It has been 3 weeks since I decided to get back out running. After surprising myself by getting round the long block without stopping on the first run, I have been trying to work out the barriers to continuing. I seem to have retained some fitness even though I feel like I am carrying a fair bit of weight and get out of breath getting up the stairs.

The greatest challenge so far then has been fitting it time to run. The most reasonable time so far has been late at night. Getting back from work and getting the eldest to sleep about 8.30 means 9pm onwards for a run. Not the most popular of times given the quiet pavements, but I'm very glad to have no eyes on me. I don't look very elegant right now!

However, the lesson I have learned by running this time round is that speed is unnecessary. I think I'm running at the cusp just over the point where walking becomes running. I have no intention of going any quicker, yet if I have the time I will try to run further when I can, all at the same, slow pace. At the end of each run I feel like I have been running, although not in the pain I used to. Most importantly, I look forward to the next run now, as I write this. In the past it was a chore I was reluctant to fit in.

It is much more problematic to fit in a run these days, but I'm already more inclined to do so.

It has been very inspiring to have helped in the start of the process to set up the run this year. I have used Twitter for the first time and have found out about all of the informally set up and incredibly supportive running groups that are forming up and down the country. I have found out about all of the organisations out there providing support for people who are looking to get fit, and the mostly voluntary workers out there trying to make the most of the public places and parks in Birmingham for open air fitness.

Most of all I was inspired by the runners who have signed up for the run already, many of whom have not run a 10k distance before. I was at the first meeting of the Handsworth Park running group a fortnight ago, and felt a little strange standing by the clipboards when everyone was running.

Then I thought about my health and fitness. Well, what there is of it. The hours I put into teaching and the valuable time I set aside for my family when away from the workplace; well I thought getting exercise would be a good time sacrifice. Basically - I don't have time to get fit, I would have to take that away from the time with my kids and Emma.

But time for fitness I suppose is time that must be made. Time is the most finite resource we all have and our health is only ever there while it lasts. I can already feel myself becoming slow and useless.

So I am going to set aside the time I have after the kids have gone to bed, my static watching telly leisure time to get fit to be healthy FOR my family.

Most importantly, I am going to commit to it as far as I can. To run at all is better than not getting any exercise ever.

So I am going to use this year's run as my fitness goal like some of the people who have entered, and who have inspired me. So if you are one of those people, thank you for the wake up call.

See you on the 14th September.

Running for Pete and for you all.

John.