So this is my first entry. Hello! I thought it would be best to start at the laziest and plumpest I've been for a while so that by the end of this blog journey (the WVM is June next year) I'll look back and scoff my lazy self.

As I type this I'm in bed and my fingers are FREEZING but the heating is timed to come on in a few minutes so I'll wait. Bedtime is usually the 8.30pm - 9pm mark. It has to be, as I'm up at 5am every morning with an hour commute to WLR FM studios in Waterford. My working day isn't really very typical and finding time to go for a run or do any exercise is becoming increasingly difficult.

Here are my favourite excuses for not running so far

1. I'm too tired, just don't have the energy today. Well, in my defence I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid 3 months ago so I'm trying to balance that out and one side effect is tiredness. See!!

2. It's too cold and I can't find one of my Aldi running gloves/ headband/ socks.

3. It's not right for a Mammy not to sit at the dinner table at 6pm when her husband comes in from work and have her dinner with the family. You see, I don't have anyone to mind the kids all afternoon and although they'd love to be left playing Ratchet & Clank on their PS2 (I know) I wouldn't leave them alone. So, if I do run, I have to wait until my husband comes home, give the family their dinner and head out the door. I actually feel guilty doing it. Call me 1950s housewife but hey, it gets me out of running.

4. Too dark.

5. Wine or run. Wine or run. Run then wine. Run no wine. Run. Wine. Run. Phone rings. Pour wine. Wine it is. Oh well.

6. Sausage and mash and gravy. I cannot help myself but eat the kid’s leftovers. Stitch. No run.

Okay so you can see the 'struggles' I have. That said, I have been managing two fairly short runs a week consistently for a while now (not in the last two weeks though) so I've been 'tipping over' but nowhere near what I should be or need to be if I want to do 26.2 miles next June. I keep thinking 'this will be the day I start' but it just hasn't happened which is why I'm incorporating the help of the marathon organisers who will give me a training plan soon - hopefully for after Christmas (aghh Downton Abbey, crackers and cheese and wine) and I'm hoping this will get me out of first gear.

It's worth mentioning I did run the WVM in 2012 in over 4 hours (okay it was 4hrs33 and being so self competitive I was gutted initially) and looking back it was a great learning experience. I think you're first marathon should be just that - all about learning from mistakes, getting into a training regime, breaking the fear of not actually being able to do this and building confidence for the next time. Maybe it's like child labour. My first child Jack was a tough labour 7 years ago, 10 hours of pain and maddness. The second guy Harry, 4, literally popped out in 4 hours. Still very painful mind you, but knew what to expect and that confidence made it alot easier.

So why do I want to run it again?

A number of reasons as outlined below (I hope I don't sound like a total twat)

1. To have more energy. The 3pm slump regularly sees me scoff a white bread ham and mayo sambo and a cuppa, then fall asleep on the sofa while the kids watch Matt Hatter or Totally Spies. I was never like this!!

2. To drop 14lbs. I'm 5ft 2 weighing in at my heaviest 9stone 11 and believe me, every pound counts. I have a wardrobe of clothes, many still with the labels on that don't fit me anymore. I'll be damned if I'm going up a size and buying more. Time to move your ass Tomkins. Too many double chins of me have emerged lately - I'm one very well fed and happy chipmunk if they're to be believed! I want to get toned and build muscle, even if it weighs the same, the difference will be visible at least.

3. Mental health. It doesn't matter what the world throws at me. Running is THE best stress reliever bar none. I've heard other women use the phrase 'fit to climb the walls' at times, and nothing will beat it quite like putting on those Asics and pounding the roads. I come back from a run not giving a sh*te about the mess of the kitchen, the boxers strewn on the stairs or the three interviews I still have to edit down. I'm like a transformed woman after a 20 minute run, euphoric and full of delicious energy.

4. They're my main reasons really. Also, the hot shower and baths you take after your long runs are so, earned. Eighteen miles on the Tramore Road and I'm fantasising about Radox and a hot soak! I have nothing negative I can throw around as to why I shouldn't do it. I also hope the exercise will help balance out my Underactive Thyroid. In fact, I'm trying to rope my brother and a couple of friends in too. And I might get my husband to do the half. The couple that runs together.....

So, having not actually done any running to report as such, that's my lot for today. Next time, I'll show you my daily schedule and try to work out how and where I'll actually get to run and how often. I don't want to spend loads of time away from the kids or lump them in after-school or extra hours in the creche if I can avoid it. Meanwhile, if you want to join me on this journey, please follow the blog and keep me posted on how you're doing.

I'm off to sleep now, fingers still freezing but running downstairs to turn on the oil? Nah, not in my schedule yet!!

On Saturday 29th June 2013 the streets of Waterford will fill once again with runners and joggers from far and wide as the city plays host to its 2^nd annual WLRfm Waterford Viking Marathon.

The 2013 marathon was officially launched on Friday last by 2012 winners Brian Murphy (1^st Male) Angela McCann (1^st Female) and Jerry Forde (wheelchair winner).

