Shannon Airport Runway Night Run 5K

Hi Everyone!

(Departure Hall before the race)

On Friday night/Saturday morning we took part in a wonderful event, the Shannon Airport Runway Night Run 5K. YES we actually ran on the runway! The event is in its second year and to say that they have received great support is an understatement. Last year 1200 participants ran the runway and this year over 2000 places were allocate and within days all places were taken. The tickets were like golddust. Luckily I had kept an eye on the facebook page and was able to register straightaway. I have since met a number of people who were too late to get a place and had to put their names on the waiting list but because of the demand they were unable to get a place in the run. The event, sponsored by Bank of Ireland and raised funds for 2 charities: TLC4CF (Tipperary Limerick Clare for Cystic Fibrosis) and Milford Care Centre.

(Updating Facebook before the race!!!!)

The race check-in took place from 9pmand closed at 11.30pm. We arrived to the airport at 10.30pm and the only way that I can describe the atmosphere is "Electric". Mr Motivator Richie Clifford's voice could be heard motivating everyone over the PA system as he started the warm up at 10.30pm. The place was hopping, you could feel the excitement in the air. It felt strange to be at the airport to run and not to be heading off on a plane to somewhere exotic!

 (On the Runway before the off)

At 11.45pm the Shannon Airport CEO gave a brief speech, mentioning to us that we should NOT bring anything loose onto the runway as it expecting a flight to land at 3.30am that morning so the runway needed to be clean from any type of debris. He also asked that everyone give 1 minute silence in rememberance of the tragic students who lost their lives in Berkley earlier in the week. At 11.55 we were led onto the Runway by security staff and volunteers. We then lined up and waited for the flair to be lit at 12.00 and away we went, down the longest runway in Europe.

(A view of Shannon Aerospace from the Runway)

It took a minute or so for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Even though we were all wearing bright yellow tshirts and the runway was lit with flood lights, it was still very dark so care was needed. Some people had even brought torches to wear on their heads! It was a bit strange for the first 1K because the runway is so wide and there was just a sea of yellow tshirts. Once we rounded the first corner, on to the long straight past Shannon Aerospace, it began to level out and I settled into the run.

The night was quite humid and slightly cool but not uncomfortable. It felt so strange to be running on the runway. You tend to see it all so differently when you are sitting in a plane. It all seemed so much bigger, even in the darknessThe  Airport Fire Brigades were out with flood lighting attached to their trucks. At ever few yards there was a stewart so we were never in doubt of the route to be taken. As I was half way around I could see the front runners reaching the finish line. If I was to pull a negative from the race this would be one. The runway is so long and flat that you can see everything so it can be difficult to see everyone else reaching the finish line before you, but I tried to get rid of any negative thoughts and just enjoy the run.

(The flood lit fire brigades)

As we rounded the second last corner, at the 4k marker, it started to lightly drizzle as we ran into the wind. This was the perfect way to finish the race, well for me anyway. It was so refreshing. Richie Clifford was cheering us all on at the finish line and I couldn’t help but smile because I felt that I had done well and as it turned out I did! I said at the start that I wanted to finish the race in under 35 mins and I did. My official time was 32.46 mins so I am delighted! My training hasn’t been the best lately and I had gotten lazy, mainly because I had not signed up for any more runs and had not pushed myself to train. I felt like I had lost my motivation but running in the 5K down the runway really gave me the lift that I needed. I felt great afterwards and that’s the feeling that I had missed by letting my running slip. I'm delighted with my performance and I cant wait for Wednesday, for the Exclusive Run 5K series Race 2 in Craggaunowen. I hope to see some of you there!

(All smiles before the race)

I have to say a big thank you and well done to all involved in such a great event. From the minute we reached the airport until we left there was stewarts and volunteers clearly visible, directing traffic, answering questions and just generally helping anyone that needed it. It was a very well organised event and was thoroughly enjoyable. I also need to make special mention to my mother and sister who walked the 5K. Well done ladies (and thanks for taking so many photos for me!).

Friday night/Saturday morning

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow

Instagram: @deeglamglow

Facebook:www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

My Bedtime Tunezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Hi Everyone

Since moving our little man into his own room we've been blessed with a couple more hours sleep each night. With both of us working full time it has been hugely welcomed. Going into work sleep deprived is not the nicest feeling and it's also not very productive.

