The best inspiration is not to outdo others, but to outdo ourselves

This is a race that I really like to fit into my calendar. It's nice and handy, there's a good atmosphere and it's one that I can do with April. We didn't manage to fit it in last year because it clashed with one of the Swim Run races, so it was good to see it on a free weekend this time.

As usual for her, April was very keen to take part. I didn't expect very much from either of us as there hasn't been enough running going on at all. I've been far too busy at work to get enough running in, although I've managed some long ones because I'm training for the Leeds Half Marathon. April hasn't really been doing any run training because her swimming is taking over her life and we simply can't fit everything in - much though she might like to. Anyway, enough of that. I'm sure you get the idea, I think we've been out once together in preparation for today!

Still, the weather was much kinder to us today than it was last time out and that always helps. Mind you, I felt cold standing on the start line. But then that could have something to do with the fact that I'd run 10 miles to get there and that Daniel had brought April up to meet me for the start. There's always that problem when you stand around after having been all hot and sweaty and energetic!

I'd told April just to do her best and we'd see how it went. I made sure she knew that she was dictating the pace. This race is hard work from the off with a pull up the hill from start to the woods. You then get a brief respite as you descend to the bottom of the woods, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security there, because that's the precursor to running up a very steep hill for what seems like forever. April certainly thought it was never ending, but she kept at it, telling me all about taking little steps and keeping going as she did so. Nothing will stop her from talking, no matter how steep the hill or how out of breath she is! She was very pleased to see that she was overtaking a few adults as we puffed our way up the hill. There is a lot of hill, the course basically goes up and then it goes down - that's it.

April had a fairly major stitch by the top of the hill but was in no mood for giving in to it. Her expression said it all, but the determination was a s solid as ever. She had her sights firmly fixed on that finishers medal and on getting a better time than she had managed on previous outings. I figured that was fairly likely, even on no training, she's bigger and stronger now if nothing else.

We managed to complete the course in 35:21, placing us 80th and 81st out of the 108 finishers - naturally I let April come in front of me. Mind you, I think she still thinks she just beats me. She will do I'm sure, but not quite yet! That was faster than her previous runnings, although I'm sure not as much faster as it could have been with some training beforehand. She's done it in 38:05, 44:42 and 45:59 on her prior attempts. I just think it's great that she wants to do it, enjoys doing it and is prepared to try hard when she's out there. I thoroughly enjoy sharing it with her.