Race For Life!

In early 2014 my uncle, Steven, was diagnosed with cancer at aged only 51. So when the annual Tesco Race For Life rolled around, myself and several other members of my family decided to join up in the battle against cancer tell it exactly where to go. Sadly, a few weeks before we ran the race for life, my uncle passed away, but left us with more determination than ever to race.

I won't lie, I was a little scared when the guy in the sports shop was asking me all these questions about running shoes - all I wanted was a pair the wouldn't kill my feet and I felt a little daunted about the whole thing as I hadn't run at all since I'd left school. But a gym membership and a few verrrry exhausting practice runs later I was ready!

As we donned our pink fancy dress (my uncle in a pink beret being the highlight of it all) we charged towards the race course, complete with our photos and messages for my uncle. This was the first type of timed race I had ever competed in and as excited as I was, I was still really quite nervous. Another of my uncles had promised a £50 donation if I could complete it in 45 minutes, so this became my main target (It sounds like a long time but for me it wasnt!).

I completely surprised myself with the fact that I enjoyed the entire race. I hated running in school but this was nothing like PE had been and seeing members of the family popping up around the course gave me that extra push I needed. I became so involved I didn't even realise my headphones weren't playing any music until half way round! The last half lap of the race was the hardest as I just wanted to stop for a breather but remembering why I was doing it managed to give me a swift kick up the ass and off I went, charging towards the finishing line, but not before hearing the cheers of the family before I went (Thanks Sam!)

I felt so emotional crossing the finishing line, which I really hadn't anticipated but seeing my family waiting for me at the end was the best thing I could have asked for. I finished in 36 minutes (go me!) and I waited for the others to finish, feeling very emotional as I watched them all pass. I know for a fact my uncle would have been laughing at the sight of all of us even attempting to run but I know for sure we did him proud.

Between the six of us who ran we managed to raise over a huuuge £1600! So thank you to every who donated.

Marathon next?!

Team Steve!

My uncle supporting the team.

Race for life runners! (before we all got very sweaty, eww!)

So close to the end!

At the finish line with my lovely family.

Love Lauryn

xo