So, it's been a bit of a week, and it will continue to be so, I hope. I'm realising that recently I've just been waiting for life to happen. Stuff wasn't going so well, I've allowed myself to get bogged down in places I never meant to. But it's funny what a birthday can do...

Sunderland started winning. England started winning. And tomorrow I have a job interview for a job which I'd written off, given how long it took them to invite me for interview (the closing date for applications was four flippin weeks ago!).

On Sunday I took part in the Hydroactive Women's Challenge in Hyde Park. For years I've been making people do all sorts of events to raise money, so it's about time I actually took part. I've been down to support more times than I could count, so it was more than a little odd to find myself on Sunday morning with a running number pinned to me.

I'll be honest, I've really struggled to enjoy running, but now I think I know why. With the race looming, I've been very pissed off with myself for not being at a certain standard, which only sends me into a spiral of "oh well, I can't do it so I'll not try". On Sunday, actual race day, all the pressure was off - all I wanted was a medal.

I'd listen to some of my favourite tunes on the tube on the way to the race, sitting opposite other ladies in trainers, looking a bit nervous. I'm not sure why, but I suddenly got really excited. I wanted to giggle, but then I'd have looked a bit barmy.

The atmosphere in Hyde Park was great. The queues for the toilets were not great however, and my excitement was tempered by a) needing a wee, b) really needing a wee and c) wondering if I'd make it to the start line in time. The field was incredibly busy - 20000 women - and we were held until it was safe to go, while they played motivating tunes. A part of me was thinking "this is mad it's too busy, they'll never let us go, and even if they do, I'll never actually be able to run"

And then it got going. I'm not sure how I got round - I know it was a mixture of walking, running and swearing. The sun came out the second the hooter went off, making bits of the uphill course tough, and giving me sunburn. But round I certainly did get, in a whole 42 minutes, and I collected my medal and goodie bag with pride.

I've inspired myself that I'm not a total knacker, and that I can actually enjoy things I find difficult. I've raised £200 for oldies, so it was definitely no waste of a Sunday morning. Now I've just got to keep going...