The Rock'n'Roll Dublin Half Marathon blog!

So I’ve been running ish for the last three years …

I say “ish” because it has been stop start. There are times when work, being a mum and other things just prevent me from running for a week here and there and sometimes it’s been almost two weeks without a run. The sad part is when I stop running I feel it everywhere and not in a good way - I feel tired, sluggish, and can even get a bit cranky. When I feel like this, it’s hard pushing myself to go for a run but I know when I’m out there I’ll feel SO MUCH BETTER.

 What keeps me focused is signing up for something – that way I have to keep training.

It’s a nice little goal – that’s the reason I’ve signed up for Dublin’s Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon, taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 4th.  I’ve completed just two half marathons, so this is going to be lucky number three for me. If I can run a half marathon anyone can. I promise you it’s the most fun you can have in Lycra. There’s a huge buzz at the start line and with Dublin’s Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon there’s music at every mile. By the end you will feel like a super hero; the sense of achievement and fulfilment is HUGE.

  My training is going well despite the warm rainy weather. Last night myself and my other half Louis ran a tough 7km route close to our home in Glasnevin. There are two huge hills along it, but when I’m struggling (and trust me last night I was) I always think “just put one foot in front of the other and I’ll eventually get to the finish line” . It’s a simple but effective line and it really works for me.

Tomorrow is race day! If you're not excited enough already, check out some of the sounds that will be carrying you along the streets of Dublin in less than 24 hours! Today we're looking at a band called Moo

Moo

Band number 11 on our list is Color//Sound, a 4-piece Rock/Harmony band from Lusk in Dublin. 

Color//Sound

Today I want to talk to you about a band from Terenure in Dublin. They're called Wizards of Firetop Mountain, there's 5 of them and they've got an awesome logo, as seen above. Here's more:

Wizards of Firetop Mountain

Don't be shy folks - dive in and find out more about our next band, Radio Friendlies from Rush in Dublin!

Radio Friendlies

Radio Friendlies are a trio based in Dublin. Inspired by bands as Ash, the Pixels and Nirvana it is evident where their infectious pop driven hooks comes from. They have secured several shows in Ireland and many more are coming up.

Everyone keeping up? We hope you're getting to know our bands in time for Monday and we continue our run-down with Elevation Falls, a 5-piece Rock Band from Dorset Street, Dublin.

Elevation Falls

With aggressive tones just to light up your enthusiasm for real rock, this female singer is some serious competition to any male vocalist. The newest revelation on the Irish music scene blending classic rock to post punk with Brazilian rhythms, they will drive you into a rock experience to remember.

It's time for your daily fix of Rock'n'Roll Dublin band profiles - today we feature Mojo Gogo, a 4 piece Rock Band from Maynooth, County Kildare.

Mojo Gogo

Energetic, brilliant, impulsive and joyfully exuberant, Mojo Gogo is set to deliver a show that will whip you into a frenzy full of entertainment and appreciation for good music. They are the kings of stagecraft and stand apart with a sound and style of their own.

Today we introduce you to Knots - a Dublin 4-piece Rock Band. You know the drill by now if you want to know more. (Hint, look below!)

Knots

Renowned for their entertaining and energetic shows this mix of progressive Rock with elements of Pop and Acoustic have received recognition from publications across Ireland, the UK and The US.

They will keep you engaged whist refreshing you musical taste buds. Watch out for the Irish band of the moment.

Jupiter Forest are a 4-piece Alternative/Indie band from Ballycullen in Dublin. Want to know more? You've come to the right place!

Jupiter Forest

A Dublin based alternative/indie/shoegaze rock band formed in 2011 bonding together vocals & guitars with an enforcing percussive edge to create a melodic, edgy and atmospheric sound.

With exciting releases along the way they are going to rock you out.

Next up is Sub Motion, a 5 Piece Alternative Rock band from Foxrock, Co. Dublin. Here's what you need to know!

