Join Coast Road Runners.

Elaine Prendergast, Age 44

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I just want to say that I really enjoyed the course…I never thought I’d achieve it but I did…I think its important to come for all the classes. I felt Katharine and her team were very encouraging and supportive…I loved the chats…especially Helen’s chats about baileys ????. Just to say that Cathy, Joanna and I have kept the Tuesday and Thursday meet ups. I intend to do the 5k park runs now come Jan ????

Kate Mara

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Katharine and Coast Road Runners gave me both the encouragement and the accountability to actually complete the 5k. I connected with a new group of likeminded people.I benefitted from the group morale to show up on the colder and more tired days, and I really found a huge sense of accomplishment (and fitness!) through the programme. I would highly recommend signing up. It’s a great option for anyone who’d like to develop a regular running practice as part of their routine or even for someone who just wants the satisfaction of reaching a fitness goal while having fun along the way. Thanks Katharine! Your lovely steady mix of coaching and cheering us on is exactly what we needed! On to the next milestone!

Bernie Furlong, age 64

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I took part in the Clontarf 0-5k session in October-November 2022. As a former runner who had not run or trained at all for at least eight years it was a great way to get back into fitness and the discipline of running regularly. Katharine is a wonderful trainer and motivator and having a group who all start together really helps with the motivation and commitment too. Doing the St. Anne’s Park Run on the final Saturday was a fantastic way to finish the course! I would very much recommend Coast Road Runners for both complete beginners and returners to running.

Grainne Madden, Age 43

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I signed up to do the Coast Road Runners virtual running course during the peak of the initial Covid restrictions. It was a great incentive to keep myself physically active and to have an exercise plan and to follow when gyms were closed and exercising in big groups were prohibited. I even managed to get my husband and 2 kids involved and our dog so it was great fun as we all followed our weekly plan and progress! The best thing about the virtual running course is that it offers you the flexibility of doing the sessions at a time which suits you as well as still having the incentive, motivation and group support of your individual group and encouragement and support from coach Katharine with clear instructions on each weekly session. The virtual course also includes a bespoke Coast Road Runners running top which is made from a very breathable material and as we progressed through the weeks, we saw and waved to lots of other CRRs in their jerseys which really added to the feel of being part of a larger running community. The Coast Road Runners virtual running course will give you the boost you need to advance whatever your starting fitness ability. Now more than ever, staying physically active is hugely important. I would definitely recommend the virtual running course for anyone who is looking for a new challenge, a group exercise with the added benefit of working the weekly sessions around your own schedule.

Joanne Mowlds, Age 46

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I joined Coast Road Runner’s 0-5kms pre lockdown after trying the couch to 5k apps many times and failed at about week 3 or 4. I loved Katherine’s gentle approach conversationally but she got straight down to business on the running front and had u running more than u could ever have believed possible in a couple of weeks. What really helped was the support of the group. I had just moved back from abroad and was delighted to meet so many friendly people who were doing the same thing. Really helps with the motivation. I then did the 5-10kms and the same approach works! A really good programme from Coast Road Runners done with gentle persuasion! And a good pre and post stretch. You can’t believe what you can achieve with this class

Susan Bryson, Age 46

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Still Sane, Still Running – All Thanks to CRR! Life as a mum, homeschooler, cook, referee, fitness instructor, entertainer and practicing solicitor (all at the same time in the same room) over the last year has had its ups and downs to put it mildly. Most of the time the focus has simply been to keep it all together. The thing that kept me together through the tougher times was my running and for that I thank Katharine Teeling and CRR from the bottom of my heart. I am not a natural runner. In 2015 out of nowhere I decided to start running. I figured I would sign up for the Dublin race series and see how far I could get. I ran the 5 miler in May, the 10K in July, the 10 miler in August and started to think I might actually manage the half marathon in September. That was as much as I dared to hope for. Then one morning in early September I had a coffee with Katharine Teeling (before CRR was even born). I will never know how she did it but I left that coffee having been convinced by Katharine that I could run a marathon. A few hours later I pushed that button on the computer and it was on! So on 25 October 2015, 4 hours and 58 minutes after leaving Fitzwilliam Street I did something I never in my wildest dreams thought I could do – I crossed the finish line of a marathon! It was one of the BEST feelings I have ever experienced! Not being a natural runner I soon forgot all the highs of that day and by April 2017 running was like a distant memory for me. However, in comes Katharine again! She was starting her first CRR 5-10k and again she somehow managed to persuade me to join. I did join and despite some struggles getting back out there I finished the 10k and became a CRR “graduate”. I still didn’t really enjoy running and despite making every excuse under the sun not to go out for my runs I somehow kept going. I know from Katharine that the key is signing up for events and in particular events abroad. So thankfully when 2020 rolled around myself and my husband were signed up for the Berlin half marathon in April and I was running nice and steady three times a week (most of the time!) when Covid struck! We all know what happened next – Berlin certainly didn’t happen! But – along came CRR to save the day again. First there was the virtual 0-5k and the brilliant idea to let the kids try it. Myself and the kids had some of our best times during lockdown 1 on our runs. One of the highlights of the year was seeing the delight on the face of my six year old boy as he arrived at the CRR buoy to the cheers of fellow CRR’s (all socially distanced of course) and was handed his first ever CRR finisher’s donut! I kept up the running during the year, always wearing my CRR tee shirts so I get the “hi’s” from fellow CRRs out there. I made it my business to sign up for every event CRR were supporting. The encouragement from CRR and other participants on the whats apps groups created for each event really keeps me going. I ended up doing the Dublin virtual half marathon in October which I was over the moon about. There are no words for the laugh we had doing the Run in the Dark 10k in the wind and rain in November! We ended the year with the Aware 5k. I had never focused on time before as I am a SLOW runner but CRR had suggested trying for a PB. I finished in 28.35 which was the absolute fastest I could run. My 11 year old ran with the faster CRR’s and finished in 24 mins (a fact she is extremely proud of!) Like everyone else we welcomed 2021 with open arms, excited to be getting back to normal and with absolutely no idea that the worst was yet to come. But – the one thing they can’t take from us is our running. Thankfully CRR started another 0-5K for the kids and we have laughed and cried our way through the wind, rain and snow. Amazingly, no one ever suggests skipping a run and I think everyone is secretly hoping for a new PB in two weeks. The latest challenge for me is the CRR February 5KM PB Challenge. Having never been a runner who liked or cared about speed I found myself battling against the wind this morning and even leaving a child out on the course (!) simply to make it to the finish in sub 28 which was my goal. I did it in 27.27 and am now studying the wind so that when I head out for the last 5k of the February challenge next week I will ensure I have the wind behind me for the whole 5k and really see how fast I can run! Like everyone else, I look forward to these strange times ending but I will always remember this time as the time when I finally learned to love running! The icing on the cake is that my family are all running and we can go out for a run together (and enjoy doing it). So thank you CRR! You keep us all running (with smiles on our faces!)