I've always been a light sleeper and find it very difficult to relax or "switch off" before bed. As a result I often find it difficult to drift off to sleep and having a baby ment that it became even harder. Any little noise is enough to send my mind racing and keep me awake for hours.

Having a comfy bed is key to a good night sleep. We have a memory foam mattress, like Casper, and it's so comfy. It does help when I listen to certain songs before bed to help me relax. I'm a sucker for a good rock ballad. Here is my top ten rock ballads to relax to:

Long Long Way To Go - Def Leopard

Romeo & Juliet - Dire Straits

Jealous Guy - Roxy Music

For Your Love - Jessica Simpson

Love Bites - Def Leopard

Heaven - Bryan Adams

Always - Bon Jovi

Brothers In Arms - Dire Straits

I Want It All - Queen

Listen To Your Heart - Roxette

For Aiden songs don't work as well as sounds! Here are his top 10 sleep sounds:

Thunderstorm

Lightening Storm

Howling Wind

Heavy Rain

Portable Fan

Hairdryer

Vacuum

Dripping water

Ocean with Crashing Waves

Beach Noise

What are your favourite songs or sounds to help you to relax before bed?

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow

Instagram: @deeglamglow

Facebook:www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

Long Term Goal Check-In

Hi Everyone!

Can you believe it's June already? Now that we're half way through the year I thought it was only right that I review my Long Term Goals. I originally posted them in January, link here, so I want to re-evaluate them and possibly set some new challenges for myself.

My 2015 goals are as follows:

• Run 10 miles by April
• Lose 2 stone by my sisters wedding in September
• Do 8 hill walks/mountain climbs

Running

 

 

 

Up until now I have been very good with the running. The reason for this is that I had set myself goals and signed up for different events so I knew that I had no choice but to train. The details of the runs that I have participated in, to date, are below:

• 31^st Jan 5K Lees Road Ennis (Run Clare Series)
• 1^st March 5 mile Quilty (Run Clare Series)
• 21^st March 10K Newmarket on Fergus
• 12^th April 10K Ennis (Run Clare Series)
• 4^th April 10K Quin
• 12^th April 10 Mile Kilnaboy (Run Clare Series)
• 3^rd May Half Marathon Great Limerick Run

 

Its only when I look at the above I realise that I have not ran in a competitive race for over a month! I'm extremely disappointed in myself. I didn't quite get to run the full 10 miles, due to illness, but I still completed the race running 1-2 miles and walking 1/2 mile. The only way to push myself now is to sign up for some more runs. So the below is what I have now lined up:

1.  19thJune - Runway Night Run Shannon Airport
2. 27th June - Clare People 10K Ennis  
3. 24th June - Craggaunowen (Exclusive Run 5 K Series)
4. 8th July - Bunratty (Exclusive Run 5 K Series
5. 18th July - Run Killarney 10K
6. 26th July - Broadford 8k
7. 2nd August - Milford 4 mile
8. Dromcollogher 4 mile TBC
9. 25th October - Limerick Mini Marathon

That's enough to get me back on track, I hope! I really enjoy the buzz that I get from running and I hate when I slack off so now I'm going to pull up my socks and get back to where I need to be!

Hill Walks/Mountain Climbs

 

 

 

As I have mentioned before I have been bitten by the climbing bug so this year I am aiming to complete 8 walks/climbs. The below is what we had planned for the year:

• Croagh Patrick 
• Galteemore
• Moylussa Co Clare
• Mullaghmore in The Burren
• Gortnacluhy Loop Broadford/Ashford Co Limerick
• An Gleann Beag Loop Broadford/Ashford Co Limerick
• Carrauntoohill Co Kerry

 

 

Below is the list of what I have completed:

·         Croagh patrick

·         Mullaghmore in The Burren

·         An Gleann Beag Loop Broadford/Ashford Co Limerick (4 times)

So having looked at what I have completed I'm not too upset but again I really do need to pull up my socks and get out walking. Climbing/walking is a great form of exercise. Its so great to be out in the fresh air, in particular when the weather is so nice. I love getting out in the evenings after work or early on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Its even better to walk with a group or even just a few people.

