My main target this week was to run a ‘race pace race’.

The schedule suggested that I choose a race any here between 5 miles and a half marathon. We found a 15k multi terrain race in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, which seems a long way to go to run 15k, but we combined it with a family visit.

This week's training has gone really well, I have really started to notice the benefits of the effort I have been putting in over the previous weeks.

My speed work on Tuesday and a run up the Malvern Hills on Wednesday both left me wanting more, but I’m learning to trust my schedule and rest before I feel tired. Thursday's ‘threshold’ run felt tough, but I still managed to complete it at the scheduled pace. I then took two days off, (as I still have exercise classes to teach which I now see as ‘cross training’) in preparation for Sunday's race.

It was a gently undulating mixed terrain course through Irchester Country Park, with a choice of doing one, two or three laps of the 5k course. I opted for the three laps, which sounds boring, but wasn’t at all, In fact, on lap three, I even managed to miss a clearly signposted turn, with a marshal, and ran about 100m in the wrong direction. Four male runners I had previously overtaken were now back in front of me! I did my best to catch them again but only managed to pick up two places. Gutted! I finished the race in a good time, but better still, I felt as though I could have continued at that pace and run further, hopefully another positive sign that my training schedule is working.

I have also used the week to continue practicing taking on the carbohydrate gels and jellybeans whilst running. I have also practiced running in the Acorns vest that I will be wearing on the day of the London Marathon and decided on the length of shorts I will be wearing ie the minimal chaffing variety! So at the end of week eight, I’m halfway through my training schedule and feeling happy and proud of my achievements so far. However I have just clicked on my emails to find this week's schedule from Runners World, which is prefixed by this: “Now's also the time to make sure you feel fully prepared for the weeks ahead. You'll soon be entering what's known as the Monster Month - four weeks of your heaviest training load, including your longest runs so far. It's crucial that you're still fit, focused and ready to go at this stage in your training. Learn to listen to your body and whether you've slipped behind or are zipping ahead, don't be afraid to reassess your marathon goals.”

Monster Month? Scary stuff ahead, I fear.

Fundraising is going well, but I’m still a little way off my target of raising a minimum of £2,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice. If you would like to make a donation please go to www.justgiving.com/vikkisivertsen. Thank you very much once again to those of you who have already donated.