When you do a run type thing.
So. For any of you who follow me on twitter, you’ll have seen I’ve been bleating on about the Lincoln 10k run that I entered earlier on in the year. Well I say “I” entered it, my “friend” filled out the form for me, and I foolishly thought “why not?!” and posted it.
As much I’d like to say I was, I’m not a natural runner. I always look knackered before I get started, and it takes me about 2 or 3 miles to actually find a suitable pace, but I get an OK speed going, even if I often resemble a baby elephant. In a weird way, I do enjoy it though. Not only does it cater to my naturally competitive nature, but running to me (and a lot of people out there), is a bit of a release after a tense day with the boys. Often on my designated exercise days Matthew walks in the door and I throw him two children and head off straight away, even if it’s just half an hour, by the time I come home my mind is more organised, and as we sit and eat our dinner I feel a sense of accomplishment settle onto my slightly stiff muscles. I guess it’s my “me” time. I know the boys go to nursery a few days, but I can’t possibly count that as “me” time, I would feel a tad “blah” about having to count work, cleaning, washing, ironing, emptying the bins and visiting the supermarket as “me” time.
Anyway, as usual, I digress.
When the cold hard reality hit me (in the form of my race pack falling through the letterbox), I felt I should perhaps think about training and sponsorship. I didn’t doubt for a minute who I would be running for, Team Sam, who is always there in my mind whatever I do. Therefore I chose to run for Julia’s House, a hospice dedicated to children with life-limiting conditions, and who are very much a part of Sam’s life.
So here I am, at the end of race day. Sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea (A CUP OF CHUFFING TEA?! I should be having a gin and tonic), being reflective about the day. I’m not sure how I actually feel about the whole race atmosphere malarky, I liked the cheering, I liked being part of the event, but I am not a “people person” and the people who got in my way were just down right annoying. But that’s not the important thing, (although we should all note how much I’ve grown as a person for not tripping the skinny cow in the crop top who got in my way). No. The important thing is that I DID IT! Oh, and not only did I complete the entire 10k (6 miles), running. But I did it in what I feel is a fairly respectable 56 minutes and 7 seconds. I’m quite proud of my self, however I’m also feeling a little emotional.
Why?
Because I’m looking at the Just Giving Page I set up less then a month ago, and I am thankful for every single person who took the time to retweet my pleas and/or donate. It means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to Sam and his family. When I was running, apart from considering whether to have a big fat burger, or a big fat hot dog at the end (I opted for a burger in the pub – I’m paying for it now), and wondering how much the run will contribute to me being a size 0, I thought about the Amazing Zoe, and the rule breaking Sam.
So. A slightly soppy post (normal service to resume shortly discussing how I lie to my husband and how I went to buy lime and tonic from the shop with pooh on my knuckles). However, today, this is for you Sam x
p.s. If you haven’t donated yet, you still can, just click here