No matter what your 'change' may be, whether it's moving house, changing job, breaking up, it's happening for a reason so relish it. Check out this "Thought for today" :
"So often when things change in our lives, we have such a resistance to the change. This is because when people see a big change appearing they are often fearful that it is something bad. But it is important to remember that when something big changes in our lives, it means something better is coming. there cannot be a vacuum in the Universe, and so as something moves out, something must come in and replace it. When change comes, relax, have total faith and know that the change is ALL GOOD.
Something more magnificent is coming to you!"
Quote taken from The Secret Daily teachings" by Rhonda Byrne
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Thought for Today..................
For all my single ladies, all my singles ladies................(and men!):
"If you are looking for love, the best chance you have of finding absolute happiness with the perfect person (whoever that may be) is if you surrender to the Universe. Allow the Universe to bring the love of your life to you, and to move you to them. This means you have to get out of the way and become receptive to the possibilities that the Universe presents to you.
From our smaller perspective we cannot see everything, but from its total perspective the Universe knows the perfect matches"
Quote taken from The Secret daily teachings by Rhonda Byrne
.........ok, ok, I surrender, I am totally out of the way and I have become receptive to all/any possibilities...................anything
...........................................anything
..............................................Nope, still no sign of my 'perfect person' !!!
Ah, in all seriousness, I do really like this "Thought for today" - let me know what you think! I'll have another one tomorrow!
Luc xx
"If you are looking for love, the best chance you have of finding absolute happiness with the perfect person (whoever that may be) is if you surrender to the Universe. Allow the Universe to bring the love of your life to you, and to move you to them. This means you have to get out of the way and become receptive to the possibilities that the Universe presents to you.
From our smaller perspective we cannot see everything, but from its total perspective the Universe knows the perfect matches"
Quote taken from The Secret daily teachings by Rhonda Byrne
.........ok, ok, I surrender, I am totally out of the way and I have become receptive to all/any possibilities...................anything
...........................................anything
..............................................Nope, still no sign of my 'perfect person' !!!
Ah, in all seriousness, I do really like this "Thought for today" - let me know what you think! I'll have another one tomorrow!
Luc xx
To Russia with Love - Pasha Nachonechy
Back in 2007, I volunteered to work in an orphanage in Bryansk, Western Russia for 3 months for the charity, To Russia with Love. Since then, I have been back 3 times and have had the pleasure and honour of getting to know and adore these incredible, orphaned children.
The only job spec. I had prior to my first trip was "to show the children love and care" and really, that's what myself and the other 2 girls out there did. This job spec. was not only for the children in the orphanage, but also for those who had left the orphanage and are now on To Russia with Love's Final Steps Program.
There is still a terrible stigma attached to being an orphan in Russia and so most of those leaving an orphanage end up on the streets, in prison or addicted to drugs/alcohol. The To Russia with Love Final Steps programme offers the children leaving the orphanage an opportunity to go to college, helps them find accomodation and essentially, helps them to become an integrated part of society and last year 100% of the kids went on to college - a HUGE achievement!
One of the children who was on this programme was Pasha Nachonechy. He was taken from his family home when he was 6 years old, his mum was an alcoholic and his father's whereabouts are unknown. 12 years later, he left the orphanage and like the other children who'd left , he always came back to visit the kids and the Irish volunteers. He loved hanging out with us and chatting in the bits of English he'd picked up over the years of Irish volunteers going out to Russia. He was beautiful looking and a little flirt - he'd look at me and say "Lusya, hyou, my gurlfreend!" and he always lit up my heart when I was feeling a little emotional during my time in Russia (which was quite often, every day in fact!!)
Just gone 21 in September, Pasha took his own life last Saturday:( At the moment, all I know is that there was a note left in his pocket saying goodbye to the children in the orphanage and asking them to stay strong. I have always felt that the children in Russia are a huge part of my life, my family, but I never actually realised just how much.
I found out on Monday and my heart is still broken........every so often I remember a little something that we did or that he said and I can't control the tears. Debbie (the founder of To Russia with Love) is out there at the moment and has been texting me about the last few days. Every time I read her texts, again, I just break down. In one way, I'd love to be there for them but in another, I actually don't think I'd be able for it. Debbie is their "Irish Mama" and for her, it's like losing one of her own. She is so strong.
