2011: Father, husband, employee, runner; making it all work

W.B. Yeats

Situation: Father, husband, worker and runner in that order. I find it really hard to fit it all in and to be honest the running is the one that suffers.

Complications:

• Number 2 on the way in 10 weeks- can't wait its worse than waiting for santa to come!
• 2.5 hour daily commute to/from work
• Work can occasionally be long hours
• A not very talented runner
• Short term complication is that I've had 2 very bad colds for most of January and thus far in Feb which meant no running and a drastica erosion of my fitness

Resolution:
Target training a minimum of 4 times/wk between now and baby no.2's arrival. This will probably need to include 2 lunchtime runs at work which will result in a bit of good natured (I hope) banter when they see me in my gear. Run Sat & Sun and if I'm lucky one other evening. Baby 2's arrival may see a drastic reduction in training opportunities- it did when number 1 arrived. I'm hoping to build a base really over the next 10 weeks, maintain most of it over a 2 month (I'm optimisitic) period from the birth by running 2/3 times wk. Then hopefully I will get back into training when its less hectic and go complete the Dublin series 5mile, 10mile and Half

Found my 2011 goals from start of year
1. Sub 20 for 5k, current PB 22.54 (I'd stop all the other crazy running if I could get sub 18 for 5)
2. Sub 45 for 10k, never raced
3. Sub 36 for 5 mile - current PB 41.08* or something from short 5 mile Dublin series)
4. Sub 85 for 10 mile- current PB early 92's* (from Dublin series)
5. 1.40 for 1/2- current 1.50.09 (based on 10 mile target this is wildly optimistic- I probably need to go 75/76 for 10 mile to get close to this)

I'm going to put down short term goal to get fit and race hopefully 2/3 5k's in the next 10 weeks, hopefully pbing. Need to map out a few races- any suggestions in the Dublin/Leinster area gratefully accepted.
All words of wisdom from those that have managed to combine family life, work and running appreciated.
Any running advice gratefully accepted, I'm a novice (have a few 5km's under my belt, did the Dublin series last year and another lovely half in October)

So I'm off antibiotics since Saturday and even though chest not fully clear I'm going to head out for a little jaunt this evening.

W.B. Yeats

So two miles very easy
I have started again.....:D

jcsmum

Was wondering where you were alright. We met at the half marathon last year (adidas race series).
Best of luck with the log (in these exciting times!)

W.B. Yeats

jcsmum wrote: »

Was wondering where you were alright. We met at the half marathon last year (adidas race series).
Best of luck with the log (in these exciting times!)

I didn't go away, merely lurked for a while as I wasn't running in any races

Anyway 2 more easy today at lunch which left me blowing which is a bit concerning

Can't seem to find many 5km's in the next few weeks so whisper it I am considering sticking my name down for the Op Transformation thing in the Phoenix Park just to see where my starting point is

jcsmum

W.B. Yeats wrote: »

I didn't go away, merely lurked for a while as I wasn't running in any races

Anyway 2 more easy today at lunch which left me blowing which is a bit concerning

Can't seem to find many 5km's in the next few weeks so whisper it I am considering sticking my name down for the Op Transformation thing in the Phoenix Park just to see where my starting point is

yeah it's good to have a goal, that's for sure. I signed up for the St Patrick's weekend 5k in town, March 20th. Did you check out the runireland website?

W.B. Yeats

jcsmum wrote: »

yeah it's good to have a goal, that's for sure. I signed up for the St Patrick's weekend 5k in town, March 20th. Did you check out the runireland website?

I'd like to do the St Patricks run but we may go away that weekend as a final hurrah for the family of 3 before we become 4

How's your training going?

jcsmum

W.B. Yeats wrote: »

I'd like to do the St Patricks run but we may go away that weekend as a final hurrah for the family of 3 before we become 4

How's your training going?

