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I'll run - even if it kills me!

6/ 5/2008

OBSERVER reporter Helen Johnson is preparing to take to the streets of Manchester alongside 25,000 other runners in the BUPA Great Manchester Run next month in aid of Springhill Hospice.

Read her plea for help here ...

FIRST of all, I just want to stress that I’m not exactly your typical athlete, so if you were hoping to score some top training tips from an accomplished runner then you’re heading for disappointment.

However if you’re willing to lend your support over the coming weeks to a hapless, but well meaning, amateur jogger (frankly I don’t think what I do is fast enough to be classed as running) hoping to raise lots of money for a good cause, then stick with me.

Since my schooldays, I have had an overwhelming aversion to exercise, so strong it borders on being a phobia.

But instead of resigning myself to a life on the couch I decided some years ago to tackle my phobia head on – by indulging in prolonged stints in my most feared activity – running.

I stuck to my guns and as a result, May’s race will actually be my fourth 10 kilometre jaunt.

This year, however, my training has been, well, let’s just say sporadic, for the simple reason that I’m a wimp.

I simply don’t like going out in the rain, and there has been a considerable amount of it so far this year.

But now it’s time to step up to the mark and get serious about my training – which is where Observer readers come in.

I’ve decided there’s no better motivational tactic than knowing you’re under the watchful eye of 54,000 of you wonderful Observer readers, which is why for the next few weeks I’ll be giving regular updates about what I’ve been doing to get into shape for the run.

And since this year I’ve chosen to give all the money I raise to Springhill Hospice, it’s more important than ever for me to be on top form.

So watch this space for all the gory details of my bid for sporting glory.

Week 2 - Booze ban will test resolve

To sponsor Helen, go to www.justgiving.com/therunningreporter or call into the Observer offices on Drake Street.

Are you running the Great Manchester Run this year? If so, the Observer would like to hear your story, telephone 354321 ext 320.