Pushing on through...

Most runs are just that - a run, you moving forward in a continuous motion and faster than if you were walking (in theory!)  Sometimes you may have a bad run and other times you may have a good run on a rare occasion it will be great, this last week has been a mixture of good and bad. I'm hoping for great some day soon.

Anna and I, did an 8 mile run through the national park which really didn't feel like training I quite enjoyed it. There was no pressure on time and pace, we ran, talked, stayed quiet, pushed on, walked and got it done.
Monday evening, I met Anna, Karen and Mags.  I planned to do 5 miles which i did. It was just one of those runs were you just feel strong with each step and mile. Loved it!! I also met Tiffany who ran with us last year, she was also out for a run. As I finished Anna and Mags, were also finishing having done an extra bit. Karen was also waiting as she is still carrying an injury and so did her walk instead of a run.The following evening, I met up with Anna and Susan, 5 miles once more, but this time not so much a feeling of being strong rather an inner monologue of:-
'Will it end??'. 

Focus One More Mile... 

Shoe Tag came courtesy of Anna, it's sentiment was never needed more than on Tuesday or Saturday, read on..
The weather has been muggy and warm which means some days when I run I become a #sweatybetty. Saturday was one such day, it was glorious blue skies and warm weather but for running it meant sweat, sweat and more sweat. We also should probably have ran earlier in the day than we did but there's always next week. Mags headed out a bit earlier but finished her run by doing the canal loop as we started ours. As Anna, Michelle and I headed off the plan was to do 8 miles, you know the saying best laid plans... We headed towards Ross Castle, we ran and walked as needed, I wasn't feeling it, Michelle is nursing an injury but Anna was chief cheerleader. I had a very robust round of TRX Friday evening and each hill was making my backside burn, which I shared with the girls at the top of each hill... And to them, I say Sorry!
The views are always good but as it was a true blue sky day so they were fantastic..

Running Views

As we came up on 5 miles, I tried to persuade Anna that we could finish up, we had  done well etc.. I tried earlier to but to no avail, I thought I give it another try. She was having none of it.. 
So on we ran, there was sweat falling into my eyes, not pleasant.. Michelle, who loves the parks larger residents the deer was in her element when we spotted a doe with a little fawn..

Park residents..

I knew I hadn't another two or so miles in me and it really was hot.. and so 8 miles became 7, and we headed up Knockreer hill and then down to the car. Having done 8 mile runs the previous two Saturdays, I didn't feel too bad about the lost mile or so.
Each mile of Saturdays run was hard fought mentally, slower than previous runs but quicker than this time last year, so progress which is always a boost!!
As I am in training for the Run Killarney Half Marathon, next weeks long run heads into double digits. I can't believe its that time of year.. My plan for next weeks run is to just put one foot in front of the other, with no pressure for time or pace.
#Funtimes...

Beach, Sand, Sun,...Running is my therapy...

Last week saw us heading to Ballyheigue, where Bernie did out our route, we were aiming to do 8 miles. It was exciting to be running somewhere different and the beach setting was just a thrill. Although dry, it was quite breezy which meant it was a tad chilly as we set off.. I soon warmed up!

As we started off, it was all good. The scenery alone would push you forward. Running with the Atlantic Ocean to your right really puts a smile on your face. My plan for the days run was to cover the mileage slow and steady and as I ran on the sand I knew the slow part wouldn't be a problem.

I ran across the sand and shingle.. Jeez, it was becoming apparent to me why Bernie was so fit. By the time, I reached the girls my backside was starting to smart. I kid you not!  The next part of our run was to take us into the sand dunes,  

The paths crossing the dunes were a maze, the paths was narrow, the ground was uneven and I found myself having to work harder to be surefooted as I ran. I was also battling against the wind. All these elements combined to make the run tough but thoroughly enjoyable. But the simplicity of the scenery was what made it wonderful.

And so as I reached the girls, I was smiling. Smiling because I was enjoying the run but mostly because I was delighted to see a tarmac road beside them. The joy of running on an even surface made me sing out loud as I listened to the song playing on my phone and so to the residents of Ballyheigue I apologise as they had to listen to my tone deaf version of  'Hakuna Matata'. (I listen to a varied and wide mix of music when running, don't judge on one song!)

