Richmond Running Festival
I want to start off by saying, I love running! I never ever thought I'd feel that way. When I first started, huffing and puffing as I struggled to make it out the front door let alone for the 30 second bursts that I'd run for, I couldn't imagine actually enjoying it. But I do. I need to run now. It provides a release like no other and a sense of accomplishment I've never felt before... So needed at the moment when we are feeling like failures in so many other ways (long story I will save for another post but as it currently stands we are due to be homeless in two months! I'm coping remarkably well, facing your child having cancer puts so many things in perspective. Everything is going to be alright)
When I run, I am strong. I conquer. I overcome.
So, Richmond Running Festival. Why the enthusiasm? Well, my Dad came along for the experience and took part himself. Along with my husband, he is my rock, my constant and my best friend. To have him support me through this process is just amazing and for him to be inspired by me to run... wow. I am welling up just thinking about it. There was a great buzz about the start. Maybe it was the setting- smack bang in the middle of Kew Gardens. Just glorious. I felt an excitement, a real energy in the air as I stood beside my Dad, ready to start.
And we were off! It took a while to get going due to a bit of congestion on the paths but no one seemed to mind that much. I began to overtake runners. That has never happened to me before. I felt really strong, confident in my changing body. As I reached the one mile marker, I realised I'd done it in under 10 minutes. To a more experienced runner, that isn't impressive. To me, that's amazing. And I'd done it with ease. I then hit the two mile marker. Again, in under ten minutes. I felt a confidence I've never had while running. I could do this in under an hour... I picked up the pace. The time seemed to fly by and with it each mile.
The last mile my legs became heavier. Perhaps it was the tease as we came ridiculously close to the finish line only for the running track to loop away from it. I began the doubt. I checked the watch. I could still do this. Pick it up. Push it out. You can do this. You will do this. You are doing this! Now!
I began to sprint. Over the line and a rush to check my running app. Later I'd find my chip time was 58:16. A good two and a half minutes knocked off my previous personal best. I was full of pride. I had achieved something remarkable- maybe not so remarkable for anyone else but a massive milestone for me. That feeling was matched as I was at the finish line to see my Dad, nearing 60 (apologies Dad) cross over, just ten minutes later. No sign of the injury that I thought would cause him to pull out. He was incredible. We were incredible. As long as the buzz from running lasts, nothing can touch me. Not fear, not doubt, not panic. Nothing. I am unstoppable! Bring on the half marathon!
www.virginmoneygiving.com/terricreaser
I want to start off by saying, I love running! I never ever thought I'd feel that way. When I first started, huffing and puffing as I struggled to make it out the front door let alone for the 30 second bursts that I'd run for, I couldn't imagine actually enjoying it. But I do. I need to run now. It provides a release like no other and a sense of accomplishment I've never felt before... So needed at the moment when we are feeling like failures in so many other ways (long story I will save for another post but as it currently stands we are due to be homeless in two months! I'm coping remarkably well, facing your child having cancer puts so many things in perspective. Everything is going to be alright)
When I run, I am strong. I conquer. I overcome.
So, Richmond Running Festival. Why the enthusiasm? Well, my Dad came along for the experience and took part himself. Along with my husband, he is my rock, my constant and my best friend. To have him support me through this process is just amazing and for him to be inspired by me to run... wow. I am welling up just thinking about it. There was a great buzz about the start. Maybe it was the setting- smack bang in the middle of Kew Gardens. Just glorious. I felt an excitement, a real energy in the air as I stood beside my Dad, ready to start.
And we were off! It took a while to get going due to a bit of congestion on the paths but no one seemed to mind that much. I began to overtake runners. That has never happened to me before. I felt really strong, confident in my changing body. As I reached the one mile marker, I realised I'd done it in under 10 minutes. To a more experienced runner, that isn't impressive. To me, that's amazing. And I'd done it with ease. I then hit the two mile marker. Again, in under ten minutes. I felt a confidence I've never had while running. I could do this in under an hour... I picked up the pace. The time seemed to fly by and with it each mile.
The last mile my legs became heavier. Perhaps it was the tease as we came ridiculously close to the finish line only for the running track to loop away from it. I began the doubt. I checked the watch. I could still do this. Pick it up. Push it out. You can do this. You will do this. You are doing this! Now!
I began to sprint. Over the line and a rush to check my running app. Later I'd find my chip time was 58:16. A good two and a half minutes knocked off my previous personal best. I was full of pride. I had achieved something remarkable- maybe not so remarkable for anyone else but a massive milestone for me. That feeling was matched as I was at the finish line to see my Dad, nearing 60 (apologies Dad) cross over, just ten minutes later. No sign of the injury that I thought would cause him to pull out. He was incredible. We were incredible. As long as the buzz from running lasts, nothing can touch me. Not fear, not doubt, not panic. Nothing. I am unstoppable! Bring on the half marathon!
www.virginmoneygiving.com/terricreaser
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