6 Things That I Learnt From Doing Something That Scared Me

- This post was produced in association with Kleenex -

A couple of weekends a go I completed Race For Life with my best friend and it was such an incredibly heart warming experience. It's something that I've always feared doing because it’s so far out of my comfort zone. But as one of my biggest goals this was year was to do things that scared me and get out of my comfortable bubble I did it and I'm so glad I did. Here are a few things that I learnt along the way. 

YOU DON'T HAVE TO RUN

Something I was really worried about when I signed up for the race was that I wasn’t able to run because last year I really injured my knees and ever since I've barely been able to run despite trying so many times. I didn’t need to worry though because so many ladies walked and it was awesome to see people doing it at their own pace no matter the distance. Nobody thought badly of me for not running because you're still showing up and doing your part for an awesome cause. 

TAKE A FRIEND

I completed 10k with my best friend and it was such a wonderful morning. As I said in my post about why we were doing the race both of our mum's have battled the disease. Her mum lives with cancer and sadly mine passed away 8 years ago, but just spending the morning talking about them and getting to remember my mum in a positive way was something that was so important for me. I always thought it would be a little overwhelming and if I had done it alone then maybe it would have been but spending the morning in a place we both love turned it into such a special experience. 

THERE'S A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

As I'd never run the race before I wasn't sure what to expect but it was such a positive place to be. All around the start of the race there were stands everywhere from food to charity stalls. Of course, including the Kleenex stand that were there to offer tissues in case anybody needed one. It can be quite an emotional day for many so it was lovely to see so many people there to either support an individual or support everyone doing the race. And something I didn't expect to see were so many men joining their loved one at the finish line to support them at the very end. 

IT'S SO MUCH BIGGER THAN THE PERSON YOU'RE DOING IT FOR 

For me, I did the Race For Life for my mum. Even though she passed away many years ago doing the race was so much bigger than her in the best way. Cancer sadly touches and can destroy so many lives and raising awareness and giving to those charities is so important. Although it's a big dream there is nothing else than I would love to see in my future more than no-one having to lose their loved ones to such a devastating disease. It might seem completely unobtainable, but every bit of funding goes towards vital research that we need.

IT BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE

Before the race I thought it would be a morning that was slightly  sombre but it truly brought out the best of people. All the ladies who were running, jogging or walking were all so friendly and cheered everyone on regardless. In a society where we're all constantly busy and have somewhere to be and something to do this is pretty much unheard of. Everyone had the same goal and it was incredible to feel that support from complete strangers. 

YOU FEEL SO PROUD 

If you read my initial post before we did the race you will know that it's always something that I've been dubious about for a multitude of reasons. But completing it made me feel so proud and it's something that I will definitely do again next year. It opened my eyes up to something that I would have never been able to be a part of otherwise. Grief and dealing with a loved one who has cancer can feel incredibly lonely but even just being around others was a huge comfort. 

THINGS TO REMEMBER IF YOU WANT TO DO THE RACE

Next year I'd really love to be able to run the race if possible and here are the things to bear in mind if it's something you've ever wanted to do;

• Wear sensible footwear, trainers are a must.
• Have a pack of Kleenex tissues with you because it’s such a good feeling to be able to offer a little comfort to someone if you see they need it
• Hydrate! They do offer water around the race [as well as there being multiple toilet stops] but make sure you carry water with you. 
• You'll never feel alone doing it. 
• Bring a friend is possible; it makes for such a lovely morning.
• If you're going to run make sure you stretch before hand.
• Even if cancer hasn't directly affected you it's still an amazing cause to support. 

Have you done ever done Race For Life? What are your tips?