THERE is just four days left until I literally run around Newcastle and along the RIver Tyne with thousands of other people for the Great North Run and the nerves are beginning to set in.
I can’t believe it has been exactly a year since I made a public announcement to my friends and family on facebook and twitter that I would be taking part in my first half marathon.
I told them they could publicly humiliate me if I didn’t keep to my word, but not wanting to let anyone down, I have kept my promise and I have been training. It has been tough and I’m not confident I will complete it in my target time of under two and a half hours, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll just be happy if I cross the finish line in one piece.
Last week I was worried I wouldn’t be able to complete 10 miles, but I did it, even if it took my body about two days to recover afterwards.
This week I have been panicking about things like when I’ll pee and if my legs will be able to carry me around the whole route. I’ve been trying to figure out how I’m going to carry my energy sweets and tissues, whether to wear a jacket, and even how to wear my hair because that’s important too!
Whatever I decide I am secretly looking forward to the day.
As a spectator the atmosphere on the day was great so I’m sure as a participant, it will feel ten times more special.
Sunday will be a real test of my mental and physical strength and endurance but I have faith that my new-found enthusiasm for running and the cheering crowds along the Tyne Bridge will carry me along.
Oh and I better remember to smile – the BBC cameras will be watching 🙂