As we turned onto the main road, the next part of the run was familiar, as I had run it as part of the Maurice Collins 4 mile at Easter. It all felt a bit tougher this time round. We were running into the wind and it felt you were battling up a mountain.. Soon enough this loop was done and we were heading toward the beach again. We regrouped, walked a bit and talked,  we headed up over the dunes and as we hit the beach we ran for only a short bit when my garmin told me, I had 8 miles ran. Immediately I pressed stop as by now my derriere was on fire. The girls ran on towards the car, I took off my runners and socks so I could walk in the salty water of the Atlantic ocean. As I walked, I  realised I was a bit away from the car I should have ran a bit further. On reaching the car, I knew sitting down was going to be painful. I was not wrong! 

But a rest day on Sunday a good long soak in a hot bath eased all aches..

Windswept..

Our little running group has for some time thought of giving ourselves a title or moniker and so after some thought, we decided on R.I.O.T runners. What does it mean I hear you ask? Well it is something that I and many more runners have said on more than one occasion.. 

'Running is our therapy'

Anna is the person who came up with the name. It just seemed to suit us..

We also decided to get a group tech shirt.  I know,very exciting!! Well after our run, we headed to collect our new technical shirts. 

And here they are... 

The front

The back

with our names and hometown on the sleeves.. 

We also set up a facebook page so that we can share information of our running, future events and past events we have taken part in. Also, we were able to pull our event photos into one page! If anyone wants to check it out www.facebook.com/Riotrunnerskerry

This week, I also officially signed up for the Run Killarney Half marathon which takes place on the 18th July, so the next few weeks will see me put all my running efforts into getting ready for this 13.1 miles.
#Bringiton

Cork city marathon...DONE! #runninghappy

What a day! The day itself started early, my resident chauffeur John (my poor running harassed husband) drove Susan and I, toward Cork city Monday morning, we were meeting the girls at 8 a.m. To say the weather was not great would be to understate it, there was wind, rain and it was chilly.

As recommended by the race organisers, we like many others used the park and ride which meant we arrived into the city centre just across from the City Hall. I didn't take a picture of the facade of this grand building which was our base for much of the day, but its beautiful features added a touch of grandiose to our day...

We met the girls, Nicola had gone to the expo the day before to collect our numbers and goody bags.. I  had the wrist band which was to be handed off by each person when they had theirleg of the relay done.
Unfortunately, during the week Karen had to pull out due to an ongoing injury, which was beyond disappointing as being the only Cork woman among us, it was her hometown marathon. For a brief moment, I had palpitations about running 10 miles but Michelle quickly volunteered to run the second leg.
As it turned out one of the other relays also had someone who was unable to run and Anna was sequestered on to their team, Anna like me was running the first leg. As quickly as we all met up, we had to separate and head off into different directions, Michelle was the first to head off on a bus to wait at the Silversprings for me.. No Pressure!!
The rest of us:- Anna, Bernie, John, Susan, Tina and I headed across to Patrick St., where the marathon was to begin.

We're all smiles with nothing ran...

As we were stretching and warming up, Karen appeared!  It was so great to see her, as she had been on my mind as this was her home run and she had battled hard to get here. Bloody injury!!!  She was on double cheer squad duty as her brother was doing the full.
Well the time had come, there really was no way to put it off so Anna and I lined up. To be quiet honest it was the most relaxed and at ease that I felt at any start line. Soon enough we were off...

Down Patrick Street we went, with the cheers of our little group ringing in our ears across Grand parade and up the South Mall, there were people cheering everywhere. The support really was amazing, I knew our group were heading for coffee and something to eat so when I heard our names called, I was a bit startled  it was Pat, Brenda's husband. It really does give you a buzz..
At this stage were moving along nicely, but I knew from the feel of my legs I couldn't keep up that pace continually (Someday, but today wasn't that day...). As, we passed the first mile mark and were about to cross the River Lee, the rain started.
We were chatting away, we turned on to the Watercourse road towards Blackpool..

