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A few weeks ago I told you about our charity afternoon tea in aid of the Elderly wards at Derriford Hospital where we raised £210. I also mentioned my Rock Solid challenge which I was doing in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society …
Rock Solid is a 5k, 10k or 15k obstacle race; our team decided to go for 10k. I signed up and decided on my charity. I have been on a fitness campaign for the last year so I knew it would be challenging, but it was something I wanted to do, mainly to throw myself out of my comfort zone and see if I could!
“The day of the event arrived, but three days before, I’d hurt my back!”
To be honest, I could have used that as an excuse not to do it, but I didn’t; I persevered because I’m a very ‘all or nothing’ type of girl. I do push myself to the limits, in work and in life so I love a challenge. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not Superwoman or Bear Grylls; far from it. When I was a child I was wrapped up in cotton wool, never climbed a tree, always got told to be careful and was a bit on the chubby side.
I’m not really sure when the drive and determination pushed its way to the surface; around the time I was 30 I think. I suddenly started to question things. Everything from my happiness and my family to my own mortality. What I mean by that is, it dawned on me we only have one life and it’s up to us what we do with it.
The Rock Solid challenge, for me, signifies that it’s the furthest thing ever out of my comfort zone of my past. I was throwing myself down muddy banks, into filthy water and mud where you couldn’t see anything. Swimming under barbed wire, climbing over massive hay bales and other huge obstacles where lots of teamwork was needed, water slides with a ten foot drop at the end. There were 40 obstacles in total over a 10k course!
I managed the whole course and about 90% of the obstacles. I gave a few a miss, due to my back injury, but I am very proud of what I achieved. You can see more about Rock Solid by following this link if you’d like to take up the challenge yourself. I’m still covered in bruises 3 weeks later and my hip was a little sore for a while. My back held out and I’m really proud I did it.
“I’m pleased to say that I raised over £350 for the Alzheimer’s Society and had a fabulous day!”
Sometimes we have to challenge ourselves and throw ourselves out of our comfort zone to see what life is really about. I’ve already signed up for my next challenge: a 12 mile walk for St Luke’s Hospice on 18th July. Something a little more sedate this time!
Until next time …
CLAIRE ROBINSON
