'If all those people can do it, I can too'

What does your average weekly training consist of?

I have a spreadsheet pinned to the kitchen wall with a schedule that I made up myself. On average, it’s four times per week with the longest run on a Saturday morning. I am doing 14 miles now which I can’t believe considering I started back in January doing three minute runs. Rest is very important too.

Good or bad diet?

Good and now I have engaged my husband to work as my nutritionist, it’s not his actual job, but he knows what works so I'm hoping now my diet will get even better. Having spent a lifetime avoiding bananas – I hate them with a passion – I now eat one before my longer runs. I refuse to take protein shakes though. Yuk.

Do you have a coach?

No apart from the app in the beginning that took me to 10k. It’s pretty much a solitary project which is a reflection on the way that I like to learn things. The only coachs I have are colleagues in work. We are an informal support network, keeping up with each other’s progress.

What do you wear on your feet?

Asics runners, a Christmas present from a former colleague to help me on my quest.

What’s on your iPod when running?

A selection of music by Squeeze, Abba, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Take That and Kylie. Don’t judge me.

Ever been chased by an animal?

Not yet. Does that happen to runners? Now I’m scared.

Worst injury you’ve had?

I pulled my gluteous maximus which was really painful. At least that’s what I self-diagnosed. I couldn’t walk properly for a week.

Any niggling injuries now?

Nothing specific, everything always aches.

Any life-changing benefits?

The person who gave me the runners told me running would change my life and said for her, it was a way of clearing her head. I’m still not sure about the life-changing aspect but I do feel fitter and have more energy. A really big positive is that I am now much more toned than I was before I started. On bad days, I sometimes question whether I took too much attempting the marathon in my first year running and wonder should I just have aimed at a 10k. But it’s too late for that now.

Favourite running tip?

Just get out of the house and close the door behind you. If you are competitive, get a GPS device – Garmin is what I use – to measure your progress. Don’t think about it too much, just go for it and on really off-days keep your mind focused on the fact that every training session, however long, has to end some time. The best part for me is the joy I feel when the run is over and I am back inside the house under the shower.