YOU’RE A FEW days into 2015 and chances are, you’ve taken your first few steps into a new training programme.
Soon enough you’ll be looking for a challenge and we’re only too happy to suggest three upcoming events.
These are only a fortnight away, so spare no effort in the gym between now and then!
1) Do a mountain running race in Limerick or Dublin
What is a mountain race, we hear you say? Very simple.
It’s a race that caters for every type of runner from leisure runners to the absolute freaks and the experienced international athletes.
Races vary in distance and are run over of a variety of terrains from forest tracks to exposed mountain sides.
18 January sees the Irish Mountain Running Association put on two races in Howth and Ballyhoura respectively.
The craic is mighty at these things, there’s always a couple of hundred taking part, it’s never more than a tenner to sign-on and they’re not so hard that you’ll be unable to finish…unless you went completely bananas at Christmas.
All the information you need is here.
2) Do a cross country race
Caked in mud, frozen fingers and toes, lungs burning, legs screaming. What’s not to love about cross-country running?
There’s a great little event being hosted at Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA club on Saturday 17 January which is only five miles long for men and two for the women.
The event takes place in Cherryfield Park on the Firhouse Road and is one of the Dublin Business House Athletic Association races.
There are changing rooms as well as shower and toilet facilities at the venue while for the tenner entry fee you’ll also get complimentary tea, coffee, water and snacks such as that irresistible buttery brack.
3) Do a duathlon
Want a bit more than one discipline but not quite ready to dip your toes in triathlon? Try a duathlon then.
This one, the Butcher’s Block Duathlon on 18 January organised by Naas Triathlon club looks like a cracker.
It’s a 3.5k run followed by a 20k cycle and finally another run of 3.5k.
Both run sections of it take place on the tarmac around Punchestown race course and there’s a slight drag on it, but nothing too severe.
The facilities are brilliant, there’ll be a bike mechanic on site – and you do NOT need a top of the range carbon fibre road bike. Oh, and the course is traffic free!
The only stipulation is you buy a one-day licence to enter. These will cost you a tenner and are available on the day.
Warning: This is a very addictive sport. Check out the full details here, if you’re brave enough.
