Is it Now?

donothoponpop

Deffo be on for a post-marathon pint MCOS- Limerick always had a great selection of pubs. Is the White House on O'Connell St still open?

2 Dec 2009 6 mile run

Two mile cycle to the forest, six mile run, two mile cycle back. 9 miles additional bike in the day. Felt the knees at me a bit towards the end of this run, to be expected I suppose at this stage of the game. Muscles which felt great a few days ago are starting to complain a bit. I'll keep this in mind, and stay easy for the next couple of weeks. Last thing I want now is an ITB or somesuch.

donothoponpop

Dec 3, 6 mile hill run

Wasn't too sure if I was going to run this proposed night time excursion up Djouce or not, but at the last minute, I gave up gazing out the window at the magnificent full moon, and headed off in my car to meet SJ, Beepbeep, and 10 others, who set off up the freezing track. The headlit group soon paired into bunches depending on ability, and I decided against keeping up with the leading group, as I was don't want to stress my ankle at this early stage. Fog was thick and blinding from an early stage, and we would remain thus enveloped throughout the run, more's the pity. In retrospect i would have had a clearer view from the top of one of my local mountains, but these are the breaks, and in any case I need all the practice running in cloud as I can get!

Nothing much to do except play "follow-my-leader" on the boardwalk, and head up the frozen ground toward the summit. At the turn-around, I stayed last and turned off my torch for a few seconds, to savour the experience on the top. There was a surprising amount of moonlight softly illuminating the thick cloud. Took it easy all the way back down, and we were rewarded on the final stretch with no cloud, a view across the valley, so I turned off the lights and enjoyed this mootlit stretch for home.

Driving back, I left the carpark just before SJ's vehicle, and so managed to stay ahead of him most of the route home. When I signalled him to overtake me just before Aughrim, he did so, and took off with all the speed of a hardened commuter. I noticed however, that this blocking tactic had served me well, and is one I intend to employ during races in next years M40 battles:)

donothoponpop

Wed 9 Dec 3.5 mile tempo

A couple of my old army buddies came to stay over the past few days- first was Major Hangover, who was here three days, but no sooner had he left than General Sloth took his place.

Thankfully he's gone now too, so this morning I geared myself up for an attempt at the long-standing Tinahely Railway Walk bridge-to-bridge record. It's about 3.5 miles there and back, and I set off at a pace that, while certainly faster than I've gone recently, would have been embarrassingly slow this time last year. No matter, that's all relative, and soon I was panting along at a velocity that felt hard. Nice and mucky, and flat as you like, I hit the turn in 11:40, and kept up that pace to return for a total of 23:17. I've a feeling this "record" will soon be under 20 mins, but it won't be me doing it for a while. For the moment its enough to finish a "fast" run with no significant aches or pains.

donothoponpop

Thurs 10 Dec 4 miles 7:30 pace

I got a pair of Inov8 Mudclaws passed onto me, they didn't fit the owner well. Having had a couple of the most experienced hillrunners try them out before they came to me, I figured I could at least bottle the distilled sweat from the uppers, and sell it at IMRA races. In the event, I gave them a shot on the local muddy trail.

From the get go they were uncomfortable around the heel area, as if they are too low beneath the tendon, and I doubt they'd last too long without being sucked into a bog, but the traction is amazing. Running up a very muddy trail, I didn't slip once. As anyone who has run a race in regular runners knows, you lose a huge percentage of performance when your footfalls are slipping, so these shoes would be great to counter that. I'll give them a few more goes across country, to see if they will somehow "bed in" more with my feet, but unfortunately they just seem to be a dud pair on the uppers.

Run itself was good though, stretching muscles tired after yesterday's fast-ish run. Brought the Garmin to check pace, as I was curious as to where I stand after the layoff. In the event, I figured I was running about 8:30 mile/min pace, so was happy to find out it was actually 7:30.

donothoponpop

Sat 12 Dec 6 miles easy

There's a few reasons why I run. Much as I'd like to say it's for PB's, or Olympic glory, or such, in all honesty, its for the sheer madness of the act. It somehow seemed very "normal" for me to spend most of my twenties and thirties in the sweet embrace of booze and ciggies, so that any weekend effort that got me off the sofa was strange in itself. The upshot is that every single run is a rebirth, and a slap in the face to the "old me".

