Connemara Ultra marathon.. ..sure why not?

Abhainn

Euchrid wrote: »

Hey Abhainn, looks like you are flying at the minute. You'll be looking at a top ten in the Ultra if you keep the training up! There's a good chance I'll be working that weekend, but just in case I'm not, I've signed up for the full. If training goes well I'll be very tempted to have another go at the ultra!

From what I heard/saw last year, the Ultra runners won't touch your stuff at the aid stations, the marathon runners are unlikely to and there's always a chance some half runner will take anything they fancy. I made sure that I had everything I really needed on board before the big crowds joined at Leenane/26 miles and then had one last bag left after that which I could take or leave.

You probably won't even be out there for 5 hrs so you won't need too much food anyway!!

Good luck with the training...

Cheers Eurchid fo that. Heh it would be good to see you at there specially doing the Ultra. There is not many that would take it on 2 years in a row.

Happy with progress so far. Sub 5? Well its true I don't intend hanging around alright, but sure we'll see how close I can get to it.

Hope your your IM training is coming along ok.

Abhainn

Week ending: 18th Jan

Summary:
5 runs. Miles 54.2

Detail:

Mon - Rest.

Tues – 6 miles in 43:24. HR 136 (72%). Pace : 07:14 / mile.
An easy and comfortable efficient run.

Wed – 7.1 miles in 51:15. HR 141 (75%). Pace 07:13 / mile.
Horrible day for a run. Conditions made it very unpleasant.

Thurs - 8.1 miles in 53:42. HR 156 (83%). Pace 06:37 / mile.
Prior to getting gear on was not motivated for this session probably because it was to be a relatively tough session of 4 x 1 mile interval.
Well gave it more than intended and mile intervals were, 06:03, 05:47: 05:59 & 05:52. Recovery miles were not slow either in around 07:15 mile pace. Fairly wrecked at finish.

Fri - Rest

Sat – 14.5 miles in 1:44:16. HR 148. (79%). Pace : 07:11 / mile.
Thurs interval still in my legs but ok overall , though a bit quicker than planned. Need to relax more and hold back on the pace.
Just got home by seconds before the hurricane and rain - lucky!

Sun - 18.5 miles in 2:17 even. HR 143. (76%) Pace : 07:25 / mile.
Not really looking forward to this one. Legs still ached after yesterday's run a bit.
Same route as last Sundays run ( 2 major hills) but took in extra 2 miles and my a third climb which is my version of the Hell of the West - 1.5 miles with same height climbed as the real thing.
Conditions started off ok but deteriorated badly and at final big climb bad wind and sleetly rain nearly froze the hands off me. Survived it and final 3 miles solid.
No ill affects after.

Abhainn

This weeks plan follows similar to last. Sat and Sun runs will increase by 2 miles each day so will be hitting close to 60 miles next week - the most ever.
Will take the interval session a bit easier though.
Following week will be a step back week with a little rest in prep for the 10 mile race in Dungarvan.

Sosa

Great pace for those runs abhainn,thats tough going.
Well done...i am looking forward to Dungarvan myself...good crew from boards going

Krusty_Clown

Wow, fantastic pace on that Thursday run. Do you have a planned pace for the Ultra yet?

Abhainn

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Wow, fantastic pace on that Thursday run. Do you have a planned pace for the Ultra yet?

Well Krusty 39 miles is unknown territory but PUMP (Planned Ultra Marathon Pace - I'd say that term exists in the running world ) is 7:35-7:50 / mile.

The intention is that back to back long traning runs which officially start this weekend are within that pace window.

BTW - Best of luck in Raheny this weekend.

Slogger Jogger

Good luck with your ongoing training Abhainn. Will you be around Wicklow the weekend of 14th Feb? If so you might make it down to Annacurra for our little hill run? Sure to make up the mileage you could do it ... say 5 times. :rolleyes: Thats me trying to be funny btw.

Abhainn

Slogger Jogger wrote: »

Good luck with your ongoing training Abhainn. Will you be around Wicklow the weekend of 14th Feb? If so you might make it down to Annacurra for our little hill run? Sure to make up the mileage you could do it ... say 5 times. :rolleyes: Thats me trying to be funny btw.

SJ will be around that weekend but I think I'll leave that you boys, the hill experts.

Abhainn

Week ending: 25th Jan

Summary:
5 runs. Miles 58

Detail:

Mon - Rest.

Tues – 6 miles in 43:31. HR 139 (74%). Pace : 07:15 / mile.
Fairly relaxed recovery run even though conditions bad with sleet and cold.. brrrr.

Wed – 7.1 miles in 51:08. HR 139 (74%). Pace 07:12 / mile.
2 miles in and felt terrible. Improved after and finished ok

Thurs - 8.1 miles in 54:48. HR 152 (81%). Pace 06:46 / mile.
4 x 1 mile interval with 1 mile recovery. Intention of a little slower than last week to around 6:10-6:15 / mile pace.
Completed in 06:16, 06:00, 06:08: 06:04.

Fri - Rest

Sat – 16.3 miles in 1:59. HR 147. (78%). Pace : 07:20 / mile.
Fab morning, felt great. Steady run and had to keep foot off trottle..
Managed to beat that 2nd tough climb by not having to walk the middle part.

Sun - 20.5 miles in 2:32.15. HR 146. (77%) Pace : 07:25 / mile.
This I thought was going to be a real test and I was a bit uneasy at how I would fare.
First real back to back long runs. Ok yestedays run was in the legs but there were no adverse affects all though.
Managed the 3 big climbs fine ( not an ache and no walking) and last 3 miles solid and steady.
Pace was quicker than planned, even though lost time on those hills. HR averaged under 80% on the whole which is good.

Feeling stronger each week. The training plan seems to be working fine.
Right now a crack at a sub 3 would be spot on after a some MP & tempo runs, but looking forward to a solid run at the Ultra .

MCOS

Good work on the back to back lsrs - progressing nicely towards the goal, good pace too

Abhainn

This is a step back , recovery, rest and mini taper week. So probably 4 runs this week including the Dungarvan 10 mile.

Following two weeks will be back to the tough sessions again while the week after will be step back again as its my sisters wedding is in Galway.

Feel tired today but that is probably my own fault at not going to bed early. Legs and knees a bit stiff but one should expect that after the two long runs.

Abhainn

Week ending: 1st Feb

Summary:
5 runs. Miles 35

Detail:

Mon - Rest.

Tues – 6 miles in 44:14. HR 136 (72%). Pace : 07:23 / mile.
Fairly relaxed recovery run. Knees joints a bit iffy first couple of miles

Wed – 7.1 miles in 47:20. HR 150 (80%). Pace 06:40 / mile.
One wishes all sessions are like this. 1st mile warm up (7:24) then next 6.1 at tempo pace goal just under 06:45. Well bounced along and avg was 06:33 with HR average at 153.
Wanted a higher tempo session before 10 mile race on Sun and just what was ordered. Knees still a bit aching at start.

Thurs - 7.1 miles in 51:23. HR 136 (72%). Pace 07:14 / mile.
Intending 6 but did 7 miles. First time HR under 150 all way round with steady pace! Efficient and barley broke into a sweat. Legs a little stiff first mile or so.

Fri - Rest

Sat – 4.4 miles in 32.43. HR 142. (76%). Pace : 07:27 / mile.
Easy run with some strides.

Sun - Dungarvan 10 mile road race. Completed in 61:50. HR 167 (89%)
Conditions weren't favourable with raw cold easterly wind. And arriving late it I had a poor warm up also. Anyway very happy with overall pace and 4 new PB's along the route!
1. First 5 miles thru in 30:56. (Previous 31:12)
2. Thru estimated 10k in 38:23 (Previous 38:50)
3. Last 5 miles in 30:54. (Previous 30:56 above)
4. 10 miles in 61:50 ( Previous 64:20 - ok achieved in a half marathon but I'm taking it)

Was very satisfied at last 2 miles been strong and overtook quite a few in that last section.