Tara Kelly, Age 44

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I had tried running during 2020, but unfortunately got injuries and aches and pains and had to give it up. A friend of mine recommended Coast Road Runners in the summer of 2021. I had a look at the website and signed up to the 0-5km course in September of that year. I was nervous that after a few weeks the injuries would return but they didn’t and still haven’t. Katharine’s plan was perfect, it started slow and it gained momentum over the weeks at a pace that meant I didn’t push myself too far too fast. I am so thrilled that 3 months after completing this course I am still running 5km 2-3 times every week. I love doing the Parkrun and last weekend ran the St Anne’s Parkrun with my husband and my 3 kids. I haven’t returned to the gym. My fitness has improved for the first time in a long time and I’m so happy with the change.

Elaine O’Conner, age 50

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What can I say about Katharine and Coast Road Runners” Having ran sporadically over the last 10 years, dipping in and out. I signed up for the Jan ’20 Coast Road Runners course . From the first day meeting Katharine with her calm, encouraging, kind approach. I knew I would make that 5k in March at the end of the course in the Phoenix Park. And I DID! Meeting other novice runners like myself every Tuesday and Thursday morning, inspiring and encouraging one another there was no doubt we would reach the Wooden Bridge wall and back on the last week. If you want to start running or get back to it. Believe me Katharine and her team are a group of people who will get you there. No pressure, just kind, encouraging guidance to give you the confidence to do it. “Think like a Runner and you’ll be a Runner”

Aisling O’Donoghue

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The October 5-10km was the kick start I needed to get back into running again! I really benefited from the accountability of running with a group, and always felt comfortable to run at my own pace. I plan to run my first half marathon in March 2022!

Philip Mahon, Age 57

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I originally ran the 0-5km course in Feb-April 2019 and have been an active runner ever since which was a great help to me during the various lockdowns both physically and mentally .I am a regular park run participant . I wanted to take the next step in my running journey and set myself a target to complete in the Clontarf 5 mile / 8km road race on 27/11. I signed up again with the coast road runners as I needed the structure of a tailored training schedule and joined in the 3 week 5-8km running course which finished with the Clontarf road race . I have now signed up to complete the Raheny 5mile/8km on 30/1/2022 . I got great encouragement and running support from Katherine and Helen throughout the course and I thoroughly recommend Coast Road Runners .

Emma Hastings, age 39

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I had never ran before and assumed I couldn’t as I wasn’t the running type! Joined the 0-5KM course and now I regularly run 5KM and do a parkrun every week. I am so glad I did the course as it broke down all the psychological barriers I had around running. There is a lot of support in the group setting and you have little wins every week as you increment your distance. I now look forward to running and find it a great stress relief.

Eoghan, Age 45

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When Katharine asked me ‘how long have you ever run?’ at the first session of Couch-2-5k, I told her I’d run once for a bus. Against all my expectations, Katharine got me and nine other amateurs running 5km non-stop in the space of 8 weeks. We were all a little bit in disbelief we’d actually done it, but thrilled with our achievement. Careful guidance & encouragement by Katharine, and comradery of the class powered us all through. If I can do it, anyone can – just sign-up!

Tara Hughes Moore, Age 40

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I had tried the whole couch to 5km app & it didn’t work for me so when I saw Katharine’s flyer I thought why not give it one more try in a group setting. Katharine is brilliant, loads of support with a super brunch of girls. Twice a week in the evening, perfect time to get out of house after a hectic day & I have to say enjoyed it. I even find myself wanting to run at the weekend but I’m definitely a group person. Thanks Katharine I wouldn’t have kept it up only for your support & encouragement.

Hazel, Age 40

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For me joining Katharine and Coast Road Runners was a great social way to finally run 0-5km…I surprised myself by enjoying it and have running ever since. I’d highly recommend the experience!

Mary Whelan, Age 50

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I joined Coast Road runners “doubtful” but “hoping” to eventually run 5km! I met a really friendly group and with Katharine’s enthusiastic support, encouragement & motivation ran my first 5km Parkrun 8 weeks later. It’s been a brilliant experience.

Rachel Hegarty, Age 42

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Coast Road Runners is an excellent running course led by a fantastic coach. Katharine caters for every fitness and confidence level and keeps each runner motivated and focused on achieving their goal. I tentatively joined the 0-5km course last year and much to my delight successfully completed it and continue to run regularly enjoying all the benefits it brings

Sarah Graham, Age 31

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You can’t help but get swept up in Katharine’s passion for running. She genuinely wanted us all to succeed and was an amazing coach and motivator throughout the 8 weeks. Even now 1 year later she is available for a pep talk to keep me going, focused and enjoying running.

Kate Bielinski Forrest, Age 48

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8 weeks ago I was nearly passing out at the idea of running for one minute without stopping. Now I’m running 5km without stopping and running is part of my weekly routine. Katharine is a firm but never harsh taskmaster who pushed me beyond what I thought I could do each week and she got results. I’ve recommended this course to several friends and even though I’ve finished the course I’m looking forward to building my strength and stamina by keeping up the habit of running 3 times a week

Derval Coughlan, Age 42

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I kept hearing about people I knew taking up running. And I kept hearing about Coast Road Runners. I knew I had to do something especially after 2 failed attempts at the 0-5km on my own plus I’d recently hit my 40s! I really needed regular exercise for fitness and health after a lifetime of very little so it was now or never! I signed up with Katharine to start in January 2017. There was such a great bunch of people in our group, people I knew, kind of knew and didn’t know at all but through our shared aches, pains, sweat, laughter and lots of other emotions not to mention the rain, wind and cold we got to 5km and we’re still doing it every week. That’s all thanks to Katharine. Katharine is such an encouraging, down to earth, humble and friendly person. The entire 8 weeks felt like a gang of friends, including Katharine, getting together. I can’t recommend her and Coast Road Runners enough and actually envy anyone starting out on the course!!

Laura Canavan Hayes, Age 35

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I joined Coast Road Runners at the beginning of the year as a new mum in much need of movement and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Running with a group definitely gives you the impetus to get out that door and get going, which for me is the hardest part! Katharine is super passionate about fitness, running, nutrition and proper stretching and designed the perfect programme to ease us into running and build our time and distance gradually. Any teeny twinges and Katharine was onto it with advice and stretches so we felt really looked after. We found ourselves running 5km straight after 8 weeks and then doing the St. Anne’s Park run which was a brilliant way to round it all off. The social side of Coast Road Runners was great as well and there is still a group of us running regularly together. Next goal is Katharine’s new 5-10km course and doing the Women’s Mini Marathon for charity next year. I couldn’t recommend Coast Road Runner’s more. It is especially lovely to take advantage of the beautiful coast that we have and breathe in that fresh sea air while running.

