Race for Life!

Well hello there!

Pre-run!

Over the weekend, I ran my very first charity race - the 10K Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK. The funds raised by people participating in this event go towards vital and groundbreaking research to treat and find a cure Cancer.

After weeks of training, I laced up my trainers and donned my pink t-shirt to run for this great cause. It is a cause which is very close to my heart, as I have lost three members of my family to Cancer, and have an uncle who survived Cancer.

This event took place in Heaton Park in Manchester, on a beautiful warm Sunday - thankfully not too hot! The atmosphere in the park as we all gathered was one of excitement and positivity - this day wasn't about death, but life-affirming and upbeat. I was inspired by the strength and determination of so many of the women as they took up the challenge to run in memory of the ones they'd loved and, in many cases, lost.

I'd opted to run the 10K, and after weeks of preparation, I finally faced the challenge. While I'd trained a lot, I don't think anything could have prepared me for the experience of running such a long distance (for me) alongside hundreds of other pink-clad women in one of the hilliest parks in England! I managed to survive blistered toes, heavy legs halfway through and a horrendous stitch in the last 500 metres. What kept me going was the knowledge that I was running this not only in memory of the people I'd loved and lost, but also that this charity was helping to save lives. The amazing work of Cancer Research could even potentially help save the lives of future loved ones - perhaps even my own life.

Post-run!

With that firmly at the forefront of my mind, I was thrilled to be able to hand over the funds I'd raised, as well as a bag full of old clothes, DVDs, CDs and books.

It really was a very moving and powerful day. It felt great to be part of a movement larger than myself, and reminded me to be grateful for the people in my life. So much so that I'm determined to do it all over again next year!

Read more about Cancer Research UK and Race for Life

Bye for now!

Little Robin Read: To-Read Book Pile

Well hello there!

I've been having a little break from blogging lately. It seems I lost my blogging mojo over the Easter break, and since then a few things have distracted me. Hopefully I'm back for good now!

This morning the first thing I saw was the stack of books I've got waiting for me once I've finished Bring Up the Bodies (it's amazing, as expected).

Spoilt for choice!

As I'd like to review all of these books, I wanted to give you a little sneak preview of what the books are so you can follow me on my Journey of Geekdom.

I'll probably add more books to this list as we go along, but hey ho. Here's the pile as it stands:

 1) Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
I want to see the film version of this as well...not sure how I'll feel about it but I'm keeping an open mind

2) The Search for Richard III by Philippa Langley and Michael Jones

If you read this blog at all, you'll know I'm a massive History geek. I loved watching the drama unfold around the discovered remains of Richard III and his reburial. I bought this book while watching the reintermnet...yes, I'm a total nerd. Embrace it.

3) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I have always meant to get round to reading this. With all the hype around Harper Lee's new novel, this gave me the kick up the bum to actually get myself a copy. Hope it's not been too built up for me!

4) Amy Snow by Tracy Rees

This was an impulse buy. I just liked the look of it, and after reading the blurb, I was intrigued. If you want to know more, you'll have to read my review ;)

5) The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

Another impulse buy, I was lured in by the cover (yes, shallow - don't judge me). This sounds really intriguing...again, you'll have to read my review. Keep your eyes peeled!

I'm really excited to read these books. I usually read books recommended to me by others which can lead to a fairly limited selection, but I'm trying to branch out and try new things. I'll let you know how I get on!

If you've got any recommendations comment below and let me know...

Bye for now :)

Race for Life Training Week 3

Well hello there :) Happy Easter to one and all!

Okay, so last week was a bit of a write-off when it came to race training...it was Easter so OBVIOUSLY I was going to slack off and attempt Death by Chocolate....don't pretend you didn't do the same!

Back on the wagon this week.

I'll be honest, after 4 blissful days off work catching up with people I've not seen for a while, I'm struggling to find motivation for anything that doesn't involve chocolate and lounging in the sunshine. (Down with work booo!) I've even gotten lazy with blogging but what else are holidays for?

I went for my first post-Easter run yesterday and noticed how stiff my thighs had become in the space of four short days, even though I've still been walking a little. This just goes to show how important it is to keep exercising and stretching in order to keep the fitness up. The run itself was fine, and I'm really pleased with how quickly my body is becoming accustomed to running longer distances.

My foot's been playing up something awful - yes, after six weeks of ditching the Primark Chelsea boots, I'm still having joint pain in my foot! Methinks a new pair of trainers will help with this.

Anyway, here's what this week's training schedule looks like:

Mon: Rest day, adventures with Mr Robin!

Tues: 5km run on hill setting on treadmill (29 mins), followed by 6km cross trainer in 25 mins

Weds: Rest day

Thurs: 1.6km jog, then fast run for 2 mins, recover with 2 minute jog = repeat 4 times then jog 1.6km to cool down; followed by strength training for 30 mins

Fri: Rest day

Sat: 7.25km run (3.29km easy pace, 4km race pace)

Sun: Rest day

Well and truly back on track this week - in more ways than one! Wish me luck! Or sponsor me if you like!

Bye for now :)