Latest News |
| John Treacy - "There is a mile to suit people of all abilities" |
"I still run 3-4 times a week for pleasure and I find it vital to staying healthy. The great thing about running is that everybody can do it. You don't need skill and you can run at your own level and your own pace. You can take up running at any age and it is an activity for life. That is what I like about this event. There is a mile to suit people of all abilities". We asked John to predict what time he might run for a mile. There was still a hint of the competitor when he said less that 6 minutes but he stressed that he would be trying to beat his son for family bragging rights |
| Eamonn Coghlan - "I will never run a mile as fast as I have..." |
There is one thing for sure, and that is, I will never run a mile as fast as I have, no matter how much I train! Athletes are always trying to improve on their best times. Golfers always try to improve on their handicap. But sadly, in athletics, there comes a time in one’s life when that is no longer the case. Mother Nature takes over, the body slows, and the pain barrier is something you’d rather not go through anymore. For golfers, they do not have a clue what the pain barrier is, nor do they have to but their bodies through hell to succeed! Yet they can continue to work on improving their game as long as they can stand on two feet, drink beer and put on weight!! Now, along comes the SPAR Mile Challenge. A wonderful idea to test the nation’s level of fitness, over the romantic one mile distance, which everyone on this planet can relate to! The mile, four laps, four minutes! What a human barrier, what a challenge? Well, whether you are a walker, jogger, recreational fitness fanatic or even a non participant in sport, a test run over this magical distance is a great challenge. The beauty for most people taking up this challenge for the first time is that they are in a unique position. With a little more training they can improve their time, improve their fitness and feel good about themselves. They will also get a chance appreciate what it takes to run a mile in under four minutes. For me, the Spar Mile Challenge offers me new hope. To go for an M.D.P.B. In other words, forget the past, rekindle a little spirit to see what my Modern Day Personal Best will be, and then try to improve on that!!!!!! Enjoy the Challenge! Eamonn Coghlan |
| Irish Olympic walker Robert Heffernan challenges runners |
Robert Heffernan Ireland's leading walker has thrown down a challenge to Ireland's runners. He believes that he can walk a mile faster than most people can run it. Heffernan was laying down the challenge to anybody taking part in "The SPAR Mile Challenge". "I’m more than confident that I will be able to walk the mile quicker than 90% of runners in the country. I have never pushed myself in a mile before as I compete over much longer distances. I reckon I could complete it in 5min 45sec and that would be my challenge to everyone taking part, Can you can run a mile quicker than I can walk one! I wish everyone an enjoyable day on the 07/07/07. |
| James Nolan chats about the SPAR Mile Challenge |
 It’s always been the classic distance, everyone always talks about how fast they think they could run a mile. I always feel that people appreciate it more when it’s explained to them in real terms, e.g., it’s from your front door to the grocery store. Then they get the idea of how far it is. That’s why I think that providing an opportunity for everyone to have a go at the classic distance is a great idea.
People who would not normally have a clue how far or how long it would take them to run a mile have the chance to try it out for themselves. Not only that, but by partaking in the SPAR Mile Challenge they will be able to compare themselves against their partner, workmates, clubmates, people from the same county, people from other counties, and anyone else who takes the challenge on 07/07/07. I remember when I ran my first sub 4 min mile, 3:56.31 in 1999. I was so happy. I broke that magic barrier and went into that elite group of athletes. If I was ever to give advice to anyone on preparing for a mile I would recommend having a goal time, working out the pace and training at that pace over shorter distances to see how it feels. Also, try to convince a friend to do it with you as company makes the training more enjoyable. If you’re looking for training advice call down to your local athletics club or check out our training advice page. |
