It has now been exactly nine months since I started running. Nine months since I tiptoed out of the house one dark January morning, before sunrise, to trudge tentatively up and down the street hoping nobody could see my humiliate myself. That first week of the C25K, in case anyone didn't know, involves running in 30 second bursts between a minute or so of walking. And back then, that was HARD.

Since then, I have completed the Great Midland Fun Run - a total of 8.5 miles - and raised a cracking £180 (plus Gift Aid) for Alzheimers Research UK. Big thanks to everyone who donated to that, and brace yourselves because I'm about to ask you to put your hands in your pockets again.

When I'm not pounding the pavement, I'm a carer for my elderly mum, who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimers disease. Along with my dad, I help look after my mother and know only too well how this disease can affect both patients and their families. I debated choosing a different charity for this particular challenge, but this really is the one closest to my heart and so I am sticking with it.

My new challenge is a half marathon - only a teeny tiny 4.6 miles longer than the GMFR. 13.1 miles in total. It's the Great Birmingham Run and it's in just over a week. Silly muppet that I am, I forgot to set up a fundraiser! But here it is - all donations are gratefully received. Even if you only give a couple of quid, it all mounts up.  Thanks in advance!

Extra thanks go out to Jon-Michael Lindsey for all his advice and support; Andy Nield for extra coaching and fitness advice; his lovely wife Anna for massaging the achey bits, providing hugs, and for being this bard's much-needed warrior princess; and to Sally Ellis and all the SE Fitness team for all the training and support you guys provide.