A tribute to my best friend

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
with a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me,
and I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves,
and satin sandals and say we have no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired,
and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells,
and run my stick along public railings,
and make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
and pick the flowers in other peoples gardens..
and learn to spit.

You can wear horrible shirts and grow more fat,
and eat three pounds of sausages at a go..
or only bread and pickle for a week.
And heard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
and pay our rent and not swear in the street,
and set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
so people who know me are not to be shocked and surprised
when suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.

This is a poem my friend wrote to me to try and cheer me up one year when I'd had foot surgery. I've treasured it for ever and still have it. She was always so full of life, life so tragically taken away from her last year, after a short fight against cancer. So you see she never got to learn to spit, rattle her stick along the railings and to wear purple. As for wearing purple, well I got to wear pink when I ran for cancer on May 10th this year. The grand total of my efforts has risen to £142.50 . Last year whilst I was in Morocco I visited Marrakesh, where my friend had visited some many years previous, so this was a trip I had to do. The Sunday of the journey to this amazing city had bearing on me reading this very poem, because in England on the same day in a small village called Ilam in Derby-shire, in a church on a sunny day, the family of my best friend were celebrating her life, every one that ever met her was there and by all accounts the church was full. But as I was unable to be there, I had my very own private ceremony.. and I read this poem.............................
......................
shead alot of................. tears.. and told her I loved her and missed her.
She was most certainly with me on the day of the race, more than likely looking down and laughing at me... my naked legs more likey!! She had a wicked sense of humour, she oozed personality and life. At the bottom of the poem, she added 'Hi you, thought you'd like this poem "Warning" I do & I'm getting there sooner than you' Thinking of you strapped & laid up after your operation... see you soon. Love Anita. Or as I'd called her and still do 'nattie.'

Running for Life

Saturday May 10th. We've trained and trained to get this far. All our hard work done, now is the time to put it to the test. As we made our way to the main field, the sight of all these women, from very young through to older ones, wearing various outfits of fancy dress, was a picture. The local radio station blasts out music to jeer the crowds on. Ice cream vans scatter the edge of the field, queues of desperately hot and hungry crowds battle for the burger vans. Portable toilets for the last minute nerves.. of which there was alot. The atmosphere was amazing. So many people running or walking to raise much needed cash for cancer research, promising us that together we can find a cure! I hope one day soon we do find a cure for this horrible disease. We arrive in time for a warm up, and on the stage are four young men/lads with pom poms , wearing black t-shirts and shorts-shouting words to a song, I don't know if they realise just how funny they look but it is after all for a good cause.They made us laugh. We stand together in strength, our running numbers on the front of our t-shirts. The reason for our just cause on the back of our t-shirts, mine said in bold silver writing... 'For my best friend.. Anita.' Every one had some one close who'd either died of cancer or had the disease and recovered from it. I was running for my best friend that day and I'm pretty sure she was with me. I kissed her photo before I left the house and told her to look out for me, I had a strong feeling she was listening that day. The time was ticking on, and every one was getting ready to run. The elite athletes were at the front of the starting line. I wanted to join them, but I knew in my heart of hearts that I wasn't ready to sprint, not in this heat anyway. I forgot to wear my peak cap, my head taking the brunt of the sunshine. What a gorgeous day for a 'fun' run. I can't remember the last time I sweat so much! The crowds gathered at the start line and the crowd counted down from ten to 1 and start, the gun went off, and the race had begun. The atmosphere was electric. We started off slowly, the grass below was green and lush. The route had changed since I had done it in previous years, with a few added steep hills to get up, which we took in our stride. The scenery was breath taking, and the route strewn with clapping on lookers beckoning us to do well. We ran with all that we had to give. I had time to read some of the reasons for running, on the shirts of the athletes in front of me, one was for two people who had died of it, some body's relative and herself who had survived the illness and recovered enough to actually take part herself, which I thought was goal in itself... truly wonderful. I was by this time starting to get slightly emotional. The sweat was running of my face, the sting of salt seeping into my skin and the burn in my calf muscles as we staggered up the hill. As we neared the finish line, Marshall's with fluorescent waist coats shouted us on even more, praising us for doing so well. With the crowds clapping and shouting. the last descent down the grassy bank was ever closer to the finish line. When I could see the finish line in view I mustered up all my energy and made a final sprint. Stitch in my lungs and cramps in my thighs I gave it all I got. And even now as I type it up, I can feel tears welling in my eyes. It was a very HOT sunny day, not ideal weather for running, but I'd have done it if it was deep in snow! Nothing would've stopped me from taking part. I nearly collapsed as I ran over the finish, relieved to have done, extremely proud to have had the opportunity to take part and help raise much needed monies. My friend did extremely well to have kept up with me, as my legs are slightly longer! Every one who took part has my admiration.. From those that organised it to those who completed it.. A day to remember.