 Running on...(Can you spot us??) photo by Derek Costello

We ran on, I got a bit of a stitch so tried to keep to the left. I slowed, walked and pushed on.. We passed Heineken, around little streets, people cheering us on, the Gardai came out of the local station to cheer us on. It was great to have Anna beside me, especially when she could have been long gone but the day was about supporting each other and Brenda's Mercy Challenge. The miles were flying by, I had a small bottle with me as is my habit, so I didn't make use of the water stations. I had a little moan to Anna as the rain fell and we hit the wind, I couldn't imagine running on for 20 something miles.. But thousands did with smiles on their faces, amazing..,
As we hit the quays, I looked around, there were a few ships moored. I noted the Odlums building which I hadn't taken any notice of before. In my opinion, the second last mile is always tough your nearly there but your not. We could see the route ahead of us, I felt myself slowing, I walked a bit but I said a quick prayer to St. Sebastian (The patron saint of runners) and we ran on. I was acutely aware that Michelle was waiting in the rain for me. Just before we arrived at the relay changeover, we had to run up a bit of a hill. As we came into the changeover, Anna met her next runner, I couldn't see Michelle for a while and then she was there. I gave her the bracelet there was no chat and she was off.
Woohooo!!!!! I was done!!! I looked at watch  I had run at a good consistent pace. Anna and myself did a little dance, the man beside us was smiling.. From the excitement of my dance you'd imagine I had finished a full marathon in record time.. but it was my own little achievement.

Smiles from START to FINISH... 

I have to say a big thanks to Anna who ran with me (especially as she is way faster than me), she made the experience of running in a big marathon all the more better.. you're a star!!!
There were buses to take us back to city hall but we like many others chose to walk back in to City Hall, which helped us stretch our legs.

We reached City Hall and the cheer squad went into full support mode, 'Quick change out of those wet clothes' said Tina, John had two hot coffees waiting. Coffee is there anything better? We changed into dry clothes and warmed up. Susan  was able to walk to her changeover in Victoria Rd, Michelle who was finished was coming back to City Hall on a bus. So, Tina and John waited for Michelle,  Anna and I headed with Susan to see her off and meet Nicola.

Time for another photo..

We waited, it was cold and it was wet. Worse since I had ran. At this stage the half marathons had begun, so the field of runners passing was quiet large. Brenda passed smiling she looked really well for someone doing their 4th marathon in as many months.. Then there was Nicola and so we sent Susan on her way. Meanwhile, back at HQ Michelle had arrived

Soon, we were all changed and in need of some much needed sustenance..Our cheer squad had a hankering for sausages.. Coffee got, sausage got, the phone rang Susan had handed off to Bernie. So we headed to find a spot near the finish line which was quite difficult and then with the volume of umbrellas up, we strained to see. The rain was really coming down, we were all once again damp..

Then

we saw Bernie heading down Patrick St and across the finish line..

We had battled our minds, the wind and the rain to run it in a very acceptable time of 4:11.

"Alone we can do a little, together we can do so much".. Helen Keller

There were a few other relay teams running who were also  #running4pat, supporting Brenda and the Mercy foundation, everyone did a fantastic job. To read about Brenda's experience of the day you can read brendasmercymarathonchallenge.blogspot.com.

Big kudos go to our cheer squad, they did a great  job!

What do you need? I have it covered!

We were out in the park running on Tuesday. I took my new tech t-shirt for a run. Now its time to turn my attention to the Run Killarney Half Marathon, fun times ahead!!

The run on Monday was about getting our leg of the run done, it was also about supporting each other, pushing each other to our best, laughing together as the rain dripped into our eyes , carrying each others bags, raising funds for a truly worthy cause, friendship -  I am so very proud to know and be part of this amazing group of women.

New t-shirt!!!

#Runninghappy

As you all know, we like a bit of bling in our group, so the lure of the Lakes of Killarney marathon medal and tech shirt was too much for a few of us... And so, last weekend Anna, Bernie and Tina ran the marathon relay, the rest of us met up to do a run at a slightly more relaxed pace and personally, I wanted to put in a bit of mileage before Cork.  

Michelle, Karen, Mags (who was back running with us ) and myself  did our run, had coffee and cheered on the girls.. 

Eat my dust..

I'm gonna gotcha!!!

Running with a view....

They were running well, so well they, won it... WOOHOO!!!! 

Finishing strong...

 Obviously, the support and cheering was a factor in the win..hahaha!! How proud were we? Very!

The last few days have been fairly miserable weather wise, on Monday it was just myself and Bernie although it had been wet during the day, the Sun came out for a while. We are totally hardcore!!! There was just one light rain shower and it was fairly warm. I ran a good 5 miles. Of course, Bernie ran a few miles more. Tuesday, I managed to get out for a quick 3 miles but wasn't as lucky weather wise as the rain and the wind did appear. Running into the wind is no fun!!! Heading into the weekend the weather is set to improve which means we'll all be out in the park... 

