Charity Chick on the run - at least I look the part

A few weeks ago I wrote about finding a suitable goal to aim for following my knee surgery. (You can read about it here.) Thank you to everyone who came up with some great suggestions. I have chosen one which I think is achievable but challenging for me and will also raise money for a great cause - Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.  

Date: 8 June

Venue: Sutton Park

Distance: 5K

OK, I am the first to admit that 5k doesn't sound very far - and it sounds even less when you convert it to miles!  But considering I wasn’t even allowed to run until a few weeks ago, and before that I hadn’t done any proper exercise in a very long time because of increasing problems with my unstable knee, believe me, this is a challenge for me. And what's more, I am pledging to run the entire way - no walking will be allowed!

Since January I have been going to the gym regularly, as well as doing short runs, as part of the rehab for my knee.  Things are definitely getting easier but I still have a way to go. My first few runs were done after dark so I wouldn't be spotted by anyone I know.  I am now feeling braver and am actually running in broad daylight. I have even purchased a pink hi-viz top (which frequently matches the colour of my cheeks) so there's no chance of anyone missing me now!  

The pink top was just the beginning though and since starting my new gym and running regime, I must have spent a small fortune on new kit - trainers (my old ones had holes in them), tops, leggings, and not one but three (!) undergarments essential for the female runner.  The old kit lurking, unloved and neglected, at the bottom of a drawer was rather tatty and, I am sorry to say, on the small side.  It had to go. At least now I look the part if nothing else and maybe the financial investment will act as an added incentive to keep at it!

Thank you to my good friend Julia for agreeing to take part with me. She has demonstrated her commitment already by purchasing new kit and embarking on the NHS Couch to 5K . So we are both good to go.  The countdown to the big event starts now!

And who knows where it will lead? Maybe this time next year I will be running 10k, a marathon or even taking part in a triathlon! Hmmm ... then again, maybe not!

If anyone else would like to join us on 8th June in Sutton Park, you would be more than welcome.

The challenge continues - what's the latest?

My Nine Months Of … campaign to raise awareness and money for Pregnancy Sickness Support continues apace.  Here’s a quick update on what I have been up to lately.

Raising money

I have now received my fee for lecturing midwifery students at Birmingham City University which I have donated to Pregnancy Sickness Support. Thanks to this, my Pamper Evening and generous donations from friends and family, my fundraising total so far is £248.

This is well over my original target but I would love to make it even more. So please do take a look at my fundraising page and consider making a donation.  Every little counts so any donation, no matter how big or small, would be very much appreciated.

Raising awareness

In the last few days I have spoken to one of the lovely midwives who looked after me when I was pregnant. She contacted me a few months ago, having seen an article in the local newspaper about my volunteering for Pregnancy Sickness Support, and asked for information leaflets about the charity to pass on to ladies struggling with pregnancy sickness.  She was very keen on my request to go and speak to all the North Birmingham community midwives and she is going to let me know when their next team meeting is so that I can join them. Result!

Mums In The Know Sutton Coldfield, who kindly welcomed me to one of their Play Dates, have also agreed to feature information on Pregnancy Sickness Support in the charity section of their website.  They would also like me to be one of their “Mums in the Spotlight” talking about my role as a mum, a solicitor and, of course, a volunteer for the Pregnancy Sickness Support. Double result!

Finally, my Nine Months Of … challenge and this blog were featured in this month's departmental update at the law firm where I work.

So with just two months left until the official end of the Nine Months Of… campaign, there are still plenty of things keeping me busy but I am still on the lookout for other opportunities and events to attend.  Please let me know if you are aware of any. Thank you.