ARTist in the Spot Light (This week Krusty_Clown)

TheRoadRunner

My turn to make a nomination so I'm going with Mr PB 2011

In a bit of a rush so I'll be back later with more questions but I'll get the ball rolling.

1) What's your sporting background?
2) When and what got you into running?
3) Favourite running distance?
4) Have you ever completed a triathlon or duathlon?

other rounds of this :
(shotgun)MCOS
interested
el director
Tunney
TheRoadRunner

Pisco Sour

1) What's the worst injury you've had?
2) What's your fastest 400m and 800m time?
3) What is it about ultramarathons that appeals to you?
4) Do you think that too many people get hung up with running longer rather than running the distance that they are most suited to, be it sprint, middle distance or long distance? If so, why is this? How can this general attitude be changed?
5) Would you not consider writing as a career? Those race reports are very entertaining.
6) Will you give the sub 5 minute mile a good crack in 2012?

EDIT: 7) Why do you still have "BAC 10K Challenge" on the title of your training log?

Peckham

1) (A twist on the MarathonTalk podcast question) Six months of perfect training with no injuries and nothing in the real world (work, family etc.) gets in your way, what time do you reckon you could cover 26.2 in?

2) An extension to the above - which race would you pick to do this in?

3) Best Irish craft beer and craft brewer?

Krusty_Clown

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

My turn to make a nomination so I'm going with Mr PB 2011

Haha, I must have really pissed you off with one of my previous comments. But I suppose you can't just have the high performers and need some middle of the road spot-light representation too.

1) What's your sporting background?

Nothing, nada. I could drink a pint in about 6 seconds and put away a 20 pack of Rothmans of a night when I was younger, but my formative years were spent boozin, smoking and working. A proper desk-jockey. In my early 30s I started playing outdoor footie once a week and was average at best. I did run a charity milk Rás (3 miles I think), when I was around 11 or 12 around Dun Laoghaire, but it was an isolated once-off incident. At one point when I was 13 and clearly suffering from pubescent angst, I put on a pair of runners and headed out running along the N11 dual-carriageway, for no reason other than to clear my head. I got about 3.5 miles down the road, before I realized that I had to run all the way back again. I really enjoyed it, but never repeated it.

2) When and what got you into running?

Emer_911 had been doing a couple wimmen's mini marathons, and after another of my myriad of attempts at quitting the fags, I went out for a run with her in the local park. We both pressed start on our stop-watches, and started to jog. Our paces were completely mis-matched, and I pushed on after 30 feet. We have never really run together since. I tried pacing her for a 10k once, but after warning her about an up-coming hill and receiving a string of abuse that would shock a sailor, we figured it wasn't such a good idea! We still run together in foreign cities, but otherwise we go our own way.

After a bit of coercion from Emer_911 and a buddy of mine who was a pretty regular runner, I entered the BUPA 10k in Phoenix Park (probably 2006, at age 35). I'm not sure who was most surprised when I finished just 20 seconds down on my buddy, in a time of around 52:15. As is the case with so many born-again runners, I immediately gave up running, until the port Tunnel 10k that Christmas, which I finished in 53:xx. Dropped the running again.

The next year, my buddy and I signed up for Connemara (2007). We trained around 13 miles per week, and nobody was more surprised than me, when I forged ahead at the top of the hill, feeling comfortable, and finished a couple of minutes ahead of my buddy in 1:53. I loved it. A 1:53 half marathon wouldn't qualify as running for many of the speedsters on this forum, but for me, for the first time, I felt athletic!

The following year followed a similar pattern, but we brought our mileage up to about 17 miles per week, and I finished Connemara 2008 (again a few minutes ahead of my buddy) in 1:44. That year was a dark time for me, as my twin brother became very ill very quickly, and getting out running was a fantastic release for me. After finishing Connemara, I didn't want to stop, as running was my pressure valve. So I determined to keep going this time, and sign up for Longford marathon in August 2008. Two things changed my life permanently at that point: Firstly, I bought a cheap Polar HR monitor. I realized that by keeping my HR below an arbitrary value (think it was 155) I could keep running and running as long as I wanted, and never felt too bad.

Secondly, it was around this time that I discovered Boards' marathon forum (as I think it was known at the time), and much of my training knowledge, goals and support have come from this forum and the Boards posters since. I had frequented several other forums previous to this (Poker, Motorcycling, Food/Drink, GPS (shock!)) but felt a real sense of community and support on the marathon forum. I owe so much of my improvement since that first 52 minute 10k to the posters and posts on this forum.

