Ta-da, here it is the Great Eastern Run 2009 which will be held in Peterborough on Sunday 11 October. (www.greateasternrun.co.uk).

There are a few sensible (possibly boring) reasons why I’ve chosen this event that may prove helpful to others so, I’m going to list them.

1) It’s a very, very flat course. I know I’m not good with hills so the best option is to avoid them if I’ve got any hope of making it 13.1 miles. I know that it’s a flat course for a fact as I’m from this neck of the woods. Which brings me on to…

2) Hometown support. The 10K was difficult and using a very simple equation, I’m estimating the half marathon will be more than twice as difficult. Therefore support on the sidelines to cheer me on is essential. I’ve already roped in about 10 people for my support crew – pompoms and ra-ra skirts are optional.

3) It’s in October. This means that my 16-week training will start in June… when the weather is nice… and the evenings are long – relieving me of the old ‘bad weather’ excuse for not training. However, it will probably mean having to forsake post-work drinks in the sunshine – which will be tough.

So the plan is that proper, regimented training will start 16 weeks before the race, which takes us to Monday 22 June. Between then and now it’s a case of getting out running three times a week and doing regular weekly mileage of 10 miles.