The weather forecast didn’t inspire, but it turned out to be a great day for running for all levels.

First to take on Conemara were the two most experienced of our clubs ever-growing group of marathoners Val Fogarty and Dervilla Darcy. Bravely the fearless duo headed out at 10.30 for the full marathon. They started out into a head-on chilly North wind teamed with the odd hail shower for added pain, as if a 26.2 miles in Conemara wasn’t enough alone. I’m sure as they turned South East towards Leenane

 at mile 12 the brisk north wind became a welcome push in their backs, we will await their Race Reports to get the full picture. In spite of the terrain and the weather both crusaders put in PBs, Yes, against all odds and while still in training for the Krakow marathon on May 5th, Val posted an official time of 4.10.10 and Dervilla 4 .24.44 massive achievements to say the very least. Val was 20th woman home and 4th in her catagory, Dervilla was 31st woman and 7th in her catagory.  

 Fantastic run Ladies!   Best of luck in Poland.                            

As if that wasn’t enough eight determined club members 4 from Fit4life set out from Leenane for Maam cross, there seems to be no limit to the challenges our fit4life members will undertake, Peggy Lynch, Ruth Lynch, Emma Hawkins & Sharon Allen faced the unknown in unlikely bright sunshine and with great enthusiasm, all four were undertaking the course for the first time. Completing this challenge is nothing short of a massive achievement for a novice.

Peggy was our first Fit4lifer to conquered the long winding hill known as “The Hell of the West” in 1.59.57 managing to break 2 hrs by the finest of margins, great work Peggy!Next fit4lifer home was Emma completing the 13.1-mile roller coaster in a time of 2.13.51 Congrats to Emma, great running!

 Next in was Sharon, who had only been running six months to the day, Sharon defied all logic and finished in a brilliant time 2.29.31, this is a remarkable achievement and was driven by sheer guts and determination! Fabulous effort Sharon.

Last of the fit4lifers but by no means least was Ruth who only joined fit4life a few weeks ago. Ruth managed to pull off a minor miracle and cover the toughest of half marathons courses in an astonishing 2 42.51. I can’t imagine how you pushed through this in such a respectable time, fair play Ruth there are great things to come for you.               

The four remaining club runners on the day were Kathleen Waters who’s experience from Dublin 07 showed as she dipped under 2hrs with a comfortable margin in a time of 1.58.34 nice running Kathleen, best of luck in Belfast on may 5^th.            

Noel Gorman battled the course carrying an injury and pushed through in 2.04.24, Noel would have smashed his PB from last year had misfortune not struck so close to race day. Better luck next year Noel.               

Vince Boyle ran a blinder and surprised himself with a comfortable 1.42.48. Vince is also still training for Belfast where I have no doubt he will once again achieve a new PB for the 26.2 distance, congratulations in advance Vince.               

    Last Craughwell Ac half marathoner on the day was myself. This was my third attempt at this course but the first time with the wind at my back. I set out with a target of 1.30 and was thrilled to finish in 1.27.19 and 37^th position overall, my highest finishing to date that was in spite a fall between miles 6&7.Needles to say I brought home more than a medal to rememind me of this one. 

At the opposite side of the country lone Fit4life member Karen Guest took part in the Great BUPA Ireland run in the Phoenix Park. Karen had only completed her first 10k in Athenry on St Stephens day last .In weather conditions I believe to be much worse than in the west Karen managed to somehow slash a massive 4 minutes off her Christmas time finishing in the top quarter of the field in a most impressive 57.08,without doubt Karen is one of the most dedicated and committed members of Fit4life and we are very proud of you! Well Done Karen on a Fantastic run. 

If I missed out anybody please let me know as no club name appears in the results.

 That’s a snapshot of how healthy Craughwell AC and its Fit4life are shaping up. 

You are all a HUGE credit to yourselves and our club!! 

Anyone can join our fit4life at any time, For info email fit4life@o2.ie or call Tony on 0863026798