His family were his friends, the 'brothers' he grew up with in the orphanage and lived with once they left. I can't even begin to say just how incredible these boys are but in Debbie's words: "our kids held each other up, they were magnificent, shocking day. They're in bits, no describing it really."
I'm sharing this here for different reasons:
I've always said that tears are better out than in and writing something down has always helped me to cope with different emotions.
Every day, we are continuously reminded of the "recession", the "awful state" of our country, of anything negative but let's put things into perspective and be grateful for what we actually, physically have. The more positive we feel about our lives, the more positivity we can give to others.
Most importantly, even though he may not have known it, I want everyone to know what an incredbile, beautiful, kind-hearted guy Pasha was. He was a light that shone in the hearts of those he touched and he will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Pasha Nachonechy
The only job spec. I had prior to my first trip was "to show the children love and care" and really, that's what myself and the other 2 girls out there did. This job spec. was not only for the children in the orphanage, but also for those who had left the orphanage and are now on To Russia with Love's Final Steps Program.
There is still a terrible stigma attached to being an orphan in Russia and so most of those leaving an orphanage end up on the streets, in prison or addicted to drugs/alcohol. The To Russia with Love Final Steps programme offers the children leaving the orphanage an opportunity to go to college, helps them find accomodation and essentially, helps them to become an integrated part of society and last year 100% of the kids went on to college - a HUGE achievement!
One of the children who was on this programme was Pasha Nachonechy. He was taken from his family home when he was 6 years old, his mum was an alcoholic and his father's whereabouts are unknown. 12 years later, he left the orphanage and like the other children who'd left , he always came back to visit the kids and the Irish volunteers. He loved hanging out with us and chatting in the bits of English he'd picked up over the years of Irish volunteers going out to Russia. He was beautiful looking and a little flirt - he'd look at me and say "Lusya, hyou, my gurlfreend!" and he always lit up my heart when I was feeling a little emotional during my time in Russia (which was quite often, every day in fact!!)
Just gone 21 in September, Pasha took his own life last Saturday:( At the moment, all I know is that there was a note left in his pocket saying goodbye to the children in the orphanage and asking them to stay strong. I have always felt that the children in Russia are a huge part of my life, my family, but I never actually realised just how much.
I found out on Monday and my heart is still broken........every so often I remember a little something that we did or that he said and I can't control the tears. Debbie (the founder of To Russia with Love) is out there at the moment and has been texting me about the last few days. Every time I read her texts, again, I just break down. In one way, I'd love to be there for them but in another, I actually don't think I'd be able for it. Debbie is their "Irish Mama" and for her, it's like losing one of her own. She is so strong.
His family were his friends, the 'brothers' he grew up with in the orphanage and lived with once they left. I can't even begin to say just how incredible these boys are but in Debbie's words: "our kids held each other up, they were magnificent, shocking day. They're in bits, no describing it really."
I'm sharing this here for different reasons:
I've always said that tears are better out than in and writing something down has always helped me to cope with different emotions.
Every day, we are continuously reminded of the "recession", the "awful state" of our country, of anything negative but let's put things into perspective and be grateful for what we actually, physically have. The more positive we feel about our lives, the more positivity we can give to others.
Most importantly, even though he may not have known it, I want everyone to know what an incredbile, beautiful, kind-hearted guy Pasha was. He was a light that shone in the hearts of those he touched and he will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Pasha Nachonechy
Rapture Camps
The other day, my main man, Chris in Rapture Camps Portugal, emailed me to say that he had some great news..............and, "GREAT news" it was!!! Normally closing in October, Rapture Camps has decided to stay open for the month of November this year!!!
From what I hear, the weather is still gorgeous and the conditions are absolutely perfect for surfing, the caipirinhas are a-flowin' and the food, well, Chris is there, so it's bound to be AMAZING!!!
As you well know from previous posts, this place is the best value for money I've EVER come across with the coolest, most chilled-out atmosphere and the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met!! (Is that too many superlatives??? My mum would kill me!). The instructors are top class, in fairness, they had me up on my first wave (I'd like to think it was my natural, in-built, sporting ability!!) and are so enthusiastic that they make you want to surf more and more!!
