We did it!

Hoorah! We crossed the finish line one hour, 12 minutes and 30 seconds after we started and received our medals and our goodie bags (I so love Nivea!!)

An amazing day and such a fab atmosphere. We arrived on the Heath after walking from Sally's (but sadly that didn't qualify as our warm up), made sure we were registered and then chilled for a bit while we waited for the Nivea cheer leaders to begin warming us up. Needless to say, they didn't really! It was hard not to read the signs on others backs - some were heartwarming, some were heartbreaking. Over 7,000 women took part in todays race and it was such a great feeling to be part of that. We were hooted at by passing motorists and cheered by those of our number who had run the 5k and had finished just as we were hitting the 2k mark!

Thanks to dad, Gwen, Tony, Rene, Bert and Marianne, Steve and Nicola, Miranda and Paddy and Jeff who followed us round the 5k walk and who waved us through the starting line, caught up with us half way for a hug and greeted us at the finish line with big cheers.

Thanks also to Malcolm, Emma, Cristian and Wedders (thanks for the Cava Jeff, yum!! xxx) who met us at the pub. Apparently it was the first time that Miranda has seen me with alcohol in my hands!

We're doing it again next year - we've made a pact. And will probably be joined by several of the Mitchells, Rene and Gwen.A very big thank you to more sponsors - David M, John and Chris from Monteray and.....deep breath...... Rene, Joyce, Gary, Nick, Marianne, Bert, Veniece, Maureen, Karen and Tina, Lenny, Abby and Holly! Thank you for such a lovely cheque! x

June and Ron, the weather held out - was a bit humid but we had lovely breezes every now and again!

And last, but by no means least.......this was for you - my mum and Marian's dad xxxxx

Primed and ready go to!

Well, this is it! In nearly 12 hours time we will be registering and warming up for the 2007 Race for Life.

Marian and I prepared ourselves for this epic occasion by wandering round Mountsfield Park at Lewisham People's Day where we listened to an accordion player tinkle some tunes, drank hot chocolate, tried to work out whether a passing gentleman's mad hair was in fact his own, got a henna tattoo each (sorry Maz, I smudged yours a tad x), won a tiger from the St Christopher's Hospice stall AND won a jar of hand cream, some neon wrist band thingies, a bottle of lager, a mind bending puzzle and a bag of Bertie Bassetts! We also found time to hook a duck and each won a teddy AND we even popped into the PCT tent to find Shirley, Janice, Patsy and Kelly working the crowds. We managed to avoid being roped in to help as we have done in previous years. I think it was in 2005 when Marian ended up taking blood pressures and I walked round with a man dressed as a carrot. Don't ask. Sally prepared herself by visiting her parents with her chief supporter Petang and Lynn went shopping with husband Tony.

I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank ALL of our supporters and all those who have sponsored us - we all appreciate it very much.....in particular I'd like to thank my wonderful dad Richard for all the running around he's been doing and will do tomorrow (hats, ribbons, water and chauffeur) and Gwen for all that she's done for me in keeping me sane!

I'd also like to thank my lovely girlies for just being them: the fab Sally-Ann-Edwards, the lovely Mazza and the amazing Lynn for being such stars and such good friends.

Bring it on!!!!!

Have you ever been to a Harvester before?

The team went out for a team bonding session this evening - Harvesters Grove Tavern and chicken all round. Marian went for the simple one, Sally had Kickin Garlic and Lynn and I went all lemon and herby. One of us had the pictured item for dessert too......




A good time was had by all and final plans were made for Sunday. We learnt from Marian that we're walking the Heath outside the Clarendon and that we have to be there for half nine to register and warm up. Something which I also forgot was: we each get a medal! Woohoo and yay! Plenty of water is needed and we're asking for weather "like we had today" and I added "and a cool breeze please". We're meeting at Sally's first thing and walking (what?) to the Heath from hers. Discussions on what to wear were held and also the tricky problem of what to do if we need a wee half way round. I won't go any further into those discussions, best to draw a veil......T-shirts were given out (not going to tell you what we've got on them, you'll have to come and see us) and a hat-trying-on-session. Dear me, we're such girlies!

And.......we've exceeded our £800 target.....what do you think? Take it up to a round £1000?

More online thank you's to Alison Hardacre, Barb and Dave, Sarah Neill, Petang and my Uncle Dave! Have got some more to add which I promise I'll do before Sunday and that's without all those that have yet to sponsor us - I have their promises in my little black book!

Seriously, a mahoosive thank you to EVERYONE who has sponsored us so far and all those who have filled in a paper sponsorship form for us to collect the money later and all those who have "got the money, will let you have it when I next see you". It's greatly appreciated by all four of us! Thank you also to those of you who have offered moral and practical support (Tony Scott and his hose spring to mind).

