| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 12:08 - May 12 with 2094 views | MarkTWTD |
Hey everybody!
Just 6 days until my first running event of 2025 - the Great Manchester 10k.
You may remember that I ran my first half marathon (21Km, 13.1miles) in September last year, for Bowel Cancer UK along side my mate Ken (and TWTDer) NewcyBlue and my personal trainer Matty Schmid.
If you feel the urge, you can track me on the day (Sunday 18th May) on the Great Run app by downloading it, selecting the Manchester 10K event and entering my bib number (1891). I'm scheduled to start in the Orange wave (first) at 11.45am. I dread to think what target time I put on my application last year in order to start in the Fast Pace/Orange wave!!!
I'm running the Great North Run again in September with more ambitious targets, along with other events throughout the summer. Rather than have individual fund raisers for each event, I've rolled my runs in 2025 into one single appeal. If you would like to and are able to, please donate to my JustGiving fund raiser and help them continue their work to save lives.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-brierley-runs-in-2025
I'm also waiting to hear if I have a place on #teambowelcanceruk for the London 2026 Marathon next April!
You can read all about my fitness and running journey on my website at https://www.gnr2025.co.uk
 |  | | |  |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 18:20 - May 13 with 1766 views | eireblue |
That’s a look that says, “Yeah, I am going to do some TWTD maintenance, and I’ll take 17 minutes this time, alright with you yeah” |  | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 08:21 - May 14 with 1613 views | MarkTWTD |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 18:20 - May 13 by eireblue |
That’s a look that says, “Yeah, I am going to do some TWTD maintenance, and I’ll take 17 minutes this time, alright with you yeah” |
Or look that says "TWTD is down? Sorry, I've got weights to lift!"    | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 08:30 - May 14 with 1606 views | MarkTWTD |
Thanks Keno, for your generous donation! Much appreciated! :-)
https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-brierley-runs-in-2025
https://www.gnr2025.co.uk (I need to update the story as it continues, but the start is here, and how NewcyBlue played a huge part in getting me started with this love of fitness I now have. With my mindset, my motivation, my discipline. He was there through the downs and the ups. He helped put the setbacks into context. He sent me books to read. He told me to join a gym (and that's definitely one of the best things I've ever done). He was "by my side" throughout my "journey" and actually by my side at last years' incredible Great North Run. Truly an amazing day I will always remember! Loved it! Infact, he should be by my side at this years Great North Run in September, as well!
I'm on my own on Sunday in Manchester. I'm getting a lift to the train station, then heading to Manchester Oxford Road and then onto my starting area. I'll run 10km and then I'll "walk" back to catch the train home. It's going to be very different. It's also going to be hot! Apprehensive? Yep! Confident? Nope! But I'll try my best. It's the first big running event of the year for me. | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 12:49 - May 14 with 1531 views | Keno |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 08:30 - May 14 by MarkTWTD |
Thanks Keno, for your generous donation! Much appreciated! :-)
https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-brierley-runs-in-2025
https://www.gnr2025.co.uk (I need to update the story as it continues, but the start is here, and how NewcyBlue played a huge part in getting me started with this love of fitness I now have. With my mindset, my motivation, my discipline. He was there through the downs and the ups. He helped put the setbacks into context. He sent me books to read. He told me to join a gym (and that's definitely one of the best things I've ever done). He was "by my side" throughout my "journey" and actually by my side at last years' incredible Great North Run. Truly an amazing day I will always remember! Loved it! Infact, he should be by my side at this years Great North Run in September, as well!
I'm on my own on Sunday in Manchester. I'm getting a lift to the train station, then heading to Manchester Oxford Road and then onto my starting area. I'll run 10km and then I'll "walk" back to catch the train home. It's going to be very different. It's also going to be hot! Apprehensive? Yep! Confident? Nope! But I'll try my best. It's the first big running event of the year for me. |
you are very welcome and good luck!! |  |
| |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 19:14 - May 14 with 1438 views | Swansea_Blue |
Good luck. I’m looking forward to you dragging Phil and Gav into a future adventure  |  |
| |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 21:20 - May 14 with 1406 views | MarkTWTD |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 19:14 - May 14 by Swansea_Blue |
Good luck. I’m looking forward to you dragging Phil and Gav into a future adventure |
Well, this years "adventures" include the upcoming Great Manchester 10K, Blackpool Night Run, and the Great North Run in September with NewcyBlue and Matty my Personal Trainer.
Last year the goal was to do the Great North Run. This year, the goal is to keep on training to hopefully compete in the London Marathon next year. Well, the marathon isn't really the goal. The body is still the goal, to be the fittest version of myself ever... and then become even fitter!
Thanks again, Swanners, for your donation. Much appreciated. | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 09:38 - May 15 with 1278 views | EdwardStone |
Good Luck Mark, say "Hi" to Newcy if you see him |  | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 10:13 - May 16 with 1080 views | NewcyBlue |
I’ll definitely be there in September! |  |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 16:20 - May 16 with 1005 views | EdwardStone |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 10:13 - May 16 by NewcyBlue |
I’ll definitely be there in September! |
Hi Newcy
Sorry we wont see you at this year's bash
Maybe next year, eh?
