The Croydon Race For Life 2014 is just around the corner.

I have just done my third Race For Life today and this year and last year I have been part of Team Heart, an RFL team organised by Heart FM.

My first Race For Life was in 2012, which I did by myself at Battersea Park that June. Doing it by myself was not much fun, but it was my first experience of a charity run.

Then in 2013, I joined Team Heart, where we ran in Hyde Park on a blazing hot day, with a silly dance routine to warm up with. Although we were on the walking route we decided to jog as well. I quickly slowed into a walk / jog rhythm.

Being part of Team Heart has some really interesting perks, like being invited to the Heart studios at Leicester Square to receive our special red Team Heart t shirts and get to be on the Drive Time programme. This year, we were also shown how Heart FM puts out its programmes on air, which I found really interesting. Plus I had the added bonus of them recognising me from last year.

This year we took part in the Blackheath RFL, most of the team were a lot better prepared and managed to jog the 5km route. I would like to do a 5km run sometime, but today while trying to jog the route realised that I still have a lot of training to do.

I had a near mishap when someone moved my rucksack, but I found it in the end. I did have the bonus of having my picture taken though. I met my mum afterwards ( who came along to support me) and we went to a little Italian restaurant afterwards, where we met quite a lot of other participants.

Despite not being that difficult to find, I have never really been to Blackheath, but it really is a lovely place. We strolled to the station afterwards. It was not as hot as last year, or as hot as it has been earlier this week, so it was just right for running or walking in.

I also took part in Pretty Muddy last year, Race For Life's brand new 5km obstacle course at Finsbury Park. The obstacles were not that difficult but 5km worth of them, plus Finsbury Park is also uphill, proved to be a challenge. My fundraising also went better this year, thanks to a little help at work.

I realise now why people take part in sports challenges, as I am already planning on trying to train for a 5km run (they are more popular than walks). The medal at the end is not just a trophy, but a reminder of all the hard work you put in.

Good luck to everyone in the Croydon Race For Life on the 13th.

Based on information supplied by Tania Rahman.