Most have said its not worth it, but others have said it was an amazing acheivement. I think i’d be in the later group if I ever do it.

So whats the best way to get fitter for such an event? Maybe go for smaller runs during the year to build up to it, honestly – I don’t know… I wonder if I can find someone to run with – cos on my own its just not really motivating.

I will continue to try different things, like dance, and of course trampolining… Great fun even thou I don’t seem to be getting any better.

I have sent in for defferment, so I’m in for next year – an extra year to get my fitness up. Its been a LOT harder than I anticipated – I need a lot more training to get anywhere near close the fitness I require. I also need to find someone else that I can run with – to help pass the time and help with rhythm and pace.

Its due for tommorrow but I’ve posted the forms back and badge etc. It was kinda awesome to see everything there. I am already in training for next year but need to work up to hours of running/jogging and not just 20 minutes. I look forward to actually being able to complete the task – I think it will really benefit me in an acheivement way.

One friend said I could walk it instead, but not sure I could even do that at the moment and there is less that 24 hours to go.

So, not this year but next… Hope people will sponsor me – No idea for who but look forward to the opertunity.

- John

I like diversity in life so running isn’t my only way to getting fitter and training. Running is only my newest addition.

I’ve spoken to friends with the idea of this Great North Run and getting fitter and they have said I do a lot already – I don’t think so, but certainly do more than I used to.

Three years or so ago I started trampolining after a friend invited me to it. It was a bit of fun that was something I hadn’t done since probably the early 90′s.

I can only do the basics still after 3 years but enjoy it a lot. I have completed the assistant coaching for trampolining and can help others up to the same level I am now.

I’m slowly getting further with it and go to the club at least once a week, usually a wednesday night or other days through Teesside University.

Last year I started doing dancing – I tried to get others to go who wouldn’t but it looked like fun so I went for it – wishing I tried the year before as intended but backed out because no-one would go with me.

First was ball room dancing – something that is very difficult without your own partner. That lasted about 8 weeks. It was more energetic than I thought it would be but quite a lot of fun.

Next I tried salsa where as a guy, you always have the opertunity of a partner. Much faster than ballroom and a lot more fun. I’ve met a lot of people the same age as me and made a lot of new friends.

I think the dance has helped with co-ordination and stamina – Dance and Trampolining. Using these I think will help me train and enjoy it too.

Today I went out with a friend to a sports club. I’ve never managed well at these things and the machines look interesting and people often look strange using them.

We did a few of the machines as he showed me how to use them. I used the lower of the weights – I don’t want to injure myself first week or any week really.

Then we went on the treadmill. Last time I went on one of these I lost my balance within a minute and came off it. This time I managed to stay on and did walking for a while while my friend did running.

We talked… about the idea of doing the “Great North Run” – its something He would like to do but says he’s in no way fit enough this year. I intend to be and so far can’t do much.

After about 45 minutes in the Gym we went to the pool and did a little swimming and a lot of lazing about.

All in all… A friendly introduction to sporting things in a gym space.

I didn’t check my email on my birthday so didn’t find this out til the weekend. A computer free day is always good when you work with them all day.

In my email I got a response from the “Great Run Information Service” with a message of:

“Congratulations! We are delighted to inform you that your application to take part in the 2009 Bupa Great North Run via the general ballot has been successful.”

So its set, I have a target. I’ve still not told people in general yet about it as so far I can only run using the Wii but thats going to change now.

It seems to help me with balance, and co-ordination. I’m using every few days trying some of the games and the jogging but havent tried it elsewhere yet. I must look very strange jogging inside on the spot if anyone looked through a window.

In february sometime I’ll find out if I got into the great north run and to be honest I’m not sure if i’ll be ready.

I know its a low chance and would probably be better off going for it next year. However IF I get through it will give me an aim and a lot of motivation as wouldn’t want to let people down.

So here I plod on…

At the moment I am not fit enough to do it. I can walk briskly if I want but thats about it – as long as I have a distraction like music or chatting with people I can keep on going.

I have an aim to manage it especially since I’ve never done anything like it but wanted to try for several years.

I’ve not told anyone about it, just wrote here ballot isn’t until after my birthday and if I get through then I will work at it to be ready.