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Hi, in September I asked for advice on how to get my time down and hills and speedwork were suggested. I've been out all winter running up all the hills in Newcastle that I can find and sprinting(ish) along the Quayside. Ran in to Newcastle from East Boldon this morning for my first longer run of the year - 4 mins slower than last year! More hills, more sprinting, more long runs - yippee.

Seriously, fantastic run in this morning, blue sky, little wind and just a bit nippy - not looking forward to the Metro ride home tonight, as I've just realised I have no coat - so it's a choice of damp, smelly running kit or being a bit cold!

I am signed up for the Half Marathon of the North, Blaydon Race and GNR. Will do the Pier to Pier and Gateshead 10k as well.

Sore Calf - I'd move quickly on accommodation, I just had a quick look for the usual Newcastle hotels and they're all showing as full. I live local, so have never tried any of the local hotels. The Metro system is good for getting to the start of the race and away at the end, I think that you can pre-purchase a ticket for race day. The Metro gives you a wider range of places to stay and if you and your family are driving up, then you have flexibility to visit places during the week. It's a great county.

Hi everyone, I am looking for some serious advice please. This was my second GNR, I had a fantastic time, again, but came tantalisingly close to breaking 1hr40min. So will be running again (and again and again).

My running through the year consists of; lunchtime running for 30 mins or so along Newcastle Quayside - 6 - 7 kms and a longer run once a week either around Boldon/Whitburn or home from Newcastle to Boldon - 15 - 20 km.

I do a few races through the year; Pier to Pier, Blaydon Race, Sunderland and Gateshead 10 kms.

Work and kids mean that realistically I will not get any more running in and I haven't time (much as I would like) to join one of the local running clubs.

Does anyone have a training plan that would help shave off a couple of mins from my GNR time (14 secs will in fact be enough, but a couple of mins to be on the safe side).

Thanks

Stephen

BBC Weather says a light south westerly breeze to blow us all to Sunny South Shields and no rain until 4 pm.

Of course that means the wind will slow me down on my way to the Steamboat afterwards - a small prize to pay.

Good luck everyone.