Almost here

Over the last few days I've upped my training for the race for life. On Sunday I ran four miles in the rain, with my friend who's running with me on Saturday. Yesterday I walked four and a half miles to a village, and decided to run back the same distance of four and a half miles. Today is a rest day, as I can feel my thigh and lower calf muscles tightening up. I need to take on board some carbs and continue to drink plenty of fluid. Saturday is just '3' days away. I can't believe how quickly it's come round. I hope the day is filled with fun and joy.. and the weather isn't too hot. I remember the 1996 Flora London Marathon,the hottest on record, heat is the last thing you need when running... anywhere! I was asked the other day that when I've run the race for life, shall I continue to do some running? My reply was 'yes!' I enjoy the space, can think of nothing better than getting hot and sweaty whilst dicing with the on coming traffic.. what fun!!!!!
My friend's looking forward to the day too, we should have fun, with no injuries;whilst raising much needed funds for a very good cause. I can't wait. And hopefully will have some photos of the event to put on my blog!!

Race for life..

It won't be long before I'm out in the field slogging my hard earned guts out for charity. I have to be honest with you, I can't wait! What with the weather just recently, I've found running in these highly strong winds almost impossible.. but I've done it non the less. Over the weeks I've gained a few extra pounds, which I or anyone else can't see, but the scales don't lie. My appetite has doubled, my energy levels are up, even though I start work on a Friday at 6a.m and finish about 5p.m,I still find time to go for a run, as I have today. I'm still bursting with energy! Yeah... strange but true. If any one visiting my blog would like to sponsor me, then they can go directly to the site and donate on line at 'cancer research UK'.. it's a worth while cause, one of which I hold close to my heart, having had several relatives and friends die of the disease. And I thank you for reading this chapter in my life. The date of my run is May 10th . Weather permitting, it will be an eventful day. . I look forward to it, it's what I've trained for...

