My second Flora Women’s Mini-Marathon went off without a hitch. And to think this time two years ago I had never run before! I admit I was a little lax on the training, despite having promised myself I’d run it start to finish this time.
More than 40,000 women turned out in the glorious sunshine to walk, jog or run the 10km route, starting from St Stephen’s Green. Hundreds of Irish charities were represented on brightly coloured T-shirts amid the summery scent of Ambre Solaire.
The first three kilometres flew past, but with the heat and the attempts to zigzag through a sea of ponytails, sunglasses and lycra, it quickly became more of a challenge.
The water stations are a blessing – an oasis in the desert of fitness delusion that women like me have found themselves. It’s not until you run competitively, or even just on a timer, that you realise how little you push yourself on your own private fitness endeavours.
Running among groups of toned and fit teenage girls would put anyone over the age of 25 to shame, and it strikes me that this wonderful opportunity to raise funds for charity can also be used as a chance to get fierce and get fit.
Groups of school kids with balloons and banners line the streets. Every now and then, a live music act entertains the masses from a gazebo, cool and comfortable in the shade.
Sadly, the fire in my belly died on passing a sun-soaked garden around the seven kilometre mark. Onlookers cheer their support, but my eyes are drawn to the condensation-covered wine glasses and dripping ice-pops.
I’m very grateful for the trainer-led stretching class at the finish line, and I can’t help but think that despite beating last year’s time, I have a lot of work yet to do. Still, I’m looking down at my shiny new medal and I’m proud as punch. I now have two – I have officially started a collection! To top it all off, family and friends have helped me raise vital funds for the MS Northwest Therapy Centre. It’s a win-win. As it says on my medal: “Every step makes a difference.”