I am running the Great North Run in September 2022 for St Benedict's Hospice as part of Team Run Geordie Run. 

My running journey started like many others: feeling cooped up during lockdown and desperate to get outside and experience a change of scenery. At this point, I was a 41 year old man who, having recently left a sedentary role in the RAF, had put on a significant amount of weight. Additionally, while I had enrolled on a Mental Health Nursing degree which I thoroughly enjoyed, being withdrawn from placement due to the pandemic led me to feel frustrated and isolated which directly impacted on my mental health. Between the increase in weight and the difficulties with my mental state, I knew I had to do something. So on went the trainers.

Prior to lockdown, I had run sporadically throughout the summer months, but I had never really established any consistency, particularly once the cold dark Moray nights began to draw in. This time, it was different. I’m not entirely sure why, but this time I managed to make it stick and as a result I ran over 1000 miles in 2021 (helped by my steady weight loss), completed my first half-marathon, and joined a local running club. Now, running has now become an integral part of my life. I can’t imagine a week where I don’t fit in a long run at least once. Pre-lockdown me would never have imagined this was possible – and I’m pleased to have proven him wrong!

http://www.rungeordierun.com