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Time for a New Adventure
Comments
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ThebitterLemon wrote: »Well done Neady.
''Twas warm on Sunday and that's a fine run on that course
I'd hoped to get over and cheer on the runners but Mrs TbL had me press ganged into slave labour
TbL
Thanks TBL No worries, there was a nice crowd on the course. Mind you, unless you had a bunch of lemons in your arms, I'm not sure I'd recognise you 
Annie get your Run wrote: »Whoop Whoop Whoop! Happy dayz indeed!!!! What a race, what a report and once again you pushed through the difficulties (and hills!) to achieve your goal - what's in the water down there?!
Thank you as always AM. Well seen as you asked, in the house I rented until last year, we did have too kerosene contaminations
Maybe the lack of kerosene in the water is doing me good Excellent report as always, re: Tralee in comparison to Connemara you would say it is a flat as a pancake!
Thanks Diego, might be tempted by Tralee next year. Nice doing a marathon in your backyard isn't it? Takes the stress out of it.hillsiderunner wrote: »Well done Neady, great performance so soon after your mountain race. Take it easy for a few days before the next block of training
Thanks so much HSR. Indeed I am very much resting up this week. Really enjoying your progress with all of your training in the hills these days. Quite jealous as I love that area around Glencoe.Deadly. But, to put your time in context, your old pb was run on a much easier course after a reasonable taper. Contrast that with Conn, which is mountainous and was 2 weeks after winning a mountain rallenge. At a guess I'd say you'd be 10-15mins faster on the DCM course.
With 3/5 targets achieved already, does that mean you'll be putting the feet up for the second half of the year?
Thanks you C, I appreciate that. One of my goals for this year is a 3:45 Autumn marathon so maybe that could be a reality.
.... don't you know it, there's all sorts of madness being added to the plan for this year alreadyNice running and enjoyable report! Must work "in a hoop" into a future race report myself
Thank you Singer, appreciate that. I've plenty of other West Clareisms that you could work into you reportsWell done Neady.
To get a PB on such a tough a course as Conn is a fantastic achievement.
Cheers Jake, it's a small PB but I won't complain 0 -
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Well done again on the PB, Neady... you make the marathon sound much tougher than what I think of as your much more impressive challenges...
Thanks Anna. I know it sounds mad but I do find the marathon really tough even compared to the longer races.
In the longer races, you go through ups and downs and you know that the low point will pass at some stage so you focus on that to get you through. In the marathon, you have to push through the pain until the end - stopping isn't really an option. I find it more of a challenge.Bungy Girl wrote: »Well done, Neady! You're one tough cookie. Brilliant performance. Recover well and make it 4, the 5/5.
Thank you BG Delighted to have another one under the belt.shotgunmcos wrote: »3 out of 5.. 2017 is going well and you are springing back spectacularly!
A PB in Connemara is no mean feat.. well done Sin?ad!
Thanks so much M, it will be Autumn/Winter before I'm able to hit the other two targets but I've a few mini ones to focus on during the summer 0 -
Monday April 24th
3.1miles recovery @ 10:26/mi (32minutes)
Lunch time run in the sun – legs not as stiff as anticipated after running Conn. I think walking around in the cold water in Salthill after the marathon definitely helped.
Tuesday April 25th
30 minutes S&C
Many heel drops and I rolled the calves and quads for 5 minutes each – hopefully it’s getting rid of the last of the lactic acid.
Circuits: 7 stations @ 3x100secs
I really need to log these after the session because I can’t remember them otherwise. There were a few lung exercise but I just went light on everything and coach Dave was happy to let me off the hook.
Wednesday April 26th
Rest
Up and down to Dublin for work so no time to squeeze in anything. Bit stiff when I got off the bus at either end.
Thursday April 27th
30 minutes S&C
More rolling the quads and calves – everything is returning to normal.
