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