LadySports ::: RUNNING ON!

WRESTLERS TEAM UP AND FINISH CHARITY RUN

By Pippa L'Vinn

Well, I did it! Wow...what an experience!

This was all very special for me for many different reasons.

Firstly, the jogging started as a little bit of fun, and just to keep my cardio in good shape for the wrestling that I do. However, the training became very addictive and made me feel very positive. Therefore, I craved more!!!

Both I and Sue Scarlett decided to have a small goal to keep the momentum going through all the unpredictable weather. We trained in rain, snow and harsh winds…and we even trained on Christmas Eve. This was all in mind for the Bupa Great Manchester 10K Run. That was the run we chose together as are first competitive event.

Having made up our minds to run in the race, our second decision was to raise some money for our chosen charities: Sue for the Parkinson's Disease Society, and I for MacMillan Cancer Support. These organizations were very close to our hearts for personal reasons, and gave us even more enthusiasm to commit to the run. I am sure that my mum was looking down on me and said, "I know you can do it!"

What a great feeling this gives you, to know that in a very small way you are helping someone and some families who are going through a very difficult time. With help and support, life will be made a little easier for them to cope with.

On the day of the run, 17 May, I couldn't believe how nervous we both were before the race. We lined up among thousands upon thousands of people, all ages and all sizes. But what was so uplifting was that we were all there for the same goal... to all help different charities. In a strange way it felt like we were one big family. It was very emotional.

After the warm up, we then heard the 'big bang'…and we were off! For the next one hour, I experienced many different emotions. To see the amount of support from the people of Manchester lining the raceway, and the camaraderie from fellow runners, was something I just can't put into words. All I can say is that the experience has spurred both and Sue and I to step our training up and hopefully participate in a half-marathon in a few months.

And we will run in this race again next year! And next time, we both intend to finish in under an hour. For one thing, we'll be more experienced runners. We learned how much time you can waste trying to navigate around slower runners, whereas the more experienced runners know how to pass them with very little difficulty, and without losing much time on the clock.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a BIG THANKS for all the support and help I have had over the last few months leading up to the run. Without that I would not have been able to achieve something I have longed to do. So thank you all once again!

All my love from myself, and from my running partner, Sue Scarlett.

A NOTE FROM LADYSPORTS: We’ll have more pictures to accompany Pippa's article soon! And if you would like to send a donation to their charities, please do so using PayPal to pippa.lvinn@tesco.net, and Pippa and Sue will turn your money in as part of their donations. Some fans have already made contributions to the benefit, and they have raised several hundred pounds to turn it. Any amount will help, so we can all contribute a little and make a big difference!

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Don't forget to honour your Pledge! PayPal Pippa at: pippa.lvinn@tesco.net


Pippa L'Vinn

Pippa L'Vinn

Pippa L'Vinn

Pippa L'Vinn

Pippa L'Vinn

Pippa L'Vinn