I am a 48 year old mother of 3 from Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan . I have 2 daughter aged 28 and 25 and a 22 year old son.  

In September 2013 just before my 49th birthday I heard the girls at work talking about a local couch to 5k they were doing. The time and date was convenient for me so I decided I would go to the local track myself and follow their plan if I’m honest I also thought I wouldn’t be able to do it as I was never sporty in school. At first I thought I definitely wouldn’t keep it up but as the days went on and I could manage a little more I grew to really enjoy it.

I had walked the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon a few times at that stage and set my goal to try and run it or the most of it in June. I submitted a time from a local run and hopped to get into the jogging section and actually got into the running section and to my surprise I ran it all and the feeling crossing the finish line and completing my goal was amazing. I have ran it every year since.

Shortly after completing it in June 2018 I was told I needed open heart surgery to correct a birth defect. This was done in November in the Mather hospital in Dublin. I was told if my recovery went well I could start running again after 3 months. In the weeks following the op it was hard to believe this was possible but after 6 weeks I started back walking and again the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon was my goal and sure enough that June I crossed the line again . It was my most emotional finish as I felt I was back to being myself after a tough six months.  

That year I was joined in Dublin by some friends work colleagues and my two daughters who all completed it with me. My running buddy Louise always goes the extra mile and dressed up as the queen of hearts and my daughter got us some queen of hearts t-shirts. We had a fantastic day 😊 

Sadly due to Covid it has been virtual since I have completed it in town with Louise and also walked it with my daughter each of these years but it not the same as hitting the streets on race day. 

My favourite part of the day is looking at all the special t-shirts of fundraisers or someone honouring a loved one And as you wait at the start line you always swap a story  or two with ladies around you. 

I have fundraised for many charities over the years; Aoibheann’s Pink Tie ,The Irish heart foundation , Croi , Spina Bifita and heart Children Ireland to name a few . This year I will remember a special little boy who should have turned 18 on May 14th but unfortunately he passed away age 3 from a heart condition every step I take this year I will remember him.  

I will be joined again this year by some work colleagues, family and friends. 

The magic for me this year is to be back in Dublin to soak in the atmosphere. We will travel up together by bus and hopefully celebrate with a night out when we get home. 

To anyone thinking of doing it I say go for it, you don’t need to be a runner to sign up the distance is the same walked or ran. The crowd the atmosphere and the race day magic might get a grip on you too. This year is no. 13 for me 5 as a walker and 8 as a runner and I have loved them all.  

I will see you all on June the 5th and remember ladies when we come together, we are Mnasome ❤️ 

Karen x