daily steps. Something I'd later pay the price for. The match was a good one and Newcastle were unlucky not to win I thought. 

We got let out of the ground just after 2330! A walk to the metro afterwards was followed by a 30 minute journey with standing room only. We arrived at the Gare Du Nord and there was just about enough time to go and find a burger for Tino. We made it back to the hotel just before 0100. After 5 hours sleep, it was time to walk to the train station, travel to the airport and get the direct flight back to Newcastle. 

My original plan was to run home from the airport. However, the rain, my backpack and utter tiredness put paid to that. I should mention that the 40,000 steps I'd managed during the previous day meant that my feet were very sore. I'm sure that 30,000 or so steps are my threshold for a good recovery. Paris had definitely taken it's toll on my feet. The new plan, when I got home, was to have a long tactical snooze and get day 29 underway later in the day.

365 - Day 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27

At the start of day 22 I calculated that I'd ran 275.1 miles since starting the 365 challenge on January 1st. That's the equivalent of Gosforth to Wembley. It was also at the start of day 22 when my feet decided to join the "pain party". I seemed to have been lucky so far in that respect. However, the 38,000 steps the previous day (mostly in soaking wet socks) was responsible I believe.

I chose the luxury of running in my garage gym on the treadmill again on days 22 and 23. I remain convinced that having an indoor option has saved this campaign so far. A couple of nights on the treadmill and I've felt ready to tackle the elements again when the time comes. Times of 03:30:08 and 03:18:07 respectively were done.

I really wanted to start day 24's half marathon quite early. Sheer fatigue meant that I didn't set off until just after 3pm. The aim was to wind my way to Morpeth via Hepscott Park then back again via Stannington Station Road. I set off with numerous layers, gloves and a buff. I was managing that desired 4mph pace which meant the gloves and buff weren't needed. Warmth was the reward for some decent hard work.

I padded the mileage out by running round County Hall in Morpeth before heading back towards home. Darkness fell, once again, by the time I got to Stannington Station Road. That slowed me down a bit. The real blocker was having to wait for 3 trains to pass at the crossing.

I made up the lost time over the last 4 miles and finished day 24 in 03:15:52. That was the quickest outdoor half marathon of the 365 campaign. It was a decent route with only a small section of road. I think this will become a regular route from now on.

Day 25 was another treadmill effort. I didn't start running until just before 8pm. That was definitely cutting it fine! Needing some decent recovery time, doing the big shop and going to the match gave me no other choice. This was my slowest time for 10 days at 03:33:54. 

It was quite cold yet again but I couldn't face another indoor treadmill session. I decided, instead, to run into the heart of Morpeth and back. I was equipped with my new head torch.

My legs felt very heavy and I found it very slow going into Morpeth. I ran past a few bars and restaurant. Not for the first time during my running exploits have I looked on with envy at those people tucking into a nice meal.

I was glad a a minute of warmth as I ran through Sanderson Arcade. That was the turning point as I headed back toward home and up the hill out of Morpeth. When the street lights ended, I switched on my head torch. It was like running in day light! The photo below was taken at the path running southbound next to the A1. 

As per usual, there was a slight delay at the railway crossing in Stannington. I tried my best to keep warm by moving on the spot. I'd gotten quite cold by the time the barriers lifted. The usual dark spots were well lit up with my head torch and I tried to claw back the time I'd lost. Sadly, I couldn't find any speed at all and I eventually made it to the finish line in 03:37:26. 

Day 27 was a bit of a hybrid effort. I was due to fly to Paris in the afternoon so 10 miles on the treadmill followed by 3.1 miles near the Sacre Coeur completed the day. A combined time of 03:28:19 was achieved.  

At the end of day 27 a very pleasing £385.13 has been raised for St. Benedict's Hospice. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. If you'd like to do so then please visit justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365.

365 - Day 18, 19, 20 and 21

Day 18 started with the big shop, some batch cooking and a catch up on some sleep. As a result, I didn't start this particular treadmill session until nearly 7pm. I had a spring in my step thanks to some donations to St. Benedict's Hospice. It was pleasing to end the week with £295.13 raised after a half marathon in 03:19:05.

