This was it. Dozens of us met at Keswick on Saturday morning to take part in the Parkrun.

These are weekly events (there's also one at Workington) apparently attended by shedloads of people who just want to run 5k at 9am in the morning.

Who knew these people actually existed?

It was by the side of the leisure centre and there were all ages there (great, I thought, beaten by pensioners and small children - just what my ego needs).

Anyway, we got together and all the beginners admitted to each other that we were nervous.

You run half the distance to a certain point, with a steward, and then run back to the start line.

We stayed at the back and let all the fast people go through the start first - including Sam.

Lynn, Jo and Judy spread themselves among us and I started off slow and steady.

The others soon sped off and I was at the back with Lynn and Dianne (bless her, she was the BodyFit back marker).

I won't lie. It was hard going. Rough underfoot and steep-ish, it was difficult.

We got about a third of the way along and the fast people started coming back.

That was a bit shameful, but then I decided that I was just out for a Saturday morning run, I'd try to do it continuously and then I decided my aim was to come completely last.

Sam was one of the first to pass us (she actually got the fastest women's time) and I have never seen such determination on anyone's face.

We cheered her as she passed and she later said she was kind of aware of it but not really, because she was that focused.

We hit halfway (my running pal Sarah was volunteering and earlier that week, she promised me coffee at that point. She fibbed, there wasn't any) and we plodded back.

At one point, Lynn asked me how long I'd run for without stopping.

I said it was technically 36 minutes, but not quite as I'd cheated and walked for a bit because it was hard.

"You've beaten that then," she said. "We've been running for 40 minutes."

I didn't know whether to hug her or hit her - the finish line was miles away.

Dianne had been gone for a while then - off like her whippet Max, she was way ahead.

Lisa had dropped back and we were running together. Sarah had also joined us.

As we got nearer to the finish line, Jo came hurtling down the cyclepath and ran beside us, then Judy appeared.

Just as Lisa was saying "I can't run anymore," Sam appeared from around the corner and Lisa found that extra piece of determination and sped up.

I must say, I felt a bit like Madonna jogging in Hyde Park, surrounded by a load of bodyguards - albeit dressed in bright pink.

As we got to the finish line, everyone was waiting and cheering.

I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I had committed to the course, run the distance (pun intended) and achieved what seemed impossible 13 weeks ago.

I may have been 133rd out of 133, it may have taken me 43 minutes, but I don't care. I did it.

I've made some fine friends, become fitter and got a hobby for the rest of my days.

Who would have thought it? I was going to supply pictures of me running from the event, but unfortunately, they are of me and Lisa.

She said she would kill me if I submitted them, and I'm a little bit scared of her.

Onwards and upwards? I'm still going out twice a week with the group and fitting in a couple of runs on my own.

If I can do it, anyone can. Don't be a couch potato for the rest of your life - talk to Sam and see what BodyFit can do for you!

Visit www.bodyfitpersonaltraining.com for more information about the courses on offer.