Eileen Devlin, Age 54

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With no previous experience of running, I set myself a goal for 2017 to be able to run 5km before my 55th birthday. I thought it would be a lot easier than it was so I tried to do it on my own, but gave up after a few short runs. As it’s generally easier to do things in a group, I thought I would give it one final shot, so I joined Coast Road Runners in February 2017. I cannot recommend them highly enough. With great support from our trainers and the rest of our group, I did achieve my goal and it’s hard to describe just how good it felt. Katharine’s interest, enthusiasm and encouragement are invaluable and helped me to achieve this goal in a way that was tailored to my individual level of fitness. Being part of a team was essential for my success and Coast Road Runners work hard to create great team spirit.

Tracy O’Dea, Age 43

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I wouldn’t regard myself as unfit, I have 4 kids and feel I spend every minute of every day running around after them. Running for myself was never something I thought I would do, like or even enjoy, but I was fed up of seeing loads of friends out running and was honestly jealous of the head space and fresh QUIET air they were getting. I couldn’t and wouldn’t have done it without Katharine, she is so relaxed and friendly and nice and understanding and encouraging and interested, but most importantly she didn’t TELL me I couldn’t fail, she made me FEEL I couldn’t fail, that’s her secret weapon …. she’s AMAZING at what she does!

Norita O’Donoghue, Age 39

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I hadn’t been running for a few years so I was a bit apprehensive about joining Coast Road Runners. I found Katharine very accommodating and flexible in terms of a start date for the running course. This flexibility continued as the course progressed as there was an option to join another group if you couldn’t make it one or more evenings. The group includes all running levels which is fantastic. You slowly but surely find yourself running 5km as the week’s progress! It’s brilliant and her encouragement is really heartfelt and genuine. I would recommend this running group to anyone. It gave me the kick start I needed to get back running.Thanks Katharine! Xx

Sharon Hurley, Age 52

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I only tried the course initially because you could opt out after the first week if you didn’t like it. Which I fully expected to happen. Especially when the running time was increased in Week 2 by 50% from 1 minute to a whole minute and a half! I truly thought I’d never last. Yet, 8 weeks later, with the constant gentle but firm encouragement from Katharine, and the support from the rest of the group of lovely people, I was running 5k in less than 40 minutes, and even went on to complete the mini-marathon for the first time ever. I got fit, lost weight, met some great new pals and had lots of laughs along the way. Coast Road Runners really is, as it says, for all ages and fitness levels. Katharine does a brilliant job in getting everyone to the finish line – best thing I’ve done in years.

Tara Carr, Age 36

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I had always considered myself a ‘non runner’ someone that couldn’t run and definitely did not enjoy a second of it when I had tried it in previous years. I tried all other types of cardio exercise and running was at the bottom of the list! In recent months I hadn’t been keeping fit and my health was effected. When my friend Amy told me she was joining Coast Road Runners in January 2017 I wished her good luck and that was that…. she had done one week of the 0-5km 8 week course that Katharine was teaching and she was reporting back each day telling me how easy it was and how lovely the rest of the group were. I was interested and decided to give it a shot! I joined in week 3 of the course and we started off running 3 mins and walking 1 min and chatting to the rest of the group as we did. I really enjoyed it and didn’t feel unable at any moment which was a shock to me as any time I had tried to run I had felt sick or thought I would collapse! This easing me into it method of short runs built up my stamina over the course of 8 weeks and by week 8 we were running the 5km non-stop! I thoroughly enjoyed every single training session! Especially the social aspect. And started to make some great friendships. Some of the girls were speaking of doing a 5-10km training course with Katharine that I had no intention of doing! I was very pleased with my new found ability to run 5km non-stop! And stuck to the 3 times a week… I continued meeting the group of girls for the weekly runs and then realised that the group I was running with were moving on to the 5-10km course! They all started the first week and I realized I had no one to run with and I loved the social aspect most of all! So I then joined the course in the second week and Katharine welcomed me with open arms! So each week we gradually clocked up the km’s to reach our Goal of 10km! And the ultimate goal was the Women’s Mini Marathon which I had never dreamt of doing! Monday, 5th of June 2017 I ran my first mini marathon in 1 hour and 9 mins! My family cheered me on at the side line and I felt so proud as I ran past my children that roared with delight as I ran by! It was a huge Personal achievement for me and I celebrated after the race with the rest of the girls and Kathrine at Coast Road Runners! To this day I still can’t believe that I did it! I loved my time with Coast Road Runners for many reasons… the main one being Katharine herself! She was a fantastic coach and has a very motivating yet unassuming approach. She spends time with each of the runners on one of her sessions. Giving us all individual attention. She makes running look so easy and makes it fun! There were days that I didn’t have the energy or drive and at the times I was struggling, she would pop up behind me and chat away about nothing but pushing me to keep going. The next reason is that I loved running along with a group of people and chatting away about everyday stuff and getting to know one another! I am definitely someone that loves to chat and there was always a listening ear nearby and it was so great to share the experience with others! Plus we have a WhatApp group now and we all meet up regularly and share news and info on relevant things of interest. I am officially a Runner! And am addicted to it! I never in my life thought I would say that! Running is now a big part of my life and I try to get out 2 or 3 times a week. Not only is my health much better all round I feel better as a person. Much more able to take on life! I would highly recommend joining Coast Road Runners. It’s definitely one of the best choices I made in my life! Thank you Katharine!!! Xxxxx

Grainne Haran, Age 39

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I joined Coast Road Runners 0-5km course in May 2016 and to say that joining the course has been a life changing experience for me is a bit of an understatement! I have 2 young kids and I’m always on the go so this course seemed like the perfect opportunity to try a new challenge. Katharine is a very encouraging and positive coach and the course builds gradually. I completed my first full 5km park run at the end of the 8 week course which was an amazing feeling, the first of many ‘Runner’s Highs’ for me. I enjoyed the 0-5km course so much that I went on to do the 5-10km course and completed the 2017 Women’s Mini Marathon. The atmosphere was electric and such a buzz to take part in the event along with other Coast Road Runners and we all enjoyed celebrating afterwards! There’s a great sense of camaraderie joining the course and running with a group and achieving your goals together, keeping up regular runs together and even signing up for races together!! Everyone motivates each other and there is a great sense of team pride and team bonding too.I know, like so many other CRR that running is now just part of my weekly routine and there is a huge sense of freedom just being able to put on your runners and head out for a run and not being tied into a gym schedule as such. If you are looking for a new hobby or a new challenge, I can highly recommend Katharine’s course and who knows where the (Coast) Road will take you!

