In January I started running. Just short distances at first. Back then 5k was my goal.

Then in May I ran 10k with Nike for our @ELLEUKrunning event We Own The Night. I did it in 60 minutes (my watch said 59 so that's what I tell people). I was pleased. I mean 10k means I am runner doesn’t it? 10k will do me I thought. Only a fool would run for longer than an hour. Madness.

But then I did another 10k – uphill in blistering heat. And I enjoyed it. What's next, I thought? That's when I realised I had caught the bug, that's when I started to get jittery if I didn’t run every other day, that's when I rather rashly signed up for a half marathon.

Now I am wondering who in their right mind would run 22k? Well on Sunday November 10th I am going to run the 13 miles of the Grand Union Canal Half Marathon. At this moment I am not sure if I will make it to the end, I am not sure I can run for over two hours non-stop.

So what allayed my fears this time? More running, of course. Last weekend as I questioned my decision I ran seven miles at a pretty even 10.3 minutes per mile. I only stopped because I was desperate for the loo and it worked out the nearest one was my house – otherwise I am pretty sure I would have made nine miles. What a surprise! Who would have thought it?

I can't explain why I love running (and certainly if you asked me if I even liked running during the first 30 minutes of any run, you would learn some new swear words), but once I get going I hit what I think is called 'the zone'.

My cranky right knee and arthritic left foot give up complaining and every minute on is a joy.

I caught a reflection of myself as I ran my seven miles last week and noticed that I had a huge smile on my face.

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Conquer your running fears with help from Alex Heminsley, Author of 'Running Like a Girl'