Guest Post: June Bank Holiday ...by Pat Walsh

 ** June Bank Holiday ** 🏃🏃

We should have been running the streets of Cork last weekend but for the second year we have to miss it. Pity, as I did like the day out with the crew. And yes we did make a FULL Day out of it plus some of the night. I do miss the fun of the day and the huge numbers of people we met before, during and after the race. We will be back again. 😍💞

I have enough 'virtuals' done to keep me going for a while and would love a decent race. I am in good form mentally and not being too critical here but this intrigues me.

All the emphasis on return to sport is about spectators attending elite matches and events. Brilliant but, these were taking place anyway and it is only a few spectators get to see them. Elite sport has continued with only a few interruptions. I am happy for them and watching on TV has kept me sane.

Yes I would love a ticket for Cork V Limerick first round of the Hurling but I would also like to see a local Park run as a trial event. Maybe a few 5k’s around the country with limited entries and see how they get on. 

We know enough now to understand the importance of exercise for our overall health. We need to start events for ‘us’, the ordinary man. 50 people in June, 100 in July and growing as the country opens up. It will be hard to have nothing and go to a big 500+ event without some smaller trials. 

All online entry, staggered starts, no presentation of prizes, no after run grub or tea, bring your own water, move away immediately after race. Just see how we go and what we can do safely. 

This must happen first. The Government can give guidelines, but it is up to each individual sport to implement them safely. We learn, we grow, we move on. 🏃‍♀️🚶🏃🚶‍♂️🏃‍♂️

The powers that be in Athletics should be making greater efforts to start events off again for runners. Make a safe trial event, document what worked and didn’t. What can improve and what went OK. Publish findings and the whole country can learn.

Not a moan and I can live with the situation as it is, but just an opinion. 🤪🤔

What to do next to help.

Get your buddies together again and start planning.

Who has gone missing and needs a helping hand and friendly voice to start them off again.

Staying within all guidelines, reach out to others to join you for a run. Somebody from another area or group and be free to make a return visit. Show off your own area.

The mornings and evening are long and bright, get your own gang into their cars and go somewhere different that you haven’t run for a while.

Find an old race route and run it. Imagine the glory of crossing the finish line. 🏅

Have a time trial every few weeks. A 5k or a 4mile. Warm-up together, race hard at your pace, cool down together. See where your fitness is right now.

The possibilities are endless and only limited by imagination. Doing nothing isn't an option.

Good luck to anyone running this weekend, I hope the weather is good, the company great, the laughing infectious and the miles go gently by. If you have a Cork T-shirt from a previous race then put it on. 

Treat yourself to a cuppa and who knows in a few weeks we might be able for something stronger.

Feel free to post any Bank Holiday run pics on this page to cheer us all up. 💞🏃

Thanks for all kind comments and messages.

"Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tune without the words And never stops at all." Emily Dickinson

#pwr #keeponrunning