Saturday 15th to the Friday 21st March 2014

Saturday 15^th March

Race Day

The morning of the Pakie Ryan Memorial Run.

With the race starting until 11am I was able to lie in this morning until 8.45am.  its great to get a good rest the night before the race.  It was a lovely bright fresh morning and most importantly it was dry. 

I had my porridge, hit the road and arrived in Newmarket just after 10am.  I got my gear on and went to warm up in the soccer pitch.  I met with a few fellow Clare Crusaders and friends, then headed to the start line.  I was doing the 10mile route. I ran this with Derek McGann.  It was good having someone to chat to along the road, keeping pace with each other.  The day turned nice and warm as the race went on which was quite different to the strong winds we faced the previous year.  The route is down hill for the first kilometre, then uphill for the next kilometre and flat for the next few kilometres.  The course is relatively flat with a few hills.  The hardest hill is 2 miles from the finish.  Its a sharp hill but you know once you get over that hill you are nearing the finish line and it is all down hill from there. There were water stops about every 3 miles and around mile 6 there was orange’s, they  were great refreshment.  Its great coming back into the village where you see the finish line and you have a great bit of encouragement from Flan Sheedy on the megaphone to help you across the line.  It definitely cuts a few seconds off your finishing time.  I finished in a time of 1hr27mins.  A respectable time.  I had a chest cold for the past week that was slightly irritating to me at the start but was grand for the race.  I must complement the race organisers and everyone involved for running yet another great event.  I don't know how you do it each year but you seem to be able to organise great weather for this event.  

I even got to meet Liam McCarthy afterwards.

Looking forward to next years race!

Sunday 16^th March

I hadn’t planned on taking today off but I was out last night and I needed to recover.

Monday 17^th March

This day I had planned on taking off so I relaxed and enjoyed my St Patricks Day.

Tuesday 18^th March

I was in the gym just after 7am this morning.  I did 20mins on the stepper and 20mins on the x-trainer.  I then went for a 30mins swim at 8am and I was ready for work.

After work I headed for the gym.  I went on the x-trainer first for 40mins; next up was the stepper for 20mins and last bit of cardio on the bike for 25mins.  Then for a 30mins swim and home for dinner.

Wednesday 19^th March

I was in the gym at 7am I did 20mins on the x-trainer, 20mins on the stepper and 15mins on the bike.  Then finished with a 30mins swim. 

I went for a 30mins walk on my lunch today.

In the evening I went back to the gym.  As I hadn’t a whole lot done during the week I decided to up my time on the cardio machines to try and make up for the missed days.  I did the x-trainer for 50mins, the stepper for 25mins and the bike for 30mins.

I finished with core and ab work.  I did 30 seconds plank, followed by 30 push ups (push ups with knees on the ground to start back with) 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I did 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with each leg raised; 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times. I then did a variety of ab crunches X 80 and again repeat 4 times.

Finished with a 10mins swim and home for the evening.

Thursday 20^th March

I was a bit late in the gym this morning I only got 15mins done on the x-trainer and 15mins on the stepper.  I got a 20mins swim and then headed to work.

I went for a walk on 2 of my break today; it was about 2 miles in total.

I got back to the gym around 5.30pm.  I did the x-trainer for 50mins, the stepper for 25mins and the bike for 30mins. Then onto the core work the same as the previous evening. 

Finished with a 40 length swim.

Friday 21^st March

I was in the gym at 6.40am this morning.  I got the x-trainer done for 30mins the stepper for 20mins and finished on the bike for 20mins.  I went for a 30min swim and then I was all set for work.

In the evening I did the x-trainer for 50mins, the stepper for 25mins and the bike for 30mins. Then onto the core work the same as the previous evening. 

Then a 20mins swim to finish off my week.