I'm not actually training for anything in particular, just trying to keep the mileage ticking away. Would like to do another marathon before DCM, so am considering Kildare.
I'm enjoying the running and am injury free, so it's all good.

W.B. Yeats

So 2 x 5k over the weekend- had a nice little canter around on Sunday evening at a decent pace, felt reasonably good after it which was very nice.
This weeks programme will probably be:
Tues: 4 mile (evening)
Thurs: 5 km
Sat: Operation Transformation 5km (apparently my pack is in the post)
Sunday: 5km recovery

Needed to buy a hat to keep my ears warm (and my lovely wife gave me one for Valentines- what a romantic, considerate lady!)

Weekend was quick as it was late Friday before I got home from work- was in the Northwest, Thurs and Friday.
What a disappointing result in the rugby match..:(
How can we persist with a scrumhalf that can't pass??? Outscore the French by 2 tries and we still lose. Not good

W.B. Yeats

4 miles last night-
I was blowing at the end as I went out a bit quick- actually my running partner went out too quick and I went along for the ride.
It was cold, miserable and wet so I felt great at the end having gone out, done my run and sucked it up to keep the pace reasonable.

The best thing about the run was my new beanie, it was just right, not too thick and not too thin. Kept my ears nice and warm so no headache when I finished. Hats off to my good lady for buying it for me

Its amazing though how your fitness leaves you- 4 months ago I'd have been cruising on last night's run whereas I still had a red face going to bed an hour after I finished!:o

W.B. Yeats

5km this afternoon in Tymon Pk at lunchtime, was great to get a run in during the day when I didn't feel like I was leaving wife or baby behind (one was at work and the other at the minder)
It was a grand and easy run although I was hoping to do it on the grass but it was too wet for that.
Didn't see any other runners but came across plenty of folk out walking the dog
Got my number in the post today for my seasonal debut in the 5km on Saturday. Looking forward to seeing where my legs take me. was even planning out my strategy during today's session.

W.B. Yeats

So did the Operation Transformation run today in the Park
A lovely day for the run, finished in 23.30 or so on my Garmin.
Seemed pretty well organised (only complaint was lack of distance markings), not half as crowded as I expected, think there were only around 2k running. Started from near the back- was over 1 min on the clock when I crossed the start line. Started at a decent clip and spent a good bit of first km passing the crowds. From 1km the crowds thinned dramatically and it was grand. Course was decent enough, nice downhill at the glen but the hill back up was a bit of a bummer. Last km was interesting as you could see the finish line nearly all the way. Tried to run 4.40s for each km but probably missed that on km 1 with the crowds, and on 3-4 after the hill. Last km was 4.37 so I took it home relatively strong. Was completely out of puff at the end so all in all I was close to the limit today.
Well done all that took part today, hats off to the people who were doing this for the first time and that are trying to make a life change. Small steps start great journeys.
Hopefully I managed to avoid the cameras for the most part.
Overall I was very happy with today's performance considering where I've come from in the last few weeks. About 45 sec down on PB but second fastest 5k I've ever run. Looking for another 2 races to do in the next few weeks. Met Rainbow Kirby at the bag collection area and had a good chat, nice to see another boardsie.
Have been on the "runner's high' all day, what a great feeling.

W.B. Yeats

Went for a slow run just to keep the legs going- was surprisingly stiff this morning after yesterday's exertions. And stiff all over- arms, shoulders not just legs. Did 6.5km so just over 4 miles. Was happy as I felt like I could have done 10km no bother.

Went out for Sunday tea en famille to local Italian. Mgr has changed, which is not a good move by them. Its amazing how one poor personality can have a negative impact on the atmosphere. Food still good and no problem with kids but the staff are on edge and it wasn't an enjoyable experience. I'll be voting with my feet and going elsewhere next time.

On a flight tomorrow at 6.30 to the UK and then back again in the late afternoon, may need a short turn to clear the cobwebs when I get home!

