AND now, the end is near, it's time to face the final hurdle.

Yes, I know, it should be curtain' but in an athletic sphere such as the one I am vainly trying to inhabit, hurdle' seems more apt.

This coming Sunday, Dorchester's Race for Life will be upon us and 2,000 fundraising women will be pounding round the course at Kingston Maurward.

It is a tremendous experience with a great atmosphere as women of all ages, shapes and sizes complete the run and help fill the coffers of Cancer Research, either in memory of those they have loved and lost to the disease or because they believe it is a worthy cause.

But as the day draws nearer, my trepidation is growing. Training has been sporadic for a week or so and where I once fantasised about sailing round the track, glowing gently and barely breaking into a sweat as I streak - not literally, obviously - across the finishing line, snapping the winner's tape in passing, I am now wondering whether I will even make it round in one non-stop run.

Boris, bless him, has assured me I will and has given me a list of things to do this week to enhance my chances. I should do a couple of runs - though not on Saturday - eat well, include energy-giving carbohydrates in my diet and get lots of sleep. Porridge would be a good breakfast on the day of the race.

I have also decided that Race for Life will not be the end of my athletic endeavours. Since starting my training regime, my diet has improved - give or take the odd flagon of wine - and I definitely feel fitter. My calves seem to be a lot less stressed and my wonky legs don't appear to be as much of a problem as they were.

Yes, there have been times when I have wanted to be sick or shout or sit down mid-run and throw a heel-kicking tantrum, refusing to go any further but overall I have to say I feel much better.

Before I set out on this little endeavour, I thought that personal trainers were only for the Madonnas and Catherine Zeta Joneses of this world. But in fact, they are for everyone.

In an age where people regularly throw hundreds of pounds into a year's gym membership and then only use it once or twice, certified trainers such as Rob offer a bespoke fitness service that can do everything from preparing you for a marathon to overhauling your lifestyle or offering rehabilitation after illness or injury.

I may not be the next Paula Radcliffe but it has been fun and productive.

See you on Sunday!

Rob Boris' Stone can be contacted on 07760 225598 or in his studio above Cobwebs internet café in St Thomas Street, Weymouth. He can be contacted for a free chat regarding Race for Life and for further details about the services he offers, visit outrageouslyactive.co.uk If you want to sponsor someone but don't know anyone taking part, please feel free to donate via my online sponsor form, which is linked directly to the Cancer Research UK/Race for Life website. You can find it at: raceforlifesponsorme.org/ruthhayes1