Think you can't do it? Let me tell you - YOU CAN

Just two weeks ago, I'd gone out for a four mile run with a friend. Full of adrenaline (and dopamine), I thought I enjoyed that run so much, I'd sign up for a 10k race. With Milton Keynes Marathon weekend just around the corner, I thought it was perfect timing and a lovely challenge to get me out of my comfort zone with running.

Except it wasn't. There wasn't a 10k race - only a HALF MARATHON. Which is 13 miles (so double the distance I wanted to run).

Now, I have done a marathon before, and several halves, so I know what to expect.

I also know that running that distance is a lot and you'd need to ideally do a few months of training to be able to have a good race and no injuries.

I didn't have several months, only two weeks, so I figured "What's the worst thing that could happen" as I hit BUY on a Half Marathon place.

And this my Solo friends, is the moral of the story. Literally, what is the worst that could happen?

In this instance, I was close to home, I could call somebody and get a lift home if I couldn't finish. Or, I could walk it - either way, nothing catastrophic would happen.

And that's the same with the dating events.

We can VERY EASILY talk ourselves out of coming to a dating event because we are scared of what MIGHT happen.

What if I don't meet anyone I fancy?

Well, you're in the same position as you were when you walked in.

What if nobody talks to me?

We structure the events so that you do get to speak to lots of people and your hosts are always looking out for anybody on their own so we can help you to get introduced.

What if I don't like it?

Try a different event - it may take a few events to get settled.

That nagging little voice in your head that focuses on what could go wrong, rather than what could go right can really hold you back from something incredible.

I could have told myself that I didn't have the time to train (kinda true), that it was impossible (it wasn't), that I wouldn't be able to do it (I did), that my time would be rubbish (it was 34 minutes slower than my personal best, but that was almost 10 years ago and I'd trained for 3 months so...it kinda figures).

Instead of listening to the horrible voice inside my head, I didn't think (haha), booked to buy my place at the Half Marathon and had a totally epic day.

I raised money for a wonderful charity - The Man Cave MK - who do incredible work for men across the city who need peer support for their mental health.

I had so much fun seeing the community come together to support the runners - it was lovely to see support from families and organisations across the city (even Nando's had a stand at mile 7 which seemed odd, but I know they wanted people to get the thought of a Nando's in their head for when they finished their race).

If I'd listened to the silly voice in my head that told me it was 'impossible' and 'I couldn't do it' I'd have had a very average bank holiday Monday doing chores* around the house.

Instead, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, raised almost £500 for charity and had a wonderful day.

*The chores still need doing.

Here's my celebration post copied from Facebook (and Insta, but I don't really know what I'm doing on there) - a massive thank you to my Solos friends who came to support me on the day and thank you to everyone who put a few quid in the pot for The Man Cave.

What a day!

It has been epic. After a five year hiatus (maybe longer) from running I put my running shoes back on having signed up for a half marathon with only two weeks to train.

I have done lots of races in the past, but I’m now a lot older and was definitely not race fit.

I did what I could and am pretty pleased with what I achieved under massive pressure (I needed a crushing sense of urgency to make me do the thing).

Conditions were perfect - not too hot, dry, cloudy although I left my sunglasses intentionally in the car and regretted it so managed to buy some emergency shades in the stadium. They make me look professional!

Massive thank you to my support team who came around on the course to watch me - Samantha Poole Anna Siegel and Roger Willoughby - thank you for the filming Sam, motivational texts all week Anna and Roger for giving up your national day of celebration - may the fourth be with you.

Big thanks as ever to dad, mum Cathy Rouse and Lewis for the support on the route, taking my clothes (I stripped off at mile 3) and for catching me over the finish line at the stadium.

For every resident of MK who clapped and cheered, the DJs with their decs and boom boxes in the garden, for the brass bands, the encouragement really helps to keep the runners going.

And the lovely signs and the kids who hi give you - it really makes a difference.

I ran this race in honour of my lovely friend Stu, who we lost three years ago. I am running to raise vital funds for @The Man Cave Uk who do great work around the city to help men who need to talk more with their peers and need support for their mental health.

A brilliant charity and I am so pleased that I’ve helped to raise £470 so far with your generous donations - I’ll put the link in the comments if you’d like to throw a few more quid into the pot.

In the meantime, here’s a selection of photos to show the day - it really has been wonderful to get back out there and run again.

Ps. Thank you to Ross Gould Jono Poon and the leadership team at The Man Cave for the lovely hamper - so thoughtful!