20 Great North Run’s, 20 Lessons Learnt

On Sunday 8th September, Adam crossed the finish line of his 20th Great North Run in the time of 1 hour 58 minutes. Over these years, Adam has learnt a lot – not just about running, but about resilience, preparation, and more.

To mark Adam's milestone, he’s decided to share 20 lessons he’s picked up along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a bit of inspiration, these insights might help you tackle your next challenge – whatever it may be!

Lesson 1: Physical Wellbeing

The physical wellbeing benefits are huge. Altogether, if you assume 13 weeks of training per year (at 20 miles per week) and the race itself (13.1 miles), this means Adam has run over 5000 miles over the past 20 years! In reality, it’s actually been a lot more than this!

Lesson 2: Mental Wellbeing

Similarly to physical wellbeing, there are also many mental wellbeing benefits too! Running is a great stress reliever and a perfect way to de-stress after a long day. Adam has also learnt that he has been able to solve many ‘knotty problems’ or challenges whilst out running. The effect of doing something different and clearing the mind allows a greater focus on the things that really matter.

Lesson 3: Resilience

Adam has learnt to become resilient through his ups and downs (training, injuries, motivation). It’s clear to see that this resilience has paid off after his 20th Great North Run!

Lesson 4: Planning & Preparation

There is plenty of planning and preparation when getting ready for a running event. This can be for the training, the weekend away, and for the race itself. From planning breakfasts and fluid intake to getting running gear ready, there is more preparation than you think.

Lesson 5: Adaptability

Adaptability has played a huge role in this year's run. Adam said, “You have to be able to cope with whatever the day throws at you. This year it was very, very wet and poured down the whole way round – like running through a river at times”. Not ideal, but he definitely coped with the unexpected!

Lesson 6: Training & Practice

Lots of training and practice is required for a running event, like the Great North Run. From early mornings to late nights, cold weather to boiling hot weather. No matter what, Adam stayed consistent with his training and this has massively paid off!

Lesson 7: Kindness

Adam has received many donations and a huge amount of support over the years. It goes to show that kindness plays a big part in Adam’s running journey which he is incredibly thankful for. Your kindness doesn’t go unnoticed.

Lesson 8: Community

Throughout every race weekend, there has been an amazing sense of community from Newcastle to South Shields. The Great North Run has such an inclusive atmosphere, which brings together a supportive community.

Lesson 9: Achievements

Celebrating achievements with family and friends is a massive bonus after completing a race, and seeing others celebrating is always a great sight to see! Celebrating allows runners to reflect on their overall running journey.

Lesson 10: A sense of purpose

Running has also given Adam a sense of purpose, a target to aim for. This has definitely kept Adam motivated and disciplined throughout his running journey.

Lesson 11: The power of a strong mindset

This is useful when getting prepared for a running event. No matter the situation, a strong mindset is incredibly important. Whether that’s for a race, or challenges within the workplace.

Lesson 12: Better Sleep

It is proven that running leads to improved sleep, and Adam thinks so too! Better sleep means increased concentration and reduced stress, which comes in handy when at work.

Lesson 13: Boosts Mood

Studies show that running improves mood and outlook on the day, even if it's only a 15 minute run! Boosted mood can increase motivation, energy, quality of work, and creativity in the workplace.

Lesson 14: Increased Productivity

Since running has been proven to cause better sleep and boosted mood, it therefore leads to an increase in overall productivity. This means, in the workplace, that more tasks can be done as employees feel more motivated.

Lesson 15: Brain health

Running weakens the brain's response to physical and emotional stress. Part of the brain, which is associated with memory and learning, also increases in volume. This leads to improved working memory and focus, and being focused is highly important in a workplace environment.

Lesson 16: Celebrate successes (big and small)

It takes many small achievements until you can complete your overall running goal. From waking up early to train, to adding an extra mile onto a run. And the same goes for everyday life. Success isn’t only getting that dream job, it's also the small achievements you’ve made to get there.

Lesson 17: You can do more than you think

The thought of running might be intimidating. But once you get started, it's easier than it looks. Through the 20 years of Great North Runs that Adam has completed, it has been easier each time. This is because he has set smaller objectives to achieve the end goal, and you can do this in the workplace.

Lesson 18: Make sure to get rest

Rest is essential for runners, it allows muscles to repair, rebuild and strengthen. Rest is also essential for employees. This is because it increases concentration and productivity, as well as improves mental health.

Lesson 19: Confidence

Runners gain a sense of achievement after every run completed, and every finish line crossed. Running also has physical health benefits, such as getting in shape, and this also helps to improve self-esteem and confidence.

Lesson 20: Patience

Finally, to be successful, you must put the effort in. To reach your running goals, it takes time and patience. Just like your own workplace goals.

Thanks to Adam’s supporters and sponsorships for the Great North Run and the Manchester Marathon, Adam has now raised a total of £1700 this year alone! These donations will go to St Barnabas Hospice.

After running for many years, Adam has discovered that running has its many benefits which can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Running can also improve the day-to-day career of an individual.

Here at Petaurum HR, we are dedicated to improving workplaces and careers. So, if you haven’t already, why not give running a go to improve yours?