DON’T LET 2015 just come and go because before you know it it’ll be winter and you’ll be hearing this from us all over again.
Make this year the year you’re going to get pro-active about fitness and sport. To help, we’ve compiled a short list of things that might just interest you.
Remember, you’re never too old to try something new, and there’s always space on the bandwagon…
1. Run a marathon…or maybe a half
These are NOT as hard as they sound. Granted, a marathon is going to take months of preparation but a half marathon is far more manageable. Belfast, Cork and Dublin host Marathons on the May, June and October Bank holiday weekends, respectively, and all are very possible if you start training NOW. Don’t put it off another year.
2. Do a triathlon
Ireland’s fastest growing sport must have some merits to it if so many people are trying it out. There are more leisure runners, cyclists and swimmers working out than ever before so why not make 2015 the year where you commit to your first triathlon?
The craic is mighty at these things and the sense of satisfaction you’ll get after completing it will make all the suffering and sacrifices worthwhile. You don’t need a €4,000 carbon fibre time machine or a €500 wetsuit. (You can buy them afterwards if you enjoy your first one!)
3. Climb a very big mountain
The country is blessed to have so many superb hikes and trails and mountains that can all be conquered in one day. Obviously, Carrauntoohill in County Kerry is the highest peak, but it’s not the most demanding of ascents.
Slieve Donard (Co. Down), Luqnaquila (Co. Wicklow), Mount Brandon (Co. Kerry) are others that afford stunning views. It’s Ireland, so you can get just about anywhere from anywhere in less than half a day. Just make sure you’re careful up there and do a bit of research on the terrain and bring the right equipment.
4. Join a sports team
Make friends, get in shape and have fun. Joining a new team or taking up a new sport opens up a world of possibilities. If you’ve just moved to a new job or a new city for college, you could do a lot worse than taking up something new. If you hate it, you can always leave.
5. Attend a major sports event
2015 isn’t an Olympic year, nor is it a World Cup or European Championships year. But there’s the Six Nations in February and March, Cheltenham in March, The Irish Open at Royal County Down should be a cracker this year, Wimbledon is mighty craic (believe it or not) and the Rugby World Cup is on across the water – surely a bandwagon or two to jump on and get inspired by.
-Originally published at 3pm
I ran a marathon, climbed Ireland’s highest peak and did a charity cycle from dublin to clifden in the last 15 months. I’m not talented at sport and tortoises could move faster than me at times but I did it.
5 years ago I was 4 stone overweight. I joined weight watchers and my local running club and changed my whole outlook on healthy living . Yes some of the weight has gone back on but I’m fit and fairly healthy (just need to kick the sweet tooth )
This year I hope to cycle the Greenway, bring down my 5k and 10k time, take part in a triathlon and maybe another marathon. Just as soon as I finish the tin of roses under the tree . . . . Nobody’s perfect!
Fair play. All it takes is that first action and then a littlw will power to keep it going.
Climbed Donard with absolutely no experience climbing, packed plenty water and a bit of grub and it was incredibly rewarded 6 hours (total).
Well done Mick
No experience needed to walk up and down a hill.
No experience needed to make inane comments
2015 is a World Cup year…. A Rugby World Cup year.
Run a marathon for what? Its not natural to run over 26 miles….
Either is driving or drinking water from a plastic bottle
in fairness there is good evidence that marathon running ages the heart
It is not natural for lazy b*stards, it is natural for everyone else!
Ted talk on the subject by cardiologist James O’Keffee. Essentially based on long term studies running more than 25 miles a week undoes most of the health benefits compared to non athletes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6U728AZnV0
My aim is to run the Men’s Mini Marathon this year
I just have to lose 10 stone first!
Limerick have a marathon , half and 10k on May bank hol weekend also .
http://www.greatlimerickrun.com .Tis a great event
Eat less move more simple….
… and keep off the beer!
Walk the Camino…. you won’t regret it
Anything for us “the non- athletic” types
Join Facebook
Box sets!
Stay alive would be my plan.
hoping to do the WIcklow Way this year
Good luck with it Dee!
Did that – it’s amazing. Clonegal in Carlow to Marlay Park. Tough but very worthwhile. Hope you do it. Best of luck.
All sounds very tiring.
Past your bedtime, is it?
Have another drink.
So in others words be part of a group and meet people. Or do anything new that takes you out of your comfort zone and allows your self esteem to grow?
Horse shoe in wicklow is another good walk.
Also Debra ireland have a 10.7k run up in wicklow in march…signed up for it, 300m climb at the start and another 200m climb towards the end, god help me I’m used to nice flat surfaces :s good cause though
Anybody looking for inspiration should watch 32 marathons in 32counties in 32 days. Great example of what our body’s are capable of