Day 19's plan was to run from home to Bedlington Front Street then back west towards Stannington and down the path alongside the A1. As with previous days, the aim was to try and stick to a 4mph pace. I've established that this seems to be the optimum pace for recovery while not taking an age to get round. Running this distance over 3 hours is still far longer than I'd like but it's helped me to keep going and stay injury free so far. Mind you, my legs felt quite sore and I had very little uplift in my legs. I'm sure there is a technical term for that. But I'm sure you get what I mean.

The first 4 miles were a little over 5 mph. The daylight combined with a decent path/cycle path really helped. For a moment, I felt like a runner again.

I was pleased to reach the half way point just south of Stannington in some day light. By the time I turned to run back home and got back to Stannington it was pitch black.

I used the torch on my phone to get through the dark spots around Stannington. My pace took a hit as a result. After 10 miles, once I reached the end of Stannington Station Road and some street lights I decided to pick the pace up again. By now I was fighting against soreness in my hips and legs. Ironically, my feet were perfectly fine. That is, of course, in reference to the damage suffered during last year's run across the USA.

I passed my house in a little over 11 miles. The next mile was on a brand new, well lit cycle path in Bedlington. I made it once again to Front Street, past the chippy and put my foot down. Mile 13 was the second quickest of the day. I was very pleased to complete this half marathon in 03:16:27. "Tonight has done wonders for my confidence" is what I wrote on the Run Geordie Run Facebook page.

Day 20 was another treadmill run. It was yet another one where I started just before 7pm. I found it difficult to maintain t he 4mph pace and a final time of 03:25:26 reflected that.

Day 21's run was done prior to Newcastle's Champions League match against PSV. I chose a route from work (in Gosforth) to Ponteland and back. Once again, it was nice to set off in day light. It was bitterly cold. I was 1 mile into the run when I realised that I had forgotten my gloves.

By the time I reached Woolsington I was running in complete darkness again. I think it was at this point when I decided that I needed to buy a head torch! The rain was getting heavier as I made it past Newcastle Airport. When I reached the turning point in Ponteland, I was faced with full on bitterly cold wind and rain. The pain in my cold hands made a change from that in my legs, hips and back I suppose. 

I had to add on a few side streets in Gosforth to make sure that I hit 13.1 miles. Given the treacherous conditions (and the fact that I'd ran half marathons for 3 weeks straight) I wasn't too disappointed with a time of 03:28:06. Donations to St. Benedict’s Hospice totalling £40 came in while I did this run. That made the cold and wet effort all the more worthwhile.

Donna was waiting for me with a change of clothes at the finish line. It was then I realised that I'd forgotten to pack some fresh socks. I got changed dried and changed back at work. One of my colleagues was still there and she offered me some dry socks. I thought about it and politely declined. It wasn't until the next day that I was made aware that it wasn't a spare pair that she was offering. It was the pair she had on her feet! I know that we are a close knit team and all that but it wouldn't have been right for her to walk home sockless! 

I sat at the match wearing 5 layers and was quite toasty and warm. Well almost.  My soaking wet feet were like blocks of ice. I didn't mind too much as Newcastle won the match 3-0.

At the end of day 21 a very pleasing £335.13 has been raised for St. Benedict's Hospice. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. If you'd like to do so then please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365.

365 - Day 17

Half marathon number 17 was the first of the special ones this year. My Dad, Terry, was born on this day in 1930. With that in mind, I decided to run from the place he was born to where he grew up. I only remember these places because of a memoir he wrote. He was born in Pine Street in Birtley. That was easy enough for me to find on Google Maps. What was difficult to find was East Parade in Sacriston. There was no trace of it. I decided to run to a place of the same name in nearby Kimblesworth. I wasn't convinced it was the place that my Dad referred to in a memoir that he wrote.

I like to think that I take after my Dad. He had an incredible sense of fun and always looked to make people laugh. I'm exactly the same. Whether I'm in a meeting at work or any other situation for that matter, my main aim is to have a laugh first and get the job done second. Thankfully, I always get the job done as my colleagues will testify to!

The picture below was taken on New Years Eve in 1986. My Dad would have been playing the organ at a club and probably got home around 11pm just in time to see in the new year. The money from my Dad's club gigs were my Mam's "housekeeping". For as long as I can remember he would often have at least 2 sessions a week.