It was good meeting up witbn some boardies also.
Met Woddle just before the start . Then SUNGOD, SOSA and Showry at the finish. All had great runs, so it was a fine day in Dungarvan for all of us.
Hopefully SUNGOD and myself can help each other around the Ultra coarse which is just next month!

Woddle

Sub 64 :rolleyes: obviously you don't know your own body, 61 is unreal and it gave you enough time to get dressed and wait for me to finish and fair play to you with the go on woddle. Great running man, sub 5 is on

MCOS

Savage running Abhainn, sounds like you just went for it! Knocking the pbs down like dominos and then again (5m) in the same race just to show how strong you are! Class

Abhainn

Woddle wrote: »

Sub 64 :rolleyes: obviously you don't know your own body, 61 is unreal and it gave you enough time to get dressed and wait for me to finish and fair play to you with the go on woddle. Great running man, sub 5 is on

Woddle I was true to my sub 64;). But best case I thought would be mid 62 in ideal conditions. Yesterday wasn't ideal.
The wind was bad in places and a few nice little hills thrown in though they weren't bad.
Fair play to your self. Sprinted over the line! Onwards

Abhainn

MCOS wrote: »

Savage running Abhainn, sounds like you just went for it! Knocking the pbs down like dominos and then again (5m) in the same race just to show how strong you are! Class

Thanks MCOS. Sorry to hear about your bad luck .
Fingers crossed I can keep out of trouble for another 7 weeks.
Todays recovery run looks a bit uncertain. Must look for some snow boots

donothoponpop

Brilliant run Abhainn. Love the back-to-back 5 mile pb's!

Racing Flat

That's a very solid run considering you are ultra training - the strength is standing to you. Might have to start thinking about a sub 60.....:)

Abhainn

Racing Flat wrote: »

That's a very solid run considering you are ultra training - the strength is standing to you. Might have to start thinking about a sub 60.....:)

You know RF I was waiting for you to say that!
Ya solid enough based on the two long runs previous week. Legs were fine though I was a little worried about this before hand.
A sub 60 would be a great target but training wise it would mean a lot of speed work which I am not a fan of.
I remember your blog "The Quest for 59:59" last year. It put me right off it!

Abhainn

Week ending: 8th Feb

Summary: Tough week.
5 runs. Miles 64.6

Detail:

Mon - Rest.

Tues – 8.1 miles in 59:45. HR 141 (75%). Pace : 07:22 / mile.
Unsure if could go for a run because of snow slush on ground and weather conditions but wrapped up well and felt snug apart from wet behind. Legs not too bad from Sundays race.
Received a few “Jesus your nuts” comments from work colleagues

Wed – 8.1 miles in 59:48. HR 144 (77%). Pace 07:23 / mile.
Conditions worse than yesterday, underfoot and weather. Paths slush and snow. Cold soaked feet Intending 7 miles but decided to do 1 extra.
Received a few more “Jesus your nuts” comments from work colleagues

Thurs - 8.1 miles in 59:14. HR 146 (78%). Pace 07:19 / mile.
Mostly driving sleet and snow all thru run, with some slush on ground. Toughest conditions so far this Not easy.
Colleagues not even bothering commenting anymore. They just think I’m mad.

Fri - Rest

Sat – 20.3 miles in 2:28:50. HR 147. (78%). Pace : 07:21 / mile.
Biting cold to start. Loads of ice underfoot at times so that was difficult.
Only one major climb as “R” roads hills full of ice.
Last 3 miles were tough. Think last weeks race still in my legs or else it’s the tough terrain

Sun - 20 miles in 2:28:15 even. HR 146. (78%) Pace : 07:25 / mile.
Waited till lunch time for run as rain and snowed all morning. Decided to go out in it anyway, and it stopped 2 miles in.
This run was very tough physically after yesterday’s outing. Not easy mentally either. At 11 miles wanted to stop, but that was 9 miles from home, which was no good. Legs, hips ankles ached but slogged on.
No major climbs today, just wanted to cover the distance.

