Unlike Bruce Springsteen, I wasn't born to run.

It was inevitable when I said that I was taking on a challenge involving running that I would be the butt of everyone's jokes, especially as my brother is involved in the event too.

As I've previously mentioned, I don't do running.  I've never liked it and unless I get some sort of epiphany while doing this 10k, I can't see me ever liking it.  But, as I said, that's precisely why I am doing the York 10k Run For All - because by doing something I don't like/am not good at, I will raise more money.

In terms of being the butt of everyone's jokes, I'm used to that.  My dad and my brother would regularly  tease me and wind me up about how long I'd been single and what not.  Now that I am moved out and engaged, though, they had to find new ammunition - and here it is!

My brother was the first to take a swipe, getting his joke in there before everyone else when he announced on his Facebook that we were taking part in the run together...

I was quick to add that I had just ran (and jogged a bit and walked a bit) 7km in the gym that night and that my training was going fine. I don't need his help! **insert quote about being a strong, independent woman here**

My dad's was my favourite so far, though....

To be fair, this would probably be feasible.

I'll probably be at the half way point as he is finishing, so it would be a good cool down for him to come back to me and drag me the rest of the way.

Despite everyone having a joke and a giggle with me about it, we have had some really lovely messages of support from our family and friends.  And, if anything, the jokes are only motivating me to train harder and run faster.  I am one of those people that, if you tell me you don't think I can do something, I'll try ten times harder to do it, do it well, and prove you wrong.

As tempted as I will be to let Jack piggy back me round the route, I am determined to be as hot on his heels as I can manage.

We are already over a quarter of the way to our fundraising target of £500 which is amazing!!  Thank you so much to the friends and family who have already sponsored us, it means so, so much.  It's a cause very close to our family's hearts and is very poignant at the moment.

If you would like to read more about our reasons for taking part, you can visit our JustGiving page by clicking on this link.  If you have a few pennies spare, please sponsor us while you are there.  I promise I will make it worth your while and try to make the gap between me and Jack as small as possible!


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