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.

365 - Day 3, 4 and 5

Saturday's run was done on the treadmill in my garage gym due to the dark, cold, icy and snowy conditions that hit Northumberland. While physically easier for me to run on the treadmill with my current fitness levels, it's mentally really tough. I managed 3 episodes of Stranger Things series 4 which helped pass the time somewhat. Despite the sub zero temperatures, I was quite warm in the garage and only needed 2 layers and no hat or gloves. A time of 03:15:48 was the quickest I'd managed so far. It's very early days though and indoor and outdoor running isn't comparable in my opinion.

Onto Sunday and the plan was to run from home to the Newcastle v Crystal Palace match. I switched my shoes to a pair of Adidas trail shoes. I'd never ran in them before. I bought them due to the good amount of padding they provide my feet. They've really helped my recovery after the damage caused running across the USA last year.

I set off just after 10:30 and made my way on the safest route possible. I managed to get a little bit of traction on the path and made my way west through Nedderton and Stannington.

 

I was able to run on the road after the Little Chef at Stannington. Of course, it's a curry house called Char Mausem these days. It'll alawys be the Little Chef to me. We used to stop there on the way to our caravan at Seahouses when I was a boy. I can even remember where we used to sit. I used to love getting a fold out map of the UK and a lolly at the end of the meal. That would have been the second of sometimes three stops on the way to the caravan. My Dad would have had a pint in the Mill House near Washington and then at a pub further north into Northumberland. Which, incidentally, I've never been able to find again. Anyway, I digress. I made it though Stannington and onto the road that runs parallel with the A1.

Once again, I felt nice and warm despite the sub zero temperatures. Cruising at 4 mph felt very comfortable indeed. This may appear slow to any half decent runner but it's all I'm able to do currently coupled with a focus on tomorrow's run and the day after and so on. The quicker times will come I'm sure.

I noticed a sunflower at the 7 mile point. It's a synbol that is used by St. Benedict's Hospice of course.

Miles 4-7 were all on road and it felt good to get away from the slippery paths. The oncoming traffic gave me plenty of room and I made it to Seaton Burn in decent time.

The remaining 6 miles through Wideopen and Gosforth were all on paths. It seemed that the snow had been well trodden there and it was treacherous underfoot. With half a mile to go, Donna passed me in the car. After 03:28:12 of running I met her at the finish line (our usual match day parking location opposite the Town Moor). I had a quick change of clothes and we walked a mile and a half to St. James Park. It was nice to have finished the run early in the day.

I'm writing this blog at the end of day 5. I've just managed another treadmill half marathon. It was another tough one mentally. I managed to watch the final 2 episodes of series 4 of Stranger Things to help pass the time. Thanks to the treadmill setting the pace, I finished in 03:14:07. 

I didn't start the session until after 6pm. This is a good 2 hours later than I would normally hope to do this one. Usually, Órlaith would be in doggy day care on a Monday. She is off for 3 weeks though due to being in season. So once Donna came in from work, I wad able to stand down from looking after her. Although, she didn't take much looking after today, as she's slept for most of it. A dog's life! When we get back to normal, I'll be able to do the Monday run a lot earlier. 

Tomorrow will be another late start and I may end up on the treadmill again. Wednesday will be a run around Gosforth and the Town Moor before another Newcastle match. Thursday may well be a run home from work (weather permitting as I'll have a computer to carry).

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.

365 - Day 2

It was a working day for me so I didn't get day 2 started until just after 5 pm. Given the dark and bitterly cold conditions, I was puzzled as to where I could run safely. Donna then pointed out that it would be a good idea to drive to Blyth beach and run down the coast to Cullercoats and back. It's a half marathon route that I've done quite a few times over the years. It was all path and well lit from start to finish. Perfect.

I had considered making this a treadmill run but I'll save that for another day when the conditions well and truly warrant it.

I started the run from Blyth beach with pretty sore legs. On top of that, the cough that has plagued me for the last 3 weeks came back with a vengance in bitterly cold conditions. Despite that, I felt pretty good energy wise. A portion of porridge in the afternoon should be enough to get me round another half marathon.

The tactics for this run were to start slow. I wanted to run well within my comfort zone with a view to not dropping off later in the run. The drop off in pace would mean that I would find it difficult to keep myself warm. Spoiler alert. It was a tactic that worked pretty well.

There was hardly a soul about for the first 5 miles as I made my way through Seaton Sluice, Hartley, Old Hartley and Whitley Bay. Apart from a couple of dog walkers, Spanish City was deserted. It's the quietist I've ever seen this place. People obviously had more sense than to be out in the freezing cold.

As well as the street lights, the moon was providing a clear view of the promenade. I hit the half way point at Cullercoats Bay feeling really good and ready to push on for a quicker second half. 

