October 7th Return of Couch To 5K at An Ríocht

Couch-to-5K friends, Cathriona Daly, Castleisland (left) and Margaret Murphy, Killarney over the finishing line after their first official 5K road race together at An Ríocht AC on September 5th. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Couch to 5K returns to An Ríocht Athletic Track on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm. The start date is October 7th. at 7pm.

A Walkers club option has also been added this season and is 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 being a great social outlet. By getting out on the track on Tuesday and Thursdays you will be part of a real feel good atmosphere with music to help you on your way.

Couch to 5k is aimed at those who, in the past, perished at the thought of physical movement of any kind. Its aim is to transform those who struggled to move much more than from couch to fridge into regular exercisers with an ability to jog or even jog and walk 5k.

Everybody works at their own pace and with such the crowd that descends on An Ríocht for the session, one will always

Delight for Tess Fitzgerald, Cordal as she finishes her first Couch-to-5K challenge with her mentor/ encourager, Liz Broderick at the finish at An Riocht AC in August. The new season of Couch-to-5K is about to start. Photograph: John Reidy

have someone beside them working at the same pace as themselves.

Another unique aspect of couch to 5k at An Ríocht is that everyone, literally from 8 to 80 is taking to the track at the same time. This would be hard to do in any other setting or sport but children and teenagers are joining the parents and grandparents for the session, which is fantastic to see!

Some people find that it is easier on the body to walk on the track under the safety of flood-lighting, some find that the buzz of mass participation keeps them going, others are pushed by the music but undoubtedly there is a great energy around An Ríocht from 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursday!

A special presentation was made to local runner Maggie Prendiville who completed the Autumn Series of Three Couch-to-5K Road Races while awaiting the birth of her baby. The club commissioned a Baby Blanket with the An Riocht AC Logo and a ‘Born to Run’ inscription. Maggie is pictured here (right) receiving the presentation from Georgina Fagan with Denny McSweeney, William Dennehy and Denis Brosnan, An Riocht AC. after the Couch-to-5K Road Race in Castleisland on September 12th. ©Photograph: by John Reidy

For those of you who have already completed a 5k or can run for 20 minutes without needing a break this is for you! 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.

Training will end coming up to Christmas with a Charity Run, the proceeds of which will go to St. James Hospital Dublin in

memory of the late Donal Curtin of Knocknagoshel.

The cost per night is just €2.

The club wishes to send its sincere congratulations to Maggie Prendiville and Denis Keane on the birth of their baby boy last week. Maggie ran in all three of the just ended Couch-to-5K road races and was presented with a specially inscribed ‘Baby Blanket’ on the final night.