Well, what a downer cycling to work in the rain after that beautiful weather yesterday, as well as the great crowds, support and atmosphere in Dublin city after the Women's Mini-marathon. Nothing like the Irish weather to bring you back down to earth with a bang!!
So, did anyone do the mini-marathon in Dublin? Or the half- or full-distance marathons in Cork? How about TriAthy with Mr. Jenson Button who apparently is a keen triathlete and just 'shows up' if there's one on where he happens to be? Who knew!?
If you did take part in an event over the weekend you should set yourself another goal now so as to maintain the momentum you felt beforehand. If you DIDN'T do any of the events (like me!), but feel inspired (like me!) to sign up for something, I have outlined below a few events coming up.
Remember, if you can run 10 km, the likelihood is that you can run further, longer, faster, better - you just don't know yet! Check out some of the links below and try the next level.
- Beautiful Donadea in Kildare is hosting a series of races this summer. I did a 10km forest run here last winter and although this series isn't organised in conjunction with that event, the forest is stunning and I would strongly recommend it. I found the terrain - for beginners on trail - a bit of a challenge, but it was very enjoyable. All info for entering is here and races are as follows:
- 5km on June 9
- 8km on July 7
- 10 on August 18.
- There is a 5km race in aid of Foróige in Blanchardstown on June 10. This is a great cause and a nice distance for people who might still be dipping the toe when it comes to running. There are cash prizes if you do fancy yourself in the top three and goodie bags for all participants. Very handy if you're in west Dublin too. You can get more info or enter online here.
- Kilbride GFC are organising two road races (5km and 10km) on Tuesday June 19. This could be a lovely run through country roads, especially if the weather is nice. If anyone wants to give me a lift, I might to do it myself! Look here for more details. Juveniles and vets welcome here with prizes for top runners in all categories.
- The Docklands Authority is holding the second in its series this summer on June 19 as well. I did this run before and found it very frustrating as it was really badly organised - runners, joggers, walkers, people with dogs, buggies, etc. all in a free-for-all. It is always nice to run through closed-off streets in your hometown though, so check the site out if you're interested.
- The inaugural Dublin 5km Pride Run takes place at 7.30pm Friday June 22 in the Phoenix Park. The Park is one of my favourite places in Dublin to run - the scenery is amazing no matter what time of year. I am fortunate enough to live very close, but unfortunately I won't be in Dublin that weekend. I would really like to take part for several reasons, not least of which because it is in aid of The National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Good luck to the organisers in its first (of many!) year.
If those events are two short or don't tie in with your goals, why not try out the Dublin Marathon 2012 Race Series. This consists of four runs as listed below. I have taken part in these runs before and it is the best-organised event I have ever run in. If you are brave enough to be considering the Dublin Marathon (Monday October 29), it is also a great way to train and build up gradually to the full distance. I'll hopefully see you for the half-marathon! :-D
- 5 mile: June 30
- Fingal 10km: July 22
- 10 mile: August 25
- Half Marathon: September 15.
If anyone has any other ideas of fun runs or more serious events that they are planning to participate in or would like to recommend, please leave information in a comment below.
