My Race for Life - Cardiff 5k

Up and down the country, women of all ages, shapes and fitness levels will participate in Race for Life events this summer to raise funds for research into treatments and cures for cancer. Since the event’s inception in 1994, more than £500million has been raised for Cancer Research UK, and more than seven million women have played their part in raising both money and awareness for a great cause. I was proud to be one of those seven million women to take part when I ran in the Cardiff Race for Life today. 

I have been using the Kiqplan Race for Life app to prepare for my race. I didn't get to do as much training as I would like because of a few injuries but the app meant that my last minute training was much more focussed thanks to all the reminders. The app had everything you would need to get you ready just twelve weeks before the big race. I wore my Orb for the race (and the rest of the day) and you can see all my steps below. I've loved tracking my activity and the app and tracker have meant that I've pushed myself a bit more.

Based on your fitness level the app set weekly walking and running goals and you are rewarded with performance badges for meeting your goals, or given constructive feedback and advice for getting your race preparations back on track. I'm not particularly motivated so this app was perfect for me.

The atmosphere at the race today was amazing. I know some people grumble about it being a female only event but that really helps me to relax and not be as competitive. I feel uncomfortable at the gym when everything is 'mansplained' to me and I'm typically the only overweight person there. This is a positive event where women of all abilities can feel comfortable so I always enjoy the race. I took part on my own today and the sun came out so I found it hard to run the whole 5k. Running with friends last year meant thatI kept up with the other a little more but I was happy with my race.

I completed in 37 minutes and I'm ok with that. Yes, someone who is fit can do it in half the time and some people can run 10k in that time but I was pleased that I jogged most of the way and didn't stop.

Even though my race is over you can still donate to my Race for Life Just Giving page. I would love to reach my £150 target and all the money goes to CRUK who are working everyday to beat cancer. 

• £8 kits out scientists with a lab timer, helping them to find out what makes a cancer cell tick.
• £20 buys a lab coat, box of gloves and goggles. Not only geek chic, but vital items to help scientists carry out life-saving research.
• £70 pays for a Bunsen burner to help ignite groundbreaking research on a daily basis.
• £180 pays for one day of a trial to discover faster diagnosis and new therapies to treat brain cancer.
• £300 buys a hotplate to warm special solutions, turning up the temperature on groundbreaking research.
• £450 pays for one day of a trial to diagnose prostate cancer earlier and more efficiently.

Lots of the Race for Life events have already taken place this summer but you can still sign up for races in Exeter & Swansea (lots more too) and some new 5k Pretty Muddy races have been added in September. 

Did you take part in Race for life this year? How did you get on?

Race for Life - Getting ready for the race with the Kiqplan training app.

I can't believe its only one week until the big day, the Cardiff Race for Life. I'm running the 5k race again this year and you can read all about my progress and reasons for running in previous posts. I've been trying to drink more water and eat a little cleaner as part of my training. I've not been able to do much running due to an injury but I'm fully healed now so I've been pounding the pavements and going out for a few runs the past couple of weeks and also attending a few kettle bell classes to get my ready for my race. 

I find it hard to stay focussed and make time for running and I know I wouldn't have gone out as often if it wasn't for the Race for Life Kiqplan app that I downloaded. It has really helped me feel like I'm ready for my race and gives me little prompts and motivation every day. 

Kiqplan™is the official fitness plan partner for Race for Life. Kiqplan is here to get you ready for the big race day. They have created a number of guides on the Race for Life site that you can print out (available here) but they have also created an app that you can take with you wherever you go. 

Kiqplan is a personal coaching app and features a bespoke 12-week training programme to help get Race for Life ladies of all ages, sizes and levels of athletic ability ready for their 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy event.

How it works

Kiqplan uses information from your smart phone, app or activity tracker about the number of steps you take or calories you eat to design a training plan, specifically for you.

When you get the app you will have lots of fantastic resources to get you race-ready. You’ll receive:

• Daily motivational and health tips
• Weekly workout videos
• Easy-to-make recipes and nutritional advice
• Weekly walking or running targets

Packed with expert advice on fitness and nutrition, it’s like having a trainer, nutritionist and motivational coach all for  £4.99! You can get it from both iTunes and Google Play. 20% of sales go straight to Race for Life.

I've linked my app up to my Fitbug Orb (review here) to track my steps and daily activity but you can also use it with just your phone to track activity or other fitness monitoring devices (full list here). The Orb has really made me think about how much activity I do each day. I'm disappointed if I do less than 10k steps in a day and it was a great way to start my running journey. By upping my steps to 15k on a good day starting to run 5k was less daunting and exhausting. 

If you're new to running and Race for life here are some of my top tips for training

• Wear comfy shoes and make sure your feet are well supported.
• Look the part while training with some Race for life merch.
• Wear a good sports bra.
• If you're a beginner, increase the time you exercise for gradually.
• Train with friends and help motivate each other.
• Whether you walk, run or dance, go at a conversational pace.
• Remember to warm up and cool down before and after any exercise.
• A balanced diet will help you feel great.
• It's important to stay hydrated before, during and after exercise.
• Remember to stay Sun Smart when you're training and keep covered up and use SPF protection.

Are you taking part in Race for Life this year? Do you have any tips for me or any advice for my race next week? I'm a little anxious but also excited for the race. 

*I am a Race for Life and Kiqplan ambassador