I set myself a task for this week.

Speed march from home, down to River Orwell, back up through Orwell Country Park then home – almost 4 miles.

Did it yesterday; shin splints within the first mile; completed in 55 minutes. I was in regulation Army Boots and carrying a day pack so quite pleased with myself.

Set a target of getting that down to 45 minutes by the end of the week.

I went out today to see if I could cut the time a little. I reached my first marker – The Bridge of Khazad Dum – three minutes faster than yesterday – huzzah! I managed to jog part of the way there…

Scurried, no better way to put it, back up the hill passing lots of Sunday afternoon walkers. I was sweating by this time which appeared to make families with small children very nervous – sad really. Shin splints kicked in on the last half mile but I just put my head down and jogged home.

Finished in 44 minutes.

So I have already beaten my target for the week.

How did I do it? Am I secretly super fit?

No. My brain did it – with attitude!

I just kept saying ‘go faster, keep your head down, don’t give up.’

So I will apply that same attitude to y writing for the year. At least three books to complete…

I need to set a new target for the circuit. 40 minutes?

So for all the lovely ladies in Kazakhstan – watch out I’ll be back fitter than ever.

Turning down dates already!