Slight return

So I've been off the Race For Life radar for a while - partly because of my mum being diagnosed and treated for brain cancer but also because I've been harbouring a little secret.

I'm currently coming up to the end of the first trimester of my pregnancy with my second child. I'm due on Christmas Day and have been rolling with the punches of morning sickness that lasts all day, dizzy spells and constant unfightable tiredness.

This means training has been completely off the agenda for me. And to be honest, I'm wondering if I'll make it round any distance of course this year never mind a 10km for which I'll be ill prepared!

My plan at the moment is to do some light training this week while I'm off work (working on my university dissertation *sigh*) and see how it goes. I really don't want to pull out of taking part this year. Some of that is my competitive streak (last year it drove me to run days after having swine 'flu) but also because it is a need rather than simply a want to raise money and complete the course because of my mum's condition.

Obviously I can't risk my own health now I'm pregnant and if I can't take part so be it but at the moment I still fully intend to do a Race for Life even if it can't be the 10km.

So, give me even more reason to start doing what I can training wise and hand over your money - you can sponsor me online.

S C-P x

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 :)