I set off from Pine Street in Birtley just before 3pm and made my way down the old A1 (aka the A167). I thought about my Dad's memoir as well as the many stories he used to tell me when I was growing up. One story he used to tell me was when he was a dambuster. Whenever the film of the same name was on TV he would convince me that he was one of the rear gunners. During the easter holidays of 1980 we were actually stood on the Mohne dam in Germany. "Dad, is this the dam you blew up" is something I remember saying. Every time I tell that story, the volume in which I shouted on the dam gets louder. I definitely take after my Dad! Never let the facts get in the way of a good story eh?

Mind you, the stories I have about the places I've ran, the things I've done and the people I've met are very unbelievable. Playing football for Kevin Keegan with The Entertainers. Commentating on a Newcastle match when the original guy didn't turn up. Looking puzzled when Prince Andrew said to my wife "what on earth are you doing with him". Being held at gun point on Route 66 in California the day after tipping off the police which led to a drugs bust. I could go on but I'm sure you get the point!

 

I made it through Chester-le-street in good time and as soon as I saw this bridge after 4.5 miles I was reminded of a story my Dad used to tell me. The bridge, which is part of the east coast main line, was targetted by the Germans in World War Two. According to my Dad, they missed the bridge but managed to blow up a cow in a nearby field. I have no way of knowing if that was true or not!

As I approached my right hand turn off the A167 towards Kimblesworth, I felt puzzled and a little frustrated. My Dad's memoir only covered the first 10 or so years of his life. The next things I know about my Dad were when he met my Mam in 1970. The 30 years inbetween are a bit of a mystery. I think that his first job was a coffin maker. I remember this as he damaged one of his little fingers with a hammer while doing that job. I also know that he was a civil servant at the Royal Ordinance Factory in Birtley for 25 years. There's very little I know after that.

My Dad passed away in 1988 in a hospital which has since been demolished but was on a site that is next to St. Benedict's Hospice. I have so many questions and no way of having them answered was a thing firmly in my thoughts as I reached the 6.5 mile turning point at the East Parade which probably wasn't the one my Dad grew up in.

On the subject of my Dad being a Civil Servant, I remember that he used to have a bad back around the same summer day each year. What are the chances! He would usually spend it at with me and my Mam at our caravan in Seahouses. Now this is where me and my Dad differ as I've never had a single sick day in my working life.

Darkness fell on the A167 as I headed back towards Chester-le-street. Other than aching legs, I felt pretty good and there were furtehr signs that I was getting fitter. But as my fitness increases so does the fatigue. I could really feel 17 days of half marathons in my sore legs. That would have been enough to keep my Dad off work for a fortnight! 

I made it back to Chester-le-street after 10 miles and was feeling hungry. I'd only had a bowl of porridge for breakfast and no lunch. I was very pleased to see Greggs and to me it looked like an oasis in the desert. I used my banking phone app to get a free sausage roll. That probably had zero nutritional benefit to my run but I felt pretty pleased to be holding a luke warm snack. That was soon demolished and I was on my way again. 

The final 3.1 miles were pretty slow. I decided to listen to some of the music my Dad enjoyed or played in the clubs. First up was Quando Quando by Engelbert Humperdinck. This was followed by My Way and then a song that I remember my Mam and Dad singing as a duet. That song was "Something Stupid". I can even remember where we were when I last heard them sing it. 

I was soon back to Birtley and passed the Red Lion which I believe was my Dad's local pub in relation to where he worked.

I made it back to Pine Street after 13.1 miles in 03:21:55. It was just outside the 4mph that I'm striving for. 03:19:02 on day 10 remains. the quickest time so far.

As far as this campaign of running 365 half marathons goes, I was very pleased with this run. It was another comfortable one. In terms of commemorating my Dad's birthday, I'd really enjoyed reminiscing about his stories and the good times as I ran.

The story didn't end there on day 17! What I'm about to write is going to sound like the tallest of my Dad's tall tales.

Later in the day, I saw a few comments on the Run Geordie Run Facebook page from a lady called Jennifer. This was soon followed up with a direct message. The first message was just a picture.

