Get race ready... tips for taking part in The Echo virtual mini marathon
Eimear Hutchinson has come on board as the brand ambassador for The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon. Every week in her column she will be sharing her tips and advice, ahead of the September 20 virtual race date.
WOWWow columnist Eimear Hutchinson getting ready to take part in this year's The Echo virtual Woman’s mini-marathon. Registration is now open at theechominimarathon.ie. Picture Dan Linehan
Eimear Hutchinson
If there is one thing that I have learned over the years with regards to running, walking or any form of exercise, it is that it is so important to complement it with some strength work.
I have had a few injuries and strains over the last few years, primarily after having babies which obviously puts its own strain on the body but also leaves a woman’s core weaker than usual. I find Pilates and yoga play a key role in keeping my body injury free. Pilates is fantastic for strengthening your whole body and you can find lots of free Pilates classes online that are specifically focused on running or walking.
These tend to generally place more emphasis on strengthening the glutes. Yoga is great to complement both cardio and Pilates by stretching out your body, I find it such a relief to do and would recommend even a short yoga session at home around once a week. Again, with so many great resources online, you are sure to find something to suit you.
HOW TO TAKE PART...
Earlier this summer we announced that the 39th Echo Women’s Mini Marathon wouldn’t go ahead this year on Centre Parc Road due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, organisers Cork Athletics Association have a virtual offering and we are hoping that as many people as possible will take part to help support the many Cork charities that depend on the event, year in, year out.
The event ‘6K Your Way’ is free to register. You can complete that however you want, either by walking, running or jogging in your back garden! When you are registering you will have the option to purchase a souvenir medal and race number to be posted to you.
We are encouraging people to do the 6K on September 20 (We ask that you adhere to all government guidelines regarding public safety and social distancing when completing your 6K). You can upload your results via the results portal and you can download a certificate of completion.
The results portal will be open from September 18. If you can’t complete your 6K on September 20 you can also do it from September 18 to September 27.
We hope that the people of Cork will continue to support this fantastic event in these unprecedented times as they have done over the past 39 years.
For more information and to register see https://theechominimarathon.ie/