Saturday 8th to the Friday 14th March 2014

Saturday 8^th March

Up early this morning, I had my alarm set for 6.30am to do one of my long runs in preparation for the Connemarathon in April.  This morning I needed to do 20miles.  I got up grabbed my bottles of water, lucozade and was on the road around 7.30am.  I was doing a route close to home this morning.  I run back the road for 2 miles and this brings me to a 3 mile loop, which I would do a number of times before returning on the original 2 miles to get home.  Its a tough route where the highest hill is over 600 feet and I have to do that in the first 1.5 miles and then again on the last 1.5 miles.  I was debating whether to the 3 mile loop 5 or 6 times, if I did 5 times I would only have 19 miles completed but if I did it 6 times I would have 22 miles completed.  I decided to go for the 22 miles.  The weather was great, nice bright dry morning, perfect running conditions.  I was very comfortable all through but getting close to 18 miles I really started to get tired, but I powered through and I finished in around 4 hours.  Considering the route I was pleased enough with my time.

After the run I went to the gym for a quick session.  I did 35mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the Bike.  

I went for a quick 10mins swim and then home in time to watch the rugby.

After the rugby I brought the dog for his 4 mile walk.

Sunday 9th March

I went to the gym this morning for around 10.30am.  I did 10mins on the rower to warm up. 50mins next on the X-Trainer, followed by 25mins on the Stepper and then 30mins on the Bike.  I finished with core and ab work.  I did 30 seconds plank, followed by 30 push ups (push ups with knees on the ground to start back with) 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I did 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with each leg raised; 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times. I then did a variety of ab crunches X 80 and again repeat 4 times.

Then a 30mins swim and home for dinner.

After dinner I went for a 7 mile walk with the dog.  It is the same route that I ran yesterday morning.

Finished for the day and time to relax.

Monday 10th March

I was in the gym for 7am.  I did 20mins X-Trainer, 20mins Stepper and then 20mins on the Bike.  Finished with a 30mins swim.

I got a walk done on each of my 3 breaks today.

In the evening, i went to the gym, I did 30mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the Bike..

Then a 10min swim to finish the day.

Tuesday 11th March

I took today off to rest.  The only thing I did was a 30mins swim in the pool at 8am.

Wednesday 12th March

I had a lie in this morning.  I got up in time to go for a swim at 8am.

I got a walk done on 2 of my breaks today.

This evening I got my regular evening session done. I did 30mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and then 25mins on the Bike.  

Finished with a 20mins swim.

Thursday 13^th March

I was in the gym a bit late this morning; I got there for 7.15am.  I got 20mins done on the X-Trainer and 20mins on the Bikes. Then time for my swim before heading to work.

I got my regular walk done on my breaks at work.

Friday 14th March

I took this morning off to get a bit of a lie in before the Pakie Ryan Memorial run on Saturday Morning.

After work I hit the gym.   I did 30mins X-Trainer, 20mins Stepper and then 25mins on the Bike.  Finished with a 30mins swim.

Headed home to get my gear ready for the race in the morning.

WeightWatchers Talks March 2014

Monday 3rd - Wednesday 5th March

Last week I joined my WeightWatchers leader Kathleen Shannon to give a talk to each of her classes.  On Monday two classes were in The West County Hotel Ennis, first class was at 5.30pm and then the men’s only class at 7pm.  The Kilrush class was next in the community centre on Tuesday evening. Then on Wednesday the classes were in The Temple Gate Hotel Ennis, at lunch time and St Caimins school Shannon in the evening.

It was really an enjoyable experience to talk about my weight loss journey with people who are on a similar path to me.  I was nervous about getting up in front of a room full of strangers and talking about myself, but the people in each class made me feel at ease straight away.  I was asked some very interesting questions, about what I eat, how I train and how I motivate myself.  These talks have got me refocused on my own goals. I hope my talks have encouraged some of you, who are on your own journey, to continue and reach your goal.  I know from my time with each class last week and hearing your individual stories it has encouraged me to keep going until I reach my goal.  If ever you feel a need for some advice or tips please do not hesitate to ask me.  

Thanks to everyone who came to listen.  I hope you took something from it.

A special thank you to Kathleen for inviting me to share my story.

Saturday 1st to the Friday 7th March 2014

Saturday 1^st March

RACE Day!!!

I had all my gear prepared the night before, so I could get a lie in this morning.  As the race was not starting until 12pm I didn’t have to get up out of bed until 9am.  It was great to wake up and it was bright outside.  I had my breakfast of porridge, yoghurt and a banana, to set me up for the race.

