Day 31: Sligo – Templeboy

Had a lovely restful night in The Sligo Park Hotel, they made me feel so welcome and looked after me so well.

I left the hotel at 10am and was joined by some runners from Sligo and Ballisodare, Anna McGowan was also joining today for the run, but little did we know the weather which we were going to get.

We had snow, sleet & hailstones for nearly the whole run, at times I felt like giving in, but with the crew (Carmel, Catriona, Mary) I had running with me, there was no way that I was going to let that happen.

We were treated to a lovely lunch in Collery’s and had some gorgeous scones made by Cathyrn and soup from Nessa.

We had a lovely welcome from the kids of Carraroe NS and I received a lovely South Sligo Athletic CLub jersey along with a donation from Helena Finn & Anthony Walsh.

Today’s running wasn’t too bad based on the horrific weather we had, we left at 10am from Sligo and completed 18.91 miles.

Thanks again to everybody who braved the weather today, happy to be finished and resting up now.

Night all xx

 

 

 

Day 30: Sligo Town (Rest Day)

Staying at the Sligo Park Hotel today on my rest day, I do have a few items lined up, but I plan to enjoy my rest day.

1st thing I looked after today was a phone interview with a radio station called Spirit, the interview went very well.

Anna McGowan a friend and one of my running club members joined me today, we have to get to the shops and also ensure I make all the appointments which have been booked for me.

As I have mentioned a number of times already, I am overwhelmed by the generosity I have received so far.

My team have informed me that “The Little Cottage Café” had offered me a free brekky and I may take them up on the offer but haven’t made any decisions today.

I received a lovely and much needed massage from Jason McMorrow and had a lovely sea weed bath courtesy of Yeats County Inn Hotel.

Signing off for the night x

Day 29: Bundoran to Rosses Point

After a cosy night in The Holyrood Hotel, Blue River Leisure Centre & Escape Spa, I was up early. My team has told me that there is a lot planned today including an interview on East Coast Radio @ 12 noon.

Had a great crew running with me today (Paddy, Vanessa, Marie, Mary, Sligo Athletic Club, North Sligo Athletic Club and so many more), we just couldn’t believe the reception we received from Cliffoney NS, Rathcormac NS & Grange NS.

 

We had an amazing day and seen the most gorgeous sights such as Benbulben & Yeats grave. The interview with East Coast Radio and support during the day was just unbelievable.

 

 

 

Such a lovely warm reception was received when we arrived at Rosses Point RNLI, the tea was flowing and meet some amazing people. They even had buckets at the ready to get the funds in for this great cause.

 

Stats for today:

Day 29 January 29 2018
Departed Bundoran Lifeboat Station 9am
Arrived Sligo Bay Lifeboat Station
Miles today 24 miles 38.6km
Total miles 583.6 miles or 939.2 kilometers

 

 

 

Tonight I’m staying with Medbh & Sean Gillard, Medbh has organised food and a seaweed bath for me (how nice is that :)).

After the treatment, I got a massage from Jason McMorrow. I’m feeling tired but very positive tonight. Rest day tomorrow… Yippee.

Heading to bed now, good night folks xx

 

 

Day 28: Donegal Town to Bundoran

After a hot bath a few painkillers and a lot of stinky deep heat, I did have a really nice sleep at the Millpark Hotel Donegal Town.

Today’s journey was tough, but with all the support along the way, it really didn’t feel that long.  So many people joined me today, but the names I can remember where Julie McNamee, Carol Molly and Deborah Dawson.

We really made good progress and even stopped a few times for some photo opportunities (my support team will be really happy with me).

The welcome I received coming into Bundoran Lifeboat Station was unreal, they were so generous with their time.

Stats for today even with a niggle, Day 28 Sunday January 28th 2018

Departed from the Diamond in Donegal at 10am.
Arrived in Bundoran at 3.27pm
Miles today 19.68 or 31.67km
Total miles 561.34 or 903.38km

 

 

Margaret Storey is going to look after me tonight and were getting ourselves ready for a spot of dinner at Creevy Cottages Experience Donegal, before heading to The Holyrood Hotel, Blue River Leisure Centre & Escape Spa.

 

Good night folks, chat soon ❤️

 

Day 27: Killybegs – Donegal Town

As well as being on a Live Skype call last night for the “Hurry for the Curry” fundraiser event, Jean Molloy (one of my team and friends) collected an award at the Sli Cualann Awards ceremony in Bray.

