Most excellent!!!

I ran my first 10k today - well, some walking but thanks to a couple of friends who held back for their own reasons, I  ran more than I probably would have done. But I did it in 1hr 17 min 4 secs. In 3 weeks it's the Wyvern 10k. Then no more planned races until the Great South Run in October. But lots of training in the meantime!!!!!


This is me before we left the house:

I finished it!!!!

My piece of bling from the run:

Parkrun

Parkrun is an organisation which arranges weekly free community based timed 5km runs.

I have now done 5 runs, and yesterday made it round all 5km without stopping to walk. I know that if I hadn't had friends running with me, I would have walked at some point. It was hot yesterday, and to tell the truth, I did push myself, but glad I did.

The atmosphere at these events is fab. Runners spur each other on, it's very relaxed. It's not a race against each other, which is just as well otherwise I'd be last every time. It's great doing with a group of friends too. For more information visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

There are junior park runs too, which are a shorter distance, but sadly not as many events in comparison to adult events.

Next Saturday is a women's 10k event in Saturday. My plan: to get round and enjoy it.

Sponsorship on my fundraising page is coming in - this page is remaining open all year due to doing more than one event. I was particularly touched by how much my colleagues sponsored me from work. I should get about £60 from my colleagues towards cancer research. http://www.justgiving.com/Helen-Hobbs2014

Getting out to run has been a struggle at times: too tired, too much to do, my arm hurts......yep, I can  bring on the excuses. But when I get out I'm glad. It's easier going further when running with a friend. By myself I don't have the mindset to push myself. Need to change that.

I have started training for the 10 mile run in October. No doubt I'll end up repeating runs and I have allowed time for that.

For those who are following my blog, I thank you. Do leave a comment about where you are reading it from. It's nice to know if people read it and from where in the world. I know international readers have found it.

Last Sunday I did Race for Life 5km, and I spent an enjoyable time walking around with my children. We all got our medals, and more importantly have raised money for cancer research.

Everything is awesome....

Wow, what a day. Went out with the lovely Charlotte today with the aim of covering 4 miles. Our route was unknown to both of us. We were both blind as bats without our glasses, we had to negotiate fallen trees and flooded pathways (even perilously doing good balance beam impression beside the river), and desperately trying not to get stung by the nettles. But it was a really good run. Poor charlotte's legs didn't come off well. Lesson learnt for next time.

BUT,  I ran (only stopping to negotiate said trees and puddles) all 4 miles. Awesome does not even come close to how wow I felt about that. I ran the whole way!!!!!!

I tried out my new flipbelt out as well today as a means of carrying personal belongings whilst running. Initially was aware of it but soon forgot all about it. It didn't constrict me in any way. It rode up onto my waist but still very comfortable. It didn't bounce around when running and sooooo comfy. Only had my phone and keys but my keys didn't rattle which is what normally happens when I put them in the pockets in my running tights. For a hollow tube with 4 openings it's brilliant.

So on Sunday it's race for life. With children in tow it'll be slower the way round but hoping it'll be consistent.

I found this on facebook so am unable to link an author but this sums things up:

Whoop!!!

I did them!! The Gosport Golden mile and, an hour later, the 5km run. Really happy with my times.

Of course I had to finish with a celebratory ice cream

Feel amazing that I did them both. This week I need to start increasing my training distances in preparation for a 10km race on 21st June. I won't be expecting epic results but to get round will be fantastic.