A soul-enhancing challenge for all

A soul-enhancing challenge for all


Joan Geraghty

ANYONE looking for a motivating health and fitness challenge right now need look no further than the Achill Half-Marathon taking place on the island in just two months’ time. This annual event, which has attracted increasing numbers ever since its launch in 2006, takes runners and walkers around a wonderfully scenic route from Keel beach across to Dugort and back, with water stops and friendly locals supporting participants along their journey.
Of course, running 13 miles all in one go is not something for the faint-hearted and requires a proper training regime. The good news is that most people with a certain level of fitness should be in a position to sign up for the task. Considering also that thousands of recreational runners are already trained up at this time of year for the regular 10k running events that take place throughout spring, bumping up their output to half-marathon levels should now be perfectly achievable.
It won’t be easy to increase your running from 10k up to 21k but, as with any event, the best advice is to train up for at least 80% of the challenge. This would equate to being able to complete a 10-11 mile run the week prior to the event. With that level of fitness in the bag, on the day all the adrenalin, the crowds and the goal to complete your first half-marathon should see you through to the finish line.
If, however, you feel you have left it too late to build up to running 13 miles by the first week in July – which should be managed by increasing your training distance 10 per cent each week – there are other options. You could, for instance, run and walk the event. Many starting off in running adopt this approach, whereby they run a little, walk a little, then run some more. Alternatively, you might simply like to save your knee joints from high impact altogether and walk the distance in its entirety.
Howsoever you choose to participate in the 2011 Achill Half-Marathon, rest assured on this: it is a truly soul-enhancing, captivating event, covering a hilly, demanding but satisfying route. At the finish as you collapse in jubilation along the sandy banks overlooking beautiful Keel strand, you might also find yourself making that promise – that so many do – to come back again next year and beat your time by just those extra few minutes. A noble cause.

Joan Geraghty is author of ‘Anyone Can Run’ and ‘Fit For Success’