Guest Post: January ...by Pat Walsh

 * January *

As I write this on the 22nd of the month it feels like 40 days have gone and another 15 ahead before we see the end of this long month. 

December we had festive lights, mince pies and hot whiskies. January we have dark nights, no biscuits and guilt into doing a dry January. New Years resolutions are being tested on the these cold, dreary, wet and windy days. 

Hard to be getting out and use the carbo loading that we did for Christmas. I have a good few weeks of bad eating to work out of me.

Last 2 parkruns lost to icy conditions and no guarantee for the weeks ahead. The weather can only get better, I hope. Hiding under the duvet has become a credible option.

Days are getting longer, but it doesn’t seem like it. It isn’t you, everyone feels the same way. The Easter Eggs are in the shops. Most above is written in jest so don’t be taking me too seriously.

Get out as often as you can, preferably in daylight hours. You will always feel so much better afterwards. Focus on the goals ahead and think of running in the light and heat of the summer.

Good time of the year to work on strength and flexibility. Wrap up well and don’t hang around after a training session. Straight to the Shower and dry warm clothes.

Don’t be feeling guilty if you are not sticking to plan. There will be time to get back on track. Bank Holiday for St Brigid 1st February is coming up and a long weekend to enjoy.

1st February also marks the 10 milers in Dungarvan and Trim which are like an unofficial start to the Spring events. Runners emerging from Winter hibernation. The Northern Lights paid a visit to brighten our lives.

I dragged myself out of bed to do the wonderful Cloyne 4k Winter series last Sunday morning. It was fantastic and well worth the effort. Low key event, cash entry on the day, same price for everyone…. 5 euro, old fashioned styled race event. 

There was a great atmosphere with greetings, smiles, welcomes, support, fun, laughter and with a bit of running.

Athletes of all ages and abilities attended. Exactly 365 runners crossed the finish line. Was it an omen? A sign for a better year ahead? One runner for every day of the Year. We search for positives in everything. Cloyne Community

Keep going, keep dreaming, keep believing. As Dermot Kennedy put it so well in his song, Better days are coming. 

‘The rain, it ain't permanent 
And soon we'll be dancin' in the sun
We'll be dancin' in the sun
And we'll sing your song together’

Have a lovely weekend

#pwr