Log on for a great last chance to run
May 3 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal
THE Journal has secured the final 200 slots in the Great North Run exclusively for readers. One woman who never pictured herself as a runner just two years ago is now hoping to take part in the Great North Run for an incredible third time by applying for one of the last 200 places.
And you too can put your name down for a place by logging on to our website.
Donna Hedley, 30, of Wardley Drive, Wardley, Gateshead, once had what she described as a typical 20-something lifestyle, but taking part in the Bupa Great North Run in 2006 changed her whole outlook on life.
She said: “It all started with a night out in town for my Dad's birthday. At the time I was eating fatty foods or doing fad diets, I was out drinking at the weekends and did absolutely no exercise. I was a stone heavier than I had ever been and was also smoking quite a lot.
“Then a family friend who was at the meal said he was going to put my name down for the Great North Run. I just said yes thinking nothing would come of it.
“But I was entered, got a place and was assured by everyone that I would be fine if I kept to a training plan. I was dubious, and quite worried if I’m honest, but I’ve never looked back.
“Now I eat a balanced diet, train two or three sessions a week covering about 10 to 15 miles, and even better, six months ago I packed in smoking.”
Donna, a senior investment administrator for NEL Fund Managers, started power-walking during her lunch break to build up some initial fitness, then going out in the morning before work, combining walking with a little jogging for about half an hour. She said: “The first time was a real killer, but not long afterwards I went for my first real run by myself.
“It was the first time I had gone more than a mile and I was so pleased with myself. Over the next couple of weeks my shins were really sore and it hurt to run, so I invested in a decent pair of proper running shoes, and the pain disappeared.”
Just five months after being entered for the race as part of her training, Donna tackled the Great Women’s Run, which covers 10 kilometres in Sunderland, and this year takes place on June 15.
She said: “This was the longest distance I had ever run and the atmosphere was great. It gave me a lot more confidence for the final hurdle.
“My goal for the Great North Run, three months later, was to get to six miles and anything over that would be a bonus. When you're out there the crowd motivates you, and you have a laugh along the way – they carried me until about the nine-miles mark and after that I walked and jogged the rest of the way.
“Coming along the last half mile was so overwhelming – everyone was cheering and it gave me the push to get to the end. My family were there to meet me and told me they were really proud of me. I couldn't believe I had done it.”
Donna now trains regularly with her colleague Julie Curry, 38, and the pair have tackled a number of smaller running events already this year in the hope they will get one of The Journal’s places in the Bupa Great North Run, which this year takes place on October 5.
“It would mean the world to me if I could have the opportunity to better my time this year because it’s thanks to the Great North Run that I now have a healthy attitude to food, and in general.
“And if I can do it, anybody can.”
MAKE YOUR CASE
If you are over 17, you are eligible to tell us in less than 250 words why you deserve a place in this year’s Great North Run. Just visit www.journallive.co.uk/run.
An adult place costs £40 with a concessionary rate of £36 if you’re over 65.
You have until June 3 to apply.
