"The one with the Duathlon, Half Marathon and the Adventure Race"

backspacer

Right am doing this to try and get myself motivated again, completed the couch to 5k just after xmas, completing my first 5k race in 27:14. So the plan is now to mark at least 4 races to compete in, and hopefully another few in between:

The races in mind are as follows:

10th Annual Salthill 5km 19th April
Rás an Spidéal 8km 29th May
Milltown 10k 18th June
Galway Bay 10 1st October


So the plan is to train 3 nights a week where possible, hoping to join a Fit4Life group this week to steer me in the right direction and hopefully push me towards my 10k goal and hopefully beyond.

Nules10

Good luck with the log i have just started one too this week.. and i have to say it does help... well it did this week anyway

backspacer

right found a fit4life group and am starting tuesday there,here's hoping the beginning of the 10k odyssey

backspacer

Couldn't make it for the Fit4Life group last night as was working late but came home and went for a run. Only lasted 20 minutes and 3k, felt i was fighting a battle against the hill and the wind last night. But tomorrow is another day, and will be getting my 5k in.

JinkyJ

backspacer, Good luck with your log and plan..

backspacer

finally joined the fit4life group tonight,great gang to run with..did a 6.2 km run in 42 minutes,not a blistering pace but its good to be back running properly again.

backspacer

went for a 6k walk in salthill today,just to stretch the legs but was a nice pace,took about 50 minutes to complete but back to the run on tuesday with the fit4life group.

Micilin Muc

Best of luck with your training and log, backspacer! I'll be running Rás an Spidéil too so hopefully I'll see you there!

backspacer

thanks micilin,i'll be easy enough to spot in ras an spideal,i'll be the one spluttering for air going up the hill on the moycullen road:)

backspacer

Went for the group run tonight and did about 7km in 41 minutes,good pace for the slow joggers group so am happy out tonight,just praying i won't be in pain tomorrow

backspacer

Was out again last night with the Fit4Life group, can't endorse these groups highly enough for anyone who wants to get motivated to run, brilliant.

Anyways went up to Dangan with them again last night, did tempo training with them - in other words you run the length of the pitch and walk the sides to recover. I was thinking "Ok, that sounds not too bad", till i realised that there was two pitches there, so fast run 2 lengths and then walk. Had to repeat this for 4 circuits of the pitch and then jog back to where we started. So worked out about nearly 8km altogether in about 53 minutes. Have to say have a great feeling of accomplishment today after it, thought i could never push myself like that. 5KM race in Salthill now on Tuesday, hope to make a decent fist of that.

backspacer

Short run today, about 4.2km in 25 minutes, but was a bit tough going back uphill for the last 2km. But no major strain today, Tuesday is the next day now, Salthill race, so here's hoping for a good time.

backspacer

Did the Salthill 5k last night, completed it in 27:54 (27:38 according to chip) - part of me is only so so about the time, but i had such a slow first kilometre(6:30) that i spent the rest of the race trying to make it up. Still onwards and upwards, will just have to work harder and try and make it under that 27 minute mark.

backspacer

Went down to the local GAA pitch last night, figured a few laps would do me good. Ended up doing 20 laps plus 2 warm up and 1 cool down lap, 23 in all. Approx 7.5 km in 45 minutes.

backspacer

Morning all, out last night for a run with the fit4life group, did about a 11 minute mile pace and worked out about over 4 miles in 44 minutes. Was a slow enough pace but was glad to ease easily back into the week after the easter exertions of the easter eggs, bad idea them easter eggs - feel lazy for a week after:)

Anyways, out for a run again on thursday, hope to get more distance in. The 8k in Spiddal looms large so i need to get up to the distance as quick as possible.

Micilin Muc

backspacer wrote: »

The 8k in Spiddal looms large so i need to get up to the distance as quick as possible.

Don't do too much too soon! You've got 4 weeks or so until that race!

backspacer

Micilin Muc wrote: »

Don't do too much too soon! You've got 4 weeks or so until that race!

The only thing playing on my mind for the Spiddal race is that hill up the Moycullen Road, if i can get past that i fancy my chances of a decent race:D

backspacer

Right out again last night with the fit4life group. Distance covers was 4.2 miles (6.75km) but mainly up against a hill as we headed out the moycullen road. We stopped at a certain point where we did sprints up against a sharp incline, did nine of those and then jogged back to where we started. Took approximately 44 minutes.

Have to say this was a tough run, the inclines were tough but have to say got great satisfaction out of it, the only thing that is suffering is my knees today, but still feel great though.

backspacer

Just a short run this weekend, 5km run in 31 minutes, not a blistering pace this weekend. The heat was a killer yesterday so made it a lot harder than i had expected but made a nice change from the usual bad weather that i've been out in:D

backspacer

Been off for a few days so only got back into it last night, did a 7.4km run last night in about 48 minutes. So am looking at 53 minutes for 8km at the moment, but thats been optimistic especially for Rás an Spidéal, that damn hill is going to be a killer i imagine.

