16 week countdown... training begins!

Having always been a stubborn girl - my mum could regale you with stories of how I refused to read until my first day at school because "that's what you do there" - I have not been swayed to start my training early by the multitudes of friends who have suggested a little preparation might be a good idea.

Instead I have stuck rigidly to my determined view that the training manual starts on 1st April, so that's when I will start training. And I'm pleased to report that I did start - on the dot, on Wednesday 1st April, adding a 2 mile run homeward to my daily standard of a 2 mile walk (read leisurely stroll usually chatting on the phone) in the morning.

I followed this up with a boxercise class the next day, and yes, whilst my determination to run home again tonight may have been brushed aside swiftly by the offer of some after work drinks with friends, I have promised myself that I'll make up for it this weekend, with another workout, a run and a good brisk walk through London's many sights.

16 weeks is not long a very long time and the fear of mountainous regions, and the fact that as one of the younger members of the team I really should be skipping over those fjords, terrifies the bejeesus out of me. It's time to get physical.

And remember you're still not too late to sponsor me in my quest. The idea of me sweating and puffing up those rolling hills should at least be worth something right? Go on... the buttons just over there on the right. A massive thank you to everyone that's been so generous already, I really do appreciate every pound.