Hi!

I'm sorry about your nanna, but well done for making the decision to do the race for life. I've never done it but everyone says is great fun

If you've never/hardly ever run check out couch to 5k, or c25k. It's a week by week programme designed to get you to run 5k. It's 8 weeks so depending on your current fitness level this may be fine but often people feel it progresses too fast and do each week twice. You have plenty of time though.

Otherwise I'd say just train! Get out there and do it, no excuses! When I first did 5k I had no idea whether I could run that far so I started as SLOW as is humanly possible and just aimed to get round. Then once I knew I could do it I just did it again and again and started to think about time and pace etc.

Oh and also get fitted for some proper shoes and any other kit you might need. Very shortly after I started running I realised I needed knee supports and was amazed at the difference it made.

Good luck

Sports direct is good. You can get 'tested' for the right type of shoe - I've heard that sports direct do this too but if not any local speciality sports/running place will test you - they film the way you run on a treadmill and analyse it (sounds horrendous but apparently it's worth it) costs about a tenner then they tell you what type of shoe you need. You could buy it then and there or take away the info and get them cheaper online!

I bought my knee supports from amazon - you can get sports stuff off there as well

I am planning to do a Race for Life this year too and have just put the C25K podcasts onto my phone to start to do the training - I start tomorrow (or today as it's now after midnight!). I would like to be able to jog/run at least some of it as I walk that distance most days with my dogs - so the challenge will be to do the R4L at a faster pace.

The NHS C25K podcasts are fantastic. I finished the programme in the 8 weeks last year and since then did one of the www.parkrun.co.uk free 5K races on a Saturday morning. I had never run before doing the programme but stupidly ran with an injury and it stopped me from running for several months but I'm back now and loving it again. I'm also doing Wii Active 30 day challenge at the same time to improve my muscle tone and overall fitness. On Friday I ran 2.25 miles and then did Wii Active. I was exhausted but managed it.

The NHS podcasts are here: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/get-running-with-couch-to-5k.aspx

I found them to be brilliant and talking me through the intervals and saying encouraging things just at the right time was just what I needed. I started out running on grass but now have some half price Asics from a closing down JJB store (now Sports Direct) and with orthotics they are perfect for running on the pavement. I use Runkeeper to keep me motivated and challenge myself to beat my PBs. I've got a great sports bra and for me that's an absolute necessity so I'm not slapping myself in the face as a I run.

I am hoping to do Race for Life this year in memory of my mother in law who died from breast and secondary cancers aged just 60. Most people have no clue that I've lost weight and now run so I'm hoping to get good sponsorship from people who think their money is safe!

Im sorry about your Nana I do love the advert for Race for Life this year, two fingers up to cancer!!

Sports Direct is best I think for cheap gear, I get all my stuff there

I am hoping to do one of the London events this year though I have not signed up yet. Hopefully there will still be space when I decide.

Sorry to hear about your Nan. Good on you and your mom for deciding to take part in race for life. I wouldn't worry too much if you are not a runner. You can also walk the whole or part of the way if that makes it easier.

I've done the Race for Life for the past 6 years. So far just 5k, this year the 10k!

The race for life is a great starter race as there is no pressure to go too fast. Some people walk and take their time doing it, but if you're going to run you can easily go at your own pace and feel great when you complete it!

The couch to 5 k podcast is great for getting you from walking to running quickly.

Good luck!