Sunday 12th November myself and Stewart took part in the Cardiff Mo Run 5k race which was held in Bute Park, Cardiff. Before I begin, I should quickly explain the sudden appearance of my facial hair which will be seen in photies throughout this post! The 'Mo' Runs are events which are held as part of 'Movember' month. This is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mens mental health issues etc. Why did we take part? My father-in-law, Welsh Dad, had testicular cancer when he himself was quite young and Stewart and his brother were still only teenagers. So, Stewart watched his Dad go through the intensive treatment at quite a young age. Welsh Dad was a survivor though and lived 30 odd years beyond his diagnosis. But, it makes you think.
So, as if by magic I developed a lovely and bushy ginger beard, moustache and eyebrows. I find it quite hard to look at these photos as with facial hair I have become the double of my Dad and it's quite freaky!
We turned up early to Bute Park and although it had threatened to rain, thankfully the rain stayed off and instead it was beautiful, but freezing and chilly November morning. We received our race packs, and waited. There were prizes for best fancy dress and there was also a competition for the best grown moustache for men. Stewart entered, as he grows a tache each year, but he didn't win. He's told each year that when he grows his movember he looks like Heisenberg, a character out of Breaking Bad, dunno myself. I was a bit miffed that there wasn't a similar competition for ladies with facial hair as although there were a lot of brave souls with moustaches I believe, but I may be wrong, that I was the only bearded lady. I'm sure that I'd have been in with a shout. I'm never going to be in with a chance of a prize for my running, but my beard.....
There must have been around 500 of us beginning to gather ahead of the race starting. While we waited, we watched the Mini Mo race finish as there was a mile race for youngsters. Then, as it was Remembrance Sunday, we all observed a two minute silence. Then, a quick warm up and the 5k runners were asked to go to the start line. Unfortunately we were late to work this out as Stewart went looking for a rubbish bin so we ended right at the very back of the 300 or so runners. This slightly scunnered me when the race began as normally when I run I go off fast - too fast to be honest - and then when I start to panic that I can't breathe because I've started too fast I slow right down and get into my natural slow and measured pace.
Unfortunately, because we were at the back I couldn't do this as I was too busy trying to pass folks slower than me, folk walking, and a few folk running with buggies. It's also the first time that I've run without the Couch to 5k commentary so I had no idea of timings or distance. I tried my best though to start with but I just didn't get into my 'groove' or into my 'zone'. Stewart keeps saying that my struggle with running is all psychological and I don't entirely disagree. Because of all this I properly felt that I was doing rubbish, was going to be really slow and get a really crap time so I kind of gave up trying with a couple of kilometres to go. I did keep going though.
So, the end was getting closer, I really didn't think I'd run well at all so was slightly disheartened but, as I got close to the finish line there was a group of kiddies all lined up to offer us 'grown up's high fives! They themselves all had medals so they'd done their own race and then waited around to encourage us oldies. I thought that was delightful. I might not be smiling as I'm high fiving them but believe me, I was smiling inside. Either that or you just can't see the smile cos of the beard!
So, I finished, and met up with Stewart. And immediately my race result came through on my phone. I did the 5k in just over 34 minutes! I couldn't freaking believe it! That was my goal and the time I was hoping for - and I should be really chuffed - but - I was gutted and kicking myself! I know I didn't try my best and kind of gave up so now I'm left wondering, what time would have I got if I'd applied myself!! I AM chuffed with the time but I know in my heart of hearts I could have done better. Still, when I got the whole comparison thingy I discovered that in my category of Veteran Females 40-49 I came 20th out of 66 runners. I'm seriously pleased and shocked and stunned with this. This is really encouraging as when I started running - only 3-4 months ago- I always assumed that I was only every going to be at the back of races. I'm not as crap as I thought I was :)
Anyways, I earned my medal, and so did Stewart, and we had a really nice day together. When we travelled home we went via our favourite pub and I kept the beard and tache and Jimmy hat on. The looks I got were hysterical. So, only a few weeks till my next 5k. Wonder how I'll be dressed for that one.
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