Reserve last weekend in June, this year and evermore
Happy Sailing | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 19:43 - May 16 with 958 views | NewcyBlue |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 16:20 - May 16 by EdwardStone |
Hi Newcy
Sorry we wont see you at this year's bash
Maybe next year, eh?
Reserve last weekend in June, this year and evermore
Happy Sailing |
Last weekend in June I’ll be in Dry Dock in China this year.
I’ll send some grog your way in the next couple of weeks! | |
| |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 11:00 - May 17 with 834 views | EdwardStone |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 19:43 - May 16 by NewcyBlue |
Last weekend in June I’ll be in Dry Dock in China this year.
I’ll send some grog your way in the next couple of weeks! |
Many thanks.... we shall raise a glass in your honour
Dry Dock would make an excellent name for a Rehab facility btw | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 16:38 - May 17 with 785 views | MarkTWTD |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 09:38 - May 15 by EdwardStone |
Good Luck Mark, say "Hi" to Newcy if you see him |
Well he's already shown his face in the thread... but yes Newcy is at sea, heading to dry dock, at the moment but he promises me he'll be back home in time to join me at the Great North Run in September. | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 17:06 - May 17 with 770 views | MarkTWTD |
Thanks now to Jim and Anonymous (who may well be from here)... joining Keno and SwanseaBlue in their support from TWTD. Every single donation is appreciated and is probably the only reason I put myself through these runs.
I HATE running. I really do. I am particularly dreading tomorrow's run. It's only a 10K but I feel so under prepared and don't really know what to expect. I'm there on my own (ok, there will be one or two other people running at the same time, apparently) but it is genuinely quite scary.
What I do enjoy is FINISHING. Particularly enjoy finishing when there's a nice shiny medal at the end, and the Great Manchester Run medal looks pretty nice.
It will certainly go well alongside my Great North Run medal which is proudly framed on my wall along with my running bib.
Two months ago my mum was diagnosed with small cell cancer, which has spread through her body. It is not curable. She is receiving chemotherapy and starts her fourth and final round on 29th May. The hope is that this will slow the progress of the cancer. So, whilst I am running in support of Bowel Cancer UK, as I did last year, following my dad's diagnosis a few years ago, my mum will be in my thoughts as I take to the streets of Manchester tomorrow.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-brierley-runs-in-2025
https://gnr2024.co.uk/
Thank you for reading, and thank you for any support you can give.
This post has been edited by an administrator | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 09:39 - May 18 with 585 views | MarkTWTD |
Well... I'm on the train, on my way into Manchester.
Expected to cross the start line shortly after 11.45am.
Bib number 1891 if anyone would like to track me on the Great Run app.
 | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 14:32 - May 18 with 478 views | MarkTWTD |
Well that's the Great Manchester Run 10k done.
I even met AJ Bell!
Some calf issues at around 4km so pleased to have finished.
 | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 11:00 - May 19 with 261 views | usm |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 14:32 - May 18 by MarkTWTD |
Well that's the Great Manchester Run 10k done.
I even met AJ Bell!
Some calf issues at around 4km so pleased to have finished.
|
Well done Mark.
I did the 2019 Great North Run, raising money for for Bowel Cancer UK, in memory of my daughter's boyfriend who died of the disease aged 27.
Almost did the Great South Run last year but it got cancelled the day before - we're doing it this year instead.
Any fund raising/charity donating I do tends to go to Bowel Cancer UK - or a local food bank.
Keep up the running. Its a great feeling once you've done it, but like you the thought of it and the actual running it, is not always so great.
Assume you Parkrun? |  |
| |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 17:35 - May 19 with 197 views | MarkTWTD |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 11:00 - May 19 by usm |
Well done Mark.
I did the 2019 Great North Run, raising money for for Bowel Cancer UK, in memory of my daughter's boyfriend who died of the disease aged 27.
Almost did the Great South Run last year but it got cancelled the day before - we're doing it this year instead.
Any fund raising/charity donating I do tends to go to Bowel Cancer UK - or a local food bank.
Keep up the running. Its a great feeling once you've done it, but like you the thought of it and the actual running it, is not always so great.
Assume you Parkrun? |
I tend to stick to the one charity. WIth my dad's history with the disease it just made sense. I wasn't counting on my mum getting cancer too.
Bowel Cancer is certainly one of those that younger people don't feel they can get and so ignore any symptoms, and probably so do many health professionals.
Good luck with the Great South Run. Fingers crossed it doesn't get cancelled due to the weather this year.
I've now worked out that I actually enjoy running - well, I enjoy running the big events. I don't enjoy ParkRun's. I do ParkRun's but I don't enjoy them. I usually have an internal battle going on in my head when I get to the half way point and have to force it to allow me to run the second lap. Occasionally, the head wins, but I usually complete the full 5K.
It just comes down to time, and other committments which mean I'm away quite a few weekends,
I'm looking for another 10K to do during the summer, ahead of the 7.5K in August and the GNR in September. | | | |
| MarkTWTD Runs in 2025 on 17:37 - May 19 with 196 views | MarkTWTD |
 | | | |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