Jenny Faison, Age 44

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Having run off and on for years, it never really worked for me, I never enjoyed it and kept quitting. That was until I discovered Katharine’s Coast Road Runners 0-5km course. Katharine has this amazing natural ability to put everyone at ease, to support everyone through their individual goals, and still maintain the fun of a group dynamic. I can’t recommend a Coast Road Runners course highly enough. I’ve had so many laughs, have pushed myself, have made fantastic new friends, AND, I’m still running!!

Amanda Groarke, Age 37

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I heard about a 0-5km Coast Road Runners running group that had been started up and thought ‘that’s a great idea…good for them, that’ll be great for the people that need the guidance and a push to get out there. Not for me though, sure I’m well able to get myself out the door for a run on my own, in my own time and at my own pace too.’ Roll on 5 weeks and I still hadn’t done a tap. I used to run a bit. On and off, nothing consistent. I’d never run with a group before and wasn’t totally keen on the idea of it to be honest. But as easy as the theory of getting out the door is, it wasn’t happening. I was too wrecked, too busy. So I got in touch with Katharine and signed up. That was 11 months ago. Katharine is an absolute pleasure to deal with, run with and take advice from, and everyone on the groups I’ve run with have been lovely. You still go at your own pace, but you have a wonderful support structure around you. And when you’re putting on your running gear on the days that aren’t gloriously sunny and bright and warm, you know you’re not the only one. It’s a brilliant running course. Totally do-able for everyone. Before you know it you’re running for 30 minutes non-stop and you’ve actually enjoyed it. And that’s from someone who couldn’t run for more than 90 seconds at the start of the course. I kept it up too. Got myself out the door three times a week, or else someone I’d arranged to run with got me out the door! The 5-10km running course was a natural progression: same format, just as enjoyable. And then someone mentioned a marathon. Actually I can’t quite believe I’m writing this testimonial. Typically I’d be reading it, not writing it. Because I ran the Dublin Marathon this year. And it was totally and utterly brilliant. There’s not a chance I would have got here without Katharine and Coast Road Runners. She’s some woman for one woman! It’s been fun, challenging and rewarding, and not for a moment did I think signing up for a 0-5km running course would have me where I am now. If you’re even half tempted to sign up for her 0-5km course I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. What’s the worst that could happen?!

Audrey Harte, Age 34

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I would highly recommend this course to ANYONE! I can honestly say that it really doesn’t matter what your level is as all levels are catered for. I was a slow 5km jogger, not runner and it was with some apprehension that I started the course. From Day One I absolutely loved it. Katharine in her calm and encouraging manner helped me along and by the end of the course I was jogging 10km, a distance I never thought I would be able for. There really is no emphasis placed on speed or time, purely on achievement. The group support is lovely but the credit really does go to Katharine, many thanks!

Jan Killen, Age 41

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I signed up for Coast Road Runners 5-10km course in order to increase the distance I was running and pick up some speed. The twice weekly runs with the group were key to keeping on track as we gradually increased the distance. Katharine was really positive and encouraging to us all and worked with each of us to run at our own pace and get through the challenge every session as the distance gradually increased. I achieved my goals of running 10km faster than before the course but one of the best take outs from the course was unexpected… meeting a great group of locally based people with similar running goals and having that network in the area to continue running with after the course finished. I would 100% recommend Coast Road Runners to anyone with goals from learning to run to stretching your distance and speed.

Paul Bookle, Age 40

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I had been running on and off for about a year before someone recommended Coast Road Runners to me. I had been trying to find something to get me more motivated and decided that Coast Road Runners 5-10km course was the way to go. The big advantage of course was I’d get to meet other local runners and have a little bit more incentive to make me stick with it. Unlike some other things I had tried, there was no pressure and it was always good fun. Running with other people is so much more enjoyable and Katharine’s tips and encouragement were a huge help and bonus. As the weeks passed the talk came round to what would you do next. Of course talk came round to Saturday morning Parkruns, then 10km races, half marathons and eventually the Dublin marathon itself. Before I knew it I was signed up for the marathon race series and looking at a lot more training coming down the line! The support from the group was phenomenal and was a real help on the days when I really questioned what was I thinking. Katharine gave huge help, with training plans, tips for training and preparing for the big day and helping in loads of other little ways. I was really proud to wear my Coast Road Runners top crossing the finishing line after 26.2 miles of “The Friendly Marathon” and can honestly say that I couldn’t have been better prepared. I can’t recommend Coast Road Runners enough. Just put one foot in front of the other, you never know where it will take you.

Fiona O’Rourke, Age 41

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I completed the Coast Road Runners 0-5km course and then went on to do the 5-10km course. I never thought I would run a 10km so felt a great sense of achievement when we finished with the 10km Marie Keating Foundation Run in the Phoenix Park. Katharine and Helen were great; while they encouraged us to keep going, there was never too much pressure. The group provided the additional camaraderie! Highly recommend. And what nicer place to run than the Prom in Clontarf!

Miriam O’Flynn, Age 51

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Coast Road Runners is a great way to get off the couch. Having really struggled the first week to run the 1 minute intervals (with 90 second walks in between!), I never imagined that I could get to 5km, not to mention 10km. However, with the support & encouragement of Katharine and her team, we all made it. It offers a great sense of achievement, a road to lifelong fitness anytime, anywhere, and an opportunity to meet others in the same boat who want to get/stay fit. The group makes all the difference in providing encouragement when the going gets tough. Long after the course finished, we still meet up for runs each week on Clontarf’s beautiful prom or on Saturdays for the Park Run in the glorious St.Anne’s Park.

Ailish Forde, Age 52

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I can’t recommend Katharine’s Coast Road Runners running courses enough! After 2 years of trying to run 5km, I met Katharine on the seafront one day and signed up to her 0-5km course. In a few short weeks I was running 5km and in September signed up for the 5-10km course. It was such a fabulous feeling to finish my first 10km! Katharine’s positive attitude is contagious, she makes you see that anyone can run and gives you fantastic encouragement. Not only that, but you get to be part of the Coast Road Runners club – like minded runners at hand to motivate you and have fun along the way! If you’re thinking of doing her running course, 2 words of advice – DO IT!

Richard Pounder, Age 49

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Many thanks to Coast Road Runners for helping me move from occasional solo running to meeting a group of motivated runners, increasing our capacity from 5km to 10km. This class took me from simply “not stopping when I thought I wanted to” to enjoying the scenery on the seafront as we covered the distance together. Many thanks to Katharine and Helen for motivating us to get out and run in all conditions, and for all of the practical advice on how to achieve our running goals. Thanks to joining the Coast Road Runners course I can now call myself a competent 5-10km runner.

Anonymous, Age 43

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I had a baby 8 months prior to joining Coast Road Runners and was extremely unfit. Joining the group made running much easier. The group camaraderie gave the motivation I needed to get out in the evenings. It didn’t matter how slow or fast I ran because everyone went at their own pace. At the end of the course, when we ran the 5km, I couldn’t believe the difference in my fitness level, the feeling is just so rewarding. Since the course we still meet up here and there to do our runs. Running buddies are the way forward. With Katharine’s mentoring and the experience in a whole, I couldn’t recommend it more.