What did  I do before I started running? What did I do in the evenings and at the weekend? Now I get antsy if a day or two go by without a run. 

And so, each week I run it is all about this hashgtag #Runninghappy

#Feelingsomepressure..

It is easy for habits to form, for routines to become established, over the last few months I have been going to my TRX classes and doing the HIIT with Eric at Belief-fit and I am really feeling the benefits of it. In fact as tough as they are and on some occasions choice words pop in to my head to describe Eric, Josie or Stephen, I love how strong I feel, how my running has improved as result of the weight loss and more importantly for all runners, my core stability.
This really hit home last week, when I reached one of my running goals for the year!! A new 10K PB, which to many would be shockingly slow but not me!! I was beaming as I pressed save on my Garmin..
A lot can change in a week or two, when I last checked in the girls were a week out from the Limerick Marathon. Last Sunday, Susan, John and I headed to Limerick, to cheer on and offer what support we could to the girls.. On the day, the rain came in showers rather than as a constant, it didn't affect my enjoyment although I couldn't answer or all those who had to run in damp clothes. We missed the start but caught up with Anna and Bernie, as we made our way to the 3rd relay point..(The 2nd relay point was too far out for us to reach). We all met up with Tina at Johns Square. We cheered on the runners as they came by as we waited for Anna to take the baton from Michelle.. It wasn't long until the baton was passed. Next stop Bernie's relay point and as we waited a DJ was playing music which added to the festive atmosphere.. As Bernie headed off with Brenda, the girls headed to there next point, they would all finish the final 500m or so together. We headed toward the finish line, to find a good spot where we could see them.
I always find the finish line of a run quiet emotional, it can bring a lump to my throat. It is amazing all the people who cross the line, to think of the time, energy, effort and determination it took each of them to reach that point.
When we saw the girls and Brenda heading up O'Connell Street, it was so exciting, they had done it...Woohooo!!!!

Captured on film..(Beware the shouting!!)

We went up to congratulate them and look at the bling..

Big Smiles..

How in awe of these ladies am I, they have been an inspiration to me for a long time!

To read how Brenda got on during the marathon you can read her account at brendasmercymarathonchallenge.blogspot.ie.

So next is the Cork city marathon on 1st June, the full for Brenda and a leg of the relay for me, between now and then, I will have to put in a few more miles!! In Cork, there will be a few relays #supportingbrenda on her 12 marathon in 8 months challenge. I hope our relay finishes with smiles as wide as the girls...

As I am writing this, the rain is torrential, hopefully the rest of May will not be too wet. It makes it a bit harder to motivate yourself to get out although sometimes a run in the rain is refreshing... But now as I think about it the damp/wet clothes after you finish is one of the most unpleasant feelings, I can feel the chill!!!
To be honest unlike my last post, I am #feelingsomepressure..

#feelingnopressure...

Just checking in.. The weather has been great for getting out for a run. Blue skies, a rainbow of colours and shorts have been common sights so the rain of the past few days has been quite a shock to the system. Although, we have had a rain,  it has been very humid which if your like me just means more washing as I sweat a lot.. #Sweatybetty could be my middle name.
When we decided to do the marathon relays with Brenda, May and June seemed along way off but here we are a week before :- Anna, Bernie, Michelle and Tina do the Limerick Marathon. I get to be photographer and cheerleader for this one..  Thankfully, Bernie has recovered from her illness and is out running once more. Everyone has been taking advantage of the good weather, putting in the mileage.. Trying out new routes and adding miles onto old ones. Over the last few weeks, I have hit a few Pb's along the way which has been exciting and means that I must be doing something right..
Out in the park yesterday, it was very humid. I enjoyed the run as a whole but like all things there are moments when I wasn't too enamoured with it especially around miles 3/4 at I just felt tired. But the thought of the coffee at the end of the run spurred me on..

This day next week the girls will have their bling collected and Brenda will have marathon no.3 done..

And then, next up will be the Cork city marathon relay  #feelingnopressure..hahaha!!!!

Yes! I can..

I really have to get back into writing this blog more regularly as I feel I am forgetting stories, little anecdotes that  I could be sharing.

