No-one said training for a half marathon was easy.
So what keeps people going during those cold, wet, dark winter months? For Julie-Ann Ross, the desire to be healthy got her running this year for the first time in her life.
"My mother has diabetes and I don't want to get it. Once I hit 40 it was going to be a health concern," she said.
"Better to attack it now. If I keep my weight in check, it gives me my best chance."
Having a personal trainer helped keep her motivated during winter.
"Being answerable to someone makes a difference."
Excuses such as having no time don't work.
"He doesn't let it slide."
Ros Day also has a personal trainer.
"It's good to have someone to guide you. I've wanted to run a half marathon for eight or nine years but always changed my mind. Regular contact with someone like my trainer gives me more momentum. But you need a balance - to be motivated personally to do it in your own time," she said.
Both women have to juggle training around the children and work commitments.
"It's a constant challenge to find the time," said Julie-Ann.
"It's a good investment, though."
Julie-Ann runs early in the morning when it's light enough or after dropping the kids at school.
Ros runs just before dinner.
Both have very supportive families.
"My boys are my support crew," Julie-Ann said.
"They're really proud."
Julie-Ann Ross (36).
Has own business, two children.
Status: First half marathon.
Getting started: Julie-Ann started working with a personal trainer 22 weeks ago. Halfway through the programme he suggested it as a goal. "I never intended to do a half marathon. Last month I realised I probably would achieve it."
Routine: Trainer once a week (twice in beginning). Runs nearly every day. Cross training and weights at home.
Progress: Can run 14km in 90 minutes.
Hardest part: Doing it over winter. "Looking outside at horizontal rain and hail."
While running: "I'm an architectural designer and think about designs when running. My brain unravels and I solve issues."
Ros Day (34)
Works part-time, two children.
Status: Second half marathon.
Getting started: Last year Ros joined a team at her fitness studio to walk the half marathon.
"I thought, `How hard can it be?' It needed more training than I thought - big walks, cross-training, jogging. On the day it was quite challenging. I wanted to make a good time.
"This year I'm more targeted for running long distances."
Routine: Trainer once or twice a week. A couple of runs a week, walk or swim.
Progress: Can comfortably hit the 10km mark at this halfway stage of her training. On a good day runs 11km or 12km.
Hardest part: Finding the time, especially during winter when it's darker longer.
While running: Listens to music to get through. Counting Crows, U2, and then some White Stripes to "pick up the pace".