So, if you're looking for a last-minute Winter break for a week, a few days, a long weekend then check out http://www.rapturecamps.com/ and I've just checked http://www.aerlingus.com/ for flights and there are flights Dublin to Lisbon return from €90pp :)
I swear if I wasn't moving into a new place next month, paying deposits, etc. and my bank account had more than a tenner in it, I'd be there in a flash. For those of you who do have a bit of spare dosh, have a ball, don't tell me about it or show me pictures and I'm NOT jealous at all.....bastardos!
Luc xx
From what I hear, the weather is still gorgeous and the conditions are absolutely perfect for surfing, the caipirinhas are a-flowin' and the food, well, Chris is there, so it's bound to be AMAZING!!!
As you well know from previous posts, this place is the best value for money I've EVER come across with the coolest, most chilled-out atmosphere and the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met!! (Is that too many superlatives??? My mum would kill me!). The instructors are top class, in fairness, they had me up on my first wave (I'd like to think it was my natural, in-built, sporting ability!!) and are so enthusiastic that they make you want to surf more and more!!
So, if you're looking for a last-minute Winter break for a week, a few days, a long weekend then check out http://www.rapturecamps.com/ and I've just checked http://www.aerlingus.com/ for flights and there are flights Dublin to Lisbon return from €90pp :)
I swear if I wasn't moving into a new place next month, paying deposits, etc. and my bank account had more than a tenner in it, I'd be there in a flash. For those of you who do have a bit of spare dosh, have a ball, don't tell me about it or show me pictures and I'm NOT jealous at all.....bastardos!
Luc xx
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What's going on!?!
Hi there,
Ok, so I've been a complete and utter disaster with keeping my blog updated:( I've had a pretty hectic past 2months to be honest. I'll fill you in bit by bit..................
AVON RI "ADVENTURE RACE"
A friend of mine asked me would I do the Hope Foundation "Adventure Race" for them back in September and I said "absolutely no problem" as it's a great cause (check out their website: http://www.hopefoundation.ie/). It was on the 19th of September. I flew back into Cork from Portugal very late on the 17th, drove back to Dublin on the 18th, had my radio show that night from midnight until 6am on the 19th, slept for a couple of hours then got up and drove to Avon Ri to register for the race.
It was only when I was half-way through the 1.6K kayak, 25K cycle and 5K run, that I realised a weeks surfing/drinking caipirinhas in Portugal and 2hrs sleep before the race was NOT the ideal 'training' for any triathlon!!! Once again, I questioned myself: "Why the hell are you doing this to yourself? Here you are cycling up a 'hill' that may as well be a cliff, going about 1k/h in the lowest gear possible and when you get to the downhill, you're only going to be met by another 'hill', why, Why, WHY?".
Eventually (approx. 1hr48mins later), I got to the finish line and there were a few groups of fine, fit men standing around. Of course I had to go over to one group (I think I was drawn in by the accent, they were from 'Up North' - does it every time!) to chat to them, ask them how they did and tell them about Gaelforce West which they'd never heard of and were quite impressed that I did it.........What? Flirt you say? Noooo, I don't know what you're talking about !
The answer to my question was surrounding me! Of course, there's the sense of achievement after a triathlon/adventure race, the fact that you're helping a good cause, but the main reason I do them, if I'm to be 110% honest with you (and myself), is that I like to be surrounded by fit, hot men :)
Ok, so I've been a complete and utter disaster with keeping my blog updated:( I've had a pretty hectic past 2months to be honest. I'll fill you in bit by bit..................
AVON RI "ADVENTURE RACE"
A friend of mine asked me would I do the Hope Foundation "Adventure Race" for them back in September and I said "absolutely no problem" as it's a great cause (check out their website: http://www.hopefoundation.ie/). It was on the 19th of September. I flew back into Cork from Portugal very late on the 17th, drove back to Dublin on the 18th, had my radio show that night from midnight until 6am on the 19th, slept for a couple of hours then got up and drove to Avon Ri to register for the race.
It was only when I was half-way through the 1.6K kayak, 25K cycle and 5K run, that I realised a weeks surfing/drinking caipirinhas in Portugal and 2hrs sleep before the race was NOT the ideal 'training' for any triathlon!!! Once again, I questioned myself: "Why the hell are you doing this to yourself? Here you are cycling up a 'hill' that may as well be a cliff, going about 1k/h in the lowest gear possible and when you get to the downhill, you're only going to be met by another 'hill', why, Why, WHY?".
