If my neighbours have not yet guessed I am a runner from glimpsing me running up and down our street on a near daily basis, or from my washing line forever strung with shades of purple running gear, then they will have guessed it from the race numbers and packs which are frequently delivered through our shared letterbox. The most recent arrival from the postman/woman was that of my Lincoln 10k race number. Taking place on Sunday, this race has become a bit of a staple in my calendar; I literally will not miss it.

I love everything about the Lincoln 10k; there is just something about your hometown run that makes you want to take part even more than normal. Yes, I could run that route every single day if I wanted to, but it’s just not the same. I love seeing the streets I train on filled with runners and lined with supporters, and I love seeing the city where I live caught up in the running and race day bubble. The other great thing about being involved is that I always know so many other people taking on the distance, so it’s great to support and encourage each other. 

This will be my fifth consecutive year running the Lincoln 10k; it was the first ever running event I entered in 2013; a last minute decision after being spurred on by a member of my gym who said I was wasted just running on a treadmill (probably should thank him for that!) For my first ever race and with little focused training I was very pleased to finish in 52.32. In 2014 I set out to run a sub 50 minute time and actually trained with the race in mind. I was therefore ecstatic to finish in 47.40 and as the 75th woman overall. 2015 saw me in the midst of my first ever marathon training cycle, and with my body adjusting to increasing mileage demands I knew I would not challenge a PB. I finished in 49.50, a pleasing sub 50 minute time. The 2016 event again saw my marathon running influence the race, this time with the 10k falling a week after I had completed the Manchester Marathon. This marathon was a particularly physically and mentally demanding experience, and come race day my body was not in a good way. I knew I had to be realistic about my capabilities and just wanted to finish with a smile and be happy; the 51.02 I ran feels almost irrelevant.

So onto 2017…the Lincoln 10k is once again not my focus race, with the London Marathon creeping very close. However for the first time in a number of years I am optimist about my chances of challenging my Lincoln 10k PB, which incidentally is also my overall 10k record. Although I am in marathon training and mileage demands are once again high, I feel my body is in good shape. My parkrun times have remained consistently fast, and at sub 22 minutes, are the quickest I have ever been running. I also set a new unofficial 10k PB whilst out on an interval training run a few weeks back without really intending to. This has all led me to believe I have PB potential in my body. However, the one thing I will not let the Lincoln 10k become is a race defined by time. I will love the day and it it involves whether I run a PB or not – as the past few years have shown. ​

This week has been tough, very tough at times, but also really rewarding. I knew I was in for a test, with 52 miles planned plus my usual insistence on keeping with my additional gym routine. I have made it though.

MONDAY: Body Pump class - after running a tough 20 miles on Sunday this class was a bit of a struggle. I could really feel my physical fatigue and mentally I was also weary, which I noticed in my ability to withstand the usual Body Pump pain. 

TUESDAY: a hideous interval run. I was really apprehensive about setting out for this as on my plan it looked awful and I simply knew it was going to hurt. 8 miles with 15 x 400m intervals at 5k pace, and 200m recoveries; not only did I have to push myself through fifteen fast intervals, but the eight mile distance also seemed lengthy in itself. It was not pleasant, but I kept on track and managed to pace all my intervals well at roughly my 5k pace.

WEDNESDAY: 10 easy paced miles. I struggled to keep my pace down, as the slower I went the more unnatural my stride seemed and it felt like almost more effort. My average pace was 8.33 min/mile, which suggests it was quite a good run, however it just did not feel it. Body Pump class afterwards. 

THURSDAY: with a good level of miles already in my legs another 9 miles on the plan was not exactly what I felt my body needed. I laced up my trainers and chose a new route from my usual weekday paths, which I found helped make the distance much more manageable. My miles were scheduled to be alternating between 9 min/mile and 8 min/mile, however I was consistently quicker across all splits, more like 7.40 and 8.40 paces. Despite feeling tired before, I felt much better out running; not perfect, but better.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

My favourite quote of the week; marathon training is hard - if it wasn't everyone would be doing it! These are the testing weeks of marathon training, and as I follow other people's journey's to the start line of numerous Spring marathons, I know we are all pushing and challenging ourselves. But as the weeks get harder, the ultimate marathon goal gets closer - and of course so does the taper! 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: today my plan said fartlek (speed play), which although I acknowledge is a valid training method, I personally struggle to just go out and mix up my paces. Instead I opted for intervals; yes I actually chose to run intervals! With 7 miles scheduled I decided to include 7 x 800m repeats with 200m recovery periods. I ran the intervals very consistently aiming for 10k pace, and I actually really enjoyed it - maybe because I had chosen the nature of the run as opposed to feeling dictated by a plan!

