Ah, how virtuous do we feel, after the event??
Sunday saw the dawn of a new day and a new challenge- the Race for Life. We were in luck in terms of the weather- the rain held back, it was sunny but with a lovely breeze so my predictions and anxieties relating to being in the rain were null and void.
The most amazing aspect of the day were all the messages written on the back of each runner. As you may well know you are sent a race number for your front and a sheet for your back which says " I run for........." So many people had dedicated their efforts to friends and family members who have passed over, many people had photographs on their sheets or on their t-shirts and the reality of this was very acute. A small girl, probably aged about 5 years old, was dressed all in pink and her handwriting on her back told us that she was running for her Daddy. If ever we needed a reason for doing the race that was it.
An apt time to quote you my favourite quote:
If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.Anita Roddick
Mosquito- as in the picture of this crochet finger puppet mosquito (why would you?!)
Julie ran on ahead (traitor! what happened to sisterhood?!!!) and the masses got going. The course is lovely, all around the grounds of Lyddiard Park. Strangely most of the "race marshalls" (v v important people as entitled to wear a high viz jacket and therefore 'have power') were men and they valiantly smiled and occassionally clapped as we went past with the odd one making a comment about 'not far to go now, just up the hill..........................' hilarious.
One of the funny things that we (me, Jane and Liz) talked about on the way round was how virtuous we felt going round knowing that we had put the effort in to do the event and raise money. In our view the people who stood spectating should also have taken part! now I think that was probably the effect of us "hitting the wall" than any hint of smugness.
Actually the spectators were an essential component of the day- all the friends and families of the runners and walkers who had supported them on the build up to the race and during the day. Many of the spectators were overcome with emotions which was humbling to see. Thank you to everyone who came to watch the event and to those who were too hungover to get there on time (you know who you are T & L)
A final comment on the day was made by Ben at about 8pm- "you know Mum you can take that medal off you know" Not a chance mate!
On a slightly different note - we are considering keeping up this rambling diatribe called a blog. Is it worth it? is anyone actually reading it? leave us a comment and Terry Wogan will announce the results next week.
Health and happiness
Rosemary
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1 comment:
We're reading it and loving it. Your supreme effort this year may inspire those spectators next time. We thank you and admire your dedication - just wish we were as good as you. Those humbling moments have an impact - I can only imagine the pictures you've drawn and they affect me. You have our admiration, thanks and love. Well done for doing it & raising so much money to help others.
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