IF you think that running risks only things like cartilage and joints, then you haven't heard the worst of it.

On the few occasions I've made it out of the house since starting training - with only a couple of months to go before the Bupa 10K I really must now make an effort - I've encountered any number of hazards.

Most won't kill me, some might. My least favourite are the gangs of hoodies, who, quite justifiably, think that a panting 30-something is fair game. Some of their comments are even quite funny. "Run Forrest, run," said one, while another wag started singing the tune to that 118 118 advert.

My advice is to ignore them, or at the very worst, smile in a way that suggests that you agree with their suggestion that you are an idiot. Not only are you outnumbered, but you're already knackered, and won't be able to run away when things turn nasty.

Hoodies

Next up are the younger, trainee hoodies, who see you coming, laugh between themselves, than think it highly amusing to challenge you by running alongside you for about 100 metres, saying "get those knees up", then falling on the floor giggling.

And, if the "youth" aren't bad enough, then muddy puddles, barbed wire and doggy doo are also things to look out for. In fact, sticking to the subject of all things canine, there are probably few things that a jogger fears more than a dog temporarily let off its lead by a stupid owner with a silly grin.

"He won't hurt you," they say, as said pooch sniffs at your groin. Funny that, I think.

If that dog is so obedient that it obeys orders not to bite at a jogger's bare calf muscles, then why has he just chased me for miles down the canal tow-path?

Simon is training for the Bupa Great Manchester Run - one of the numerous events which form part of Manchester World Sport 08.