I ran Longford marathon in 3:25:35, and realized at this point, that I wasn't too bad at this running lark. Shortly afterwards, I started my training log on this here forum (four years ago tomorrow!), and it has been my diary, training log, support network and inspiration since. It's not my posts, but the posts of others that have made it useful to me.

lway

Hi Krusty, being relatively new here my questions might be a bit different :-) 1) Why the username Krusty_Clown? 2) If you could go back in time to the younger you starting off running, what one piece of advice would you give yourself ? 3) Tights, Tights + modesty shorts or shorts + HTFU ? 4) Do you have any superstitions before a race, lucky socks or pre race routines?

elvis jones

How do i get the light working on my Garmin ;)

Krusty_Clown

3) Favourite running distance?

Well, it's obvious. It's got to be the marathon for me. It's the distance I perform best at (though I'd have run other races with a higher IAAF/McMillan/DOT rating). I love marathons. I would happily watch one on TV, run one as a pacer, or given the chance, stand on the side-line handing out water. But racing marathons for me is just a buzz. I can enjoy both the physical aspects as well as the race aspects. For a 5k/10k, I find I can only enjoy the physical achievement, but for longer races (10 mile+) I get to enjoy the sense of occasion too; the spirit of the race, the competition, the ingredients that make races like Ballycotton, the IMRA races, Dublin, New York and Chicago so great.

I have evolved over the last 8 months, and now get a much greater sense of satisfaction from running the 5ks, 10ks etc. I think this is because as I near my peak, the gains are more difficult to come by and I have to fight harder for them. A three minute PB in a 5 mile race means nothing to me, when I haven't run one in two years. But a 16 second PB in a 5k would mean a whole lot more to me!

4) Have you ever completed a triathlon or duathlon?

No! Would love to do a triathlon (sprint), but I have to get over a swimming hurdle first. I can swim a couple of lengths of a (25m) pool, before I find myself starved of oxygen and scrambling for air. I need more (pretty basic) swimming lessons, before I'm even in a place where I could even consider signing up for a sprint distance race. Duathlons never appealed for some reason. It just seems one event short of a proper race! When I get a chance to get out on my bike, I really enjoy it, but have never considered a bike-biased race.

TheRoadRunner

I've a couple more

1) Hill running or Road running, which do you prefer?

2) Best race performance to date?

3) Worst race performance to date?

4) Do you prefer training alone or with company?

5) Was it hard to stop smoking once you started running?

6) What sort of physical shape were you in when you started running regularly, were you carrying much weight?

7) Gun to your head, Bud light or Coors light?

dermCu

Why do you take it easy in your warmup races?

Krusty_Clown

1) What's the worst injury you've had?

I've been lucky and have not suffered too badly with injury. I paced a buddy of mine in Connemara marathon in 2009, while my goal race was just 8 weeks later in Edinburgh. After running some intervals a few days later (against the advice of far more knowledgeable runners), I earned myself a minor tear in my calf, which meant I couldn't run for a few months. Didn't stop me trying to race a half marathon a few weeks later, where I had to pull-up, and walk from the 6 mile marker to the finish line. I learned a valuable lesson that day. I had a lot of time to think on that walk to the finish, and crossed the line almost last. As a result, I'm more aware of potential injuries and the impact of ignoring good advice.

2) What's your fastest 400m and 800m time?

First time I ever set foot on a track was the end of the National Half Marathon in Waterford a couple of months back. So I'm afraid I have no idea. I have a feeling that I won't be any good at shorter distances, but until I try, I won't know.

3) What is it about ultramarathons that appeals to you?

I'm not a competitive ultra-marathoner, like Woundedknee, Abhainn, Enduro, Mick Rice, Magnet, Ultraman1 etc (we're lucky to have so many of them posting on Boards), I'm just an ultra-plodder! I have only run four ultramarathons (three of them earlier this year) and all were run during off-season, when I used them to keep up a good mileage base or to just enjoy the experience. I do find them very enjoyable. I love running and seeing the sights (possibly why I'm not more competitive!). Connemara, the Wicklow Way, Cape Town (better not forget Donadea!), all wonderful experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

4) Do you think that too many people get hung up with running longer rather than running the distance that they are most suited to, be it sprint, middle distance or long distance? If so, why is this? How can this general attitude be changed?

I do absolutely agree. I didn't agree, for years and years, thinking you could just run marathons in isolation, but I understand now that my personal gains come from improving speed across shorter distances and carrying this speed into longer distances. For most of us arriving into the sport later in life, the marathon is up there on a holy pedestal. It is the holy grail. Unfortunately, it is only when you become better acquainted with the sport that you realize success at other distances is every bit as rewarding. It just doesn't carry that same level of recognition among non-runners, and the problem is that people new to running need some kind of positive reinforcement to keep going. The best way to get this positive reinforcement is to run marathons!

