Hidden talents
Isn't it wonderful when you discover a hidden talent - in yourself or in someone you know?
This happened to me recently when my husband and I discovered our daughter has a natural talent for long-distance running. This isn't something we've nurtured or acted as a role model for. I guess we had a hunch when she completed a run at the school sports day and managed more laps round the playing field than most of her counterparts in the given time. Since then she's gone on to represent her school in the county cross-country running championships. Whilst she didn't win, she ran a decent race and can be proud of her achievements.
Unfortunately I'm not so well blessed in my running ability! This might not matter generally, but I've now signed both my daughter and myself up to run in this year's Race for Life - a 5km run (or thankfully, walk) to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Of course, my daughter is very laid back about it. Whenever I suggest we go out training together, she half-heartedly nods her head and then carries on with whatever I distracted her from.
My need for training is somewhat more important. OK, I know I needn't run the race, but I do like a challenge. What's more, I've set a precedent for myself by running (well, jogging very slowly, more accurately) every step of the way in a similar race a few years ago. No-one was more amazed than me!
So, this weekend, I set off on a 'short run' - without my daughter. Actually, I was quite proud of my achievements. I must have run the best part of a kilometre in about 15 minutes, though that's not exactly going to make the record books!
What will really spur me on will be the crowds there on the day. The atmosphere is fabulous and very uplifting. Seeing thousands of women of all ages, running, walking and even staggering round the course, all encouraging each other along, is inspiring.
More than that, the race is in aid of such a fabulous cause. I'll be running this time for someone I know well who's recently had cancer return. The energy I put into my race will be equally matched by my desire to see her rid of the condition and fully fit again to enjoy her children and her life. Those of us who haven't suffered from cancer are lucky, but it's a sad fact that one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives.
I have set myself a target to raise £150 for Cancer Research UK from Race for Life sponsorship. If you'd like to support me in this (and help encourage me on!) then please visit my sponsorship page at:
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/elizabethjuffs
Who knows, I may even discover I have a hidden talent (for fund-raising, if not running!)
This happened to me recently when my husband and I discovered our daughter has a natural talent for long-distance running. This isn't something we've nurtured or acted as a role model for. I guess we had a hunch when she completed a run at the school sports day and managed more laps round the playing field than most of her counterparts in the given time. Since then she's gone on to represent her school in the county cross-country running championships. Whilst she didn't win, she ran a decent race and can be proud of her achievements.
Unfortunately I'm not so well blessed in my running ability! This might not matter generally, but I've now signed both my daughter and myself up to run in this year's Race for Life - a 5km run (or thankfully, walk) to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Of course, my daughter is very laid back about it. Whenever I suggest we go out training together, she half-heartedly nods her head and then carries on with whatever I distracted her from.
My need for training is somewhat more important. OK, I know I needn't run the race, but I do like a challenge. What's more, I've set a precedent for myself by running (well, jogging very slowly, more accurately) every step of the way in a similar race a few years ago. No-one was more amazed than me!
So, this weekend, I set off on a 'short run' - without my daughter. Actually, I was quite proud of my achievements. I must have run the best part of a kilometre in about 15 minutes, though that's not exactly going to make the record books!
What will really spur me on will be the crowds there on the day. The atmosphere is fabulous and very uplifting. Seeing thousands of women of all ages, running, walking and even staggering round the course, all encouraging each other along, is inspiring.
More than that, the race is in aid of such a fabulous cause. I'll be running this time for someone I know well who's recently had cancer return. The energy I put into my race will be equally matched by my desire to see her rid of the condition and fully fit again to enjoy her children and her life. Those of us who haven't suffered from cancer are lucky, but it's a sad fact that one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives.
I have set myself a target to raise £150 for Cancer Research UK from Race for Life sponsorship. If you'd like to support me in this (and help encourage me on!) then please visit my sponsorship page at:
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/elizabethjuffs
Who knows, I may even discover I have a hidden talent (for fund-raising, if not running!)
posted by Elizabeth Juffs at 1:27 PM
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