As I mentioned below, yesterday started cold and wet and it had actually rained pretty much non-stop for 24 hours before the race.
I picked up Cyberkitten and we headed off to Swindon. This was a huge undertaking for me, completely out of my own comfort zone. Being in a strange place doing a strange thing with strange people.
The place, Lydiard Park, was fantastic. I chose it because I didn't want to slog around the Bristol Downs (which I know well) and who wouldn't choose a lovely country park to run/walk in.....?
With half an hour to go there were over 2,000 women and girls gathered with their cheering squads (husbands, families, babies), wearing everything from expensive running kit to pink pyjamas. The predominant colour was pink - pink shirts, pink shorts, pink hair, pink sneakers. The women/girls were from all walks of life and all backgrounds - all joined together in one cause.....the support and the memory of friends and family affected by cancer.
The back plaques said it all:
'I am racing for life for:'
My dad
My sister
My mum
My friend
My brother
My baby
Me
Myself
and a million names.
It was impossible not to get choked up to see all these women and their families supporting the research to stop this terrible disease. Each woman and young girl touched, in some small or big way, by the heartbreak of cancer. Some little girls were wearing favourite party dresses, some were wearing angels' wings. Their mothers were wearing mementos of their loved ones, some even with photos of lost relatives printed on their t'shirts.
This was not a Race per se. It was not to the swift. It is not an event where the lesser competitors are discounted. This was a day of dedication, of love and of devotion. And remembrance...
More on my personal race tomorrow.
cq
11 comments:
Awww.....what a wonderful thing for you to do. Looking forward to your impressions.
This is so wonderful CQ! I'm really proud of you that you stepped out of your comfort zone for such a fabulous cause! I can't wait to read all about it.
Go number 565!!!
I am proud of you and I think it is great that you did this!
Michele sent me.
Brilliant. Well done for doing this. As you say, its about the dedication and thought as much as the times etc.
A big well done to you!
Looking forward to reading more about it!
rashbre
Ah Swindon...my favorite rocker..Justin Hayward hails from there..
Michele says hi :)
Hon, I am very proud of you! And a good time too. Well done :)
It was certainly an experience......! Thanks for asking me [grin].
your humble servant bows in awe of your greatness. You are terrific.
I wonder if Lydiard Park is named after the NZ running coach, Arthur Lydiard? Congratulations on your efforts. Here from Michele's.
It sounds very very inspiring and moving, CQ...And the picture of the park looks GORGEOUS! I look forward to reading more. How wonderfl that Cyberkitten was there to support you!
Congrats on your finish. Those walk/runs are the best. The people are wonderful. The stories are amazing...
You did a good thing, CQ!!
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