Which is why I appreciated Woddle's run today , it has all the elements of slapstick insanity that keeps these logs ticking over, well done that man!

I was lucky enough to get 6 miles in myself, running with the kids as they cycled the forest paths. The race for the finish was epic in itself, a pink Barbie bike with go-faster tassles on the handlebars came first, and a laughing seven-year-old just pipped his dad by splashing him with muddy water on the line.

donothoponpop

Sun 13 Dec 3 miles easy

Tue 15 Dec 9 miles hilly

Cycled three miles to start of Annagh Hill trail, and set of for a seven mile run. Rain was falling from the start, but the views were still there to be seen, and made for a very pleasant run. No real aches or pains, so I decided to test the pace a little, and towards the end added in an extra two mile hilly loop, to give the leg a first taste of real hard climbing in ages. Three miles cycle home.

No ill effects at all now, so it seems this base/recovery training is working out well. I had hoped to be fit enough to join some friends on a long Wicklow Way run this weekend, but I'll err on the side of caution, and wait another couple of weeks before seeing trying out any long hilly stuff. So far so good though.

donothoponpop

Wed 16 Dec 3.5 mile tempo.

Cycled up to the Tinahely Railway Walk for another bash at lowering the record. Legs felt heavy after yesterdays climbs, but a good heavy, like I was having aches where they should be instead of the ankle. Hit the turn in 11:43, and must have picked up the pace unbeknownst, to finish under the bridge in 23:06. Faster than last week, but still slower than 40min 10k pace, for a 5.5k run. Early days.:)

donothoponpop

Fri 18 Dec 8 miles hilly

Three mile cycle to Annagh hill, then onto the trails, which were covered with a light dusting of snow, for the first time this winter. It reminded me of all the long training runs I did last winter on these hills, through thicker and heavier snow, great days! Put a fair bit of climbing into todays run, which meant I had brilliant views over to Lucnacoille, which was covered in snow, and reflecting the low winter sun off its hulk. Lots of snare-drum crunches from my footsteps, mixed with bass cracks when breaking freshly iced puddles. Legs felt good at the end, another week of this base training and I'll hit into a proper schedule. Three mile slipppping on the bike coming back.

donothoponpop

Sat 19 Dec

Had I been fit, I'd have joined a few guys who were running their annual 54k from Glendalough to Marlay park today, across lots of hilly snowy trails. I can only imagine the views... next year hopefully.

That I should have been experiencing that run, instead of dragging tired and cranky kids around town Xmas shopping, played heavily on my mind, and I just managed to grab the last of the day's light by getting in a frozen 4 mile forest run, which the legs were crying out for, and the spirit needed even more. Nice steady pace, everything seemed to motor along as it should, and was one of those runs that you felt could go on and on.

(If not quite for 54k!)

donothoponpop

Sun 20 Dec 3 miles easy

Nice and easy 3 mile run along by the local river trail, chasing my kids on their bikes. I'm really happy with the way this week has gone, over 30 miles done (along with about 30 on the bike), no real pains or anything, and the muscles feel good and ready to bump things up a bit.

Came back from the run to find out my cherished "Bridge-to-bridge and back" record has been lowered, to 22:04, and a new ladies mark set at 27:10. A late objection that they had run the course in an illegal reverse fashion, was dismissed by the judges. Rules say the start can be either Tinahely or Tomnafinnogue bridge, so, pending results of the mandatory doping tests, I say "well done those runners".:D

Krusty_Clown

Sounds like you're right back up there, after a good'n'proper recovery. Look forward to seeing you on those IMRA hills in the new year. Your next target should be snatch the Tinahely Railway ashes back asap!

donothoponpop

Tue 22 Dec4 miles steady

^The "ashes" will have to wait another week or so, I'm taking things handy this one. I'm under no illusions, the guy who took them from me is also coming back from injury, but in his case he fell from a far higher cliff than I. Still, no harm in a bit of healthy competition, and if I can get by kicking a chap when he's down, then bring it on!

