Sounds like you’re in for a challenge! I would suggest you leave the laxatives at home and opt for some hard training, as opposed to the easy cheating option. Having reached previous targets with some hard work, I suggest this will taste sweeter and more rewarding come race day.

You still have time to start training. However, the key is to involve running in your training. Although other physical activities are a great supplement and addition, it’s vital that running forms the backbone of your training.

From what you say, it sounds like finding time is the problem. What about introducing running into your daily routine – skip the bike one day a week and try running some of the way home. You could also use your lunch break at work and pop out for quick 30 minute run. You’ll be amazed how little time running takes and how easy it is to fit around a hectic lifestyle. If you are looking for assistance on getting started visit my beginners or advanced beginners training schedule (the link is http://www.ransacker.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/begginers-half-marathon-training-plan-kirk-dodds.pdf)

You’ll find that the Great North Run (GNR) itself will get you motivated as it has a special atmosphere; the world’s biggest half marathon really is something special. Year after year it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Come race day you’ll feel like an elite athlete with the spectators cheering you on, it would be a shame not to make the most of this experience by being underprepared. A last piece of advice – if your friend is like you then I would suggest you keep an eye on your mug of tea!

Kirk

P.S. Good luck in the GNR I’ll have a pint of cold beer awaiting you at the finish line. Hopefully this will be my second drink has I cheer you onto the finish line.

I’ve challenged a friend to a half marathon, however, this friend has been training for quite a while and has done a marathon and a couple of half marathons before. Like you we are doing the Great North Run and I haven’t begun training yet. Do you think it is possible for me to get up to his fitness level within this time period or should I just lace his morning cup of tea with laxitives??

Any tips on how I get myself motivated to start training would be good, I work long hours so get little time to train. That said, I do cycle to work and back most days which is 8.5 miles each way.

Good luck in the Great North Run, maybe I can wait for you at the finish line…

Thanks

Paul

1. To run under 20min for 5k
2. To run under 41min 30sec for 10k
3. To complete a marathon in under 3hrs 30 min

P.S Don’t challenge me to a race, you’ll whoop me!!