Left home and picked up John on the way to Kinvara. We arrived in Kinvara just before 11am, got parking and went to register.  It was a lovely bright dry morning, with a slight breeze, nearly ideal conditions for running. The race is very well organised, we went to the community centre to register, got our numbers, t-shirts and a bottle of Lucozade, all done within 5 minutes.  Once we had our numbers we went back to the car got into our race gear and went to warm up.  A quick jog for about 1km.  After what felt like about 10 trips to the toilet, it was time to go to the start line.  The 10km started at 12pm and the half marathon at 12.10pm. We saw the 10km participants take off so I took the final few sips of water and prepared to go. 

The race started all of a sudden, no count down, the horn just sounded and we were off.   My ankle was at me all week (I have plate and pins in my ankle since I dislocated it a few years ago), and the start of the race I was in a good bit of pain.  This happens every so often but normally it eases out once I hit my stride. This did not happen until I was about 3-4miles in. I found the going very tough. But after 5miles I finally felt myself hit a good rhythm and my ankle felt fine again.  Nearly all my running of late has been done in the early morning where the temperature had been close to zero.  As this morning was quite cold I decided to wear a few layers of tops as this is what I had been used to.  Nearing half way I regretted this decision.  The weather was lovely and I was really heating up.  I got over this and continued at a steady pace.  There was a hill at mile 11 which was quite tough but after that I knew I was nearly home.  Back into Kinvara for the last half mile I tried to push myself near the finish but I had nothing left in the legs and across the line in a time of 1:56:59, just under 1:57:00 so I can say I did it in 1:56.  Not a PB (my PB for ½ Marathon is 1:54) but I wasn’t expecting it to be.  I had been training hard all week and I knew starting off I was off the pace a bit, but I was still quite happy with my time.

Relieved to be finished and was greeted by my parents at the finish line with a cool bottle of water. 

Sunday 2^nd March

Woke up at 7am to go for a run.  I hit the road for 8am and did a 7 mile run to loosen out after yesterday’s race.  I had that completed just after 9am.  I had my porridge and headed for the gym. 

In the gym I did 10mins on the Rower to warm up.  Then onto the X-Trainer for 45mins, onto the Stepper for 20mins and on the Bike for 25mins. 

I finished with core and ab work. I did 30 seconds plank, followed by 30 push ups (push ups with knees on the ground) 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I did 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with each leg raised; 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times. I then did a variety of ab crunches X 80 and again repeat 4 times.

Then finished off in the pool with a 30mins Swim.

After dinner I went for a 7 mile walk with the dog. The route I take is a quite scenic one.  It’s the same route, where I would do my training runs.  It’s quite hilly.  You can see Ennis on one side and the Burren on the other. It  takes in Dysart Church, Dysart Graveyard and Dysart O’Dea Castle.  Here are a few pics.

The View of the Burren

The View of Ennis

The View of Dysart O'Dea Castle with the Burren in the Background 

Monday 3^rd March

I had the alarm set for 6am and I was up and in the gym by 7am.  I did 20mins X-Trainer, 20mins Stepper and then 20mins on the Bike.  Finished with a 30mins swim.

I got my regular walks done during my breaks at work today.  I do a lap around the block on my two 15mins break and twice on my half hour lunch, it’s a 0.75mile route.

As I was giving a talk to WeightWatchers class on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week my training in the evenings was curtailed this week.

Tuesday 4^th March

I stayed in bed this morning.  I got up at 7.30am and headed to the pool for a swim at 8am.  A quick swim and then time for work.

Wednesday 5^th March

I was in the gym for 7am this morning. I did 20mins X-Trainer, 20mins Stepper and then 20mins on the Bike.  Finished with a 30mins swim.

I got 2 walks done while on my breaks at work today.

After my talk to the WeightWatchers class in Shannon I got to the gym by 8pm I did 45 minutes.  25mins on X-Trainer and 20mins on the Stepper.  Then down to the pool for a quick swim and home before 9.30pm

Thursday 6^th March

I got my regular morning session done today.  I did 20mins X-Trainer, 20mins Stepper and then 20mins on the Bike.  Finished with a 30mins swim.

I also got a walk in on each of my breaks today.

