Can’t believe it’s all over! It’s such a comedown now, I actually feel quite sad that’s its all behind us. Loved every minute of it – from beginning to end and it’s really weird now to think it’s all over and done with.

The day itself was quite overwhelming. We were all nervous at the beginning. There were hundreds of people there from all over the world speaking different languages. It was really nerve wrecking because we had no idea what to expect.

Myself and Trevor ran the course together. I was great to have that bit of company and support to keep you going. We helped each other through it, whenever one was having a low point the other would spur them on. Team work at its best!

It was really emotional to see all three of us cross the finish line. There were tears galore, such an overwhelming day and we were so proud of each other. It really made it all worth it in the end.

Taking it easy now, it’s hard to come back to reality after the last few days.
But onwards and upwards as they say-I’m now swapping my trainers for a dress and heels. I’m off to Donegal to represent Down in the Mary of Dunloe festival this week! Never a dull moment!

I’m definitely going to keep up the running, I’m now considering doing the Causeway Coast Marathon in October –not planning on hanging up my trainers any time soon!

Overall,it has been an amazing few months. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and if it wasn’t for Powerade I would never have had the chance to do it. An unforgettable experience!

Would do it all again in a heartbeat!

Angeline

The nerves are really beginning to kick in. Couldn’t sleep properly last night, lying awake just thinking about the fact that it’s only a few days away now. Taking it easy this week, just treating myself to a few massages and taking a few trips to the sauna and Jacuzzi to properly de-stress before the big day!

The thing I’m most worried about now is the altitude. I’m reading up on it at the moment, and apparently there’s not much we can do, except try to acclimatise ourselves as best we can in the two days before the challenge.

Been getting lots of support and good wishes from everyone which is great as it really helps spur you on. My new found fame as the girl from the Powerade ad – is quite weird to say the least! I kind of feel at this point I’m not just doing it for myself anymore – I’m running it for everyone else aswell, everyone who has helped me along the way- because I wouldn’t have got here without them.

For someone who never classified themself as a runner – I guess I’ve come a long way already. I know this is a once in life time experience so I’m determined to enjoy it regardless of what happens. Guess it’s now or never!

Will check in soon and let you know how we survive the Alps!

Angeline

Officially on the wind down now. I did my last long run on Saturday, went for an 18 mile run in some less than favourable weather conditions. Found it quite tough and the wind and rain certainly didn’t help the situation either!

That was my last long run before we hit the Alps, just planning to take it handy with the training for the remaining days. Going to keep things ticking over with a few short, light runs in the next few days and get in some cycling at the gym, but nothing too hectic as we are now officially “Tapering” down our training.

Really trying to focus on mentally preparing myself now. This is going to be just as much a mental challenge as it will be a physical challenge. We have all put in the hard work and training over the last few months, so now it’s just down to getting to the finishing line. I’m trying to reassure myself with the wise words of Paul O’Connell who told us that, once you have put in the training, the results will come out.

Here’s hoping we get the results we want and it all works out, it’s nearly here now, so we just have to face it!

Will let you know next week how we’re set for the final challenge!

Angeline

After the initial thrill of completing the Mourne Way Marathon I was even more thrilled to discover that I was the third female home in the race! I was so shocked but what a great shock to get as it has now really pushed me on for the final few weeks of training. A little motivation goes a long way!

Continued training this week as usual, with a ten mile run on Saturday and climbed Slieve Donard on Sunday, the beautiful weather at the bottom of the climb really made for some nice hiking but it got tougher as we reached the summit when the wind and rain set in. Once we reached the top and caught our breath I was glad to get back down to sunnier skies.

It’s really beginning to hit home now that in three weeks time this will all be finished. I’m just hoping its not going to be too much of a downer when it’s all over and done with. Its scary and exciting to think that we are almost there, but trying not to let myself get carried away with thoughts like that. I have to keep myself focused and training and as they say you’ve just gotta live for the moment!

Will let you know next week how the final preparations are going.

Angeline

What a day. What an achievement. If I could bottle what I felt after completing the Mourne Way Marathon last weekend it would be worth a fortune.

I was really nervous at the start. Even though I had been in the mountains this was the real thing and I was unsure what to expect. I went along with Trevor from the start and it was really hilly from the outset. We were hiking as much as running and I was finding it tougher than I expected.

I dropped off Trevor’s pace at about 5 miles, wanting to keep some fuel in the tanks. I really hit a low spot just before the first ‘station’ at six miles but thankfully Reg and Hannah were there to cheer me on, fill me up with energy bars and make me persevere. Once I got to halfway I was OK again.

The support from everyone was brilliant. Mummy and my Brother had taken part in the 10K. She walked, he ran and the thought of letting them down was certainly enough to fire me up again. At 20 miles I caught sight of Trevor in the distance and thought ‘I’m goin’ to get you.’ Brendan who I had done some runs with was struggling now as well with cramp and falling back.