Eventually (approx. 1hr48mins later), I got to the finish line and there were a few groups of fine, fit men standing around. Of course I had to go over to one group (I think I was drawn in by the accent, they were from 'Up North' - does it every time!) to chat to them, ask them how they did and tell them about Gaelforce West which they'd never heard of and were quite impressed that I did it.........What? Flirt you say? Noooo, I don't know what you're talking about !
The answer to my question was surrounding me! Of course, there's the sense of achievement after a triathlon/adventure race, the fact that you're helping a good cause, but the main reason I do them, if I'm to be 110% honest with you (and myself), is that I like to be surrounded by fit, hot men :)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Surf's Up Part Deux!
WHere do I start?!?!
When I decided to go back to Rapture and my partners in crime couldn't come with me this time, it was weird, I wasn't one bit nervous about being on my own. Of course I missed my girls being there with me, but as per usual, I was made feel so welcome from the moment I was picked up from the airport!
Andi held the fort in Chris's absense and did a fab job :) You could definitely feel Matt's absence but with the return of Nick and the new addition of the lovely Stefan, the 'family' was more or less the same!!
The camp was jam-packed and I was very lucky to get a bunk, but as always, in Andi's famous words, "we make it happen" in Rapture! Jono, 'my' ever-encouraging instructor, ironed out the little bad habits I'd somehow picked up (he informed me that I looked like a 'gorilla' on the surfboard at one stage!!) and had me giving it loads on the waves once again! He really does have more faith in my surfing abilities than I do myself!!
Chris got back to the camp and I know I pestered him about his curry from the moment he arrived but I really couldn't believe it when he made dinner early enough for me to have some of said AMAZING curry before I left for the airport. It was so, so sweet of him and it was great soakage for the 1 or 2 (!) caipirinhas I'd had on my last day before heading to the airport!
To be honest, that in itself really hit the nail on the head for me when thinking of what makes Rapture camps so different/special to me:I know that they are providing a service and an excellent one at that, but when I'm there, I feel like I'm among friends/family and all the 'services' are little favours that family and friends would do automatically. Every single member of staff there all create a lovely, friendly atmosphere in the camp and even though I feel like I'm 'special', I'm sure every single customer feels this way.
Thanks again for EVERYTHING guys - I'm sure you know at this stage that I'll be back over to you guys, in fact, I can't really imagine doing any other type of holiday anymore!
Check out their website: www.rapturecamps.com
When I decided to go back to Rapture and my partners in crime couldn't come with me this time, it was weird, I wasn't one bit nervous about being on my own. Of course I missed my girls being there with me, but as per usual, I was made feel so welcome from the moment I was picked up from the airport!
Andi held the fort in Chris's absense and did a fab job :) You could definitely feel Matt's absence but with the return of Nick and the new addition of the lovely Stefan, the 'family' was more or less the same!!
The camp was jam-packed and I was very lucky to get a bunk, but as always, in Andi's famous words, "we make it happen" in Rapture! Jono, 'my' ever-encouraging instructor, ironed out the little bad habits I'd somehow picked up (he informed me that I looked like a 'gorilla' on the surfboard at one stage!!) and had me giving it loads on the waves once again! He really does have more faith in my surfing abilities than I do myself!!
Chris got back to the camp and I know I pestered him about his curry from the moment he arrived but I really couldn't believe it when he made dinner early enough for me to have some of said AMAZING curry before I left for the airport. It was so, so sweet of him and it was great soakage for the 1 or 2 (!) caipirinhas I'd had on my last day before heading to the airport!
To be honest, that in itself really hit the nail on the head for me when thinking of what makes Rapture camps so different/special to me:I know that they are providing a service and an excellent one at that, but when I'm there, I feel like I'm among friends/family and all the 'services' are little favours that family and friends would do automatically. Every single member of staff there all create a lovely, friendly atmosphere in the camp and even though I feel like I'm 'special', I'm sure every single customer feels this way.
Thanks again for EVERYTHING guys - I'm sure you know at this stage that I'll be back over to you guys, in fact, I can't really imagine doing any other type of holiday anymore!
Check out their website: www.rapturecamps.com
Friday, October 2, 2009
PB Photographs Photoshoot
So, back in September I did a photoshoot for PB Photographs. Peter Buckley is an amazing photographer and what's most incredible is that he's taught himself everything to do with photography, cameras, lighting, photoshopping, etc. He was brilliant on the day as was my bestest buddy, Neasa - they both made me feel really comfortable as I'd never really done a 'proper' photoshoot.