An explanation soon followed. The man pictured above is my cousin Frank. A cousin that I never knew existed until day 17. Many messages were exchanged in an attempt to help me piece together this part of a family tree that I didn't know about. I'd only met my Dad's brother a few times. Sadly the last time was at my Dad's funeral. Frank (pictured above) is my Dad's brother's (also called Frank) son. That makes him my cousin. He's got the same hairstyle as me! 

Jennifer told me that her Dad reminisces a lot about his young life and time "back home" (in Sacriston). I found out that I had another cousin called John. He sadly passed away in1973 aged only 21.

Jennifer then messaged her Dad and the day's big mystery was solved. It was no wonder that I couldn't find East Parade in Sacriston. Frank said "the whole estate got demolished so that's why you can't find it".

Many further messages were exchanged but what shone through was that the Allison family have a tremendous sense of humour and fun. Jennifer said "Dad's got a very dry sense of humour and makes me laugh every day. I'm very lucky to have him and Mum".

I was pleased to hear that from Jennifer that "My Dad can literally tell you all about the family lines. He has the memory of an elephant". I started the day without answers and a sense of frustration. Perhaps I was going to end it with the hope that some of those gaps in time and knowledge could be filled. When I write my own book, perhaps one of the most important chapters will be entitled "My Cousin Frank". To be continued... 

I sent Jennifer the following passage from my Dad's memoir. 

She observed that "Your Dad had the same love for his Mum and Grandad did too. There was no one quite like his Mam.". That's where I'm without doubt exactly like my Dad. Ultimately, dear reader, that is why my fundraising exists. Yes, a debt of gratitude is being repaid to St. Benedict's Hospice who cared for my Mam. But every step that I've take around the world is a love letter to her. This is keeping her memory alive as well as my Dad's. This is fulfilling my need to make them proud (although I'm sure my Mam would have told me to stop running a long time ago!).

Through my running and fundraising I have found some peace with my grief. I spoke about that at the finish of the run across the USA at Forrest Gump point in Monument Valley last summer. I'm in a really good place after all these years filled with grief. My wife, Donna, also has a lot to do with that positive outcome.

My fundraising and running entered a new phase this year. I am fully aware of St. Benedict's Hospice's  desperate need for funds. That's the main reason that I've brought my next major running project forward a year. But there's something else now. I'm running for no other particular reason. People have questioned why I've committed to running 365 half marathons. I think today is one of those reasons why.

I wrote the following on the 13th December 2025: "Run Geordie Run 365 isn’t just about distance or destinations. It’s about stories too. The kind that live in the towns, villages and coastlines of our region. 

This year-long journey is a chance to shine a light not only on the places I pass through, but on the people who have helped to make them special. 365 is a platform for connection. It’s a chance to remind us what makes life extraordinary. 

The landscapes may be many and wide, but the real journey lies in the details: the inspirational stories, the laughter shared, the challenges overcome and the reasons that keep my miles ticking by. This isn’t just about where the run goes. It’s about what we discover together along the way.".

You couldn't make this stuff up, although I'm sure my Dad would have given it a good go. He also convinced me that the actress June Allyson was a distant relation. "Our June" is what he used to call her.

Day 17 is going to take some beating. Happy Birthday Dad.

If you'd like to sponsor my attempt to run a year of half marathons in aid of St. Benedict's Hospice then please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025. Thanks to everyone who has made a donation so far.

365 - Day 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16

One of the difficult things about this challenge that I wasn't expecting was the cold dark nights I've ran the majority of the time so far. It's apparent to me now, as I write this on day 18, is that I'm seeing two slightly different scenarios. The first one is how much easier I'm finding it to run in daylight hours. With work and football, this hasn't been possible too many times so far. I usually love all seasons but this year, of all years, is one that I'm looking forward to progressing into the lighter, warmer nights. The current evening runs in the dark and cold conditions are where I'm running a lot slower. These runs are an absolute plod whether they are outdoors or on the treadmill. 

On the subject of the treadmill, I had only thought I'd be "using it if there was a storm". Never, in the build up to this challenge did I consider snow and icy conditions. It's safe to say that my trusty treadmill has saved 365 so far. During the first 10 days, I found my time on the treadmill very difficult indeed. Despite being able to watch a TV in front of me, it was mentally draining. Needless to say that on day 11, I ran a very uninspiring 03:38:12. 

