My programme for the last week required 9 sessions of 2-minute runs alternating with 2-minute walks on Wednesday, a 6-mile run/walk with 3-minute runs alternating with 1-minute walks on Friday, and a brisk 30-minute walk on Sunday.

How did I do?

Wednesday, I set out to do a familiar ‘there and back’ route through the forest, but I’d reached the return point far too early, so I had to continually back-track on my way back to make up the time. Still, I completed the exercise, no problem.

Friday, I put off the run/walk until Saturday. Why? Well, on the Thursday we’d been for a visit to another part of the country and done a great deal of walking, both in town and on the Malvern Hills. I’d managed to get a blister on the sole of my foot from my normal town shoes, so I wanted to give it a chance to heal before doing the run.

Saturday saw me doing a 3.3-mile course through the forest twice. On the second circuit, I was feeling the hills, some of which are decidedly steep, so I changed tack and decided to run on the flat and the downhill slopes and walk up the rises. It actually meant that I ran far further than I walked. And, in the end, I covered those 6+ miles in 56 minutes. If I can manage to do that on the day of the race, I’ll finish inside 2 hours! I suspect that I might be being ambitious there, but as long as I actually complete the 13.1 miles, I’ll be happy.

Sunday, Valerie and I trod the same 3.3-mile circuit I’d used for my run the previous day. With my knees complaining a bit after so much use, we eased off the pace to enjoy the wildlife and serenity of the peaceful forest.

Next week I have a 7-mile run/walk to complete. Wish me luck! I’m due to see the physiotherapist about my back on Wednesday, so, hopefully, I’ll have some exercises to ensure I don’t suffer a recurrence of that problem.

My publisher, Dan Grubb, owner of Fantastic Books Publishing, made a generous donation to my fundraising efforts this week. Should you also wish to contribute to the charity, Action For M.E., please click this link and take the easy steps to make a donation. Or, even simpler, send the text ‘MESA76’ to 70070 to donate £5 via your mobile phone. Thank you.