 

Weight

 

 Now this is my real bug bearer! I have recently started a new job so I am working slightly longer hours so its been difficult to get back into my routine. I will admit that my eating habits have been shocking. It was Colin's first birthday party last weekend and I ate enough cake and crappy foods to last me a lifetime.  I haven't lost any more weight. I'm still weighing around 12 stone (I don't really go on the scales much because I'm partly afraid to!). Ideally I'd like to get down to 10 stone 9lbs. That's my target weight and I have until Friday 11th of September to do it. That's the day that I will be a bridesmaid for my lovely sisters wedding so I want to look well.  New Long Term Goals So my new goals are: 

• Get my weight down to 10 stone 9lbs by 11th of September 2015
• Complete all 8 runs listed above and at least another 2
• Complete the 4 hill climbs/walks listed above, that I have not yet completed and complete a further 2
• Complete a Mud Run (I've heard so much about these and I'd love to try a 5K one to see how I do!)

That's it! I have a lot of work to do but I've gotten my MoJo back and I have made a promise to myself to complete all of my Long Term Goals. I will do a regularly check in to keep you all updated. I'd love to hear all about our goals and aims and hopefully you can join me on a run or walk/climb.


 

 

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow

Instagram: @deeglamglow

Facebook:www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

 

Someone Left The Tap On........

Hi everyone

It's 11 at night and everything has been done for the following morning. Lunches are made, showers have been taken, dinners have been eaten, cups of tea have been drank, baby has been bathed, fed and is comfortably down for the night. Off to bed we go and all is well.

Since moving Colin to his own room we've been getting much more sleep albeit instead of waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning, he's now waking up any time from 5.30 onwards. This is fine because at least it's a couple more hours of precious sleepy and we're not constantly jumping up in the middle of the night to see if he's ok. The monitor is switched on and he is there by my side if I need to check on him.

5.20am Colin wakes, he's wide awake, crying and he's hungry. My lovely husband decides to go and give Colin his bottle before settling him back again until 7.30am. So naturally Aiden has to go into the kitchen to get the bottle and that's when I hear the shouting. It's not exactly the wake up call that I was hoping for.

The shouting continues and through semi sleep I can hear "The kitchen is soaked". I half wondered if I was dreaming but then he kept saying it so naturally I had to get up to investigate. I go downstairs only to see the most horrible sight to be greeted by at 5.30am. The kitchen is FLOODED beyond belief - Yes flooded Aghhhhhhhhhhhhh.

It turns out that somebody (not naming any names but it wasn't me and it wasn't Colin so I wonder who that leaves!!!!!!!!) left the tap partly on, with the stopper still in the sink. It was horrific. We live in a small cottage and we don't have a dishwasher so the dishes are all washed in the sink, so naturally we use the sink quite a lot but this has never happened before.

There was 2 inches of water that all needed to be cleaned at 5.30am.  Eventually Colin finished his bottle and started whinging so I went in to change him and in the process I decided to go back up to bed, once I had Colin settled again, and leave himself cleaning the disaster area (although he did tell me to go back to bed and he would keep cleaning). Half an hour later Aiden arrives back up saying that it was all done.

We then sat there giving out about the laminate floor that is in the kitchen. I've never liked it but it was in the house when we bought it and the plan was that we would eventually extend out little cottage so we couldn't justify spending money on a new floor before then, for vanity purposes. That's the long term plan anyway, however our "lovely" laminate is even more horrible than before. The corners hav all lifted and it looks even worse than before. We're now stuck with the decision of whether to pull it up or just leave it until next year, when we start the extension.

Anyway some time after 6 we went back to sleep, knowing that we'd have to get up again at 7.30, it almost wasn't worth going back to sleep! All is now somewhat well again. My husband heads off to work at 8 and I go have my shower and get Colin up and then the drama starts AGAIN!

I go into the cupboard to get a cup for my tea and a bowl for my cereal when I'm faced with the sight of bowls, cups and plates filled to the brim with water. Not only that but the cutlery drawer was as bad and of course the cupboard under the sink! Every single thing was waterlogged and swimming in water! My head was ready to explode at that stage as I began to unload everything on to the floor.

