Trying to keep my training on track

Only a couple of weeks into my marathon training and it has dawned on me - this very different from being a fun runner,

Although I am usually very good at running two or three days a week in whatever weather, now I haven't got the luxury of being able to say, 'I can't be bothered, I'll go tomorrow'.

Which is what I did last Monday. I was then unable to catch up on my training programme for the rest of the week.

My saving grace, however, was being able to run with a great bunch of friends and colleagues.

If you do find it hard to make yourself get out and pound the streets then try to team up with a running buddy, or join a local running club.

Don't be put off with the latter. Most running clubs have a wide range of abilities, slow as well as fast, novices as well as experienced.

And they will team you up with other runners of the same ability as yourself so that you don't feel you are holding people back.

Add the cameraderie and real support and this is what makes me finish work after a stressful week on a Friday and, however bad the weather, turn up next to Ellesmere's main car park at 6.15pm.

Husband and I will even forgo a starter if we are having a meal with friends on Fridays so we can run first!

To get the miles in this Friday I did a 20 minute run before joining, and with the others I was put through more than an hour of quality running, thanks to 'leaders' Nick and Doze.

I admit, I was admonished for talking too much and not listening to our leaders' instructions. But I did sprint faster then usual to make up for it.

They put us through out paces with sprints half way around our run and ended with tough, tough hill runs at the end.

Doing steep hill climbs without giving up needs real determination.

But do it with a group of other runners encouraging you at every step and stumble and you will get to the top not just of the first hill but the second, third and even fourth.

Mind you I was physically pushed up the final incline - a very weird feeling, when your legs go faster than the rest of the body wants them to.

And at the end, when all you want is that pizza and a bottle, sorry, glass of wine, someone will remind you to do your stretches and make sure you have non-alcoholic drinks as well.

I also joined my husband's workmates who have an 'ad hoc' after-work run mid week, a night when I am always pushed to run fast to keep up with them - a night puncuated by laughter over runners' obsession with toilet habits!

I was also able to fit in a fantastic run on Haughmond Hill while my son was playing basketball in Shrewsbury. I was rewarded with amazing views from the top on a perfect January morning.

As a working mum I have to grab the chance for a run whenever, and wherever I can.

I hadn't quite done the four runs I was supposed to, but thanks to friends I did three and am now determined to follow my plan more closely.