James Clark is running the Great North Run in September and you can follow his progress from a rubbish non runner to an elite athlete on his own web log here.

More commonly found behind the mic on air on Radio Newcastle, you may just spot him pounding the streets in agonising preparation for the GNR.

In this, his first Video Nation short, we catch up with Clarky describing the sheer agonies and ecstasies of training. He's even off the university for a little advice.

Who knows where we will catch up with him next, on the streets, in the gym, in the shower (what a thought!) or down at the pub. Share his agonies here and on the BBC Tyne GNR pages.