So here am I cleaning out all of the presses only to realise that if I didn't abandon everything thst I would be late for work. I still had to get myself and Colin ready. I had to rush out the door leaving the HUGE mess behind me. Why did I have to go into work today! It killed me knowing that all of the mess was waiting for me when I got home. What a day!

I got home after work and that ugly laminate floor looked disgusting, corners lifted and the sides had warped. It just looked so dirty even though ironically, it was covered in water all night so it should be clean but no it's horrible. The house looked like a bomb had just landed. It took me 3 hours to get it all back to some shape of normality.

All day long I just kept thinking that while I was sleeping soundly last night, that stupid tap was dripping dripping dripping all night long, turning our house into a disaster zone. 

I suppose it could be worse and I am actually laughing at it now but it's just the nuisance of it all! Oh please let me win the lotto so that we can finally get the house looking exactly as we want.

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow

Instagram: @deeglamglow

Facebook:www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

From a Baby to a Little Boy | My Baby is turning 1

Hi Everyone!

Time really does fly doesn’t it? When I was pregnant everyone would say to me that the time would fly and it wont be long until the baby grows up. I honestly got so sick of hearing it that I used to switched off when people would say it to me. Seriously though every single person was right and every so often I have to stop and appreciate the present. Working full time makes this hard because I feel like we are constantly trying to prepare ourselves for the following day/week/month. I find that we are so preoccupied with what stage Colin is at and wondering when will he reach the next milestone that we often don't fully appreciate the stage that he is currently in. We often hear ourselves saying I wonder when he will smile or crawl or walk etc. I'm sure I am not the first person to say so though!

I have been getting a small bit nostalgic (And emotional, if I'm honest!) in recent weeks because my precious baby is turning 1 in two weeks time. He's not my baby anymore, he's my little boy. He is such a busy little man and wants to be stuck into everything and to be watching everything that’s going on. I cant take my eyes off him for a second but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Its amazing how fast they develop their personality and traits. Colin is such a happy little boy and it makes me smile whenever anyone says it to me. He really only ever gives out when there is something wrong so I know that I am blessed.

(Courtesy of Zazzle)

In the past year its hard to believe that I have given birth to this wonderful child, that we have fed, clothed and reared him. It all feels like its happening a bit too fast. I often think that I would love to go back to when he was a little baby, only a few weeks old, and appreciate when he was at that age a little more but of course I don’t have a time machine!

(Courtesy of Esty) 

I'm feeling a little strange and I don’t know why exactly. This time last year I was eagerly awaiting the birth of my baby. The anticipation and nerves, for what lay ahead, were so real and scary. I remember being afraid to go anywhere too far just in case I went into labor. I packed and unpacked my hospital bag daily, for fear of forgetting something. I had the baby room all ready for the baby's arrival. I remember feeling, all through my pregnancy, that I was having a boy and so many others felt that I was having a girl. We didn’t want to find out the gender as we wanted the surprise. It must have been the motherly instinct in me that I was right about the gender because I'm definitely not psychic!

We've watched him learn to smile, laugh, crawl, take his first few steps, eat solids, feed himself and so many other things. He's learned how to do so much in such a short space of time and its a joy to watch. I love when he makes a new sound or discovers that he can do something new, like climb the furniture! He gets so excited and it really makes my heart melt. 

1 year on and I'm sitting at a computer desk thinking about what Colin is doing in creche at the moment. Its strange to think that the first year of his life has passed, pretty smoothly, and we will soon be entering into his second year of his life. Time really does fly. I'm sure most mothers have this feeling when their child reaches a new milestone birthday and that I'm no different. I just feel that I'm going to blink and my little boy will be 18 and heading off travelling or bringing a partner home for the first time or learning how to drive. I have a sense of happiness, at the thought of him growing into such a healthy happy boy, but I also feel overwhelmed because he is growing so fast and I feel that I have taken some of the past year for granted. I know these feelings are only natural and I will get over them

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow
Instagram: @deeglamglow
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

I know I'm home when.... | #IrishBlogCollab

Hi everyone!

This post is bittersweet because it is the last in the #IrishBlogCollab. It's been a busy but great 9 weeks. It's hard to believe that it has been so long, the time has just flown by!