I borrowed some stunning Fran & Jane (http://www.franandjane.ie/) numbers, had a Karen Millen (http://www.karenmillen.com/) LBD of my own, did the oul' hair and make-up myself and off we set to Peter's place for the shoot. Took a few pictures to get into it but then I LOVED every minute of it! So much fun. He did try a little experiment with me eating Nutella out of the jar and instead of looking cute and sexy, I eh.... looked like I hadn't eaten for a year and was then presented with this chocolate spread :)
Anyhoo, above is an example of the magic that he did and I will be adding more - hope you likey! Check out his website: http://www.pbphotographs.com/
Luc x
Saturday, September 19, 2009
still to come.....
I know it's been a while but I'm just back from Rapture camps (my new 2nd home!!). So for now, here's an idea of what I'll be posting in the next few days
- 2nd surf-trip to Portugal (in the space of what?...2mths!)
- photo-shoot with Pb Photographs (will post some of the pics too - he's a wizard, the photographer that is!!)
- Triathlon in aid of the Hope Foundation
- City Channel TV Presenting gig
til then, toodles xxxx
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Surf Mad/obsessed.....??
Surfing is something I have always watched in complete awe, wishing I could ride the waves the way our friends in the Southern hemisphere/Stateside can before they can even walk. I always knew that once I tried it, I'd be completely addicted. While all my friends were heading off to Australia for their 'studenty-year out', I went to Mexico to teach English instead and I'm convinced that the reason I didn't join my mates was the fear I'd fall in love with the surf lifestyle over there and never come home!!
So, 8 years on (in or around!!) I decided to go on a surf holiday to Portugal with 3 of my girlfriends. We stayed in Rapture Camps in Ericeira back in July and we haven't stopped talking about it since!! That hunch I always had was pretty accurate, I fell in love with surfing, the way of life, being in the sea for hours on end, everything about it.
The guys who run Rapture are so cool and chilled out, they've had Irish there before but I don't know if they were quite ready for us!! They did mention on their daily blog how they'd "never seen anyone fit so much into one week" and I don't think they meant it in the productive way!!
Rapture Camps is INCREDIBLE value for money:- a week's accommodation, brekkie every day & 6 dinners (which are AMAZING!!) and 2 hours surf lessons per day cost only €245 - sure you'd spend that on a weekend in Dublin!! I am heading back there next Thursday for another week before the winter kicks in:) Check out their website: http://www.rapturecamps.com/
Last weekend I went up to the TurfnSurf school & lodge in Bundoran, Donegal with 7 of my radio colleagues!! I was on air until 6am, then jumped in the car and was eating breakfast in the TurfnSurf Lodge, Bundoran before the others (who got there the night before!) were even up!! Killian met me and made me feel at home straight away. The gang came in for breakfast in dribs and drabs and then we hit the surf. I was pleasantly surprised that the water in Ireland was warmer than in Portugal (maybe that was the thicker wetsuit, I'm not too sure, the water is pretty cold in Portugal though!!).
We surfed on Saturday, partied on Saturday night 'til the wee hours. Only 3 of us made is surfing on the Sunday!! Then my colleagues left for Dublin but luckily, I was staying another night to get one more surf in on the Monday. We got an amazing group rate that included our B&B accommodation, 2hrs surf lessons per day & surfboard/wetsuit rental. Check out their deals on http://www.turfnsurf.ie/ A big Thank you to all of you up there for making it a FAB weekend!
I'd never been to Bundoran but was instantly reminded of why Ireland is known as 'The land of the 1000 Welcomes'!! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, from the staff in the Turf n Surf Lodge to the instructors, the locals, everyone. I tells ya, us Dubs could take an example from our compadres!! I reckon Bundoran may be my new weekend haunt for the winter, once I'm back from le Portugal that is :)
My goal is to be a really good surfer, not just one that the instructor says "Oh yeah, you're doing really great" because you stand up on the board, I'm talking 'turning' (I told my instructor in Portugal that I wanted to learn how to steer to which he replied "Well, you can start by using the correct term and saying 'turn' instead of 'steer"!!!), riding 'barrels', etc!!
I love the surf-style (comfy/slouchy clothes), I'm a water baby and especially love being in the sea and I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so in conclusion, I don't think I'm 'surf mad/obsessed, I actually think I was born to do it!!