Todays run was preceded by a bout in a Santa suit, handing out prezzies at the local kids school. Which was preceded in turn by a couple of 10am G'n'T's, all to help put me in the Xmas spirit. So I was wondering how I'd fare for my afternoon run . In fact, it went quite well, a swift four miles along the frozen forest tundra, I had to keep the brakes on all the way, and didn't want this one to stop. However, after a couple of good weeks back from injury, the muscles are a little tight, and I'm going to have a bit of a "step-back" week, just to be sure to be sure.

donothoponpop

Thurs Dec 2412 miles easy

Crisis is the household today, stores closing for Xmas, wifey realizes we've no Baileys in the house, roads far too icy to risk driving on... what to do? Gallantly, I stepped up and offered to run four miles into the nearest town to pick up said supplies. "But darling" she suggested, "I know you'd prefer to stay here and help me tidy the house and watch the two kids who are bouncing off the ceiling waiting for Santa...". However, I always put my wife's drinking preference first, so bravely falling upon my sword, I took off with backpack on, and hit the frozen paths and trails to the offy.

Nearly went over loads of times, but managed to get into town and pick up the supplies. Running back was difficult with the extra load, but I persevered; indeed, persevering so much that I added a few extra miles onto the way back, over hills and vale, and saw a spectacular lobster pink sunset over Coolattin estate. No speed records were threatened on this run, owing to the ice, and I arrived home safe and sound, after twelve good miles, to a hunter-gatherer embrace from my thirsty partner.

What a hero!

BeepBeep67

donothoponpop wrote: »

Baileys in the house

donothoponpop wrote: »

No speed records were threatened on this run, owing to the ice

At least if you got waylaid you had the makings of a good party!

Krusty_Clown

You sir, are a hero among men. A gallant tale that will be recounted throughout the land, every time a Bailey's glass runs dry of it's creamy nectar. I've heard rumour of an annual race, called the offey-closey-racey. Great to see you hitting the big miles again.

donothoponpop

Sat 26 Dec 8 miles steady

That's the first Stephen's Day since 1985 I haven't woke up with a raging hangover, good for me. Got out for 2 mile slippy roads, 4 miles frosty trail, 2 miles slippy roads. I brought my Ipod, and listened to Depeche Mode for the first time in 20 years. Boy, was I innocent in my teens, all their songs are about S&M, never quite understood what they were going on about at the time. Between wearing my new Nike crossdressing tights for this run, and an hour of "Master and Servant" etc., the missus may be in for an surprising evening later...

PositiveNegativ

donothoponpop wrote: »

Thurs Dec 2412 miles easy

Crisis is the household today, stores closing for Xmas, wifey realizes we've no Baileys in the house... so bravely falling upon my sword, I took off with backpack on, and hit the frozen paths and trails to the offy.
..arrived home safe and sound, after twelve good miles, to a hunter-gatherer embrace from my thirsty partner.

What a hero!

As a youngster I was always told by my coach that every run should have a purpose. You have demonstrated both understanding and mastery of this training theory. Bravo.

donothoponpop

28 Dec 5 miles steady

Got out for the last of the evening light, intended doing 3 miles, wound up with a nice 5 miler with a few hills. I must be getting stronger if 5 miles feels as easy as this. Another week or so until a proper training plan starts.

donothoponpop

29 Dec 7 mile hill run

Cycled 8 miles against lashing rain to Annacurra, for a recce of the new and improved race route, with a couple of Boardies and a couple of others. Great to have company and chat throughout, the pace wasn't too hard, it was pretty icy underfoot in places, and a snow flurry at the top. The route has been improved from last years course, and has less trail, more Coillte obstacle course. Took it nice and handy whenever the gradient went crazy, and the heel didn't complain too much. Couple of swift ales beside a roaring pub fire after, more good chat, and I almost took up the offer of a lift home... but instead put on a hat and went out again for the cycle home, drenched by the time I got back, but a nice feeling from a good days training.

