It had to happen at some point. I fell over. 

I'm actually surprised it's taken me this long to hurt myself as I'm very clumsy anyway. 

We were having a great Saturday morning run, the sun was shining and we decided to head out towards Brigham rather than round town.

It was a struggle but Lisa was with me, urging me on.

She taught me a great trick of running with my torso fully stretched so I got more air in my lungs.

I commented that I was always looking at my feet, so Lisa said 'look up'. 

I did, missed the uneven bit of asphalt on the side of the road and fell over with such a clatter than cows in a nearby field stopped chewing the cud.

The other ladies asked if I had hurt anything. 'Just my pride,' I replied as I hobbled along. 

Missed out on a couple of minutes of that leg but started running again and made it back to Lakes Home Centre to stretch and have coffee.

It was only when I got home that I surveyed the extent of the damage.

Left hand - gravel rash. Left knee - slightly scuffed, bit of pain. Right knee - no skin left on my kneecap.

It stung so much I couldn't bear anything touching it. Seemed to be okay until Sunday when both knees swelled up, massive bruises appeared and the left side of my body felt like it had been electrocuted.

It's supposed to be good for you, you know.

But it hasn't put me off running though and I was champing at the bit to get out on Monday.

I don't want to be put off my stride (intentional pun) as the 5k Parkrun in Keswick is looming with the rest of the beginners - including Sharon, who had been putting it off for ages but finally signed up on Sunday.

I know I have to increase my stamina to be able to complete it in a sensible time. 

Parkruns in this area happen in Keswick and Workington and we're doing the Keswick one.

One non-running friend scoffed "it's only two miles" (I've since unfriended her on Facebook - these people just don't understand!) but it will be a major achievement for me and the rest of the crew and we're looking forward to it as it will end our course on a high.

I've just got to get to the point where I can run non-stop without falling flat on my face.