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Limber up and pull on the pink leggings - it's time to get ready, set, and Race for Life, as the annual girl power-infused five and 10k running event gets underway today.
Organised by Cancer Research UK, the Jardins De La Mer event will see hundreds of women walk, jog and run five or 10k in a bid to crack down on 200 types of cancer through vital research.
The Jersey Health Profile 2016 ranked cancers as the main cause of death for islanders, with 34% of deaths down to the disease. Last year, 1,000 women donned trainers to take up the fight, while organisers hope that this year's cohort will bring in £50,000 for research that will give a strong chance to mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, friends and loved ones affected.
Jenny Ainsworth, Cancer Research UK’s Jersey Event Manager, explained the meaning behind the important race:
"Every day, 130 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East. That’s why we’re urging local ladies to lace up their trainers and join us at the starting line.
"Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being the fittest or the fastest. Taking part is about being part of a collective force of powerful women leading the charge against cancer. Whether you’re a running pro or novice, every step you take will help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured."
Pictured: Last year, 1,000 Jersey women - young and old, of all shapes and sizes - ran the Race for Life.
Anita Brown, Vice-Chairman, Cancer Research UK Jersey, added:
"We are very excited to welcome Race for Life 2017. Money raised by Jersey participants will ensure that Cancer Research UK can continue their important work. Cancer survival is improving and has doubled in the last 40 years. These advances have been made possible by the commitment and enthusiasm of fundraisers, but we still have a long way to go before we can say that we have beaten cancer, which is why events like Race for Life are so important. I really hope that lots of local ladies feel encouraged to sign up and take part for their chance to really make a difference."
1. Follow a training guide for your event
Planning in time to go out for a walk or run helps to keep you motivated. You won’t need to spend hours pounding pavements or in the gym - but a little bit of training will be enough to boost your fitness and get you to the start line excited and ready for your event.
2. Exercise with friends
Nothing gets you out of the door more than if you have a partner or group of friends to tackle the training with. Knowing you can spend time getting fit AND catching up is what makes it all the more enjoyable!
3. Don’t try too much too soon
Remember to ease into your training - too much too soon can result in injury or might make you tired and lacking in motivation. Stay positive and start by walking as often as you can. If and when you’re ready to tackle a jog, run for small blocks of time and gradually increase the duration - eventually reaching 30 minutes and beyond as your fitness and confidence grows.
4. Planning and preparation:
Things to remember to enjoy your walk, jog or run:
Eat well beforehand and stay well hydrated.
Have water ready at the end of your session, especially if the weather is warm.
Carry a snack with you - a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts and seeds.
Footwear must be supportive and comfortable - perhaps pay a visit to a specialist running shop so you can be fitted with the correct type of shoe for your training.
Dress appropriately for the weather - even if it’s cold to begin with you will warm up! Layers work well and most kit is lightweight and easy to tie around your waist as you go. Wear as many bright colours as you can if you train in the evening.
On days when the sun is strong, try to keep training away from the middle of the day (11am to 3pm), pick a shady route if possible, and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you’re out for a walk. Also use plenty of sunscreen with at least SPF15 and 4 or more stars on any exposed skin - waterproof versions can have more staying power on sweaty skin.
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