Good morning everyone - Up bright and early today, for my other love - the Rugby, and Australia v Fiji to start the day. I'm sure I'm not the only one up this early today, but for many of you that are up, it's more likely you are getting ready for the Dublin Half Marathon this morning. Over the years I've run this one four times, usually in preparation for an autumn marathon, and I'm sure many of the sell out crowd will be using this as an indicator for DCM40 in just five weeks - Gulp! Yep, only 5 Weeks left.
I've said it before, but if you are targetting the 42 K next month, remember this is a stepping stone race, a warm up. Run to a plan today, get used to running in a large pack, get your hydration right, and don't over do things. Of course, many will have this race as their target, and have no thoughts of running the marathon, at least not this year. In that case, have a perfect run today, again, keep to your plan, don't set off too fast and blow up half way round, it's easy to get carried away with the crowd - remember this is your race, your target - run YOUR race...
Of course, the Dublin Half is not the only race this weekend, with the Belfast Half tomorrow (personally, not sure that's the best scheduling with the two capitals of our island having their premier halves the same weekend!), so if you are heading up North tomorrow, have a great one there. I also know a few intrepid travellers have headed over to France for the Run Disney Run with Mickey la Souris (leaving cert French was a long time ago!), and others have headed to Scotland for the Glasgow Half, so best of luck to all on the road.
Of course, not everyone reading this wants to be running long distances, and naturally enough, there are plenty of #parkrunie up and down the country to get you going, so if you are heading out to run, or volunteer this morning, have fun on this last Saturday of summer - Monday is the equinox and the official start of autumn.
Plenty happening this weekend, and as I write this, it's a beautiful sunrise, augurs well for your runs, and Fiji are leading at half time too! So, whether you are running in the Phoenix Park, or further afield, have a great weekend, and as ever, run with a smile, and ENJOY!
