Beacon Strength and Conditioning supports radio star Tim

Sun FM drivetime presenter Tim West has enlisted the help of former Premier League strength and conditioning coach, Scott Pearce, as he prepares to run the Great North Run for Foundation of Light.

Tim, who hosts the daily Big Drive Home, is training with the ex-Sunderland AFC coach at Beacon Strength and Conditioning, at the Beacon of Light, ahead of September’s gruelling 13.1-mile half marathon.

Each week, Tim will follow a plan designed to improve his overall physical fitness, build strength and minimise injuries with the aim of achieving a personal best.

Following his first session, Tim said: “It went really well. I had an idea in my mind that it would be a nightmare and I would be aching for days, but that’s not the case.

“The idea for this week was to get an understanding of where we’re starting from and work from there really.

“I’ve not done the Great North Run for 14 years; I’m a lot older, my knees are a lot older, but working with Scott I think I can get a good time.”

Darlington-born Tim will also take on Foundation of Light’s annual 10k Lambton Run in on Sunday 30th June as he ramps up his training programme.

He added: “I’ve done 10K runs for the past couple of years but then the Great North Run was mentioned, and I thought I’d like to do it for a second time. This year is the year!”

With over 12 years’ experience at Premier League and international level, Scott is an expert in working with individuals and teams of all abilities.

Scott said: “Today was very much a fact-finding session, getting to know Tim personally first and foremost. It’s important to know what he’s good at, not so good at and what we can put in place to help him perform and stay injury free for the Great North Run.

“He did very well. He’s very keen to learn and wants to know a lot of information as to why he’s doing the exercises which is great.”

With marathon season well underway, Scott believes runners should consider strength training to help them take the next steps in their performance.

He said: “Runners are people we can definitely benefit from Beacon Strength & Conditioning. There’s a bit of a myth within running that strength and conditioning isn’t important, but it is.

“It’s a crucial part of improving performance as it can help you stay injury free and make you a stronger and better runner. I have some great clients, who are really benefitting from the work I do with them. No matter what level, I can help you get the best out of your training.”

Sun FM listeners will be able to keep up with Tim’s progress as he broadcasts on 103.4FM daily from 3pm-7pm.

He will also be encouraging people to sign up to the Lambton Run which takes place on Sunday 30th June at the Lambton Estate in Durham.