It's different if you have a history of running, or have a peer group of runners. You know what it means to run a good 3,000m. You don't need positive reinforcement. Your performances and times are all that matters.

How can this be changed? Get people involved in running at an earlier age! I really only started running at age 37. I'm envious of my OH, who had lots of opportunity to train and run in her youth, in a pretty rural area. Where I grew up in Dublin, there was no athletics exposure at all. No opportunity for talent (in anyone) to blossom. I'm not saying I had any talent, but would like to have had an opportunity to find out.

5) Would you not consider writing as a career? Those race reports are very entertaining.

Maybe when I get even older, and can no longer stay abreast of modern technology. For the moment, it's the IT industry that keeps paying the mortgage. I work long hours, and when I'm not working, I'm running or spending time with the family. I think to 'write' you need to have some fenced off time and some talent. I don't have the former, and am not sure if I have the latter!

6) Will you give the sub 5 minute mile a good crack in 2012?

Yes!

RacoonQueen

Are you ever going to race a half marathon?

Comrades aside, any race of any distance around the world you're determined to do?

What is your favourite flavour of crisps?

Hobbies other than running and beer drinking?

Does Emer_911 have any say in the marathons she runs?

Krusty_Clown

7) Why do you still have "BAC 10K Challenge" on the title of your training log?

That's how it all started. Like I said, the value of the training log is not what I put into it, but what others post in there. So I've kept the same log for the last four years. Sometimes I refer back to it, to compare how training was going at a particular point in time.

In a way, the BAC 10k challenge is still ongoing. Only the target has changed. Where once it was to break 50 minutes, now it is to break 36 minutes (currently 36:15). I think the 35 minute target has come a comment from Tunney at one point, where he described a 35 minute 10k as an average club runner performance. Most of my targets seem to come from flippant remarks.

Sosa

1) How many hours sleep a night do you get and is it enough for you ?
You seem to work late,run late,eat late and then get up early...not a mix i could manage myself.

2) Do you think you can break 2:40 for the marathon ?
your talking getting your half time under 75 mins to do it imo.

3) How often do you visit the physio ?,you always seem to have niggles and muscle soreness but are able to continue your training programs.

4) Whats your next marathon that you are racing ?
(We have one down here next year fyi...another handy long run for ya !)

5)and last but not least...will you ever beat Abhainn in a marathon ?

dna_leri

List your 10K progression from 52:15 to 36:15. What was key to the improvement?
What was your most enjoyable race?
Have you recently become a member of a running club? If so, why now and why not before?
Why do you run?
How did you become the resident Garmin expert?
Any regrets about not starting running earlier, how much better do you think you could you have been if you had?

theboyblunder

1. How come you dont get injured?
2. How come you dont get injured?
3. How come you dont get injured?
4. Do you mind that superman wears Krusty_Clown pyjamas?

Krusty_Clown

lway wrote: »

Hi Krusty, being relatively new here my questions might be a bit different :-)

No problem. To provide a bit of background, my performances aren't ground-breaking. The reason I'm in the spotlight (I suspect!) is that I would be typical of a lot of posters here on the forum, having 'found' running later in life, and subsequently run some relatively good times since. Also, I think I must have annoyed the RoadRunner at some point. Probably when I beat him by one second in the Race series half marathon.

1) Why the username Krusty_Clown?

It's a hangover from a long time ago, when I first joined this forum and posted on different boards. If I got a 'do-over' I'd probably call myself the 'gutter-runner' as I spend so much time running in the gutter in the suburbs of Dublin!

2) If you could go back in time to the younger you starting off running, what one piece of advice would you give yourself ?

I would love to have started running at an early age, just to see if my times would have been any better. I would tell myself to go find a club, and give athletics a lash.

3) Tights, Tights + modesty shorts or shorts + HTFU ?

A bit of everything. I run in the dark a lot, particularly in winter. Usually I'm the only one in the local park at 10pm, so modesty isn't often an issue! I run on the roads a lot too, and have been called every name under the sun by passing teenage muppets in cars. You need a thick skin sometimes.

4) Do you have any superstitions before a race, lucky socks or pre race routines?

None at all, except that if travelling to a foreign race, I'll take my breakfast needs with me. Need my pre-marathon porridge! Also I lay out my pre-race gear the night before, complete with pinning numbers to singlets. But that's just generally sound advice! I once arrived at a race without my running shoes, and ran the Dunshaughlin 10k in an old worn-out pair of trail shoes. 36:50 that day, if memory serves me correctly!

