In order to get started, and keep motivated, you will need a goal. The following is a small selection of the races going on around the country. Incidentally, the word “race” doesn’t mean you have to race. You can take part in any of the following at a run, jog, walk or waddle.
The Flora Women's Mini Marathonis a 10km run which takes place on bank holiday Monday, June 1st, and if you want to run for charity but haven't fixed on a cause you might decide to work on behalf of the Stuart Mangan Appeal, see www.stepsforstuart.org.
The Calcutta Run(www.calcuttarun.com) takes place on May 16th, starting in the grounds of the Law Society in Blackhall Place, following a 10km route around the Phoenix Park and finishing with a BBQ back in Blackhall Place. Participants are encouraged to raise €150 in sponsorship for Goal and the Peter McVerry Trust, which provides hostels, care and assistance for homeless and deprived children and young adults in Dublin. Last year the run raised €330,000. Traditionally, choc-full of solicitors and barristers, the Calcutta Run is open to everyone. Check out the website for a do-able training schedule.
Dublin Docklands Fun Run, May 19th, 7.45pm. Get down and party at the manageable 8km race which starts in Grand Canal Square. This run is in aid of Irish Autism Action and is organised by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, www.dublindocklands.ie.
Emer Casey Memorial 10km Run. This is another hugely worthy cause, and something to get you started. It takes place in Youghal on May 24th and is in support of the Emer Casey Foundation, which you can read about at www.emercaseyfoundation.com.
Burren Marathon Challenge(www.clareburrenmarathonchallenge.com) takes place in north Clare on Saturday, May 23rd, with a full, half and mini (six mile) marathons. The Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club is organising the race.
Inishbofin Half Marathonon May 16th, organised by Croí, is the first of two west-coast half-marathon events promising great craic and spectacular views. There is a weekend package on offer including bed breakfast, meals, race entries and ferry transfers. This is an exclusive running event with entries limited to 80. In an unusual twist, the participants set off in pairs at 30 second intervals, because the paths are so narrow. On July 4th declare your running independence with the Achill Half Marathon(www.achillmarathon.com) .
The 24th Patrick Bell Memorial 5km Run and Walk for Charitytakes place on Friday, June 19th at 8pm and is hosted by the Bohermeen Athletic Club in Co Meath in memory of the young athlete Patrick Bell, who died in 1985 at the age of 25. The race is linked with various charities.
Inaugural Irish Multimarathontakes place on Clontarf promenade and Bull Island in Dublin on June 28th (www.irishmultimarathon.com). This is a family event, including half and full marathons, although if you want to do the full 26 miles, you have to run the same course twice which, psychologically, might be a bit difficult.
The Mooathonfull and half marathon takes place on September 27th in Donegal (www.mooathon.com). There are also relay events in both these races, so you can share the fun … and the pain.
Newry City Marathonin Co Down takes place on May 25th. The event includes a full and half marathon. The Cork City Marathonis on June 1st, and includes a team relay event, which could provide valuable bonding opportunities and take some of the sting out of it. The Dublin Marathon, now in its 30th year, will take place on October 26th. There are a number of opportunities to test yourselves at "short" distances of five, 10 and 13 miles, in advance of the marathon itself. There is no requirement to sign up for the full marathon in order to take part in the shorter races. See www.dublinmarathon.ie for further details.
The Connemarathon, tough but unmissable, takes place next year on April 11th. Plenty of time to get limbered up for that one.
See www.runireland.com; www.athleticsireland.ie and www.runnersworld.com for hundreds of excuses to get out running during 2009, as well as articles on nutrition, training programmes and advice on avoiding injury.