When I started running, I always ran on footpaths and roads. I never really considered anywhere else. My local paths and roads were safe, even and well lit. Most races take place on city streets so I just assumed that I should train on a similar surface. It never actually entered my mind to run on grass, trail or sand. … Read More
15 ways to change up your usual 5k run.
One year on and we know every corner and pothole within our 5km radius. It’s completely understandable if your enthusiasm for running might be waning especially if every run you take on feels very similar to the last one. Although we can’t change where we run right now, we still do have the option to change how we approach each … Read More
Out of breath thinking of hill running? Follow my tips…
Mention hill running to most runners and they are out of breath just thinking about it. Most of us associate running uphill with effort, muscle soreness, breathlessness and fatigue. For this reason, many runners avoid hills in training and struggle on race day or on a new training route when they do encounter a hill they cannot avoid. A spectator’s … Read More
One week in the limelight
Sometimes it’s good to get out of our comfort zone and the week of the 22nd February was surely that for me. It was book launch week and after a (very) long time in front of a computer it was time to trade in the laptop and the running shoes for the high heels. I hit the road to spread … Read More
Relaunch of Get Running Training Programmes
In January 2018, The Irish Times relaunched Mary’s 3 Running programmes and Mary from ForgetTheGym wrote in the paper each week of the duration of the programme keeping everyone motivated and on track. There were 10 weekly pieces in the paper. The links are listed below to the online pieces and you can also view the paper cutouts for all … Read More
Walking with a buggy – tips to make it easier
As part of her series of articles on motherhood, In this article Mary gives tips on walking with a buggy. This article was first published in The Irish Times on 5th June 2017. You can read the full article online
All I want for Christmas is a festive run
A wardrobe brimming with running shoes, gadgets and lyrca means I have reached capacity on my running gift wishlist. All I want this Christmas is a little escape; a leisurely run before the madness and calories of the day commence. Running on Christmas day does not make me a serious athlete. I don’t run on this traditional rest day in … Read More
Finish the running year on a high
In this article Mary discusses whether it may be best to take a break from running for the winter to regain confidence running and rest some weary or injured bodies. This article first appeared in The Irish Times on November 21st 2017. You can read the full article online here.
Completed a marathon? Give yourself a pat on the back
In this article Mary explains that no matter what role you played in the marathon you should reflect on this role and be proud of your achievement. This article first appeared in The Irish Times on November 3rd 2017. You can read the full article online here.