Sub Motion

A Dublin-based rock band making awesome music that you must hear . They’re a seriously great band with tracks that keep layering and layering before eventually coming to an abrupt end, leaving only a backing vocal to bring you to the finish line.

Today we take a look at Mr Sands - a 5 piece Rock Band from Dublin. Check them out!

Mr Sands

Today we profile Durango14, who also made an appearance at the Rock'n'Roll Madrid Marathon! Here's some more about them:

Durango14

5 creative musicians joined together to give the instrumental music scene a 360 degrees turn. Blending Classical Surf music patterns to many other styles such as blues & funk, Durango will certainly keep you rockin` to the finish line with their unique beats & visuals. They will be heading on tour again on September 2013.

The Rock'n'Roll Dublin Half Marathon is just over two weeks away, and between now and race-day we'll be profiling the bands who will be entertaining you along the way! First up, we bring you Dublin's very own Santoria - a 7 piece Soul/Rock Band from Donabate!

Santoria

Ireland`s Premier Soul Band is hitting every venue in Dublin with their epic Funky Soul Music which stars a seven piece band with female and male vocals and an excellent saxophonist. With a busy gigs` calendar, they are not to be missed.

RnR: Tell us about your half marathon training to date?

Whelo: Have to say it’s been quite difficult. I’ve been very busy in recent weeks but I do have a training plan mapped out for the last few weeks which I hope to stick to. It’s going to be a battle for me because I’ve never run that length. I haven’t been in the best state of fitness since I retired playing football so it’s a challenge.

RnR: Do you have any training partners?

Whelo: I was supposed to have one. One of my old club team mates was to come out with me but he’s a lazy shite and I can’t get him out running. He wouldn’t be in great nick but he has signed up to do the Rock n Roll Half Marathon and that’s the important thing!

RnR: Do you have any favourite running gear, gadgets you like to use when running?

Whelo: I don’t get bogged down by going out to look good in training. I’d just be the fella that throws on the first pair of shorts and a t-shirt that comes out of the wardrobe. A good pair of runners is important but in terms of gear I’m not one of those that looks like a lollipop man running around the place.

RnR: What about any little rituals, habits or superstitions?

Whelo: The only ritual I had when I was playing football was that I always used to stand in the same position for the team photograph. Again my personality is more about getting out there and doing it but warming up is one good habit I’ve held onto. It’s important to be well stretched out. I’ve long standing injuries and I know that I have to mind my body a bit these days

RnR:  Who are the people in your life, famous or otherwise who you respect or take advice from in your training?

Whelo: Probably my wife telling me to get out and train! Apart from that I have a particular plan laid out with the mileage I need to cover and that’s what I’m following.

RnR: What do you like about running?

Whelo: Exercise is fantastic for your mental state of mind. It releases the right endorphins in your body and you feel absolutely great after. That’s the biggest thing about going for a run and pushing your body. You feel fantastic afterwards and it sets you up for the day. It’s one of my regrets that I haven’t kept myself in the shape that I would have been when I played football because the longer you leave it, the longer the road is back.

RnR: What don’t you like about running?

Whelo: It’s just so different from the team training that I’m used to. In my Dublin days I was probably one of the stronger trainers and my stamina levels were always good. I was okay at endurance and sprint work but team training is such a different dynamic to what I’m doing now. I was used to training with 30 other people every night with plenty of variation, which is very different to being thrown out on the road on your own. You have to push yourself. Motivate yourself. I find that quite challenging to be honest. If I said I really enjoyed the training I’d be lying. I do find that it’s particularly tough on my own.

RnR: What about running in an Irish Summer (or lack thereof)?

Whelo: At lot of the training I have done, I’ve done in bad weather and that stuff has never ever bothered me. I’m living in Donabate, which is near the beach and sometimes I’d nearly prefer running in the rain - It’s that bit quieter.

RnR: What experience from your previous training or exercise will help you in training for this event?