 

The award was for Exceptional Achievement Recognition, I am absolutely delighted 🙂

 

 

The Tara Hotel Killybegs looked after me so well last night, Tara in the photo below is also going to join the crew and run with me tomorrow, I am ready to get on the road now and accomplish my next leg of this amazing journey.

Once I got on the road and had lots of lovely company and Fred came back for more punishment. Tara, Bridgeen and Karina joined the crew and we had some good laughs on our way to Donegal Town.

 

 

Before I left Arklow on 01st Jan, I had done a lot of eating to bulk up as I knew this was going to be a tough journey, but today once again I was treated to a lovely apple tart and nice cup of tea from the Old Village Tea Rooms.

 

Above are a few pictures of the crew who ran with me today, the support is phenomenal.  I had a niggle today so really took it easy, will start a little later tomorrow morning to ensure I give it time to heal.

Photo of us coming into Donegal Town, delighted to be done and dusted.

 

Today’s Stats: Day 27 Saturday January 27 2018
Departed Killybegs Coast Guard Station 9am
Arrived Donegal 1:48pm
Miles today 17.24 or 27.7 km
Total miles 541.66 or 871.71km

I’m staying at the Millpark Hotel Donegal Town tonight and tomorrow I will be making my way to the Bundoran Lifeboat Station.

I’m just back from a gorgeous dinner at the Old Castle Bar and Restaurant, I would like to thank Maeve and Seoirse for the fabulous food and generous donation to the RNLI Lap of the Map fund.

Night all, sweet dreams XX

Day 26: Lettermacaward to Killybegs

I had a very nice sleep last night and really feel well rested, just look at the beautiful view from the B&B (no wonder I slept well). I forgot to include this photo in my blog last night, but had to include it today, as that fella lives at the beautiful B&B, but obviously in his own stable 🙂

My team made me aware that a few runners would meet me along the way, in fairness after yesterday I feel so lucky, to have such amazing support.

Ronan, Angela & Cess left with me from Lettermacaward and after a coffee stop in Ardara, myself and Ronan carried on to Killybegs.  This was the longest run that Ronan had done to-date and he also carried my bag, what a gentleman, thanks Ronan xx

I was also treated to a lovely new rain jacket from McGinleys, Clare was such a nice person and I would like to thank them sincerely for their kindness.

Here I am arriving into Killybegs, after what can only be described as a great run, with fantastic company.

I’m staying at the Tara Hotel tonight and they have given me a room with a bath 🙂 I am looking forward to having a live Skype call from Arklow, as Hurry for the Curry, the main Arklow RNLI fundraiser is taking place tonight.

Day 26 January 26th 2018
Departed Eagle’s Nest Bed & Breakfast 9am
Arrived Killybegs Coast Guard 1:40pm
Miles today 21.59 or 34.74kms
Total miles 524.42 or 843.97 kms

 

 

Day 25: Arranmore to Lettermacaward

After a lovely rest day, today my route was taking me to Lettermacaward. Had an absolutely amazing send off from the Arranmore Blue Ferry and the fantastic children from Scoil Cholmcille acre.

Then the pupils of Scoil Bhride also came out to greet me and cheer me into town.

Had a great crew running with me today (Cathy, Erin, Sinead, Marie, Jackie, Hughie and Charlie, forgive me if I have missed anybody) and it really reminded me of being out with my own running crew in Arklow.  I am keeping in touch with the newbies (as they call themselves), to ensure they are being careful, minding themselves and not over doing it. But I do miss them all 🙂

The roads were long and winding but with the crew and the beautiful views, we made great time and had some good laughs on the way. Look at the amazing reception I received from another school (Acres NS).

Imagine trying to run this road on your own 😦

 

The Butterrick Restaurant in Dungloe offered refreshments and then onto the Eagle’s Nest Bed & Breakfast.  I would like to thank Breege Ward for so much help, advice & Bag Transferring.

 

Stats for today, 25th Jan 2018:

Departed Arranmore Blue Ferry 10am
Arrived Eagle’s Nest Bed & Breakfast
Miles today 17.1 or 25.51kms (Mary stopped her watch before she got to B&B so missed a mile on it).

