An Cosantóir May 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie
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T
raining our soldiers to meet the mental and physical
demands of military life remains a primary focus for
Defence Force training. the Defence Forces hill Run-
ning Series was established in 2012 under the auspices of DF
Athletics, and a race calendar set up to present opportunities
that complement the training of our soldiers. our aim was
to facilitate development and test the physical and mental
strength of DF soldiers in the mountains and hills.
When designing the DF Hill Running series, we made a cru-
cial decision not to focus solely on competitive hill runners,
but rather make these events all-inclusive by inviting hill-
walkers along to avail of the marked route and support staff.
We understood that in addition to our young fit population
of soldiers, the Defence Forces also includes a population of
other types of soldier, from the older athletes, post/pre-natal
mothers, rehab post-injury, and HRFA candidates.
Our philosophy from the outset is to promote the
development of health and fitness for all Defence Force
personnel and we achieve this by creating a tough racing
competition for our soldier's along-side an earlier start of
hill-walking troops who wish to take time to enjoy the route
at their own prescribed level of intensity.
Why not include the Defence Forces Hill Running Series
in your calendar this year and take the opportunity to get
some fresh air and exercise. Runners, walkers, competitive
and recreational are all welcome.
If you are preparing for ARW SOFQ 'ALPHA TWO' Selec-
tion Course in September 2017, why not load up your CEMO
with your prescribed training weight, and relentlessly hit
those hills we have selected for the DF Hill Running Series,
setting out with the early hill-walkers start. We will be
happy to support you in your test and time your distance
travelled over time.
The DF Hill
Running Series
by CAPT CAITRIONA NIC CABA, AIR CORPS
FITNESS CENTRE, BALDONNEL
'Its not the
mountains
we conquer
but ourselves'
Sir Edmund Hilary
For further information on events please contact Sgt Alan
Hayles on alan.hayles@defenceforces.ie or Capt nic Caba
on caitriona.niccaba@defenceforces.ie, Air Corps Fitness
Centre, Baldonnel 01 403 7537.
