Fit4Youth and Fit4Life at Jingle Bells 5K, Saturday 5th December 2015
Under normal circumstances Jingle Bells is an ideal 5K for Fit4Life and Fit4Youth. Run over a flat and downhill course, it is normally a great festive fun-run for the more relaxed among us and a shot at a PB for the more gungho. Storm Desmond and talk of red, orange and yellow weather warnings meant that some thought better of it and stayed in their beds on Saturday morning. Nevertheless 10 of our hardiest still ventured forth, determined that Storm Desmond wasn’t going to spoil the fun. The start was delayed and in the early stages of the race, the wind was against us but at least it was all downhill with the breeze from the top of the Furry Glen to the finish.
The performances of the day were from 2 of our Fit4Youth members Sarah Ward and Siobhan Tyrell who completed their first 5K’s with the club. It wasn’t a bother to them, they loved it and were rewarded with well-earned medals at the finish. Even more impressive, they managed to hold onto their Santa hats! Good work girls.
Lyndon Thomas led the charge for Fit4Life, as he often does, finishing in an impressive time of 25.59. Angela Egan (28.57), Anne Hickey (38.43), Ciara Keenan (32.12), Kay Gilmartin (27.42), Lisa Lord (28.48), Maria Hughes (36.32) and Patricia Gallagher (32.30) dug deep and tried to cling to the festive spirit as they followed close behind. All times noted are gun times rather than chip as it was too windy to put down starting mats, so these times are over-stated. For their considerable efforts our Fit4Lifers were rewarded with the traditional Jingle Bells mug on finishing, this year being the 25th anniversary year, making it that bit more special. Knowing Fit4life as we know Fit4Life, this will give them licence to tell this war-story over a cup of tea to anyone who will listen for many years to come.
Well done to everyone for venturing out on such a morning, never mind completing a 5K in style and good humour. Extra congrats to Sarah and Siobhan, a credit to the Fit4Youth group and their terrific spirit! Thanks to Lisa, Kay and Anne for the photos.
