PHEW! It’s exhausting just talking to Waterford man Frank Quinlan about his stunning achievement of running 21km on 21 successive days for charity, let alone trying to take it all in.

After riding work every morning at Joseph O’Brien’s, finishing at about noon, Frank went home to Hillview, Waterford city and then headed out to run a half-marathon each day for three weeks, starting on April 14th, which he has now completed, running the distance within two kilometres of his home on each day.

“Do you know, I’ve no pain, no aches,” said Frank. “My one big fear was that I might pick up an injury and then not be able to go to my physio.

“One of the main reasons I ran so well I believe was riding out before the run, it was the best kind of warm-up.”

Frank ran to fundraise for Pieta House Waterford, whose Darkness Into Light annual fundraiser had to be postponed, and frontline health workers at University Hospital Waterford.

Exercise is best medicine

“A lot of people have lost jobs and are suffering mentally or just eating and drinking too much and for all kinds of problems exercise is the best medicine of the lot.

“I really believe it’s the best thing parents can do for their children, get them into exercise.”

Frank (45) has completed 20 full marathons over the years and does a lot of pacing for others so he had the circular route turning right outside his house judged to perfection. He is a member of Waterford AC and Waterford Triathlon Club, and runs about 50 miles a week as well as cycling and riding out.

“The weather was fine which helped, it only rained once and I also hailstones once and the one pair of runners lasted!

“What helped a lot was that my son Dylan was able to join me sometimes, on his bike or running the last 5km with me. I never went over 150 heart rate, zone 4 and the steady pace made it work.”

All of his half-marathons on this challenge have been run in under 100 minutes.

“I used to work for Joseph’s father before and Joseph has the same way about him. He’s very calm, everything runs like clockwork and everyone is treated the same. I couldn’t have done it without that support, there was no stress. For me I feel I am respected and part of the team within two months.”

With €16,000 raised so far, any donation no matter how small would be gratefully received. register.primoevents.com/ps/event/21kFor21Days2020 or Waterford Athletic Club Facebook page.