On Friday 8 May I took part in the Leixlip 5k Road Race, an Athletics Ireland approved and measured event hosted by Le Chéile Athletics Club, located on the campus of the Leixlip Amenities Centre, with their state of the art floodlit 8 lane tartan track. The race followed a fast course around the outskirts of Leixlip on smooth flat terrain, apart from a gradual hill leading up to the 1 kilometre mark. There was a welcome downhill stretch into the final half kilometre where runners turned into the athletic club and completed a 400 metre anti-clockwise lap of the track to the finish line.
There was a warm welcoming atmosphere at the event as the host club left no stone unturned in the organisation of the race. A large gathering of supporters lined the track to cheer the runners to the finish and the club provided plenty of post race refreshments for all participants. As I completed my warm-down on the grassy banks of the track I tapped into the treasure of my running memories from the past, and recalled some of the training sessions I did with my club mates from ULAC on the pitches and grassy banks surrounding the University of Limerick track at Plassey, some twenty-five years ago now. They were memorable and happy times, when I was young, free and fully in love with the discipline and competitiveness of long distance running.
This 5k was my first road race since the Isle of Man half marathon in August 2025. After such a long break from racing I had very modest expectations and was quite satisfied to cross the line in 88th position in 22:24 [22:22 chip time] of the 201 finishers. I had run as hard as I could and I had the feeling of adrenaline in my body from the increased intensity of the race, which I had missed for so long. I was also missing the transformative impact of running for my mental well-being. Participating in the race reminded me I was part of something bigger than myself. I recognised how the social benefits of running in group settings enhance my mood, motivation and belonging, fostering increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of connection in the running community.
As I journey through midlife at 44, I have learned to accept that I cannot do as much running and racing as I did when I was younger. There have been physical changes in my body caused by a foot condition from the repetitive stress of road running in my twenties and thirties, and mental changes caused by the side effects of mood stabilising medication for bipolar disorder which have affected my metabolism and functioning. While these challenges can be limiting, I hold onto the grace and gift of running and want to enjoy the races I am able to do, especially the camaraderie and friendly competition found among my running peers, where everyone is united, through the same goal of moving forward, one step at a time, to the finish line.
For me the key to running longevity is to take care of your body. I have benefited from increased running knowledge by undertaking Level 2 Athletics Coaching and from prioritising Strength and Conditioning and cross training alongside running. In combining different types of training for efficient movement, injury prevention, and physical conditioning I have been able to maintain my training load while triggering the same release of endorphins—the body’s feel-good chemicals—that helps combat feelings of depression and fatigue—as from a run. I often do high intensity training on the Wattbike, an advanced stationary bike for athletic training and participate in aqua aerobics—having the water provide resistance—and the group aspect of these sessions can also be very beneficial for social connection and well-being.
The benefit of exercise is huge for me. It boosts my energy and mood, and gives me more motivation in my daily routine of productivity and self-care activities. The rhythmic movement of my workouts helps to declutter my mind and regulate my mood, helping me to be in good spirits and to be mentally relaxed. Running the Leixlip 5k Road Race challenged me to give my all and strive for the finish line—and to enter that space of gratitude—praying for the grace to keep striving towards God in the spiritual life—and persevering to use my gifts to share the light—and make life fruitful and worthwhile. The Letter to the Hebrews in the Bible encourages Christians to “persevere in running the race that lies before us” [Hebrews 12:1]—an exhortation to keep running towards Jesus and the prize of eternal life.
As I embarked on the short walk back to Leixlip Louise Bridge station to make the return train journey home to Mullingar after the Leixlip 5k, I felt grateful for making the trip to run in the race and the time of hospitality and connection I spent with other runners and members of the host club. I was reminded that running is about participation, doing as much as I can, and enjoying it for a long as I can. There is something special about taking part in road races on these long summer evenings, and being in the running community—a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Now that I have outlined all these benefits—I am determined to get out training more and provide a healthy outlet for my emotions and a distraction from worries. It is time to live in the present and to enjoy competing in more events on the road racing calendar!