Cormac Bourke, Age 41

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Runners travel a long road. I know that only because I have just taken the first steps as a runner and I can see a life-long path ahead, but that depends on me continuing to put one foot in front of another. Coast Road Runners has been an empowering and confidence building experience. It is a challenge. It is learning a life skill. And it is a beautiful route. Katharine and Grainne (who stepped in to help) were always encouraging, supportive and informative. Our running group were similarly encouraging and always willing to empathise, and some continue to run together weeks after our course has finished. The journey, of course, is really in your head. You will surprise yourself. You won’t regret taking the first step with Coast Road Runners, or the next one.

Paula, Age 35

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I started with Katharine as a total beginner with zero fitness. The first week I struggled to run for 1 minute without stopping but by the final week I could run 5km without stopping, albeit slowly :-). Although I was the slowest in the group, Katharine and Grainne were always supportive and encouraging and made me feel that it was ok for me to move at a pace that suits me. I can absolutely testify that this program works and if you trust Katharine she will get you moving. I would not hesitate to encourage anyone to try this.

Trish O’Farrell, Age 37

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Absolutely loved the 0-5km course. Looked forward to it every week. I knew I could run 5km but couldn’t quite motivate myself to go out and do it. The group quickly solved that. I met some lovely and like-minded people and we still hook up via the WhatsApp group. I suffered shin splints at the start and Katharine immediately gave me exercises which worked very well. I would recommend anyone to do the Coast Road Runners 0-5km course and I’m just sad that the 8 weeks went by too fast.

Maria Cassidy, Age 41

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I joined the 5-10km last January which was possibly the coldest winter to date! Without fail we met on the seafront on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and braced the below freezing temps. It was a great experience and Katharine and Amanda guided us each week and motivated us to eventually complete the 10km. I would highly recommend joining the group as it can help you build fitness and confidence as a return to running or a complete beginner

Alison Tighe, Age 43, Eastpoint Corporate

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I’d highly recommend Katharine and Coast Road Runners. I had taken up running a few months before her course and I was really looking for advice and help on pacing and increasing my distance without injury. Katharine was a great help, and gave me lots of tips and encouragement in our running group sessions. It was lovely also to get out of the office at lunchtime for a run, as I prefer running with others and it really helps with my motivation. Since the end of our course I have not just run a 5km, but have also done the 10km Night run, and the Rock n Roll Half marathon. Katharine was really good with advice for these too, and provided me with training plans and help even after the course had finished.

Genevieve Wallace, Age 40

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I used to enjoy running at school. However, I lost the habit and skill in the years that followed and, twenty years later, I did not have the motivation to start again by myself or the know-how to enjoyably progress with the distance. I joined the Coast Road Runners 0-5km course in October 2017. I loved the structure and logic behind increasing our fitness and stamina. It made learning to run almost easy!! I also really enjoyed running with a group of new people and sharing the experience together. Katharine was a constant source of knowledge, positivity and encouragement! But the real testimonial is that I subsequently joined the 5-10km course!!! I highly recommend Katharine’s Coast Road Runners!

Corrina O’Brien-Daly, Age 43

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Run? Me? Never!! That’s what I thought until a friend recommended a well known 0-5km app and painted a lovely picture of runs to escape the evening madness of the house. And she was right, in her case! Me. I was surprised I enjoyed the app at first but couldn’t get passed the 2km mark so when the Coast Road Runners course was suggested I thought nothing to lose, but doubted it would do anymore for me. I started the course and within the first 5 minutes knew I was doing everything wrong! For a start, Katharine explained how important stretching is both before and after a run to ensure muscles are ready for exercise and help avoid injuries. She suggested extra individual stretches for anyone with complaints, painful shin splints in my case. The first week was a gentle run of 1 min with 90 second walking intervals. Within a few weeks we were running 8 minutes and eager to get to the half way point, The Bull Wall! I picked the morning session as I could easily fit in the classes while the kids were at school. We could alternate between the morning & evening sessions, which was a very handy option in case of a sick child or school closure!. Before I started Coast Road Runners I had visions of running after a super fit instructor with an enthusiastic bunch of runners while I struggled to catch up to the back of the pack. Again I was wrong. Katharine is super fit! However, she doesn’t lead the group, she runs with the group. She takes the time to run with everyone during the classes, it doesn’t matter what distance is between the runners, she’s there. Katharine is very easy to get to know and immediately puts you at ease. Running with Coast Road Runners is about completing a run at your own pace not running to catch up with the group! I met a lovely group of people who were beginners just like me. I really enjoyed running in the group and looked forwarded to my morning sessions. Not even the typical Irish weather could stop me missing a class! We still meet up now for runs. Who knows, you might see me here sometime writing about my 5-10km experience! I would highly recommend joining the group as a way to increase your fitness, calm your mind and to have some fun!

Lorna Gallagher, Age 42

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Highly recommend this course to anyone. Katharine is a fantastic leader and her approach to running is relaxed, inclusive and fun.

Claire Long, Age 39

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I had tried the Apps with no success and I was not confident, but thanks to Coast Road Runners I finally cracked the 5Km. I put this down to Katharine’s encouragement, her calm & knowledgeable approach and the comradery within the group. Running in a group is the secret; I’ve made great friends and feel great!

Nicola Tarrant, Age 40

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Signing up for the 0-5km running course has been the best thing I’ve done for myself in years. For anyone thinking about giving it a go, Coast Road Runners is the way to go! Katharine is so approachable, knowledgeable & supportive. All in all a fantastic experience.

Aine O’Sullivan, Age 41

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As someone who had never ran before with limited fitness, I genuinely thought I would not be able to get through the course ! But with the amazing encouragement and support from Katharine and her team and the other runners in the course – We all did it! It is very tough but very rewarding. I wouldn’t have persevered without the group dynamic and it was well worth the effort. Thanks Katharine.

Richard Pounder, Age 50

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I have to thank Coast Road Runners for getting me off the sofa at night & out running on the fantastic (and flat!) Sea Front in Clontarf. This is my second 5-10km group and we ended with a 10km Run in the Dark with 9,000 people – made easy by the gradual training runs, sound advice, and group motivation. Come and try this and find a new outlet for your energy and stress…joining a group makes running much more sociable. And it helped me to get a PB.

