Huge Turn-out for Summer Fitness Drive at An Riocht

Some of the huge turn-out for the Walkers' Club / Couch-to-5K first outing at An Riocht AC on Tuesday evening from 7-30pm. The gathering will continue on Thursday evening at the same time and on every Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the summer. ©Photograph: John Reidy  3-6-2014
Some of the huge turn-out for the Walkers’ Club / Couch-to-5K first outing at An Riocht AC on Tuesday evening from 7-30pm. The gathering will continue on Thursday evening at the same time and on every Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the summer. ©Photograph: John Reidy 3-6-2014

A crowd of 200 plus – according to early estimates – showed up at An Riocht AC last evening for the ‘Summer Season’ of fitness and well-being. Some were there to continue and step up on their already gained Couch-to-5K fitness levels. Others because of the new and more leisurely but business-like, Walkers’ Club.

Both ‘classes’ were facilitated simultaneously as the joggers and walkers had specific lanes of the track assigned to them.

There were people there who hadn’t walked a step in the cause of exercise in years and who thought that the idea of community training in such ideal surroundings will do the biz for them as they strive to get their fitness levels off the floor.

The club will meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening from now on at 7-30pm for just €2 per night. It’s designed for people who want to exercise but have no aspirations to become a jogger. This is a no pressure exercise group that lends itself to becoming a great social outlet.

“By getting out on the track on Tuesdays and Thursdays you will be part of a real feel good atmosphere with music to help you on your way,” said promoter, Kate McSweeney. It got off to a great start on Tuesday night and there were people promising to bring friends along on the coming nights.

Of course, the more ambitious are also being well looked after. A squad of new signings and Couch-to-5k graduates from earlier this year took off on a jog around The Black Road under the guidance of Barbara Podraza, Maurice O’Connor and Eileen O’Connor – after a few warm-up laps of the track.

“Week by week, with some walking and some jogging, you will ultimately see yourself able to run three miles or 5k at your own pace in just three months! The key to this programme is its gradual progression. Too many people are put off exercise by starting too fast. With Couch-to-5K the slow, steady progression will make it easier for you to complete the programme,” said Kate.

For the even more ambitious for those who have completed a 5k or can run for 20 minutes without needing a break the 5k-10k training group aims to get you to break through that 5K barrier. With a mixture of proven techniques including:  distance, intervals, hills and strength work this should be a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable experience. Details on all the above can be had from 066 71 43370 or by clicking on the An Riocht AC advert on this page.