Circuits 6 stations @ 4x90 secs each
Mostly upper body stuff so it worked well. On the final set on the last station, clean & press, my friend Sharon, who I pair up with every week, dropped the dumb bells and roared out in pain. She put her back out and was in the most agony I’ve seen a person in for quite a while. Enda, the instructor was great, cool and calm and got her to walk even though she wanted to lie down. She was doubled over in agony the poor mite. I walked her to the doc on campus and he gave her an injection, anti-inflammatories and pain killers.
She’s much better now and the physio says the problem is that she has a weak core and left glutes so it’s impacting her back. A real lesson on how easy it is to injury yourself and how important core work is.
Friday April 28th
4.2miles @ 9:50/mi (42mins)
Nice and easy around the pitches in Dangan before work. Took a half day from work to head for Castletownbere in West Cork for the annual Mountain Hares weekend of adventure
Saturday April 29th
Hike: Hungry Hill/Derryclancy/Coombane & Ardigole Mountains: 7ish hours on the hills
We hit off nice and early to head up Hungry Hill, taking in some of the Beara Way. It’s a nice rocky climb with ample opportunity for some decent scrambling. This was very handy hiking with lots of breaks as we had a mixed group. We got shelter on the Northern side of the mountain but when we were forced to pop out on top, we were blown by a nice gale.
We had timed it just right that we would summit Coombane to see the third stage of the Rally of the Lakes come over the Healy Pass. What a treat to sit for 20 minutes and watch the cars negotiate the hair pin bends of the pass – we most definitely had the best views of the day. We descended from there to our hostel in Ardigole but not before doing some very fun bush whacking.
Sunday April 30th Brick: Roadie: 71km with 675m of elevation (3hrs20)
After a very late night, Frank and I took the road bikes out to explore some of the Beara peninsula. The plan was to do an 80km circuit that would take in the Healy Pass. Unfortunately, we made a mistake with our navigation and took the road out of Castletownbere that brought us to the Western tip of Bere where the cable car goes to Dursey Island instead of heading North to Eyeries.
As we weaved along the coast, we were treated to the most spectacular views, we revelled in making the mistake that we did as we were loving the views and the climbs not to mention zero traffic on the roads. There were some nice long climbs that would surprise you at the top as you wouldn’t know whether mountains or coast would be revealed, it was unbelievably pretty. We met a man on a bike herding a sheep and her two gorgeous lambs down the road
We were also treated to some tourists as we summited one of the toughest climbs of the day … they’d obviously seen the Tour De France as two of them came running along side us with water bottles shouting “allez allez”. It gave us a bit of a giggle. I was a bit goosed from cycling so I suggested to Frank that we head back to the hostel and we could go for a run up the Healy pass instead of cycling it.
I’d highly recommend this are for some cycle training. Coaches and HGVs are not allowed on these roads so they’re extremely quiet and they offer some great hills and views.
8.7miles @ 9:25/mi (1hr 22 & 300m)
A very quick change and we were heading out the door and up the Healy pass. Our hostel was at the very foot of the hill so we were climbing as soon as we turned out the gate. With my jelly legs, I wasn’t sure I’d make it too far but they soon loosened out though the going was slow. We were aiming for the white statue on top of the pass, which is quite near as the crow flies but it’s actually 4 and a bit miles of winding roads to the top.
Half way up we were passed by a farmer in an old Massey Ferguson. He pulls in front of us and comes down off the tractor - I told Frank that I thought he might give us a scolding for running on this road. He stands right in our way and Frank goes around but he grabbed my hand to shake it and then proceeded to give me the Spanish inquisition. Are ye tourists? Where are ye from? Are ye married? Do you have a partner? Any children? What age are you. He then tells me that his mother got married at my age and went on to have seven kids, so I’m at a good ol age. Then a great big hug, a few kind words and he sent us on our way. I’m looking around the place for a hidden camera and Frank is pi**ing himself laughing.
