I raced for Life

Well I did it!!! Phew what a day!

I'm bloody knackered this week but it was well worth it. On Monday, the day after the RFL event, I went to the gym to "carry on as normal," as I told my mother, because I need to keep up the momentum. I did a BodyPump class followed by Circuits. I thought I might not make it all the way through circuits but I did manage it. Even if I was a melted, exhausted wreck at the end haha

I must also point out, after such a long absence from here, that this week I hit a milestone. I have lost 2 stone (28lbs / 12.72kg) since starting the weight loss journey in January 2008. I have around another 42lbs (3 stone) to go though another 2.5 stone would be lovely.

The only way to describe the RFL event really, is to paste below the email I sent to all who sponsored me:

Hello,

I thought you might like to know that I have completed the Race for Life at Epsom Downs Race Course this morning. I can't possibly convey to you the atmosphere at the event, it was very emotional! 4,500 women & their families & friends stood still for a minutes silence, followed by a warm up & then on to the start line. Standing there with 4499 other women, all of whom have been touched by cancer in some way or another, was really quite something. Back plates on every person told their personal stories. It was an incredibly emotional moment and I was easily moved to tears.

The gun went and we surged forward. Like all beginners, I went off too fast and was out of breath by the time I hit the first grassy slope in the course, I had to slow down to walking pace. In the end it took 47 mins to walk/jog/sprint my way around the course. I got low on water 3/4 of the way around, but had another bottle in my small backpack. I told myself I'd stop for a water change at the next Marshall point, and then when I reached that, I'd tell myself I'd stop at the next, then the next and the next right until I could see the finish line, when I gained a final surge of energy to sprint to the end.

All around the course, complete strangers were cheering, clapping and yelling encouragement to every single person on the course. It was quite moving to find complete strangers were giving such wonderful encouragement to every one taking part.

When I faltered at points where there was no one to encourage us, I thought of each and every one of you; for your kindness & support and remembered the wonderful research you have helped to fund. Each year more and more people survive cancer, due to the funding and research that helps us to understand this nasty blight.

I can’t tell you how good it was to walk away from the finish line with a medal in hand, knowing that I have completed the course you all so kindly had faith in me to complete.

With your donations, together we have managed to raise and awesome £515.00 for Cancer Research UK.

In memory of my wonderfully cantankerous fighting Irish father, my heartfelt thanks to you all.

best wishes,