I had an event to attend in the evening so I had the evening off!!

Friday 7^th March

I was in the gym just before 7am this morning.  I did 20mins X-Trainer, 20mins Stepper and then 20mins on the Bike, then a 30mins swim and I’m ready for work.

I went for a walk on 2 of my breaks today.

After work I got to the gym before 5.30pm.  As I had missed out on training each evening during the week I decided to do 5mins extra on each of the machines.  I did 10mins on the rower to warm up. 50mins next on the X-Trainer, followed by 25mins on the Stepper and then 30mins on the Bike.  I finished with core and ab work.  I did 30 seconds plank, followed by 30 push ups (push ups with knees on the ground to start back with) 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I did 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with each leg raised; 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times. I then did a variety of ab crunches X 80 and again repeat 4 times.

Finish off with a relaxing 30mins swim.

Saturday 22nd to the Friday 28th February 2014

Saturday 22^nd February

Today is a week out from my first competitive race of the year, The Rock and Road Half Marathon in Kinvara, on Saturday 1^st March.  So my training will be tailored to suit this.

This morning I met up with the Clare Crusaders running group for a 13mile run.  The route this morning is:

• DNG, Carmody St, past Cloughleigh School, left on Lehinch Rd.
• Go left onto bypass and continue until exit for Clarecastle.
• Continue through Clarecastle. 
• Take 1'st left after the bend at top of the hill on Limerick side of village. Continue ~1/2 mile, then take a right up a side road. 
• After a few hundred metres, take another right (following signs for Mid Clare way)
• Follow this access road parallel with motorway towards Limerick, then crossing under motorway, then back parallel towards Ennis. Continue up over a hill, through the right hand side of the gates.
• Follow this disused road until merging back onto Doora road beside the motorway roundabout. Go right here, as far as Doora church.
• Turn left here opposite Doora church; continue across Quin Rd, continuing as far as Knockanean road. Take left here, as return back home via Tulla Rd, Clon Rd, Flannan's, DNG

It was a good route. Most of these roads I have never been on and it was great to see a different part of the countryside.  I completed this route in just over 2 hours.  Not my best time but I did stop a number of times to double check I was on the correct route.

After the run I went to the gym for 25mins on the X-Trainer and 20mins on the Bike.  Then I finished as I was going to my friend Laura’s Wedding.

Sunday 23^rd February

I woke in my hotel room feeling a little worse for wear after a great night drinking and dancing at the wedding.  I headed down for the full Irish breakfast; it was just what the doctor ordered.  After breakfast Geraldine (work Colleague) and I went for a stroll.  It was a casual stroll just to clear the head.  We estimate we did about 5k.

Once I got home and changed my gear I headed to the gym to make up for the damage I did last night.  I did the X-Trainer for 40mins, the Bike for 25mins and the Stepper for 20mins.

I finished with core and ab work. I did the plank and push ups.  I followed this with ab crunches with my leg raised.  I then did a variety of ab crunches.

I then went home and had a relaxing 4 mile walk with the dog, he needs his exercise too.

Monday 24^th February

I woke up at 6am this morning and was in the gym for 7am.  I did 20mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 20mins on the Bike.  I finished off in the pool by swimming 30 lengths.

I got my regular walk done during my breaks at work today.  I do a lap around the block on my two 15mins break and twice on my half hour lunch, it’s a 0.75mile route.

In the evening I did my regular session of the X-Trainer for 30mins.  Next up it was the stepper for 20mins. Then on the bike for 25mins. I was in a hurry this evening so I went to the pool for a splash and dash; I did a very quick 10 length swim.

Tuesday 25^th February

I got to the gym a bit late this morning.  I got there at 7.15am.  I did 25mins on the X-Trainer and 20mins on Stepper.  Then down to the pool for 30mins swim.

I got my walks done on my two 15min breaks today.

After work I got to the gym around 5.30pm.  I started today with a quick 5min warm up on the rower.  Next was the X-Trainer for 40mins, then I jumped on the stepper for 20mins and the last bit of cardio on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work. I did 30 seconds plank, followed by 30 push ups (push ups with knees on the ground) 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I did 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with each leg raised; 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times. I then did a variety of ab crunches X 80 and again repeat 4 times.

