Hi everyone. It’s been a long time since I posted last so I apologise in advance if this turns out to be a long ramble.
Some of you may remember that a year ago I was having a bit of a panic about a 10K fun run that I had been entered in by a friend. It was a well intentioned gift but it really didn’t go well. I did get over the initial panic and thought I’d just go along, it’d be fun I told myself. Unfortunately unexpected ice and very cold weather caused last minute cancellation. The event was eventually rescheduled in July of last year. I duly arrived and completed 9 of the 10K in torrential rain around a muddy route and was feeling quite good jogging along at the back with about three other ladies when the organisers decided to stop the race. We were diverted and escorted back to the start/finish line (which had already been dismantled). I went home feeling very disheartened, I know I could have finished and I had previously been told that there was no cut off time for finishing. At that point I decided I wasn’t going to enter any more races, it just wasn’t for me.
There is a point to this story, I promise.
In the year since this complete disaster I’ve carried on running and while I was at one of our local Parkruns I came across a local running group who welcomed me in to their group. I’ve continued doing a Parkrun most Saturdays, a run out with the group once a week and another solo run every week. Things have been going well but I have always refused all invitations take part in any fun runs or events – until recently- A local Christmas 10K event was coming up, a few of the ladies from the running group were going to take part, it was for charity, it was in fancy dress so nothing too serious so I was persuaded to have a go.
We had a fabulous time, it was a great atmosphere and our group of Elves completed the 10K in 1 hour 19 minutes having stopped to high five almost every spectator and chat to Santa at the turn around point.
It was a completely different experience from my miserable first event and one I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t given it another go.
We’ll be entering again next year and I think there’ll be one or two more events over the Summer. I’ve also had my arm twisted to join them in a half marathon towards the end of next year and I have to admit that the idea of that is very scary at the moment but I’ve got all next year to get ready so I’m not panicking yet.
So don’t let one bad experience put you off, I’ll never be fast and I’ll always be keeping the tail runners company at the back but it’s still a great experience and one I’m glad I didn’t miss out on.
Merry Christmas everyone and happy running in 2024.
Going to give the local club a go !!!
Hanworth parkrun - No.22
GROUP 10k - week 7 🏃♀️ 🏃 
First 10k after finishing C25K