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Helen - Running? 10k? I am really stepping out of my comfort zone this summer and, along with my Couch to 5k pal Geraldine Higgins, will be taking part in a 10k run at Regents Park on June 29th. It’s far from a 26-mile marathon but to me it is a huge challenge and will be the furthest distance I have ever run. Just for full disclosure, running is a generous description – I’ll hardly be troubling the Olympic selectors - but I’ll still be moving much more quickly than I normally do!

So, why am I doing it? To show that it’s never too late to try something new, to show that we can all do something to improve our fitness even if Couch to 5k isn’t for you, and, hopefully, to raise funds for Age UK Barnet. I have worked for this very special local charity since 2011 and have seen others commit their time and energy to raise funds and support our work improving the lives of older people. I even encouraged my husband and son to get their running shoes on and now I have roped in Geraldine – who, to be fair, is much more of a natural runner. I usually only see her back and swaying ponytail in the distance!

Geraldine says:

I have always wanted to do a longer run and after completing the Couch to 5k programme first during the pandemic, it felt like a natural progression. Mind, it has taken a few years to finally say yes and she’ll probably have me doing a half marathon next!

In all seriousness, it took the persuasion of Helen to sign up but we really have supported each other in just getting out there and training. It's a great cause and inspires us to get moving.

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