TFBubendorfer

1) How fast will you be able to run in a marathon?

2) How fast would you have been able to run in a marathon had you started running earlier in life?

3) Are you sponsored by whoever manufactures your shades?

4) Will you ever run a long Ultra (Connemara 100 or the likes) ?

5) If someone offered to coach you to a marathon, would you take the offer?

SucCes09

1 - What advise would you give to those only 2-3 years into running of your age group?
2 - What's the worst thing you have done for a bet? Please keep in mind I know the answer... Unless...

Krusty_Clown

Six months of perfect training with no injuries and nothing in the real world (work, family etc.) gets in your way, what time do you reckon you could cover 26.2 in?

You mean complete dedication, without the requirement to go to work? Heaven! I'd love to think I could take 8 minutes off my current marathon time, and squeeze in under the 2:40 clock. I reckon recently in Chicago, had things gone to plan (or closer to plan) I would've finished sub 2:45. My next goal will be another pop at 2:42 or thereabouts, but plan on changing some of my training principles to hit that goal. I got some solid advice recently, and am going to investigate alternative training regimes (a la Canova).

2) An extension to the above - which race would you pick to do this in?

Good question. If it were to be my final PB, I'd like to do it in Dublin, in front of a home crowd. Pacing the 3:15 group on Monday reminded me of what a great marathon it is, and how great the support is around the course. The numbers may not be as great, but running here just feels more 'legitimate'.

3) Best Irish craft beer and craft brewer?

You saved the toughest until last. I love Galway Hooker. It's a fab beer, and is brewed just 1.5 miles from Mrs Clown's home-town. I love hoppy beers, so Metalman would have to be included for consideration. As for best Irish Craft Brewer? That's even harder. Carlow Brewing Company make some consistently good beers (Red, Porter and Leann Follain), but 'Brew Eyed' and 'Trouble Brewing' are putting out some really great beers. Like the current running boom, the craft beer industry here is really taking off. At some point, I'd love to be involved in this industry in some way.

You missed one question: Favourite craft beer pub: Against the Grain on Wexford Street. I have never been to L. Mulligan Grocers though, so that could change my mind.

Krusty_Clown

How do i get the light working on my Garmin ;)

Press the button with Light written on it

ecoli

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I got some solid advice recently, and am going to investigate alternative training regimes (a la Canova).

PM Sent

gerard65

What do you listen on your mypod/MP3 while running?

Slogger Jogger

I'm a big admirer of the selfless pacers here on boards and the way many of you can do it with clockwork precision. Was it a conscious decision to vary your marathon races between target races and other social / pacing engagements?

What gives you more satisfaction - getting a fast time or getting those 3:15ers across the finish line ?

Krusty_Clown

1) Hill running or Road running, which do you prefer?

Hill running, road racing.

2) Best race performance to date?

After running 3:00 in Berlin six months previous, I wanted to get my medal engraved, as I reckoned that was as fast as I was ever going to run. I felt my history had been written. I basically started accelerating from mile one, and didn't stop until I hit the finish line in 2:55 (actual mileage may vary!). My best ever executed race. I never dreamed that I'd be the kind of person who could run a sub-three hour marathon, but to do it comfortably felt great.

3) Worst race performance to date?

I could take the easy option and say my recent one second PB in Chicago marathon, but from my perspective it would be unforgivable to say that a 2:48 marathon is a horrible performance. I took a gamble and it didn't pay off. Simple as.
Worst performance was most certainly the Adidas race series Half Marathon in 2008. Without any specific training, I figured I could just turn up a get a PB. Idiot! I ran it slower than both halves of my inaugural marathon three weeks previous. It wasn't pretty. I blew up but soldiered on to the finish line. Another lesson learned. Nothing comes for free.

4) Do you prefer training alone or with company?

Both! I have never done sessions with anyone else (as they have always been very specific to my goal), but really enjoy long runs with company. I also enjoy recovery runs with a different set of buddies with different current standards.

5) Was it hard to stop smoking once you started running?

I've had many lapses. But when training, I have no problems staying on the straight and narrow. The same with beer. I reckon there's no better way to mark the occasion of a good session (training session) than enjoying a nice beer at home afterwards. But closer to goal time, I've no problem living a monastic life. In fact, I find my quality of life improves when I ditch the booze, and get back to regular sleeping patterns. I do use it as a carrot during the build-up to a race. I promise myself some nice beers, when everything's wrapped up.