At 21 miles I caught up with Trevor and went past. We were filming for the next TV ad and they wanted me to hold back before finishing but when I saw the line I just had to get there. I wanted to be sensible and make some inspirational comment but all I could do was cry. Mummy too. The emotion of having done my first marathon, and so close to home was overwhelming.

I’ll let you know the afters next time around.

Angeline

Just over a week out now from the Mourne Way marathon. This is just flying by.

I hit a big milestone last weekend when I got through twenty miles for the first time. It was quite hilly as well so I was really pleased. To be honest I was a wee bit nervous about getting the full marathon distance but now having done 20 I feel much better.

After the run I jumped into a cold bath and did plenty of stretching but to be honest I felt really good after it.

So much so that I was able to go out dancing on Saturday night and probably put in another 20 miles on the dance floor.

This weekend will just be a short run of about an hour or so then gentle again in the early part of the week as we build up to the next biggie.

I’ll check back next week and let you know how the butterflies (and Trevor and Reg) are as the day draws closer.

Angeline

I missed Hannah this week but she seems in good spirits and, even though she swore me to secrecy She is confident of getting back quicker than anyone expects. We Northern girls are tough to break.

This weekend I went up in the Mournes again, this time with Brendan. He is a very experienced fell runner who knows every nook and cranny up there and we were up for around four hours, building up endurance and familiarity with the rough terrain.

The highest point in the Mournes is only the starting point for when we get to the Alps but I really feel getting up there is doing me the world of good.

During the week I went for a run around Stormont. It’s a great setting and there are plenty of tracks so it made for an interesting run with some great views. At least it was until I got lost. I know, I know. The tracks are all laid out and given the history you probably want to be mindful of keeping your wits about you but let’s just say I was in the running zone… Anyway I quickly got my bearings back so no worries.

Next weekend I am joining up with the organiser of the Mourne Way Marathon. He has invited me to join him as he starts to lay out some of the markers for the race as it creeps ever closer.

Happy to hear from anyone who has run it in the past with any thoughts or suggestions as we begin our final few weeks of getting ready for this last big test before Switzerland.

Angeline

Hannah took me up into the Mourne Mountains on Saturday. We were out for four and a half hours, more hill walking than running but in high wind and driving rain and I ended up covered in mud from head to toe. There were times when I was up to my knees in water.

It was great for building strength into my legs though, and Hannah was keen to stress getting used to the underfoot conditions.

Within 24 hours, the importance of that was to be proven. Hannah went up again on Sunday with some friends and dislocated her ankle!

She had to be carried down and we will not know until later just how bad the injury is. This could be a real blow to the team, but we are a lot stronger now, physically and mentally, so perhaps it is time for us to inspire her.

I have a presentation and my last exam to do next weekend so back to the books. If any of you are getting ready for yours the only advice I would give is to make sure you manage your time. Anything is possible so long as you set aside time and then stick to it.

Keep your fingers crossed for Hannah and check out later in the week how we are coping with this setback.

Angeline

Had a look at my schedule today and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But as I keep telling myself, I knew what was coming down the road when I signed up for the Powerade challenge.

Aside from working five days and training six days a week, I’m also studying for a Diploma in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations at Queen’s in Belfast. I have to attend classes two evenings this week for example, which means I will have to do my training before work on both those days.

I also have to fit in time to study, particularly now with exams coming up. Oh, and have I mentioned that I have to run a full marathon for the first time in just under five weeks?!

The Mourne Way Marathon scares me a little if I am honest. The second Powerade ad starts on television today (you can see it now on www.youtube.com/user/2008NeverGiveUp) and it gives you some idea of what it will be like to run a mountain marathon. That ad was shot in Wicklow and the Mournes will be just as intimidating, if not even more so. But as Paul O’Connell told us, if you put in the training, it will make the difference on the day.

So with that in mind, I have a 2 hour 45-minute run planned for this weekend!

Who ever said it was going to be easy??

Angeline

Okay folks, here’s a wee synopsis of my weekend: Ran 15 miles on Saturday. Fell and gashed elbows and knees. Kept going. Got a call to do a leg of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon. Ran that yesterday. Went out afterwards. Early(ish) to bed!

For experienced runners, that may seem like a walk in the park. I can confirm to everyone else that it was tough and very tiring. It must be the Powerade that is getting me though it!

Aside from the fall and the cuts, I felt good during and after the run on Saturday, but yesterday took a lot out of me. At 7.1 miles, my leg was the longest and the hilliest of the five, taking me from Hillview Road, up Antrim Road past Belfast Castle and across to the changeover at Gideon’s Green.

I ran with a few friends from Fermanagh and I can tell you that it was a pleasure to share the workload with Alison, Geraldine, Feargal and Niall. Well done guys!

Meanwhile, I hear there was some ‘gentle’ teasing going on between my Powerade teammates on Saturday evening after Reg’s Leinster beat Trevor’s Munster in the big rugby match.

I am afraid that our Clareman will probably have to listen to Reg’s crowing for some time yet. There’s only one solution to that Trev – stick in those earplugs and get running!

Angeline