A post about why I'm running the Stafford Half Marathon on 25th March 2012...
I've just celebrated my first birthday as a runner. In February 2011, after 3 months of exercise bikes and Wii Fit and a serious attempt to get fit and lose weight, I decided to branch out with my exercise and started out on the NHS Couch to 5k Plan, which takes you from 60 seconds of running / 90 seconds of walking to running for 30 minutes without stopping in just nine weeks. I felt such a sense of achievement the first time I completed that 30 minute run. Wow - I was running. The girl who didn't run had just run for 30 minutes without stopping!
In April, I joined a local running club (Potters Trotters) and began running regularly. In June, I completed the Race for Life in just over 30 minutes. When MrT was playing cricket at away matches, I would run out to join them. By the end of the summer, I was up to 6-7 miles in those long runs. I took part in a 10km race at the end of November and at the same time got invoved in the Hanley parkrun. In January, the challenge went round at Potters Trotters to sign up for a local half marathon and so my training for the Stafford Half began.
Almost despite myself, I run primarily because I enjoy it. I like achieving the challenges I have set myself. I like the way my fitness is improving. I like the social aspect of running and have become a twitter addict in the process. I am looking forward to seeing what I can actually achieve by following my training schedule.
But there's more to it than that. I will run in the Stafford Half in less than 2 weeks as a way of raising money and awareness for Cancer Research. It is a way to show support for those people I know who are fighting back after a cancer diagnosis. I can't really know what they are going through or fully understand the pain and uncertainty they experience. But I am really lucky to be able to run, to be out there doing something.
The nerves are starting to kick in. So when I line up for the start of the Stafford Half on the 25th March, there will be a lot of people on my mind to provide inspiration to get me through those 13.1 miles:
Happy running!
LizT
PS Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to my fundraising efforts so far, by your encouragement or by sponsoring me or buying cards. There will be more cards available soon but if you'd like to sponsor me and support Cancer Research, you can donate via my Just Giving Page: http://www.justgiving.com/LizTideswell200619
PPS The title of this week's post is a reference to the song "Dignity" by Deacon Blue - one of my all time favourites on my running playlist.
I've just celebrated my first birthday as a runner. In February 2011, after 3 months of exercise bikes and Wii Fit and a serious attempt to get fit and lose weight, I decided to branch out with my exercise and started out on the NHS Couch to 5k Plan, which takes you from 60 seconds of running / 90 seconds of walking to running for 30 minutes without stopping in just nine weeks. I felt such a sense of achievement the first time I completed that 30 minute run. Wow - I was running. The girl who didn't run had just run for 30 minutes without stopping!
In April, I joined a local running club (Potters Trotters) and began running regularly. In June, I completed the Race for Life in just over 30 minutes. When MrT was playing cricket at away matches, I would run out to join them. By the end of the summer, I was up to 6-7 miles in those long runs. I took part in a 10km race at the end of November and at the same time got invoved in the Hanley parkrun. In January, the challenge went round at Potters Trotters to sign up for a local half marathon and so my training for the Stafford Half began.
Almost despite myself, I run primarily because I enjoy it. I like achieving the challenges I have set myself. I like the way my fitness is improving. I like the social aspect of running and have become a twitter addict in the process. I am looking forward to seeing what I can actually achieve by following my training schedule.
But there's more to it than that. I will run in the Stafford Half in less than 2 weeks as a way of raising money and awareness for Cancer Research. It is a way to show support for those people I know who are fighting back after a cancer diagnosis. I can't really know what they are going through or fully understand the pain and uncertainty they experience. But I am really lucky to be able to run, to be out there doing something.
The nerves are starting to kick in. So when I line up for the start of the Stafford Half on the 25th March, there will be a lot of people on my mind to provide inspiration to get me through those 13.1 miles:
- I'll be running for my Dad, who is beginning to think his arm is actually a pin cushion because he's had so many blood tests and injections. But he keeps going with the support of my Mum and is hoping for another Grand Slam for Wales this season - just one match to go, Dad.
- I'll be running for Pat (my mother-in-law), who has used her cancer diagnosis as a way of raising awareness of the bowel cancer screening programme. She is coming to the end of the second phase of her treatment and, supported by my father-in-law Terry, is looking forward to the future with a really positive mindset.
- I'll be running for a very special little girl in Australia who is fighting back after tumours were found in her brain and spine. Her family have amazing strength of character and their story is really worth reading.
- I'll be running for a brave lady in Yorkshire, who has brought a smile to my face so many times, and is now undergoing treatment for cancer for the second time. Another person who simply won't be beaten or let the diagnosis slow her down. She's beaten it once and intends to do so again.
- I'll be running for an old friend in London who hasn't let her chronic leukaemia diagnosis stop her from deveoting her time and energy to helping other people around the world - Buy Cards, Change Lives.
- I'll be running to say thank you to those who are supporting me - MrT who believes I can do this even when I don't; the Meakins girls who back me all the way especially Janice, Lyn, Maggie, Kath and Justina; my army of little supporters cheering for Lizzie (and their parents too); my running buddies at Hanley parkrun and Potters Trotters; and my family, especially Grandad who continues to inspire us.
Happy running!
LizT
PS Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to my fundraising efforts so far, by your encouragement or by sponsoring me or buying cards. There will be more cards available soon but if you'd like to sponsor me and support Cancer Research, you can donate via my Just Giving Page: http://www.justgiving.com/LizTideswell200619
PPS The title of this week's post is a reference to the song "Dignity" by Deacon Blue - one of my all time favourites on my running playlist.
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