That distracted me until we made it to the top, took a few seconds to enjoy the view and headed back down against a nice old wind. Our farmer was still there but had stopped a car to chat to the people in it. About two miles down the road, our farmer passed us again and turns off to the right. He jumps out of the ditch just as we’re passing and stops us again for another chat. Such a nice man who was obviously just looking for some company, I’d say the tourists love him – maybe Bord Failte are paying him. The owner of the hostel later told me that John Joe has made a few marriage proposals to tourists on the Healy pass Ya can’t bate Ireland.
Totals for the week:
2.5 hours running (16miles)
3.25 hours Cycling (71km)
1 hour S&C
7 hours hiking
2 hours circuits
Even though everything was quite relaxed and easy this week, I’m really very tired now and have paired my activities right back this week favouring sleep over training.0 -
Totals for the week:
2.5 hours running (16miles)
3.25 hours Cycling (71km)
1 hour S&C
7 hours hiking
2 hours circuits
Even though everything was quite relaxed and easy this week, I’m really very tired now and have paired my activities right back this week favouring sleep over training.
Echm yeah... very relaxed!! I think you need to re-read your own entry. Am in stitches laughing at the farmer :D I can only imagine how that conversation would have gone if it had been me rather than you, we are not used to that carry on at all in the city!! I'm putting Beara on my list of places to cycle, have driven it in a car and can imagine how stunning it is on the bike! 0 -
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Monday May 1st
4.7miles recovery @ 10:20/mi (48minutes)
Up and out early for one last run along by the water at Ardigole before heading back to Galway. Legs felt heavy and tired from yesterdays run up the hill.
Tuesday May 2nd
Rest. Was supposed to be circuits but I woke up feeling really tired. Figured a rest day today would have me going well for the rest of the week.
Wednesday May 3rd
3miles @ 11:12/mi (34mins)
After work run with Kieran and I was still quite tired so didn’t do any extra mileage on my own.
Thursday & Friday, May 4th & 5th
More unplanned rest. Still feeling really tired. I guess the last few weeks of racing is catching up with me. Really craving getting back to a proper routine of training in the mornings when I have my energy and appetite for it back.
Saturday May 6th
Gaelforce Connemara Adventure Race: Trail/Mountain run/mountain bike/kayak/run (2hrs 30mins)
This is a lesson on how not planning for a race back fires.
An old school friend, Edel, asked me if I’d do this race with her as she’s been out of the game for a few years due to injury and personal reasons. How better to kick start this adventuring craic than with a weekend in Galway and a day out in Connemara. I registered but didn’t really look at the course in detail, the break down of disciplines or any of the usual precision planning I usually do. This was going to be a fun event and my first time doing one of these kind of adventure races.
I put my bivi bag, whistle, a light waterproof jacket and two nakd bars in my backpack as figured that’d do me for two hours on the go. We dropped our bikes to the transition and loosed up the legs on the walk back to Delphi. We decided that we’d do this one together so we lined up at the back of the field and headed down the road from Delphi adventure centre on the first section which was on road. 2 and a bit miles in we turned right onto a trail, the Western Way, and we were climbing straight away. Edel insisted that I push on so I did and was really quite enjoying the trail (decided that this trail running business is definitely for me). I was catching people from the off and my competitive spirit was emerging even though I was telling myself that this was one to go easy on. I have fond memories of this trail from the Western Way last year though we were heading up hill instead of down this time around.
After about six miles we had to dib in and I made the unfortunate mistake of looking up. There was a mountain in front of us with people dotted all the way up. WTF, why didn’t I look at the dang race profile and breakdown a bit more closely. Anyway, up up and away we went, I caught 7 or 8 lads on the way up and I was gasping with the thirst while starting to feel my energy fade. Giving out to myself for not bringing water or jelly beans that I could eat on the move, stuffing a dry nakd bar into my mouth was not helping the situation. Regardless, I was really enjoying myself …. Until we were heading down the other side of the mountain and I remembered that I had road runners and not trail runners on. I forgot to change them when we arrived. Fail to prepare and prepare to fail as I slid down the hill mostly on my arse
Spotted a girl in transition and that spurred me on to grab my bike and go. Took another girl half a km from transition before we turned onto the trial proper. There was lots of loose gravel on the trail so though I had the mountain bike and felt much safer than those on the road bikes looked, the handling was tricky on the sharp turns. I was going hammer and tongs and loving it, took another few lads on the bike and felt sorry for three or four people stopped with punctures on their roadies. After 7km we were back on road and I fully expected to be passed by loads of road bikes but to my relief I was catching bikes as only two weeks earlier I had run this road and knew were to give it welly and where to hold back.