W.B. Yeats

So did my first lunch time run from work today
Desuited and debooted and into the gear and out the door as quick as possible trying to draw as little attention as possible......
Did somewhere around 3.5miles. Wasn't a bad day for it, but I'll have to look for a better route as I ran out the ring road and back- very boring and actually quite hilly. Got back in the door again without much attention- you know how it would be- "did you see the state of yer man..... does he think he's Eamon Coughlan in the gear......"
Showered in the shower in work- it may be the first time that its ever been used- and then resuited and booted.
I could see myself doing this regularly as it now means I have the evening at home without the pressure of having to get out and run late tonight. With the new baba's arrival this may be the only way that I can manage to run. Hopefully it will be the secret of my success...

Anyone else do the lunchtime run in work?

Patrick_K

Hey WB,

I'm a huge fan of the lunchtime run, try to get out 2 if not 3 times per week.
I find its so much more pleasant to get out in the daylight than on a dark evening.
I've pretty much got over the fear of my work mates seeing me in lycra at this stage, I'm not sure if they're over it though !

PK

W.B. Yeats

Patrick_K wrote: »

Hey WB,

I'm a huge fan of the lunchtime run, try to get out 2 if not 3 times per week.
I find its so much more pleasant to get out in the daylight than on a dark evening.
I've pretty much got over the fear of my work mates seeing me in lycra at this stage, I'm not sure if they're over it though !

PK

PK
No feedback today positive or negative- they'll probably wait a while before they stirring it up with me......
Anyway its grin and bear it territory as lunchtime running is probably the only way that running will work for me for a few months

W.B. Yeats

4 miles this evening-
Was working from Dublin/home today so was able to head out around 6.
Felt surprisingly energetic so pushed it on, felt good again to be able to put strain/pressure on the systems. Its probably psychological but I feel fitter.

Watched OT on RTE- thankfully no sign of my head anywhere in the 5km shots

Just going to watch some of Step Brothers now on RTE- am a sucker for both Will Ferrell and John C Reilly. Juvenile comedy rocks!

jcsmum

W.B. Yeats wrote: »

4 miles this evening-
Was working from Dublin/home today so was able to head out around 6.
Felt surprisingly energetic so pushed it on, felt good again to be able to put strain/pressure on the systems. Its probably psychological but I feel fitter.

Watched OT on RTE- thankfully no sign of my head anywhere in the 5km shots

Just going to watch some of Step Brothers now on RTE- am a sucker for both Will Ferrell and John C Reilly. Juvenile comedy rocks![/QUOTE]

Juvenile indeed! OH asked me to tape it! :rolleyes::D

W.B. Yeats

jcsmum wrote: »

Just going to watch some of Step Brothers now on RTE- am a sucker for both Will Ferrell and John C Reilly. Juvenile comedy rocks![/QUOTE]

Juvenile indeed! OH asked me to tape it! :rolleyes::D

Have it on the laptop so think I'll watch the end of it now as I went to bed before the end last night
On a day off tomorrow- hoping to do 10km slow just to increase mileage in the legs

jcsmum

W.B. Yeats wrote: »

Have it on the laptop so think I'll watch the end of it now as I went to bed before the end last night
On a day off tomorrow- hoping to do 10km slow just to increase mileage in the legs

I ended up watching it last night. :rolleyes::pac::rolleyes: is all I can say. I tut tutted through it, but found myself watching nearly all of it.
I loved when the brother's family were all singing in the car.....:D

W.B. Yeats

"OMG it's on his head" teenage girl to her friend in Tymon Park around 6.45 this evening.
It was dark, I had a head torch on. Teenagers are easily amused.

10km this evening, felt good, could have run further, took it handy enough but not completely snail pace.
Very happy to be getting back to decent distance and running time. 10km is step 1 back on the base of fitness. Hopefully the body will be ok tomorrow as I'll go again hopefully for 5 just to loosen the legs out. Achilles feels stiff as I sit here.
Keeping on keeping on

thirstywork2

would love to run at lunch time but don't take lunches:p
Been running ealy morning of late and so tired since.
what are your upcoming races?well done on your run in OT.