Day 12 could have easily been another treadmill run. I'd had enough of being indoors so I got out onto the streets of Bedlington just after 6pm. This was another absolute plod. The lack of any recovery time was definitely starting to show. Future Monday runs shouldn't be as late as this in future. Órlaith is back to doggy daycare now so I'll be able to finish work earlier and get things underway in daylight. Although it'll be fading quickly for the next few months.

I had to squeeze past a white van parked on a path on mile 6. The dazzling headlights meant that I didn't see the protruding prickly bushes. 

Not for the first time during 365, I lost the will and the remaining miles were an absolute plod. If I keep on doing what I'm doing, I'm confident of things improving. The fitness gains versus the day in day out fatigue will be an interesting battle.

When I got home on day 12, Órlaith was kind enough to warm my feet! They were pretty cold having taken 03:39:16 to get round the local route.

Day 13 was the first time that I split the 13.1 miles into multiple sessions. With work, looking after Órlaith and football there was no other option. The important thing is that I covered the distance. After a late finish the previous night, I was back on the treadmill at 0645. The final treadmill session was done in the afternoon. It's the first time that I'd taken Órlaith into the gym. A collective time of 03:25:11 was a surprise given how tired I felt.

I finished work early on day 14 with a view to getting an earlier than usual start on the treadmill. When I got home, I sat in my chair and fell asleep pretty much straight away. I woke up at 6pm and Donna had made some pasta. "How on earth am I going to manage to run" I thought. I felt so tired. I started running just after 7pm and somehow felt really fresh from the outset. 

I've ran slightly quicker than this on the treadmill before now but this is the one that felt the most comfortable. It was almost 10:30pm by the time I finished. I went to bed tired and hungry that night. But I had my first real sense that improvements were being seen. A time of 03:11:41 was very pleasing indeed after a tough 2 weeks of running.

Day 15 was another early finish from work but I managed to get straight on the treadmill. A time of 03:37:04 represented a very comfortable plod. 

I started day 16's treadmill run just before 7pm. Once again, I tried to forget I was running indoors and focussed on the TV in front of me. As was the case all week, running indoors in my garage gym just required a single layer. Despite the cold weather outside. I think this was the day when I realised that given the daily requirement to run a half marathon and having a good sense of the state of my fitness, I had a pace in mind that I should strive for. It's simply 4mph. Perhaps in a month's time, I'll re-evaluate that. For now, that's the targeted pace that's in my mind. Needless to say that I was just outside this pace with a time of 03:18:08.

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far in aid of St. Benedict's Hospice. Over 200 miles have now been ran and over £200 donated at https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365. There is a long way to go but that's a solid start.

365 - Day 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10

The fact that I'm writing this blog on Saturday night (day 10) tells you how all consuming 365 has been so far. Running 13.1 miles per day alongside work, home and football is every bit as challenging as I suspected it would be. Throw into the mix some adverse weather and it's added up to a busy and tough 5 days.

On Tuesday (day 6) It was a close call between another treadmill run and getting out into the cold, icy and dark streets in and around Bedlington. I couldn't face another mentally tough few hours on the treadmill so the outdoor option won. Once Donna had made it home from work, we managed a five minute conversation and I set off shortly after 1815. 

The paths were a combination of slush, compact snow, ice and, in some areas, clear of all of that dangerous stuff. I set off without a planned route but had a rough idea to run some miles to the east of my house then back again and do some to the west.

This was the run when the penny dropped that running in random directions without a plan seemed to be mentally easier. For once, I wasn't running across a continent having to take the most optimum route.

The route soon headed towards Bedlington Station. There were some tremendous fish and chip shop smells along the way. All of a sudden I felt hungry! I headed for Barrington Road which I suspected would be quiet enough to run on and ice free. I was right. There were a few cars but a quick step up on the path kept things safe. 

I reached the end of the road and turned back. By now, it was raining and I hoped this would help to clear the paths of snow and ice. How wrong I was!

I made it back to Bedlington front street after 7 miles and decided to do 2 x 1 mile loops around the town centre. Once again, this felt mentally easy. I headed west toward Nedderton after that. It was at this point that the temperture dropped and the rain water turned to ice. I might as well have ran the remaining 4 miles on an ice rink! 