Krusty_Clown

Back to back 20 milers in 2:28?! There lies madness! Well done!

Sosa

Abhainn wrote: »

Sat – 20.3 miles in 2:28:50. HR 147. (78%). Pace : 07:21 / mile.
Biting cold to start. Loads of ice underfoot at times so that was difficult.
Only one major climb as “R” roads hills full of ice.
Last 3 miles were tough. Think last weeks race still in my legs or else it’s the tough terrain

Sun - 20 miles in 2:28:15 even. HR 146. (78%) Pace : 07:25 / mile.
Waited till lunch time for run as rain and snowed all morning. Decided to go out in it anyway, and it stopped 2 miles in.
This run was very tough physically after yesterday’s outing. Not easy mentally either. At 11 miles wanted to stop, but that was 9 miles from home, which was no good. Legs, hips ankles ached but slogged on.
No major climbs today, just wanted to cover the distance.

Savage pace Abhainn..Keep it up...

SUNGOD

great stuff Abhainn fantastic pace for back to back 20's. like you said they are nearly as tough mentally as physically but they will really stand to you.
excellent pacing with both runs under sub 5 pace

shels4ever

SUNGOD wrote: »

great stuff Abhainn fantastic pace for back to back 20's. like you said they are nearly as tough mentally as physically but they will really stand to you.
excellent pacing with both runs under sub 5 pace

just wondered , I know for ultra runing you do back to back long runs, Would this have any benifit for marathon training also? Or are there different reasons?

SUNGOD

shels4ever wrote: »

just wondered , I know for ultra runing you do back to back long runs, Would this have any benifit for marathon training also? Or are there different reasons?

hi shels i did back to back 20's for dublin 08 and i found they made me very strong and aided my endurance. during dublin i got stronger from mile 21 and passed an awful lot of people over the last 5 miles with the last mile and a half probabily being my fastest for the entire race.
now in saying that i still missed out on sub 3 by 4 seconds so maybe if i had done more speed work and less endurance !!!!!! spilt milk and all that

Abhainn

SUNGOD wrote: »

great stuff Abhainn fantastic pace for back to back 20's. like you said they are nearly as tough mentally as physically but they will really stand to you.
excellent pacing with both runs under sub 5 pace

Thanks SUNGOD. Ya pacing for 20 mile ok , need to keep it going for another 19.3 though.
Sundays 20 miler was tough but I would have taken the way I felt at 10 miles at mile 30 on the day - if you know what I mean. At least I wouldn't be running on my own, and there will be runners around me.

Legs were sore yesterday, I'd say somewhat due to shoes which need replacing. Easy 6 planned at lunch today

Magnet

Hi all,
Just wondering if i could get any advice or replies?
Ive signed up for the ConnUltra in the midst of my endorphin-filled buzz after the DCM in Oct...
Then a bad chest infection, xmas and life got in the way so I didnt think i`d be able for it..
But since jan 1st my training has been going well and while im not up to Abhainn`s distances mine are not that far behind -end of week totals have been like 30,35,48,55,30,58 with a hill session every week and shorter back-to-backs..8/15,10/20, 20/15. I`ll try 18/19 this weekend. Usually at a 8min/mile
I know I could "fall back" to the full but I was just wondering if this is sufficient training to persevere and not die??
oh and should the back-to-backs be long/longer or longer/long?
Thanks,
Magnet.

hunnymonster

magnet, I would say go for it (I would-but that;'s the kind of thing I do). If you're not suffering on the back to backs, you should be absolutely fine.

Abhainn

Hi Magnet your doing very well. Don't change you mind now. Ultra is your goal

With 6 weeks to go distances are coming along nicely. After this weeks long / long go shorter next week. Following week should then be long / long again, then begins taper.

My original aim for long / long was 40 miles. I've achieved that now so I might just a mile or two beyond that for confidence.
But you are very close to that also.

Best of luck. Hopfully see you at the pre race briefing.