W.B. Yeats

thirstywork2 wrote: »

would love to run at lunch time but don't take lunches:p
Been running ealy morning of late and so tired since.
what are your upcoming races?well done on your run in OT.

Thanks- Can't do the early morning lark as I like my sleep too much..... If I was up to run it would be an hour extra in the morning which would probably mean an hour less in the evening time at home. Its short enough as it is without taking time off it. Need to get ultra organised and keep this lunchtime running up. Will make a major difference to life if I can manage to fit it in.

Not certain what's next on my hitlist- would like to do the MSB 5k on March 20th but we may be away. Dunboyne/Dunshaughlin 4 mile is the week after which could fit. Great Ireland run might also work. Beyond that I haven't really thought it through

W.B. Yeats

4 miles this evening
Was out last night at a birthday party and had a few glasses of wine and a late night
FElt it all day today so felt like I was purging myself this evening
A great evening for a run, lovely and fresh.

W.B. Yeats

7km this evening.
Great fresh night, it was so good that I left the match
Missed Chelsea's second....can't believe they won, League isn't won yet.

W.B. Yeats

Worked from home today which meant I was able to get out for a run in daylight when I finished.
Went to Tymon and had a decent canter around. 7km or so ( changed the format on the Garmin a few weeks back from miles to kms so that has me measuring in kms.... will get back to miles again when I'm arsed)
Was a good night for it, nothing massively interesting to post except a minor run in with an overly friendly dog.
I've a dog- am a doggy person- but I'm always wary of mutleys when I'm out running as the sight of me running towards them must be a scary prospect. I tend to give them room to bolt- I figure its better than getting a chunk out of my leg. Anyway over friendly and uncontrolled dog tonight belted over to me away from the owner and started barking at me, running around me and generally being a nuisance. He got short shrift from me in the form of a few expletives and a change in direction and off he ran.

Small reflection here: the last few weeks have gone well, feel like I'm getting some fitness back, most importantly I am back in the habit of running. I'm probably half way back to where I'd be comfortable- LSR of 10/11 miles and another 3 or 4 runs during the week that would get me up to 25-30 miles/week. I don't think I'm going to be the type of runner that bangs out 50 miles/week. My ultimate massive goal is to be a good 5km runner and I'm not certain how much benefit increasing my weekly distance will be when I have a finite amount of time for training. I'm hoping quality will out.

Just got this link on Facebook and think its absolutely infectious, I love it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9mIIt7rHo8

W.B. Yeats

So went for the run at lunchtime thing yesterday

Just as I was going to get changed, realised that I had left my runners at home:( FML

Repeated the exercise again today with runners.
Galloped 6k- 3 km in about 12.30, the next km I slowed it right down and quickened up again for 5th km to do the 5 in 23.25 or something like that. Warm down for the last km to complete 6.25km in 30 min
Was happy that I could dog out the 5 km in the time I did- especially with the way that I slowed it right down and built it back up again. Gratifying to know that I could do that. Also it was quite a hilly track. Reckon I could do sub 23 and close to PB if I was going to race. If I can do the MSB in 2 weeks could well be in PB territory-
Delighted with the work run as it allows me time at home and I've my run complete.
I need to get a programme though for trying to improve my 5km time as I've no clue what I'm at when it comes to trying to improve times as opposed to run longer.
Tomorrow on early duty with the baba and then hopefully 10-12km slow (need to go slow as I've an awful habit of starting slow and then just deciding I want to do the distance in a certain time and speeding up as I go along...)

