Great North Run

The Great North Run is a great race.  The biggest race of the year in terms of runners that I participate in.  Everyone you speak to seems to know someone in the race.
I was looking forward to the race and getting in the mix in a top field.  maybe not as hot at the very front but some very good British lads.
Race started well.  First 3k is always fast at the GNR.  Little hill after the start followed by some fast downhill to the Tyne Bridge.  I was told to sit in and not do the front running by my coach so did as told for once.  Sat behind Marius till half way.  Got to half way in 32.00.  Was very pleased with this as I went through 10k quicker than I raced 10k at the Great Yorkshire 10k two weeks before!  Second half was tough and once Marius and Neil had broke away I was running with Ian H and Darren D.  As we approached the closing stages of the race I picked up a little and was very happy to be finishing strongly.  I needed to finish strong because in three weeks 13.1 mile will only be half way!  I am really looking forward to the marathon at the Commonwealth Games now.  After a poor performance at the European Championships I feel owe people a good run next month.
I finished 15th in the GNR in 65.37.  A little way off my PB of 64.20 but I was pleased.
Next race will be my fianl race before the marathon.  I will be running a leg of the Northern six stage relay on Saturday 2nd October.