So, dear supporters, we'll see you somewhere outside the Clarendon (look for Auntie Gwen who will be wearing our pictures on her T-shirt) at half tennish on Sunday and later in the Princess of Wales public house (for a location map click here) but beware.....if you hear snoring, it's us four absolutely knackered.

Just keep the noise down and turn the lights out as you leave......

Ten questions - Sally

What time did you wake up this morning? 9am

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say? Ric - I told him I needed a hug and he told me to get a teddy bear!!!

What was the last thing you ate? a whole bloomin bucket of M&S chocolate orange rolls

What do you dislike most about yourself? My anxiety

When was the last time you really, really laughed? with my sister at the weekend

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do? be a fly on lots of walls!!!!

If you could be a celebrity for the day who would you be and why? Jonny Wilkinson because I would make him fall in love with me!

Apart from your house and/or car, what is the most expensive thing you've bought? laptop

What was the last white lie you told? I never lie :)

What's been the most embarrassing moment of your life? i don't see moments as embarrassing just life experiences!

Not long now!

Just think, this time next week will be the last Friday before our epic run/walk/stagger on Blackheath! Wow!

We're finalising our plans (outfits and stuff, y'know) and we're having a Team Dinner on Wednesday to round off our bonding.

I spoke to Beryl yesterday who told me that "Goodwood Road" had raised "nearly 50 quid" - thank you so so much and we hope you can come up and see us. Our supporters will be gathering in the Princess of Wales public house, which is right next to the Clarendon Hotel, opposite the bit of the heath we'll be pounding. Will post a map up but am sure you all know it!

I seriously hope that the weather is like this - we don't want blinding sunshine nor do we want plummeting rain. Do we?!

Ten Questions - Jo

What time did you wake up this morning? At quarter to seven, half past seven and again at five to eight.
Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say? Emma complaining about the hailstones!
What was the last thing you ate? Salt and vinegar hula hoops - carbs innit?
What do you dislike most about yourself? I've got no patience
When was the last time you really, really laughed? Earlier today, but my laughter was tinged with hysteria
If you were invisible for a day, what would you do? Ooh, visit the Millwall training ground and hover around the changing rooms cos, y'know!
If you could be a celebrity for the day who would you be and why? Davina McCall, she's a bit mad
Apart from your house and/or car, what is the most expensive thing you've bought? my new DVD camcorder baby!
What was the last white lie you told? that I'd read through a document that I hadn't
What's been the most embarrassing moment of your life? Far too many to mention, am a bit of an embarrassment magnet!

Having a break....

.....one each!!!! As it's just over a month to go before our epic trek around The Heaf, we've decided to take a step back from, erm, all the training we've been doing. So far, between us we've walked dogs, strolled round IKEA, trawled round the shops in central London and run up and down copious stairs at work. We're exhausted and so taking a well-earned break.

Fear not though! Our stamina and fitness (!) are at a peak. We're mean, lean, keen Race for Life machines and are raring to go (who's laughing?) on 15 July 2007. We hope you're coming along to cheer us on.

Not that I'm pushing (much) but I'm about to send out another email shot to all those of you who, for whatever reason, haven't yet sponsored us. It may be that you're waiting until nearer the time to really bump up our coffers, it might even be that you're amassing great wadges of cash for others and are going to donate all in one go or it might be that you're only able to offer moral support on the day - in which case, get there early, we'll be there from half nine doing the warm up session.

So the intrepid team (still nameless, I'm sorry Hilary but there was little enthusiasm for "Team Fast and Loose"!) are taking a few days to relax and chill before we hit our final month of training. And yes, we still do need to arrange the Training Session at The Rye. I fear Trainer Nigel is losing patience with the Social Sekkretery. Whoops. Lynn is currently at Butlins Bognor (I'm cat sitting - Wisey is very dubious of me and Bruno has yet to appear) and Sally and I are off to Harvesters tomorrow night for some early carb loading.

My lovelies, we need to sort out a team bonding session before too long so we can discuss what we're wearing etc (we're such girlies!) - Lynn has suggested we do it in fancy dress by the way.........

Written by Jo

A blonde moment.....

....which is unforgivable really, seeing as I've had June and Ron's cheque in my hot little hand for a week and haven't added it to either site - in fact I can't even blame the fact that I've had three different shades of blonde streaks added to my hair today. Done by a professional hairdresser in a salon I hasten to add, I haven't just been busy with the bleach. It's on the sponsorship site now though and here - hope you got the addresses of both sites June!

Thank you both for your cheque and lovely message - I hope the weather's kind too! Not too hot, a nice breeze and, if it can be arranged, a nice cooling refreshing rain shower at about, ooh half one would be lovely. Y'know, just to cool everything down! Can you see what you can do for me? Ta! I'll take pics for you and send them on - that goes for all of our lovely sponsors too, including Pat and Pete and Jan. And Lesley - I got your sponsorship money! Hoorah for the internal post! Can't add it onto the main site yet because of a "technical problem" but will soon!