W.B. Yeats

12.5km LSR today in Tymon- tried to ignore the watch- did in something around 1.08/09 or so.
Felt decent enough actually and could have gone on for longer but didn't want to push too far. Had a few twinges during so don't want to get an injury from pushing on too far too soon.
Glad to have another week down and feel like I am getting back to fitness, will continue increasing mileage a little more but need to concentrate on trying to develop some speed.
Ideally I'd like to go from 22.54 to 22 in my next 5km race. I need to be running 4.24 for that- I could probably manage one k at the mo but not 5 in a row.....

W.B. Yeats

Did a recovery run today (at least that's what I was doing in my head)
No watch, 8 or 8.5km, no idea what time. It felt really good, was very enjoyable to be running without any idea of the clock.
It also allowed me to day dream a lot- god the things I achieve in my dreams are truly amazing-
Back to the grind tomorrow with an overnight to the UK on Wed- will run Tues, maybe bring the runners with me and get up early on Thurs and if I'm lucky run on Fri and Sat.
Well done all in Barca today- everybody seemed to reach their goals, fair play

W.B. Yeats

4 miles tonight- was damp and a bit blustery
Pancake Tuesday played havoc with diet- (cake in work x2, club sandwich and fries at lunch, pancakes and white chocolate x2 at home) albeit all entirely my own fault.
So had a walk at lunch and forced myself out the door this evening even though I really didn't want to.
Left the watch at home and cantered along nicely.
Will be lucky to get a run in on THurs as am away to the UK tomorrow morning, will be late to hotel tomorrow night and early meeting again on Thursday so no chance to run really.
Pretty inspiring reading all the Barca success stories (pity the soccer team are a bunch of cheating b@stards)- fair play to all that achieved their goals
Well done

W.B. Yeats

Home again- late home on the Ryanair flight- the only upside was the absence of the annoying on time bugle song that they play
Did 5km this evening- very blustery
Glad to get a bit of a run in as I spent a long time in a hire car yesterday and sitting on my backside today

Feel very stiff at the moment with lots of aches and pains in my legs.
Will have a look tomorrow to see if I can find somewhere decent for a sports massage on Saturday-
Anyone got a suggestion for sports massage in Dub 14/16/6w/6/12/24?

RayCun

PM sent

W.B. Yeats

Cheers

W.B. Yeats

Exciting times
Baba 2 nearly arrived 5 weeks early on Friday- my good lady wife spent Friday night in hospital so I was on babysitting duty for most of the weekend; baba still in situ for the moment so fingers crossed that he/she spends the next few weeks where they are supposed to be!
Snuck in 12km this morning/afternoon- felt dreadful for pretty much all of it, had no energy, not sure was it because I was drained or what the story was. Anyway I toughed it out and am happy that I completed what I started.
I had a glimpse of what life will be like when baba arrives and the running is going to take a back seat for sure. C'est la vie- bigger more important things in life than cutting 5km PBs;)

W.B. Yeats

3 miles at lunch, working from home
Achilles tight and sore after yesterday
Need to start stretching the calves and achilles on the stairs, hopefully it will settle down
I am a cold creature, met 2 guys running today in shorts and t shirts, I had hat, gloves, tights and jacket

jcsmum

Great news, Congrats!

There goes your running for the foreseeable future!

Aimman

W.B. Yeats wrote: »

I had a glimpse of what life will be like when baba arrives and the running is going to take a back seat for sure. C'est la vie- bigger more important things in life than cutting 5km PBs;)

Just get a sports buggy for when the baby arrives, problem solved :-)

W.B. Yeats

Aimman wrote: »

Just get a sports buggy for when the baby arrives, problem solved :-)

That actually could work- to be honest I don't run fast enough for there to be any risk to the passengers!
Anyway- I'm convinced that lunchtime running is where its at- short sharp sessions

W.B. Yeats

Followed my own advice-
Short sharp session at lunchtime
3 miles approx- didn't have a watch but was actually sprinting last few hundred metres so v happy with training
Achilles was much better today- hope it was due to all the stretching that I've done....:rolleyes:
Looks like I'm going to be able to do MSB 5km on Sunday so tomorrow am going to do a few fast kilometres trying to do around 4min/km alternating with a slow km just to see what that feels like.
Am going to burst my balls on Sunday going all out!

