THIS week sees the end of my training to compete in a 10K race on Thursday.

Anyone who read my column a few weeks ago will know that I was egged on to take up the challenge by my colleagues at our sister title the Helensburgh Advertiser.

Also joining the team are Reporter journalists Stephen Walsh, Ruth McClean and Andrew Clark.

Come race night I will be lacing up my trainers following 10 weeks of training - with a bit of music to help me along.

So, I thought I would update you on my progress.

The first thing I should probably say is that before signing up for the race I had never ran a step in my life.

But when everyone said they'd be taking part, I jumped in with both feet - not realising that 10K is actually 6.2 miles.

Once that shock to the system wore off, I felt confident that with help the support of my colleagues, friends, family, and the running club at Chris Bowman Fitness in Helensburgh, I would at least be able to give it my best shot.

Starting out training nine weeks ago I could barely run for four minutes at at a time - we used the jog/walk technique slowly increasing the intervals over the first few weeks.

I quickly found there was a lot more to running than just putting on a pair of trainers and pounding the pavements - you have to manage your pace, your breathing and dig deep when those muscles really start to complain.

However, following the training plan and getting out three times a week I quickly learned how to do all of these things, with everything coming together around week five.

I started to run for longer periods without stopping and counting minutes became counting miles. I found a pace that suited me and downloaded some uplifting songs to help keep me going.

Last week I completed the distance for the first time - some of you have probably seen me running and my red t-shirt through the Vale.

I'm hoping to complete the race around the hour mark, but just crossing the finish line will be enough. I have to say I don't think I would have made it this far without the support of the running club - and there are plenty in Dumbarton and the Vale for those who want to give it a try. Visit www.wdjogscot.leaguerepublic.com/ for news of all the running events and club around you.