Killarney womens mini marathon 2015

Saturday morning, I was running a bit behind schedule. So by the time I got to Killarney and headed to meet the girls, I felt slightly flustered. Also, as I hadn't the best run last year at this event, I was wary of what was ahead of me... Aggghhhh!!! There was a large crowd gathered as both the 5K and 10K were starting together, you could feel the excitement or nervousness. After a quick catch up and a photo or two, people started running, we were off...

Last minute prep.. 

Ready for action!

We began by running down Mission road, on the road, up on the kerb, dodging past people, we turned into the park. The route had been changed this year due to the flooding in parts of the park, we would have to run a loop of the park twice for the 10K once for the 5K. At this stage I was running beside Michelle and Anna, as we ran down by the canal it is a bit of a bottle neck.  I noticed the ground was littered with wet leaves. As we turned right to go up the hill, the girls pulled away. I ran up the hill, which wasn't too bad as my legs were fresh. The hill isn't steep but it has a steady pull which deserves a bit of effort.  Passing the playground, I felt comfortable, so I steadied myself and settled into the run. I cranked up U2, let my feet just move and switched off my brain. This worked great for next 5K or so, I knew I was running well. It felt easy in parts, I was smiling more than grimacing. The drummers at the bottom of the hill were a welcome distraction as I headed up the hill again, this time my legs felt it a bit more.

Dreaming of the finish line...

As, I moved forward, I decided to walk each time I took a sip of my water.(which wasn't too often as I finished with some water left). This time around I had to push myself more. As I passed the golf course, I knew there was less than 1 KM to go, I tried to dig deep and push forward. But I felt tired, I let my pace slow especially as I knew I had to go up that hill for a third time...Ughhhh!!!  But to finish I had to get up the hill , some one said 'go on' as I passed just at the end of the climb I'm sure I said I was *********.  Anna and Michelle, came back to urge me to the finish line. But whether I was ********* or not I kicked it up and ran across the finish line..

Signature thumbs up!

Done!
Bling!
I had survived! I was smiling, no tears, no drama, just running!  It was a relief to finish knowing I had run the best run I could, that I hadn't checked out when it felt too tough. Progress! Woohoo!!
Then, to make it really great there was Ice cream and donuts..

Having caught up with the girls everyone seemed happy with their mornings run.

Smiles and bling, you could say we're glowing!

Riot runners,Rain and Running..

The last few weeks have been fairly busy for the Riot runners.

First up, was Bernie and Michelle they did the Sandstorm obstacle run on Ballyheigue beach. I ran, the Killarney park run that Saturday morning then headed to the beach the cheer on the girls with Anna and my mum. The day was beautiful blue skies and warm sun, which in itself was a real treat..
There was a large turn out for the obstacle run and we were quite fortunate to see the girls as they attempted the last large climb of the run.

conquering fears..

After conquering Sandstorm they crossed the line together.....

And as we were at the beach, there was only one way to sooth tired feet..

The following weekend, we headed to Dingle to cheer on Anna and Tina who were doing the half marathon and Brenda who was completing her 11th out of 12 marathons, you can  read her experience at brendasmercymarathonchallenge.blogspot.com.

The Dingle half marathon, is very picturesque and on my running bucket list!

Dingle Bay!

The girls took some pictures

So JEALOUS!

The girls enjoyed the run and also ran well, so they deserved the bling they received..

Blinged OUT!

I have been out running, the weather has been a bit hit and miss! When the rain stops you've just got to go for it..
Having done nothing for two days, I just went out one morning and it was the best run ever. The moment I started running I could feel my body, my muscles working as they should. I was giddy when I finished!! Runners high!!

The last week or so,  have been particularly wet but I find now I have to get out and run its part of me. I am also moving quicker than I used to, which I am pleased about although I still walk, Usain Bolt has nothing to fear, YET!! Hahahaha!! As the daylight hours are getting shorter, I am trying to take advantage of getting out into the park to run. Due to rain, parts of the park have been under a bit of water, as Anna and I found out on Mondays run.

Anymore rain and we'll be rowing..

I have also have been trying to stretch more and use the instrument of torture that is the foam roller on a more regular basis.

This weekend we will run the Killarney women's 10K. Most of us will be taking part so we will have a good group catch up! I always find this run tough, last year it reduced me to tears. I know the route, I have run parts of it many times, but there is one part of it that irks me I can't explain it!!! I know crazy! This year, I'm  going to try and just enjoy the running. Well that's the plan, but best laid plans etc... I suppose I'll find out Saturday.