Hello my friends,
Well, even clicking through to the 795 forum link has brought back a huge wave of memories from our time back in Bunclody. I miss it! Its very true when they say you don't know what you have till its gone. And though I realised during our 12 months at home that we had hit the jackpot with R795, I truly only felt the significance of that when we left. A mighty club and group of people. I have intended on writing this note for months and months. When so many of you walked into our house in Carrigduff to say goodbye, it was so overwhelming, but so unbelievably significant to me. I'm sorry it's taken so long, but here it is, anyway.
To say I think of you often is a complete understatement. In fact, Paula Rankin and Mrs Shaughs could be excused for being slightly worried if they were to download my thoughts when out running! That low HR stuff has hit a massive nerve with me and, I will admit, has had a very positive impact on my running. I'm just back from a swim, where, of course I started thinking about our great sessions with James. And I always think of Martin when I swim, because I had the privilege of doing one session where just he and I turned up. The programme said something like 300m leg kick and I have to admit I turned around three-quarters of the way down each length, just to barely keep up! I'm sure he is still in everyone's thoughts everyday - and so he should.
I also think about our little running group at the GAA pitch and the feeling of exhilaration after completing another grueling interval session. Before the group sessions started, Kate, Joy and I really formed a close bond wearing gloves, hats and coats over the winter months in the snow and rain, discussing everything from sugar intake, to boyfriends to scary dogs, some craic indeed. Niall O' Muiri! When I saw him all dolled up on FB the other day, I laughed my head off! What a crazy, funny, massive-hearted man you are. Thanks for taking me on the spins (and to Joy for the bike!). The satisfaction of thawing out in the shower after a 100km spin, full of banter was, in hindsight, a highlight of the year.
So thank you R795, looking forward to joining your training sessions everytime we are home.
A massive thank you to everyone for your thoughts, visits and respect for my Dad, Liam. Its very hard to believe he is gone and, to be honest, I've become a dab hand and shoving those emotions right back inside when they peep out. But out they must come. Dad never really understood why I loved running so much, but he respected me for doing what I loved doing, as he did what he loved doing all his life. 'How are all the physical jerks'? he used to say when I'd arrive home from PE college. And as he sat in our kitchen in 5 Carrigduff last year drinking tea, after I arrived in from a run, wet and smiling, he was just so perplexed! But, he never stood in my way. Anyway, just to say it meant a huge amount to me, to see so many of you at the wake and funeral. Thank you so very much.
On another note, life here in Sydney is ticking along very nicely. I feel very happy and content here and am back into the full swing of things with kids, work, training etc. Its not a bad spot at all. I have many fitness goals that I want to reach still, but I did complete the Six Foot Track Marathon a few weeks ago, which has been on the bucket list for a while. I totally loved it and completed it in 4 hrs 40 mins which exceeded my expectations.
http://www.sixfoot.com/ . I'd had a big break in training due to Dad's funeral and general messed-upedness after that, so I was thrilled with the time. I broke down as I crossed the line though, which, weirdly, felt good. Now I know what its all about, I'll be pushing hard to better that result next year. Triathlons have taken a back seat for now, but I am really enjoying the running. I'm envious of so many of you doing your Ironman training though! Man, it must be amazing! Looking forward to hearing all the updates and news on that front.
Right, I'd better go again. Folks, you are 10,730 miles away (exactly, I just googled Naremburn, Sydney to Bunclody), but also right here inside my head. Keep up all the great stuff you do
Over (but never out)
Orls x