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IT IS not without some pride that I can reveal that the three-mile barrier has been broken.

Not once, but twice last week, Boris took me running, determined to make progress.

The first time, we ran along the seafront to the Preston beach commemoration stone and back again. We did it in increments, though without stopping, and it was, he assured me, more than three miles - the length of Race for Life.

By the end of it, my elation knew no bounds and I almost celebrated my success by buying an expensive lipstick. Then I looked in a mirror and realised that my face had adopted the hue of some tomato/raspberry hybrid and that no lipstick, whatever the colour or price, could possibly look good on that.

The second time we ran, I was very nearly sick, much to my colleague Nicola's delight. This route took us along the harbour, around the Nothe Gardens, past Newton's Cove and up to the back of Bincleaves Road. By this time I was feeling decidedly ill and calling into question the legitimacy of everything from Boris to the path, the Newton's Cove Bridge and anything or anyone that crossed my path.

We then bounced down Boot Hill, over Town Bridge, along to the Pavilion, along the seafront and back to base.

By this time, I was reduced to a sticky, sweaty puddle but when the endorphins kicked in I felt a million dollars.

But it isn't all plain sailing - or easy running, come to that.

Last Sunday I was determined to go for a run but I made the big mistake of setting off shortly after a not insubstantial lunch that came complete with a couple of glasses of wine.

Bad move. The spirit was willing but the body was most put out at this enforced exercise at a time when all it wanted to do was settle down for its Sabbath snooze. As a result, I didn't get very far at all and returned home slightly downcast but much wiser in the ways of sensible running.

Now, the reason I am putting myself through this torture is so that I can take part in Race for Life, Cancer Research UK's annual women-only fund-raiser.

Last year, more than 650,000 women took part in Race for Life events throughout the country and helped raise £40 million for the charity.

If you want to sponsor someone but don't know anyone taking part, please feel free to donate via my online sponsor form, which is linked directly to the Cancer Research UK/Race for Life website. You can find it at: raceforlifesponsorme.org/ruthhayes1 Thank you.

10:51am Tuesday 29th April 2008

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