THIS summer will see the first running of the Riverside Runners 10k charity race in St Neots.

Not only will the event mark the 25th anniversary of the Riverside Runners, but it was also raise money for The Hunts Post’s New Life Appeal, which raises money for the special care baby unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.

The race, which takes place on Sunday, August 19, is open to everyone – no matter what your ability.

Here, in the first of our series of blogs, we will follow the progress of three women and now one man – all workers at Mick George, one of the sponsors of the event, as they prepare for the 10k.

INFORMATION: To enter the event, which is also sponsored by Circle Health and TriSportPlus, go online www.runnersworld.co.uk/events and search for events on August 19.

Meet the Mick George four.

There’s Victoria George, who is 24-years-old and is a sales account manager. Then there’s Julie Heading, a contracts administrator, who is 23, and Jolene Vinn – aged 29 (but 30 in a few weeks!) – who is a PA to Mick George himself, the company managing director. Joining them (maybe reluctantly) is Peter Kennelly, sales manager, age 34, who describes himself as the most unfit male at Mick George Ltd.

All four will be running the 10k in August and all three are sharing their pain, frustration and joy with Hunts Post readers as the event draws nearer.

Jolene’s Blog:

Another week closer to 10km day and, although I have had another good training week and the treadmill running is getting easier, the rain is really hindering running outdoors.

Everyone keeps reminding me that running outside is completely different to running on the treadmill.

When I signed up for the run my ambition was just to complete it without walking, but now I want to complete the course in under an hour. I am sure that does not sound that hard to a lot of people but it will be a challenge for me.

Julie’s Blog:

Woke up Sunday morning and the weather was good so I decided to go for a good long run on my new route.

I’m actually starting to enjoy the challenge of the hills – it gives me a sense of satisfaction when I get to go down the other side. I think even the dog’s fitness is improving as she ran much better on Sunday as well!

Whilst running we also managed to stumble across the 10k Dairy Crest run which was practically the exact same route as we were doing. It was a little embarrassing as they all overtook us, but it also gave me something to run for which is good!

About 1 �km from home, there are two routes you can choose of similar distance so my boyfriend and I decided we would each go a different way and race to see who got home first... needless to say he beat me back but I’ve told him next week he will lose…!

Victoria’s Blog:

This week I have done very little training as I suffered an injury after my last private training session – it just shows the importance of warming down and stretching!

Fortunately I’m back on form and will be heading to the gym and from now on I’ll be going every other day for the next three weeks.

And just for a change of scenery I’m going to Grafham Water this weekend. With 10 miles of track around the water line alone, I will definitely be able to stretch my legs!

I just hope that it will all be worth it in the end and I can make it across the finish line!

Pete’s Blog:

This week, after stretching my arms polishing the treadmill, I finally learnt how to turn it on.

I set myself an easy target of one mile which I did at a pace of six and a half miles per hour. I decided to convert 10 km into miles as bizarrely it sounds less and therefore more achievable!

However three days later my legs are still aching. My aim was to do this every other day but since I still ache, I might change this to a weekly target. Goodness knows how I will manage that six and a half miles!

My trainers are two years old and have never worked so hard – might be time to invest in a new pair!