Whelo: Mental preparation is the key thing – It’s about believing in yourself that you can overcome the challenge. A lot of people have completed long distance runs or come through adversity because of their mental toughness.

RnR: What would you say to someone who has doubts about signing up for this event because they’re afraid or nervous about it?

This week we're talking to Rozanna about training rituals, pre-race nerves and Jenson Button... Read on!

RnR: So Roz, Do you have a set training schedule. What is your typical week like?

Roz: I always set out what kind of training I’m going to do in the morning. Sometimes I get a little bit over exaggerated and set the bar too high. I suppose I’m a little bit competitive like that. Was wrecked after this morning – took me about a half an hour to get changed!

RnR: Do you have any training partners?

Roz: I go out a lot with Derry McVeigh who owns Silver Hatch Sports. He does a 10k in a mean 36 minutes so he puts me through me paces! I also have a swimming coach named Carol Walsh. I work with her out in Westwood in Clontarf. And my family are really into fitness so I’m lucky that any time I go home, I get woken up at 8am with a knock on the door and someone saying: “We’re going on a 100k cycle if you want to come?!” So there’s no rest for us at all...

RnR: Any must haves when you’re running?

Roz: My one thing gadget wise is my iPod. I cannot run without it. Sometimes I get out on runs and the battery would go – I’d literally just stop and walk home.

RnR: What about any little rituals, habits or superstitions?

Roz: When It comes to running I have to do it first thing. I also have to do it on an empty stomach. I’ve gone running late in the day and I can’t run if I’m in any way full. When you’re in Dublin that can mean getting up at 5am in the morning - you don’t to be want out running in the traffic and stopping every second.

RnR: Who are the people in your life, famous or otherwise who you respect or take advice from in your training?

Roz: I’ve a lot of respect for the Formula 1 drivers. I know it sounds strange but they’re some of the fittest athletes in the world. They have to be so strong for driving. I’d follow Fernando Alonso on twitter. He tweets the kind of exercise he does all the time and it’s crazy. I’d go training in Club La Santa quite a lot too and Jenson Button goes there. He’s actually one of the top tri-athletes in the UK and no one even knows that. People think they just sit in the car but they do so much more.

RnR: What do you like about running?

Roz: It’s therapeutic I guess. You have the time where no one is at you and you have all your thoughts to yourself. It’s like sitting on the loo, because it’s where you get all your great ideas!

RnR: What don’t you like about running?

Roz: Injuries. I always say a runner is one of two things – recovering from injury or about to get injured. So that is the downfall. Even though I’m only 22 I’ve had so many already.

RnR: If you could pick ANY band to play for you at the finish line concert, who would it be?

Roz: I think it would be....Muse.

RnR: How do you feel about Irish Summers in general?

Roz: We don’t really have them.

RnR: What do you do to convince yourself to get out there even if you don’t feel like it?

Roz: I actually don’t really mind running in the rain. To be honest with you, if I say ‘I’m going to go for a run tomorrow’ - no matter what I’ll just do it. It’s just mind over matter.

RnR: Nerves or excitement. Which is the greater feeling with 6 weeks to go?

Roz: Nerves. But I just think you have to embrace the nerves. Nerves are such a good feeling.

RnR: What would you say to someone who has doubts about signing up for this event because they’re nervous?

Roz: I’m planning on stopping every mile to take a few twit pics and listen to the bands. So you could just run for 10 minutes and then take a nap. No, wait! Not a nap! Just a break so you could go again. You’d be grand to do it that way. 

RnR: Sounds like a plan! Can't wait to see the live action photography efforts from you and the other runners on August 5th!

Rock'n'Roll Dublin Half Marathon got Ciaran Whelan & Rozanna Purcell together to see who was the bigger exercise nut! We’ve scored them out of 10 headbanging questions and got the juicy details too, so have a read to see who is most off their running rocker!

RnR: Do you have any of your athletic achievements on display in your house?