6) What sort of physical shape were you in when you started running regularly, were you carrying much weight?

I don't have before and after photos like many of the posters here, but I was a good stone and a half heavier (83kgs -> 73kgs). I wasn't in great physical shape. I was crippled after every game of footie. I'd still be crippled if I played footie. I tried to do both for a while, but while I enjoyed the kick-about, I sucked, and the impact on my running just wasn't worth it.

7) Gun to your head, Bud light or Coors light?

I'd stick with the gun.

Larry Brent

Should a single man who enjoys his running prefer to run:


a) directly behind Kim Kardashian for an hour

or

b) directly in front of Haile for an hour?

gerard65

when your not running/working/family stuff what else do you enjoy doing?

robinph

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

3) Are you sponsored by whoever manufactures your shades?

Garmin make shades now? Why didn't I get this memo?

donothoponpop

Hi Krusty:

1) 2.35 marathon or a 55min 10 mile?

2) What would you be doing now if you hadn't taken up running?

3) Favourite literature?

4) What's your most memorable sprint finish? (coz I'm pretty sure I know mine;))

RoverHogan

Hey Krusty!

I think a lot of people would love to emulate the progression that you have made in your short career to date. What advice would you give trainee clowns who would like to improve their times?

What did you learn from Chicago?

What is your race nutrition plan?

Favourite beer has been asked, so favourite dark chocolate?

thanks!

Krusty_Clown

dermCu wrote: »

Why do you take it easy in your warmup races?

I did 6 warm-up races for Chicago. Three of 'em I didn't race as hard as I could have. One of them (DLR 10k) was down to getting my strategy wrong with the hills in the first half. I ran too conservatively, then couldn't make up the deficit in the second half. The Frank Duffy 10 mile race lined up with a 10 mile PMP session, at target 6:11/mile. So I ran the race with the goal of knocking the sub 60 minute target on the head, while also doing the PMP miles at faster than PMP pace. It was good to knock that target on the head (60:02 last year), but I reckon it was a mistake, and a solid long run with 10 PMP miles would have been a better investment of my time. Same goes for the National half marathon. It lined up with a prescribed 12 mile PMP session, and I had spent the previous 1.5 weeks working and running in really hot conditions in California, so I figured a race environment would help me hit the target, despite some nasty jetlag. I also ticked off the sub 80 target for the half marathon. While I did run the prescribed 17 miles, again I feel this was a mistake and a good PMP session would have served me better. I think the race environment just made it too easy. I should have raced them more aggressively, or done the race-specific PMP sessions instead.

Krusty_Clown

Are you ever going to race a half marathon?

I'd prefer to race a 10k or a marathon, but yes, I think it's an important part of marathon build-up, if you can find a race that fits the schedule. But not sure that I'll ever train for one on it's own. Training for and hitting a 75 minute half marathon would be amazing (so envious of those who have done it) and would have such a huge impact on times across a huge range of distances.

Comrades aside, any race of any distance around the world you're determined to do?

Nope. With ultras, I'm more interested in the race/event than the distance or even the time. Sure I'll still be gunning for a silver medal in the Comrades (sub 7:30 for the 90km), but I'm more interested in participating in the Comrades event and doing the best I can, rather than how long it is. I've reached a stage in my life where I realize how important it is to celebrate life and for me there's no greater way of celebrating life than pitching yourself against one of the worlds greatest races. I have massive admiration for anyone who can compete in a 24 hour race, but in my mind, that is celebrating pain. I wouldn't rule out participating in one of the big US ultras, but again, I'll do it because of the event, not the distance. It'll have to wait until the kids have seen the back-end of college or whatever, before the finances will support that kind of a challenge.

What is your favourite flavour of crisps?

I'm not actually a big fan (shock horror!). But after Chicago marathon, I had a massive bag of Lays lightly salted oven baked crisps waiting for me in my gear bag, which went really well with the beer I enjoyed in the sunshine while waiting for Mrs Clown to finish her marathon.

Hobbies other than running and beer drinking?

Does one need to have any more?! Motorcycling has always been a big hobby of mine. It took a beating the day after DCM, when I had to push my 35 stone German brute for a mile and a half after it stalled on my way to work. I sweated far more than I did during the marathon, but it was a good core workout! After a tough day in work, I find that cooking a good meal (while enjoying a nice beer!) is a very therapeutic way of shedding excess stress levels. I used to play a lot of poker, and I was pretty good, but it was a very unhealthy life-style and very frustrating at times. I'm so out of practice now, that I'm a push-over, and my son can beat me.

Does Emer_911 have any say in the marathons she runs?