Hot and wet

The shower was hot and welcoming after my muddy antics around the cross country course. Several weeks earlier I'd joined a local running team to try and increase my ability as a novice. The day of the race had arrived and I was nervous and couldn't stop going to the toilet. The voice on the loud hailer demanding everyone to get to the starting post immediately. As I ran out of the ladies I bumped into another woman who held onto my arm to steady herself as we collided.. she smiled at me in a way I've never felt before, the heat lighting up my face, I felt my face go bright red. Trying to hide my embarrassment I just smiled back at her. The weather was cold and my nipples showed this by sticking out like chapel hat pegs through my white T-shirt, rubbing on the stiff cotton fabric, I folded my arms to try and hide my predicament. Shivering but still smiling to myself, I couldn't get this woman's face out of my mind. I took one last look round as the starter gun went off so loud, I stumbled. The first lap of this muddy field eventually took us into and through a Forrest. I found the terrain very different from the hard tarmac I'd been used to training on. I had forgotten how cold it was and the sore sensation of my now limp nipples. My attempt to catch up with the front runners was beginning to fade, but I was happy that I had been accepted into the race, one of many I hope. Suddenly the ground fell away from me, my foot slipping, with a loud crack I felt my ankle snap. I screamed so loud. I fell down a ditch, snagging my shirt on a branch as I rolled down this ravine.. the pain was excruciating. I eventually came to a sudden stop, the light went out. I came round but I have no idea how long I was unconscious, my ankle still throbbin, blood trickled and now dried on my left arm, from a deep gash. I had no idea how long I'd been lying there, and then it dawned on me how the hell was I going to get back! I tried to move but I couldn't. I tried shouting for help but I was alone. It was starting to get dusk, and with no way of lighting a fire or keeping warm I started to cry. I snuggled down into the undergrowth pulling the remains of my shirt over my arms, doing my best to think positively. I closed my eyes and relived that brief moment earlier in the changing rooms, the look on that woman's face as we crashed into each other...
The more I thought about it, the more I started to feel warm but the warmth was coming from the fire between my legs. I moved my right hand, shuffled my bum forward so I could get a better angle, sliding my cold fingers down to my now wet and tingling clit ...'Mmmm' the sensation of my cold finger touching my little bud of paradise. A shudder ran down my spine as I fought off a yawn. I soon forgot about staying out in the cold. My nipples sprang to attention, yanking my ripped shirt up forcing my sports bra to one side I pinched my right tit until it became so intense I wanted to scream. Looking around, realising no one would hear me, I rubbed my clit harder and faster, my legs beginning to thrash about as the orgasm surged through my body ... 'Oh my .... god' 'Arggghhhhhhhhh.... 'yes' 'yes' 'yes'... rubbing faster, biting my bottom lip, this tidal wave of rapture tearing through my veins.... my pussy soaking wet, cold air shudders my exposed flesh, goose bumps ignite my body. Pulling my fingers from my dripping cunt, I bring them to my nose, smell my scent, taste my juices, imagine me with that woman, what she'd taste like. 'Hello' ... I could hear a voice in the distance, a car engine. 'Anyone there?' I straightened myself the best I could, wiped my hand on the grass, pulled my shorts up, tucking my breasts back into the folds of the fabric .... ' Help ' I shouted ...'I'm down here.' Suddenly as of like out of now where the woman of my dreams came running sideways down the hill towards me with a big smile on her face, and mine was one of relief that I'd been found and would soon be warm again. The journey back to the club house was slow and very bumpy. My ankle had now swelled to the size of a football. All I could think about was getting out of these dirty wet clothes and into a hot shower.
After the doctor had checked my foot, thankfully nothing broken, he strapped it up with a broad bandage. I was advised to rest for two weeks and no more running! My dream had fallen down. My recovery was a speedy one and me not being of sound mind, took it upon myself to totally ignore the doctors advice. Once I'd got the swelling down, I was soon out treading the roads building up my stamina. One fine sunny day I decided to take a run through the very Forrest where I had fallen. This time I was ready for the terrain. Soon I was up to speed, the sun in my eyes with the birds in the sky above. I couldn't believe my eyes but in the distance was a woman running towards me. As I got closer to her I suddenly realised who she was..'hello' she shouted.
'Hi' a bloody great cheesy grin on my face and that warm fuzzy feeling between my legs.
She told me she'd watched my every move the day of the race, and when she realised that I hadn't finished, then she knew I'd either got lost or had an accident. If she only know the whole story. That day will stick with me forever...
The shower was hot and welcoming after our run. We had the changing rooms to ourselves... but that's another story!

Easy does it...

I went out for a test run today, in readiness for my sponsored run in May. Twelve years ago I wouldn't have been so nervous, it was a daily routine to go for a run. I used to do about 40 miles a week and every other weekend I'd plan a long run in the car, roughly about 15 miles then run it on the Sunday. Eventually after six months of training I ran the marathon of my dreams... in London. Today however is a different story..after several stretches and wearing my brand new Nike trainers, I ventured outside. I didn't go too far, just about half a mile and back. The idea is to get my body back into thinking it's fitter than I know it actually is, to fool the brain, I hope. I shall get fit for this memorable event, to raise cash for Cancer. I've given it a capital letter because it's a formidable disease. That has claimed several members of my family and my best friend, who I shall be running for on the day. I shall give it my all, run with the knowledge that it can take any of us at any time. I shall give it 110% attention. So this is for everyone. To be honest with you I actually have to admit I miss running. I gave it up after the London Marathon due to major surgery on my foot. I'm coming out of retirement, sounds like I'm past it already, I'm not, of that I can assure you. So I'll keep you all posted with the progress of my running regime, injuries? I hope not.