21 Days and counting.......

On the run in to the start of the adventure and now starting to get excited about the journey ahead. Its been a really busy week again with lots of miles again and lots of other related activities also. Monday started with a trip to Cork where along with an appointment there was also a photo shoot with Mr. Tom Murphy arranged by the Mercy Fundraising Foundation for a press release they are preparing to assist us with the fundraising effort. Tom confirmed that he is going to run the Dingle marathon with me in September and he is already training as he had ran 7 miles on the Sunday..... a bit to go yet :-) He is really excited about the fundraising effort and the research that the funds raised will allow him to do, so keep up the good work. 

As well as the groups that have confirmed last week, Mikey (Tralee) and Elaine (Waterford) my running buddy Bernie has agreed to run the Killarney marathon in July and more of my running friends from Killarney have arranged for two relay teams to run with me also, Michelle, Anna, Tina and Bernie running the Limerick marathon and Karen, Nicola, Majella and Bernie running Cork in June. Its really great to have that support to look forward to on the day. Thanks folks. The latest I heard from Newcastle West there are teams being put together of walkers and runners for the various marathons.

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Deirdre Walsh on Radio Kerry on Friday. Thanks to Deirdre the feedback received by both myself and Pat was amazing. 

Thanks also to St. Brendans Park F.C. for arranging a collection at the U13's national cup game on Saturday, its really appreciated. Unfortunately Park lost on penalities but the team played really well and were unlucky in the end.

The whole challenge becomes real next Saturday night when the "launch" is taking place in John Keanes starting at 9pm. Hope to see lots of you there on the night. Thanks to those of you that are working hard selling tickets which will also be available on the night.

Thats it for now. The only thing I hope is that the weather is kind because at this moment in Curraheen the wind is howling........ 

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To donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

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Lots of miles this week.....

I ran 45 miles this week, including a 22 miler on Monday and glad to report I felt really good and positive throughout so I'm now getting to the point where I can't wait to get started. There has been really positive comment, texts, calls and good wishes from all over the country which really helps. The message got to Limerick this week again with a very nice piece in the Limerick Leader and a long-time friend of Pat's from Ballingarry text to say that if you turned the Leader around we made the front page :-) On Thursday I got a call from Pat's surgeon Mr. Tom Murphy to see how training was going to thank everyone for the support for the Mercy. (It felt good to talk to him about something other than CANCER)

As some of you will be aware John Keane of Keanes Bar and Restaurant in Curraheen very kindly offered to hold a Cheese and Wine evening to launch this fundraising effort. It takes place on February 28th and tickets are 10euro each with all money going to Cancer Research. Great night promised so spread the word and hope to see you all there.

Today was a rest day so I spent the morning on the other side of the ropes supporting good friends who ran the Valentine 10 mile in Tralee, including Noel (running the Dublin marathon with me), Bernie (running Killarney) and Majella and Anna who I'm still working on :-) Well done to Eileen (Majellas mom on completing the 10 miles today who is in her mid 60's and an inspiration to everyone to keep going). 

A busy day in the Mercy tomorrow which includes an appointment for Pat plus a meeting with Deirdre in the Mercy Fundraising office. Have to fit in a run tomorrow evening....

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To donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Don't forget to share my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons

Incredible support...... and more Interviews

The week has flown again and just 5 weeks to go to start of the adventure in Tralee and only 8 to Connemara and those hills :-)

The weather has been good for training although on Thursday I had to abandon after 7 miles as parts of Tralee were like a skating rink and I didn't want to risk a fall. A positive from turning back was that I met Jacinta who promised to be crew for the day in Tralee.

People have been incredibly supportive with text messages, facebook messages from friends and new friends who I haven't met yet, thank you all it certainly helps to make me all the more determined. Got to Adrenalin Sports Shop in Newcastle West on Friday where I bought a new pair of Brooks running shoes for the journey. Eamonn promised me that they are "magic" and that they will make me go faster for longer........

The t-shirts for the runs are being printed at the moment, sneak preview below.

22 miles to run in the morning, lets hope that the freezing fog that is here at the moment lifts or it is going to be a very boring run without the scenery.

To donate please use the link below:

http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Don't forget to share my facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons