'My forte is definitely stamina rather than speed'

I was really chuffed that she wanted to do it, as she’s never done any running before, secretly hoping I’d inspired her a bit.

The two girls enthusiastically embarked upon the Couch To 5K training plan.

Their commitment to training did slip somewhat as the weeks went by, but they were still determined to give it their best shot on the day.

‘This will be great’, I thought, as Sunday dawned lovely and sunny. ‘A nice jog round Knavesmire with the girls. I can set them a gentle pace, carry some water and encourage them along... easy life!’ As Sunday morning progressed, I discovered the girls had other ideas.

They wanted to go round the course on their own. I’m not sure whether they thought I’d make them run too fast, or maybe it just isn’t cool to run with old people when you’re 15.

Either way, I realised I’d be going round on my own and hadn’t prepared to race; hadn’t eaten my usual pre-event foods, had a couple of glasses of wine on Friday night and had pancakes and coffee for breakfast on Sunday. But after all, it was only 5K, how hard could it be?

I eventually finished in just over 28 minutes, which is pretty poor considering my PB for 10K, set at last year’s Leeds Abbey Dash, is 51mins 17 secs.

Proof, if needed, that a) my forte is definitely stamina rather than speed and b) pre-race nutrition is really important.

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