I know I am very naughty. Despite my New Year statement about keeping this site updated - I have failed to yet again.

Well now I am back hopefully and my fist job is to tell you about the great achievement of myself and my beloved Pete.

On a wet and slightly windy day on Sunday 16th March 2008, Kim and Pete set off at 10.30am and set off on their rather hilly journey through the town of Hastings.

After 2 miles, Pete decided he was ready to race off and get a record running time in the bag - I would catch up with him more than 2 hours later once I had crossed the finish line.

Luckily I had a) my iPod with me and b) our good friend Jeremy on his bike to keep me company and egg me on, despite a slight blip where he disappeared for 6 miles to repair his flat tyre. I found the crowds lining the route did a sterling job in cheering the runners on and providing cold drinks and orange segments half way round the course.

I was amazed how much I actually enjoyed myself, but found by the 10th mile I was getting pretty exhausted which left the final 3.1 miles along the seafront a very hard trog - Pete found the same too.

Pete and Kim at the start of the Hastings Half

I saw Pete swigging a large glass of red wine just as I came to the 12th mile (he had finished it in 2 hrs and 5 mins). 2 hours and 54 minutes later I crossed the finish line with a smile and a wave to the crowd.

Jeremy saved the day by handing me a vodka and tonic (medicinal purposes) and a chocolate bar to revive my energy levels, before we disappeared to the pub for a Sunday roast.

We raised a cracking £172 for my friends charity the Tree of Life for Animals.

Despite the nipple rash, tendonitis and general muscular stiffness it was well worth it.

Our final word - “Can we do it again next year?”