She will next year! She doesn't have a qualifying time for Boston, so she'll have to pick her own target race. Might make a pleasant change, if I'm on the sideline brandishing the 'Worst Parade Ever' sign!

Krusty_Clown

How many hours sleep a night do you get and is it enough for you ?
You seem to work late,run late,eat late and then get up early...not a mix i could manage myself.

5-6 hours. It's not enough. there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day any more (I'm hurtling towards old age), so I despise going to bed early. It seems like a waste. But I'm much better for the last 6 weeks of marathon training and I make a specific effort to sleep more. For the next marathon, mileage will need to be higher, so I will need to get decent sleep throughout the program.

2) Do you think you can break 2:40 for the marathon ?
your talking getting your half time under 75 mins to do it imo.

For me to hit that kind of time (if it were possible) I'd need to engage in a zen-like (Tunguska-like?!) level of commitment, and I'm not sure if I have that in me. But hey, I never thought I'd break 3:15. Then I never thought I'd break 3:00. Then I..... So no point in saying 'never'. But every year, I get one year older.

3) How often do you visit the physio ?,you always seem to have niggles and muscle soreness but are able to continue your training programs.

It's funny. Both my achilles were hurting me for the entire Chicago training period. The day after the race, they stopped hurting. It was as if they got stretched out by the long hard run during the race?! I had four visits to the Physio during the 12/16 week Chicago program, one was for a minor knot in my calf, and the rest were for general post-race sport massage for the build-up races. Preventative maintenance helps! The P&D programs are well designed to gradually increase effort levels and mileage, so following a very well-structured program like that helps me to avoid injury.

4) Whats your next marathon that you are racing ?

Boston. My 2:48 from Berlin gave me a 40 minute credit over my Boston Qualifying time (I was treated as an M40). It should also be good enough to see me start in the A corral.

5)and last but not least...will you ever beat Abhainn in a marathon ?

No! He's an animal. Always two marathon cycles ahead of me!

pgibbo

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I got some solid advice recently, and am going to investigate alternative training regimes (a la Canova).

Can you share what that advice was and how it differs from what you are currently doing?

Have you ever or would you ever work with a coach?

other than offering advice on here, do you coach or entor anyone?

What's the plan for next year?

Do you miss the cigs whilst having a few beers?

Brianderunner

1) If Boston doesnt count as a WR, can we accept your time as a pb? (assuming you set one). Where do you stand on net downhill courses counting as pb's?

2) What was your style of poker play, there seems to be quite a few of us former players on here. Did you play in any big tournaments?

3) Havent heard you mentioning the London marathon. Any plans to do it in the future?

4) Is the "big 8" a goal for you in 2012?

menoscemo

pgibbo wrote: »

Do you miss the cigs whilst having a few beers?

Be honest when answering this one

menoscemo

Brianderunner wrote: »

2) What was your style of poker play, there seems to be quite a few of us former players on here. Did you play in any big tournaments?

On That note, would you be interested in an A/R/T poker night at some time? I think I can count at least 5 other boardsies who would be up for it...

Krusty_Clown

List your 10K progression from 52:15 to 36:15. What was key to the improvement?

I'm afraid most of my gains at the 10k distance have come on the back of marathon training. I usually kick off a marathon training regime with a 10k training program, but the training is a means to an end. the 10k PB usually comes as a result of high mileage, tempo runs and 5k pace intervals.
April '06?: Bupa 10k 52:xx (makey-uppy training)
December '06: Port Tunnel 10k: 53:xx (little to no training)
October '08: Donadea 10k: 43:21 (on the back of training for my first marathon)
December '08: Aware 10k: 40:33 (10k specific training)
November '09: Crookstown Motorway 10k: 38:42 (post Berlin marathon training)
June '10: Dunshaughlin 10k: 36:57 (10k training prep for Berlin marathon)
September '10: BHAA Firhouse 10k: 36:32 (Berlin marathon training)
June '11: Curlew Warriors 10k: 39:18 (hilly course, 10k/hill training).
August '11: DLR 10k: 36:59 (start of marathon training/bad race).
September '11: Lakes 10k: 36:16 (marathon training).
September '11: Leinster Road 10k: 36:15 (marathon training).

Talk about diminishing returns!

Krusty_Clown

What was your most enjoyable race?

New York Marathon (which I did for kicks rather than a PB) was an amazing experience, as was the Two Oceans Ultra marathon. But, I probably got most enjoyment out of Barcelona, as it was the combination of performance and race.

Have you recently become a member of a running club? If so, why now and why not before?

