THE DONEGAL ATHLETICS Grand Prix Series gets underway this Sunday and for many, it’s a first step of the season that will lead to the Donegal Marathon, which takes place in Letterkenny on August 21.
This week, Charlie Collins caught up with Danny McDaid at the Aura Centre in Letterkenny. McDaid, a native of Newmills, ran the marathon in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games.
“There’s 16 weeks to go,” McDaid said. “The North West 10K would be a start and from there to build up the miles each week at about 10 per cent. If you’re healthy and reasonably fit you can start by doing a few races. We’ve the Danny McDaid 15k then before the marathon.”
https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=J4pJgNd9VJY&feature=youtu.be
A series of workshops for runners of all levels will take place in the coming weeks. Organised by The Donegal Marathon, in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership, the workshops are designed to help runners of all levels enhance their running experience. These practical and informative sessions are ideal for, (but not limited to), those considering running this year’s Donegal Half or Full Marathon on Sunday, August 21.
[adrotate group=”46″]Taking place in three locations across the county, the workshops will include expert advice for every class of runner; from first-time runners to seasoned athletes. The sessions will cover key issues facing runners including practical demonstrations and advice on warm ups, cool downs, stretching, pacing, the use of heart rate monitors, hydration, optimal food for training, foam rolling and rehab from minor injuries.
To facilitate runners across Donegal, the workshops have been organised for three locations in the county. The first workshop will take place on Wednesday, 11th May in An Craoibhin Centre, Termon, followed by one on Monday, 16th May in Sliabh Sneacht Centre, Drumfries (beside North Pole Bar). The final workshop will happen on Wednesday, 18th May in Inver Community Centre, Inver. The workshops will run from 7.30 – 9.00pm and the cost per event is €5 per person. Places can be booked via wwwactivedonegal.com.
Attendees on the night will get the opportunity to learn from experts in their field. Speakers include former international athlete and now Development Officer with Athletics Ireland Paul McKee, nutritionist Thérèse Laverty and Chartered Physiotherapist Lorraine Boyce.
Paul McKee is a former international athlete who has represented Ireland many times in international competition. He was a member of the Irish 4 x 400 metre relay team at the Sydney Olympics and has also represented Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games. He is currently employed as a Development Officer with Athletics Ireland.
Thérèse Laverty has a vast amount of experience supporting individual athletes in boxing, athletics, football, Gaelic games, triathlon, swimming and golf, as well as working with a range of teams including the Donegal Senior hurlers and footballers and Finn Harps FC. During the workshop, Thérèse will focus on the basics of nutrition, offering simple and practical tips to benefit all runners, from elite athletes to recreational runners.
Lorraine Boyce is a Chartered Physiotherapist with her own practice in Letterkenny. A keen sports woman, Lorraine will offer invaluable information around stretching techniques, foam rolling and why prevention is better than cure.
[adrotate group=”49″]Encouraging runners of all levels to attend the workshops, Coordinator with The Sports Partnership, and Donegal Marathon Committee member, Myles Sweeney said: “We held a number of these workshops last year and received excellent feedback from those in attendance, so it made sense to host them again this year. People found the sessions really useful and left with practical advice on everything from training plans, to the type of food they should be eating, ways to avoid injury, tips on increasing stamina and mental toughness and the importance of rest days.”
“We’re four months out from the Donegal Marathon, so whether you’re planning on running the full or half marathon, or just interested in learning more about ways to maximise your run, this is the perfect opportunity to get the information you need. There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A, but places are limited so early booking is advised.”
[adrotate group=”60″]Early bird registration fees are now available for the 2016 Donegal Marathon and competitors can book via wwwdonegalmarathon.ie or by downloading the registration form. The early bird fee for the Donegal Full Marathon is €44 and for the Half Marathon, the early bird rate is €29. Early Bird rates will close at midnight on Tuesday, 31st May 2016.
For more information on the Donegal Marathon workshops, contact Myles Sweeney, Donegal Sports Partnership on myles@activedonegal.com or 074 9116707.
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