Today, marks the start of a long and hopefully fruitful journey towards personal growth. I've always thought of the City2Surf as my Everest something very daunting that I have been wanting to conquer. This year I have decided to do it.

Together with my husband Terry, we are rolling up the stake and taking part in Australia's biggest and best fun run.

Did I mention I was a bit nervous and excited at the same time?

I have had a look at the 14-kilometre course and I won't lie; it looks tough. There will be definitely no time to sneak in a latte admit the 70,000 competitors.

But I'm confident I can succeed.

I plan on increasing my daily five-kilometre strolls (and a bit of running) around my home in Fairfield West. I call them `strolls' because I like to enjoy the scenery as I walk and I use it as a way to get away and relax. However, come August 9, I know there will be limited chance to enjoy the sights because I want to complete the course in a reasonable time.

I have no doubt my husband will. He is still heavily involved with soccer, but unfortunately the closest I have come to the sporting field in recent years has been as the trusted `Mum's taxi' and driving my kids to their sporting pursuits.

I guess it is one of the reasons we are competing to get out of the daily grind of being adults. It certainly is a challenge, but I am up to the task.

Don't expect me to be winner of the race, but hopefully I can win the respect of myself as I cross the finish line.

With less then six-weeks to go, all that is left is to get down to some hard training. I have the comfy shoes, the outfit chosen and now I am researching the best way to get me through the 14-kilometres in as less pain as possible.

Either way I know the next morning will be tough, but if I achieve my goals it will be worth it.

See you at the finish line Laura Rowell

Details: city2surf.com.au/