Over the weekend, I participated in the Heaton Park 10km run and raised over £1000 for Asthma + Lung UK with my dad. This was my second time completing a 10km race since 2017. While I had previously done a 5km run around Heaton Park almost 5 years ago, this one was definitely challenging, especially with all those hills!
For me, the run wasn’t about beating a personal best time or completing the route faster than last time, it was an achievement to get to the finish line. My dad joined me later in the weeks leading up to the run but on the day he was whizzing past me at the beginning so I told him to carry on. Although my dad was in the race on the day, I still feel quite proud that I ran alone. I think I would have cried when I got to the finish line if there wasn’t crowds of people around.
This race wasn’t about competing with others. I chose to run at my own pace and took breaks by walking at intervals to make it more manageable. I didn’t feel ashamed about incorporating walking into my run, even as the half marathon participants zoomed by me after completing a lap around the park.
Something I kept telling myself was, “This is for charity. Remember this is for mum”.
The volunteers and spectators who cheered on all the runners provided a great source of motivation. In particular, the woman who handed out Haribo sweets at the water station. I needed that!
Another valuable realisation I’ve had is that even when I doubt my abilities, I am capable of achieving more than I thought possible. By no means is it ever easy but it’s worth it.
What will my next challenge be? Another run? We’ll see…
The Mama Perspective 
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