I was previously a member of Boards AC, which afforded me a lot of the benefits of a typical club, without the training/coaching. We had an identity (singlets), encouragement, camaraderie and AAI affiliation. It suited me at the time, as in terms of marathon programs I was always doing my own thing. It was a great setup, for those for whom being a member of a formal club just didn't suit.

I recently joined Bray Runners, and I can see significant benefits to a formal club environment. The difference is that Boards AC was the sum of its parts, whereas a formal club is greater than the sum of its parts. Boards cared about the needs of its individual members, whereas Bray Runners has the club's interests at its heart, as well as the needs of its members. There is nothing to suggest that Boards wouldn't have evolved in the same way (all clubs must start in the same manner), but there were only a few hardcore individuals (Pekham, Woddle, Shels etc.) willing to push it forward. Bray also has a wealth of talent across a range of disciplines that I hope to benefit from in the long term, backed up by sensible heads keen to push the club forward.

Why do you run?

I run for that moment when everything clicks. When you have run 15 miles, and you speed up to 6:20/mile and you feel like your feet are barely touching the ground. When you reach the top of a trail, and the view opens up before you. When you're jumping from ground to rock to mud to tree stump, like someone practicing parkour. When you see the clock on the finish line gantry, and realize that you have hit your goal. When you smile, even though it makes you look like an idiot.

How did you become the resident Garmin expert?

I read the manual.

Any regrets about not starting running earlier, how much better do you think you could you have been if you had?

Lots of regrets. Who knows. Most of the sports I tried as a yoof, I gave up within a couple of weeks. Running might not have been any different. I'm just glad I have it now.

Krusty_Clown

1. How come you dont get injured?

I've learned from my mistakes, and when I get the early warning signs, I take remedial action, and/or seek professional help. I run on a mixture of surfaces, including road, trail, grass, mud, concrete, gravel, in a wide mix of shoe types. I follow progressive training programs. I warm up before running hard. I use zum muscle rub. I use my foam roller. I do static stretching after running.

I've been lucky.

4. Do you mind that superman wears Krusty_Clown pyjamas?

I hope so, cos I wear superman pyjamas.

Krusty_Clown

1) How fast will you be able to run in a marathon?

I absolutely believe that 2:42 is within the realm of possibility. After that, who knows? I do know I would need to live a different lifestyle to find out.

2) How fast would you have been able to run in a marathon had you started running earlier in life?

Faster!

3) Are you sponsored by whoever manufactures your shades?

Every time I go out without them, I get a fly in my eye and when I run down a trail very fast, my sight gets blurry due to the wind (which is not good!). They're not a 'Claires Accessory', honest!

4) Will you ever run a long Ultra (Connemara 100 or the likes) ?

Nah, I really don't see myself going there. It just doesn't tick any boxes for me. As I was saying previously, I might consider one of the big US trail races, but the goal will be completing the course, not completing the distance.

5) If someone offered to coach you to a marathon, would you take the offer?

If I trusted them and we were like-minded, absolutely! I'd love if somebody knowledgable had all the right answers!

Krusty_Clown

SucCes09 wrote: »

1 - What advise would you give to those only 2-3 years into running of your age group?

1) Consistency is everything. You can't train for a marathon for four 4 months, give up running for the next 6 months and then expect big improvements the following year. You need consistent mileage all year round.
2) Hitting your 40s does not mean that your times will worsen. It may be true of Kenyans and Ethiopians who have been running long distances since their early years and are moving into a sub-optimal running phase, but for so many of us new to the sport approaching our mid-point in life, your times will always reflect the effort and work you put in, not your age.
3) Every single time you make a simple decision to skip a training session, because of weather, hangovers, laziness, etc., you are creating options for your next training session. Always run in the worst possible weather conditions. It makes going out in better conditions that much easier!
4) Figure out what you enjoy about running and exploit it. Keep doing it. Life's too short to keep doing stuff that isn't enjoyable.

2 - What's the worst thing you have done for a bet? Please keep in mind I know the answer... Unless...

Bastid! I had forgotten all about that. Some things are best left buried in a hazy drunken blur!
By the way, SucCes09 can testify to my athletic prowess, during my collegiate years!

Krusty_Clown

gerard65 wrote: »

What do you listen on your mypod/MP3 while running?

I'm a child of the 80s/90s, so a lot of the music I'd listen to would be from that era: Pixies, Jane's Addiction, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, that kind of thing. The more modern stuff I'd listen to would reflect a similar genre/style to the old stuff I listen to. So it'd be Patrick Watson, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Tricky, Massive Attack, Sigur Ros, etc.

