Park runs, Colour runs and plans to run...

A couple of months ago, a Park run began in Killarney, as I was concentrating on the half marathon and Saturday was my long run day, I hadn't signed up or taken part.  I knew a few people who had taken part, they enjoyed the route and highly recommended it. So following on from my last post and my search for new running opportunities, I decided to sign up! Also some of the other members of the  Riot runners decided to join me!
The Park run takes place around Muckross, it starts at 9.30 am on Saturday mornings. So two weeks ago, I arrived at Muckross to take part in my first park run. I met up with Tina and my mum (who had done the park run on previous Saturdays), the group was a real mix women, men, children, runners,walkers, locals and tourists alike, all  ready! The organisers explained how it all worked, the route and then we were off!
As we started, Anna and Michelle were just arriving so they had to sprint to the start and keep going. The route was hilly, it took us pass the farm,  Muckross Abbey and the lakes, it is quite lovely! We had to do two loops. The first loop was good, the second was more testing! I could feel that I was running well and more importantly I was enjoying it.

Thumbs up!!

The route started off  in the carpark, then on straight before turning left up a hill (second time round this hill really was a bit of a struggle!), down towards the Abbey left again towards Muckross house on a route which was a serious of ups and downs. Heading back to the start line at the car park, I could see the finish line..  Done! After, we were all finished, we headed over to the cafe at Muckross House for a Coffee and chat.
My favourite part..

Glowing after our Park Run.

Unfortunately, I couldn't do it last Saturday as I had the Colour Run but I plan to be there this Saturday.

Training has continued as normal even though the weather has been quite atrocious, it was more like November rather than July/August. As Irish people, the weather is a source of concern but as Irish runners we are obsessed with it! As I have said before, I had been looking forward to the Colour Run as it was the first time in months that the Riot runners would be all out together.
So last Saturday, I donned a white t shirt with 1000's of others to run around the Demense while paint powder was thrown at us.. FUN!!! It was all in aid of a great charity AWARE (which helps people and their families who are suffering from depression). As this run was all about fun, I decided to add a bit of colour to my white uniform....

photo bombed???

We collected our numbers and paint packets at the Old monastery before half nine, our wave was beginning at 10 a.m. Unlike those around us, we were a bit polite in putting on the paint powder, and so later when it was been thrown around it came as a bit of a shock!

Group shot...
 thanks Aidan Doyle who was the photographer.

There was a party atmosphere as we did a group warm up! We were jumping up and down and my blue hair was going astray, I hoped it remained on for the full run.. Happily, I can report that it did! There was a large crowd, as we started it was hard to move and I lost everyone for a while.

The route took us through the demesne, once we move passed the start line congestion, we able to run on. At various points along the route, there were people on both sides who were throwing paint powder, they really looked they were having too much fun!!!  I caught up to the girls and I spent most of the run with Bernie and Karen, it was really great to see Karen back running.

My go to pose!!

In fairness, at the finish line, I didn't have too much paint on me compared to others but my hair was the same shade of blue as alot of the paint...

Going for the SMURF look..

Everyone had enjoyed the run, the silliness of it and the dodging of paint powder, made the moving part of it the easy part. There was a real sense of fun and  accomplishment at the finish line, with all those who were involved in the run cheering everyone on!

Finishing line smiles!!!

Next up, will be the Killarney Mini marathon  in September, it wasn't one of my best in 2014 but I'm hoping 2015 will be a better experience. I, also will be heading to Clonakilty in December, I also plan  to add one or two more runs in between..
I want to be kept motivated and working towards a goal!! #bringiton..