HOW ARE OUR LEADERS GETTING ON AHEAD OF THE SELL-OUT EVENT?
TARAGH HANLEY – 10K
I decided on the beginner’s training plan as, although I play rugby, it’s a lot of stop-start, sprint running rather than continuous running for a length of time. My first run was a run/walk and hard work to get my breathing in a pattern. Pearse, my beloved dog, was and will be my companion on most runs, it will do us both some good.
Run two went much better, covering 1.6km and my breathing fell into a pattern. I finished week one of training with a walk of about 4km I forgot to record it with an app I’ve download to help me keep track and, to be honest, motivated! It records all your personal bests, distances and time and much more.
The following week’s training went much better – two solo runs followed by a Saturday run in the Glen of The Downs with Jessica. Having the company worked well as it pushed us both to up our game. The first run was on a noticeable gradient – the first 1k was uphill and tough going, but golly was the return run down fun! I’m finding it difficult, if I’m honest, to fit the fourth day in. With working hours that vary and change constantly, it’s impossible to have set days and times for my runs, so I’m literally fitting them in around my schedule where and when I can rather than a strict timetable – it’s not ideal but it’s the best I can do. Other aspects of life must go on too. Loved it! So, still at it, getting there slowly – a lot more to do!
FERGUS CROKE – HALF MARATHON
MY training plan started off on December 23 with a 5km ParkRun, only my third ParkRun. I got off to what I thought was a nice, comfortable pace however, I started to panic when the race marshal shouted out 4.40 at the 1km mark. I had started way too fast. I spent the next few kilometres thinking about everything that could possibly go wrong. I ended with a time of 27.30 but I didn’t enjoy it, especially the final 2km.
On a positive note, it was a good learning experience that I could bring into the Fat Turkey Run. This was a tough 10k road race from Sutton to the summit of Howth Head and back on December 27. This was my first attempt at a 10k road race. My intention was to start slowly and gradually pick up the pace and my new running watch definitely helped me manage my pace. I completed the race in a respectable 57.07 – only three minutes slower than my brotherin-law. Nothing motivates me more than a bit of friendly rivalry!
Completing the 10k race has definitely given me a confidence boost. It’s great experience gained. For me, running an official road race is a completely different, somewhat harder and a far more enjoyable experience than the training runs.
All of the scheduled training sessions are going to plan. None have been missed and I’ve now clocked up 70km on the feet since December 23. It’s early days but I’m already noticing improvement in my running, especially my recovery rate. I’m also sleeping much better and losing some unwanted weight – more on this in my next update.
JESSICA KEATING – 10K
THE first two weeks of the running programme have been very enjoyable and achievable. Adding these little runs into my day-to-day life has highlighted how easy it is to add something very beneficial subtly and easily into your routine. As the runs were short and frequent, it made the initial stage of the programme fun and spontaneous.
For week one, I was mostly in Spain so enjoyed a balmy 18 degree climate to kickstart my first runs on a lovely natural reserve trail. Some of these runs I did alone and some with my boyfrirnd who was with me on holidays.
The second week felt a lot easier both psychologically and physically, despite the runs being longer and the Irish climate not quite as appealing as that of Spain’s. I met up with Taragh, the other leader, one day as we attempted a very hilly run up Glen of the Downs; the rest were done on our local rugby grounds.
Other healthy additions include that of a weekly swim to contribute to my training and most importantly the fact that I’ve given up cigarettes – so far successfully – since starting the programme.