I saw Sally yesterday for coffee - me and the Mad Labrador. She has laminate flooring, he has long legs and claws. If you could picture the scene: he couldn't walk without slipping, couldn't sit without sliding and lying down was out of the question. Sally's buying him a rug for when we next visit. He left, not with Pai's sock that he'd been playing with on the sofa, but with a nice covering of black fur over everything.

And I saw Marian and Lynn today - Marian for a hug on the doorstep this morning and Lynn this afternoon at the hairdressers - we're both nicely blonded but it weren't half hot under the "highlight developing machine".

So, I've seen the whole team these past couple of days - we have yet to all do a training session together but we're very much together in doing this - and we're looking forward to it. And the "training session" in The Rye public house too!

Heat

Phew! The heat has returned with a vengeance. I'm currently sitting here with nice cold drink and pondering the total amount raised which is now £697! That's without June and Ron's contribution but more about that later!

More walking round the park tomorrow night - hope we go past the 3 mile barrier (we found a cute little cafe type place last week btw!).

More off-line sponsorship in the pipeline and more on-line. Thanks to Carol and Karen and to Ben Maguire - much appreciated and Ben.....I sincerely hope I don't injure myself which will prevent me helping out with The Big Waldron Move......hm, there's a thought! Haha!

Written by Jo

What's up?

Our set target, that's what! It's been upped to £800 and we've raised £677 so far. People may say that we're moving the goalposts BUT, it would look very odd if our "amount raised" exceeded our set target would it not? And I do like a bit of balance, Ying and Yang and all that.

More on-line sponsorship from Mrs JMB aka Julia, Lady Bob and Nicky who will also give us the loan of the team physio. But he doesn't know that yet.

More off-line sponsorship from Lynn's friends at work based at 22 Kingsway, Somerset House and Bush House. Thank you all and I hope that you're coming to cheer Lynn and the team on.

Lynn and I did a 2.5 mile walk round Dulwich Park yesterday evening amid gambolling dogs, over-excited children and the always present threat of rain. Lynn proposed that we do the Race for Life in fancy dress. Hm! Although she did suggest we go as angels which grabbed my interest. Oh yes, can see myself in wings and a halo.

Am seeing Sally tomorrow to go through some training ideas (always helps to have tea and cake on occasions such as these I find) and am planning on showing my beloved woofer the delights of Dulwich Park over the weekend.

Written by Jo

Saturday Night's......

.....alright for exercising. Dear me. Have just tried a few exercises that Sally and Lynn and I used to do at the Lions Centre whilst Victor (our personal trainer....ooh, get me) wittered on about Liverpool being fab and Millwall.....not. This was a mistake. Especially after just eating a cherry Mueller Fruit Corner.

I attempted The Plank. You lie face down on the floor before raising your upper body up onto your forearms. You then raise the rest of your body onto your toes and thus you balance on forearms and tippy toes. It tones your whole body and your whole body clenches. And eventually shakes with the effort of not flopping to the floor. At the Lions Centre, I managed 70 seconds in this supine position. Tonight I barely made it through one of Chandler's (I was watching Friends at the time) one liners. This doesn't bode well. I then moved onto the stomach crunches. I managed eleven and now have a stupendous ache in my neck and left shoulder. Something tells me I did it wrong. Sally has just texted me - she's got a neck ache too.......half of Team ______? are carrying injuries!

More on-line sponsorship from Alice, Julie and Dawn - thank you ladies!

Written by Jo

Speechless - make the most of it!

There was I, merrily composing an email to send to all our sponsors (current and potential) sharing my witterings with them about whether or not I should bump our "target to be raised" to £600 because we've exceeded our original target of £400 by 70 quid thanks to Dad's fantastic sponsorship last night when along come Dave R and Dennis and take our total up to £530.

What do you reckon? A target of £1,000?

Written by Jo

Q&A - Jo

Why are you Racing for Life? For my lovely mum Connie
Current training method? Park walking and exercising mad labrador
Preferred training method? Exercise bike in front of t’telly
Highs? Seeing who is supporting us by sponsoring us!
Lows? None yet, ask me after 15 July!
Tips for your team mates? Don’t start without me!!!
Message of support for your team mates? Thank you for doing this with me….let’s go go go!
Special thanks to? To my Dad and Gwen and everyone who is supporting us
Name some people who are coming to support you? Dad, Gwen and Mick, Tony, the Mitchells, Tony Our Lovely Caretaker……lots of people!
Name some people who you’d like to come and support you? The Millwall First Eleven. Please.
Describe your attached picture: with Sally-Ann Edwards at the PCT Christmas Party 2006
Favourite colour? Blue
Favourite song? Currently Nelly Furtado, Say It Right
Favourite movie? Dirty Dancing
Favourite TV programme? Holby City
Favourite saying/phrase? Clearly!

