I don't like running, never have.  Those cross-country runs at school are still part of my nightmares to this day.

It all started with Rebecca.  Her transformation through running and her enthusiasm for all to take up this sport got me thinking.  A long hard look at my life made me realise that over weight and unfit at 55 was not how I had imagined myself and the 'last chance saloon' was fast approaching.  So I signed up at the local gym and very quickly understood that baggy 1980s sweat pants and out of shape t-shirt didn't cut it any more so a quick search on the internet later led me to pinkmonkey.co.uk and a brand new set of work-out clothing.  Those rather sneaky people at pinkmonkey had included in the parcel a 'guide to taking part in your first 5km run' which had me falling about laughing - "as if..."  I glanced at it knowing full well that it wasn't for me and then tossed it on the seat in the bedroom where it  looked at me every time I went in the room.  So long story short here I am signed up and about to make a complete fool of myself and, yes, completely certifiable!

PS  After my very first ever 'steps class' on Monday (6 Jan) I couldn't walk again until the Thursday (I kid you not!) so if I make it to the end of this race no one will be more surprised than me.

PPS I know there are so many worthwhile charities that you could be giving to but for me Cancer Research is one of the top ones as cancer effects us all - if not personally then you will know a family member or friend who has had to cope with cancer in some way.  It must be devasting to be told that you have it and Cancer Resarch is working to improve everyone's chances of beating this killer.

So thanks for visiting my Race for Life page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online - it's quick, easy and totally secure.

Events like Race for Life are vital in funding Cancer Research UK's life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. By sponsoring me, we can unite and create a force that cancer can't ignore.

UPDATE:  9 weeks later I am now a graduate of the couch to 5km programme and heading for my first (and last) half marathon in September - thanks Rebecca!! (but that's another story).  Definitely certifiable...

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