Ahead of what should be the best 5K run of the summer, SPIN1038 DJ Ryan Phillips talks us through the Irish Cancer Society’s Colour Dash.
With SPIN1038 one of folks helping to promote the rather cool Irish Cancer Society’s Colour Dash in the Phoenix Park on July 27 we spoke to a man who knows a thing or two about running, ‘Fully Charged’ host Ryan Phillips.
JOE: Hi Ryan, so tell us about the Colour Dash and how SPIN1038 got involved?
Ryan Phillips: We were approached to take part in a fundraising activity for the Irish Cancer Society and it seemed like a really fun way of raising some money for a really good cause.
JOE: And tell us what makes this run different to your average 5K
RP: In this run, there are different colour powder paints thrown at you after each kilometre to represent a different aspect of cancer; Purple is for cancer survivorship, Yellow is for lung cancer, Green is for bowel cancer, Pink is for breast cancer and Blue is for prostate cancer. As far as I know, this is the first one of its kind in Ireland. And don’t worry, they give you a free t-shirt and it will all wash off very easily.
JOE: Good news. Now, how is your training going?
RP: Awful so far, I ran the half marathon in Connemara in April and I damaged ligaments in my ankle. I’m in a race to be fit but if I have to walk it I will. It’s not going well, unless you count eating loads of bags of Mega Meanies.
JOE: We’re sure the are the best post-run food out there. As a man who is up at stupid o’clock to host a breakfast show you must take advantage of the empty streets and fit a run in before work?
RP: I think that anyone who is out jogging at 5.30am is almost certainly a serial killer [laughs]. I drive past them every day and I think there must be something wrong with them. No, I jog in the evening, at 5am I can barely function.
JOE: So who else from SPIN is taking part?
RP: I haven’t got any names yet but I’m sure I’ll round up a few more before July 27. I’ll be there for sure, the Spinnies will be there and I’ll get a few more presenters to take part, don’t worry.
JOE: So, any tips for anyone who is planning to take part and who might be a bit nervous of taking on a 5K?
RP: Start slow. That’s the biggest tip I can give you. The first run is one of the easiest ones. You haven’t injured anything yet, you’re not stiff or sore so you think ‘this running lark is a lot easier than I thought’. It’s the next day, when you wake up in pain, meaning you have to take three or four days off, that the problems kick in.
So take it slow and steady and then just gradually build it up. And stretch, lots of stretching. Even if it’s only a five minute run. Before and after. Every time. If not you get crocked.
JOE: Best of luck in the run Ryan, it sounds great craic, and it is for a great cause so you might even see a few JOE heads down in the Phoenix Park on July 27 to take part.
RP: No worries, see you there.
For more on the rather brilliant Colour Dash in aid of the Irish Cancer Society in the Phoenix Park on July 27, just click here.
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