A WOMAN who took up running less than two years ago is preparing to wear England colours in September.

Jeannie Brady ran a time of 1.29.17 at the Hull Half Marathon, finishing as the eighth highest-placed woman in the field.

But crucially, the Tynedale Harrier came third in the 45-50 age group category, which secured a place in the England team which will compete against the Celtic Nations, at the British Masters in Maidenhead, on September 1.

While she eagerly awaits the arrival of her England kit, the Matfen woman admitted she is excited about making her national bow.

“It’s an honour, and something I am very much looking forward to,” said Brady, who recovered from a knee injury ahead of running at Hull.

She added: “I went there knowing I had been injured, and that I might not be at my best. It was also my first road marathon, so I didn’t really know what to expect.

“But I had previously done some trail running, and I was very pleased with how I ran on the day.”

Remarkably, Brady has been running for less than two years. She initially joined the Jog on the Tyne initiative to get involved with social running.

After gradually improving, she ventured into cross country and joined Tynedale Harriers, where she has developed as a competitor.

“Previously I wasn’t sporty,” admitted Brady. “I didn’t get picked for anything at school.”

Now, thanks to the guidance of her friend and fellow Harrier Kim Bluck, and coach Jim Ashworth-Beaumont, who is attached to the Serpentine Running Club in London, Brady is making impressive progress.

She added: “When you’re new to running you can be susceptible to injuries. I had an achilles injury and then a knee injury.

“But I’ve had great support and coaching and now I just want to keep working hard and stay fit.”