Dublin#MagicMaker- Tracy- Taking part for the Stroke Unit in Beaumont Hospital

 My name is Tracy and I am so honoured to have been chosen to be this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon Dublin #Magic Maker. 

I am living in Balbriggan, North County Dublin, with a huge love for running, walking, dancing for both my physical and mental health, especially mental health. I am really focused on this as I suffer with severe anxiety, so the benefits of physical activity can be totally observed.

I love running, going walking, dancing, swimming, going to the gym. It is also beneficial to do some cross training to build muscle and strengthen the body, and for cardio. 

I have such a busy house with my children active in sports, so making time for exercise for myself is vital to squeeze in, even if it is only for 30 minutes. It is better than doing nothing. 

December 2019, my world changed when my Nanny gained her wings. She was my bingo buddy, who I went for little walks with, had lots of cups of tea and biscuits with, so I am participating this year to raise some much-needed funds for the Stroke Unit in Beaumont Hospital in her memory as she was always a massive support in everything I took part in, my best friend. She asked me every week without fail, was I out running, and was there a race on the following week? 

The reason why I chose this charity is to also drive awareness of the importance of the saying “your health is your wealth”. How important it is to always look after your heart, and to keep yourself active, and your blood pumping.  

I decided to do a number of events throughout 2022, to raise money for Beaumont Hospital, for example, most recently I have climbed Croagh Patrick, which was an absolute surreal experience, Ireland is such a beautiful country. I will soon be heading to Carrantuohill, then the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon which I have taken part in every year since 2007. Other events will include a Skydive, Hell and Back, the Dublin City marathon, so I have so much to look forward to, and please God an overseas marathon. NYC marathon is definitely on my bucket list, I hope. 

But the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is such a fantastic day out for all the ladies. It has always been the day I look forward to the most. Nothing can compare to the build-up, the buzz and atmosphere throughout the city, everybody supporting one another, the music and the celebrations and the charities that are benefitting from the day. 

My all-time favourite place to run is Phoenix Park, I love how much is there and such a wide-open space to explore.  

Running wise, I would always consider myself to be a recreational runner, that I am not competing for time etc. But if I did happen to see a better time than before, I put it down to better health and strength and determination. 

I love to get out, in the sun or rain, but I do love it in the rain, very refreshing. It is so important to enjoy what you are doing but to always set yourself a challenge, a goal to work towards. I am very guilty of, if I put my mind to something, I won’t stop until I achieve it.   

For example, last June, I set a challenge to complete my first triathlon in aid of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre to help my dance teacher who is a strong survivor, where I swam 150 metres, cycled 40km and ran a half marathon. 

I have taken part in fundraising shows on stage for many local charities where dance, drama and lip sync is involved which was thoroughly enjoyable. I have helped in fundraising activities which in total has come to nearly €250,000. 

The theme this year is ‘Women Making Magic’ and it really pinpoints how strong we are and we might not know it. If we push ourselves to be the best we know we can be, we surprise ourselves. As Whitney Houston sings “I didn’t know my own strength!” 

Whether this is your first time or twentieth time completing the mini marathon, enjoy every minute of the event and soak up the entire experience, because every lady out on that road are heroes and all have a story to tell!!! Every one of you are amazing, warriors, and strong powerful people. 

The best piece of training advice I would give would be to look after yourself. Eat well, drink well, hydrate especially as its June and the heat!! Build up on your fruit and vegetables. Pasta the evening before and a good breakfast on the morning. Don’t wear brand new runners on the day, wear what you are used to wearing. Dress comfortably. Go at your own pace, then build it up, but most importantly enjoy the day out with the rest of the thousands of amazing spirits on the streets of Dublin. 

So on June 5th, we will finally join together again, in person, to celebrate the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. I will make sure to cheer every person through and congratulate you on how amazing you are!!! Let’s do this!

If you’d like to contribute towards Tracy’s fundraiser for the Stroke Unit in Beaumont, you can do so here