So, 8 years on (in or around!!) I decided to go on a surf holiday to Portugal with 3 of my girlfriends. We stayed in Rapture Camps in Ericeira back in July and we haven't stopped talking about it since!! That hunch I always had was pretty accurate, I fell in love with surfing, the way of life, being in the sea for hours on end, everything about it.
The guys who run Rapture are so cool and chilled out, they've had Irish there before but I don't know if they were quite ready for us!! They did mention on their daily blog how they'd "never seen anyone fit so much into one week" and I don't think they meant it in the productive way!!
Rapture Camps is INCREDIBLE value for money:- a week's accommodation, brekkie every day & 6 dinners (which are AMAZING!!) and 2 hours surf lessons per day cost only €245 - sure you'd spend that on a weekend in Dublin!! I am heading back there next Thursday for another week before the winter kicks in:) Check out their website: http://www.rapturecamps.com/
Last weekend I went up to the TurfnSurf school & lodge in Bundoran, Donegal with 7 of my radio colleagues!! I was on air until 6am, then jumped in the car and was eating breakfast in the TurfnSurf Lodge, Bundoran before the others (who got there the night before!) were even up!! Killian met me and made me feel at home straight away. The gang came in for breakfast in dribs and drabs and then we hit the surf. I was pleasantly surprised that the water in Ireland was warmer than in Portugal (maybe that was the thicker wetsuit, I'm not too sure, the water is pretty cold in Portugal though!!).
We surfed on Saturday, partied on Saturday night 'til the wee hours. Only 3 of us made is surfing on the Sunday!! Then my colleagues left for Dublin but luckily, I was staying another night to get one more surf in on the Monday. We got an amazing group rate that included our B&B accommodation, 2hrs surf lessons per day & surfboard/wetsuit rental. Check out their deals on http://www.turfnsurf.ie/ A big Thank you to all of you up there for making it a FAB weekend!
I'd never been to Bundoran but was instantly reminded of why Ireland is known as 'The land of the 1000 Welcomes'!! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, from the staff in the Turf n Surf Lodge to the instructors, the locals, everyone. I tells ya, us Dubs could take an example from our compadres!! I reckon Bundoran may be my new weekend haunt for the winter, once I'm back from le Portugal that is :)
My goal is to be a really good surfer, not just one that the instructor says "Oh yeah, you're doing really great" because you stand up on the board, I'm talking 'turning' (I told my instructor in Portugal that I wanted to learn how to steer to which he replied "Well, you can start by using the correct term and saying 'turn' instead of 'steer"!!!), riding 'barrels', etc!!
I love the surf-style (comfy/slouchy clothes), I'm a water baby and especially love being in the sea and I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so in conclusion, I don't think I'm 'surf mad/obsessed, I actually think I was born to do it!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Thought for Today
"There are two kinds of people:
Those who say, "I will believe it when I see it."
And those who say, "To see it, I know I must believe it."
(Taken from The Secret Daily Teachings by Rhonda Byrne)
Those who say, "I will believe it when I see it."
And those who say, "To see it, I know I must believe it."
(Taken from The Secret Daily Teachings by Rhonda Byrne)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Gaelforce West
Now, one thing I would NEVER have put myself down for was any sort of endurance challenge (I was a sprinter as a kid and always had to be at the front of the pack!).
I've done the Women's mini-marathon for the past 3yrs and love doing it to raise money for To Russia with Love and just for the craic and the atmosphere in Dublin that day. I have a slightly competitive streak in me (my friends will probably laugh out loud upon reading the italics there!!) and every year I try knock a couple of minutes off my time, as you do.
Anyhooo, this year, as the hockey season was coming to an end, one of the girls came to me (why me??) saying "We have to do something to keep our fitness up over the summer Luc and I have just the thing"! Once she'd told me that there would be loads of HOT, fit men at it and the after-party would be "amazing", well, she had me at said men ;) (Am I really that fickle?!)
Before I knew it, I was on the Gaelforce West website, Credit card in hand and filling in a registration form. Then I decided I'd better check out what exactly I'd signed up to and to my complete disbelief, it was a mere 65K of running, cycling and kayaking..................SIXTY-FIVE KILOMETRES..........what the....? Oh, and just to throw a lil' sum'in, sum'in in for the craic, part of the 'run' (yeah right!) is up and down Croagh Patrick!!! How the hell was I going to do this?? I mean, yeah I'm fit enough to play a hockey match, but not 65K-fit!!
