Siobhan’s joy after taking up running

SIOBHÁN Flanagan started running over four years ago.

The Portmarnock native didn’t take it up specifically to get fit or lose weight. Siobhan’s daughter Molly, who was three-years-old at the time, was very ill and was going through horrendous treatment for leukemia.

For Siobhan, time away from hospital visits was limited and she felt a gym wasn’t the right environment for her.

“I needed wide open spaces where I could bawl my eyes out from time to time if I needed to,

? Siobhan tells Northside People.

“I had the beach. I had runners. It made sense (to go running). So about three times a week I heaved, and huffed and puffed and cursed my way around various places in Portmarnock and Malahide. I stopped, I started, I stopped again, I started again. I just kept starting again. And I haven’t stopped. I’ve met a lot of people over the years who started running for reasons other than just to lose weight.

“The weight loss is a nice side effect but it has never been a focus of mine. It’s the mental and emotional benefits of running that I focus on.

“Running is hard. It’s a tough thing to do. It never gets easy, but over time we get better at it. Running lightens your load. When you’re running you can get perspective. Your mind clears. You focus on your breath, your footfall, your journey. It’s liberating, empowering.

?

Siobhan says that she can feel like lead going out for a run sometime and tries to find excuses not to go but believes these are the runs that you need to do most.

“It’s a process though, learning to run, and we have to trust it,

? she says.

“It’s a gradual thing. Learning to run in a group is a gift you’re giving yourself. If you keep at it, you’ll have it for life.

?

Siobhan has now been well and truly bitten by the running bug. She is now a qualified Level 1 Athletics Ireland Coach, and is also in the process of doing Yoga Teacher Training. She has also set up her own business called the

‘Joy of Running’.

“I set up

‘Joy of Running’ to cater for people who have looked at other runners and thought: ‘I’d love to be able to do that’,

? explains Siobhan.

“You can do that. I’m the person who can show you how. I know there are sceptics out there who think running is just something you do, and why would you pay someone to teach you to do something that comes fairly natural to a lot of people.

“Well, the world is full of people who started running at some stage or other in their life. Maybe they went out and bought new trainers, new gear, downloaded an app even and off they went out into the bright new world of running full of enthusiasm.

“Maybe after those first few runs they decided it wasn’t for them – that they weren’t born to run, weren’t the right shape or what have you.

“That’s where you need me and you need your group. All those myths get dispelled quickly and easily. If you can walk you can probably run. It’s a privilege not given to everyone. It’s a choice not everyone makes.

“I’m a huge believer in how much better your life will be when you embrace a life with a run in it.

“I’m not saying it makes for an easier life but it certainly makes it better.

?

‘Joy of Running’ currently meets twice a week – Mondays and Wednesdays. Various times available depending on demand. Private groups of eight can also be catered for.

On Monday they do speed work or hill work, small bursts of repetitive tough challenges. They then do leg strengthening exercises, core strengthening and some balance work.

On Wednesday they do a long run together. The routes and distances vary depending on ability.

“Each session ends with a gorgeous yoga based stretching session,

? says Siobhan.

“This keeps our bodies supple and helps prevent injury. I’ve heard it said this is the favoured part of the run – no idea why! We lie on the grass after completing our run, like grass angels, eyes closed, absorbing the sounds, our breaths calm again, our minds still, a little peace in our busy day.

For more information on the Joy of Running, contact

Siobhán Flanagan on 086-6049004 or email flanagan. siobhan@gmail.com