This weekend sees many Blackrock A.C. members take part in the Paris Virtual. The distances being covered by our members range from 10k to a full marathon. Although the event itself is officially pencilled in for Sunday the 11th April, organisers have indicated that entrants can complete their distance any day in the leadup, as long as your time is entered on the day.

Paris Virtual Entrants

Some of the members we know who are taking part include, Aideen, Bryan, Carmel, Claire, Dermot, Dorit, Emily, Ger, Gerry, Gráinne, Helen, Imelda, James C, James D, Jamie, Janel, Karen, Katherine, Keven, Mairéad, Miriam, Monica, Patricia, Patricia, Rachel, Valeria and Victoria. Be sure to give them a cheer if you see them running by!

Paris Virtual Routes

Areas some are covering will be Carysfort Park, Blackrock Park and the usual route to Sandymount. Some also opting for the route to Dun Laoighaire and Sandycove direction. While others are targeting Clonkeen Deasgrange, Foxrock, Kilbogget as part of theirs. Others will be covering Cabinteely, Leopardstown and Sandyford as well. Of course, there are some Blackrock A.C. members who will be incorporating all of these within a 5k radius of their home. Many are well and truly speaking fluent French throughout conversations and spring is definitely in the air.

Paris Virtual Photographs

Remember we need your photos to help make our website great. Please share in the usual groups and use our hashtag #BlackrockAC on the socials.

Tips for Paris Virtual Half and Full Marathons

Thanks to Gerry Flaherty for compiling some useful tips for the longer distances.

Pacing and Midrace

• Have a plan for your race such as keeping even pace
• Very important to determine an estimated marathon time using race times; 5 x 10km time, 3 x 10mile time and 2 x half marathon time plus 20mins
• Keep focussed during the first few miles
• For the marathon, the first 10km is key in keeping a steady pace
• Going too fast for the first 10km can be detrimental to final finish time
•  Avoid the temptation to go too fast when you feel good as often it can difficult to pull back the pace and you could find you are well ahead of pacing team or your own pace
• Ensure you take on water throughout
• Take small amounts of water often but take more on a warm or humid day
• Have warm clothes for after the run

Post Run

It is not the end of the world if you have to pull out due to injury or other reasons. There will always be another virtual race! Post marathon blues are a reality. Take it easy in the week after the half or full marathon and aim to get back to training as soon as possible even just for a few km and be sure to say hello and stay connected to your group. Fizzy drinks are not recommended after or on the evening of a half or full marathon as they can impede recovery for the coming days.

A marathon can affect your heart for a few days after. Best of rest up for a few days and not drink too much alcohol in the week after. A dip in the sea or cold bath can help with a quicker recovery if you are planning to run a race in the weeks after the marathon. However, an Epson salts bath as hot as possible can also help with recovery in the week after. Active rest is also good in the week after where you could just go for a walk

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