I’m currently “in training” for a 10k race, the Great Edinburgh Run on the 2nd of May, 2010.

This may come as a surprise to those of you that know me. I’ve never really done running. The closest I’ve come is a few slow sessions here and there on a treadmill.

My fitness has improved over the last year or so - I’ve been doing a combination of swimming, general stuff at the gym (mostly the elliptical cross trainer) and experimenting with the various classes at the gym. Let me tell you, BodyPump is a very strange (and loud) experience.

After a bit of research, I found a training programme that seemed useful, Couch to 5K. It seems to have gained a bit of traction for getting people who haven’t really done any running before out onto the streets and jogging.

And it seems to be working. I started just after Christmas, and every second day since then, I’ve been out running and walking for about half an hour each time.

I’ve been using the Podrunner Intervals podcast to keep on track. It’s excellent because it doesn’t announce times or pace, it just plays an upwards tone when you have to speed up, and another when you have to slow down.

I’ve also been using the RunKeeper app while I run - it keeps track of my route, pace, and shows me nifty stats on my running in general.

Tonight was the end of week 6. I just finished running 25 minutes without stopping, and I was only moderately shattered at the end of the process. Sunday will be the start of week 7, during which I will run for 25 minutes every time without stopping. That increases to 30 then 35 minutes in week 9.

At that point, I have to try to figure out what my next step is. There are two options, Gateway to 8K and Freeway to 10K. I think I’ll probably go with the 10K version.

Right now I’m feeling reasonably proud of my progress. I’ve not even talked about the Great Scottish Swim which I’ve also entered…