Thursday, May 14: With the family still all home I was off the wagon for the week, both as regards the usual training and diet. For the latter, I replaced good fats with very, very bad fats, but I did manage to get some exercise in though in a very different format.

With the family spread across three countries we only get to meet once a year, so we try to pack everything into that one week. I now understand how yummy mummies remain so yummy while claiming to having no time for exercise. With four children under the age of four around, it was non-stop from dusk 'til dawn.

My body was consuming whatever fuel it could at an alarming rate, but even so, at times it was a bit of a struggle to find the necessary energy. On one occasion, a family picnic was followed by a session in the nearby playground - and it was not just the kiddies that played. Between slides, merry-go-rounds, climbing structures, swings and see-saws, I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard or had so much fun in ages. The aches and twinges that my every muscle suffered the next day was testimony to the full-body workout I had at the park without even realising it.

Another day brought with it a trip to the National Aquatic Centre. Between walking opposite the current in the lazy river, carrying the children around and slides - that hurled me backwards at such speed that I burnt the same number of calories as a run through fear alone - I once again realised I was getting both cardio fit and toned as a by-product of the fun.

Living as she does in Chicago, little Sammy doesn’t get to the beach that often so we ventured down to Dollymount on Sunday. I briefly thought about giving kite-surfing a go, but opted instead for a long walk in the sand, which was punctuated by several sprints after Samantha as she charged fully clothed towards the water.

So it was a week of unorthodox exercising, but all contributing towards the cardio fitness that I will need in three weeks' time. Though I’ve got to admit that while it was fun to deviate from the norm, I am looking forward to returning to my routine next week. Besides, I’ve discovered that play-acting is quite dangerous - I’ve got the bruises to prove it.

Next week: As the final countdown begins, can Elaine muster the motivation she needs to step it up a gear in her training sessions?

Elaine is running for her niece Sam. If you'd like to donate to Elaine's charity, email runningforsammy@gmail.com. You can find out more about Children's Interstitial Lung Disease at www.childfoundation.us .

- Elaine Roddy