CW: No, they’re in the attic. No wait, sorry! My 2 All-stars are on the mantel piece! 1pt 

RnR: Have you ever taken a break from your holiday to exercise?

CW: If I ever got permission to go on holidays during my Dublin days, it was only on condition that I trained every day! So yes... 1pt

RnR: Wow that's dedication for you! Do you plan your meals around your running/exercise?

CW: No I'm not organised enough! 0pts

RnR: Do you have any personal bests committed to memory?

CW: Yes! I held the record for long jump in Dublin primary schools! I was 11 and I jumped 4.52 metres. 1pt

RnR: Do you have a dedicated space in your wardrobe for running gear?

CW: No. I wish I did but my wife has most of the wardrobe space! 0pts

RnR: Do you use any motivational sports quotes in daily life?

CW: I’d always go back to ‘Practise makes perfect’ 1pt

RnR: Is there a type of music you’d describe as running/exercise music? What?

CW: Not particularly! 0pts

RnR: What’s the furthest you’ve ever run? How does that compare to 21k?

CW: The furthest I've run before now is 10k 1pt

RnR: Have you made friends exclusively through sport?

CW: Most of the friends I’ve made, I’ve made through sport. 1pt

RnR: Do you plan your social life around exercise?

CW: I used to! 1pt

RnR: We'll give you a point for that, if only because we feel bad that you had to train every day when you should have been on holiday! Thanks Ciarán!

Well at a respectable 7/10 Ciarán is READY To ROCK, even if he's a little bit short of Rozanna's near-perfect score! Their next head-to-head battle will be on the streets of Dublin on August 5th, but check back here for future blogs as we track their progress to race day!

Rock'n'Roll Dublin Half Marathon got Ciarán Whelan & Rozanna Purcell together to find out who is the bigger exercise nut! We’ve scored them out of 10 headbanging questions and got the juicy details too, so have a read to see who is most off their running rocker!

Part 1: Roz

RnR: Hi Roz! Let's find out whether you're off your running rocker! First question - Do you have any of your athletic achievements on display in your house?

Roz: Yes I do! Rosettes and Trophies from Horse riding events. Also... does dancing count? 1pt

RnR: Yeah we'll give you dancing! Have you ever taken a break from your holiday to exercise?

Roz: I only go on exercise holidays! I’d usually go on holidays to a training resort. Even when I was in LA I was up running most mornings. 1pt

RnR: Do you plan your meals around your running/exercise?

Roz: You have to. If you’re serious about exercising, you have to serious about food. 1pt

RnR: Do you have any personal bests committed to memory?

Roz: No I’m not really into record my times. 0pts

RnR: Do you have a dedicated space in your wardrobe for running gear?

Roz: OF COURSE! 1pt

RnR: Do you use any motivational sports quotes in daily life?

Roz: ‘Make your body a machine’ I’m always like ‘It’s okay I’m a machine I can keep going!’ There’s also ‘Go hard or go home’ but I hate that. 1pt

RnR: Is there a type of music you’d describe as running/exercise music? And if so, what?

Roz: All music that builds up to something. 1pt

RnR: We'll give you a point for that. What’s the furthest you’ve ever run and how does it compare to 21k?

Roz: I think i did 20k at one point. 1pt

RnR: Have you made friends exclusively through sport?

Roz: Absolutely. Cycling Clubs and Celebrity Bainisteoir were two in particular. 1pt

RnR: Do you plan your social life around exercise?

Roz: Yeah I definitely wouldn’t be out late the night before a race! 1pt

RnR: Thanks Rozanna! Sounds like you're very much Off Your Running Rocker!! 

That's a ROCK Solid 9/10 for Roz, setting the bar high for Ciarán! Check back here to find out how Ciarán measures up next week. In the meantime you can make sure you'll be there to join Roz & Ciarán at the Rock'n'Roll Dublin Half Marathon by signing up at rocknrolldublin.com.