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 – 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 trio.

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 finally there’s Jolene Vinn – aged 29 (but 30 in a few weeks!) – who is a PA to Mick George himself, the company managing director.

All three 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.

Victoria’s Blog:

My aim is to complete the run without walking ... at all. I live in Godmanchester and signed up so I have a goal to get fit. I was not a regular runner before now. The time it takes is not important!

I have also roped my other half into my training for moral support and motivation. He is now registering to take part himself.

Friday

It was by far my worst running experience to date last night. It was pouring down with rain and I was soaking wet after only five minutes, but powered on determined to do what I had set out to do.

It was not to be ... the break over the bank holiday weekend had definitely taken its toll as I only covered just over a mile before I simply couldn’t go any further and had to turn back home.

To be fair the wind and driving rain didn’t help but with only 10 weeks to go till the big day, I definitely need to be putting in more training time!

My running spot is Portholme Meadow in Godmanchester, a circuit of four miles in total and although that’s less than the actual race, I’m sure if I can conquer that then I’ll be able to pull out the extra couple of miles needed on the day … famous last words!

Needless to state … my trainers are now on the radiator at home stuffed with newspaper in an attempt to dry them out.

Jolene’s Blog:

I run a couple of times a week as part of my gym routine, usually twice a week, 3km each time, but I have upped this recently to prepare for the run.

Age – 30 in a couple of weeks ( I suppose I could get away with saying 29!)

I am running as I like to challenge myself.

We are all doing the race for life in Cambridge on July 1 and this will be a good dress rehearsal for the Riverside 10k!

A week on the run

Despite my best laid plans to train at the gym after work this week, I just didn’t get chance. But enough is enough! So following a Saturday morning of mundane chores and housework I decided it was far too nice to go to the gym, and so opted for a run outside instead. It was such a glorious day it seemed a shame not to make the most of the sunshine.

Although I didn’t have my usual rendezvous with the treadmill this week I have slowly been building up my distance on it so I felt confident enough to add an extra bit to my usual outdoor route.

What a change to be outside without getting muddy and wet! I am lucky enough to have some wonderful parks close to my house where I can run alongside the lakes with no cars in sight but plenty of wildlife to keep me company.

Next week could be a challenge again as I am away in Cornwall where I may just have to swap the running for body boarding.