WEDNESDAY: 7 easy paced miles before my Body Pump class. I definitely did not start at an 'easy' pace for the first three miles, instead I was running nearer to 8 min/mile pace. I forced myself to rein it in a little though, and whilst it actually hurt my legs more to forcibly slow down, I knew it was what I needed to do.

THURSDAY: another 7 miles, this time in the form of a progression run. Before I set off I told myself I had to be disciplined. Starting too fast would leave me with no where to go and I would literally be sprinting in the last few miles. I planned my paces in biro on my hand, hoping the visual reference would help me keep on track. On paper (well skin!) the first mile would be at 9 min/m pace... in reality I ran 8:43 min/mile. Not ideal, but with some determination and the help of chasing a super speedy runaway dog on the final mile and returning it to its grateful owner, I managed it with splits of 8:43, 8:30, 8:05, 7:57, 7:50, 7: 42, and 7:15. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: a tough Lincoln parkrun today, but one I was pleased with (see image). I started quickly, but soon realised my legs were not quite at their best and my pace subsequently dropped. I had to really dig deep and at one point I actually contemplated just taking my foot off the gas totally and letting this become an easier run. But my mind won the battle and I refused to give in. Although my legs were totally spent at the finish, I managed to get under the 22 minute benchmark, with a 21:55 time. At this stage in marathon training I cannot expect parkrun to always be a PB challenging run, and I was actually more happy with the mental resolve I displayed. 

SUNDAY: I had to draw on some of my mental strength again for today's 20 miler. My legs were definitely not in 8:30 min/mile condition like last week's longer run, but my friend and I opted to take this week a bit steadier anyway, which was a relief! Despite a gusty wind we ran reasonably consistent for the majority and it was pleasant to just be ticking off the miles and chatting away. However the last few miles my legs really began to protest. With four miles to go they were weary, and the final two miles were simply very tough; my legs were uncomfortable and had just a dull constant ache about them. I made it though, and suitably collapsed when I got home! Next week is big mileage week (and I mean big!) - wish me luck! ​

This week has been a bit of a 'cut back' week; there have still been a lot of miles, but some of the runs have been slightly less demanding. Mentally this has been a nice break, and I have actually not stuck rigidly to my plan on some runs - shock!

MONDAY: Body Pump class, and after yesterday's 20 miler I was pleased to just have sore toes to report - that I can handle!

TUESDAY: due to evening plans, for the first time in a very long while I got up early to run before work. I struggle with very early morning runs as I find I am hungry and energyless. With this in mind I made sure I had eaten a large meal Monday night and also gave myself 30 mins to get out the door, enough time to digest a banana for some fuel. My run was all the eights; 8 miles with 8 x 800m intervals and 200m recoveries. Initially I thought the run was never going to happen; pulling my half asleep body up the hill by my house I debated whether to scrap it completely. But I stuck with it, I woke up, and I ran the the reps well at 10k pace. 

WEDNESDAY: a frustrating day at work meant I couldn't wait to run tonight, I had energy that needed channeling and a mind that welcomed distraction. My plan was for 8 miles at a steady pace, but feeling as I did and on a wonderful spring like evening I could not hold myself back. My legs felt strong and I powered around the streets at an average pace of 7.50 min/mile, setting a new 10k PB (unofficial as I only count races!) in the process. Body Pump class after. 

THURSDAY: another run where I ignored my plan. After playing badminton with colleagues I was keen to get my run in quickly before I felt too tired or it got too late, and a shorter 5 mile distance was thus welcomed. However I failed to rein in my desire just to run and instead of keeping certain miles to marathon pace, ended with a 8.21 min/mile average and being generally a bit all over the place. I felt frustrated I was not disciplined afterwards, but think I just wanted to get the run done this time. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

I am sure like many runners, I am proud to be a member of my local parkrun community in Lincoln. Going to parkrun has transformed my Saturday mornings, and I know many people say it – but what was life like before parkrun? However the huge success of my local parkrun, and indeed parkrun worldwide, is due to the dedicated volunteers who have helped create accessible, inclusive and friendly running events for communities to enjoy. It was not until I opted for my first turn as a volunteer that I was truly able to stand back and appreciate what an impact parkrun was having on so many people’s lives.

I like to write to encourage people to volunteer at parkrun so they too can see parkrun from the other side, and also appreciate even more the commitment given by some volunteers who are there week in, week out at parkrun events – they are the true core of parkrun. When I volunteer I always feel a little proud to be putting on my high viz vest, like I am doing my bit to make that run happen - which of course volunteers actually are!