Sum yourself up in four words: Smiley, friendly, chatty, mad!

Written by Jo

Thanks Dad!!

:-) xxx

written by Jo

Where's the sun gone?

A weekend of shivers and comfort eating (carb loading by any other name) for me. I did, however, walk lots and lots. Firstly on the beach with mad Labrador and secondly, with eyes open wide as I perused the shops in Hastings and avoided French students intent on rampaging around the twee little gift shops asking “Allo, how much is thees please?” whilst holding aloft twee little seaside mementoes (lurid dolphins, plastic shells and “witty” postcards).

Sally returned to the bosom of her family for the weekend, Marian attended a family barbecue (with alcohol, so essential to our training regime) and advised me that Nunhead cemetery is 1.4 miles all the way round. Poor Monty was exhausted! Lynn “pottered at home” and is still undecided about buying one of those sweat-suit space suit things that you wear whenever you exercise.

More on-line sponsorship and many thanks to Chrissy, Sue H and Jenny and Chris (I could make cheap comment about Charlton’s relegation here but I won’t – I know how you feel!)

Have now got a dilemma to discuss with my team mates – as we’re so very near our target of £400 do we a) leave the target as it is and see how much we exceed it or b) up the target to £500? Decisions, decisions!

Written by Jo

Q&A - Lynn

Why are you Racing for Life? In memory of people we’ve lost through cancer
Current training method? Walking
Preferred training method? Treadmill or rowing machine
Highs? Getting together with the team and having fun
Lows? None
Tips for your team mates? Make sure we do it together as a team!
Message of support for your team mates? One for all and all for one!
Special thanks to? Tony and everyone I know
Name some people who are coming to support you? Tony, Richard, Neil and Ross
Name some people who you’d like to come and support you? Mel Gibson, Daniel Craig and Donny Osmond!

Describe your attached picture: with husband Tony at The Den the day after our wedding
Favourite colour? Pink
Favourite song? True, Spandau Ballet
Favourite movie? Ghost
Favourite TV programme? Eastenders
Favourite saying/phrase? Swearing!
Sum yourself up in four words: Straightforward, loyal, mad, cheerful!

Written by Lynn

Dulwich Park

Another park, another walk. 2.7 miles we did tonight amid tarty dogs (she threw herself flat on her back every time she saw another woofer), men standing in trees throwing some martial art moves and ducks quacking peacefully on the lake. The sun shone and birds tweeted. Idyllic.

More online sponsors, this time the lovely Veronica - thank you Ms Q!

Plans were firmed up for our "training" visit to The Rye Public House. Our Trainer Nigel and The Quartet will be issuing invitations to our friends and sponsors soon!

Written by Jo

May Day

More online sponsors! Thanks to Sheila, Nigel and Tom for their kind donations. Also, a belated thank you to one of Gwen's friends Bridget. We hope you can make it on 15 July and.....Tom, all firemen are welcome by the way!
Nigel has kindly promised to help us with our training - we'll sort a date out for that soon! The Rye, we said, didn't we?! Hoorah!
Still only one suggested name but Jeff has perhaps inadvertantly come up with our team name - we'll keep you posted!

S still not well (sending vibes!) so L, M and I are off for a wander round Dulwich Park tomorrow night. If you see three women (all holding bottles) come and say hi!

Written by Jo

Q&A - Marian

Why are you Racing for Life? To raise money for research just in case my family and friends may need it

Current training method? Walking

Preferred training method? Walking

Highs? None as yet

Lows? None as yet

Tips for your team mates? None as yet

Message of support for your team mates? We can do it

Special thanks to? All those that have donated

Name some people who are coming to support you? Malcolm and the girls

Name some people who you’d like to come and support you? All our friends from work and anyone else

Describe your attached picture: taken at a family birthday party

Favourite colour? Pink

Favourite song? Hey Jude

Favourite movie? Pretty women
Favourite TV programme? Any detective programs

Favourite saying/phrase? Does my bum look big in this
Sum yourself up in four words: Want to do better !!

Written by Marian

End of season

Last home game of the season down at The Den today and a 1-0 win over promotion chasing Bristol City. Haha! Sorry, but we won! Hehe. Haven't been able to say that too often this season, let's hope next is better! Well done my lovely Lions!!!

More off-line sponsors: £5 from Clive "can't afford to give it to you now Joanne, just paid for me season ticket!" and £5 from Ann and Dennis "Put us down for a fiver, good luck to you Jo" amid laughter from Dennis as he pictured us running the race. I've told him I won't show him the pictures of us when we're all hot and sweaty. That'll show him! Ha!

£290 so far! Thank you all xxx

Written by Jo