Mimi tried jogging

Heather Greenaway As a gran of three halfway through her sixth decade, she could be putting her feet up. Instead, Mimi Anderson is attempting to break the world record for running across America.

Ultra runner Mimi wants to complete the 2850-mile slog in 53 days – cutting more than a fortnight off the current record.

Mimi , 55, who has taken par t in mind-boggling running challenges in six of the seven continents, including the Arctic, admits running from the west to the east coast will push her to the limit.

The challenge will take her from LA across 12 states, including Colorado, Arizona and Indiana, before ending up in New York City.

The mum of three, from Newington, Edinburgh, said: “The seed was sown in 2011 when I followed a friend who was taking part in a race running across America.

“It seemed amazing to start on one side of such a vast country and step by step run/walk/ stagger your way to the other side.

“If I was going to do something as long, I knew I wanted to not just run but go for the female record. I contacted Guinness World Records, put in my application and they accepted it.

“I start my attempt on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall at 6am on September 7 and aim to finish 53 days later on the steps of City Hall in New York.”

Mimi, who only took up running when she was 36 after battling anorexia for 15 years, said: “If everything goes to plan, I will shave 16 days off the record set by Mavis Hutchinson in 1979, which stands at 69 days and two hours.

“This will be the biggest challenge of my life. I will have to average 53 miles a day come rain, hail or shine and will take nearly six million steps.

“People think I’m mad, including my own family, but I do like a challenge.

“I will have a team and a film crew following me at all times to keep me safe and to ensure I’m not cheating.”

Mimi had to put off her cross-US challenge for a year after suffering torn cartilage in her knee, which needed surgery.

The retired solicitor’s PA said: “The challenge