Just thirteen days to go at this point to the marathon . It starts in Staten Island at 8am (this is far too early!) and it means we will have to be up at 5am to get the 6am bus from Manhattan. The route takes us over the Vermazzano bridge, then north and before finally finishing up in Central Park.
I have started to enjoy the 'Corinthian' nature of running. I ran the Cork-Cobh race (15 miles) on September 30th. It was great to see people having a word or support along the way. The last three miles were gradually uphill and I have to say that it was great seeing my buddy Maeve (Trotter) who had held on at the finish line to cheer me home. It made the final 100m bearable.
Maeve has been hopping off the ground and is doing the Dublin City Marathon with her beau Lenny (the coach) Marshall. No bother to them. It was also great to see my old buddy Vince, who has been giving me all sorts of useful tips - not all of which I can share!
I am in wind down mode and did very little training since last weekend's long run. No point in leaving all that energy in Cork ! We had a team meeting in Crumlin on Saturday. The great Eamonn Coughlan, 'Chairman of the Boards', is leading this motley band of runners to New York. Eamonn had some wise words about preparing for the big day and not getting too caught up in the hype. The morning after we land Eamonn is also taking us out for a brisk jog (at 8am in Central Park! What is it with all the early starts?) and I am looking forward to that. To those who may be watching on Eurosport or a channel that will be showing the race, it will be easy to spot us as what we will be wearing is very patriotic. We'll be decked out as tricolours complete with little green shorts !! Enough said. LOL
On a more important note, Noreen is heading out to support me for the race and we are going to stay on for a couple of days after. We celebrated an important milestone recently on October 11th - 10 years since we met ... Who said romance is dead!
Wednesday 24 October 2007
Tuesday 16 October 2007
Not too long now
Hard to believe that there is less than one month to go till I run in New York!
I ran 22 September in the Phoenix Park in the Adidas Half marathon. I was very happy overall with my performance - it was extremely warm (especially coming after the terrible summer we have had in Ireland) and finished just over two hours . Had a slight cramp in my legs but overall the lungs stood up pretty well.
On 30 September, I took part in the Cork to Cobh road race. The conditions were fine again and it was a good challenge.
Have been training regularly and will be gradually reducing as NYC beckons.
Liam had chickenpox for the last two weeks of September, but is much better now.
I ran 22 September in the Phoenix Park in the Adidas Half marathon. I was very happy overall with my performance - it was extremely warm (especially coming after the terrible summer we have had in Ireland) and finished just over two hours . Had a slight cramp in my legs but overall the lungs stood up pretty well.
On 30 September, I took part in the Cork to Cobh road race. The conditions were fine again and it was a good challenge.
Have been training regularly and will be gradually reducing as NYC beckons.
Liam had chickenpox for the last two weeks of September, but is much better now.
Monday 10 September 2007
80s Night Update
Thank you very much to everybody that pledged a contribution or bought a ticket for my 80's theme night. A great time was had by all and I think the effort that was made by everybody who attended was plain to see.
So far we estimate to have raised close to €12,000 since the end of July 07.
The Douglas Post have printed a few photos from the night and you can see them at the link below:
http://www.douglaspost.ie/index.php?pageID=1535&PHPSESSID=66a6710523b45844c180fc25b01096b0
Remember that you can still donate at the following link:
http://www.donationpoint.ie/Event/Event.aspx?idEvent=101
or send money via PayPal to run4crumlin@gmail.com
So far we estimate to have raised close to €12,000 since the end of July 07.
The Douglas Post have printed a few photos from the night and you can see them at the link below:
http://www.douglaspost.ie/index.php?pageID=1535&PHPSESSID=66a6710523b45844c180fc25b01096b0
Remember that you can still donate at the following link:
http://www.donationpoint.ie/Event/Event.aspx?idEvent=101
or send money via PayPal to run4crumlin@gmail.com
Friday 31 August 2007
This is 80s night and the feeling is right!
I just wanted to give a final update on the 80's Fundraiser in Trabeg (Nemo Rangers Hurling & Football Club) Douglas, on Friday, August 31st 2007 for the Children's Medical Research Foundation, Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin.
