Shortly after moving to Bristol, Espe suggested that we take part in the Ashton Court Cancer Research 10k Run. Although I did a fair bit of cross country running at school, I’ve not done any since and never done anything as long as 10km. It may not sound like much, and is positively short compared to the half and full marathons but having completed it, let me tell you, it wasn’t easy.

Along with our race numbers, the bods at Cancer Research gave out dedication banners to be pinned to the t-shirts with the message “I’m running for” and space for you to write a dedication. I’d signed up for this run because it seemed like fun and a good way to get fit. Most of the people running it though, had dedications to people who’d been affected by or had died from cancer. Upon seeing these messages I was struck by how many people had been affected and how most of the people running were doing so for exactly that reason. By raising money for the charity they are furthering research into cancer with the hope of helping the many sufferers out there. I have to admit, seeing so many dedications, a large proportion to Mum or Dad left me quite emotional and for that matter, proud to be taking part in something that will hopefully make a difference to people’s lives.

I had been in training but due to a minor knee injury I’d stopped running, relying on cycling and swimming to stay fit. My recent cycle incident left me in doubt with whether I’d be able to run or not. Fortunately I was but it is amazing how quickly ones level of fitness drops off.There were about 1000 runners present so setting of from the start line was quite memorable. I was in the first 200 or so to start, and looking back down the hill to see a sea of some 800 blue t-shirts, realising I was part of something pretty big felt good. After running 5km up hill I have to confess I didn’t feel so good… but, driven on by encouragement from the marshals and spectators motivation was not a problem. I was given an extra boost by Rob from our Running Club, who’d come along to cheer on club members. It is surprising how much extra energy one can find when given encouragement. Further drive came from the knowledge that a special marshal was waiting for me at marshal point number 16. Espe was unable to take part in the run due to a knee injury she sustained over the summer, but keen to still be part of the event she volunteered to help out.

After a big hug and some personal encouragement I set of on the second half of the run. Although I was now running on the level I really struggled. I’d set too higher pace going up the hill and was now suffering as a result. I came pretty close to walking pace but just managed to keep running (without others around me I would have given up).

The last two kilometres we down hill, but once again I couldn’t run too fast, inhibited by a stitch caused by drinking too much water during the cheesy group aerobic warm up that my ego just wouldn’t let me join in with. Coming round a corner about 1km from the finish, though, I felt incredible, all the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.

Coming round the last corner, a chap in a yellow t-shirt passed me. We’d been passing each other for the whole run, as we each had highs and lows, but as he came past me this close to the finish I thought I wouldn’t stand for that. I picked up my pace to pass him, but he had a different idea. As we gradually picked up our pace to full on sprint, passing about 15 people in the last 100 metres we raced to the finish, pushing harder and harder I was amazed how much more I had left in me, only because I really wanted to beat this guy. A good friend, Natalie, always said I was massively competitive and I think she is right… I beat him.

One in three people are touched by cancer (i.e. someone close to them affected) while one in four are touched fatally by cancer. Giving this some thought, I’ve not been touched by it, but one of my best friends father’s was, who sadly passed away last year. Thoughts still with you Sir.

Cancer Research carry out, erm, research to improve the understanding of cancer and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer. This research has shown that the solution is as much about prevention as a cure.

At the time of writing, I’d raised £95 for Cancer Research. A huge thank you to those who have sponsored me. I hope to increase upon that with your help. If you’ve taken the time to read this then I ask you please to donate some money to Cancer Research. Even if it is as little as £2, it will make a difference to the work they are doing…

Thank you!