On the last climb I spied a girl up ahead and aimed to catch her, which I did just before transition. Dumped the bike and took off on a cross country 1.5km run to the kayak section. Legs like absolute jelly and not cooperating at all – be grand, they’ll get a break in the kayak. I caught a guy and I asked if he’d kayaked before, he had, grand says I to myself, you’ll do as my kayak partner. The girl I passed on the bike came up on us and I let her off, I had my kayak partner right here. Get to the water and there’s no kayak - they cancelled it because of the weather (water was like a sheet of glass but anyway). Me and my buddy are disappointed and I’m raging that they didn’t tell us at the bike transition.
Set my eyes on the girl I’d let by and pushed up the hill to catch her, she was walking when I got to her so I told her to get going again and we’d finish it together, she mustered a jog for 200m but had to stop again. 5th girl home and second fastest girl up the mountain.
Disappointed with myself that I didn’t prepare better and decide from the off that I’d race it. Should really get my ass in gear and I might have a chance of a podium at these gigs.
Sunday May 7th
2.8miles @ 13:07/mi (37mins)
Went out for a recovery jog with the best of intentions but just couldn’t muster the energy to run so I walked a bit around the city.
Totals for the week:
3.75 hours running
0.75 hours MTB
Lets chalk this down to recovery 0 -
Annie get your Run wrote: »There seems to be a race report missing from this lovely log
That's exactly the nudge I needed to finish a half written report Thank you 0 -
That's exactly the nudge I needed to finish a half written report Thank you
Most welcome super report as always!! Pity about the kayak, 5th woman without even trying - brilliant!
Think this one is next on my list...
http://www.totalexperience.ie/web/moxie-adventure-races/0 -
Brilliant, Neady. I love reading your log. Its well named as you seem to have Adventure wherever you go.
Jury is still out on the Clare Burren, i need to raise it with the race committee.
(I'll ask her at the weekend).
Thanks P Glad you're enjoying it. I loved Castletownbere so much I'm dragging Kieran there for a holiday later in May
Hope you got a pass for the Burren. There may be a silly o clock mountain bike before it if you're interested?
Are you in Ballina this weekend? Kieran is running it and I'm tacking on a few miles to make it a long run.Love your Healy Pass encounters Neady, such a beautiful place too!
Thanks Anna, it's almost as beautiful as Donegal 0 -
Annie get your Run wrote: »Most welcome super report as always!! Pity about the kayak, 5th woman without even trying - brilliant!
Think this one is next on my list...
http://www.totalexperience.ie/web/moxie-adventure-races/
Thanks AM, I gave it socks when I decided to go for it but I guess I'm lacking in a bit of confidence to line up at the front of these races and race from the start.
I've heard nothing but good things about Moxie, not over priced, excellent course and a fantastic atmosphere. Have you decided on which distance yet?0 -
Thanks AM, I gave it socks when I decided to go for it but I guess I'm lacking in a bit of confidence to line up at the front of these races and race from the start.
I've heard nothing but good things about Moxie, not over priced, excellent course and a fantastic atmosphere. Have you decided on which distance yet?
Yeah it was recommended by another clubmate who does AR's, she's doing it too and hopefully fletch also. The 3 distances are the same price so I was thinking 36km to get some value for money I will go and do a recce of the 8K hill run before I decide though. These are the guys I did the kayaking on Blessington Lake with
What's next on your To Do list?!0 -
Annie get your Run wrote: »Yeah it was recommended by another clubmate who does AR's, she's doing it too and hopefully fletch also. The 3 distances are the same price so I was thinking 36km to get some value for money I will go and do a recce of the 8K hill run before I decide though. These are the guys I did the kayaking on Blessington Lake with
What's next on your To Do list?!