Food
We will be running a full barbeque (burgers,kebabs,sausages etc.). Cribbins Butchers in Douglas will run the barbeque and have contracted chef/staff to cater for the evening. The barbeque will start between 8.30 and 9pm.
Ryans SuperValu in Douglas have very kindly sponsored salads and breads etc for the night.
Tickets
We have sold 200 tickets. In addition there has been very generous donations from people both overseas and at home who cannot attend the night . We estimate in total we have raised between €8,000- €9,000 since July 25th. By any standard this is a fantastic achievement. It is very much appreciated.
I will have tickets at the door for people who have made known they are coming.
Draw Prizes
As mentioned before we will be running a prize draw. The tickets for the draw will be priced at €5 per strip or 5 strips for €20. We will have three people selling tickets on the night and we will sell tickets till about 10.30pm and draw at 11pm.
Prizes include:
1) Day trip for 2 to the Rugby World Cup in Paris on September 30th to see Ireland take on Argentina in their final pool game . The prize will include Flights (ex Dublin (tbc)), Airport Transfers, Match Transfers and 2 tickets for the game in the Parc de Princes. (Value €1,900)
2) Private Dining experience - *****Five Star Chef will cook for you and three other guests for an evening in your own home.Terms and Conditions apply.
3) 2 night midweek break in the ****4 star Faithlegg House Hotel in Waterford.
4) €500 Tile Voucher from Cork Tile Outlet. Special Thanks to Billy and Therese Campion, Cork Tile Outlet
5) Two Fourball Golf Vouchers for the Blarney Golf Resort. Special Thanks to Dwane Twomey, Blarney Golf Resort.
6) Two ball Golf Voucher for Mount Juliet.
Spot Prizes
Spot prizes have been donated by a number of companies that will centre around the '80's theme ..... So those of you who pull out the 80's gear could well be going home with a prize! There will be an 80's quiz on the tables to test your trivia skills .....
Door Prizes
There will be a smaller raffle for everybody that turns up on the night. Please sign the back of your ticket and place in the box when you enter the hall.
Taxis
The night will finish at 12:30pm. Please make sure you get home safely.
Ace Cabs - 021-4311111
Douglas Cabs - 021-4363311
Food
We will be running a full barbeque (burgers,kebabs,sausages etc.). Cribbins Butchers in Douglas will run the barbeque and have contracted chef/staff to cater for the evening. The barbeque will start between 8.30 and 9pm.
Ryans SuperValu in Douglas have very kindly sponsored salads and breads etc for the night.
Tickets
We have sold 200 tickets. In addition there has been very generous donations from people both overseas and at home who cannot attend the night . We estimate in total we have raised between €8,000- €9,000 since July 25th. By any standard this is a fantastic achievement. It is very much appreciated.
I will have tickets at the door for people who have made known they are coming.
Draw Prizes
As mentioned before we will be running a prize draw. The tickets for the draw will be priced at €5 per strip or 5 strips for €20. We will have three people selling tickets on the night and we will sell tickets till about 10.30pm and draw at 11pm.
Prizes include:
1) Day trip for 2 to the Rugby World Cup in Paris on September 30th to see Ireland take on Argentina in their final pool game . The prize will include Flights (ex Dublin (tbc)), Airport Transfers, Match Transfers and 2 tickets for the game in the Parc de Princes. (Value €1,900)
2) Private Dining experience - *****Five Star Chef will cook for you and three other guests for an evening in your own home.Terms and Conditions apply.
3) 2 night midweek break in the ****4 star Faithlegg House Hotel in Waterford.
4) €500 Tile Voucher from Cork Tile Outlet. Special Thanks to Billy and Therese Campion, Cork Tile Outlet
5) Two Fourball Golf Vouchers for the Blarney Golf Resort. Special Thanks to Dwane Twomey, Blarney Golf Resort.
6) Two ball Golf Voucher for Mount Juliet.
Spot Prizes
Spot prizes have been donated by a number of companies that will centre around the '80's theme ..... So those of you who pull out the 80's gear could well be going home with a prize! There will be an 80's quiz on the tables to test your trivia skills .....
Door Prizes
There will be a smaller raffle for everybody that turns up on the night. Please sign the back of your ticket and place in the box when you enter the hall.
Taxis
The night will finish at 12:30pm. Please make sure you get home safely.
