I "graduated". Or graduated, as I would say without the smirk, if I was American

Can't believe it. I finished the programme. And I think I can confidently say, that's the first time I've made a New Year/February resolution and stuck to it. Amazing.

I am amazing.

Next up, figure out the exact 5km distance, and then try to gradually improve my time.

Ooh, also, you can sponsor me here. Do it. You won't regret it.

W9D3 - I think I may have cracked it

I did not feel awful whilst I was running today, in fact, it fairly flew by.

This is possibly because:

- it was the evening and I'd had tea so had energy
- it was the evening so was cooler
- I was running slower (4.8km in 31 mins)

Dunno. But it was great.

(until I checked and saw my sister ran 5.6km in 25 mins today. Rats).

W9D1 - so freaking close

Well, by this time, I was pretty convinced each run would be a pleasure, and I'd be chatting to the animals, and doing that running/meditating thing. Instead, I am constantly thinking 'just get to the next lamp post'. Hardly Paula Radcliffe-esque.

Still, running 30 mins today is the longest I've ever run IN MY LIFE, and in theory, it should get easier from here on in. Right? It was 4.8km, so all being well, I'll be able to do the 5k in a reasonable amount of time.

Next stop: hills. Vom.

W8 D1. The one in which she finds out that running ain't cheap. At least not when she's involved

So, yes. Week 8. And also Week 7 - a bit of a bitch. I think it's because I've run all the flat routes I can in the 25 mins, so now the runs involve (very small) hills, which my body rebels against. It rebels in this very particular manner where I think I'm going to die, which is cute. Still, I'll get there. And soon, there will be sun, and that will be awesome.

But running being just a case of buying some running shoes and setting off? Bollocks. So far, I have invested in:

1. special running socks
2. running tracksuit bottoms
3. two breathable tops
4. one zip up top
5. one iPod arm band
6. one heart rate monitor that does not have a pedometer so I don't use
7. one audiobook for the iPod
8. one Nike+ sportsband
9. one pouch to hold Nike sensor on the shoe

We're looking at pushing £100 here, and that's without the £70 shoes. Still, marginally (not really) cheaper than a gym membership, right? And I get to have a shower all to myself after.