As a side note by the way, just for anyone thats interested, there's a guess your time race in Ballindine on the 28th May, basically you write how long it will take you to complete 4 miles. Was thinking about it but realised Rás an Spidéal was the day after. You can look it up on runireland.com if anyone is interested.

backspacer

just a short one today,5k in salthill and not a fast one,the wind is something else today,but glad to get something done.

backspacer

Right i figured for the days i ain't running i'm going to do some strength training, so have taken on the exercises recommended by Hal Higdon for running http://www.halhigdon.com/15Ktraining/Strength.html. I'm hoping to use this for two days of the weeks and run the other 3 for the moment, at least it will keep me busy on my days off and build up some core strength as well.

backspacer

Back out again last night for a group jog, managed about 4.5 miles in 44 minutes, pace was a bit faster last night but then again there was no pacer so we had to wing it in terms of getting it right.

Actually to anyone who reads this (not many i imagine ), how do you calculate the pace with only a stopwatch, maybe it can't be done i don't know, just trying to figure out the handiest way to do it without spending €300 on a Garmin.

RayCun

You won't be able to see your pace as you run, but if you run a route with measured intervals - say a 1k loop - you could check your time at the end of each interval and work out if you need to speed up or slow down.

backspacer

RayCun wrote: »

You won't be able to see your pace as you run, but if you run a route with measured intervals - say a 1k loop - you could check your time at the end of each interval and work out if you need to speed up or slow down.

I was thinking as much, thanks for that. Am new to this so pacing is something i never really thought about till recently, but might have a go at trying to figure it out.

backspacer

Group run last night, about 7km in 44 minutes. Started in Westside, down the Threadneedle Rd, along the Prom and a loop back towards Westside again.

One thing i'm starting to notice is that my general suffering is getting less lately, which is offering great encouragement for me, am not gasping for air at the end of a run either which cheers me up no end. Am looking forward now to increasing distance up to the 10k mark soon, and can't wait to push on to it now.

backspacer

Woke up on Friday morning and felt like i jarred my knee so have been taking it easy the last few days, not happy sitting around either to be honest :mad:

Am gonna take a crack at it this evening and see how i feel, can't take sitting around much longer or i'll go spare.

backspacer

Right took to the treadmill this weekend as the weather officially went to pot on Saturday, the knee is feeling better thank God so am back up and running (pardon the pun).

Programme: Alpine Pass
Distance: 6.33 km
Time: 45 minutes
Calories Burnt: 600

Have noticed a marked improvement in my fitness as 45 minutes running/jogging on a treadmill before was not likely to happen, so have to say am pleased with that. Rás an Spidéal now on the weekend, so thats the next target to take off the list.

poconnor16

Dont forget to take it easy in the days coming up to your event. Scaling back the mileage and intensity is important if you want to perform at your best. I used to think that a few easy days before a race would leave me out of shape and unfit on the day!! Quite the opposite as I have learned.

Well done for sticking to your plan up to goal number 1 - you'll get great motivation now after this race. Mind that knee though!!

littlebug

Agree with paconner Backspacer. Don't overdo it this week trying to get faster or further in training. I think you'll really surprise yourself on the day of the race.
I toyed with the idea of either of those two races (Spideal or Ballindine) but am now thinking of the 8k in Cong (woods) the following weekend instead.

backspacer

Thanks for the advice guys, i'd say i'll try and keep the distance to the minimum this week, i plan to do a 5k jog this evening and another on Thursday so that should have me in good stead for Sunday.

backspacer

Took to the treadmill again last night just to get a run in:

Programme: Alpine Pass
Distance: 6.8 km
Time: 45 minutes
Calories Burnt: 645

I know i should have scaled back but was a good run last night and not suffering today, will opt for a shorter run or slower one on Thursday, that'll be it then till Sunday.

backspacer

Right so today will be my last run before Sunday's 8K race, so quick question - should i go with the group run tonight which is about 7k in about 45-50 minutes, or do a shorter run myself? Want to give my legs the best chance for Sunday so am wondering will i suffer otherwise?

backspacer

Went with the group run last night down to Dangan, did approximately 7km in 47 minutes,not feeling any ill effects today so am happy enough with that.

Sunday now is the next big challenge, first section of Rás an Spidéal is uphill so that should make for a tough challenge, hoping that the weather settles for Sunday at least.

Micilin Muc

Go n-éirí leat amárach! Beidh t-léine ghorm Connemarathon orm, abair hi má fheiceann tú mé. Ní bheidh Baile an tSagairt chomh dona sin!

backspacer

Will be my first local race tomorrow, got to say am a bit nervous now, 8km is the longest i'll have ever run (could be walking and crawling) and couldn't have picked something trickier, a gradual crawl uphill for the first 4km, so its a bit unsettling to say the least:eek:

backspacer

Micilin Muc wrote: »

Go n-éirí leat amárach! Beidh t-léine ghorm Connemarathon orm, abair hi má fheiceann tú mé. Ní bheidh Baile an tSagairt chomh dona sin!

