Blackrock A.C. Running Backwards in Phoenix Park

Blackrock A.C. supported Michael Ferndale with his unique challenge of running backwards in Phoenix Park last Saturday.

#BlackrockAC this morning supporting Michael Ferndale and @thechangefoundation as he runs the first of 5 marathons in 5 days, backwards, starting this morning in the Phoenix Park. https://t.co/jDBow3aYcV pic.twitter.com/4KbSw008aK
— Blackrock A.C. (@Blackrock_AC) October 9, 2021

Running Backwards in Phoenix Park

Michael Ferndale’s run was part of a unique challenge: Starting in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, he will be doing 5 marathons running backwards in Dublin, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh before finishing with his final one in London over a 5-day period.

Thanks to all our members who came out to assist Michael Ferndale as he set out to raise money for The Change Foundation and Lord Taverners. More info on the story behind it is here.

Those involved were Donal Cassidy, Gerry Flaherty, Helen Collins, Imelda Curran, James C and D, Pat O’Brien and Ted Burke. Some were there before dawn to ensure that Michael was accompanied around the Phoenix Park as he ran backward and made sure hazards were avoided as he did. Thank you all for coming out and being involved on behalf of Blackrock A.C. and we wish Michael and the team well for the rest of the challenge.

A special thanks also to James Dowling who planned and organised the whole Dublin event and motivated members of the club to help out.

Parkun

Congratulations to Dee O’Mahony who completed her 250th parkrun today and to Emer Murphy who completed her 100th parkrun. Both wonderful milestones taking years of commitment and dedication. We had a good turnout from the club and an excellent performance by run director Johnny.

Wicklow Marathon and Half Marathon

Congratulations to Ger O’Toole and Bryan Shiels who took part in the Wicklow Hospice Marathon on Saturday. Ger sailing home in 3rd place with Bryan Shiels being equally as impressive completing his 74th marathon on the day.
A special mention to those who entered the half marathon. Blackrock A.C. was well represented here also with members Brian Caulfield, Andrew Flynn and Rob Carey coming in 2nd, 4th and 6th respectively. Well done everyone and more information on the results can be viewed here.

Ger and Bryan (Blackrock A.C.) at the Wicklow Marathon 2021

Fit4life Virtual Event – 10km Challenge

From now until the end of the October, we are going to continue the series and have a 10km virtual challenge. Just log a 10km each week for any of your runs or even enter an average over a longer run. This is a good opportunity to do a weekly tempo run with a recommended pace of half marathon pace or a 10km race time +5 minutes. You can log your results here: 10km Virtual run

Upcoming Events

The following are some other races recommenced for Blackrock A.C. members:

Date	Event	Link
17th October 2021	Spar Autumn Open Cross-Country, Abbotstown	Website
17th & 18th October 2021	Great Pink Virtual run	Website
24th October 2021	Thoroughbred Marathon Kildare	Website
23rd – 25th October 2021	Dublin Virtual Marathon	Website
28th October 2021	Dublin Airport Central 5k	Website
31st October 2021	Dublin Senior Cross Country, location TBC	TBC
19th & 20th November 2021	Mountain Trail Running Festival – various trail runs, 10k to 100k (!)	Website
20th November 2021	Run The Line (13k and 26k mountain run, Glencullen)	Website
27th November 2021	Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (Half and Full)	Website
27th November 2021	Clontarf 5 mile and Half Marathon – SOLD OUT	Website
9th January 2022	Dublin Masters Cross Country, location TBC	TBC
15th January 2022	World Half Marathon Festival	Website
6th February 2022	Trim 10 Mile	Website
12th February 2022	Donadea 50k (back in the forest!) – nearly sold out	Website
20th February 2022	Seville marathon	Website
24th April 2022	Connemarathon 2022	Website

Check out www.myrunresults.com or www.imra.ie for other races coming up soon.

Blackrock A.C. Tip of the week

Different people have different reasons for running road races, but one of them is simply the incentive to get out and run, increase your mileage and feel good: The medal (aka Bling) simply signifies the successful completion of training, not just the finishing of a race (Hal Higdon Tips).

Training Reminder

Training continues as normal this week and great to see good numbers at each session. Members are required to wear a high viz vest from now on at training.

Anyone who had not completed the Covid-19 survey can do so at the following link (Covid19 form link). If anyone is not feeling well in any way or injured you should not come to training. For those currently on trial, if you want to join the club and become a member you can register now. Membership prices are reduced as it is past August.