Arcadia Ireland

This weekend I joined many others in the free, invigorating, endorphin releasing and sometimes challenging activity that is running. There is now a huge culture of running and marathons in Ireland and sure where better to take part in such an activity anyway? With so much green and forest tracks in all parts of the country you would be spoiled for choice in selecting a place to stretch the legs, release the endorphins, have loads of fun and see something wonderful along the way. There are marathons and triathlons and road runs almost every weekend of the year in Ireland!

Over the years we have had students share their love for running and racing with the locals in Cork and Dublin, Kerry and Belfast. We have had full marathon and half marathon runners and we have had those participate in 5kms for the first time in their lives all for the love of adventure. One student from two years ago told us that the Dublin City Marathon was a fantastic look into the spirit of the Irish people. She had finished the race, smiled, and knew it would be a day she would never forget. Ireland is a great place to explore and nurture a sense of adventure and participating in races can offer not just the sense of adventure but the interaction, the fun and the time being spent with like-minded people.

The feelings experienced during and after running is something else. For those of you who might be at all curious about the chemicals it releases I would say give it a go. All small worries often float away after the first ten minutes, trust me, it’s my therapy! Students have shared the feeling of focus it creates and the connection with the body, the limbs and the air being taken in. For many there seems to be a sense of achievement when they have completed even 30 minutes of running never mind a 26 mile marathon!

It happens in every season in Ireland and nobody lets the rain discourage them from getting out there and experiencing the bug that all age groups seem to have caught these days!

For those who want to nurture your competitive side you might be interested in participating in a race - Check out the best events in Ireland for adventure lovers. Give it a go!