Update 13 May 2014:

Well, I did it! I've run the Bristol 10k and still euphoric. I developed a painful ankle about 3 weeks before the race and rested it as much as I could whilst continuing with other cardio and weights, and thankfully it held good on the day and I really got into my stride. There were strong winds (24mph) and cool temperatures with some rain, so actually quite refreshing and although the sun peeped out a few times it stayed mostly behind a lot of cloud. Not great for the spectators perhaps but a blessing for the runners so as not to cook us as we ran. I'd been hoping for a time around 1:05 but took it steady with my ankle and came in at a still respectable 1:21:37, placed 9611 out of 9870 runners.

Lots of people came out to support us - sorry to Brett and my mum for not hearing them as they cheered me off and even more loudly cheered me home across the line, as I dug deep to sprint the final 100m. (Also sorry Dan at the Grain Barge!)

A crushing blow - due to fewer no-shows than in previous years the organisers ran out of finishers' medals, t-shirts and goody bags, so apart from a bottle of water I came away empty-handed. People were in uproar (myself included) but it's been promised that we'll be sent the medals and t-shirts in the post, so as long as I get my badges of honour in due course it will make the day complete.

I would like to thank all you lovely generous sponsors who have backed me and wished me well for my debut road race. The team of which I was a part (originally 10 runners, but 1 had to withdraw due to injury) have between us raised around £1,600 for the Alzheimer's Society, a truly fantastic result and this will be fund-matched by my employer, taking it to £3,200. Thank you all so much.

Signing out, love Rachel X

Thanks for dropping by my page!

If you've made a pledge: THANK YOU XX

Every donation counts and I would love to smash my target so please do give all you can. I'm looking forward to my very first 10k run. As someone who loves keeping fit but has never really 'done' running before, this is taking me out of my comfort zone, but I'm up for the challenge and getting in plenty of practice.

I'm in a team of 10 from work so it promises to be an enjoyable day. I hope you will be there cheering us on, if you're not also taking part!

See you on 11 May - Bristol city centre. X

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.