The 10k race in Kent went well today. Cold weather but nice, bright and sunny. Very well organised. Husband did the race in 58 minutes and 38 seconds, I did it in 55 minutes 35 seconds. Got a medal, which I've not even looked at yet! Wasn't looking forward to the race, but in a much brighter mood afterwards.

Went for a run in the local park today. It was SNOWY, and pretty icy on the paths, so we (husband and I) kept to the paths. Did about 30 minutes, which isn't a lot but it's something. Husband didn't want to go out at first (any excuse!) but I said it's lovely and a nice change of scenery with snow. It was really refreshing. Good run and sweating a bit too.

Went out for a run this evening, with husband. I let him have a 2 minute start, and came in about 1 minute and 15 seconds after him - he's getting better. He only started running about 8 weeks ago and is doing well. I do about 4.96 miles up to, and around, a local park. A nice, regular type of run, with some hilly parts which are quite hard going I think.

It was really chilly so I wore some gloves most of the time, although my face felt the full blast of any icy winds. The forecast of snow has proved right - although it wasn't snowing on the run.

Came across a young bloke with a Staffordshire dog off its lead. He didn't hold the dog, and the dog who I didn't know at all was looking at me as I approached so I thought it best to stop and said "are you going to let me go through?" to which the bloke replied "she's okay" - I felt like saying "put your bloody dog on a leash, or at least hold its collar until I'm past". It didn't attack or anything major, but you can never tell with some dogs. I'm a dog owner and always have the dog on a leash when it's in a public place apart from usually parks, and make sure that I have control of it. I guess some people have no idea or just can't be bothered.

The Beginning

I'm a married, working woman, with children, in her 40's.

Why did I start running? I don't know really. I think it was because I just felt like I wanted to for ages, years even and the opportunity, area to run in and time factors didn't totally happen altogether.

I started running about 15 months ago, so I'm relatively new to the arena. I've taken part in 2 10ks, with a 3rd planned at the end of this month. I enjoy running mainly for mental space and also for that buzzy feeling you get (or is it just me?) after a run. At the moment I run twice a week, doing approximately 5 miles each time. My husband has recently started running with me (I usually overtake him!).