One in Three

Having taken part in Race for Life the last two years running (pardon the pun) I'd read the statistic that one in three people will get cancer in their lifetime. I'd never really thought about that statistic in a tangible term though.

Me, my mum, my dad - that is three people, right? So statistically, one of us will get cancer in our lifetime. I hate it when numbers turn out to be right.

About three weeks ago my mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour and last week she had surgery to remove it. We now know that tumour is malignant (cancer) and my mum will have to have both chemo and radiotherapy to try and treat whatever cells of nastiness weren't scooped out in the operation.

We're remaining positive and have been pleased with the speed of diagnosis and treatment as well as utterly, utterly overwhelmed by the support for all of us from friends both on and off line. That support is definitely helping to keep us positive.

However, for me, I think it is still to fully sink it. Telling people about it sometimes feels like I am recounting a plot line from Holby City rather than talking about my mum.

My mum who I haven't always got on with but now my teenage angst is (mainly) behind me has been a big inspiration to me.

My mum who is amazingly intelligent in a number of ways and whose success always makes me strive that little bit harder for my own success.

My mum who didn't always do things the conventional way but did things without a fuss (unlike me).

My mum who has been a massive support to me and is an amazing Grandma for my little boy.

I know nearly everyone thinks their mum is the best mum in the world and I'm sure they are mostly right. Except, to me, obviously, my mum can't be beaten in that field.

I wish, of course, that this was all a plot of a hospital drama show and not happening to my mum, my family. But these things do and so we'll get on with dealing with it and taking the positive energy for the aforementioned amazing support as well as how well things have gone so far.

I'm now seeing those statistics as a real person and this year when I take on the 10km Race for Life (Kedleston Hall, Derby, 18 July 2010) I already know whose name will be the story on my back, and who I am running and raising money to help - my mum.

If you can spare a thought to hope this story has a happy ending I promise it is very much appreciated and if you'd like to sponsor me you can online.

Jog on

I must have used up a good proportion of my energy whining about having to go out training before I'd even stepped out the door this morning. But make it out I did.

I have to admit I do feel better for having done it and I am moderately impressed with this morning's effort - 3.5 miles of which 2.25 miles I jogged! This is the longest continuous stretch of jogging I have EVER done (EVER!) and the shine of achievement is only slightly dulled by the realisation I jog at the same pace as I walk.

Still, keeping positive, this is about a quarter of the distance I've got to do in July and I'm starting to feel that may actually be possible. Sure, I'm not going to finish fast or looking pretty but I may manage to jog most of it if I can keep training up.

With a walk with Mind Marathon pioneer Carl Bembridge scheduled for tomorrow and jogs on Monday and Wednesday for starters next week I'm actually looking forward to the next opportunity to get my run on.

If you want to spur me on with cash you can sponsor me here.

S C-P x

PS - Good luck to all you marathon runners in London tomorrow :)

Run, Fat Boy, Run

A break from our usual programme of blog posts about our consistent failure to train for our own events by bringing you an endorsement for Carl Bembridge and his marvellous Mind Marathon.

In Carl's words his Mind Marathon is a '238lb man vs a 26.01 mile route' which is completely in the spirit of Team Run, Fat Girl, Run!

Carl will run from his home in Mickleover (Derby) to his work in Matlock on Friday 30 July 2010 as a personal challenge to get fit in mind and body and to also raise money for the mental health charity Mind.

A great idea and a challenge most people would find difficult. I know how difficult I am finding it to get my head around running (or even jogging or walking 10km) so I am 100% this effort and will be endeavouring to run alongside Carl for at least part of his distance.

If you can spare a few pennies to encourage Carl on his way and support this important charity please visit his Mind Marathon Just Giving page.

In the meantime Team Run, Fat Girl, Run salutes Carl and are honoured to bestow upon him the dubious pleasure of being an honourary Fat Girl.

Run, Fat Boy, Run!
S C-P out x

Running away

You're probably quite familiar with this introductory spiel now - haven't been out for ages, not looking forward to it, just about 3 months until race day blah blah blah.
But the spring sunshine and a powerful need to keep myself busy booted me out the door and training was underway.
I managed 1.66miles (about 3km?) in 30 minutes through a combination of walking and jogging. In fact I managed the longest continuous jogging stint yet (possibly ever for me).
I soundtracked the whole thing with EV001: Manchester even though I usually favour bleeps to beats when out training. The Manchester mix worked better than I thought though, particularly Stone Roses I Am The Resurrection which had me slowly wobble-jogging down a field with one hand self-consciously pumping the air in an attempt to set free some emotions.
I feel pretty pleased with this mornings effort and not as grouchy / knackered as usual. Oh, my knees and ankles still hurt for sure and I'd go for a nice sit down if anyone is offering but it didn't leave me feeling awful and this is a positive sign.
I learnt also that while running on pavements and roads is easier, it hurts more while fields are easier on the joints but really hard going. All of this is useful information which I can use to plan training in the future.
I'd love to say that I am definitely heading out again this week but personal circumstances mean I don't actually know where I will be in a couple of days time, or when I'll come back.
The best I can say right now is I'll be getting back to training as soon as I can...

S C-P x

Onset of Panic

And so the panic begins. It's less than 15 weeks till R4L 10k!!!
Going to get my jog on and my sponsorship on this week.
Aim to hit all those dates i wrote down in my last post. I will start and i will maintain the training!
It's time to bring it!