Recently, I’ve found myself showing off my arm muscles to anyone who’ll pay attention, demanding glances of admiration.

Granted, this is slightly abnormal – and not entirely feminine - behaviour, but I can actually feel them getting bigger. And with all the pain that has come with said gain (we’re talking shaky arms lifting weights for many reps, press-ups, pull-ups, bench-presses – I could go on...) I want some praise.

I’ve been training with Karen from Matt Roberts for two months now and it really all starts coming together when you can see – and feel - the results.

We’re not talking Incredible Hulk-style muscles here – or even that Sarah Connor out of Terminator. But if you need a heavy suitcase lifting – or a big load of shopping carrying home – suddenly, I’m your (wo)man.

I’m training for the Royal Parks Half Marathon which is set to take place this October and am trying to see if I can do it in under two hours. So far I’ve been doing one gym session and one running session with Karen every week (if anyone has ever tried what are known as ‘intervals’ – that’s repeated short sprints, sometimes up hills – midway through a 10K run – you’ll understand my pain). Plus I’ve gone for a third run on my own most weeks for extra brownie points.

At first my appetite shot up and I was worried about whether I’d actually tone up given the amount of food I was putting away – but your metabolism soon speeds up and being able to eat cake when you want without a second thought for your hips is a most enjoyable bonus.

If you want to find out more about personal training, visit Matt Roberts.