11/11/2024
Tollymore Trail Ultramarathon - 1st lady, 5th overall, new ladies course record holder, with 22 mins off the previous course record ๐โโ๏ธ
Even as I write this it feels totally surreal to say. I started running back in 2020 during covid, and for the first few years I was simply trying to finish races without a DNF. I didnโt really have much confidence in myself as a runner. I thought because of my scoliosis and fused spine, I would always be a pretty average runner.
Fast forward 4 years, I gave birth to our beautiful baby Easkey 14 months ago and itโs like a fire has been lit underneath me. Once I was cleared to run 12 weeks post c-section, I was more motivated than ever to run ๐โโ๏ธ
Now there have been so many ups and downs in my journey since getting back into running, I got completely floored with a hip injury back in March which took me out for some time.
And my running training has been far from typical- most of my runs happen with baby Easkey in the buggy and my dog Percy strapped around my waist running through Killarney national park, or the Gap of Dunloe. But to be honest, Iโve enjoyed every minute of it. And Easkey has gotten used to buggy running from a very young age, and now itโs just part of our routine ๐ฅฐ
So I guess what Iโm trying to say is- scoliosis warriors, postpartum mamas- you can do hard things๐ช
Believe in yourself, put in the work, keep being consistent and you will eventually get there ๐
A special thankyou to my guy Conor for always supporting and believing in me, the amazing nanna D for looking after Easkey while I race, our wonderful babysitter Tina for also taking such great care of Easkey, and of course- my 2 special running companions- Easkey and Percy- who are always there by my side- rain or shine ๐๐ฅน๐
And thankyou so much to you all for the beautiful messages of love and support. What a beautiful way to finish 2024! I am so greatful ๐