In my last post I said I had found my groove and it seems to have continued, I can genuinely say at the moment, I really enjoy when I run. I love feeling my muscles moving.. Muscles, yes I have found one or two and I am beginning to find more and most importantly, I am using them. In fact, so content was I one day when out for a run, I ran into a large bush/small tree. Clumsy could be my middle name...

The weather has generally been quite good there have been a few wet days but I choose not to dwell on those. The good weather has added to the pleasure of being out in the National Park .

#runningviews 

Blue sky running days are the best..

The longer evenings have been great, it means there are so many more routes available to run, you're not limited to running around the town under light..
Our group has been a bit depleted this month due to injury, illness and travel.. But whoever is around runs, sometimes this month our group has just been a pair. But when you run with someone they urge and push you forwards when that voice says 'No, no I'm done'.. When you are on your own it's easy to give up..
And then sometimes it's good to run alone, sadly my dog died this month he was old but it was sad to have to say goodbye, that evening I went for a run in the park  it was a run not about pace or mileage, it was about clearing my head..

This past weekend was Easter. The weather was beautiful. On Easter Sunday, I headed to Banna which is in North Kerry, to run in the Maurice Collins Memorial 4 mile run which was raising money for Kerry/Cork link bus,  and was organised by Bernie. The day was a real #blueskyday..
As we pulled into the car park, Tina was pulling up beside us, as we got out of the car you could feel there was a bit of a nip in the air but it was early morning and we were beside the coast. Over cross the field we all went to register, Bernie was there, telling me there was Nooo hills, having heard her say this on more than one occasion, I was slightly dubious.. Of course we then headed to the bathrooms for what can only be described as the 'nervous pee'. As we waited Brenda arrived, she was looking well especially as she is facing in to her second of twelve marathons this weekend  in Connemara, to follow her marathons-brendsasmercymarathonchallenge.blogspot.com

Waiting to start...Courtesy of Angela Stack Photography

We headed to start line, did a few stretches and then Bernie gave us a quick pep talk and then we were off... I tried to run a nice steady pace, Bernie gave a shout out as I passed. On to the main road, it was a nice straight stretch, there were two girls in front of me I tried to keep pace with them. The morning was just lovely, it wasn't humid and there was a bit of a breeze, I had as usual worn a t-shirt, so there would be no overheating for me. Some of the girls had long sleeve tops on and it was just too warm for that.. As we turned left, the route slightly inclined but it also stretched out in front of you, so I could see the road ahead which can be daunting,, I decided to concentrate on the runners in front of me, playing that game were you pass the same runner a few times because as you slow they pass and then you speed up and pass them. I could see it ahead of me, I would call it a hill, no matter what others say.. Deep breath one foot in front of the other, slow down, walk, keep moving, run.. Hill done! Woohoo!!  The view was just stunning you could see out across the ocean, I wish I had taken a photo but I didn't, next time..
I had passed my two runners which I must confess gave me a bit of a buzz. But there had to be some drama, as I headed into the last mile, I got a stitch on my right side, I stretched slowed down, walked, kept running, stretched AHHHHHHH!!! Frustrating, deep breath, suck it up, run on.. I could now hear the finish I kept moving, I saw my dad, Brenda and Tina but more importantly I saw Bernie at the finish line, I was done! I was given a welcome Capri-sun and my medal, more Bling #loveit..

Blinged up... Brenda, Me, My mum, Tina and Susan

Bernie on duty

I also achieved a 4 mile PB! After taking our photos, we headed for a welcome coffee. I really can't wait to go back next year, it was a lovely route, well organised (not biased!!),amazing running views and a worthy cause. I finished my trip to Banna by putting my feet in to the icy salt waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Heavenly..

Banna Strand..

So already this month a PB, plan for the rest of month is to be enjoy each run and the company I run with. The girls are running their marathon relay next bank holiday in Limerick so there will be plenty of running to do in between and I will make a bigger effort to share more of these running tales...

In January I made a concerted effort to reduce my body mass as it was reaching epic proportions, I also needed to improve my core stability which all combined would improve my running, big thanks go to Belief-fit, Killarney and the R.I.O.T. girls. Below is a picture which shows how the effort is going...

So yes, it's tough, in fact it's bloody hard work, but you know what ???
yes! I can do it and yes I will..