Ace Cabs - 021-4311111
Douglas Cabs - 021-4363311
Baba, mama and dada
The last few weeks have flown by and so far I have raised about €6,000. A big thank you to everybody who has supported me so far.
I have been busy. The running has been going well and I've been trying to do at least a 12km run a few times a week and gradually building up the distance.
Liam and Ruth are great . Liam is the size of an average 4 year old and is getting to be a very good communicator. Ruth had her first words a few weeks ago and said baba , mama and dada all in one night and nana two nights later. We also have a rabbit in our back garden also and there has been great excitement!
I have been busy. The running has been going well and I've been trying to do at least a 12km run a few times a week and gradually building up the distance.
Liam and Ruth are great . Liam is the size of an average 4 year old and is getting to be a very good communicator. Ruth had her first words a few weeks ago and said baba , mama and dada all in one night and nana two nights later. We also have a rabbit in our back garden also and there has been great excitement!
Remember that you can still donate at the following link:
http://www.donationpoint.ie/Event/Event.aspx?idEvent=101
or send money via PayPal to run4crumlin@gmail.com
Thursday 2 August 2007
Eighties Night Fundraiser
Are you dying for an excuse to perm your hair, pull on your old legwarmers, put in your shoulder pads and head out for a night on the town?
Do you get nostalgic when you hear the great anthems of the 80's?
Do you miss the way 'Sally O'Brien used to look at you' ? (& the pint of Harp!), Dallas, Hawaii Five-O, Miami Vice .....
Well here's your chance to relive the 80's!
As part of my fundraising for Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin I am hosting an '80's theme night at Trabeg (Nemo Rangers), South Douglas Road, Cork on Friday, August 31st 2007. Doors open at 8pm. There will be food, spot prizes and an '80's disco on the night. Most importantly, all proceeds from the night are going towards a very worthy cause.
Tickets will be priced at €30 and all proceeds will go directly to Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin.
Tickets will be issued on a first come first served basis in the coming weeks.
If you are interested in attending with friends, team members or partners, please contact me by email.
If your company is interested in donating a spot prize or making a contribution towards the running of the night, please contact me directly. Every little bit helps!
If you can't attend, remember that you can still donate at the following link:
http://www.donationpoint.ie/Event/Event.aspx?idEvent=101
or send money via PayPal to run4crumlin@gmail.com
Current Fundraising Total: 235.00 €
Getting started
Welcome to my blog about my preparations to run the 2007 New York City Marathon.
As some of you will be aware, my daughter Ruth was admitted to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin in Dublin, Ireland last November when she was just 2 days old. She underwent 3 cardiac related surgeries and spent the first three months of her life being cared for by a remarkable team of staff.
On November 4th 2007 I am running the New York City Marathon in aid of Our Lady's Hospital in order to raise much needed funds which will be directed towards various medical research projects and the purchase of medically necessary equipment which will enhance the care of their little patients.
If you would like to contribute you can pledge a contribution by clicking on the link below:
http://www.donationpoint.ie/Event/Event.aspx?idEvent=101
or if you would like to donate via PayPal, send us your pledge to run4crumlin@gmail.com
Finally , I have to stress that I am paying all my own expenses relating to the marathon (flights, accommodation, race entry etc). Therefore, all monies raised will go directly to Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin.
I look forward to your support.
Thanks, Niall G
As some of you will be aware, my daughter Ruth was admitted to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin in Dublin, Ireland last November when she was just 2 days old. She underwent 3 cardiac related surgeries and spent the first three months of her life being cared for by a remarkable team of staff.
On November 4th 2007 I am running the New York City Marathon in aid of Our Lady's Hospital in order to raise much needed funds which will be directed towards various medical research projects and the purchase of medically necessary equipment which will enhance the care of their little patients.
If you would like to contribute you can pledge a contribution by clicking on the link below:
http://www.donationpoint.ie/Event/Event.aspx?idEvent=101
or if you would like to donate via PayPal, send us your pledge to run4crumlin@gmail.com
Finally , I have to stress that I am paying all my own expenses relating to the marathon (flights, accommodation, race entry etc). Therefore, all monies raised will go directly to Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin.
I look forward to your support.
Thanks, Niall G
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