Go raibh maith agat as sin, má fheicim thú deireadh mé hi cinnte. Go n-eireoidh leat fhéin freisin amarach.

backspacer

Right got through Rás an Spidéal in 46:19. Happy enough with it considering its my first 8km and was uphill all the way till approximately the 4km mark.

Have to say its a great run though, lovely scenery up that side of Spiddal and was glad for the downhill section towards the end. For the first year of the race, it was a good run have to say, will definitely give it another crack next year i think. Next up Milltown 10k 19th June

littlebug

Well done backspacer, that's a great time.
Streets of Galway 8k in August? Nice and flat

backspacer

Ah flat, my favourite kind of race

backspacer

Right have been in hiding for a few days, took a rest after the race in Spiddal. Went out last night, did a 7.1 km run in about 48 minutes, not blistering i know but the weather last night was tough for any pace, but was so nice to be out in that weather.

backspacer

Right didn't get a run in this weekend, but was playing 5 a side for an hour saturday evening so i reckon that may have balanced that out:D Well the pain the day after may have balanced it out:D

As a side note, i noticed that i've dropped about 10lb weight since i started to take the running seriously, plus i dropped two notches on my belt:D So life is all good!!

backspacer

Was asked to play 8 a side soccer last night so included that as my run/sprints, lasted about 1 hour 15 minutes so felt like a good workout.

Received an email from the local running club (thanks to ronanmac for sorting me out with this), they have two group runs tonight, either a 6km or a 14km:eek:. Think i might do the 6km this evening and see how i get on, still a bit stiff from last night's soccer,but will be good to have the option of running locally instead of travelling to Galway all the time.

backspacer

Went out the local running/Triathlon club last night (Trísport) and did a run around Inverin which was approximately 5.6km in 32 minutes. Good hard run i have to say, especially one section in the middle with a very sharp incline, but was glad to do it.

One thing i noticed though compared to doing this with a Fit4Life group would be the pace, felt it was a lot faster and a good incentive to try and put the foot down. Was awfully tempted to see how far i would have got on the 14km run but thought i best not tempt fate just in case i'd be walking back

Have to say thanks to all the guys and girls in Trísport, made me feel very welcome, definitely one i'll be going back to whenever the next run is on.

backspacer

Went playing 5 a side again yesterday, which turned into 4-a-side on a half pitch as not enough showed up. Was hard going but great for some interval training, plenty of running and sprinting for about 70 minutes.

I know that its technically not running training, but notice my breathing doesn't seem to suffer as much anymore.

ronanmac

backspacer wrote: »

Went out the local running/Triathlon club last night (Trísport) and did a run around Inverin which was approximately 5.6km in 32 minutes. Good hard run i have to say, especially one section in the middle with a very sharp incline, but was glad to do it.

One thing i noticed though compared to doing this with a Fit4Life group would be the pace, felt it was a lot faster and a good incentive to try and put the foot down. Was awfully tempted to see how far i would have got on the 14km run but thought i best not tempt fate just in case i'd be walking back

Have to say thanks to all the guys and girls in Trísport, made me feel very welcome, definitely one i'll be going back to whenever the next run is on.

Good to have you there, backspacer. The good thing about running with the group is that there is always someone there who is running at your pace, and you'll always end up forcing yourself to go a bit faster than normal! Welcome aboard!

backspacer

am looking forward to getting more of those runs in and getting the pace up for my future races.Hopefully will add a few extra km in the next night.

backspacer

Right was out last night for an actual run, no football involved

Anyways went to town for the Fit4Life group run, managed about 6km in 45 minutes, nice steady pace. This consisted of some hill sprints as well, 10 hill sprints on a sharp enough incline which was good have to say.

Distance : 6km
Time: 45:04
Pace: 11:01

Was also told i should consider moving up to the Intermediate Jogging group(approx 10 min/mile), so might give that a crack next Tuesday and see what happens.

Another 6km run tomorrow night with Tríspórt, nothing longer as the Milltown 10k is this weekend.

backspacer

Went out for a short run last night with Tríspórt, was approximately 5km.

The sharp incline nearly killed me last night, although i think the pace is what stopped me more in my tracks, but that said, i have to say i enjoyed it, even if the pace was about 8 minutes a mile :eek:

That hill is going to be my target now to beat and beat well, will probably take a wander out there for a solo run some evening and see how i get on.

Distance: nearly 5km
Time: 24 minutes
Pace: approx 8:00 (bloody hell!!!)

Milltown 10k tomorrow so will be going at a slower pace than that i assure you:)

Btw an honourable mention to ronanmac last night for attempting to blind everyone with what can only be described as retina burning flourescent green runners, even when he was a good half mile down the road in front of me i could distinguish him quite easily from any other runner, and explains why he was wearing the sunglasses last night

ronanmac

Best of luck in Milltown, backspacer. I am now on a search to find shorts, singlets and socks to match the sheer delightful hideousness of the runners

backspacer

ronanmac wrote: »

Best of luck in Milltown, backspacer. I am now on a search to find shorts, singlets and socks to match the sheer delightful hideousness of the runners

We'll be waiting with baited breath the next day so to see if you find what your looking for:D Have to dig out the anti-glare glasses just in case:)