What I learned from the Great North Run

Running the Great North Run: Lessons in Mindset, Motivation and Momentum

When I accepted the challenge to run the Great North Run half marathon, I knew it would be life-changing — but I had no idea just how much. The lessons it taught me, and the way it shaped my mindset, continue to influence how I approach life and business today.

The Starting Line: Turning “I Wish” into “I Will”

For over a decade, I stood on the sidelines of the Great North Run, filled with amazement and admiration for the runners.

“I wish I could do that,” I always thought.

Last year, I decided to stop taking my able body for granted — and to start showing my children a healthy example. I bought a pair of trainers and hit the road.

Having Goals — and a Plan to Get There

When we launched our business, I had clear objectives and a strategy. I followed it, achieved my goals — and it felt fantastic.

But a couple of years later, I realised I was coasting. We were still meeting targets, but I’d lost my plan and sense of direction. It didn’t feel good.

At the same time, I began training for the Great North Run. I set myself an ambitious schedule for someone who had never run more than a mile. The first few weeks were miserable — running was boring and felt like a chore.

Then came Long Run Day. It was raining, I was tired, and I wanted to skip it. But I had a plan — and if I didn’t stick to it, excuses would start to pile up.

Richard and the children drove me to the start line. As I ran through the rain, biting back tears, a passing dogwalker called out, “You can do it!”

Something clicked. Yes, I can do it. I will do it.

That moment changed everything. I realised that with a functioning body, a plan, and the right mindset, the only thing standing between me and my goals was determination.

From then on, I ran with joy, pride and certainty that I’d complete my half marathon — because I had decided to.

(You can read more about this journey here).

Tracking Progress Matters

Halfway through the race, my tracking app stopped working — no distance, no time, no pace. I was gutted. It had a huge impact on my morale and focus.

That experience reminded me of the power of measuring progress — in running and in business.

Seeing myself improve from 1 mile to 3, to 5, to 9, and finally to 13.1 miles was empowering. Tracking progress and pushing into discomfort each week was both motivating and exhilarating.

Accountability and Support Are Priceless

I’ve met incredible innovators who persevere despite setbacks and scepticism. I admire them deeply — but I’m not one of them!

For me, accountability made all the difference.

As race day neared, fitting in training became a shared priority for Richard and me. He even sacrificed some morning swims to accompany me on his bike — carrying water and making business calls as I ran.

The children would shout, “You can do it, Mum! We believe in you!” as I set off. Knowing I’d have to report back to them at the end made quitting unthinkable.

During the race, I noticed a big difference between sections lined with cheering supporters and those that were silent. Encouragement truly fuels performance.

I made a rule: I had to high-five every child who offered their hand — and I had to be running when I did it. It kept me going even when others slowed to walk.

That experience reminded me how vital it is to encourage others — in business, in life, and in their own personal marathons.

The support from friends, family and clients was overwhelming. Their donations more than doubled my fundraising target, proving that when we share our goals openly, people love to rally behind us.

It Isn’t Always Easy

One of my favourite race photos — taken by the lovely Simon Lowe Photography at mile 9 — shows me smiling and relaxed.

But the other pictures? They tell the real story: joy, frustration, determination, awkwardness, amusement. The full spectrum.

It was a reminder that in the race of life — and in business — there are ups and downs, triumphs and challenges.

It’s not always easy or pleasant. But the key is to keep moving forward — whether that’s a sprint, jog, walk, or crawl.

We’ll get there somehow.

It Never Gets Easier — and That’s the Point

At the end of the race, a wise lady said to me:

“It never gets any easier. Every race, you’re pushing to your limits. You get fitter and faster, but it never feels easier. Of course, if you ran it at your first pace, it would feel easier — but what would be the point of that?”

That hit home.

When we launched the business, we had a four-year plan: sell, scale, or coast. My preference? Coast. A modest, steady business with time to enjoy life sounded perfect.

But I’ve learned that coasting isn’t really possible. Every year brings new challenges. When I stopped pushing forward, I lost motivation — even if we were still meeting goals.

As one experienced business leader told me, “If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling back.”

Running taught me the same lesson: it never gets easier, but the rewards grow every time you stretch your limits.

What Are Your Goals?

What are your ambitions and dreams?

This morning, we took our children to Junior ParkRun for the first time. Our daughter said dreamily, “I wish I could win one day.”

“Squeeze my hand and say that again,” I told her. She did.

“Now you’ve wished it. All you have to do is put in the hard work to make it happen.”

It’s true for her — and it’s true for us.

So whatever your goal — in business, health, or life — let’s put in the effort, stay focused, and make our wishes come true.

I was really struck by the variety of images captured of me going around the race. My favourite was captured by the lovely Simon Lowe Photography. I was really looking forward to seeing his friendly face at mile 9 and the photo he captured shows me happy and relaxed. The other images pictures snapped along the race show the range of experience: joy, determination, despondency, confidence, uncertainty, problem-solving, awkwardness, frustration, amusement…it’s all there! There was a reminder that in the race of life and business there is the same mix and the same certainty of tough parts and challenges. It’s not always easy and it’s not always pleasant, but the key is to keep moving towards your end goal, be it at a sprint, a jog, a walk or a crawl. We’ll get there some way, somehow.It never gets any easier“It never gets any easier” a wise lady mused to me at the end of the race. “Every race, you’re pushing to your limits. You get fitter and you get faster, but it never feels any easier. Of course, if you ran the race at the speed you first did it, it would feel easier. But, what would be the point of that?! You’re always pushing and striving and achieving greater things. That’s why it never gets any easier.”When we launched the business we had a four year plan. At the end of the four years, we would have three options: Sell the business, go big or coast along. My definite preference was to work hard to get to a point where we could ultimately coast along. We don’t have grand ambitions for fancy cars or luxury homes or wardrobes full of designer clothes and jewellery. The satisfaction of a job well done, a modest, steady income and time to enjoy work, family and other interests seemed like the perfect ambition.But, is it possible?!I remember getting to the end of our first year and breathing a huge sigh of relief. Phew! We’d done it! We’d finished our first year, reached our target and built a foundation and income for our business. Now we could relax a bit. But... we couldn’t! Year 2 had its own, very different challenges and pressures. And then, year 3 came, and those have changed again.When I was coasting, it didn’t feel good. We were still hitting our targets, but I lacked direction and was losing motivation. I’ve been told so several times by experienced business leaders that if you’re not moving forward, you start to fall back. There’s no option to stand still. As much as I’d like this not to be true, my experience training for the Great North Run has illustrated the value, energy and momentum gained by continuing to press on. It never gets easier…but the rewards and satisfaction are huge. What are your ambitions are your ambitions and goals? What are your dreams? What do you find yourself wishing you could achieve? This morning we took our children to Junior ParkRun for the first time. They are so eager and excited to get stuck into running. “I wish I could win one day” said our daughter, dreamily, as we walked to the metro. “Squeeze my hand and your eyes tight and say that again” I challenged her. She did. “Now you’ve wished it, all you have to do is to put in the hard work to make it happen.” It’s just as true for you and me as it is for our children, or nephews and nieces or neighbours. Let’s make our wishes come true![/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]