Then finished off in the pool with a 30mins Swim.

Wednesday 26^th February

I was in the gym for 7am this morning I did my normal session of 20mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 20mins on the Bike. Then 30 lengths in the pool.

I walked on my two 15min breaks today.

I went for a run outside this evening; it was a 6.5mile route. This was with an eye on the race in Kinvara on Saturday, to make sure my legs were familiar with the roads.  The weather was lovely starting off but after about 1 mile in the wind and rain arrived.  It did not stop.  When I got back to my car I was like a drowned rat.  It still felt good having completed it.

I completed my training with a swim in the pool.  Nice and warm.

Thursday 27th February

I went to the gym for 7am.  I got my regular work out of 20mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 20mins bike.  Then my 30mins swim and I’m all set to go to work.

I got a walk done today on my lunch break, about 1.5mile.

After work I arrived at the gym for 5.30pm.  It was my regular session of the X-Trainer for 45mins.  Next up it was the stepper for 20mins.  Then on the bike for 25mins.

Finished with a 30min swim.

Friday 28^th February

The day before the race!!

I went to the gym for 7am.  I did my normal session of 20mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 20mins on the Bike, at a handy pace. I didn’t push myself too much.

Went to the pool for a 30mins swim and was all set for work.

I walked on my two 15min breaks at work.

I took the evening off to relax before the race.

Saturday 14th to the Friday 21st February 2014

Saturday 15th February

I had my alarm set for 6.30am to get up and go running for 7.30am with the Clare Crusaders running group, as I do most Saturday mornings, for a 15 mile run.  When the alarm went off I could barely lift my head off the pillow.  My body was tired I felt I needed the rest so I turned the alarm off and reset it for 8.30am.  I decided instead of going for the outside for a run I would go to the gym.  I ran 7.5 miles in the gym.  I rarely run in the gym as I don’t like running on a treadmill, I find it hard to get a steady pace going.  I also sweat buckets in there, but this time I was surprised at how comfortable I was while on the treadmill.  Next up was the X-Trainer for 45mins; I did a total of 6.7miles on this.  After that it was time for the stepper for 20mins, not my favourite machine, but it’s a good work out.  Then the last bit of cardio on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work.  I had started back doing the plank and push ups recently.  I had been doing theses in the past but I got out of the habit of doing them.  I did 30 seconds plank, followed by 30 push ups (push ups with knees on the ground to start back with) 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I did 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with each leg raised; 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times. I then did a variety of ab crunches X 80 and again repeat 4 times.

Finished before 1pm and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Sunday 16^th February

I went to the gym at 10am. I started with 10mins on the rower to warm up, then the X-Trainer for 45mins.  After that it was time for the stepper for 20mins.  Then on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work.  I did the plank and push ups.  I did 30 seconds planking, followed by 30 push ups.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches. I then did a variety of ab crunches.

I also did a few weights, 3 sets of 12 on the Leg Curl, Leg Extension and Leg Press.

Finished off in the pool with a 30mins swim.

I was finished and ready to go to Cusack Park to see Clare play Kilkenny.

When I got home from the match, I went for a 4 mile walk with the dog.  I like to go for a relaxed walk on the weekends.  Strolling around without pushing my body or trying to get a good time. It is really relaxing.

Monday the 17^th February

I was a bit slow getting out of bed this morning.  I arrived at the gym for 7.15am, so I got 20mins done on the X-Trainer followed by 20mins on the stepper.  Then down to the pool for a 30mins swim.  All set and ready to go to work for 9am.

Today I only got a chance to go on walk on my lunch break; I would normally do a walk on each of my tea breaks as well.  It was a 30mins walk.

After work I headed for the gym again.  This evening I did the same as normal. 30mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the Bike.  I finished with very quick 20 length swim.

Tuesday 18^th February

I had to be at work for 8am this morning so I had very little time.  I did 20mins stepper followed by 20mins X-Trainer.

I didn’t get any walks done today while on my breaks at work.

This evening I wasn’t able to get to the gym until after 6pm so it was a quick session of the stepper, x-trainer and bike, 20mins on each.

