Race for Life 2013

So, my 6th Race for Life, and my second 10k. When I signed up for it, I had high hopes that I would be able to – well, not run all the way, but at least complete the race in a reasonable time. I am definitely a lot fitter than I was last year and I was training at least 5 days a week on my cross trainer.

But things never go to plan, do they? About a month before the race, I started having twinges in my back – nothing serious at first, but by the end of that week, I couldn’t even walk properly or sit down at work. I ended up taking a week off work, lying on the floor most of the time which was a pretty miserable week. I would take enough pain killers so I could sit up for a few hours and crank out a few BB posts, then retreat to the floor to watch TV. A few doctors visits later, and I have painkillers that make me queasy and forgetful, but at least I can walk now.

Anyway. Excuses out the way. The day of the race came, and after buying two pairs of shorts (because I left one on the bus the night before the race – see, forgetful), I headed up to the Downs and took part in the 10k on one of the hottest days of the year. I was also wearing a Github Pinktocat which raises money for Breast Cancer Awareness in the US (thanks Alex!) and some pretty gloriously flourescent trainers which I’ll talk about a bit more later.

I jogged for the first few kilometers, but around 2.5km, I started to get a pain in my back. I had a stash of painkillers in my pouch, so took a dose and carried on, a little bit slower. Unfortunatly by around 4km, the pain was just getting too much and I ended up (speed) walking the rest of the way. I was so gutted that I couldn’t manage the whole race but I managed to complete it in about 1hr 20mins.

A few months ago, I had a very kind email saying “We saw that you’re going to be doing Race for Life, would you like to review a pair of running shoes?” I had been thinking of buying a new pair for the race, but hadn’t gotten round to it, so this was perfectly timed. I chose the Nike Lady LunarGlide+ 4 because they have the Nike+ technology ability, and I already had the chip from my old pair of trainers. (I’ve already blogged about how digital metrics can help motivate me!) The trainers have been so comfortable and supportive, I hadn’t realised what bad shape my old pair were in!

My sponsor page is still open, so if you’d like to sponsor me, please head over to raceforlifesponsorme.org/hayles10k (and thank you!)