Hunger is back insists Harrier

May 31 2007 By Bill Mcguirk, The Evening Chronicle

Terry Wall's victory at Raby Castle was a timely boost as he bids to get his racing career back on track.

The Morpeth Harrier, a former North of England 10,000 metres champion, admitted after his latest success that he had lost a lot of motivation over the past 12 months but has now got the hunger back to pick up where he left off.

"I didn't know what shape I was in racing-wise, even though I've picked up my training a lot recently," said 36-year-old Wall, who missed out on a prize bonus at Raby Castle after just failing to break the course record by three seconds.

"The last time I raced a 10k was 12 months ago and for most of the time since then the motivation wasn't there.

"But, now that I've got one under my belt I'll be seeking to race as often as possible."

One of those races Wall is looking forward to is the Newton Aycliffe event in two weeks' time which he has won for the past four years.

"The Aycliffe race is a tough one to win, but I've really done well every time I've run it," he added.

"It would be nice to continue my winning run, but I'll be happy even if I don't win as long as I run well."

With his new-found lease of life, Wall could well target the Great North Run later in the year. Ten years ago he ran 65min 30sec for the Tyneside half-marathon, and although a time like that could be asking a bit much this time round, he would like to give it another go.

"I'm managing good mileage each week and, providing I keep healthy over the coming months, I don't see why I cannot do well again," he added.

"It will be interesting to see what time I can do and compare it with the leading vets' times as I will be joining them in the not too distant future!"