Magnet

Thanks guys!
I`m almost convinced! I`m not sure if its fear or excitement I`m feeling mostly - Ive a pain in both ankles that I`m callin a niggle at the min so we`ll see..
1 more question..
If 20/20 was your peak are you not planning a 25 mile training run or 28, 30 or 34 or anything nearer to the 39.3 (like you would do 16, 18, 20, or 22 for a full marathon) or are the back-to-backs meant to do the same job?!?!?

Magnet

SUNGOD

Magnet wrote: »

Thanks guys!
I`m almost convinced! I`m not sure if its fear or excitement I`m feeling mostly - Ive a pain in both ankles that I`m callin a niggle at the min so we`ll see..
1 more question..
If 20/20 was your peak are you not planning a 25 mile training run or 28, 30 or 34 or anything nearer to the 39.3 (like you would do 16, 18, 20, or 22 for a full marathon) or are the back-to-backs meant to do the same job?!?!?

Magnet

hi magnet i dont think its essential to go over the 40 mile back to back, some do some dont everyone is different.
like HM said if you can do back to back long runs without being crippled then yes you should be ok , as long as you pace the event correctly of course.
as Abhainn said he might go over the 20 but that would purely be out of choice and not necessity.
your doing 18/19 this weekend then a fall back week then try 20/20 and taper sounds good to me.
best of luck with it

Abhainn

Week ending: 15th Feb

Summary: Good week
5 runs. Miles 66.2

Detail:

Mon - Rest.

Tues – 6 miles in 44:20. HR 138 (73%). Pace : 07:24 / mile.
Just 6 recovery after long efforts at the weekend.

Wed – 8.1 miles in 59:01. HR 141 (75%). Pace 07:17 / mile.
Steady relaxed run

Thurs - 8.1 miles in 57:13. HR 140 (74%). Pace 07:04 / mile.
Just upped the pace a little, so easy tempo run

Fri - Rest

Sat – 24 miles in 2:55:50. HR 144. (77%). Pace : 07:19 / mile.
Well one of those near perfect sessions. Calm ,composed, steady & efficient. Rounded up run to 24 miles. Legs felt strong at finish.
Could have pushed onwards to 26.2 for a 3:10 finish if there was a few euro on offer;)

Sun - 20 miles in 2:27:43. HR 141. (75%) Pace : 07:23 / mile.
Took it carefully first half, upper it a bit then. Legs started to hurt at 15 miles but they still turned over effectively. Machine working well

Racing Flat

Abhainn wrote: »

Sat – 24 miles in 2:55:50. HR 144. (77%). Pace : 07:19 / mile.
Well one of those near perfect sessions. Calm ,composed, steady & efficient. Rounded up run to 24 miles. Legs felt strong at finish.
Could have pushed onwards to 26.2 for a 3:10 finish if there was a few euro on offer;)

Sun - 20 miles in 2:27:43. HR 141. (75%) Pace : 07:23 / mile.
Took it carefully first half, upper it a bit then. Legs started to hurt at 15 miles but they still turned over effectively. Machine working well

Great weekend! I can't imagine it, legs sore after my 10/12 combo:o. You must be itching for a sub 3 attempt - I'd say you'd smash it based on Saturdays training run. You'll be well set up for the Ultra. Talking to someone today who's doing it who has yet to go over 10miles in training (although he can do a 2.45 marathon). He's starting to get nervous...

Abhainn

Thanks RF. Ya form is good and with a few speed sessions a sub 3 would be a defo. Yes I am itching alright but lets get this auld ultra out of the way first.

Abhainn

This is not going to be great week for running. I had planned for a tough two weeks for this though.
The occasion of my sisters wedding on Fri in Galway and the old familiar day after celebrations on Sat. So with my large extended family I will not be able to avoid the sins of the Guinness.

The legs feel ok today after the weekends sessions. I am tempted for a run this evening but think I will bring the dog on an longer than usual walk instead.
Tues -Thu is 8 ,10, 8 planned.
Fri hoping to get in a 5 or 9 miler in Galway. Route already planned.
Sat - No run, beer instead:(
Sun - No run, travelling. 260 mile round trip:eek:

Sosa

Abhainn wrote: »

This is not going to be great week for running. I had planned for a tough two weeks for this though.
The occasion of my sisters wedding on Fri in Galway and the old familiar day after celebrations on Sat. So with my large extended family I will not be able to avoid the sins of the Guinness.