Deirdre McNamara, Age 45

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I can honestly say that completing the Coast Road Runners 5-10km course is one of the best things I’ve ever done (yes, kids, husband if you’re reading this you’re great too!). I’ll be honest I started with trepidation. Having been able to run 5km (barely), my nerves and lack of confidence in feeling that I wasn’t fast enough, I’ll always be last or would never be fit enough nearly got the better of me. Yes they said, you’ll get there, you will. Yes they said, one day you’ll forget that you couldn’t do this. Yes they said, you’ll be able to talk and run at the same time. Yes they said, you can do it. I thought they were barking mad. But as it turns out (who knew??!) they were of course 100% right. I still can’t believe that I completed a 10km race without stopping. The constant encouragement, tips, camaraderie and confidence building has been for me, absolutely invaluable. I’ve met wonderful people, I’ve made new friends and have a new determination that I’ve never had before to keep it up. Thanks guys, it’s been awesome.

Cormac Bourke, Age 42

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So I could learn to run – but could I learn to be a runner? Before I began the 0-5km course, a 10km run was an unthinkable challenge. Run for an hour? That’s something athletes did. With Katharine’s guidance, and a determination to simply keep going, you will be amazed what you can accomplish. My 5-10km group were brilliant and some have already done the marathon – inspiring stuff. For me a half marathon is next in time and maybe the real thing after that. Now I am a runner. Who knew?

M. O’Brien, Age 57

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I joined Coast Road Runners (Clontarf), in October 2018. I had never run in my life before, although over the years I had tried various forms of exercise. I thought running was for younger ( I’m over 50) and fitter people… I was wrong. My sister recommended running to me, and sent me on Coast Road Runners details, so I joined up.. From the beginning I loved it.. I found it tough at the beginning (and sometimes throughout the course, depending on the weather etc.), but the level of support & encouragement from Katharine and the Coast Road Runners team was fantastic. I was never the fastest runner, but I learnt from the sessions that this wasn’t the most important thing. What was important was the achievement of reaching that 5km. And it was fantastic, something I never thought I’d do. I took to running so much that I have now signed up again since January. For me it’s the support from Katharine and the group that gets me out there on a dark, cold, wet or windy night.. and that feeling of wellbeing after the run…. Joining the running club has been one of the better lifestyle decisions I have made.

Elaine Crehan, Age 38

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I joined the January 5-10km running course to get fitter and improve my running. I really enjoyed the course so much so I am going to do it again! Katharine keeps you so motivated and has room in her class for all levels of fitness. She creates a warm and friendly atmosphere in the group that inspires you to return week after week! I learned some new warm up/cool down techniques, how to deal with stitches etc., all of which still stand to me now! I would encourage anyone to take a course whether it’s to improve your fitness, increase your speed or just to make new running friends!

Joelle Coughlan, Age 41

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The Coast Road Runner’s running crew got me back into running. Loving it completely. I had a hiatus from exercise after an ankle injury 2 years prior, and had been putting off exercise for some time, in fact I was a bit nervous if I’m honest. But Katharine and her attentive crew motivated and inspired me again and reignited that fire to be fit and push myself. They really give you the confidence to go for it. I love the fact that we can run in any kind of weather, any time, and still enjoy it! Its a great way to meet new people and even after the running course finishes the Coast Road Runners team still motivate you to keep on running! Love it.

Joan Lynham, Age 56

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5⭐️ all the way. At 56, I needed to totally rethink my fitness regime. I was tired of the gym. Katharine’s fantastic knowledge of running/fitness, her great personality encouraging you all the way, has sealed the deal and opened a whole new exciting world of fitness both physically and mentally to me.

Amy Weston, Age 40

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As a lapsed runner and having celebrated a significant birthday I was keen to get back running before another year of “I will start next week” had passed. I saw an advertisement locally for the course and signed up for the January 2019 0-5km. As each week progressed, I was able to run more than I had thought possible without stopping and this was due to the excellent structure that Katharine has put in place to allow us to meet our weekly running goals. After a week or so I looked forward to the twice weekly run, meeting up with the running gang, and also the prospect of being able to sign up for external races in the future. Katharine is an excellent instructor and I would highly recommend this course to any lapsed or new runners. I look forward to the follow on 5-10km.

Louise Keenan, Age 52

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For years I was lacking the motivation to run, having been a runner previously. Every week, month,year would pass by, and I still lacked the motivation to run. I would thing of any excuse not to go. I am a walker, and over the last few years I would see a group of runners running on the Coast Road in Clontarf. Chatting to friends in the area re fitness, the conversation came up about running. A friend told me about a lady called Katharine, and how she took groups out twice weekly on 0–5km & 5–10km running courses; Great this is exactly what I needed. I signed up last January ’19 for the 0-5km group, and without doubt I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Katharine is amazing, she brings you along the course at your own pace, stopping and starting at regular intervals. There is no pressure on anyone to “keep up”, everyone runs at a pace to suit themselves. We built up our fitness level and at the end of the 8 weeks, we were all running 5km without an ache, How Katharine did that is amazing, but she did it in the most gentle way. It was the most gentle yet effective way for me to start running again, and I have continued running every Tuesday & Thursday with members of the group who are now friends. It as been a great way to get motivated to get up,get out and get running. And the best thing is All that’s needed is runners, and Katharine has lots of advice on the correct footwear too. I would strongly recommend to anyone who has any interest in running, or like myself was a runner and is finding it hard to start again, this group is for YOU. Not only that, I’ve met new people, made new friends, and in the meantime have got much fitter and ready to bring on the Day.

Philip Mahon, Age 54

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I joined Coast Road Runners in February 2019 with the hope of completing a 5km park run. I had tried on a couple of occasions to complete the couch to 5km, but couldn’t motivate myself to keep going on my own. I heard about Coast Road Runners and signed up for the February course. I was delighted with the help assistance, encouragement and advice that I received from the very 1st night. I was wearing walking runners and not proper running shoes which Katharine suggested I buy. They were a great purchase. Some of those winter nights were tough going in the wind and the rain but strangely were enjoyable and I could feel the benefit from taking part in these trying conditions. One tip that I would recommend is to try and make the commitment to attend every session as this greatly helped with my preparations for the 5km run . Finally after the 8 weeks I duly completed my 1st 5km park run in St Anne’s on 13th April, much to my delight and I was chuffed with my time. And as everyone knows who has teenagers, when my teenage son told me that he was very proud of my achievement this made it feel even more special. It is my intention to continue running. I never thought it was possible to take up running at my age once again many thanks to Katharine and her team . I highly recommend Coast Road Runners.

Linda Byrne, Age 49

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If you are considering starting or returning to running, I would highly recommend Coast Road Runners. I had been trying to get back to running over the last 5 years but could not motivate myself. Someone mentioned Coast Road Runners to me and low and behold the course was due to begin the following week. Katharine could not have been more helpful, motivating, supportive and just a genuine nice person. I’ve really enjoyed the course and the community around Coast Road Runners. It’s a great way to get running, get fit and meet new people.

