Wheeze, wheeze, less than 11 weeks to go

So far, I've been pretty heartened by my training for the 5k on December 4 (walking first week, then two minutes running and four minutes walking for half an hour three times a week). Yesterday, feeling ambitious, I stepped up to the next level - run for three minutes and walk for three. I struggled a bit with this, but still made it round and got further with a slightly improved for the first circuit.

However, I was heartened to discover last night that I can already do two-thirds of the course in half an hour.... I drove round the circuit (for those of you who know where we live, I'm doing circuits around the two estates that form part of the grandly named (Pitreavie Castle.... and there is a Castle, well a big house anyway, that's been converted into flats....!) The distance I covered yesterday is 2.2 miles in 30 minutes (and that's 1.5 circuits) - and I reckon I've got to cover about 3.1 to 3.2, so will hopefully get there by December 4!

I'm surprised that I'm not bored with it yet - perhaps taking the iPod with me helps, or it could be the feelgood pheremones afterwards. The first big challenge will come on Tuesday - it's our wedding anniversary (number eight) and while we're going out for dinner on Saturday, we always tend to have a wee celebration on the day - which also happens to be one of my three training days....decisions, decisions!

Maybe I should also consider giving up my weekend red wine..... or is that a big mistake?

Anyway, the training continues - and still no sponsorship pack from Macmillan..... think I'll have to email them again......

Running the Challenge Scotland 5k for Macmillan Cancer Fund on December 4

It seemed like a good idea a couple of weeks ago when I signed up for the Challenge Scotland 5k on December 4 at Inverleith Park in Edinburgh. In a bid to try and find some meagre level of fitness, I decided to give myself a goal.... 12 weeks to try and run 5000 metres. Only problem is I loathe running (I used to take short cuts on the cross country course at school) and have dodgy knees, so to complete the course will be a major achievement for me.
To spur me on, I decided to run for charity and have opted for the Macmillan Cancer Fund, who have promised to send a fundraising pack and T-shirt.
I will set up the requisite sponsorship page but today was the first training run... and I have to be honest and say it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, although as I wheezed my way through the first two minutes, I seriously considered switching to the six-mile walk instead! Running for two minutes and walking for four was actually okay (perhaps the week of walking last week provided some benefit....) It helped that it was also a glorious September morning - warm - but with a nice cool breeze!
It's not my intention to become a serious runner - it's a goal I want to achieve and if it benefits a good cause too, then that's brilliant! Mackenzie is also taking part in the Santa Toddle which takes place the same day and will be fundraising for her nursery.... Craig says he will be providing support on the day (and it might be more than he realises :-) )
Anyway, keep your fingers crossed that I can do this (and that my knees hold out and that my pathetic level of fitness improves....) and if you want to sponsor me, please get in touch - I'll be posting details here in due course.
Ciao for now....