Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

I hadn't really done any running since school, but we made the rash decision that rather than sit on the sofa and donate via a credit card we'd get off our butts and get running.

Well, I didn't expect to actually run it. You see we have a little girl, Poppy, who is too young to run and I'd banked on the fact that I'd be pushing her in the buggy at a fast walking pace around Ipswich.

I felt guilty asking people for sponsorship when I had little intention of getting out of breath even.Μύ Friends and family were very generous nonetheless.

And so, the big day came.Μύ I said on the way to Christchurch Park "I'm glad I'm pushing Poppy - it's too hot today to do any proper exercise." My husband had other ideas.

Pickering, Magilton, Abraham, Deller

The warm-up started for Wave B and it still hadn't sunk in that I'd be running. I spent the time trying to stop my daughter eating grass while trying to detach the banners so I hadn't limbered-up properly. Then we were called over and as we make our way to the starting post Ben said "I'll run while pushing Poppy so you can run it too." Oh blimey!

The siren sounds and we're off.Μύ And do you know what - I loved it! The adrenaline rush kicked in and when there are so many people cheering you on you just want to keep on going.

I was in good company - also taking part were Ipswich's Olympic swimmer Karen Pickering, Ipswich Town's new boss Jim Magilton, the X Factor's Andy Abraham and a smattering of EastEnders stars.

About half way I wondered what all the fuss was about.Μύ I'll be doing the marathon next year!Μύ Then near the end when the chest feels very heavy and I can hear my heart beating and my legs aching I realise it's not as easy as it first appears.

It took us eleven minutes to cross the finishing line. That did include about 40 seconds of walking and then the mobile rang and it was Rob Dunger who was presenting the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Suffolk Saturday morning show, so I slowed down to do a quick interview with him.Μύ

It took one of my other Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ colleagues 10 minutes to finish her mile (and she's run the marathon three times), so I didn't think that my time was too embarrassing.

All in all a really enjoyable experience and a great family event.Μύ

(Editor's note - Charlotte has vetoed publication of any photos of her in her running gear. And she's our boss.)