The legs feel ok today after the weekends sessions. I am tempted for a run this evening but think I will bring the dog on an longer than usual walk instead.
Tues -Thu is 8 ,10, 8 planned.
Fri hoping to get in a 5 or 9 miler in Galway. Route already planned.
Sat - No run, beer instead:(
Sun - No run, travelling. 260 mile round trip:eek:

After all the quality runs you have had recently,the break will be good for you.
It might be frustrating,but,hopefully stand to you in the weeks to come.

Magnet

Hi
I did the 20.5/21 back-to-back and didnt get crippled!
I was very hungry though on the second run...
My total for last week 66 miles the most ever in a week.
I`m more convinced of my abilities now for Connemara!!
So now all ive to do is to practice eating jam sanwiches while running?!?!
Great running weather lately
4 1/2 weeks to go bloody hell it`ll go fast

Slogger Jogger

Good going Abhainn. 2 days of 'rest' at the weekend will do you more good than harm.

Abhainn

Magnet wrote: »

Hi
I did the 20.5/21 back-to-back and didnt get crippled!
I was very hungry though on the second run...
My total for last week 66 miles the most ever in a week.
I`m more convinced of my abilities now for Connemara!!
So now all ive to do is to practice eating jam sanwiches while running?!?!
Great running weather lately
4 1/2 weeks to go bloody hell it`ll go fast

Great going Magnet. That good to have that under your belt. Have you a target time set?
About the jam sandwiches, having read the Dean Karnazes book Ultra marathon Man the opening chapter gives an account of him ordering a pizza , coffee and cola (I think) in the middle of the night on his mobile as he attempted to run a 199 relay race on his own in the US. He got it delivered and ate all as he ran thru the night!.
Surely you can manage you jam sandwiches and me my jaffa cakes on our little run:D

Yes only 4 weeks away!

Magnet

Hi Abhainn
I`m "planning" 5-5 1/2 hours but really just to finish, its hard to predict a time but I did 3.23 in Dublin so we`ll see..
How about yourself? 4-4 1/2hrs?
I`m gonna try 18/24 this weekend.
Maybe jam for the 18 and jaffa cakes for the 24..
And a cadburys creme egg Sunday eve...:rolleyes:
Enjoy the carb-loading at the wedding!!

Magnet

Abhainn

Week ending: 22nd Feb

Summary: Better than expected
It has been reported that beer is a good source of carbs. That's good as I loaded up on the stuff on Fri and Sat

Used friends Garmin 305 as my Polar is been serviced for runs Tues - Thurs.
4 runs. Miles 34.6

Detail:

Mon - Rest.

Tues – 8.1 miles in 1:00:05. HR 132 (70%). Pace : 07:25 / mile.
Took it easy after weekends exploits and legs fairly ok.

Wed – 10 miles in 1:13:45. HR 137 (73%). Pace 07:22 / mile.
Not a bad run, joints a little sore at 8 miles.

Thurs - 8.1 miles in 54:33. HR 152 (81%). Pace 06:43 / mile.
Tempo run goal sub 06:50 / mile pace.

Fri - 8.35 miles in 1:00:00. HR n/a. Pace 07:11 / mile.
Managed to sneak this run in before wedding, with no one watching, though did it caught out just as I arrived back.
Afterwards way too much beer, wine, champagne and food consumed. Up till 5.15am. Somehow did rehydate a bit

Sat – Rest and much carb loading (beer).

Sun - Rest. 5.5 hr round trip home. Mostly sitting in passenger seat. Wrecked

Abhainn

Last big week ahead. Will probably head out this evening for a few miles as well. Still feel delicate.
Long runs Sat and Sun, probably a 22 and 22.