Mary Donnelly, Age 42

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I completed a lunchtime Coast Road Runners 0-5km program in Eastpoint Business Park recently. I was heavily overweight, completely unfit and living a sedentary lifestyle. I have two young kids and when I saw a promotional flyer for the Coast Road Runners 0–5km course, I decided it was time to do something about it. So I turned up for the first session with a lot of trepidation, wondering will I be able to do this? Katharine was very supportive, encouraging and immensely positive throughout the 8 week program, and gave excellent advice on what runners to wear, how to breathe properly, pacing yourself and building up fitness, and what stretches to do. I’m now running three times a week and really enjoying it. I feel heathier, I have lost weight and my mind feels stronger because running helps me deal with stress. Thank you Coast Road Runners for supporting me on my journey to being healthier!

Elizabeth Carvill, Age 42

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Anyone thinking about getting back into running or starting to run from scratch needs to get involved in one of the Coast Road Runner’s courses. Katharine is a brilliant coach, there with you every step of the way, giving great encouragement and advice as you go. Plus it’s a lovely opportunity to meet others at a similar level who you can continue running with. Such a tremendous sense of achievement at the end of the course when you reach that 5km goal so stop just thinking about it and sign up and get running! – Elizabeth Carvill, Enterprise Ireland

Shana Singh, Age 45

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I joined the lunchtime 0-5km course in Eastpoint Business Park in March 2019 as I needed someone to give me the boost, motivation and encouragement to reach a goal that I never ever thought possible. No longer in my 20s and now with kids, life and family gets in the way so I set myself a goal to get out and start running again. I had done a bit of running in 2012 but never did 5km non stop. Never thought I could do it … but thanks to Katharine, her approach, constant encouragement and motivation, I am happy to say I did my first 5km this year and now running weekly. I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone who needs the kick start to get out, or maybe has run before but just needs someone to get them moving again. I’m delighted I joined the Coast Road Runner’s group. Thanks for everything Katharine. “Run through the tiredness got me to my 5km.”

Anonymous, Age 56

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I am in my mid-50’s and thought the opportunity to run 5km had passed me by. I had tried running a few times before in the gym/using various apps etc. but didn’t succeed – but with Katharine I did! She is so motivating and inspiring and that makes you want to keep going… I highly recommend Katharine and her Coast Road Runners running courses to everyone and anyone – it’s a truly rewarding experience.

Martina O’Brien, Age 53

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For a few years now I’ve had a goal to run a 5km Park Run. By myself it just never happened. I decided to bite the bullet and ask the experts…. Coast Road Runners was recommended by a friend. From the start, what I thought was an impossible task, started to become a reality. Starting with 1 minute runs, graduating to 8 mins when I had a setback that saw me missing 2 weeks. All that time, Katharine kept encouraging me with a plan when I got back. Eventually, I ran my first 5km Park Run and it felt incredible. I definitely could not have done it without Katharine and her team. And I love the after course meet-ups for a run and coffee afterwards. If you want to start running, you should start with Coast Road Runners.

Richard Pounder, Age 50

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I’m on my 3rd year of running the 5-10km course, and it’s been a great motivation to get out on dark autumn nights and work up to 10km distance. I’m fitter mentally and physically after starting with the Coast Road Runner’s group, many thanks for your inspiration Katharine.

Chiara Calvino, Age 39

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I really love running and it was amazing to meet a lot of other runners in the Coast Road Runners group with the same energy and enthusiasm! Rain, wind and cold did not stop us to continue in our goal and we were all well able to run 10km at the end! I am really glad to have been part of this group: thank you to our coaches who have trained us in this beautiful journey! Running is lovely, running in a team even more so!

Julio Peelo, Age 40

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I joined Coast Road Runner’s Sutton evening group Sep-Oct. I had tried on numerous occasions to do the couch to 5km on my own but just couldn’t find the motivation to push through and complete it. A busy life and three small children meant I was unfit and overweight putting myself last so this course and commitment was just what I needed. I was nervous on the first evening but I shouldn’t have been. Katharine and Helen are so supportive and encouraging and I couldn’t believe I was running 20 mins solidly then 30 mins etc . I would really really recommend joining into a class and giving yourself the time and commitment to yourself. You won’t regret it.

Doreen Mulligan, Age 45

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I joined Coast Road Runners’ 0-5km course in September 2019. I wanted to get my fitness levels back up but having not previously been a runner, I was a bit nervous about whether I’d be able to get to the 5km mark. My nerves quickly eased as Katharine was such a great coach and so encouraging. The increased running intervals each week really helped to build up our fitness quickly but at a very comfortable pace. The group was amazing! Such lovely people and so encouraging of each other. It was such a great feeling when we ran 5km as a group for the first time and just a few weeks earlier, I genuinely didn’t think I’d do it. I’m running 5km 2-3 times a week now and really enjoying it. Thanks Katharine and Coast Road Runners for all your help!

Yvonne Emerson, Age 34

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Having just completed the 0-5km course I am really delighted I discovered Coast Road Runners. Over the last 6 months after baby number 2 I kept attempting and failing to “get back” to running or any other form of consistent exercise. This course helped me to regain fitness and confidence in running that I thought was gone forever! The course is perfectly paced, teaching you how to pace yourself on your runs so you can comfortably complete them and is challenging enough to keep you motivated. The group were of all mixed abilities and everyone was so positive and encouraging, just like Katharine and the other lovely coaches, who always seemed to know when to give us a little push or a kind word. Thank you Katharine and Coast Road Runners, I absolutely loved the course and can’t wait to do the 10km one in the new year.

Jenny Lynott-Thomas, Age 38

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Although I cycle to work everyday (5 miles in total) and have some fitness, I was still convinced I could not run any distance at all. Then I joined Coast Road Runners and that old belief has been totally quashed. It’s a great feeling, I can’t wait to start again with the gang when the next session begins and in the meantime feel encouraged to motivate myself to keep it up due to Katharine’s training and encouragement.

Sabina, Age 52

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Who would of ever thought that at 52 I would manage 5km?!!!! With the brilliant support and non-judgmental encouragement from both Katharine and Helen – the goal was achieved! Thankyou to them and all the fab ladies who helped along the way. I would recommend this Coast Road Runners course for any beginner!

Miriam Hynes

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Katharine makes it so easy to get into running. I had tried running apps but they hadn’t worked for me. I kept giving up. Joining in with a group Coast Road Runners was the way to go for me. Katharine creates a great sense of community within the group which makes it enjoyable and so much easier to stick with.

Orla Walsh, Age 35

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I highly recommend joining Coast Road Runners. The course & the friends you make are fantastic motivators to get you off the couch & into the fresh air. Meeting with them twice a week & then starting the park run on a Saturday morning has had a hugely positive impact on my mental and physical health.

