29 November 2015

To complete 25 Marathons - Moira story

St.Brendan’s AC members share their personal stories and different experiences of getting fit and embracing new challenges in recent years.

To complete 25 Marathons - Moira story

In 2010 I decided that I needed to get fitter and started cycling as it was a different exercise than the walking of which I was doing plenty of, having spent many years on the golf courses.  My initial goal, which I successfully completed, was to complete the 2010 Ring of Kerry Cycle. My usual training routine at this time was to incorporate a cycle at 6 a.m. and before the busy day would commence. 



In October of that year an e-mail was sent by Marcus Howlett to staff and students of the IT Tralee (where I work as Full time Clerical Officer) looking for novice runners to train for the 2011 Great Limerick Run.  Having considered doing a bit of running I joined the group and along with other members, the Born To Run Tralee Marathon Club was established.  Over the following months I completed the necessary training runs under Marcus’s expertise, guidance and patience, and ran my first full marathon in Limerick 2011.  All this would not have been possible without the support that I got from my twin sister, Monica who looked after the boys for me on Saturday mornings when the mileage was increasing.  Other training runs were held during my lunch hour at work.


After I crossed that finish line in Limerick I was hooked on running marathons and decided to join Marathon Club Ireland and have since set my new goal of completing 25 marathons.  Marathon Club Ireland was formed in November 2010 to encourage all aspects of marathon running in Ireland, from participation to organisation. They are a group of like-minded individuals who complete 26.2 mile races for fun, for a sense of achievement and mostly in a quest to complete 100 marathons, or more.

Running on to 2015,  and having completed 17 full marathons to date, my first marathon is the one I  have enjoyed the most, not only for the camaraderie with my work colleagues and students, but also for the sense of personal achievement (and relief!) that I got when I crossed that finish line.


In November 2014 after my son Aaron joined St. Brendan’s AC, I was approached by Ursula to help out at the weekly club training sessions with the younger children with Head Coach Artur. Since then Kevin has also joined the weekly sessions and now my personal enjoyment is running with my two boys, who were definitely “Born to Run”.  
Aaron is a very active member of the Club and has represented the club in Track and Field events and Cross Country running at both County and Munster Levels.  It is brilliant to see that the next generation is enjoying a sport that has massive benefits for them in their lives.  Both boys also enjoy playing Soccer, Football, Golf and Swimming.

To assist with my running, I have joined the Strength and Conditioning class on Tuesday evenings in Ardfert Community Centre. After the initial first week of pain and finding muscles that I hadn’t worked before, these sessions are now enjoyable and I have made new friendships.
Ultimately I would love to be able to train more. I enjoy running and especially when on my own as it is my head space and “me” time.  However, with family life, my free time is limited.  My training runs are still held during my lunch hour at work, running after the boys and on occasions during the boy’s activities.
My achievements to date includes 17 Marathons (including one back to back), Half on the Head and Ballybunion Half Marathons, Ring of Kerry Cycles (2010, 2011 and 2013), Ring of Beara Cycle (140 km in 2015) along with numerous 5k and 10k runs.



My goals for the future is to complete 25 Marathons which will include the Tralee Ultra Marathon.
Everything is possible, so long as you believe in yourself. There are many obstacles / excuses that can come in the way, but the most important aspect that I found was finding something I really enjoyed as it makes it easier on the days when the body is saying one thing and the weather is telling me something else!!

Moira


More stories from St.Brendan's AC: Chapter 1 - Mags story

27 November 2015

Munster Indoor Combine Invents 2016

Munster Indoor Combine Invents 2016 will take place on Saturday, 2 January 2016 for Juveniles Boys U11-U16 and on Sunday, 3 January 2016 for Girls U11-U16.
Last year St.Brendan's AC was well represented and if anyone is interested going to this competition, please inform club secretary Moira 0877985557 or email: stbrendansac@gmail.com


We are planing few training session in Castleisland to cover all events:
- sprint
- hurdles (only U13 up)
- long jump
- high jump (only U12 up)
- shot putt (only U12 up)
- distance running (600m/800m)
If you need more informations, please contact Head Coach Artur Nowak at training session.
This is a great opportunity to try 4-5 events in one day (shot putt and long jump restricted to 3 attempts only).
Details of event for Boys on Saturday HERE and for Girls on Sunday HERE.

