Pumped, primed and raring to go - it's time to introduce our six Bupa Great North Run 2008 hopefuls, in association with Lucozade Sport.

From nervous first-timers to injury-frustrated veterans, self-confessed plodders to sub-1:25 hopefuls, you can share all their training highs and lows as they document their experiences right here online in the run-up to race day (October 5).

Experienced half-marathon runner and UK club coach, Steve Smythe, will be dishing up real-time training advice live in the forums and there promises to be heaps of fuel and hydration tips as each of the runners get their teeth into personalised nutrition guidance from the sports scientists at Lucozade Sport.

And that's not all: our team will also meet and train alongside Lucozade Sport running ambassador and Olympic marathon runner Liz Yelling, who will be sharing her top taper tips as race day approaches.

Show your support for the six by following our editorial updates and interacting with them live on the forums. Post messages of encouragement, pore over their training regimes and pose your own questions to the experts. With this much top-notch advice at your fingertips, stick around and it's sure to pay dividends for your own performance.

	Jason Bowers (aka saintjason) Goal: 1:25 Jason says: I used to always run at an even pace, but thanks to Steve's comments, I'm now trying to run negative splits, even in my easy runs. Steve says: Jason has bounced back to form this fortnight and has clocked up some great training. It's important he doesn't overdo the next few weeks though. Read more (Updated 03/09/08)
	Catherine Charlton (aka CC2 - Speedy Goth) Goal: 1:35 Catherine says: I found myself really looking forward to the hill session this week, probably because I knew I'd be running it with my club. I really am a glutton for punishment! Steve says: Catherine has run a record number of miles this month - including a good range of speeds - and her target remains well on course. Read more (Updated 03/09/08)
	Sue Thompson (aka Pleased of Higham) Goal: 1:45 Sue says: I was disappointed to miss my target in one of the early sessions but am really looking forward to racing in the Nike+ Human Race 10K. Steve says: Sue seems to be really coming into form after another solid fortnight of training. Read more (Updated 03/09/08)
	Bryan Milne (aka Bryan the Snail) Goal: 2:00 Bryan says: I can see the numbers are improving but they haven't yet translated into feeling better. That said, some of my sessions - run at close on my 10K pace - have seemed easier. Steve says: Brya is better placed for a good time than he was a few weeks ago but in terms of targets, he still faces by far the biggest challenge. Read more (Updated 03/09/08)
	Tracy Turner (aka keep going lass, you can do it) Goal: 2:15 Tracy says: I was feeling nervous about getting back into the swing of things after having such a relaxing time on holiday, but thankfully have managed to get back on track straightaway. Steve says: Tracy ended the fortnight on a high with a very good long run and it is clear she is well ahead of target. Read more (Updated 03/09/08)
	Guy Domville (aka Dump Truck) Goal: To finish Guy says: Five weeks ago I would not have dreamt I could go out and run more than 9 miles, but now I'm finding running is just so addictive. Steve says: Guy has a few niggles but if fit, finishing his first half isn't going to be a problem. A respectable time is also on the cards if he maintains his current level of progress. Read more (Updated 03/09/08)

Introducing the experts...

The Coach: Steve Smythe Experienced club coach and former RW contributor Steve Smythe has run some 100 half-marathons, averaging 76 minutes and with a current PB of 70 minutes. He has also coached a club team that won the British Women's Half-Marathon Championships, who with an average age of almost 50, all set PBs. One of the athletes also finished third in the British Half-Marathon Championships and during her career has won the Hastings, Reading, Paddock Wood, Tunbridge Wells, Hereford and Dartford Half -Marathons.

The Sports Scientists: Tommy, Tess, Phil, Jaymie and Sarah The Lucozade Sport Performance Team (LSPT) is a team of dedicated sports scientists based across the UK who attend sporting events and clubs to provide sports nutrition and hydration advice. Each of the team perform at a high level in their chosen sports and use their education and own experiences to provide key information at seminars and in the nutrition plans they create.