THE MAKING OF LEGENDS

Many believe that the Lunchtime Legends - Ireland's first untainted, unattached and largely untalented training group - emerged from a misty, moorland re-entrant in the middle of a very deep and smelly bog.

It is said that it was this former existence beneath the black stuff that has possessed in them a craving for training and Christmas parties that has driven then to the earth's rim in search of  anything beginning with C - challenge, competition, camaraderie and carnal knowledge.

They delight under such names as Coach, Warhorse, Eagle and have muddy waterholes (which they have pitched headlong into) named after them. Membership is acquired by hanging suspiciously around sweaty changing rooms looking for ones underwear.

Now, thanks to electronic wizardry of  VPL, they  have alighted on CyberCity with training programmes and tips across a blinding array of pursuits that will knock your little cotton socks off.

As these Legends are of every conceivable size, shape, age, gender and ability - there is advice for everyone herein. However, our sixty-something T Donnelly is still to divulge the secret of how he can run downhill faster than anyone else.

Legends are to found on the startline of  triathlons (even unto Ironmen); marathons, 10Ks, bike road races, time-trials, fell runs, sea swims, and global challenges only reserved for the seriously deranged. So, come on in for a feeding frenzy on all that experience they've gleaned from centuries spent immersed in those opaque muddy pools.

For Those That Dare

It is not the critics that count, or how strong ones stumbled and fell; or where the doers of deeds could have done better.

The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena; whose faces are marred by dust and sweat and blood. But who strive valiantly; who err and come again. But who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; and if they fail, at least fail while daring greatly. For they will never be among those grey and timid souls who walk the Earth knowing neither victory nor defeat.