Abhainn

Well I was a total tool last night.
Decided I need to get some miles in after the weekend and as I could n't do them a lunch. So thought I could kill two birds at the same time and take Charlie the retriever also on the run with his lead. He needed to get out also.

All going well till a few miles in, suddenly he got frightened at something swerved and knocked me over badly. The combination of been knocked down and him dragging me on the ground and resulted in some very attractive cuts on my hands and arms and very large and ugly graze on my knee. Hopefully they won'f get infected.

Oh got up immediately, and ran back the 3 miles I came! Didn't bother looking at injuries untill I got home.

Hopefully today's lunch time run will go ok

donothoponpop

Abhainn wrote: »

...

Oh got up immediately, and ran back the 3 miles I came! Didn't bother looking at injuries untill I got home, did warm down, stretched, took heart rate, uploaded Garmin, logged miles, laid out running clothes for next day, and then looked at injuries....

Eyes on the prize Abhainn:)

Abhainn

Week ending: 1st March

Summary: Clocked up most miles ever this week (by 8 over last).
This was an unusual week though. No tempo run due to cuts and grazes after falling twice in two runs. But happy now all hard work is done. No HR recorded, as unit has not come back from its service yet

6 runs. Miles 74.5.

Detail:

Mon - 6.2 miles in around 47:15. Evening run with the dog on his lead. Never again. Explained story last week.
Actually it was an enjoyable run apart from that incident

Tues – 7.1 miles in 50:45. Pace : 07:09 / mile. Bandaged up knee, did not fell too bad. Body felt a bit sore from fall last night especially my back. Not a bad session though.

Wed – 8.1 miles in 58:29. Pace 07:13 / mile.
Legs a bit sore probably due to change in run style because of cuts. Run ok till ¼ mile from finish, then disaster. Stumbled on a pot hole edge and landed on my un- bandaged cuts again. Pain was agony for a while. I was determined to finish and did so.
Imaging falling twice in 3 days!

Thurs - 8.1 miles in 59:00. Pace 07:17 / mile.
Bandaged up knee, pulling on the wound but did not feel too bad. However it was a good relaxed run

Fri - Rest

Sat – 24 miles in 2:55:25. Pace: 07:18 / mile.
This 24 miler a bit tougher than 2 weeks back especially on last final climb.

Sun - 21 miles in 2:35:30. Pace: 07:24 / mile.
I can gain great confidence from this run. It was all pain pretty much all the way as perseverance and my thickness got me through.
Slept in for once but great sleep all the same. Had to scoff brekkie down and then set off. The first 6 miles were really hard, joints ached and each mile completed was one of joy. Through half way average pace 07:33 / mile though this was mostly against the wind and more ups hills than down.
Pain was constant all way back but as the gradient was in my favour, pace actually went up.

All this weeks miles were on roads. I could not keep this up for many more weeks.
I am happy that the back to back long runs is over but hopefully they have set me up well for the big race. Some may say the pace was too quick on these runs but I always finished strong and never felt it was too quick.

Taper begins now.

Clum

Abhainn wrote: »

Sat – 24 miles in 2:55:25. Pace: 07:18 / mile.
Sun - 20 miles in 2:35:30. Pace: 07:24 / mile.

Forrest Gump was a pussy.

Unreal...

MCOS

You will smash 5 hours. Savage running at the weekend :eek:

Krusty_Clown

Brilliant running. You're all set up for a fantastic race.
I'm going to get a Krusty Clown badge made up, and pin it to the back of my t-shirt, so that you can say hello as you pass me while I'm doing the marathon.

Abhainn

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Brilliant running. You're all set up for a fantastic race.
I'm going to get a Krusty Clown badge made up, and pin it to the back of my t-shirt, so that you can say hello as you pass me while I'm doing the marathon.

Great idea. Hopefully SUNGOD and myself will have a chat with yourself as we pass (hopefully).

Magnet

Well done 24/21 wow :eek:
I guess the only place ill see you is at the start line!!
I did the full in connemara yday nice and slow and I got a tad sunburnt in between the showers so here`s hoping for a sunny dry day..
3 weeks to go...
Magnet