I know Linda O' Connor who races with Moxie and she's always saying how great the lads are.
You have until July 13th to enter. Why not do another month of training, head out and do Black Hill and Sorrel Hill, cycle the route and then make a call on the distance? I think you'd be well able for the Pro
Next up is the IMRA Wicklow Way Race on June 10th. I've a mad plan to collect ITRA points and enter the draw to do the CCC in France next year (though realistically, it could take 3 years to get the call). The WW is worth 5 points and Enduro suggested that the WW is a straightforward way of getting a few points so I'll give it a go though I'm not sure I've 130km in me just yet. No harm in trying I guess 0 -
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Hi Neady. Great racing again. A podium or better is definitely there for you when you decide to go for it.
Our movements have been in synch recently. I was in the Delphi Valley last Saturday, cycling with your friend Rachel, and on that section of the Western Way on Wednesday. We'll finally converge in Ballina tomorrow. I'm pacing 1:40 so see you there.
Oh, btw, it looks as if I won't do the Clare Burren. Need to focus on cycling for a few weeks before a holiday in France.
It was lovely to catch up in Ballina P Well done on the pacing gig. Another well organised event, ye really know how to put on a show in Mayo
Shame about the Burren but we'll catch you at Last on RunningAnnie get your Run wrote: »10th June, brilliant, will put that in the calendar and hopefully get over to cheerlead!
Great, I'll be carrying a tracker so hopefully you should be able to follow though it doesn't start until 12am midnight so I could be in bad shape by the time you see me in daylightah you are in ballina tomorrow , unfortunately im not doing it this year .. better half on call tonight , so kids to be kept entertained tomorrow morning , looks like itl stay dry and light enough winds for it.. pb all the way ! good luck with it..
Shame I missed you in Ballina Woody, would have been nice to meet you in person. Unfortunately I was on pacing duty so there was no opportunity for a PB but I used it as a long run and it went great. Fantastic event, the woods are just incredible to run in 0 -
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Hi Neady
I just finished reading your training log over the last 3 days, all I can say is brilliant just brilliant!
I followed the race this year as our Bootcamp instructor and a few others took it on and I was watching the top 5 women little did I know one was you or that I would find myself here reading your epic adventures. You are truly amazing and inspirational all I want to do is get up and get going LOL I love seeing women do so well in sports and I think well if they can do it so can I I will never be fast but I know I can keep going.
Thanks so much for doing this log I have enjoyed it so much and I am so glad it is still going 0 -
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Good to see you as always. Sorry I didn't have much time, loads of people to meet.
I really enjoyed the day as always. The River Moy half was my first ever half back in 2010 so it's always special for me.
Well done on the pacing. I paced my wife for a 1 hour 10k last year, toughest paving gig ever.
Did I understand correctly you're coming to the Last one Running? Brilliant if you are. Unique event where we can compete but stay together all the way! I watched it last year and was mad to give it a go. I'll be in touch about it.0 -
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Good to see you as always. Sorry I didn't have much time, loads of people to meet.
I really enjoyed the day as always. The River Moy half was my first ever half back in 2010 so it's always special for me.
Well done on the pacing. I paced my wife for a 1 hour 10k last year, toughest paving gig ever.
Did I understand correctly you're coming to the Last one Running? Brilliant if you are. Unique event where we can compete but stay together all the way! I watched it last year and was mad to give it a go. I'll be in touch about it.
Nice going Neady, seriously decent consistent training going on.
What's all this lark about pacing spouses/partners, I don't think mine has ever even seen me run a race never mind participating with me. When I start talking about running her eyes glaze over!
TbL0 -
Hi Neady
I just finished reading your training log over the last 3 days, all I can say is brilliant just brilliant!
I followed the race this year as our Bootcamp instructor and a few others took it on and I was watching the top 5 women little did I know one was you or that I would find myself here reading your epic adventures. You are truly amazing and inspirational all I want to do is get up and get going LOL I love seeing women do so well in sports and I think well if they can do it so can I I will never be fast but I know I can keep going.
