20 years on and I am here again… preparing for a marathon - Cork City Marathon on the1st June.
When I started taking running seriously 20 years ago I was off the mindset ‘why run when you can just walk’. Is this you? If so, read on! It might just spark something that could change your life.
Picture this, I was driving home from work one day through the Westlink when I heard a radio advert calling for people ‘looking a challenge of a lifetime.’ Truth be told I was at a low point in life - I hated my job. Back then, society told me I should have been counting my lucky stars… I managed to secure a job straight out of uni when most of fellow grad’s struggled to secure something in their field. Recession was upon us Anyway I digress…
The radio advert blurred through Cool FM, asking people who had never ran a race before to run the highest altitude marathon in Europe within 6 months, under the spotlight of the nation. Sure, I thought I need something to take my mind off this soul destroying job. As soon as I got home I threw my hat in the ring and applied for the once in a lifetime opportunity. Little did I know that this one impulse action would change my entire life,my outlook, my drive and my stamina. Running sort of does this!
Long story short - after various interviews and fitness tests I was selected alongside two other lads from the south of Ireland to run the Swiss Alpine Marathon in just 6 months time.
Under the expert guidance of Hannah Shields (first lady to climb Everest in NI), Paul O’Connell and Mickey Harte we were ‘put through our paces’ as I said in the intro advert of the ‘Powerade Campaign’. From the first day I met Hannah in some hotel lobby in Belfast, I realised the importance of surrounding yourself with the best coaches, mindsets and energy. You can never beat experience - the people who have been there, done it and earned the t-shirt.
Over the course of the next six months I would come to learn more about myself in them lonely miles over the Mourne Mountains than you ever will scrolling through your feed or contemplating over a cup of coffee.
This year I am back to where I started only this time I am juggling three kids, a busy career, a business and everything in between.
More next week :)
Comments