A late starter - Kirstie's story
Getting started
I took up
running in early 2012 (at the age of 40) having set myself the goal of doing
the Dingle half marathon later in the year.
I was
motivated into doing this having been a spectator at Dingle Marathon the previous year.
I was curious to find out how people could run 13.1 miles or 26.2 miles and
still be smiling afterwards. I really had no clue how long it would take to run
these distances but it’s fair to say that I was well impressed by anyone taking
on the challenge.
I don’t think anyone really believed me when I
said that I was going to take up running. You see, I have never been a sporty
person. I don’t have an athletic build and I can honestly say that other than
running around the school yard in primary school, I had never actively participated
in sports. It really was starting from
scratch for me.
The training plan
Training
consisted of doing a couple of runs per week – usually a short run during the
week and a longer run at weekends. It wasn't easy and I really had to persevere, starting off with gentle jog/walk and then building up over time. As the mother of 3 children (current age 11,
8 and 5) and working part time, it was not possible to commit more time to
training as the needs of my kids had to come first. I wasn’t going to be
setting any world records for speed but for me it was all about finishing.
On Easter
Saturday 2012 I completed the Ballybunion 10k. It was a mixture of walking and
running for me, and I was so proud when I finished it. After this I set myself
the target of completing the inaugural Ballyheigue “Half on the Head” half
marathon which took place in July. Bearing in mind I had only started running
in March of that year, I was probably a little over ambitious to be attempting
13.1 miles, but I managed to finish in
one piece and I spent the rest of the day in bed, exhausted but delighted with
myself. I felt that I was definitely well set up for Dingle later in the year.
However, when I finished the Dingle half, and saw those running the full
Marathon coming back into Dingle town, I decided that I would have to do the full
the following year.
It’s fair to
say that at that point I had become hooked on the adrenalin rush that
accompanies finishing a road race.
Achievements
To date I
have completed 5 full marathons, 8 half marathons, a number of 10 milers, 10k’s
and 5k’s. I even managed to take on a
full marathon with just 3 hours notice as part of a relay team for the Hardman Triathlon in Killarney in August – something I would never have dreamed possible a couple
of years ago.
My training
still consists of two or three training sessions per week though in winter this
dwindles down to one running session (if I'm lucky) and one strength and conditioning session
which I do with the St.Brendan’s AC Fit4Life group. Again, the needs of my children will always
come first and running takes second place while they have their after school
activities to attend. I complete all my
long distance training runs on my own which gives me great head space and I
honestly say that I enjoy my own company on those 3 hour runs. I sort out all
kinds of problems and plan the meals for the week ahead.
St Brendan’s AC Fit4Life
The biggest
fun of all was competing as part of a team in the relay at the annual Masters
county track & field events – and winning a county silver medal for this! As
a group we always have good fun at all the events we attend which demonstrates
that having fun is a key part for many
of the more mature runners who have taken up running later in life. During the summer months we enjoy trail
running as a group and I thoroughly enjoy this experience too, though it is
definitely a lot more challenging than road running. The members of the club are friendly and
supportive and we enjoy a number of social gatherings during the year too where
we all manage to let our hair down.
I have also
gained a better understanding of what the kids who are members of the club go
through. My two daughters are active members of St Brendan’s AC and while they
make it look so easy doing the long jump, throwing the shot putt and running, I
now know that this isn’t so easy.
For anyone
thinking about joining a club but feeling that they might not be “good enough”,
I would say that there are all levels of ability in St Brendan’s AC and that
everyone is made to feel welcome and included.
Branching into other events
How running has benefited me
The support
from fellow runners and from members of the public is always encouraging and
where once I would have been anxious about looking foolish if I was last, I now
realise that participating and hopefully finishing is the most important part of any
event. I believe that it is important to instil this in our children too.
I have also
made new friends with members of St Brendan’s AC and members of other clubs.
Indeed fellow runner from Farranfore/MV AC, Pauline has pulled me through a
couple of tough 10milers!
I do think
that it is important to have a good sense of humour and I learned early on not
to take any of the races too seriously and just enjoy them.
Goals
My goals for
the future are pretty much the same as now. Until my children are older, I know
that I can only commit so much time to training although I am getting smarter
in my training and remain realistic about what I can achieve.
For anyone
reading this that is considering taking up running but is doubtful of their
ability, I can safely say that I took up running with no previous experience. I
haven’t been able to dedicate huge amounts of time to running but I feel fit
and healthy and happy with what I have achieved to date.
If you are
thinking about it, I’d say stop the thinking and take the plunge. You can only
learn what you are capable of by trying it first.
Kirstie
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