It’s was with some nervousness that I put my name down for ‘Race For Life 2014‘. My eldest was desperate to join in this year with some of her friends and had been pestering me for days. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to do it it was that I hadn’t done ANY substantial exercise since the girls had been born let alone run and I didn’t want to look and ‘arse’ or end up on my ‘arse!
So with promises of training every Sunday I put myself and my three girls down to run … oh the excitement!
And then the lurgy hit us all! Week after week of chest infections, antibiotics, trips to the Dr’s and even to the hospital, sore throats, temperatures and of course none of us having it at the same time. My pour little RaRa even managed to get an ear infection four days before the run.
The day of the run arrived. I had no kit, no jogging shoes and no booby support. Panicking I started rummaging in the backs of my wardrobe and found my old sport leggings and crop top from the days before kiddies. Although a little tighter than I remember I could squeeze them on. My knackered old (14 years old) Addidas campus shoes would have to do.
Numbers pinned we headed down to the Park and joined the throng of women chatting and laughing as they warmed up to the music. And then we were off.
My eldest ran off with her friend whilst I stayed further back with RoRo and RaRa. They set the pace doing a mixture of running and walking … I was rather pleased about that. My legs even seemed to remember how to run, although my boobs and bottom joined in with a little too much enthusiasm for my liking.
The atmosphere was wonderfully uplifting and at times a little poignant. Running with my little ladies amongst a group of empowered, supportive and united women was amazing. As we ran/walked the girls read the messages on the back of the other runners. We shared small moments of loved ones lost, loved ones fighting and loved ones who had survived.We laughed at crazy costumes, cute dogs and smiled at crowds and people who cheered us on. We held hands and we ran alone.
But we were together.
And that of course is what it’s all about.
As we neared the finish line the music, drums and larger crowds invigorated RoRo who being reassured that Mr Dad and friends would be at the end waiting, sped off on her own. RaRa seeing her sister running hard on the opposite side of the large pond decided to give chase and also set off for the finish on her own as well.
Watching my little ladies embrace the run and set off independently from me and each other filled me with so much pride and joy. RoRo finished nervously on her own whilst RaRa waited just before the home stretch so she could run down with me. My eldest and her friend finished way ahead of us having run the whole thing from start to finish with amazing determination and grit.
They of course want to do it again and so do I.
And the unexpected part …
Whilst raising money for a wonderful cause that sadly touches most of us we have all found a little independence and come closer together.
We love to run!
Sisley White
This is a fabulously inspiring blog post.
Congratulations for doing the run with your girls it looks like you all enjoyed yourselves. I expect to see you at the marathon with them soon!
x
Emily Knight
Brilliant photos – all of you look so thrilled in the last picture!
Sisley White
This is a really inspiring post.
Congratulations to you and your girls for running the race.
I’m sure you’ll all be at the marathon soon x
Kim Carberry
Well done to you all! Very inspiring!! x
Angela Spicer
Well done all of you. You certainly didn’t look like you had to squeeze into your kit.
Coombe Mill - Fiona
A wonderful post! Well done to you and your little girls – what a great achievement for a very worthy cause. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
Jenny @ The Brick Castle
That’s so lovely Anthea – well done to you and to the girls. I’m glad you got so much out of it, the sense of common cause and community is a lovely thing and it’s great that you all felt it. Be proud xx