Your Fitness

Why I Love . . . marathons

Racing past tanks and armed soldiers in Beirut, running through hailstones and snow in Connemara, I’ve seen it all throughout my 94 marathons (so far)

Ash Senyk, left, and Filip Filipov in training for the Connemara Ultra-marathon.

Ash Senyk
Sat Jun 30 2018 - 06:00

Running was always a part of my life. Growing up in Australia on a farm, I would run the six miles from our house to our post box each morning from the age of 10, so I guess you could say I was in training from a young age.

It wasn’t until my 20s that I started running in races, though, and New York was my first official marathon, which was a result of a lost bet with mates.

Nowadays I run three-five times a week, weather permitting. The rain is definitely the biggest challenge I face – I hate running in it.

I love to run solo mostly, but I host weekly running groups from my running shop in Temple Bar, and that can be anything from a 5k through the city to a pub run.

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I’ve run some pretty incredible races in my time. Running through Death Valley, taking on an ultra-marathon in Lapland, racing past tanks and armed soldiers in Beirut, running through hailstones and snow in Connemara, I’ve seen it all throughout my 94 marathons (so far).

I get amazing benefits from running both mentally and physically. You can rationalise your decisions in life while running and see a whole new aspect when you’re in that exercise rhythm. With two kids and a business, it keeps me sane. For anyone who wants to start to run, I would say begin slowly with achievable goals. Run by time and not by miles. Pacing yourself initially is very important and make sure you do a gear check to ensure you have the right footwear and clothing to make it comfortable and enjoyable.