{to see full details on the event log onto http://www.gaelforcewest.ie/}
I just had to get stuck into then. I HATED cycling and to just give you an idea of how much: one year a now ex had given me a bike for Xmas and so I decided to cycle into work in Middle Abbey street. The buses scared me so much that I picked the bike up in my car a YEAR later!! I used to look at the 'wans' in the gym who'd do the spin class and think "Why would you do that to yourself?" but then I joined the 'wans' and am now a regular wan and in the running up to the "challenge" sometimes did 2 in a row (I KNOW ridiculous but I'd no bike and had to train!).
So, Gaelforce West took place last Sat. 22nd August and I managed to complete it as hoped, injury-free!! Luckily, I hadn't practised on the route because if I had known what I was letting myself in for there's NO way I would've done it! But after 6hrs49mins09secs of asking myself "Why the hell are you doing this?", looking around and thinking "hmm, he's cute" (on numerous occasions, yes you CAN focus on the challenge and check out the talent at the same time!!), having numerous PMA chats to myself and getting a 2nd/3rd/4th wind as a local Westportian is sitting in the most random of spots, cheering us all on..............I finished it!
It was definitely worth it, the feeling of crossing the finish line is incredible, completely euphoric. The camaraderie and sportsmanship is so encouraging and of course, the pints at the end are THE nicest pints ever!
2 days ago and yesterday, I was saying there's no way I'd even think of doing it again because I was walking around as if I was a 90yr old woman but today, now that I feel slightly more human and am walking in a more spritely way (kinda!), I'm already thinking "Maybe I could do it in 6hrs next year"!!!!
I've done the Women's mini-marathon for the past 3yrs and love doing it to raise money for To Russia with Love and just for the craic and the atmosphere in Dublin that day. I have a slightly competitive streak in me (my friends will probably laugh out loud upon reading the italics there!!) and every year I try knock a couple of minutes off my time, as you do.
Anyhooo, this year, as the hockey season was coming to an end, one of the girls came to me (why me??) saying "We have to do something to keep our fitness up over the summer Luc and I have just the thing"! Once she'd told me that there would be loads of HOT, fit men at it and the after-party would be "amazing", well, she had me at said men ;) (Am I really that fickle?!)
Before I knew it, I was on the Gaelforce West website, Credit card in hand and filling in a registration form. Then I decided I'd better check out what exactly I'd signed up to and to my complete disbelief, it was a mere 65K of running, cycling and kayaking..................SIXTY-FIVE KILOMETRES..........what the....? Oh, and just to throw a lil' sum'in, sum'in in for the craic, part of the 'run' (yeah right!) is up and down Croagh Patrick!!! How the hell was I going to do this?? I mean, yeah I'm fit enough to play a hockey match, but not 65K-fit!!
{to see full details on the event log onto http://www.gaelforcewest.ie/}
I just had to get stuck into then. I HATED cycling and to just give you an idea of how much: one year a now ex had given me a bike for Xmas and so I decided to cycle into work in Middle Abbey street. The buses scared me so much that I picked the bike up in my car a YEAR later!! I used to look at the 'wans' in the gym who'd do the spin class and think "Why would you do that to yourself?" but then I joined the 'wans' and am now a regular wan and in the running up to the "challenge" sometimes did 2 in a row (I KNOW ridiculous but I'd no bike and had to train!).
So, Gaelforce West took place last Sat. 22nd August and I managed to complete it as hoped, injury-free!! Luckily, I hadn't practised on the route because if I had known what I was letting myself in for there's NO way I would've done it! But after 6hrs49mins09secs of asking myself "Why the hell are you doing this?", looking around and thinking "hmm, he's cute" (on numerous occasions, yes you CAN focus on the challenge and check out the talent at the same time!!), having numerous PMA chats to myself and getting a 2nd/3rd/4th wind as a local Westportian is sitting in the most random of spots, cheering us all on..............I finished it!
It was definitely worth it, the feeling of crossing the finish line is incredible, completely euphoric. The camaraderie and sportsmanship is so encouraging and of course, the pints at the end are THE nicest pints ever!
2 days ago and yesterday, I was saying there's no way I'd even think of doing it again because I was walking around as if I was a 90yr old woman but today, now that I feel slightly more human and am walking in a more spritely way (kinda!), I'm already thinking "Maybe I could do it in 6hrs next year"!!!!
