‘Fit 4 Life’ makes welcome return after summer break

The Fit 4 Life group returned last Wednesday evening after a short break for the summer and the first session of the new group was an outstanding success.It looks as if this year’s series will equal if not surpass the large numbers that took part last year. It was good to see many of last year’s group back again, boosted by a large number of newcomers.This group is the ideal way for anyone interested in getting fit to do so in a friendly non-competitive way.You can start at any age, no previous experience is required and you choose a pace that is suited to your level of fitness, be it walk, jog or run. This is an opportunity for anyone, younger or older, male or female, to get out in the evening and do some exercise and meet new people. The programme is suitable for beginners through to regular runners, and the emphasis is on meeting with people of a similar ability on a regular basis to walk, jog or run in a fun and sociable atmosphere without the pressure of competition.If you’re interested and want to get involved, simply turn up on Wednesday evening at 7pm at the Mullingar Harriers Grounds ready or run or walk. Prepare to get active. Wear loose clothing, such as a tracksuit, and of course a pair of runners. The sessions will go ahead in all weather, so be prepared and bring along a change of clothes for after.Clifden 10km Road RaceThink of Clifden, Co. Galway and you think of hills, and plenty of them. That didn’t deter Martin Lyons and about 70 others though taking part in the Clifden 10km Road Race last Sunday (12th Sept), which was held in dull but calm conditions and thankfully not the terrible downpours we’ve had of late. Despite the very hilly course, which Martin likened to a “mini-Everest” over the first half, he won comfortably in 35 minutes and broke the course record by 2 minutes into the bargain. Well done to Martin on his success in the West.AAI National Half MarathonLast week we overlooked the wonderful performance of Maura Dervin on winning the gold medal in her master age category at the AAI National Half Marathon Championship on Sunday 5th September at St. Abban’s AC, Co. Laois. The course was over two laps with plenty of long climbs to contend with, which seemed to suit Maura very well. Also, Eddie Newman had a very good run and finished well up in his master category, in a new personal best time of 79:46. This is the latest in a series of personal bests for Eddie and it seems every time he runs a half marathon, he gets quicker!Cross country season beginsThe first cross country fixture of the season, the Ballyfin Junior Cross Country, takes place this Saturday (18th Sept) in Emo, Co. Laois and will include races for junior men and women and a limited number of underage races too. We hope to have a number of Club athletes in action. Full details at training on Thursday night.Then on Sunday (19th Sept), Club members have a choice of two local 5km road races. At 11am the Ability 5km Fun Run in aid of people with disabilities in West Africa takes place at Belvedere. This is a very worthy charity event and should see a large turn-out. In the afternoon, the Clonkill 5km Road Race takes place starting and finishing at Clonkill GAA grounds. It will be interesting to see if any Club members take part in both events.Sunday morning, all our underage athletes will have a full-scale training session in Belvedere in readiness for the opening cross country race for most the following Sunday at Star of the Sea AC, Stamullin, Co. Meath.Club VestsA reminder to all athletes representing the Club in all competitions, that they must wear the Club colours. Club vests can be purchased each Tuesday and Thursday at training.A great boost to all our talented squad of underage athletes, both men and women, is the fact that Tom McGrath has come on board in a coaching capacity. Tom was an outstanding International athlete and a former scholarship student at McNeese State University in Louisiana in the USA. Tom’s experience and knowledge of athletics is second to none. We can look forward to some outstanding performances from a very dedicated group of young athletes over the next few years.SympathyFinally, sincere sympathy is extended to Vinny Connolly and the Connolly family on the recent death of his uncle. Also, sincere sympathy to the Boyhan family on the death of Shay Boyhan.Fixtures18th Ballyfin Junior Cross Country, Emo Court, Co. Laois19th Ability 5km Fun Run, Belvedere19th Navan AC Open T&F Sports, Claremont Stadium, Navan26th Midlands Mini Marathon 10km Road Race, Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar26th Star of the Sea AC Open Cross Country, Stamullin, Co. Meath29th Westmeath Schools Cross Country, Belvedere.