All week I found it hard to sleep....all I thought about was *The Race for Life* and what it must be like. I had no idea what to expect really. I'd been told that the atmosphere was both electric and very emotional. Here was me 57 years of age and doing the one thing I used to love as a kid....RUNNING! Only I'm doing this for a great cause, one that touches everyone's life at some point. My mum passed away to Lung Cancer several years ago and now my husband has a rare form of incurable cancer called Mesothelioma and my daughter has breast cancer. My husband is doing brilliant, he has undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy and has regular check-ups. My daughter underwent a mastectomy and is going to have chemotherapy shortly. They are both very positive and don't intend to let this horrible disease beat them.
I woke early on the morning of Sunday July 17th. I had a breakfast of cereal and a piece of fruit and far too many coffee's. I'd layed out my kit several days before and kept changing the top. I'd bought a Race for Life top but found it to be a washed out pink so wasn't going to wear that. Still wasn't sure if I'd wear the wings and the tu-tu, never was one to stand out in the crowd and "Oh my" was I going to stand out! I knew there would be others dressed like me but I still felt a little bit silly!
My daughter and grandchildren were coming along to give me support, they arrived around 9:00pm and off we went to the "Park and Ride" in Hessle. The roads were going to be cordoned off so this was the best option. You could feel the excitement on the bus as everyone was dressed in pink and all joining in the race. We arrived at Costello Stadium in plenty of time before the race and I donned my tu-tu and wings, geez did I feel silly. Before long two girls from Viking FM Radio stopped and asked if they could take our pic for the Viking FM radio station, of course we said yes...Fame at Last!!!
Harry and Emily spotted the burger bar and indulged, but of course Harry's eye's are bigger than his belly and poor Emily ended up eating his too. Harry then wanted an ice-cream so he got one but the ice-cream decided to fall onto the grass...Pet Lip from Harry! The atmosphere was starting to build up as more and more people began to fill the stadium. I spotted a crowd from the hospital where I work and went over to wish them luck.
On stage we were welcomed to the event and thanked for joining in the fundraising. Sadly though there was one lady who came on stage that no longer has the hope of a cure.Her cancer had been treated several times but was now unresponsive to treatment. She showed an amazing attitude and I felt humbled by her.We were then asked to join in the warm up which both Harry and Emily joined in with much delight. It was all part of the fun.
Emily enjoying a much needed cool ice lolly. Mind you she had already eaten a huge hamburger and then finished off Harry's half eaten one!
Soon after we lined up for our run, I decided to join the joggers but that put me way back from the start line. I then started both Endomondo and my HRM on the word GO! What a big mistake that was. It seemed like ages before I saw the start line. On my way to the start line I made my way to the edge as I was stuck in the middle, I saw two people I recognised and thought OMG! Netty and Neil are here! I was absolutely overwhelmed. I couldn't believe my eyes, I felt a huge lump come in my throat. How lovely of them to make the effort. I gave Netty a hug and quickly regained my composure and headed towards the start line.People began jogging a little but even then you couldn't really get jogging as there was far too many people, most of who were walking. I spent most of my time dodging in and out of woman chatting as they went along.
I was off.....jogging at a nice pace....then bugger me my lace on my trainer came undone....aarrrgh! I quickly retied it and and then nearly fell flat on my face as I sped off trying to gain ground. Once I'd got under way again I settled in to enjoying the run, still dodging people but hey-ho it's not a race as such. The lovely Adrian was giving pep talks via Endomondo, keeping me motivated. Thank you Adrian! We eventually left the stadium and went out onto Boothferry Road which had been closed for the race. It was amazing to see so many people giving up their Sunday to come out and cheer everyone on. It was hot and humid and I was getting annoyed with my iPhone as it wasn't holding in place as it normally does when I'm out running. Next year I'm going to sport an arm holder.  |
| I might add Mr Blobby is not me! |
I kept looking ahead of me and seeing there was still a long way to go before we turned around and came back into the stadium, holy moly!!! Once I got to the end of BoothferryHRM I was at 92%....crikey!
We re-entered the stadium and the run took us onto the running track which was lovely under foot. Almost spongy! But it still seemed a long way to go. I could see the finish line and thought please god let me get to that finish line and not collapse....Lol......The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic, I could see and hear everyone cheering us all on.....come on Janet!....you are nearly there...push yourself...YAY! I did it! After the race I was given my medal (which I'll treasure) and a lovely goody bag.
I could by now feel myself welling up and looking for my daughter. I gave her a huge hug and felt so proud that I'd done this. Netty and Neil soon came over and we hugged too. I can't tell you how I was feeling at his time. Never felt like it ever before. Every emotion was running through my body. The whole event was electric and I'm so looking forward to next year's race. I found out after the race when Netty and Neil joined us that Netty had arranged with Teresa to be at the race. Netty had also arranged for Adrian to be on call for the Endomondo photo's. My daughter and grandaughter have decided to join me next year too which will be great. I'd like to thank everyone who made this event for me and that includes everyone who sponsored me. A BIG THANKYOU TO NETTY AND NEIL!!
