Stop whingeing and get out there and run! That was the motivational speech from my other half.

As you may know, 2017 hasn’t got off to the greatest of starts. I’ve missed BodyFit sessions, races and running get-togethers.

Drama queen that I am, I have been moaning. A lot. But it’s not just me. The tortoises are all feeling it.

If I listed the domestic disasters, personal crises and family dramas that have beset us all over the last few weeks, you’d think I was telling you about an EastEnders episode.

For various reasons, we didn’t make the Lorton School 10km. To be honest, I was glad. I was out running last week and as I was going up a steep bit, my calf made a tuneful twanging sound.

I ended up walking for the rest of it and have reverted to doing stretches every time I get up from my desk in an effort to restore strength to it.

I’m putting off going back to the physio as before Christmas she gave me exercises for my wonky pelvis and I haven’t done them because I can’t quite remember what they were.

My calf seemed to be okay and instead of the 10km, I joined my fellow heroes in a half shell (I know that’s turtles really, but these ladies – and Austen – are my heroes) for the normal Saturday morning shuffle around Cockermouth.

None of us were in the mood but we put our determined faces on and adjusted our negative mental attitude into a positive one.

There was the usual cry of ‘where are we going?’.

For a group of women who are successful and decision-makers in their professional lives, we don’t half prevaricate when asked to make a decision while dressed in Lycra.

We chose the Greenway. But someone – and I really can’t remember who it was – suggested we do it the other way round and then someone else said let’s go up Kirkgate by the Black Swan.

Lisa was horrified. “Cardiac hill? You want us to go up cardiac hill first thing?”

We shuffled around a bit and looked at our feet. Thank goodness for Janette. She took charge and answered yes.

I really should pay more attention to the plan, but in the Lakes Centre car park at silly o’clock on a Saturday morning, I find myself agreeing without really knowing what I’m saying yes to, and then just follow the pack.

Well, Lisa was right with her description. That hill nearly finished me off, but I made it to the top without stopping and felt a great sense of achievement.

It may not have been Lorton School 10km, but it was my own mini-challenge and it didn’t beat me. We got all the way round and as we stretched in the Lakes Home Centre car park, we all agreed it felt tougher than usual. My latte in the cafe never tasted so good.

But it’s a new week and although my 2017 has not got off to the best of starts, it can only get better, right?

It has just been announced that the Festival of Running will return to Workington on July 2 and as it is organised by cnevents, it would be rude of me not to take part. There’s another goal to aim for. So, for once, I’m going to take my husband’s advice. I’m going to run for my life. This fat girl can and she will.