This time last year I couldn't run the length of myself.  After giving myself a good talking to, here I am - not hugely leaner or fitter - but definitely determined and sticking at it and about to undertake what for me is a huge challenge.  Running 13 miles doesn't come easy to me - but in just over 2 weeks I'll be pounding that 13 mile route.  For me, running has become a life choice, I've made some amazing pals and I just love it.

I also love dogs - all shapes and sizes - love 'em to bits.  I've just come back from a week volunteering at Galgos del Sol - a dog rescue and rehoming centre in Murcia, Spain.  It was beyond amazing, is run by truly awesome women who relentlessly rescue abandoned Spanish hunting dogs (galgos) and try to get them adopted all over the  world.  But they need help to pay for food and vet bills for the pooches and to put a roof over the onsite volunteer's heads and I want to help. All I did was walk gorgeous dogs for a week - these women are there 24/7 giving it there all and they have inspired me to help too.

I've been pals with lots of you for years, but hardly every see you.  If we did meet, we'd have a few beers and put the world to rights, talk about music, dogs of course, and the state of the Premier League.  So, until we meet, how's about you buy me a virtual beer by sponsoring me to run the half marathon - your sponsorship of the cost of just one beer will make a huge difference and will make me fly round .... actually that's not true - I will still whinge and shuffle my way around - but I will be over the moon at the end and doubly so because I'm helping the hounds.

If you've got to the end of this I owe you a beer!  Please donate just the cost of one beer - it all adds up.

Much love, Louise xx