Training Partners Required. Apply Within...

I'm serious! I'm really struggling with this lone running business. I've been running for nearly three years and can probably count on one hand the number of runs I've done on my own. Running with friends makes the time pass so much more quickly, chatting away and you suddenly find yourself at the top of a hill hardly having noticed that it was really tough.

Running alone and I notice every step of the hill.

When I was marathon training last year, I did almost every training run with friends. But this year, my trusted training partners just aren't available: Lisa's in Spain, Julie's just coming back from injury and Jo's expecting a baby.

What to do?!

This year I have so far managed two six mile training runs on my own but just can't seem to get into it yet. Usually a mile in, the endorphins start kicking in and I feel great but these past few days I'm really struggling which is no good at this stage knowing what lies ahead. I'm reasoning with myself that I have just taken two weeks off and spent them stuffing my face so it's probably a little optimistic to put my trainers on and expect to pick up where I left off. If only...

I have, however, tried to do some planning over the holidays, and have worked out that I am going to run on Sundays (long slow run), Tuesdays (possibly with St Bedes AC or Hyde Park Harriers, who I did a few training sessions with last year), Thursdays (speed or hills) and Fridays (recovery run). I also need to fit in OutFit at Roundhay Park somewhere as it was great for building core strength last year, so I may well go back to Saturday mornings with this. Phew! I've also ordered myself a foam roller for massage (get me!) and a metatarsal support, as I've finally worked out what was the problem with my feet last time round - my right foot rolls out when I run hence the pain eight miles in.

As with last year, I have decided to raise money for the British Heart Foundation; it seems only right that some good should come out of the next 15 weeks of pain and suffering. I realise that it only seems a minute since I was asking for donations last year but I would really appreciate anything anyone is able to spare no matter how small. You can donate online by clicking here, or just let me know in person how much you would like to pledge.

I'm already overwhelmed by the number of people who have sponsored me so far, bringing the total up to £111. Thanks to: Liz, John & Brenda, Alison, Kate, Jane and James.

So I am getting there. Just need some friends now! Anyone out there?