Total miles 502.83 or 809.22 kms

 

 

Day 24: Arranmore (Rest Day)

Am absolutely thrilled to be having my rest day on the beautiful Arranmore Island, this is the 1st time I have ever visited this Island, so was really looking forward to what the day had in store.

The RNLI crew at Arranmore really wanted to meet me and give me a tour of the island by car. Seriously how lucky am I to be surrounded by all these guys 🙂

The views are amazing and we had rainbows all day, just so delighted not to be having to run that extremely long road on the island 🙂

All in all an amazing day, the support team have also shared some videos, which really show the amazing coast lines. Definitely a location that you should add to your bucket list.

My accommodation is absolutely beautiful, cosy private en suite room and Sebastian and team have been amazing during my stay.

Sleep well guys, see you bright and early tomorrow xx

Day 23: Bunbeg – Arranmore

So I was up again early after what can only be described as the nicest sleep I have had in a while, I’m not sure if it’s down to the lovely Fish and Chip supper I had last night from Peppers Diner Gweedore or the amazing welcome I received at Kathleen & Micheal’s when I arrived.

I was treated to a lovely breakfast from Marie, before heading off and have to say that I had a few tears in my eyes, when I saw all the children from Bunbeg NS, out to support me. They had bananas, buns, water and even a donation for me. I’m once again overwhelmed.

Today was just unreal the running crew I had with me were really great fun, and made sure we got loads of photos (keep the support team happy :)).  We were also treated the whole way with food and drinks starting with ODonnell Fuels who had Freddos ready and waiting, followed by a great coffee in Crolly and more Freddos in The Cope Dungloe in Ardangry with more drinks as well. I think I need to tell the support crew that I’ve had Freddo overdose at this stage.

On route we picked up Gavin from Wild Atlantic Adventure Race and we set-off again down the coast. After stopping so many times for photos I better include a few here

So we arrived safe and sound in Burtonport, another fantastic day of running and with great company all the way.

I’ve just finished a rub down with RB Sports Clinics which I really enjoyed and thanks to Noel Boyd for bringing me to the appointment and getting me back in time for the Ferry.

My bag had already made it to the destination again thanks to Noel. The coat I’m wearing is the new one from Wet N Wild (love the colour :)).

Stats for today:

Departed Bunbeg 10am
Arrived Arranmore Car & Passenger Ferry 1:23pm (would have been sooner but for all the photo stops 🙂 )
Miles to-day 15.39 or 24.77kms
Total miles 485.73 or 781.7 kms…

When I got onto the Arranmore Car & Passenger Ferry, I was once again treated to some lovely refreshments. I have to say that the people of Gaoth Dobhair have really taken me under their wings! Thanks again to Rosses Athletic Club who have

I’m staying at the Arranmore Hostel tonight and on my rest day thanks to Jerry Early for sponsoring this.

Sleep well everybody xx

Day 22: Gortahork to Bunbeg

So after a good night’s sleep in the lovely Ostan Loch Altan, I got up and was ready to hit the road. Today I gave myself a little later start (10am), especially after the rain and wind yesterday.

I was absolutely delighted to see that I had some runners waiting to head off with me when I walked outside of the hotel (as that was my starting point today). I have found this experience to be a very heart warming one, especially as most of the runners who come and run with me, don’t even know me. The route we took today.

My support team once again came up with the goods, and were able to source me a new pair of gloves and a new jacket from Wet n Wild with a great discount, thank goodness no more marigolds and plastic bags 🙂 I would like to thank Caroline Ui Churrain, for playing courier today and getting me the much needed gear and Eileen and Tommy Godkin for sponsoring the gear.

Myself and my crew for today got out on the road and really made great progress, we had beautiful views of stunning Mt Errigal, which was really breathtaking.

Thanks to Micheal, Kathleen, Eddie, Gracie, Caroline & Anne for keeping me company the whole way today, it was a shorter run but a very enjoyable one.

I’m staying with Marie NiDhonaills tonight and today I received a message from my support team from Bunbeg NS, where Marie works, sending me good wishes. How nice was that – everybody is getting involved, I’m overwhelmed 🙂

Stats today:

Departed Gortahork 10am
Arrived Bunbeg Coast Guard 12:52pm
Miles to day 12.12 or 19.5kms
Total miles 470.34 or 756.93 kms