The occasions I have volunteered have not impacted my own running or my love for trying to chase down my own parkrun PB. Often I have chosen to volunteer if I have a race the next day and want to rest my legs, whilst other times I have just simply wanted to help out. Recently I have also taken to running to parkrun, volunteering, and then running home. This way I still get any miles in I might have on a training plan, but can also help make parkrun happen.

I am now up to seven volunteer counts, not a huge amount but importantly enough to make difference. My volunteering has seen me handing out finish tokens, marshalling on course and scanning those precious barcodes; there is a role for everyone. Each time I have volunteered I have met someone new to chat to, or have been able to catch up with a familiar face. I have also never failed to be inspired by watching some of the performances from runners throughout the field, and there is nothing more I like than standing at the start and watching the crowd of runners huddled ready to go.

Volunteering at parkrun is simple. There are no prerequisites - just willingness and enthusiasm. It is not hard work, nor is it stressful; it is simply rewarding and fun! I encourage all parkrunners to have a turn - I will certainly be continuing to support Lincoln parkrun, and not just because I have my eye on the purple (my favourite colour) '25' volunteer milestone t-shirt! ​

I am now passed the half way point in training weeks - and I can feel it. This week it has seemed like I am demanding more from my body, even though it is feeling increasingly more tired; which in fact is exactly what I am doing! This is the challenging period of marathon training, the time when you must draw on strength, determination, the support of others, and most importantly keep telling yourself - I can do this!

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: after Sunday's off road, hilly, mud bath half marathon (more here) it felt a joy to be back running on smooth tarmac tonight, even with my legs still a little sore from the weekend's efforts. Intervals this week were 7 miles with 6 x 1000m reps at 10k pace and 200m recoveries. I struggle to find my 10k pace but was happy to run between 7:14 and 7:45 min/mile for all intervals, which seemed about right. 

WEDNESDAY: an easy paced 10 miles, which actually felt quite tough. My legs were sluggish today and it all just felt a bit ploddy and unnatural. Pace wise I managed 8:45 min/mile on average, which is alright for an easy run, but just didn't seem that way at the time! I feared attending Body Pump afterwards may be a silly idea and could lead to total exhaustion, but I got through the class in one piece. 

THURSDAY: it seemed yesterday's hope that I had successfully made it through a midweek 10 miler and Body Pump were a bit too optimistic. I was whacked today and delayed my run for ages. When I did get out the door my legs did as they were told; running 7 miles aiming for alternate miles at 9 min/mile pace and 8 min/mile pace. I was pleased my legs complied and I actually ran every mile quicker than on plan, but not massively. On stopping I was spent though, a mile from home due to rubbish route planning I could not even face a slow shuffle back, so instead I 'enjoyed' a weary walk.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: today's Lincoln parkrun visit was personally disappointing. After running predominantly 21 minute times this year, and nothing over 22 minutes for the last six months, finishing in 23:21 felt a bit of a fail. It seemed I was really forcing my legs to try go quick, and it felt like I was giving all out effort for not much reward. When I run well at parkrun I know it; although it is tough, my body feels in sync and my legs powerful beneath me. Today was far from that. I was disappointed, but maybe I should have anticipated it. My legs were totally knackered after Thursday's run, and yes I had a rest on Friday, but one day does not undo all the stress I have been putting my body through during the past eight weeks of training. I was still snapped smiling though (see image) so cannot have been all bad - parkrun never is!

SUNDAY: the first of a series of really long 'long runs' - 20 miles. I was a little nervous ahead of today's run; the prospect of pushing my tired body through 20 miles could have proven to be testing to say the least. It definitely helps having a friend and running buddy in the same marathon training boat, not just for the added joy of conversation and company on these lengthy running adventures, but for understanding just how your body actually feels. We aimed to take it steady today and just get the mileage in, which I think we managed, averaging 8:46 min/miles. The first ten miles I found relatively comfortable, from ten miles on things started to get a bit weary but nothing unbearable, and the last few miles were a mix of determination and realisation I had nearly made it.  A tough week but the thought of London keeps me going. ​

A massive thank you to everyone who took part in my online prize draw in aid of Project Africa Athletics, the charity I am supporting through running the London Marathon in April. 

I made the draw using the old fashioned method of drawing names out of a 'hat' (read Tupperware tub!)

The winners were as follows:
Aftershokz Wireless Trekz Titanium Headphones: Ruth Webb
Signed Alistair and Jonathon Brownlee ‘Swim Bike Run’ Book: Sophie Carter
Signed Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill Photograph: Holly
Skins Clothing: Colette

Project Africa Athletics aims to support athletes in rural areas of East Africa. The charity seeks to give exposure to athletes living in poverty who possess the required talent to compete internationally and allow them to earn a decent living through running. Project Africa Athletics then assists these athletes with developing sustainable projects back in their rural villages to improve quality of life.