Operation Transformation leader Lorraine Dempsey reckons that Saturday's OT 5k run in Dublin's Phoenix Park was an "absolutely amazing" experience.
Herself and the other leaders were joined by 5,000 participants for the run, which also featured the likes of Ryan Tubridy and Brendan Courtney as well Kathryn Thomas and other Operation Transformation folk.
"It was great," says Lorraine, when we caught up with afterwards. "Absolutely fantastic. It's hard to describe, really. All the leaders ran it, Marie cycled, and there was a great comedarie. And the support on the day was phenomenal. Absolutely amazing.
"You’re going around the Phoenix Park and there are people shouting 'well done’ at you, ‘You’re great’ and ‘I’m following you’, ‘Go Team Lorraine’ - the whole range.
"And you’re not being rude by not talking because you’re just trying to focus on getting the 5K done," she adds. "It’s all part of the journey, I suppose, for us all.
Operation Transformation leaders Stephanie Bowden, Marie Clear, Thomas Hynes, Andrea Daly and Lorraine Dempsey, presenter Kathryn Thomas and experts Karl Henry, Dr Sumi Dunne, Dr Eddie Murphy and Sophie Pratt were among the 5,000 participants who joined in the fun.
Lorraine was also delighted to see Ryan Tubridy and fellow broadcaster Brendan Courtney participate in the run.
"It was nice to get support from outside of the OT family," she says. "Ryan was great. We asked him on The Late Late Show if he would join us - and he did. So fair play to him.
"And Brendan came along as well. A cousin of his is a very good friend of [OT Leader] Stephanie’s cousin It was lovely to see the support that they gave to us on the day."
The run attracted all sorts, ranging from firsdt-timers as well as regular runners and all points in between. It also marked quite a comeback for Lorraine, who is also no stranger to the event.
"I did the first OT 5k, would you believe," she recalls. Laughing she adds: "Many moons ago John. I’d done a few 10ks but I had back surgery last year, and my running had been curtailed since about 2016/17, when my back went.
"I’m just delighted to be back in the zone again. I ran it today, I didn’t think I would. And the fact that I did it gives me a buzz to keep going and maybe get back in doing a 10k by the end of the year, hopefully.
"It’s the next part of the jigsaw and I’m just trying to fit it all in together as we move forward. Keeping the momentum up is key for all of us I think."
This run of Operation Transformation is coming to an end, and Lorraine is in no doubt that it was the right decision for her to take part.
And juding by what she says, it really has been transformational for her. Way beyond her expectations.
"I don’t think I thought I’d get such an experience out of it, to be honest," she insists. "It’s been very much focused on our wellbeing. And to me that was key - finding myself again. Future-proofing my own health.
"And while it’s coming to an end, there is an aftercare programme as well. Which will be important and we’ll all use it. We’re on a journey and I’m only in the middle of my journey and there’s a bit to go. We just need to keep going.
"The experience itself has been amazing," she adds. "It’s changed my life. I’m happier, I’m more content, I’ve a better work/life balance. I’m not there yet, but it’s given me the tools."
Operation Transformation airs Wednesdays at 9.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
