Looking at various posts on social media it seems that a lot of people found the month of January to be a lot longer than 31 days.

I’m sure a few of them gave dry January a go. Some of them might have gone vegetarian for a week. As most of you know I don’t believe in giving anything up. I believe that by taking up something new you will see real results and hopefully change your mindset.

February is the shortest month of the year and is a better time for a challenge. I have signed up for the Cycle Ireland 28×28 challenge. 28 minutes cycling per day for 28 days. Details are on my Facebook page.

I was in Lisbon for a few days. I had never been there before. Its always nice to visit new places. I did a bit of sightseeing, recharged the batteries and looked at my plans for the year.

I also cycled to Sintra with a local guide. It was an amazing way to see the impressive coastline. Over 40 miles I got to battle some serious headwinds, short sharp hills with 3,500m of climbing, some serious downhill S bends and a flat fast finish.

I was chatting to Ricardo about the 1.5m passing distance that Portugal have written into law. I explained to him that a couple of Irish politicians were trying to get it enforced. He told me that it can work but that it takes time.

I have been following Mary Hickey’s progress over the last couple of weeks as she runs around the coastline of Ireland in aid of the R.N.L. I I’m hoping to run a few miles with her when she passes through Galway.

Check out Rnli Lapofthemap on Facebook

The Atlantic row has been hugely impressive this year with many records being broken. Damian Browne currently has around 600nm to go and should reach Antigua in the next two weeks.

Today is the second day of the World Marathon Challenge organised by local Ultra Runner Richard Donovan. Local athlete Gary Thornton won the Antartic race in 2:58 and the South African leg in 3:06. Check them out on Facebook for further updates.

A couple of good challenges for February include a 28 day squat challenge or plank challenge.

If you are planning on running a 10km in March or April you should contact me about a “Proper Running Technique Workshop “.

I also offer personal training and private running sessions.