Naas runners plot a route to fitness

NAAS man Brendan Loughlin is helping people to shed a few pounds and get fitter at the same time with his new running groups.

Brendan, who recently completed the Dublin Marathon, manages three different grades of runners catering for the varying abilities of those taking part and the groups meet in the morning as well as evenings.

“There are between 25 and 30 people running at the moment across three levels from advanced runners down to those who may not have run before. I provide a non-competitive environment with the aim of getting everybody active and fit in a motivational environment,” Brendan said.

The groups generally meet near the lake at Ballymore Road and then traverse a number of different routes after they are warmed up and have done stretching exercises to reduce the risk of injury.

“I’m into the tenth week and the first original beginners group went from couch to 5 km in 5 weeks and the more advanced group run 6-9 kms at a time. I try to vary the route to maintain interest and I don’t tell them the route till we’re out there running. The group works as a motivator and keeps them going; everybody looks out for one another and a sense of camaraderie develops,” said Brendan, a qualified fitness instructor for the past 12 years who was worked with several GAA teams. The group has also fundraised for Pieta House and the Friends of Naas Hospital generating E10,500 and E1,800 respectively.

Brendan’s Running Club can be contacted on 086-8179485.