In memory of Len

My cousin’s father was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.  It all happened so quickly that in just a few weeks he had tests and brain scans and a diagnosis.  Literally a couple of weeks after his brain scan, my cousin and her two brothers were sitting in the intensive care unit holding their breath and praying for a miracle whilst their wonderful Dad passed away.

Brain tumours are another of ‘those cancers’ where the survival rate isn’t very good.  Around 40% of diagnosed patients are still alive a year afterwards and the percentage surviving for five years is around 15%.  This is an appalling survival rate.

Cancer in the brain is of course hard to treat because of the location and the difficulties in getting rid of a tumour without damaging the brain.  It’s also often hard to diagnose and by the time a patient is suffering symptoms which make them go to their doctor, it’s often too late.

We have to improve this. Research into the symptoms, into early diagnosis and into therapies and treatments which will raise the percentages to a better level.

Len was a family man who loved his three grown-up children massively.  He was so proud of his two boys, both chips off the old block and of his daughter with her blooming family and new business venture.

Len was just 58 years old. He should have been able to watch his children’s lives develop, to be there to celebrate their successes and to support them through the tough patches.  He should have been able to watch his two very young grand-daughters grow more cheeky and beautiful from day-to-day.

We have to do something about brain cancer.  Research works – the survival rates for many cancers are so much improved to what they were 20 years ago.  We need this to happen NOW for brain cancers.

I am running the Race for Life in July in honour of a number of special people and Len is one of those who will be in my heart and my thoughts as I run.

Please help me to make a difference so that other families don’t have to go through this horrific experience.  Sponsor me at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/onepint

Hill Training

Rob and I decided to run up a hill today when we were out with Alf.  So off we went – up to the top – no problem!

“Let’s do it again,” said Rob, so we jogged back down and set back off up the hill.  Ouch!  For some reason it was such hard work the second time and we were both puffing by the time we got to the top. I felt like I was going to get cramp in my leg and as we walked away at the top of the hill I tried to get the words out to voice my astonishment at how difficult that had felt. But I could hardly breathe and couldn’t get the words out and ended up gasping for air for a few minutes. Crikey – I think I need to do more hills…

[I have to point out that when I say ‘hill’ –  it was really just a small slope…I don’t think there are many hills, ironically, in Kings Hill.]

Please help me to get up those hills at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/onepint

Weekend Training

It’s 10 weeks to go until the race and I still haven’t actually been out for a jog.  To be fair I have run when walking Alfie but in short bursts and usually with a bag around my shoulders so not really using my arms properly or anything.  I need to do a 30 minute run* a couple of times a week but it’s the question of finding firstly time and then the inclination.

I had great plans for this weekend and was going to get up early and go for a run*.  However for numerous reasons this didn’t happen.

This is one of them….oh come on – when he’s snuggled in my neck all warm and cuddly, how can I drag us both out of our lie-in and go for a nasty run?…

* for ‘run’ read ‘jog’

I’ve raised a brilliant £69 online so far along with some pledges on my sponsorship form. I NEED INSPIRATION TO GET RUNNING – please sponsor me and get me out running at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/onepint

Fast!

I ran about 300m this evening around a field whilst walking Alfie.  He was chasing rabbits so I decided to join in. I didn’t catch any 😉  Alf can just take off at a gallop with what seems like very little effort at all. He is so smooth and graceful.  I’m afraid that I’m not quite so smooth..

I found myself rather breathless and tired and realised that running is a lot harder than walking.  I guess I need to begin some proper training.

On the plus side, I am walking 3 miles every day so I figure I can always walk the distance if I really need to. But somehow that feels like a cop-out and I’m determined to run.  So I guess I need to get my butt out on the roads doing some proper running. Eek!

Please inspire me to hit the roads at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/onepint

12 weeks

I got an email today which tells me that it’s 12 weeks until the Race for Life.

So what training have I done since entering?  Erm actually none.

At the same time I have hurt my back which is giving me some gyp at the moment.

Still – 12 weeks is ages – yes?

Help me to get started by pledging some money at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/onepint