Running mates Heather Millgate (l) with Breakfast's Sue Thearle

So the secret is out - my running mate has been revealed!

When we first launched this project three weeks ago we had no idea how much interest there would be - but we were innundated with emails, letters and phone calls asking to be my running buddy.

I was touched and moved by so many of them from people who had such extraordinary tales to tell. But after much deliberation we eventually picked Heather. She is an inspirational lady. Having battled and beaten cancer with quiet dignity, she has now decided to take on the challenge of the marathon for Headway, a Charity which offers support to brain injury victims.

Her two children think she is slightly mad and I can understand that sentiment. All of my friends and family have a similar view of my endeavours and there are times I must admit, when I would heartily agree.

Heather and I are at roughly the same stage with our training. We've both reached 11 miles on our long run which isn't even halfway distance! With the big day looming the time has come to step up the running and there are occasions when you feel like doing anything but a 5-mile run.

But everyone who has done a marathon will tell you that you have to put the miles in now or the race itself will be a nightmare. So that is what I keep reminding myself every time I hesitate to put my running shoes on.

I hope that we will keep you entertained and informed with our series of reports on marathon training over the next few weeks and hopefully there will be plenty of sweat, a few tears but no blood!