Ailish Forde, Age 54

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In January 2019, my top New Year resolution was to run the Women’s Mini Marathon. Katharine and Helen got me running in 2017 and while I did the 5-10km course that year, I didn’t keep up the longer distance. I got in touch with Katharine and signed up to the 5-10k course in April 2019 that finished with the mini marathon. It was such a fabulous experience. I learned so much from the coaches, built great running friendships with others on the course and so enjoyed the mini marathon. It felt like such an achievement to get my medal that hot summer day and then enjoy the runners high with my Coast Road Runners friends. I still run with people from that course and feel part of a supportive running community, all thanks to Katharine and the Coast Road Runners team.

Sue Bolger, Age 43

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I had been trying to do a 0-5km for years, downloaded all the apps, got to week 2 (a few times!), then ran out of steam. Coast Road Runners was recommended to me by a friend who had just completed her first marathon and I did the CRR 0-5km in April 2019. Katharine and her team coached, supported and motivated me through the 8 week course with ease. I honestly never thought I’d ever be able to run 5km non-stop but I’ve just completed my first 5 mile (8km) run and am running 2/3 times each week. The plan is to get to 10km early next year with the support of Katharine and her team. I would recommend Coast Road Runners to anyone – beginners or those trying to push their running a bit further.

Eddie Feeley, Age 49

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I joined Coast Road Runners in September 2019. Prior to that I had never done any running and now I have completed the 0-5km and 5-8km courses and have just taken part in my first 5 mile race, the BMW November Clontarf 5 Mile. It has been a very enjoyable experience thanks to enthusiasm and support from Katharine and all the Coast Road Runners trainers. I would highly recommend the Coast Road Runners courses.

Eleanor Morrissey, Age 45

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I am 45 years old and have never ran 5km…. with the support of Katharine, Coast Road Runners and a great bunch of girls we did it.. Honestly the highlight of my year , Katharine is fantastic, she doesn’t put any pressure on you just encourages you along the way. I have continued doing park runs and it’s just fantastic. Don’t wait, sign up you won’t regret it.

Suzanne, Age 40

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I completed the 0-5km course with Coast Road Runners last January. The course was very enjoyable and I couldn’t believe how I improved from week to week! Katharine was so friendly, supportive and encouraging throughout as were all the others on the course. The sense of achievement at the end when I ran my first 5km was amazing. I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Darina Gallagher

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Coast Road Runners was just the encouragement I needed to get my new year started in 2020. It really improved my fitness but the sea air and great company made it both invigorating and lots of fun!

Councillor Donna Cooney, Age 52

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I found the running course really good, it was virtually painless to go from 0 km to 5 km and I enjoyed it so much that I went on to 5 km to 10 km. Katharine was so encouraging and learning to run properly and do the stretches meant that I remain injure free. Running in the group was fun and then during COVID-19 restrictions the virtual group was a great support and really kept me going my 10 year old son even joined in and did the 0-5 km and got away from his PS4 and we had great chats on our runs by the Clontarf coast. I would really recommend doing this course and I would not have done it without the support of Katharine and Coast Road Runners and I now know why people run, makes you feel great..!!

Christophe Bichaut, Age 46

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I joined the Coast Road Runners in September 2020. It has been a very enjoyable experience thanks to the enthusiasm, passion, support from Katharine, Helen & all the Coast Road Runner members. Whether or not you ever ran 1km I would highly recommend the Coast Road Runner group.

Elaine Hynes, Age 46

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I would highly recommend the virtual 0-5km course to anyone that would like to start running. The virtual nature of the course means that you can run whenever you choose and the flexibility is great. Katharine is so knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Clear guidance was provided through the dedicated Facebook page and the support from the group was fantastic. Delighted to say I’m still running, three months later.

Geraldine Grindley, Age 75

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The best-laid plans!! I was due to do a 0-5k running course just as the first lock-down of the pandemic came into force. I was so delighted when we were offered a Virtual 0-5k instead. I was cocooning, so I was really happy to be able to complete the course by running in circles around the garden for the 8 weeks. Each day I ran, I posted a selfie (selfie-taking is not a skill I possessed – nor did I ever master it) and each day I could not wait to see other people’s posts and comments on mine. It was so supportive! I have only ever seen one of my running mates in the flesh since the course, but I felt as close to the gang as if I was seeing them every day, and they gave me so much encouragement and positive feedback. They – and their children – even ran a few laps of their own gardens in solidarity with me! I got to the stage of running for half an hour non-stop. I was not able to work out the length of my run because the running apps can’t cope with people running in a small circles, but I was so fit and so full of life – I can’t wait to get back to that again. I can’t thank Katharine and the Coast Road Running Family enough. It was a great experience, especially as I turned 76 shortly after!!

Sue Byrne, Age 45

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During the lockdown in March of this year a post popped up on my FB page from the Coast Road Runners. I had previously participated in a couch to 5k course with this group so when they mentioned a virtual course I jumped at the chance. The only difference with this course was you did your runs by yourself and then posted a selfie and your progress to the virtual group. All you had to do was run on the same day as the group if possible. For me it was a life saver during those difficult times. The motivation and camaraderie I felt in the group was amazing. We shared our ups and downs. Our little breakthroughs and achievements till we reached the 5k mark. If you’re someone who for whatever reason cannot attend a course or just prefers to run by yourself I couldn’t recommend this course highly enough.

Clare Mallon

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After a break of ten years from running I joined your 31 March virtual 0-5k group, I had been tempted to join for a while but WFH was the perfect reason to join up. By week 3 I was in trouble injury wise and was very disappointed to have to stop. I stayed in the Facebook group & felt I would go back to it at some point. In January 2021 I decided it was time to give it another go, using the apps etc which you recommended I set everything up again, but this time I repeated each week at least once. I’m also sea swimming for my first winter (who isn’t!) and I feel this is a massive benefit to my legs. By last week (mid Feb ’21) I was up to 2 minutes continuous running – slow progress, but yesterday (19 Feb ’21) I went out and did my Operation Transformation run and managed to run the full thing in 30.26, am delighted! Went straight over to the slip afterwards for a swim and am in surprisingly good shape today. I will drop back to walking breaks again from tomorrow and keep trying to slowly build up. I’m already talking about doing the marathon again one day, my husband says he knew this would happen. So thank you very very much!!! Am delighted to think by summer I might be back running regularly..

Maureen Cooney, Age 45

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I loved every minute of my virtual 0-5k running course with Coast Road Runners. I felt so motivated, inspired and supported by Katharine and my other group members. When I signed up, I hadn’t anticipated a lot of interaction with other group members, so the online bond that we quickly formed was an unexpected, but very pleasant surprise!

Karen McCarthy, Age 46

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Loved the virtual 0-5km course which I did during lock down. Even though the participants were distanced, felt a great sense of community and this really pushed me to get out run twice a week. Looking forward to our final 5k run when Parkrun is up and going again. Real sense of achievement from doing this course. Thank you.