Carb-loading, protein packing, tapering down, check list checked, where’s my Vaseline? It’s the final countdown. There’s only one more run left and that’s the one with the prize, that coveted finishers t-shirt and the gold medal.
There is something that’s gotten me thinking and appreciating over the last few months, in-fact when I look back over the last 3 years it really strikes me. On numerous Friday nights I’ve driven home from work in torrential rain and gale force winds, swearing to myself “if it’s like this in the morning I’m not going”, then to wake up to find a bright, calm morning. Is it luck or is someone looking over us?
On Monday morning, as you pull on the orange jersey, take a minute to remember where it all started. In 2005 Howard Flannery had a vision. That vision was to provide services to children with special needs that were not readily available in the county. As a young man Howard had a willingness to help and a talent to motivate. Howard graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management and moved to Louisville Kentucky, where he boxed in the home of his idol Muhammad Ali. He came back to Ennis setting up MT Pockets and in time opened the Maid of Erin pub in Listowel. Howard was passionate about everything he put his mind to and laid his hands on and so a clinic for the young children of Clare was no exception.
So he started to run, the Dublin city marathon being the focal point of the year. Like any great leader he approached and gathered his aides around him - the more runners, the more sponsorship, the more money for more children. Howard had two mottos: it’s all for the children and nobody is left behind. The first we can see for ourselves and the latter is what he was all about. After finishing his own marathon, Howard would go out and bring the rest of his Crusaders home.
This year there are 119 Clare Crusaders and a gang of Kerry Crusaders running and walking in Dublin. Remember Howard’s mottos, let his motivational powers flow through your weary limbs and reluctant spirit and as you come across a Clare or Kerry Crusader, have a chat, give a word of encouragement, bring each other along for 10 metres or 10 miles. As you reach the last few miles and hear yourself cursing yourself for not cutting that baby toenail, the gels, the runners, the world, spare a thought for those less fortunate and know that there is someone on your shoulder encouraging and helping you over the line. Lastly, we’ll leave the weather to somebody else but for You Crusaders enjoy the experience, the buzz, the crowds, the knowing that you are now a marathon runner.
JWalkin
There is something that’s gotten me thinking and appreciating over the last few months, in-fact when I look back over the last 3 years it really strikes me. On numerous Friday nights I’ve driven home from work in torrential rain and gale force winds, swearing to myself “if it’s like this in the morning I’m not going”, then to wake up to find a bright, calm morning. Is it luck or is someone looking over us?
On Monday morning, as you pull on the orange jersey, take a minute to remember where it all started. In 2005 Howard Flannery had a vision. That vision was to provide services to children with special needs that were not readily available in the county. As a young man Howard had a willingness to help and a talent to motivate. Howard graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management and moved to Louisville Kentucky, where he boxed in the home of his idol Muhammad Ali. He came back to Ennis setting up MT Pockets and in time opened the Maid of Erin pub in Listowel. Howard was passionate about everything he put his mind to and laid his hands on and so a clinic for the young children of Clare was no exception.
So he started to run, the Dublin city marathon being the focal point of the year. Like any great leader he approached and gathered his aides around him - the more runners, the more sponsorship, the more money for more children. Howard had two mottos: it’s all for the children and nobody is left behind. The first we can see for ourselves and the latter is what he was all about. After finishing his own marathon, Howard would go out and bring the rest of his Crusaders home.
This year there are 119 Clare Crusaders and a gang of Kerry Crusaders running and walking in Dublin. Remember Howard’s mottos, let his motivational powers flow through your weary limbs and reluctant spirit and as you come across a Clare or Kerry Crusader, have a chat, give a word of encouragement, bring each other along for 10 metres or 10 miles. As you reach the last few miles and hear yourself cursing yourself for not cutting that baby toenail, the gels, the runners, the world, spare a thought for those less fortunate and know that there is someone on your shoulder encouraging and helping you over the line. Lastly, we’ll leave the weather to somebody else but for You Crusaders enjoy the experience, the buzz, the crowds, the knowing that you are now a marathon runner.
JWalkin