It began at a meeting to organize our next fundraising activity; a Midsummer’s Night Table Quiz, for Monday 21st of July. Michael mentioned the Achill Island Half-Marathon and the Lotus Lives’ board of directors agreed to attempt the event to be held on the 3rd of July. Then it seemed in the distant future. Plenty of time to train I thought. But with the quiz to organize (posters, questions, spot prizes etc.) those weeks passed quickly. We had to urge each other to get in the required training runs.
I had done the Connemara Half-Marathon but that was back in March 2009. I soon realized that counted for little, being so long ago. Aisling and Michael hadn’t gone further than the Streets of Galway 8k and it’s a big step up in distance. Maintaining outward confidence I kept my fears to myself. 13.1 miles (21.1 km) is no joke. We trained as much as we could given injuries, work commitments and the quiz, and found ourselves bound for Achill on Friday evening, the 2nd July.
Being raised in Achill, and my parents living there we had a convenient base from which to launch our attempt. The weather had not been ideal in the previous days so a windy day was certain, rain possible. Arriving early for the 11.00 start we busied ourselves pinning on our race numbers, stretching etc. Anything to keep occupied and try to keep the butterflies that filled our stomachs quiet. Pre-race nerves are energy sapping and that’s not a good thing.
11.05am and almost 2,000 participants are off, thirteen miles and a bit to go. The wind wasn’t strong but was constant. I feared it was going to make things difficult over the next two hours (my own approximate aim). With the route being a loop it was a comforting thought that it wasn’t going to be in our faces all the way. The rain arrived during the first ten minutes with a nasty shower. Thankfully it only lasted three or four minutes and the wind quickly dried us removing concerns about running in wet clothing.
For readers who don’t know Achill Island, it’s the largest island off the coast of Ireland and is very scenic. Even though I spent my youth there, and still call it home, I never realized how little flat road there is. Everything is either climbing or running a descent which makes rhythm difficult. It does give you small goals though as you proceed. For my own run I admit to having to take a breather and walk for 100m or so uphill on four occasions between eight and twelve miles. Not ideal but you try to keep in mind that there’s still a long way to go.
The course allows you to glimpse over hedgerow and see the finish line at about the 11.5 mile mark. You could see fellow runners get a second wind upon spotting it. Two more long climbs (at least it felt that way) require you to seek a third one! Luck was with us, however, as we finished the race in sunshine. It’s an amazing feeling when you see the finish is only 100m away and adrenaline takes away the pain and tiredness as you cross the line. Then crash when you stop (at least at my level of fitness), it really hits home. Having viewed a photo of myself taken about a minute after the finish it looks like an ambulance should have been called! Michael was five minutes behind me and I was disappointed not to cheer him over the line as I was stretching down and catching my breath. Not so with Aisling as we were both on hand to congratulate her shortly after. As happy as I was with my run, I was even more delighted for them. Neither had run further than ten miles in training and it’s a fantastic achievement.
The rest of the weekend was admittedly spent refuelling with my Dad on duty to replace the used calories. Diets off for 48 hours minimum - we’ve earned it. A pleasant evening was then enjoyed meeting some friends who have assisted Lotus Lives in the past on the Street of Galway Road Race; Moya, Karen and Aaron, my brother. The latter ran a 1 hr 26 min to finish 21st (or 22nd) and claim the prize for the first runner across the line from Achill. Thanks to him for all his advice to us three on our training over the preceding weeks.
Between us we raised over €600 for Lotus Lives with a contribution going to the Achill Lifeboat. Our gratitude goes to those who so kindly sponsored us in this endeavour. As it does to all who have helped Lotus Lives support the work in Cambodia. Our efforts are nothing compared to the challenges the orphans and the families of the dumpsites face every day. Well done to all. I also extend our thanks to my parents for their hospitality, particularly as it was to the background of a sudden life threatening illness suffered by a member of the family only days before. Say a prayer for my Uncle if this is something you practice.
So onwards Lotus Lives goes to the Streets of Galway 8km Road Race 2010. O’Connell’s Bar on Eyre Square have kindly sponsored a free barbecue for all Lotus Lives runners so we look forward to meeting all of our friends there. There’s still time to sign up if anyone wants to join our team. We hope to have 15-20 runners doing their best for Lotus Lives with a donation to The Galway Hospice Foundation being made from the funds we raise.
Aisling, Michael and I cannot thank our contributors enough for your kindness. Donations may now be made online through the Half-Marathon Paypal as we may not get the time to change it on www.lotuslives.org, also our thanks to Jess for her website design and continued technical support.
Blessings to all and may you stay well.

Leighton Turner
Co-Director
Lotus Lives
www.lotuslives.org