Race for Life done!! (With the thanks to some Kinesio Tape!)

[Jefna]

So the whole reason I decided to do Couch to 5K was the Newcastle Race for Life, and yesterday I completed it....and I ran the whole way!

I'm so so proud of myself (it's not often that I can say that about myself!) 3 runs from graduation and I did it in just under 37 mins. The only downside was I decided to start with the 'joggers' but really should've gone with the 'runners' as there were a lot of walkers, even those with pushchairs that set off as 'joggers' so it was very frustrating trying to weave through them. I probably could've bettered my time if it wasn't for that but to be honest, time wasn't important to me, I just wanted to run it all and complete it which is what I achieved!

At the beginning of the week, I got a bad shin splint, so instead of fitting in two runs before the big day, I've been resting it all

week. I've heard great things about Kinesio Tape so thought I'd try it. My friend who does sports massage taped me up and my

god the pain reduced almost immediately, even just walking on it! I honestly don't think I could've ran more than a mile without the tape, it's amazing stuff!

What made the day so special, is the two lovely ladies who I ran for yesterday, who are both currently fighting Cancer, were at the finish line waiting for me and my friends. Queue lots of tears! They kept thanking me for doing it and I kept thanking them for inspiring me to start this whole journey! People next to us most have thought we were mad haha! But we weren't bothered!

So it's official, I can run 5k and I'm so bloody happy! 8 weeks ago I didn't quite believe I would do it, but the program DOES work!

Still gonna complete my 3 runs til graduation, and I'm gonna sign up for the Bupa Great North 5k as I really think having something booked keeps me motivated. I'm also really excited to try out my local park run!

Thank you to all the support from you guys, it really does help!

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Congratulations - enjoy that feeling you've earned it!!

[Jefna Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Thank you so much!

[Chardonnay1970 Graduate]

Congratulations! That's an amazing achievement! I also started Couch 2 5K to train up for Race For Life which I ran in June. It was on behalf of my wonderful mum, who died from cancer in March. My dad was there to watch me and was so choked up when I finished he couldn't speak! That was the first time I managed to run 5k too, so know what an amazing feeling it is! I also set off with the joggers, and like you, was frustrated by the amount of walkers - would definitely go with the runners next time. Thanks also for the tip about the tape - I have a friend who could find that very useful!

Well done again, and good luck with the graduation!

[Jefna Graduate in reply to Chardonnay1970]

Thank you! And well done to you too! I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum, that must have been such an emotional day at your RFL, just reading that has bought a tear to my eye!!

[Mazzero Graduate]

You are amazing!!!! To be so motivated and focused on doing this for others despite the injuries is a great achievement. You should be proud of yourself I hope to do the Race for Life next year

[Jefna Graduate in reply to Mazzero]

Ah thank you Mazzero, what a lovely post!

I'm sure you'll do the Race for Life next year no problem! It's such an amazing day, the atmosphere is great! Good luck on your journey

[Carolecal]

You did it !! That's brilliant....well done ! So glad the shin splint problem didn't prevent you from taking part.Such an achievement ,especially as you still have 3 to go before you graduate.

Congratulations, you are an inspiration to me and to many

others ,I'm sure .

[Jefna Graduate in reply to Carolecal]

Aww Carolecal!

Yeah I'm so pleased, as you know I was worried about the shin splint but the tape really helped! I kept it on the day after too and there's no pain there now, I can't believe it!

Thank you so much for your message!