Peckham

Jealous. Sounds like a good afternoon. Maybe I should have made the effort to get up the hills...although, would have been driving so couldn't have participated in the swift ales element.

MCOS

Wow Depeche Mode with a hangover... this log, albeit a funny and enlightening must read.. can be a tad' strange too....

Yep aparently there are over 400 pubs in Limerick! I'm torn between the Joey Hannon and the Limerick Marathon, why oh why did they put those two on the same day grrrr

donothoponpop

Wed 30th Dec 3 miles easy

Pace wise this recovery was easy, but it was run under terrible weather conditions- gale winds, lashing rain/sleet, torrents of water to run in... but it did the job, loosened me up a bit after yesterdays efforts.

donothoponpop

Wed 2nd Jan 2010 15 miles snow trail.

Great way to start a new decade, hit the snow covered trails on Annagh Hill for a hilly 15 mile loop. Everything was still, all across to Lug, and covered in snow. Kept the pace comfortable enough, pushed it a bit going uphill, and threw in a few steep climbs, which went well. Felt I could have gone on forever at 12 miles in, but was happy to finish at 15- no food or water on this run, minimal pre-food, so a carbo-crash would have been immanent. Legs felt great all the way though the run.

Slogger Jogger

A great run to start the year and a good sign that you are over your Mt Leinster mishap. Good luck with your progress and I look forward to hooking up for some runs in the coming months.

donothoponpop

Slogger Jogger wrote: »

A great run to start the year and a good sign that you are over your Mt Leinster mishap. Good luck with your progress and I look forward to hooking up for some runs in the coming months.

Cheers, it was one of those "grab it while it lasts" opportunities, or I'd have called you. TBH I set off thinking I'll just do 6 miles, and kept going. 1000 mile challenge and all that.. (and how come the 2010 thread wasn't started by Woddle? Questions will have to be answered about how "official" this one is;))
We'll do bits of the WW over the next few months.

donothoponpop

Thurs 7 Jan 2010 9 miles snow trail

Snow- and work-bound the past few days, so I leapt at the opportunity to run into Tinahely to replenish our dwindling larder. Nice and steady, great thick snow to run in, found it tough running back with a pretty heavy backpack that was sloshing all over the place. Here's a tip, never run with a bunch of bananas and cake mix in your backpack, unless you want to have said ingredients ready mixed on arrival.

The legs (calves in particular) got a real hammering today, its a much better workout running in the snow, long may it last. Also, that's a week off the booze: I feel sharper, but less interesting. Will try and keep it up for this training schedule though.

BeepBeep67

donothoponpop wrote: »

Thurs 7 Jan 2010 9 miles snow trail

Snow- and work-bound the past few days, so I leapt at the opportunity to run into Tinahely to replenish our dwindling larder. Nice and steady, great thick snow to run in, found it tough running back with a pretty heavy backpack that was sloshing all over the place. Here's a tip, never run with a bunch of bananas and cake mix in your backpack, unless you want to have said ingredients ready mixed on arrival.

The legs (calves in particular) got a real hammering today, its a much better workout running in the snow, long may it last. Also, that's a week off the booze: I feel sharper, but less interesting. Will try and keep it up for this training schedule though.

Banana bread - the food of champions!

donothoponpop

Fri 8th Jan 7 miles forest loop in snow

Long may this cold snap continue, got out for a great run along back roads, then over the hill through Tomnafinnogue, and back. Loads of snow, mountain shoes meant I only had one small slip. Great light out, the reflecting snow gave beautiful pink hues to the far clouds.
Going up one icy road, I passed a slurry tank that was being towed by a tractor that was being towed by a small tank. That's a lot of hauling power for a load of s***!

Slogger Jogger

Cool. Did a similar run and captured some of those orangy hues for posterity.

Peckham

donothoponpop wrote: »

Long may this cold snap continue

:mad: It's okay for you rural runners with trail routes on your doorstep. Save a thought for us suburban dwellers with frozen footpaths!