BY LINDA SWEENEY: Just an update for all the Donegal Daily fans who voted for me to be the Donegal Spartan.
Our latest adventure was the Frank Duffy 10 mile race in Phoenix Park on the 25th of August. There were more than 6,000 people at the race so there was a great atmosphere and buzz around the place.
I had a wisdom tooth removed the Thursday before the race. I really thought I would not be able to run the race but I decided I would go to Dublin anyway as we had a meeting after the race. I decided to go and cheer on the other Spartans but I took my running gear just in case! I had another sleepless night in Dublin and was unable to eat anything apart from a yogurt. I was advised not to run the race in case my gum bled.
On the morning of the race I decided seeing as I was in Dublin I would attempt to run or at least walk part of the race. I managed to eat half a bowl of cereal and head for Phoenix Park. I wanted to complete the 10miles in 1hr 45mins but I thought with the lack of sleep and my gum throbbing that this was an unachievable target. I decided I would run 5 mile and walk the other 5. When I started the race I was really tired and sore but I had made my mind up that I would run 5mile no matter what. To my surprise after about 2miles I felt great and was really enjoying the run. I completed the race in 1hr 44mins and I beat my target so I was delighted!
After the race we had a meeting in The Clarion Hotel with Karl Henry, Paula Mee and Eimear Walsh. They explained to us that the next 6-8 weeks will be the toughest part of the training programme. The miles are on the increase and we have to make sure we are putting the right fuel in our bodies.
I have started training with Letterkenny Athletic Club on a Tuesday and Thursday night. We meet at the Aura at 6:15. These training sessions are led by Teresa McDaid and they are fantastic. Teresa changes the sessions and locations every week so they are always a challenge. I was a bit apprehensive about joining a club with many elite runners but it is the best thing I did. Each and every one of them are friendly, welcoming and encouraging and I have gained invaluable information from all of them. These sessions will be running all year so I would advise anyone who has any interest in running to join them as I noticed an improvement in my pace after a fortnight and the tips you get from experienced runners are invaluable.
This weekend I have to do a 16 mile run. I am going to do the Waterside Half Marathon in Derry. I will do two miles as a warm up and a mile at the end to bring it up to 16 miles. The following Saturday, the 15th of September the Spartans and I will be participating in the Dublin Half Marathon in Phoenix Park. The next race after that will be the big one the Dublin City Marathon!
I am raising money for MS Donegal Branch and the North West Cancer Group. I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me so far. I have set up a bank account for Sponsorship and I will issue a bank draft to the two charities after the marathon. If anyone is interested in sponsoring me for these worthy charities please email me and i will give you the bank a/c details. Also if anyone is willing to take a sponsorship card to their home/workplace please contact me and I will send one onto you. Any donation is greatly appreciated.You can email me on lindabrennan21@yahoo.ie