"Just Do it........"
Are there things that you regret abandoning/giving up? Have you always wanted to take up something but feel like you couldn't go on your own or you don't have the courage?
Well, the first week of 2008, I had a moment/realisation/awakening, whatever..............................but I decided that I had given up too many of the things that I loved to do, eg. Team sports, art (I'm not that good but I find it really relaxing), singing, dancing, acting.......and lots more.
So 2008 became the year that I started to get back into everything. I got straight onto the interweb and googled "Team sports in Dublin". Hockey was my first love in school, but I was into all sports. Dublin Indoor sports was the first link that came up so I checked out the page, registered as an individual for Netball and before I knew it, I was driving into the grounds to play my first game (after 12 years!!!) and not knowing a single individual. I'll admit, I was really nervous, trying to think of a reason not to go into the Sports hall and just dash home. I was 29 at the time and just had to say to myself "Luc, what are they gonna do? Laugh at you because you forget the rules or because you're not 'the best'?? And even if they do, so what!"
I went on in and was introduced to my team and had a ball!! I had a lovely team, everyone was so nice and encouraging and throughout the rest of the season, I ended up subbing in on loads of other teams when they were short! I now have 2 really close friends from it too:) Once the netball season was over, I'd signed up to join Muckross hockey club, I'm just about to start my 2nd season with them and am now addicted to hockey again!!!
The reason I post this is because, sometimes, we don't do the things that we really want to because we'd be "mortified", "too nervous" or we feel that we just won't be any good at it. Well, I encourage ANYONE to just go for it.................you'll be delighted you did :)
Well, the first week of 2008, I had a moment/realisation/awakening, whatever..............................but I decided that I had given up too many of the things that I loved to do, eg. Team sports, art (I'm not that good but I find it really relaxing), singing, dancing, acting.......and lots more.
So 2008 became the year that I started to get back into everything. I got straight onto the interweb and googled "Team sports in Dublin". Hockey was my first love in school, but I was into all sports. Dublin Indoor sports was the first link that came up so I checked out the page, registered as an individual for Netball and before I knew it, I was driving into the grounds to play my first game (after 12 years!!!) and not knowing a single individual. I'll admit, I was really nervous, trying to think of a reason not to go into the Sports hall and just dash home. I was 29 at the time and just had to say to myself "Luc, what are they gonna do? Laugh at you because you forget the rules or because you're not 'the best'?? And even if they do, so what!"
I went on in and was introduced to my team and had a ball!! I had a lovely team, everyone was so nice and encouraging and throughout the rest of the season, I ended up subbing in on loads of other teams when they were short! I now have 2 really close friends from it too:) Once the netball season was over, I'd signed up to join Muckross hockey club, I'm just about to start my 2nd season with them and am now addicted to hockey again!!!
The reason I post this is because, sometimes, we don't do the things that we really want to because we'd be "mortified", "too nervous" or we feel that we just won't be any good at it. Well, I encourage ANYONE to just go for it.................you'll be delighted you did :)
My first blog!
Hi there,
I've just decided that I am going to share the comings and goings that make up my life with whoever has the slightest bit of interest in them!
My friends tell me that I have so much going on I barely have time to pick my nose (if I did do that but I don't, it's a disgusting habit!!) but I don't really feel like I've loads going on at all, I kinda like to be busy and get bored if I'm not!!
Anyhooo, this is going to be my place to record everything (just so I actually remember!) from my sports activities, different jobs, general 'stuff' and lots of positive thoughts!!
If there's anything that you want me to mention or look into, please feel free to comment and I'll do my bestest!
Right, here 'goes..................................ENJOY :)
I've just decided that I am going to share the comings and goings that make up my life with whoever has the slightest bit of interest in them!
My friends tell me that I have so much going on I barely have time to pick my nose (if I did do that but I don't, it's a disgusting habit!!) but I don't really feel like I've loads going on at all, I kinda like to be busy and get bored if I'm not!!
Anyhooo, this is going to be my place to record everything (just so I actually remember!) from my sports activities, different jobs, general 'stuff' and lots of positive thoughts!!
If there's anything that you want me to mention or look into, please feel free to comment and I'll do my bestest!
Right, here 'goes..................................ENJOY :)
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