From First-Time Gym User to Great North Run Finisher: Jake’s Six-Month Journey

At 76 years old, Jake Steel had never set foot in a gym. Six months later, he was crossing the finish line of the Great North Run.

It began with an ambitious goal and a simple question: could the team at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Met Active gym on Cyncoed Campus help him prepare to complete a half marathon?

The answer was yes.

With support from Alison Jones, Active Lifestyle Manager, and the Met Active team, Jake began training from scratch, gradually building his strength, fitness and confidence ahead of one of the UK’s most famous running events.

Jake’s introduction to Met Active came through his wife, Andrea Steel, an Associate Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, who suggested he make use of the facilities at Cyncoed Campus.

What began as Jake’s first experience of a gym soon developed into a six-month training journey, with the Met Active team supporting and guiding him as he worked progressively towards his goal.

That hard work paid off in September when Jake completed the Great North Run, turning an ambitious challenge into a memorable achievement.

Reflecting on his journey, Jake said:

“A huge thank you goes to Alison and her team for believing in me, supporting and guiding my training and helping me turn an ambitious goal into a reality. I couldn’t have done it without them!”

Jake’s achievement is also a reminder that taking on a new challenge does not have to be limited by age or previous experience. From walking into a gym for the first time at 76 to completing a half marathon just six months later, his journey demonstrates what can be achieved through determination, consistent training and the right support.

For the Met Active team, it is another example of the role Cardiff Met Sport can play in helping members of the University and wider community become more active, build confidence and work towards goals that matter to them.

Congratulations, Jake, on an outstanding achievement.