This weeks post is "I know I'm home when.....". I spent 2 years in Australia and although I loved it , I missed home quite a lot. It’s the little things from home that matter! I've put together a list of things that let me know I was home from my travels:

Rain - When we flew into Shannon it was raining, typical, but at the same time it felt normal and it felt like it should be when you arrive home from a hotter country.

Family - That feeling of walking through the arrivals door and seeing my family and Aiden's family (Who I had never met before, so it was a little intimidating !) for the first time in well over a year. Its hard to describe but the feeling or warmth and love was just amazing.

Home Comforts - When we initially got back home to Ireland we both had to move back in with our parents until we got jobs etc but it was lovely because we were both so well looked after. I remember arriving home and my mother told me to go upstairs and get ready for dinner, which I did. When I arrived into my room Mam had a Kinder Easter Egg waiting for me on my bed (we got home in May and it was a late Easter that year so she bought and kept me the Egg for me arrival home!!!). Not only that but she had little presents for me like perfume and creams. More of the home comforts include: Having my own wardrobe back and not living out of my suitcase, being only a short distance away from friends and family, a good shower (This might seem like a strange one but my parents have a power shower that feels like a massage on your back and I missed it so much!!!)

Food - Regardless of what country you visit, the food is never the same as at home. Everyday my mother would have the most amazing dinner ready and I know that I often took it for granted but it was so good of her! The food at home is familiar and its something that I missed so much.

Irishisms - You often forget the saying that we Irish say on a daily basis and its often only when we go away that we appreciate it. Some of these include "Sure it'll be grand", "Lovely weather we're having, lets hope it lasts", "Wheres our summer gone" or "Whats the craic?".

Silage - This might seem like a strange one but I really knew that I was home when I would see tractor after tractor passing up and down the road from morning to night drawing their silage. It’s a real sign that its summer in Ireland and that I was no longer in Australia!

Friendliness - One thing that the Irish are great for is saying "Hello" to everyone regardless of whether you know them or not. It was nice to walk down the street and have random strangers saying hello!

Tea and Chocolate - There is no where else in the world with Barry's tea and Cadburys chocolate like those found in Ireland. My family would often send packages of tea and chocolate over to us in Australia and it was the best so coming home to an endless supply of tea and chocolate was great. I'm a bit of a teaaholic (If that's even a word!!!)

Before I say goodbye I'd like to mention a lovely lady, Catherine Gallagher. Well done on organizing such a great initiative. I'm very new to the blogging world and I felt that this would be good for both me and my blog but at times I was insure if I would be able for it all. I got through it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was delighted to be included so thanks and well done Catherine. 

 

You can follow the other members of the #IrishBlogCollab by checking out their blogs (Listed Below) or by searching the hashtag on Twitter.

Catherine of Breathing Silver Linings
Cat of Mentally Beautiful
Lara of The Love Song of Fashion
Maeve of Thrift O'Clock
Marie of The Beaut mum
Sharon of Behind Green Eyes
Zoe of I Believe In Romeo

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow

Instagram: @deeglamglow

Facebook:www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

#whatsinmybag | My Makeup & Handbag Contents

Hi everyone!

Two lovely fellow bloggers, Sara from Where is My Mind? and Danielle from Liliwhiterose, asked two questions:

"What's in your handbag?"

"What's in your makeup bag?"

I decided I would show you what's in my handbag and makeup bag!

#whatsinmybag | Handbag

I'm very boring really! Normally my bag is loaded with everything from receipts to umbrellas to shopping bags and everything in between but for a change my handbag is nice and tidy. I change my handbag regularly too because I have so many that I would never get to use them all otherwise!

 

The contents include:

• Hand cream - Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed
• Lip balm - Nivea Essential Lipcare Original
• Yoghurt Bar
• Perfume - Suddenly (€5 from Lidl - bargain!)
• My Wallet
• Sudocrem (easily known I'm a mother to an 11 month old baby!

 

Normally I don't go anywhere without my Filofax diary but for some reason I had taken it out of my bag. I wanted to include it because it's like part of me, as much as my phone is most of the time.

#whatsinmybag | My Makeup Bag

The makeup bag in the photos is my every day makeup for my handbag. I apply my makeup at home using different products and the contents of my makeup  bag are there for top ups because honestly I've so much makeup, I'd break my back carrying it around every day!