Thanks so much for doing this log I have enjoyed it so much and I am so glad it is still going
Awh thank you so much Baby75, that's really very kind of you Crikey, you read the log through, you're a sucker for punishment I'm glad you enjoyed it.
As you can see from my log, I'm far from fast but I'm building endurance and I do love the longer stuff. I think we all find what we love at some point.
I see you're in for DCM this year, the very best of luck with training. Once you put the miles in, you'll get around it without a problem and all of the cross training will definitely stand to you 0 -
Oops Neady, don't think it's easy to pace your OH... speaking from experience of being the pacee...
Yes, I've definitely learned that pacing the other half is not an easy task. It's all s**ts and giggles when things are going well but when it's a tough day, well, some interesting language can be usedGood to see you as always. Sorry I didn't have much time, loads of people to meet.
I really enjoyed the day as always. The River Moy half was my first ever half back in 2010 so it's always special for me.
Well done on the pacing. I paced my wife for a 1 hour 10k last year, toughest paving gig ever.
Did I understand correctly you're coming to the Last one Running? Brilliant if you are. Unique event where we can compete but stay together all the way! I watched it last year and was mad to give it a go. I'll be in touch about it.
I can see why you enjoy the this half so much, it's so pretty and the support is fantastic Yea, next time I think I might just send him of with the official pacer, it's very hard to see someone you care about suffer especially when you know they have the hard work done.
Yup, we're both in for Last One Running and I've been promoting it in Clare. It sounds like a really fun eventThebitterLemon wrote: »Nice going Neady, seriously decent consistent training going on.
What's all this lark about pacing spouses/partners, I don't think mine has ever even seen me run a race never mind participating with me. When I start talking about running her eyes glaze over!
TbL
Cheers TBL Was out your way yesterday evening on the Western Way, I hadn't realised so much of it was boardwalk, boardwalk with nails and trail runners don't go so well. I'm slightly broken today
ha you might have the right approach there on the pacing front 0 -
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Annie get your Run wrote: »Is that from the boardwalk or the distance you ran!!!!!:p
Lets put it down to a combination of both 0 -
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Awh thank you so much Baby75, that's really very kind of you Crikey, you read the log through, you're a sucker for punishment I'm glad you enjoyed it.
As you can see from my log, I'm far from fast but I'm building endurance and I do love the longer stuff. I think we all find what we love at some point.
I see you're in for DCM this year, the very best of luck with training. Once you put the miles in, you'll get around it without a problem and all of the cross training will definitely stand to you
Yep I did and I really enjoyed it it is great seeing how hard work pays off, I am a newcomer to running only a year this summer and I am back on the bike cycling again My husband is much faster than me though so I spend most of my time trying to keep up LOL .he is so much faster than me especially were the bike is concerned, I am hoping with a lot of work I will get stronger and keep up at least at the cycling he does wait for me and doesn't mind but we are doing a team event in September so I want to be able to keep up I am getting there though
Thanks so much 0 -
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I'm tardy with my homework this week but Lonan has saved me having to write up Wednesdays training
Ah here, that's in KM!
I only caught up yesterday on your amazing and incredible experience in Donegal. Then to read about Connemara and how you recovered from both by getting straight back into in and now a Marathon in training, on a WEDNESDAY?!
Your mental and physical strength is incredible. Thank you for continuing to log. I know I'm well behind but it's a brilliant read.
Congratulations on completing so many goals already in 2017.0 -
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Ah here, that's in KM!
I only caught up yesterday on your amazing and incredible experience in Donegal. Then to read about Connemara and how you recovered from both by getting straight back into in and now a Marathon in training, on a WEDNESDAY?!
Your mental and physical strength is incredible. Thank you for continuing to log. I know I'm well behind but it's a brilliant read.
Congratulations on completing so many goals already in 2017.
