Training Tips: Uphill Challenge Made Easy

This year we at Her.ie have paired up with the Irish Cancer Society for the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon. 

Over the coming months we’ll be recruiting readers to join us, (you can do so here!), and bringing you training tips and inspirational testimonials from those who have taken on the challenge before, as well as women who work with the Irish Cancer Society, or those who have been on the receiving end of the service.

Today is the second in our Uphill Challenge Made Easy features, a reminder that training, though tough, can be both fun and exciting. We’re suggesting that you skip the gym once a week, and instead of the treadmill head for the great outdoors and take your fitness preparations to one of Ireland’s many natural beauty spots. Become a tourist in your own land in the months ahead of the June run – training has never looked so lovely! We’ve already shared some Munster looped hill walks, now it's time to focus on Connaught!

 

Connaught Hill Walks to Try:

Galway

Diamond Hill Loop Walk Connemara

Connemara is one of the most beautiful spots in the country, and two mountain ranges dominate the area. Between the Maumturks and the Twelve Bens you'll find some of the most challenging hill walks in the country. So if you're feeling brave, head for Connemara National Park and at the Park’s visitor centre begin your 7km walk up the 400m high Diamond Hill.

Mayo

Erris Head Loop Belmullet

Out to the wilds of Mayo for this scenic trek. Bring your cúpla focail, as Erris is a Gaeltacht area. You'll be overlooking the majestic Atlatic as you scale this walk on the Mullet Peninsula. The looped walk covers 5km and should take you between 90 minutes and two hours.

Sligo 

Lough Easkey Loop

This moderately difficult walk covers 6km, and will take you up to two hours to complete. Easkey is a pretty coastal village that you should stick around to explore when you've finished your trek, and treat yourself to a nice lunch. You deserve it! 

 

Want to join The Pink Brigade and take on this year’s Flora Women’s Mini Marathon with Her.ie and the Irish Cancer Society? Find out more here!