The contents of my makeup bag include:

1. Hairbrush
2. Rimmel Mineral powder foundation -100 Ivory 
3. Bare Escentuals Brush - Full Flawless Brush
4. Essence lipstick - 05 Cool Nude
5. Essence lip liner - 06 Satin Mauve
6. Inglot Lip Duo - 15
7. NYX palette - S109

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow

Instagram: @deeglamglow

Facebook:www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

Review: Run Clare Series

Hi Everyone!

 

At this stage the Run Clare Series is a distant memory, having finished in April. For me it may now be only a memory but its a lasting memory, of a Series that I will never forget.

What is the Run Clare Series? 

The Run Clare Series involved 4 races and saw participants going from running 5k up to 10 miles within 4 months. Their tag line reads "4 races, 4 months 1 goal". The 4 races were throughout Co Clare, Ennis, Quilty, Ennis again and Kilnaboy. Registration for the event opened the previous year with an early bird rate of €50 if you signed up for all 4 races. Participants of the 4 races received a personalised number (for the first 250 registered) t-shirts, medals, goodie bags and a plaque.



Resolution Run 5K - Ennis

The first race was  the Resolution Run  5K, in Lee's Road Complex Ennis with ultra runner Keith Whyte as the official race starter. There were 700 other participants.

I struggled around the 5K course but I never allowed myself to walk and I completed the race in 34.51 so I completed it un under my target time of 35 minutes. I felt a great sense of achievement as I had completed the 5K non stop and for me this was huge. It was such a great feeling to start the series on a high!

 

 

Michael Egan Memorial 5 Miles - Quilty 

The second race was a 5 mile run in Quilty Co Clare, along the beautiful West Coast. We honestly couldn't have asked for nicer scenery. I had been dealing with a pulled muscle in my back following a hike in the burren. I didn’t feel prepared but with all of that being said I pushed on and wouldn't let anyone stop me from running. I had hoped to run the 5 mile in under 50 mins but instead I ran it in 55.42 mins. I know I didn't reach my aim but I did well considering the week I had prior to the run. I felt such massive nerves building before this race but my friends, family and fellow runners were so motivating and encouraging. They always know what to say to me beforehand to put me at ease.

The scenery was beautiful on this race. We ran along the Atlantic Coast, which distracted me from my negativity! All of the other runners, and spectators, were hugely encouraging, which was needed at times!

 

 

Eamon Moloney 10K - Ennis 

 

The Eamon Moloney Memorial 10K was my second attempt at a 10K. It was, for me, the most enjoyable race of the series. I had ran a 10k the previous week and it didn’t go too well so I was hoping that I would have a better result, which I did. I crossed the finish line in 1 hour and 7 mins and 22 sec.

The course itself was relatively flat except for the 2-5k markers, where we had a number of hills. There was nothing that I felt I couldn't manage though. Immediately after the race our times were available. I thought this was great as we were anxious to see how we actually go on! The race also had pacemakers available to those who wished to aim for a particular time. They were for 40 mins, 45 mins, 50 mins, 55 mins and 60 mins. I did not stay with any pacemaker because I knew that the pace would be too much for me but my sister stayed with the 55 min pacemaker and came in just under 55 mins.

 

 

Sonny Murphy Memorial 10 Mile - Kilnaboy

The final race in the Run Clare Series was the Sonny Murphy Memorial 10 mile race in Kilnaboy Co Clare (to those of you who don't know where Kilnaboy is, it's the home of Fr Ted's house!). The morning of the race was very wet and generally miserable, but the day turned out to be a beautiful one. It was a sunny blue sky kind of day and so was perfect for the final event in such a brilliant series.
 

The race started, and finished, at Kilnaboy church and took us past The Burren National Park. The views were fab and a bit distracting, which is a good thing as it stops you from thinking about actually getting over the finish line in one piece! It was a hugely supported race by locals, tourists and passersby.
 

I was quite sick the week leading up to the race, having been off work sick so needless to say I didnt get any training runs done prior to the race. I was on bed rest for a week. By the Friday prior to the race I felt somewhat good again and by Saturday I had made up my mind to participate in the 10 mile. I decided that I would run as much as possible and when I felt weak I would walk and that's exactly what I did! I ran slow and steady until just after the 4 mile marker and I then began to walk for 1/2 mile before running again for 1 mile. I repeated this pattern until the 9 mile marker, where I ran steadily until the finish line. I crossed the line in 2hours 0 mins 59secs. I couldn’t but be happy, even though I didn't run the full race, I did well considering how sick I was all week!

