In Part I of Claire’s 10K Course diary, it appears she’s well and truly caught the running bug!

It’s the end of week three on the Up and Running 10k course. That’s nine whole workouts closer to my 10k race on 13 May.

And I’m actually enjoying running.

The course is structured so we get three workouts a week, which take around an hour each. We get our workouts for the following week on a Thursday, giving me just enough time to freak out, panic I can’t do it and then get my head round it. For me, the best thing is having a proper structure to my runs. Rather than sticking my trainers on and seeing how long I can go for, there’s an actual plan. It’s pushing me hard, but not making me never want to go running again.

And the course is interesting. We don’t just run! There’s skipping, striding, and this week a whole circuits session. And interspersed with the workouts are blog posts on technique, anatomy and inspiring stories from other runners. It’s as much about your technique and getting fit, as actually running.

The other fab thing is the other girls on the course with me, We’re from all over the world, but on this 10k journey together. Coach Julia encourages everyone to keep a running diary, and I love reading how everyone got on, and the encouraging responses I get to my posts. They’re a friendly bunch and happy to help with any questions, or just offer support if you’ve had a bad run.

So what have I achieved so far? Well on my final workout of week three, I clocked up just over 8km. Suddenly the mythical 10k is only two numbers away. And it feels good. My average pace has got faster too. I’ve gone from wanting to complete the 10k, to wanting to complete it in a good time!I’ve overtaken another runner! I’ve even whispered the words – ‘what next? - a half marathon?’ to myself… I’m fitter and my jeans are looser. I feel great.