W.B. Yeats

So had an interesting experiment today
Did about 7 km in total

Warmup then tried to get 1st km in 4 min- was 4.04 then jogged next .75km then tried next km at 4 min - was probably 4.09 then staggered next km and burst myself on next km trying to get 4 min but brought it in at 4.12, then next 2km warming down

So no chance of bringing home a 20min 5km anytime soon but reckon I might be able for something between 22 and 22.30 on Sunday if everything went really really really well

W.B. Yeats

Registered there for Metro 5km tomorrow, just before cut off.

Fingers crossed that I'll be able to do it, we are waiting for an expected case of chicken pox to rear its itchy head anytime now for our little one and that will probably mean a case for me too ( I never had it as a child)...:(

W.B. Yeats

Metro 5km: 21.57 PB by 54 sec

Lay in bed all morning, not wanting to get out of bed, little one now has the pox and I was feeling sorry for myself- now waiting for the first sign of the little red spots on me.

Anyway roused myself and at the last minute decided to go into town to the race, it was too good of a day to spend moping around home.
So headed off in the car and between the jigs and the reels just about got to the start line on time but with no real warm up. Was hoping for 5*4.24 to bring in at 22 min.

So started a decent bit behind the elites- got to start about 30 sec after they went off and set off. First km was very crowded and spent lots of time trying to go around people. At km 1 announcer said 5.07 (:eek:) and Garmin said 4.30 (;)), it thinned out after that, was running with my mobile in my hand and it rang just after two, where again I was there in about 4.24 for the km.
Between 2 and 3 I found it hard there was a little breeze and everyone seemed to be in my way. When we turned down Earlsfort terrace I knew I was on the homeward stretch and kept the head down to reel off another 4.20 ish km,
Last km was a matter of welcoming the warm embrace of pain, and trying to use it to feed my speed. Running along by the Shelbourne I was bollixed but kept the head up, and pinned the ears back- not helped by an auld, auld lad high fiving kids in the crowd (if I'd the energy for that I'd have been going much faster!)- crossed the finish in 22.0038 on the Garmin hoping that with the chip I'd be a few seconds faster

Absolutely stoked that I PBed and that I broke 22 min- now psychologically its less than 2 min to go under 20 min. If you had asked me at the start would I run well, I would have said no way! No real warm up, hadn't gotten my head straight at all, not in the zone. I am on a real high now!:D

Little one seems to be handling the dreaded chicken pox ok so far which is great for her. I'm not certain whether I want them to come and get it over and done with or what.... I'd be gutted though if they come and I can't run for a week or 10 days. Runners of Knocklyon beware if you see a scabby man running towards you!

EdMoses

Congrats on PB. Great stuff.

W.B. Yeats

EdMoses wrote: »

Congrats on PB. Great stuff.

Same to you!
Groin obviously held up?

shazkea

Well done on a great run and PB

EdMoses

W.B. Yeats wrote: »

Same to you!
Groin obviously held up?

Thanks. Was fine while running. Feeling the after effects now though. Beginning to seize up. Don't care though. Well pleased with today. 21mins should be within our sights soon!

W.B. Yeats

EdMoses wrote: »

Thanks. Was fine while running. Feeling the after effects now though. Beginning to seize up. Don't care though. Well pleased with today. 21mins should be within our sights soon!

21 min is close indeed- but speaking for me I'll have to start doing some specific 5k training as opposed to just running around

A good sports massage would probably be worth your while might loosen out the knots.

W.B. Yeats

Poor week training wise for a number of very valid reasons:
So anyway lunchtime run today- what a day for it; it must have been 17 degrees and sunny. Ideal conditions.
Did about 3.5miles, don't know time or distance as didn't have my Garmin
Achilles slightly tight again, felt it a few times. Probably because I didn't stretch it enough today (and I must admit over the past few days....)

