Race 4 of the Race Series saw almost 30 Fit4Lifers take to the start line in, ahem, less than ideal conditions for the Dublin Half Marathon.  The weather gods threw wind and rain at us, but in true Fit4Life fashion our lot were pretty much unfazed as they tackled their 13.1 mile challenge.

Recent joiner Sam Anshasi led the Fit4Life gang home in 1.41.39 while Jackie Brannigan led the ladies home in 1.50.20.  Superb times, well done to both of you!

Once again, Lauren Flood distinguished herself on Saturday.  She celebrated her birthday with a 4^th place finish in her age category.  A top 10 placing is always a wonderful achievement, but never more so than in this highly competitive field of almost 7,000 people.  Congrats Lauren, and belated Happy 25^th Birthday (judging by your time)!

Well done to our more initiated distance runners; Angela Egan, Ann Garrett, Bernie O’Connor, David Dolan, Fran Hughes, Hilary Madden, Jennifer Clancy, Joan Hodgins, Olywen Read, Rob Webb, Sam Hamilton, Shea McGovern, Siobhan Campbell and Stephen O’Beirne.  Fantastic times were recorded by all, but above all else, it’s great to see you all enjoying your running and supporting each other in training.  It takes dedication to maintain such fitness; hats off!

Commiserations to a few who missed out due to injury and sickness.  It’s a very difficult choice to withdraw from a challenge that you’ve worked hard for, but it’s definitely the right one, and there’ll be plenty more days, so take heart.

Congrats to Coach Gary O’Hanlon who was 4^th in the race overall and first in his category.  Thanks, as always, to coaches Paul and Gary for the training week-in, week-out; the training is clearly paying off based on the fantastic results below.  Special and sincere thanks to Alan and Mick for the incomparable distance support, and helping us to Believe and Achieve.  Congrats to Mick on his own great run in the half, and to Alan who looks set for world domination following his Berlin marathon exploits.

We have to admit that the performances of the day were courtesy of our first-timers who braved the difficult conditions with ease, clocking wonderful times that seasoned competitors would be immensely proud of.  13.1 miles is no mean feat, the Phoenix Park is never flat, and those medals were particularly hard-earned in really tough conditions.  If it was easy, everyone would do it!!  Congratulations to 5 ladies who stepped up for our C25K class back in January.  I guess you exceeded your own expectations; you certainly exceeded ours.  Very well done on a fantastic achievement Audrey Keane, Emma Dwyer, Kate Quirke, Lorraine Murphy and Marie McQuaid.

Noel Leddy tells us this wasn’t officially his first half marathon as he did one around 8 years ago in Connemara and that was his last run until he joined C25K in 2015.  We’re bestowing the same kudos on you Noel, because muscle memory doesn’t last that long.  Well done; what a comeback!

If we’ve missed anyone, apologies, it may be because you didn’t note “Dunboyne AC” when registering.  If so, please just let us know.

Folks, wear your t-shirts with pride to training on Tuesday night for a group photo at 8.10pm.  Senior half-marathoners and Berliners, please join us if you can hang on after your own session.

 

Name	Chip Time
Angela Egan	02:24:32
Ann Garrett	02:06:02
Audrey Keane	02:23:47
Bernadette O’Connor	02:14:38
David Dolan	02:08:06
Emma Dwyer	02:23:47
Fran Hughes	02:03:31
Gary O’Hanlon	01:10:30
Hilary Madden	02:12:38
Jackie Brannigan	01:50:20
Jennifer Clancy	02:10:16
Joan Hodgins	01:51:06
Kate Quirke	02:22:39
Lauren Flood	01:51:27
Lorraine Murphy	02:00:22
Marie McQuaid	02:22:38
Mick Foy	01:32:27
Noel Leddy	02:23:40
Olywen Read	02:08:48
Rob Webb	02:13:13
Sam Anshasi	01:41:39
Sam Hamilton	02:20:28
Shea McGovern	02:12:38
Siobhan Campbell	02:01:59
Stephen O’Beirne	02:16:14