Milford 10K

“What a way to start the New Year!”

Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now . . . My first official 10K run & Limerick’s first 10K of 2015 was amazing! Well done Milford Hospice for a fantastic event & magical atmosphere.

As soon as we entered the UL Plaza, a sea of colourful runners, lead in warmup by Richie Clifford, gave me a surge of butterflies – it’s been 30 years since I entered an organised sporting event of this magnitude.

To compete is not my nature, but to challenge myself is. So when Sara, my amazing personal trainer, suggested a 10K before the end of January, I immediately said yes. I knew that to give myself even10 minutes to think about the answer would resulted in a lame; “. . . . awww thanks, but I’m happy with just a little run & a walk when the weather is good”. BUT January is a dark month and it’s hard to motivate oneself to get out – I needed this challenge to stay motivated. More than that, I needed Sara to be there for me – she is the most gentile but firm motivator – a perfect match for me. This race Sara; is for you with my humble gratitude & Healthy Heartfelt Love.

Some of you know me as The Swogger™ and over the last 2 years, as I stride towards my 50 mark, health & fitness has come into focus, – there is just no way I can keep fit enough to do my job as a photographer & keep up with my 8 year old without moving. Be it dance, yoga, swimming, walks or running. What is your favourite move?

I swear by Map My Run. I never even consider improving my time, just collecting walks and runs on my free app is enough to make me feel good. So you can imagining how adding a personal trainer & entering an 10K event made me feel.

Yes, slightly blurry, but on top of the world – how do you feel when you do something you never even thought you’d attempt?

Sara stayed with me all the way through the 10K, she could have been right up front with the winners, but that’s not where she gets her buzz. Sara is one of these wonderful soles who gets her buzz from seeing other people succeed. It’s a good thing she has the gift of making us feel so fabulous as she guide us to a finish line we never thought we’d achieve.

Still, there is nothing quite as rewarding as getting that great BIG massive hug from the Awesome Kid who is so excited to watch you come over the finish line as she gasps; “Oh Mummy, I’m so proud of you!”

That hug is definitely my proudest moment. A little seed was sowed in the spirit that Ruby will remember this & one day want to do this herself, hopefully we may even do it together.

Prior to the day I didn’t think much beyond what to wear but my Awesome Man created quite a bit of hype around me entering the event. He pulled out the red carpet, brought the kid, the camera, the well wishes & the homemade granola bars for the starving runners & a massive great big hugs in proud congratulations. Here he is with the camera . . . .

. . . photographing Sara’s hubby photographing us with Sara’s boys nearly taking off after their amazing mum.

The final few yards till the wining line. I call it the winning line because everyone passing it is a winner & I believe the 6 finalist truly enjoyed having the 1,000 runners in their back. What’s the point of being an elite unless you have a great following?

Five truly proud running mums form Sara’s Buggy Bootcamp. It wasn’t that hard after all & the training will continue & lead us to the next event on 8 March for The Castleconnell 10K

We would love for you to join us & if you need a little help to believe you can do it message Sara who will be delighted to spur you on and get you over the finish line, whatever your goal.