HOW OUR LEADERS ARE GETTING ON
DAVID DOYLE
We are now in full swing of our training plan. We began our training between Christmas and the New Year. We attended Nolan Health and Fitness, Enniscorthy for our first training session where we got a 3D body scan along with completing a bleep test with Sean Nolan and Kevin Murphy. The 3D body scan will be taken every 5/6 weeks to monitor each of the leaders training progress. Myself and the leaders attend a boot camp at Nolan Health and Fitness twice a week as well as attending The Hub, Enniscorthy running track. It has been difficult getting back into training, but thankfully with the support of the trainers and other leaders encouragement it is becoming easier week by week. Without a doubt, there is a long road ahead but it will be all worth it once the big day comes.
JOAN HIPWELL
Hello everyone, hard to believe we’re into the middle of January already. Hope the new year has been a good start for everyone. As one of they leaders for Hope and Dream 2020 it’s been a busy time trying to find a balance for everything. We first met for training Saturday before Christmas I was very nervous going in there but really no need everyone is so nice. We been meeting every Saturday it’s going well so far. I’ve also been walking at home with family. We also went to Curracloe last Sunday which was a big achievement for us as a family. The poor dog is even in on it! Watching the diet is another thing as I love my spuds and Kerrygold butter, it’s hard to cut back on them but somehow I have managed it. We had another challenge on Tuesday, January 7, which was the bootcamp. All day I was looking for excuse not to go when the phone beeped. It was Sean Nolan, Pump Palace to inform me of his gym opening in Bunclody with Davy Fitz which was a lovely evening - best of luck to Sean and his team. I answered back then the message came see you tonight at bootcamp. Now I felt I had to go thanks Sean! Off I went very nervous again than I met Shara and Ger who helped along the way and really made us work. After it all I was glad I went. Next day I was stiff but it soon passed. Thanks Sean for your support. Have to say been part of Hope and Dream 2020 is very enjoyable meeting people along the way stopping to wish us well along the way it’s very encouraging. Thanks to everyone for your support.
CATHERINE WALSH
When I was invited to become a Hope & Dream leader I thought they wanted me to M.C. an event, and I laughed at the prospect of ME committing to a 10k or 10 mile run or walk, but commit I did. I met Sean Nolan of Nolan health & Fitness, who during the first session, a beep test, despite my protests actually got me to run. I’m ashamed to say, walking, let alone running or exerting myself in any physical way was completely alien to me, the fear of not being able to keep up or the pains and aches always stopped me but somehow, here I am, weeks down the road talking body scans, beep tests and shuttle runs. With a view to getting healthy and monitoring my weight, Sean suggested I take photos of all my meals (good and bad) and send them to him as I am eating them. I am finding this a great focus. I go to Nolan Health & Fitness on Saturdays, last Saturday he spoke to us about nutrition. I did 20 minutes on the threadmill and even managed a jog (3 short spurts). Being aware of my responsibility as a leader, I used social media to spread the word in Wexford Town about the event and was so overwhelmed by the goodwill and response, I am chuffed to have about 50 people following joining me via social media. We go on my nightly walks during the week, and on Sunday mornings 9k through the forest to the Raven and back the beach, this walk is good for the heart and soul. Having other people spur me on is vital on those cold wet nights to get out and walk. Not everyone knows each other, but through the page I set up, we are meeting people like Louise and Mary who use the Centre, posting pics of their walks and inspiring us to get those runners on! We are all united with the aim to raise awareness and funds for Hope Centre and Hospice Homecare, two invaluable services to the whole county.