Next week we will offer some advice on how to run a 5K race (The Big Day is 29 May), but approaching the home straight might be a good time to review the exertions of the last two and a half months. You might have expected to feel healthier as a result of running, and we trust that you do. (If you are unlucky enough to have picked up an injury then the best advice is simply to rest for several days.) You might have expected to be more alert and, unless you are not getting enough sleep or not eating properly, so you should be. What you might not have expected, however, is actually to be enjoying running! Enjoyment is crucial (you will want to continue running in the days and weeks after the race, doing yourself some long-lasting good), and if you're not enjoying it then you may need to change something - try running less often, going out at a different time of day (maybe mornings are just too stressful already?) or use a different route. Many people find that running with others is a real tonic, and joining a local club can help. Some clubs are very informal (the Hash House Harriers follow trails of flour around the countryside), most are friendly and all welcome runners of all shapes and sizes. (Details of Wells Fun Run and local clubs can be found at www.wellscityharriers.org.uk)

Day 1: Jog for about 5K (try not to walk)
Day 2: Rest
Day 3: Jog for 15 minutes, walk 2 minutes (twice)
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: 20 minutes fartlek (try 2 minutes of jogging followed by 1 minute of faster running)
Day 6: Jog for 20 minutes, walk 3 minutes (twice)
Day 7: Rest