Kim, I know that you're young and should be full of energy. At your age I used to be able to swing a hammer all day every day. Of course you have to get in training first for any extended activity.

Now if you HAVE trained and if you ARE relaxed and still get very tired after an hour or so you might want to go along to your Mumbo Jumbo man and get a check up.

Whitewater, as for the Bodhran, PeteBoom has said it all, get the right sized beater for the job and let IT do the work. I would suspect that a larger one is needed and that you need to check that you are holding it correctly. Also try varying the height that you hold the Bodhran. You might be holding it in a position that causes you to raise your arm too much.