Its that time of year again when my thoughts turn towards Race for Life. I’ve done it three times so far (2007, 2009 and 2010) and have enjoyed it (well, as much as you can enjoy going around a 5k course)
You all know the story of why I do Race for Life (or at least, if you’ve read that blog post, you do) If you don’t, here’s the basic version: My mum died of cancer 5 years ago (which seems both so long ago and so recent) so I do Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research in the aim that less people have to go through what we did.
This year, Race for Life in Bristol will be held on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of July. There will be three events, two 5k’s and one 10k. I’ve not yet signed up for one though because I’m not sure what I want to do. 5k is easily doable – I’ve walked it twice, and ran it once. I’d like to run (or at least attempt to run) this one, but I’d also like a bit of a challenge. Running it the first time was definitely a challenge, but is it still a challenge if I’ve already done it? 10k would be something new, but would I be able to do it? I have enough time between now and July to get my bum into gear, but I need new – well, new everything, but especially new trainers. (Being jobless isn’t really going to help there!)
If you’ve done a race like this before, which would you recommend? Any tips I should know about? Anyone fancy joining me?
Ha was wondering if you were going to do this this year or not. I’m going to be running the 5k because it’s one of the challenges I’ve set for myself this year. I’m thinking 10k next year.
Maybe do 5k and try and beat the time you did it in last time? Didn’t you have to walk last year because you’d hurt yourself? So you’ve had a wee bit of time off from running it and might need to re-train.
I’d be dubious about signing up for the 10k if you don’t have decent trainers to train in. Mine are in desperate shape and I’ve noticed they’re not doing me any favours now that I’m running outside and not on a treadmill, I wouldn’t want to run a much further distance.
Wow this comment is ridiculously long. Sorry.
Well lady, you know what I’m gonna say, 10k all the way! The challenge of doing a longer distance is going to motivate your training whereas you may get complacent with 5 as you’ve done it before.
Trainers don’t have to be expensive, have a good search online, you only need some basic ones for now, if it turns out you overpronate (where your feet roll inward), you can get special insoles to help the problem. I’m here for any advice you might need about anything, and I’m doing the Brizzle 10k so can help/cheer/drag you round the course if I need to : )
Michaela x x x
Go for 10k! (I say this as someone who can barely run for a bus)
Whatever you choose, you’ll be fab – good luck!x
I do the race for life with my mum and sister, but only the 5k, maybe I’ll work up to the 10 one day, good luck!
Wow, what a brilliant thing to do each year :) My friend does something similar and is doing a half marathon this year- I could never do anything like this so I have huge admiration for both of you! As far as 5k or 10k, maybe do what ‘the girl’ said and try to beat your 5k time?
Good luck whichever one you choose! xx
Running is absolutely not my thing at all, so wow for thinking about doing a 10k race!
I’m afraid that I have no tips on running either but please let me know when and where I can add in some money (I hope this works for non-UK people?) – my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer just a little over two years ago. She’s been cured and I know she’s been incredibly lucky, so that’s a matter close to my heart!
I did the 5k in 2009 but ended up only jogging for the first km and walking the rest because it was 28 degrees and there was no shade, heh. I’m not sure I could have jogged much further to be honest, I was pretty out of shape then!
My fella and I are training now to do a 5km together at some point – I agree with The Girl about trying to beat your time on your previous 5km :) 10km is A LOT! & there will always be a race next year if you want to do it, or you could do a 10km later this year if you really feel like pushing yourself.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck with it :) I think it’ll be a while before I’m up to 10km standard! S.
I did the 5K last year and absolutely loved it. It was a challenge training but it paid off and i manage to jog (admittedly slowly!) all the way. I want to do the 10k this year but I think I’ll be alternating jogging and walking as there is no way I could run it all. Whatever you decide, good luck!!