Tag: Great North Run
An interview with @steverunsslowly
June 16th, 2020
Hello all!
I hope everyone is keeping well and training hard, this week we have a treat for you and have an interview with the incredible Stephen Hall, who is a fellow runner who has been doing a lot of hard work for the Trust. His journey is one I personally find inspiring and I feel we can all either relate to or learn something from some of his answers.
If you’d like to keep up with Steve on his running journey give him a follow @steverunsslowly on instagram.
Why did you start running?
I started running to channel my frustration after my partner Louise and I suffered a miscarriage in September 2018, so I decided to sign up for the Great North Run 2019 with Tommy’s the baby charity.
What keeps you motivated when you’re out on a run?
Once I’m out the door with my headphones in and in my own little world I find it really easy to stay motivated, recently the messages of support and donations coming in during my streak has been the fuel to keep me going out every day. Getting out of bed is the hardest part!
How has running/keeping fit had an affect on you in your everyday life?
Running has changed my life completely, in the past I have struggled with anxiety and depression and running helps me manage that. The mental focus and clarity that comes with improved fitness and routine is the main reason I run.
What would you say to someone that is thinking of getting into running?
Buy a pair of decent running shoes to avoid any extra discomfort which might put you off early on. Find your local parkrun and start off there. The running community on Instagram is the best too so get involved with that!
What’s your number one running tip?
Always go at your own pace, and remember to smile and enjoy it!
What’s the worst mistake you’ve made(fitness/running related)?
Running a half marathon without training enough! After the great north run I struggled to walk for about 4 days!
Why did you choose to run for Dragonfly Cancer Trust?
Cancer has impacted my family quite alot in recent years, my nana has survived breast and lung cancer! My mams partner lost his Dad to cancer earlier this year so I began to look for a small local cancer charity who I could support where I knew my fundraising would make a big difference. When I went onto the Dragonfly Cancer Trust website it really touched me when I learned of the amazing work done by the charity! The thought of cancer affecting people so young really breaks my heart.
What do you think makes Dragonfly Cancer Trust different to any other charities?
The work done by all cancer charities is amazing, but with Dragonfly Cancer Trust every case feels so personal and relatable. When I contacted the charity to ask if I could help, I received such a warm reply! It feels like I’ve been welcomed into a little family and I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference to someone’s life through this charity.
How to keep fit during isolation
April 3rd, 2020
Hello!
Although, much to my displeasure, gyms have been shut and the amount of exercise we are permitted to do has been limited, there are still simple and safe ways that you can keep your fitness levels up all ready for September (fingers crossed).
Use that hour wisely
Stay hydrated
How many biscuits is that today?
Don’t make a cake, make muscle
Whatever you end up doing make sure you stay safe and remain positive. Don’t forget that you can now join the dragonfly running club on strava and we can have a competition to see who can run the furthest in an hour!
Join the Dragonfly Running Club on Strava here:
https://www.strava.com/clubs/591808
Killer running playlist to power you through your midweek workouts
March 5th, 2020
As the cold, dreary weather continues into the month of march, you’ll surely be asking yourself why should I be out running when it’s so bleak?
Well ask no more as I have compiled a selection of the finest music to grace your ears while your Running your socks off. From ABBA to the bee gees and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.
1. ABBA – Dancing Queen
“You can sing, you can dance” …However more importantly, can you run?
2. Bee Gees – Night Fever
Possibly the only point in the day I have time to run, and who doesn’t want to have a bit of Saturday Night Fever when they are hitting the tarmac
3. KC And The Sunshine Band – Give it Up
Honestly please don’t give it up, keep it going, you’ve only got another 10 miles to go!
4. Matthew Wilder – Break my Stride
“Ain’t nothin gonna break my stride” …Too right! After reading this blog you should be running ultra marathons in no time.
5. The Housemartins – Happy Hour
Oh you bet, running till your legs fall off is my happiest hour of the day as well!
6. Tears of Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Too right they do… But for now focus on getting through that 5k. One step at a time
7. ABBA – Take a chance on Me
We couldn’t just include one song could we? Just ignore “we could go walking”. Because we can’t. We only do Running. Sorry.
8. Queen – Don’t stop me now
Stop reading the blog, get out running!
9. Katrina and the Waves – Walking on the sunshine
If it’s anything like last year you truly feel like you are walking on the sun. Utterly boiling.
10. Scissor Sisters – I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’
And so you shouldn’t – come on, were meant to be running.
11. Barry White – You’re the first, the last, my everything
This year’s Great North Run, may well be your first, hopefully not your last, So give it your everything??
…I think I’m entitled for a round of applause for that.
12. John Travolta – You’re the one that I want
Serenade that Runners medal, tell it you’re the one that you need… oh yes indeed
13. Whitney Houston – Million Dollar Bill
Running should make you feel like a Million dollar bill, or at least one of those new £20 pound notes
14. Survivor – Eye of the Tiger
I mean c’mon, it wouldn’t be a running playlist without it
15. Hairspray – You Can’t Stop the beat
If this doesn’t give you energy at 7 in the morning, I honestly don’t know what will. After all.. You can’t stop the beat.
Why you should join the Dream Team in 2020
February 12th, 2020
Just as February has started, this year’s Great North Run ballot has been and gone and whether you have got a place in the run, or you have just missed out, there is a place for you on this year’s Dream Team.
Every year thousands of people have the decision to make, which charity do I run for? Seriously, this year there is no question as we are providing the best running experience for runners no matter your ability. Some people may already have ballot places which are great and you can still join our team and raise money for a great cause.
So what’s going to be different this year?
Dragonfly Running Team
This year’s big change is that we are going to introduce the dragonfly running team (how on earth did we come up with that name?!) This way if you are struggling with training, or simply want some company on those lonely late night 10km runs, the running team can be there for you.
We will also have a running leader board so we can all compete to see who has clocked the most miles and they will receive a special shout-out on the blog.
Training tops
Looking for some new colourful gear for your training run? Look no further than here! We will be offering training tops to our dragonfly runners so you can support the charity with pride when you hit the tarmac in the months leading up to the run.
Support along the way
That’s right, it’s not just your Auntie Julia who will be cheering you on along the way. We plan to have some volunteers along the route in order to keep you striding on, even when your toenail falls off (…speaking from experience, you will need all the help you can get at this point!)
Funky fundraising pack
This will include all the help you will need to reach this year’s goal of £350. The trick is to start early, get in there before everyone else… it will take the pressure off you so you can enjoy the lead up to the run. We will also include a dragonfly badge so you can show everyone that you are running for a fantastic cause this year.
This incredible blog!
Courtesy of yours truly, you will be receiving weekly articles all about running and everything Great North Run in order to keep you motivated and entertained …probably.
A tent
No, it’s not the sort of tent you went camping in the lakes in as a child, this tent will be full of support and smiles once you have finished your run. Plus there will be lots of treats to get your sugar levels back up.
Knowing you are making a big difference.
The money you raise will have an incredible effect on young people’s lives across the UK, and since we are a smaller charity, every pound and every penny will make such a difference.
Imagine you are a young person and you are told you have limited time left to spend time with your family and friends, and you don’t have the money to enjoy that one dream you have, whether it’s driving a fast car or having a ride in a helicopter. You can help these dreams come true. The fundraising you do will make priceless memories for young people and families across the UK. The sky’s the limit, keep running and try and raise as much as you possibly can.
What’s Hot and What’s Not
February 6th, 2020
Essentials
Running tops.
Reliable shorts
Good quality socks
Proper running shoes
Running cap
The … Non essentials ?
Running jacket
Running supplementation