Finished with 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with 1 leg raised and then switch; 10 seconds rest and repeated 4 times. I then did a variety of abs crunches.

30mins swim to finish and then home for dinner.

Wednesday 19^th February

The gym opens at 6.30 on Wednesday.  So I was in there around that time.  I got 30mins done on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the bike.  

Then into the pool for 30mins swim.

I got my walk done on each of my breaks today, I do a lap around the block on my two 15mins break and twice on my half hour lunch, it’s a 0.75mile route.

After work I had intended to hit the road for a run, but decided against it and headed to the gym.  I did my regular session of the X-Trainer for 45mins.  Next up it was the stepper for 20mins.  Then on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work. It was the same as on Sunday. I did the plank and push ups.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I then did a variety of ab crunches.

Finished in the gym around 8pm and then headed down to the pool.  As it was Wednesday it was width swimming from 8pm.  I much prefer swimming the full length, I find the shorter distance a bit boring, and so I only did about 10mins and then headed home.

Thursday 20^th February

Went for an early morning 10k run with John and Anne.  We started and finished at Active Ennis Leisure Centre.  Then down to the pool for 30mins swim and I’m ready for work.

I completed my regular walks on my breaks at work.

In the evening I did my regular session of the X-Trainer for 45mins.  Next up it was the stepper for 20mins.  Then on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work. I did the plank and push ups.  I followed this with ab crunches with leg raised.  I then did a variety of ab crunches.

Finished with 30mins swim.

Friday 21^st February

I got to the gym just before 7am.  I was the first customer in the gym which was a bit weird, as there is normally a few there before me.  First up was 30mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the bike.  Then into the pool for 30mins swim.

I again got my regular walks on my breaks at work completed.

After work I headed for the gym again.  This evening I did the same as normal. 30mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the Bike. 

RTE Guide Feature February 1st 2014

I headed to the bright lights of Dublin City on Thursday the 9^th January, to the RTE studios, for my photo shoot for the RTE Guide WeightWatchers feature. My WeightWatchers leader Kathleen and I left at 7am.  When we got to RTE we meet the organisers and we were shown to our holding area, right beside the Late Late Show dressing rooms. 

Once there I met up with my fellow WeightWatchers success stories Anna Moroney and Sarah Murphy, along with WeightWatchers leader of the year Catherine Flanagan.  Also there was Margaret and Hillary from WeightWatchers Ireland, hair stylist Michael Doyle and make artists Zoe Clarke.

The ladies were taken straight away to get their hair and makeup done, while I sat relaxing drinking tea for a short while.  Our stylist Julie Cobbe from stylefish.ie joined us with the outfits for the day.  She had a range of outfits for us to try on.  I, like most men, wouldn’t be a fan of trying on clothes, so trying on different combinations of clothes wasn’t my idea of having a fun.  But I have to say it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined it.  Julie knew what looked good and what didn’t. So after about an hour we decided on the outfit that suited me best for the shoot.

Next up was my hair and make up.  I have a new appreciation for what women go through to get ready for a night out.  They spend nearly 20mins on my makeup, I thought I looked great without it lol, but the makeup artist said I needed it, who was I to argue?  My hair only took about 30 seconds to do, a bit of gel and I was ready for my “Close Up”.

Down to the photography studio for my photo shoot.  Our photographer for the day was John Cooney.  He put us at ease, getting us to relax by cracking a few jokes; it was more enjoyable once we relaxed.  I did not believe that he would have to take so many photos from so many different angles, all for just 2 pages in a magazine. 

I was the first to be finished so I could relax and enjoy the rest having their photo shoot. Near the end my leader Kathleen and I got a few pics together, which are also in the feature.  We started preparing around 10.30am and it was nearly 3.30pm by the time we finished. We were all starving by this time, as we hadn’t a chance to eat all day so once we got changed we headed for the famous RTE canteen.

The whole day was a great experience.  Everything was a new for me, from having a stylist choosing my clothes to having my hair and “makeup” done.  It was a great day, even with the “makeup”. And to top it all off, we got the walk around the set of “Fair City” LOL

Below is the article as featured in the RTE Guide February 1^st - 7^th 2014