Very Proud

Yesterday Alice and I ran the Hydro Active Women's Challenge, a 5km run in Hyde Park, to raise money for Leukaemia CARE. Neither of us are athletic really. I had a slight advantage in that I had run it last year. We went for a run together when I was back in Worcester over Bank Holiday. It wasn't too great.
We talked about it and decided that we would start together, we would run the first kilometer together and then when Alice felt the need to walk she would let me know and I would carry on.
We stood for ages at the start, in a really chilly breeze. There were lots of people with Balloons which we tried to dodge. We saw some other Leukaemia CARE runners and said hi, or gave them the thumbs up.
Linda Robson started the race and waved to everyone as they crossed the start line. As we ran gently along the first bit all we could see were hundreds of women in different colours in front of us. Reading some people's backs, with the reason they were running brought tears to my eyes. As we passed the first km post I gave Alice the thumbs up. We were doing OK. AT about 1.5 km Alice indicated that I should run on. AS I passed the 2 and 3km I was doing OK. I saw James at Speakers Corner between 3 and 4km which lifted me up and gave me some more motivation. I passed 4km weaving amongst the walkers and then the hill I remember from last year was in front of me. I pushed up the hill remembering that the finish was not far off. I rounded the next bend, saw the finish line in sight and started sprinting. My head was thinking have I gone to early. My legs however were sailing me through. Which was odd! I crossed the line 37 minutes after starting. Only two minutes slower than last year, and not a step walked this time. My dodgy sprained ankle was sore and started to throb, but it had made it. I called James, who had failed to see me pass the finish, to let him know I would collect my finishers' bag and come back round to see Alice come through. BY the time I was on my way James called to say Alice had come though the finish. I waited by the railings and gave her a huge hug. She came through in 45 minutes. A truly remarkable time.
James was an outstanding one man support team, although he has requested a banner next year! He put up with two knackered women hobbling through London in need of feeding. HE carried all our stuff and took pictures. We love him! Thank you Hun.
It was a good day, and even Alice, who hates running was talking about doing it again by the time we reached the pub!
If you want to congratulate us give us 50p or something by going to OUR JUST GIVING SITE
Thanks, Hannah xxx

Fun, food and friends

Last Saturday comprised entirely of eating, drinking and having fun. After a quick run James and I had homemade pancakes from Nigella Lawson's book, with maple syrup and streaky bacon.
Then we went to Tim and Chan's for a home group Barbecue. It was good to sit in their lovely garden, in the September sunshine, drinking, laughing and catching up. The food was tasty and plentiful and everyone seemed well and relaxed.
Unfortunately we had to make a premature exit to go to Andy and Clare's Stag and Hen doo s. Clare had a girlie afternoon get together at Rachel W's. I was handed a glass of Pimms as I walked through the door! It was nice to be with a group of women, chilling out and celebrating Clare's nuptials. I gave her a Buchanan tartan garter with her and Andy's names embroidered on it. It was supposed to be a bit of fun but it made her cry - in a slightly hormonal emotional bridal way! She got other great gifts including Anthea Turner's Perfect Housewife, many chocolate related things and a feather duster!
After the most divine afternoon tea with pink bubbly I changed and put on my war paint in time to strut into South Croydon (new shoes = strut!) and to Conchita's, for Mexican Mayhem. One jug of white Sangria just didn't seem enough between my and Rachel S so we bought another! Oh well.
A tired, well fed and happy Hannah fell into bed gone midnight.
H x
p.s. The wedding is tomorrow. Pictures to follow...

GIVE ME MONEY

Please
www.justgiving.com/aliceandhannah

Uncertainty

I sometimes think it would be nice if there was a machine that you could put your vital information into and it would tell you what job to do, when to train, when to have kids, buy a house etc.

Sadly, or not, such a machine does not exist and we have to stumble through life trying to acertain what to do when, and dealing with the consequences of our actions.

The thing that I struggle with is the waiting. I think I know what I want to do but I have to wait to take this plan forward. I will write more about this when I can. Waiting on this means waiting for other things, like buying a house. And what if what I want to do is wrong. What if I start doing something and its not what I am supposed to do? Can I keep taking wrong turns? I feel like I want to settle down and maybe have a family in the next few years but if I get this decision wrong where will that leave me?

Hannah