In the kitchen in work I was given a lovely slice of cheesecake by the fantastic Mrs M as there is a board meeting today. Glad I had my run otherwise I would be feeling twice as guilty as I do now.

Hoping to do Dunboyne on Sunday- all things working to plan

W.B. Yeats

Am rescuing a mediocre week from a terrible week running wise
Out again at lunchtime. Really really beginning to enjoy doing these sessions, short, sharpish and different from what I am used to.
May even sneak out tomorrow for a few very gentle kms- still debating Dunboyne- achilles a bit tight (felt it again a few times during the run) its not a target of mine but I'm sort of in the mood for racing at the moment. Also I'm worrying that racing opportunities will be limited once the new arrival gets here.

Am thinking of getting a new pair of runners (maybe using current Achilles issues as an excuse) - got my current pair last July/August- Brooks Dyads (I think) in Amphibian King Bray. Was underwhelmed by the gait analysis/shoe purchase combination both were fine its just that I think I ended up with a pair of shoes for someone with fallen arches....:( I've probably done 400 miles or so in them- I know they aren't worn out but I just don't really like them
I've supposedly a neutral gait with normal arches- don't know what shoe types suit these. Had a pair of Asics something or others before that and always liked them more then my current pair which in my mind look like clown shoes

W.B. Yeats

Signed up for the Dunboyne 4 miler on Sunday
Hoping that the good weather stays and my achilles loosens out and behaves himself. It would be good to go under 30 which is Sunday's target- 4*7.30 is I hope achievable
McMillan gives me 28.43 based on 7.11 pace only 7 sec slower than my 5k pace- to be honest that is probably beyond me, I reclon 7.30 *4 is much more realistic; first 3 miles even and then eyeballs out for the last mile!

W.B. Yeats

Never raced this before so was hoping for something under 30min

Having signed up before the deadline Friday I was really looking forward to this when I woke up this morning, a lovely sunny day.
Went out with my BiL to Dunboyne, plenty of time before the start, collected the numbers, went back to the car and sat in the sun for a while. A nice jog down to the start allowed plenty of time for stretching. Surprised at the large turnout, seemed to me to be lots of club runners.

Got quite excited as we waited at the start and then off went the gun,
Down into the village with what seemed like a great crowd cheering on all the runners. As usual lots of people swept away on the adrenaline of the start, the stampede and the crowds. I was trying to keep an even tempo so was aiming for 7.15 pace. Seemed like it wasn't only my compadres that got taken up with the start as I was 7.00 or so.

Turned right onto the new link road and faced a little breeze. Some of the over enthusiastic ones were feeling the pain and slowing dramatically. Tried to keep the rhythm going and hit 2 miles in 14.23 so clearly took a hit in pace.
Back into the village and all was going well as it felt like we were on the home straight. When I was pacing the finish line the winner was just finishing :eek: but the crowds again gave the runners a big lift - I was passed by a pair that were sprinting flat out I came upon them again a few hundred metres further on, one walking and the other trying to catch his breath on the side of the road. Hit 3 miles and I had brought the pace back towards 7.10.
The last mile was tough- I had that usual moment where I wanted to give up- I actually enjoyed it because I recognised that I was going hard and not dawdling. Pinned my ears back for the last 1/2m crossed the finish line on my watch in 28.22. Garmin said pace was 7.04. The finish again was in the middle of the village- great crowds cheering people home. They gave the runners a really big boost today.
Was delighted with the time- managed to go faster than I thought I could, feel like I've come on again from last week despite only running twice during the week. PB- although I've never run a 4 miler before but I'll take it.
Great feed back in the hall afterwards. Tea, cake, sambos, biscuits.
2nd Meath event I've run and the second time its been really well organised.
Thanks to all that organised and volunteered.

Aimman

Well done, thats a great time over 4 miles.