Speaking at the launch in the Bishops Palace Des Whelan, WLRfm’s Managing Director and Chairman of Waterford Viking Marathon said “WLRfm are delighted to get behind this event once again. It’s a great opportunity for people to embrace a healthy lifestyle whilst also supporting local and national charities. As title sponsor WLRfm’s involvement will help make it possible to promote this great sporting event to our listening audience in both the city & county and we certainly share the vision and aim of the organisers to grow this event into one of the headline Marathon’s on the calendar.  
Des went on to express his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved and to acknowledge the sponsors and partners who have come on board to date Waterford City Council, Whitfield Clinic, Irish Examiner, Sun Life Financial, Teva, Eirgen Pharma, Pinewood Healthcare, Adidas, Alfie Hales, Lucozade, Greenstar and in particular Failte Ireland of which the Waterford Viking Marathon is promoted as one of their official gathering events for 2013. Organisers hope to attract Waterford’s friends, family, colleagues and alumni from abroad to come home in June and take part with a special prize for the fastest overseas runner.

Outlining the Route Joe Cawley stated that this full Marathon which is 26.2 miles will be relatively flat and once again travel will through the city and county and with half marathon and relay options there is something for runners of all levels.

Also speaking at the official launch Mayor Councillor Jim Darcy said “ I am delighted to hear that this event has become an annual date in the calendar. This marathon prides itself on being the South East friendly marathon with runners from every walk of life taking part. I would like to thank all involved in organising this great event which helps to promote and showcase the wonderful culture, heritage and landscape that our wonderful Viking City has to offer”.

Cheques were awarded to the two nominated charities for 2012, Waterford Hospice and The Alzheimer’s Society, Waterford.

Saturday June 30^th was a proud and emotional day for Waterford’s strong and ever increasing athletic community as the first ever event of its kind ‘Waterford Viking Marathon’ travelled through this beautiful City and County.

Over 2,000 participants travelled from all over the Country and beyond to gather at the start line outside the iconic House of Waterford Crystal in the City Centre. The energy was beyond electric as Waterford’s native; Silver Olympic Marathon Medallist John Tracey commenced the race and set runners on their way.

A picturesque route, passing many of Waterford’s famous tourist attractions, and heading out of the city to the scenic seaside town of Tramore. While no marathon is easy and it certainly presented many challenges however the facilities and entertainment along route kept the spirits high. An impressive 350 stewards lined the route and ensured the safe return of all involved.

Organisers were amazed at the extraordinary response of the public as thousands took to the streets and gathered at the finish line in Waterford Regional Sports Centre. The overall winner Brian Murphy from Carrick AC crossed the line with a time of 2 hours 38mins followed by the first female Angela McCann from Clonmel AC with a time of 2 hours 57 mins. All prize winners went home with a beautiful piece of Waterford Crystal.

A festival feel then took over as a stream of tired but determined runners crossed the line with many extraordinary and emotional moments to behold.

The Waterford Hospice and The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland were the two nominated charities to benefit from Waterford Viking Marathon but many more local and national Charities will gain through monies raised.

So all round a success, was the overwhelming consensus for most who took part, be it organising, running, stewarding or supporting. A memorable event created not only by the heroics of the participants but by a sense of Waterford taking the Waterford Viking Marathon to its heart.

And the good news is registration is now open for 2013!

Registration has been brisk with many runners opting for the early bird and registering before end of January. Training is well underway for this event on the 30th June which will see Waterford host its first Full Marathon with a half Marathon and relay option.Runners are invited to come along to Superquinn Car Park every Sunday morning at 9am where Jimmy Payne and Joe Cauley take runners through their paces & in Tramore with David Wade every Wednesday evening at 7pm at the Majestic hotel and at Tesco Monday evenings at 7pm.

Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Belfast have one, and now Waterford can be added to that list. The 30th June 2012 sees Waterford host the first ever marathon in the South East region. In keeping with the city’s great Viking history the Marathon will be named Waterford Viking Marathon (WVM). Organisers estimate it will attract over 1000 + runners bringing a welcome boost to retailers and accommodation providers in the city.

Speaking at the launch in Waterford Crystal on Saturday last Chairman of WVM Des Whelan said “This is a unique and first off event for Waterford city and one which we hope will grow in the years ahead. It’s a great opportunity for people to embrace a healthy lifestyle whilst also supporting charities of their choice; we in WLR FM are delighted to get behind this event. As title sponsor our involvement will make it possible to promote this great sporting event to our listening audience both city & county and we certainly share the vision and aim of the organisers to grow this marathon year on year” he went on to express his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved and to acknowledge the main sponsors who have come on board; Waterford City Council, Failte Ireland, Waterford Crystal and Lucozade. The event which starts on the Mall and takes in the streets of Waterford city before heading to Tramore and finishing in the Regional Sports Centre in the city is sure to attract participants from all over the country.

Outlining the Route Des also stated that this full Marathon which is 26 miles will also have a half Marathon and relay option so a good incentive for people of all levels of fitness to get involved. The Marathon has two designated Charities for 2012, Waterford Alzheimer’s society and Waterford Hospice. Excess funds from the running of the event will be donated to both.

Also speaking at the official launch Mayor of Waterford Clr Pat Hayes said “ This is a first for Waterford and following on from the city’s other tourist initiatives, this marathon will help to promote our wonderful Viking city both regionally and nationally and keep Waterford firmly positioned at the forefront”.

Concluding John Tracy, Chief Executive of Irish Sports Council of Ireland complimented the organisers and assured them of his continued support. “It is fantastic that the South East now has its own marathon and one I am sure that will grow in numbers year on year” he encouraged all runners to “ put on your running shoes and take part in what promises to be a most challenging and worthwhile event”

For further information and route map log on to www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com
Photography : Noel Browne Photographer.
For further information contact:
Laura Holmes 051 846131