First 10K - Florette Fradley 10k

If you’d have asked me a year ago where I could see myself in 12 months’ time… running a 10k for fun would not have been up there, never in a million years… but fast forward a year… and here I am. Yesterday was a marker for me in just how far I have come. Ever since I did cross country in Yr 8 and came last, I’ve literally dreaded running, feared it in fact, but there I was yesterday looking fear in the eye and at the end of this 10k event, cheered on by my gorgeous family and running club pals, I was able to smile with pride for exactly how far I’ve come. Here I am at 42 achieving a new first, 10k and my first medal. What a difference a year can make! The twists and turns that life hurls our way, that at the time, seem unbearable, shape us to be our brave, resilient, authentic selves and guide us towards a future filled with opportunities, goals and happiness. What I thought I wanted from life 12 months ago is different to what I want from this day forward. I owe so much to my amazing family for supporting me through the good and the bad; I’m so grateful for you and to my friends of old and my new ones, thank you all for the part you have played in my journey.
Thank you for your generosity with the sponsorship and what an amazing total to have raised, simply incredible! What a difference this will make.
Thank you for your support of me and confidence in me and my goal.
Here’s to the next leg of the running journey.
Love and best wishes, Anna x

Just under a week to go and it is getting real now…
On Saturday 15 March 2025, I took part in Sutton Park-5k-Park Run and managed to run a couple of minutes quicker than when I last completed this in the Summer last year… so training must be doing some good.
I can’t pretend… I am finding this tough, despite my commitment to running 2-3 times a week consistently with the club.
People’s support and generosity have given me the confidence to keep going and each week the encouragement from our leaders push me to keep moving, even when I feel like I want to give up (which is often 😊).
Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting me and for the wonderful donations to the two charities mentioned.
I am eagerly preparing for my first big 10k event on Sunday 23 March 2025 in Fradley, so please keep me in mind.
As you know I have chosen to go that extra mile for mental health and hope to raise funds for MIND in support of the work they do, to fight for anyone who suffers with mental health problems.
I will also be running this event in support of DIABETES UK in memory of someone dear to me, who tragically lost their battle for life due to complications with type 1 diabetes.
Thank you in advance for your support of me and these two worthy causes.
Post event photo evidence to follow next week…Thank you x