On Friday 8 May I took part in the Leixlip 5k Road Race, hosted by Le Chéile Athletics Club, an Athletics Ireland approved and measured event. It was my first time to take part in this race and to visit Le Chéile Athletic Club, on the campus of the Leixlip Amenities Centre, and I was very impressed with the fantastic facilities, the excellent organisation of the event and hospitality and refreshments afterwards.
I travelled by train to the race in Leixlip as it was very convenient to the race headquarters and gave me the opportunity of having a relaxing preparation for the 8pm evening race. I arrived at the athletics club in good time and greeted some of the young members who were volunteering at registration. I took some time to have a bit to eat and to have some reflection time before I commenced my dynamic warm-up and drills.
The race started adjacent to the state of the art tartan track at Le Cheile AC and followed a fast course around the outskirts of Leixlip with mostly smooth flat terrain apart from a few undulations as it travelled through the local community and surrounding residential areas. There was a fast downhill section in the final kilometre and the 5k finished with a 400 metre anti-clockwise lap around the track.
There was great support throughout out the route and at the finish on the track as spectators gave great cheers of encouragement for the 201 runners as they finished the race. This 5k was my first time participating in a road race, or any athletics event, since I took part in the Isle of Man Half Marathon on 10 August 2025.
After such a long break from racing I had modest expectations in terms of a target time for completing the 5k distance and was more than satisfied to cross the line in 88th position in 22:24 [22:22 chip time]. I had run as hard as I could and I felt the feeling of running at aerobic capacity which I had been missing for so long.
As I jogged a mile on the grassy banks around the track afterwards I tapped into the treasure of my running memories from the past and recalled the many training sessions I did with my fellow athletes from ULAC on the grassy banks surrounding the University of Limerick track some twenty-five years ago now.
I found it hard to believe it was nine months since I last donned the maroon and white singlet of Mullingar Harriers and took part in any competitive run. As I journey through my forties I accept that I cannot do as much running or compete at the same level as when I was younger.
There have been physical changes in my body, primarily an overuse foot condition from the repetitive stress of road running, and mental changes through medication that can affect how I feel both in everyday life and when I’m striving to push the pace in training.
While I sometimes find these challenges limiting, I hold onto the grace of gratitude for the gift of running, and enjoy the races I am able to run, where everyone is united, through the same goal of moving forward, one step at a time, to the finish line.
I think the key to running longevity is to take care of your body. I have learned a lot through my progression to Level 2 Athletics Coaching and from my cross training routine of Strength and Conditioning and workouts on the indoor trainer which helps to stabilise muscle groups and to boost cardiovascular fitness.
I feel the exercise benefits from these workouts is effective in triggering the release of endorphins—the body’s feel-good chemicals which can help combat feelings of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. I’m also a great believer in aqua aerobics having the water provide resistance and these group sessions are also very beneficial for positive well-being.
In the great scheme of things running is not about age, distance or speed. Running is about participation, doing as much or as little as you can, and enjoying it while you can. I am happy to be able to run two or three times a week. It gives me purpose and meaning, discipline, and connection to the running community. It is a vital contributor to my wellness by elevating my mood, helping me to be in good spirits and to be mentally relaxed.
I find something really nourishing about running in nature, especially in these long summer evenings. It is a time and a space where I can connect with God and be in gratitude. Now that I have listed all these benefits and completed my first race of the year, I am determined to get out, get running, get fit, and get competing in more events on the 2026 road racing calendar!