Once I turned back northwards I suddenly realised one of the reasons why I felt so comfortable. I'd had a tail wind! The icy blast in my face meant that I pulled the buff over my cheeks, nose and mouth. 

By the time I got back to Hartley, I felt pretty hungry. A quick trip to the Co-op for a Snickers bar and a bottle of Lucozade helped with that. Despite losing a few minutes there, I felt that beating yesterday's time was still a possibility. Sadly that quick stop was to cost me. Mile 11 was a minute slower as a result. I gained some momentum on mile 12. By this point my hands were painfully cold. 

Still believing that I could beat yesterday's time, mile 13 was the quickest of the lot. I ran past my parked car and turned back again to ensure that I got the full 13.1 miles done. The finishing time of 03:22:27 was just over a minute slower than yesterday. Despite that, I didn't fell disappointed at all.

I feel that I'm slowly learning to run again after the tough summer in the USA. There's obviously a long way to go in terms of fitness and physicality. My real issue is a psychological one. I feel this has been the case for a few years now. Where talent and fitness has been lacking, I've always relied on what I call an "edge". That edge has been fuelled by anger and grief over the years. Thanks to many years of running and fundraising, those things are just a dull and distant feeling now. As I spoke about in the USA last year, I'm in a really good place having made my peace with grief and loss.

My edge has also been blunted by the impact of the mental and physical suffering caused by my long running campaigns. It's a topic I've written about a few times on this blog. It's certainly something I don't understand fully. It would take an expert to unpick and make sense of it all. I should say that I use the word "suffering" sparingly and without an obvious alternative word. It's hardly suffering in the true sense of the word. But I hope you get my point.

  

I'm going to need the edge back if I'm to succeed with this crazy 365 scheme. I think it will only come through miles, more miles and some eventual quality. It's very much like being back in 1993 when I first started to run. I was very slow at first but became a half decent runner eventually with an absolute edge. So back in January 1993 is where my mind is at and the once familiar feeling of what I need to do to improve and get quicker is back again.

That's 2 down and 363 to go!

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.

365 - Day 1

Today wasn’t about distance conquered or milestones smashed. It was about putting the last few months of words into action. Shoes on. Door opened. The first step taken. The first donations made to St. Benedict's Hospice. 

I've been here many times before but this start line felt different. For one, the dynamic of the event is wildly different to anything I've ever done before. More miles, more days/months, no rest, fit around normal life. All of those things add up to what promises to be a very challenging year.

Given that I've only done a few runs since finishing the run across the USA last July, I was pleasantly surprised how good I felt during the first few miles. I wasn't surprised at the cold conditions and was suitably dressed with 3 good layers.

I didn't have a route in mind other than to make it east through Bedlington. At mile 3, I decided to turn north and was pleased to be on path all the way to mile 6 at Stakeford. It was at this point that the full route became clear in my mind. I'd run to Stobhill near Morpeth and back home. 

In the fading light (there was still 1 good 90 minutes before sundown) the path came to an end and I found myself running on the road. I took the decision to take a left turn towards Hepscott at mile 8. The road was a lot quieter and safer. It was at this point that I went from feeling very comfortable to something that wasn't that at all. My "engine" felt good. However, things started to hurt. Everything other than my legs that is. Was I surprised? No! Zero training for this and I was paying the price at mile 9.

I was back on a busy road but thankful of another path. One look at my GPS watch and a few rough calculations meant that I'd need to run towards Stannington for half a mile to make it a nice 13.1 miles by the time I got back home.

Just before the right hand turn towards Stannington I spotted a pile of money on the road side. "I'm having that" I thought. It was a whopping £2.70 and has now been paid to St. Benedict's Hospice via my Justgiving page.

The final 4 miles saw a huge drop off in terms of speed. In turn, that meant that I was getting colder as each mile ticked by. I was relieved to make it home but those last miles had cost me dearly. I'd gone from a projected hours to finishing in 03:21:23. For the record, I've ran the Great North Run in a full lion costume quicker than that!

Throughout the run, some words of advice from long term supporter Steven Medd, echoed around my mind - "Ease yourself in, take the time you've got.". That helped massively, as did all of the other words of encouragement on the Run Geordie Run Facebook page. 

So day 1 has set the tone. Turn up, no theatrics, get out there, put one foot in front of the other and do it all despite the very cold conditions. Nothing really big was won today and that’s okay. The important part is that I decided to do it and I actually did. 

It wouldn't surprise me if day 2, 3 and 4 are even slower than today. I've just got to keep plodding and ticking the days off. The fitness, the speed and the quicker times will come in due course. For now, it's simply Run Geordie Run versus the miles.

Thank you to Ben Killingworth, Charlie Jackson, Paul, Joanne and Bob (the cat) Williams, The Parrys, Alan and Karen, Giselle, Em Gettins, two anonymous donations and whoever left £2.70 at the roadside for your contribution to St. Benedict's Hospice via justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365.