Ladies flock to initial running of Sofa to 5k race

Ladies flock to initial running of Sofa to 5k race

5 August 2015

THE inaugural Sofa to 5k run from Seeconnell to St. John’s GAC, Drumnaquoile took place on Saturday.

Thirty-four girls set off on the run after training for 10 weeks. The programme was called Sofa to 5k with the aim being that anyone with no current level of fitness could go from being a couch potato to running a 5km race. 

Many of the ladies who turned up on the first information evening were skeptical until they met the coach, Martin Keenan and saw his training booklet that all participants got to keep them on track. 

It detailed how the soon-to-be-runners would start off gently with small walks building to small bursts of running and even included rest days.

There were two set time classes, one at St. John’s GAC, using their excellent indoor and outdoor training facilities, and the other would be in nature’s training grounds at Murlough Beach, Castlewellan Forest Park and Slieve Croob to name a few. 

This also allowed the ladies to work at their own level while also working in teams and making new friendships in the various team games. Without spoiling the surprise element for new trainees on the next course, to say no two classes were the same would be an understatement, but always with a fun ethos at the heart of it all. 

After the race there was a fun day for all the families and everyone’s abs got a work-out watching the obstacle course heats as there was plenty of laughing and roaring.

If you are thinking of a new interesting way to get fit, but not a gym bunny or get bored easily training on your own then consider going along on Tuesday, August 11, at 8pm when Martin Keenan will be starting a new group at St. John’s GAC.

Places are limited so you can also contact him on 07928 236757 or find the group on Sofa 2 5k on Facebook.

Nine weeks from now you could be crossing that finishing line with your friends and family cheering you on.