 

What Made It So Special?

This is a unique series. As far as I am aware (I may be wrong) there is nothing else like it in the country. The aim is to run 4 races in 4 months but to reach one goal of running 5K to 10 miles. The series provides a fantastic opportunity for runners of all skill levels to push themselves to their limit. For more experienced runners it was an opportunity for them to aim to not only participate in a 4 race series but to also aim to win the series. For beginners like myself it was the push needed to improve stamina by running longer distances.

One thing that we commented on was the distance that people had travelled to participate in the series. We looked at peoples t-shirts and saw people from:
Duleek
West Waterford
West Limerick
Loughrea
Cork
That alone was a tribute to how well the series was organised and how well the word had spread.

We found that the series was  a great opportunity to get some "Me time" and also to use it to meet people that you may not meet on a daily basis. Being from Co Clare myself but now living in West Limerick I found it great for catching up with people from home. I found that all participants that I spoke with were so friendly and encouraging. It felt like a little community. That might all sound a little cheesy but its true. I have made some lovely new friends and received some fantastic advice that I have taken with me on every run that I have completed following the series.

If I could find a negative of the series (Which is hard) is that it only went on for 4 months. I would love if it was run for 6 or even 8 months but then again I wasn't the one organising the event and I'm sure that it took a huge amount of effort, energy, resources, time and commitment.


Why Participate?

I truly believe that if I had not signed up for the Series (Which I did in a complete hormonal moment of madness!), I would not be capable of running the distances that I now comfortably run. The buzz and atmosphere was amazing and the encouragement from fellow runners and spectators was enough to make anyone feel great about themselves. The feeling of achievement and self fulfilment and motivation to run further and further was enough for me to push myself to reach the distance.

This series is great for runners of all levels but for beginners like myself it is a great push and motivation. At the start its easy to think that you wont reach the 10 mile distance but after each race that feeling changes from pessimism to optimism.

Thank you to everyone involved for producing such a hugely successful event. The turnout at each race is a credit to all of the time, energy and hard work that went into the Series. I am already looking forward to what lies ahead in 2016!

You can find more information on the Run Clare Series here. They also have a Facebook page, link here, as do Running in Clare, link here. I found that these pages were fantastic as they were regularly updated with race info and they also shared details of other races that were not part of the series.

The team are running a new 3 race series, the Run 5K Series and you can find all the details here. If you want to sign up I would do so asap as registration closes very shortly.

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow
Instagram: @deeglamglow
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

The A to Z of Me

Hi everyone!

Thanks to Eimear from Chirps from A Little Red Hen for the nomination! I think I am probably the last blogger left to do this but it was a fun challenge. Its taken me a little while to do this post because I found that I was over thinking it. I wanted it to be a true insight to me so I decided to scrap everything that I had written instead only writing what came into me head at that moment. I hope you enjoy....

A - My husband has just recently qualified as an ARBORIST (Tree Surgeon). For a while it wasn't easy, between studying and travelling the country for exams and assessments but it has all been worth it and he is loving his new trade. We have never spoken so much about trees and power lines. Colin and I are so proud of all your hard work Aiden!

B - I only started my BLOG in January and so far so good. I'm enjoying the freedom of it all but I just wish I had more time to commit to it. It's hard as I work full time as well as having a small man to look after. Thank you to all who have supported me so far!

C - My beautiful son COLIN was born on Fathers Day of last year, 15th June 2014. He has been a joy since he was born. The past year has really just flown by. I find it hard to believe that he is going to be 1 in a matter of weeks. Hes my little boy now and not my little baby anymore, saying that just feels strange. He is such a lively child and always on the go. He hates sitting, he just loves to be stuck into everything and we cannot take our eyes off him for a second but we wouldn't have it any other way.

D - We have 2 DOGS. They are black Labrador crosses and are brother and sister, Ozzie and Berry. They are now 3 1/2 and have the most beautiful temperament but they were hard work initially because they seemed to stay in the puppy stage for so long.

