It would seem, that in just a few short weeks, I have gained 2 new hobbies - Hurrah! No longer will I have to fill in the 'interests and hobbies' section of a job application form with false enthusiasm for badminton or cinema going. Not that I am looking for a new job, I am lucky enough to love mine. Nor is there anything wrong with playing badminton or going to the cinema, it's just that I don't do either. Or anything else for that matter. That's what you get for having 2 small children. Or perhaps the children are what you get for having no hobbies. Well, no more tiny foot pattering for us, I can now count running and blog writing as my favorite hobbies. Anyway, I digress. Running For Sparkles. What's that about then? Chances are, if you are reading this you know either me or my sister, or, if you are really unlucky, both of us.
Sparkles is my sister. It's not her real name, no. As far as I am aware our parents were not on drugs, even though it was the 60's. Some genius came up with that as a nickname for her. Probably something to do with the fact her last name is Sparkes. But if you do know her, I am sure you will agree that it does suit her. She is sparkly. And truly lovely. Testimony from my 5 year old son: 'She's really nice.' 'Why?' I asked.
'She is brilliant at Lego Harry Potter & Lego Star Wars and she buys me sweets and comics. she does have wobbly legs, but that just means she can sit down and play the wii for longer though.' was his reply.
So that's the Sparkles bit. She's my sister and she has MS, which is the main cause of her wobbly legs. I am sure that on occasions there are other factors involved though. Sparkles lives in Bucks and I live in Lincs. This means that I don't get to see her anywhere near as much as I would like. It also means that I am of no practical use to her whatsoever. At this point I would like to pay tribute to the many fabulous friends, colleagues and neighbours that do support her. It is such a relief to her family that she has people around her that do so much. I know that she works for a fantastic company that view her as a person with valuable skills and commitment to her job, not as a person with a disability. She has neighbours that look out for her and friends that help her get drunk.
This is all wonderful, but it does leave me feeling rather useless. So the obvious thing to do is to try and raise money for the MS Society. Hopefully one day there will be a cure but for now, they need money to fund research and to provide vital support for sufferers and their families. So that's why the running part. Just really to get me fit and to raise money. Not sure why I decided that a half marathon would be a suitable start, but hey. I like a challenge.
Progress so far: In January, I could barely run half a mile without having to stop. Today I can do over 4 miles without stopping. Occasionally, I allow myself to feel a little smug about this. Then I remember that I will have to do 3 times that distance. Still, I can see the improvement so it does keep me going. That, along with all the shiny new kit I am coveting from the Nike factory store up the road!
Whenever you read about running, one of the big selling points is that it's free! All you need are a decent pair of trainers and off you go! Well, I hate to tell you but this is not strictly true. At first, fine. I managed perfectly well with my old trackie bottoms and a rather clumsy bumbag to put my essentials in (yes, you read that right, I still own a bumbag. I bought it in 1989 ok??!) Well soon I had to purchase an arm strap for my mp3 (go on admit it, after the bumbag revelation you thought I would have a Sony Walkman with a Wham! tape in it, didn't you?!) a heavy duty sports bra, a pair of running tights and a vest. I could spend the day extolling the virtues of each purchase but this could possibly be so that I can justify the expense to Mr Lawson. Latest and favorite purchase would be a lovely blue jacket. Kept me warm without making me all sweaty. How practical! The thing that I am really looking forward to is going to the specialist shop to get some new trainers. I have been advised that it would be beneficial to 'have my gait analysed'. I can hardly wait!
Money raised so far:£120.00 This is wonderful, I am truly grateful to those that have donated so far. I need to raise at least £400 though, so more work to be done! Link to my fund raising page to follow. Please and Thank you!
http://beatms.mssociety.org.uk/netcommunity/runningforsparkles
