This Stephens day was the second time I have run the Fields of Athenry 10k so feeling nauseous and tired at least I could comfort myself in the knowledge that I could finish the race. Indeed all things being equal I had roughly the same amount of food and wine the day before so my target was to beat last years time!

Registration was as usual even more sociable than Christmas day mass and the excitement was palpable as the competitors lined up in fine weather for the 2007 race. I left my husband and one year old son (who was competing in his first 10k from the comfort of his buggy) and made my way further up the group to a few of the tri club lads. I knew Aongus and Tommy would get me through the first few k at a good pace, as I had forgotten my watch.

Once the race was underway we made our way up the field, Niall and Mark like two bullets and Tommy, Aongus, Emer, Aidan and I settling into a nice steady pace. It was not until 3k that I realised the pace was considerably faster than I had run previously and as we ran on, my Target of beating last years time seemed like setting the bar a little to low!

The first water station came so fast I didn’t even feel I needed any, which was good as the volunteers were flat out trying to get enough plastic cups filled!

As we rounded the corner at nearly 6k Tommy discovered his sister was beating him and left me for dust in the name of family pride!! I however was starting to feel the pain and after the long uphill at Raheen was delighted to get a bit of momentum on the way back to town.

I remembered the Athenry AC boys advice and put a good face on coming into town and swore my legs could do no more, but then rounding the corner I saw the clock which unbelievably still had a 4 as the first number…could this be right? I managed to pick up speed and sprint to the line at 49.48 - a pb, beating last years time by over 8 minutes!!!

After a nice banana, orange and some water I headed back to the arch just in time to cheer on the rest of my family with David pushing Liam over the line in 1hr 08 minutes.

It was a splendid race and a definite highlight of the Christmas. Thank you to all the Organizers and Volunteers for a great race, We Three will wear our green hats with pride as I look forward to next year although it may be my turn to push Buggy!!