I've have a playlist of up-tempo songs, which I listen to when doing Intervals/PMP/Speed-work, from a massive range of bands/artists. For Music (radio) I listen to Phantom FM. I particularly Like 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' with Pearl, for a long run on a Sunday morning.

Night-time radio, it's got to be 'Off The Ball' on NewsTalk. It's just great entertainment. Would love to listen to Sean Moncrieff or Tom Dunne on the run, but I rarely get to run when those shows are on.

Gringo78

1. Could you give up your Garmin for 12 months (i.e no GPS device for 12 months)?

2. You paced 3:15 this year in Dublin, do you think you can step up in the future to pace 3:00 in Dublin?

3. Until what age do you think you'll be able to hold on to your 3:15 pacing slot before age catches up and you have to drop back a grade to 3:30?

elvis jones

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I'm a child of the 80s/90s, so a lot of the music I'd listen to would be from that era: Pixies, Jane's Addiction, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, that kind of thing. The more modern stuff I'd listen to would reflect a similar genre/style to the old stuff I listen to. So it'd be Patrick Watson, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Tricky, Massive Attack, Sigur Ros, etc.

I've have a playlist of up-tempo songs, which I listen to when doing Intervals/PMP/Speed-work, from a massive range of bands/artists. For Music (radio) I listen to Phantom FM. I particularly Like 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' with Pearl, for a long run on a Sunday morning.

Night-time radio, it's got to be 'Off The Ball' on NewsTalk. It's just great entertainment. Would love to listen to Sean Moncrieff or Tom Dunne on the run, but I rarely get to run when those shows are on.

Podcasts ! If ipods have brought anything to us its podcasts for running.

neilc

Krusty you've achieved great things in a relatively short running career to date. Is it all down to hard training or is there a certain amount of natural talent required?

dev123

Not a running related question but as far as I can tell it may be another hobby of yours, beer:

Have you tried the new Smithwicks pale ale?

If so, what is the verdict?

If not, do you think the masses have educated their palates over the last few years to embrace a pale ale or will it go the way of Breo?

Dev

BeepBeep67

After finishing 3rd in the Leinster Road Race you're heading into your 1st Wicklow XC Championships with a big target on your back - how do you think you will cope with the pressure .
A proper Master towards the end of next month - will you wait until the Master's XC on your door step to pop your Master's cherry or will you sneak in a cheeky 'Streets of Wicklow' or 'Tom Brennan' to mark the occasion?
Will you venture across the road for the traditional Bray Runner's Christmas Day run?

Krusty_Clown

I'm a big admirer of the selfless pacers here on boards and the way many of you can do it with clockwork precision. Was it a conscious decision to vary your marathon races between target races and other social / pacing engagements?

I have only ever paced a marathon after running my goal marathon, so I'm not all that self-less. I used to think I could race two marathons a year, and give it my best, and for a time, I could. I reckon when you're new to running and the PBs are coming in hand over fist, improving on a previous time is practically guaranteed, just by making adjustments to how you train, and increasing your commitment levels (mileage, diet etc.). Eventually, though, the PBs don't come quite as easy (I'm hitting this stage now) and you have to take a broader look at what you are doing and plan a strategy over a more protracted period (12 months) rather than focusing on short term gains.

If you take a look at the really fast guys on this forum, they don't tend to race a couple of marathons a year (though there are always exceptions). Instead they focus on gaining improvements over shorter distances (which are harder to achieve than gains over longer distances) and then carry this speed into their marathon training. Periodization on a grander scale?! Possibly.

What gives you more satisfaction - getting a fast time or getting those 3:15ers across the finish line ?

The pay-offs are very different. Training for a marathon requires a huge level of commitment. You make significant sacrifices. Towards the end of the marathon training phase, you eat, sleep marathon. Hitting your goal is the reward for the months of hard work. There is no comparison.

You don't get significant personal satisfaction from pacing a marathon. It's different. You're sharing in the struggles and triumphs of other runners. I reckon it's a little bit selfish. They do all the hard work and you get to share in their success. And you get to keep the balloons.

ManFromAtlantis

1. so thats you in the recent dub marathon magazine holding a pacers balloon !!!? did k clown get a shock when he saw it or were you tipped off that it was going to be in it
2. whats your home county
thks

Krusty_Clown

Larry Brent wrote: »

Should a single man who enjoys his running prefer to run:
a) directly behind Kim Kardashian for an hour
or
b) directly in front of Haile for an hour?

I would think that any hot-bloodied single male would want to be sandwiched somewhere in the middle.

Abhainn

KC keep those great responses coming. Really enjoying this