This weekend I performed at three Race For Life events in Richmond. I followed the sea of pink ladies to Old Deer Park and did my usual 10 minutes on stage in my big fat gypsy tutu and got myself ready to join in with the walkers (perhaps next year I will graduate to the joggers section?!).
It was quite nice weather for it – not too hot and a little windy. In fact, when I was on stage I mentioned that I may 'blow off' which caused a few giggles. I reassured them that I didn't mean it in the baked beans sense!
In the onstage warm-up there was a group of cheerleaders, and I suggested we should make a human pyramid with me on top – later on they lifted me up and did just that! While on stage I spotted a lady in the audience stood next to a wheelchair with her leg strapped up and holding on to crutches and I got everyone to give her a round of applause. There was also a few little boys taking part for the first time. I can imagine what they’ll do with the Bodyform super slims in the goody bags – 'Happy Birthday Mum!'
I power-walked my way around the course and made friends with a lovely lady from Croydon called Sarah whose 11-year-old daughter Caitlin sped on ahead. She jokingly said that thanks to my set she had to explain what a vajazzle was to her daughter…whoops! We finished in about 50 minutes, which I was quite pleased about. I was hanging around by the finish line later and who should come hobbling through but the lady with the crutches! I had my photo taken with her and she explained she had broken her ankle and although her family were on standby with the chair, she was determined to do the entire 5k. Well done, Liz! There was a second event at 2pm, but the stiffness had already set in, even I'm not mad enough to do two in one day.
Sunday morning, day two of the Richmond Race for Life event, I woke up stiff, achy and thinking that I wouldn't be able to do another 5k – my poor ankles! My face was sunburnt and I was sporting an ‘attractive' t-shirt tan happening. I wore two vests with my tutu, as I remembered chilly wind at 8am. Who knew it was going to be the hottest day of the year! I did a radio interview in the back of the BBC London radio car sweating profusely and fanning myself with Funny Women leaflets. I would have killed for a Calippo!
After being so adamant that I would sit this one out, I looked around at the participants and thought of the Liz with the crutches. I pulled myself together, pinned my number on and started walking! Thankfully, I’d put suncream on as I was in danger of looking like a beetroot. I take my hat off to everyone who took part that day, but special mention to the group of girls who came dressed as giant whoopee cushions. Inspired! I finished in approximately 52 minutes – I'm so glad I did it.
Last event for me this year is at Blackheath on Sunday 3rd July if you would like to sponsor me you can HERE and remember, it’s still not too late to take part! Maybe I will see you there. God Bless my poor ankles.
Suzy B