I made it to the edge of Nedderton when the street lighting ended. I ran all the way back to Bedlington and turned back to my house to put another 13.1 miles in the bag. There was still 1/2 a mile to my house so I hadn't quite got the optimum route quite right. I was relieved to get back home in 1 piece. The conditions underfoot were the worst I'd ever ran in. The final time of 03:37:55 reflected that. There was a good dose of fatigue building too. In true Mick McCarthy style I thought "It can't get worse than that". Well I wouldn't have to wait too long to have that answered with "It can!".   

On Wednesday (day 7) I was on the bus to work at 06:21. I felt very tired and had a banging headache. I've had better hangovers! I got the bus as I would be running after work, going to the match and would drive home with Donna.

Once again I didn't have a planned route. I set off around Gosforth at 1545. As soon as I started running, my head started to pound. If this was any normal run on any normal day then I would have abandoned it. I don't have that option so I just walked in the hope that my headache would ease off. As you can see from the map of my route below, it was another random route. I did many loops around various streets in Gosforth before getting to the Town Moor at 4.25 miles. It was at this point that I tried to run again. Unfortunately, the result was the same. A pounding headache. I didn't try to run again after that.

The Town Moor was pretty slippy and with the temperature dropping I thought I was in for a repeat of the previous night. Thankfully, that wasn't the case but it was still dicey in parts. I ventured around St. James Park (where I'd be a few hours later) and then headed west. 

I was quite hungry at mile 7 so decided to stop off at Greggs for a free sausage roll (thanks to a banking app I have). It was piping hot and much needed! 

I eventually hit the coast road and headed round Jesmond and back up to Gosforth. I met Donna at mile 11.25 at our usual match day parking place opposite the Town Moor. I quickly changed in to some warmer clothes and we both walked to St. James Park. I took a slightly longer route than usual to the match and managed to make my 13.1 mile finish line right outside my turnstile. The time of 03:56:48 was absolutely pitiful. Given the bad headache I had, there was nothing I could have done about that.

Day 8 and 9 were both treadmill runs. While I find these mentally tough, having the treadmill set the pace (and the lack of ice of course) is so much easier. 4 episodes of Stranger Things on the iPad got me through. I managed 03:10:05 and 03:09:55 on days 8 and 9 respectively. I had always planned to use my treadmill if, say, there was a storm. I've never once considered icy conditions. If it wasn't for this option then this challenge would be over already.

So to Saturday and day 10. I had managed a really good sleep and felt pretty good. One thing I've noticed over the last 10 days is just how deeper I'm sleeping. I had almost 5 hours of restorative sleep last night, for example. Add in 3.5 hours of light sleep and I was ready for a good run.

I set off at 1030 on the same route to St. James Park as last Sunday. I used that run as a target to beat (03:28:13). There was one main difference on this run compared to the other 9. Days 1 to 9 all featured the urge to take it easy, run nice and slow and walk some of it. Today was different. The urge to run absolutely overrode those previous feelings. At many points on today's route, I tried to pick the pace up. I was running without fear and without any consideration for the numerous half marathons ahead. 15 minute miles soon became 14 minute miles and they, in turn ended up as 13 minute miles. That may seem dead slow to many runners out there but on day 10 having ran 117.9 miles over the previous 9 days, it felt good. It felt like a turning point. 

The urge to go even quicker was sadly not matched by what my body was able to deliver. I'm confident that will come in time. I have a genuine belief that, as a result of 365, I will become the runner that I once was in the 90s. As I've talked about many times in the past, when the mind and body work in unison then great things can happen. 

I was due to meet Donna at the 13.1 mile point, get changed and go to the match. I'd ran a lot quicker than expected and was ahead of time so I eased off the pace with 3 miles to go. When we did finally meet I felt really fresh. I was very pleased to have knocked a good chunk of time of last Sunday's equivalent route. 03:19:02 while still slow, was a pleasing improvement. 

At the time of writing, I'm not sure what the next few days of routes will be. Although with Tuesday being another match day, I could repeat the grand tour of Gosforth, Newcastle and Jesmond. Mind you, it had so many twists and turns, I doubt that I'd ever be able to recreate it.

Thanks again to everyone who has made a donation to St. Benedict's Hospice so far. If you'd like to do so then please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365.