E - "EVERYTHING happens for a reason" and "what's for you won't pass by you". I repeat these sayings in my head on a daily basis and I do believe that they are true, for me it's all to do with the higher purpose in life!

F - Keeping FIT is important to me, more so since my son was born. I've been making a major effort to keep fit and healthy by running 3 days per week and hiking/climbing when possible.

G - I always loved my GRANDPARENTS but I realise how important they were in our lives growing up, now that I have my own son. He is absolutely crazy about all 4 of his grandparents and we try to see them as often as possible. When I was young we would spend most of our summer holidays at either of our grandparents houses and the memories will last forever.

H - Even though I now live in West Limerick, HOME will always be Co Clare.

I - I love the INTERNET. It's a fantastic resource but can also be a dangerous one, when used incorrectly.

J - Last Friday was the day that I closed one chapter in my life and on Monday I began a new one, when I started my new JOB. I will now be working only 15 mins from home and so I am going to save myself over a hour of driving time each day. My son will also benefit from my change of job as he will have an hour less of creche each day.

K - I love having KEEPSAKES that I'll forget about and then randomly come across every so often. They give me a lovely feeling of nostalgia. 

L - I'm a LIBRA so I like balance in life and I tend to weigh up my options before making a decision. I hate being rushed into something and when I am rushed, I usually find that it's not the right decision, as a result I can be very slow or hesitant to make decisions!

M - Even though I am now married I will always be a MEEHAN. I'm so proud to be a Meehan and just because my surname is now Sweeney doesn't change that. To some people I will always be Denise Meehan and I quite like that!

N - Not a lot of people know this about me but I suffer hugely from NEGATIVITY and it seems to always hit me at the worst possible times. When I get hit by negativity it can really take a lot out of me and I find that I can become distant and introverted and often at times I think that people pick this up as me being a snob or standoffish. This is not the case at all. I tend to let the negativity make me paranoid and I often think "sure why would anyone want to spend time with me". I'm not going to speak to much more about this but I felt that it was important to mention because it is a part of me and its something that I have to deal with daily. I am working hard to try to stop this from happening so frequently.

O - Since our son was born we haven't had much opportunity to get OUT much but I love getting out. I love having something to look forward to and deciding what to wear. The preparation for a night out is so much fun (most of the time!).

P - I have great PARENTS, Margaret and DJ and they support and love me no matter what!

Q - I love being curled up under a QUILT or blanket, in particular during the cold winters in front of a cosy fire! 

R - Since January I have began to RUN properly (Not just every now and then) and I love the buzz that I get from it. I love getting out in the fresh air and pushing myself to go farther than I did on a previous run. I also find that running helps me to clear my head and gives me some "Me Time". Its something that I do for me and the sense of achievement following a tough run, is fantastic.

S - I met my husband in SYDNEY. My 2 years in Australia, in particular my time in Sydney, will always hold a very special place in my heart.

T - I love to TRAVEL and to see new places, I only wish that we could travel more often. One of my favourite sayings is "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" (St Augustine). I truly believe that travel broadens your horizons and can open up opportunities.

U - I hate having an UNTIDY house but with an 11 month old (who pulls and drags at everything) it's not that easy to have a showroom perfect house, it also doesn't help that we live in a teeny tiny cottage!

V - I placed my VOTE last Friday, in a historic referendum for the country of Ireland. Growing up we were always taught, by our parents, how important it is to exercise your right to vote. If you do not vote then you do not have a right to complain about the outcome of a referendum or election.

W - I'm not the first person to say so but I like a glass of WINE to unwind at the weekend. I don't get a chance to go out much so being able to unwind at the weekends is key to relaxing.

X -At Christmas my wonderful sister, Orla, gave my son a XYLOPHONE. Its made with beautiful timber and coloured metal. As much as I love it, I am now beginning to hate it because Colin has now realised that it makes such a loud noise. Oh my ears!!!!!

Y - When I was a child I had an attachment to a YELLOW soother which I used to call "My Yalla Soothie".

Z - ZZZZZZZZZ I love my sleep and god help anyone who gets in the way of it!!

At this stage I think most other bloggers have completed this post so I would like to nominate anyone who has not completed the A to Z of Me.

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow

Instagram: @deeglamglow

Facebook:www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow