I RETURNED to work on Monday after four days in Northern Ireland for the Christmas period and all I could think about was how I should have been out running.

On my trip to Ireland I was well-intentioned to get the running shorts out and head into my mum's mini-gym at home, but the excuses soon built up as I relaxed onto the sofa to enjoy my 'break'.

I call it a break sarcastically as I rallied around washing up behind my mum and sister as they prepared Christmas dinners and presents for all and sundry.

But I should have made sure I had time to go running, especially after my effort over the previous six weeks.

In the six weeks prior to my Christmas holiday I have lost half a stone in weight with a fairly rigorous regime, set up with staff at Lakes Leisure, Kendal.

But with the turkey gobbled down and the chocolates seemingly edging towards me at every opportunity, I have mentally prepared myself for my 16-week push to the start line of the marathon.

I haven't hopped back on the scales after Christmas yet but I plan to in the morning when I rise at 6.45am for a gym session before work - oh dear!

There is no point coming this far if I am not going to see the job through though.

And to aid my determination my housemates Adam and Kathyann bought me a lovely new running top for Christmas for the winter mornings.

Now I have to go training because I will get scowls of disgust if their present is wasted and sits in the corner of the room for the next four months.

The National Society for Epilepsy have sent me through a 16-week training plan and that, along with all the support they have already shown - including a really nice Christmas card - should be enough to get me out of bed tomorrow, and on Friday and Sunday and the rest of my training days.

I have a goal in mind for what I want to achieve in terms of race time, ideal weight and sponsorship targets and while I am not yet prepared to put them out there for all to scoff at, I am determined to succeed in every single one.

So when that alarm clock buzzes at 6.40am, 6.42am and 6.45am, I won't be hitting the snooze button, but throwing on my shorts and getting out in the cold because the hard work starts now!