25 November 2015

Registration for 2016

Registration for 2016 will take place on Wednesday, 2 December 2015 in Ardfert Community Centre from 6pm to 7:30pm for Juveniles U9-U18, Seniors, Fit4Life.
Cost for 2016 is €30 for all members.
Discount of €10 per consecutive child in the same family.
Registration fee covers insurance with AAI, Kerry County Board affiliation fee and competitions entry fees. 
Registration forms will be available on the day.
Children  who are registering for the first time with the club must bring a copy of their birth cert.

Kids training T-shirts will be on sale for €8.
Details with sizes: SHOP

22 November 2015

Chapter 1 - Mags story


St.Brendan’s AC members share their personal stories and different experiences of getting fit and embracing new challenges in recent years.

Chapter 1 - Mags story

I am a mom of 2 and l work full time. My adventure with running began 3 years ago. l had always wished l could run but could never make the time  or find  the right motivation to get me started.

THE BEGINNING:
But for me that motivation came in the form of St.Brendan's AC, “Couch to 5K” Group!
I started with the “C25K”group in the Autumn of 2012 and together with our leaders we trained 3 times a week walking/running and increasing the run duration throughout the 8 week period.
We ran our first official 5K that December together as a group.
l will never forget that sense of achievement, closeness and sense of pride we felt as a group.
This was just the beginning, we continued our training 3 times weekly increasing our distance and varying the training from trail running (which l absolutely love), to mixed terrain- beach/speed work and easy-moderate runs. Nerves have turned to excitement with each run!


PRESENT:
l have taken part in many 5K, 10K, 10 miler and mini-marathons. This year we as a group challenged ourselves to Spin SW Sandstorm. All fantastic experiences!

Running keeps me fit and my mind healthy. l thrive on the buzz l get after a run!
l found training/running within a group to be very encouraging and positive. l have made and kept strong friendships through my running.
Being a good role model to my kids is important to me.

THE FUTURE:
My goal for the future is to enjoy every run and to encourage anybody who is thinking about beginning but doubting their ability to JUST GO FOR IT! l did and it has opened up a whole new friendly, healthy and happy world for me.

Mags

21 November 2015

Story time

Coming shortly to St. Brendan’s AC blog site:

Fit4Life members of the club share their personal stories and different experiences of getting fit and embracing new challenges in recent years.

We would like to hear from any of our club members – current and past – who would like to share their experiences with the public. Please contact us on stbrendansac@gmail.com or via Facebook page StBrendans-AC-Ardfert

16 November 2015

Round up of November 2015 results

1 November 2015 - TCS New York Marathon
Derek Griffin - 2:52:49 (new club record)

7 November 2015 - Parkrun Tralee no.41
Zach Walshe (1st in age category), Yvonne Quill
Full results HERE.


14 November 2015 - Kerry Crusaders Half Marathon & 10K, Listowel
Half Marathon: Margaret Carlin, Pat Sheehy (both winners of the age category prizes)
10K: Catherine Burke, Irene Butler




14 November 2015 - MCI Marathon, Sixmilebridge
Cathy Quilter - 4:08Full results HERE.

Full results HERE.

14 November 2015 - Parkrun Tralee no.42
Paudie Dineen - first time in Parkrun
Full results HERE.

15 November 2015 - Eddie Murphy's Marathon, Sixmilebridge
Margaret Carlin - 3:49 (Female winner - Sunday)
Cathy Quilter - 4:12 (Female winner of Back 2 Back marathons - Saturday & Sunday)
Full results HERE.

15 November 2015 - Run The Gauntlet HM, Gap of Dunloe
Derek Griffin - 1:21 (1st)

Full results HERE.

09 November 2015

Munster Juvenile Uneven Ages Championships 2015

Munster Juvenile Uneven Ages Championships took place in Beaufort on Sunday, 8 November 2015.
St.Brendan's AC had 2 young athletes in Boys U9 category and both boys place in top half of the field with Aaron Horgan finishing in 21st place (2nd Kerry runner) and Zach Walshe in 39th place (7th Kerry runner).

Well done to both competitors on great performance in they first Munster Cross Country competition in very challenging conditions. 
Full results HERE.

03 November 2015

Indoor Juvenile training

Indoor Juvenile training resumes on Wednesday, 4th November 2015 in Ardfert Community Centre:
U8-U9     from 6pm - 7pm
U10-U12 from 7pm - 8pm
Cost per session is €2.

Training for U13 - U18 continuing on:
Tuesdays from 6:45pm - 7:45pm in Ardfert Community Centre and on 
Thursdays from 7pm - 8:15pm in Ardfert Community Centre. 
Cost per week for this sessions is €2.