Fit4Life at the Inaugural Ana Quigley pre Marathon Arriba Run, Phoenix Park, Saturday 17th October 2015
A few short months ago exCoach Gannon had a wonderful idea that Fit4Lifers targeting the Race Series might enjoy some additional training support from clubmates who’d been there, done that and got the t-shirts! But who’d be willing to bang on about their own marathon achievements without modesty, shame or any sense of decorum without becoming a laughing stock within the club? Paul quickly identified two guys with nothing to lose on all scores!
He was also mindful that Fit4Lifers enjoy a good laugh so he flattered Alan McKernan and Mick Foy into doing the honours; told them they were great guys (liar, liar) and that Fit4Lifers are an absolute joy to associate with (never any doubt).
Alan (aka S3A) and Mick quickly put their branding experience into action and a new “Believe, Achieve” brand was born! About 40 Fit4Life enthusiasts signed up for weekly emails of training plans, tips, encouragement and pure comedy gold. The guys even staged a number of live shows; modestly calling them “Q&A’s” and our Fit4Life faithful lapped it all up; so much so that 30 of them completed the Race Series Half-Marathon and 13 are now gunning for the Dublin City Marathon on Monday next. We think this may have been a success!
Last Saturday, Mick and Alan joined the gang for a training run in the Park. This was the final training run for the Marathon 13 and a victory lap for some of our half-marathoners. The lads declared that there would be coffee and cake afterwards in the Visitor Centre. They had us at “cake!”
They cynically called it the “Ana Quigley Inaugural pre-marathon Arriba Run” in the hope that Ana would foot the bill. Hopefully, she resisted that pressure and took it as a very great honour instead. Also, we think Mick fancies himself as a Latin God with a Spanish accent when he yells “Arriba!” Harmless really, bless him!
The lads arrived armed with selfie sticks and merchandise as you can see from the photos. Could they be any more hateful? They were positively glowing as they posed with the great lady herself. Sadly, the brand was weakened by their failure to stand on the right side of each other as they distractedly fought for the most flattering camera angle and inhaled deeply.
Well done to all our Fit4Lifers on a fantastic journey and tremendous achievements in the Race Series and we wish our 13 hardy souls the very best of luck next Monday. We look forward to supporting you along the way.
Sincere thanks to Alan and Mick for their tremendous efforts, encouragement, inspiration and good humour along the way. Us Fit4Lifers are incredibly grateful for a fun and rewarding experience courtesy of the best double act since Beavis and Butthead (harsh Donal Cashin, but fair!)
