On 22 September, I join Mark Beaumont (world record holder for cycling around the globe in 78 days on a bicycle) on a coast-to-coast ride across Scotland. This won't be just any ride, though... we're replicating an average day from Mark's world record attempt, riding 240 miles in only 16 hours. We're riding from Campbelltown, moving across Loch Lomond, up the east coast and into Aberdeen, breaking the ride up into four hours at a time on the bike. For all my running and cycling achievements, I expect this to be my toughest challenge yet.

Those of you who know me well will appreciate that I have completed dozens of running races, cycling events and transnational, mega-distance solo cycling expeditions but I have never before asked for money for charity. This time around, I must raise at least £240 in order to ride with Mark as he aims to collectively secure at least £80,000 for STV Children's Appeal. I'll be one of 80 riders in the pack and we're all fundraising with Mark. I've paid a registration fee to cover the ride logistics so every pound we raise will go towards supporting children in need across Scotland.

Please dig deep as I spend the next two months getting some serious endurance miles under my wheels!