Nearly 5 years ago when my youngest was just born I was made redundant.. But as I was on maternity leave that needed to be honoured.. So when Luke was 7 months old I found myself a new job, a 1 year maternity cover contract, 3 days a week nice and local! Perfect! So I rushed around to get childcare in place (and met a new friend as a result!), before going to my best buddies wedding!
Anyway the job fell through and a couple of people suggested childminding to me... "No way!" I said, "it's not for me." I said.. But I pondered on it, talked to Adam about it and we decided I could make it work potentially and while I was getting registered I'd keep looking for the perfect part time job to fit with our family and just see what happened first! Childminding stuck and as a result of that I have my core group of local friends who I can rely on to make us a meal or pick up my boys at no notice if I'm not able to, come and drink wine with me, or just have a cup of tea.. All of which I'm grateful for!
Likewise 3 years ago I wasn't a runner.. I pitched up to DRR for a 10 week beginners group saying "If the boys go to bed ok tonight I'll go along and see how I get on." We ran for 2 minutes and walked for 2, and amongst our struggles and complaints it hurt, and "Is the time nearly up yet?" Firm friendships were made and I gained my amazing running family. I've met so many inspirational people through the club, and I love spending time with all of them.
Running has given me a different mindset, the ability to have confidence in myself and what I can do, and much more of a 'Can do' approach.. (And even if I can't do, I'll bust a gut giving it a good go!) I absolutely believe if I'd got my diagnosis 3 years ago my head would be a complete mess and I would have cried so many more tears.. Where as some of my tears have been out of frustration and lack of control, but many more have been due to the love, friendship, support and encouragement we've had!
Running also brought me Parkrun, and another set of friends and extended support network for us as a family. I stepped into the core team, Run Directing and wanting to follow our lead Jake and his running pal Ash have also grown in confidence and in the summer holidays joined forces to direct the Saturday morning trot round the park. 
The boys first time run directing also brought Adam to the parkrun for the first time at Luton Wardown Park.. Being inspired by our little man, team DRR, the sense of community and a little coaxing at the curry night.. Adam did his first parkrun a week later and we've been going as a family every week since!
I'm also ever thankful to all of you who have made a special trip to parkrun, to give up your morning and be Jake's running partner in crime! In Feb 2015 Jake completed his 10th parkrun in St Albans with a big group of DRR's cheering him on, cake and a trophy to celebrate.. He's now just got 10 more to go for his 50th.. A milestone Jake, Ash and I are all hoping to complete together!
On Friday night Adam, Twiggy and I had a night out (Twiggy's 1st proper outing!)
I was delighted (and slightly nervous) to be presenting as ladies captain at DRR's awards, so many fantastic achievements celebrated, and I was chuffed to bits to receive the Marilyn Day trophy.. Although I never met Marilyn her spirit is strong in the club, and she is remembered for being a great runner and supporter of the club, running cross country (despite hating it!) because the ladies team needed her.. I hope to keep doing Marilyn proud!
I admit once the evening was over I was glad to take off Twiggy and my high healed shoes and put them in my bag!
So after a late night on Friday and ahead of Chemo 3 on Monday I was please to still manage a sub 30min parkrun on Saturday...
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