Than you A, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I've great friends and I wouldn't be doing half of what I'm doing without them dragging my ass about the place:eek:
Give me a marathon over 400m repeats any day ASure nothing like a midweek marathon! That is fair going for a training run, good write up that.
Cheers Diego, Lonan has a great blog. It's well worth checking in there every now and then.shotgunmcos wrote: »Ah when its a trot in the hills with a friend. The hours pass unnoticed. Doing it alone on a road at 4am is madness
Never a truer word said, the time flies when you're in good company and pretty surroundings.El Director wrote: »I've enjoyed catching up with your log Neady. My god you are something else, I'm wrecked just reading about your training/adventures!!
Thank you ED, ah sure, it's all in the name of exploration and having a bit of fun. I really need to get back on the bike after Wicklow is out of the way, I miss the cross training and can feel tiredness in the body from doing mostly running.0 -
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Late with my homework this week
Monday May 15th
AM Recovery: 20mins Wattbike (10km) & 30 mins S&C
Concentrated on the calves and quads.
Tuesday May 16th
AM Circuits: 7 stations @ 3x100secs
1. 5xburpees & 20 punches with 2x4kg dumb bells
2. Turkish sit up & walk type exercise with 8kg kettle bell
3. Bear craw, side ways high knees along some cones & push-up & drops
4. Cure: Push-ups & knees using upside down bosu ball & feet on a step
5. Core: Exercise ball: toes taps and pikes
6. Strength: side-walk & squat with dyna band & pull ups with 8kg kettle bell
7. Turkish sit-ups with 6kg kettle bell
PM Yoga (90 minutes) [/B]
20 minutes of breathing exercises
4 sun salutations
2 sun salutations holding each pose for a minute with a quick one in between
last quick sun salutation
Mostly warrior poses to strengthen the legs.
Wednesday May 17th
AM 25.6miles @ 10:32/mi (4hrs 30mins)
Lonan did a better job on his blog than I could do so I’ll only add that running 16 miles on the road and the rest on board walks with nails was not the best way to break in my Brooks trail runners. They were much too stiff for road running and kept snagging on the nails so I might use a mix of runners in Wicklow – my calves took the brunt of the boardwalk running and were screeching on the way home. It was also a good practice run using the vest with all the gear I need and I used two sachets of Tailwind without anything else and had no problems energy wise.
I didn’t have the auto pause on the watch so the time above includes stops to top up our water bottles from the streams. A great evening to be trotting around Lough Corrib in good company.
Thursday May 18th
6.5miles recovery @ 9:49/mi
Few recovery miles after work.
Friday May 19th
7miles @ 9:57/mi (1hr 10mins)
Early morning run that I found quite tough. Legs are still quite heavy.
Saturday May 20th
AM Bere Island Parkrun: 3.1miles @ 9:09/mi (28mins)
Some park run tourism for Kieran and I. I’d been raving about Ardigole since I was here earlier in May so we decided to spend a few days of our holidays here and Bere Island park run was part of the attraction. We got the ferry from Castletownbere at 9am and the local GP drove the bus from the ferry to the club house where the park run starts. There were 10 to 15 people on the bus and we picked up some locals along the way.
We were able to leave our bags in the club house changing rooms and showers were available afterwards. The plan was to enjoy this run and that I did. It’s on a looped road with no traffic and the views all the way around are incredible. I even stopped to take some pics. Afterwards we headed to the local café, that is run by the man who had just run his 100th PR, for some home made scones and coffee with the locals. The hospitality of the people there was humbling.
They offered us advice on things to do in the area (& I’m in the know of a secret MTB trail for next time) and told us about the setting up of PR and how is has really brought the community of Bere Island together like never before. This one should definitely go on the to do list.
PM 10miles @ 10:43/mi (1hr 47 & 324m)
Up and down the Healy pass with full pack and 1.2ltrs of water. Everything felt fine on the way up but my lower back, where the hamstrings attach to the butt was really achey on the way down and slowed me quite a lot. It’s definitely not an injury but left over from the weird running I was doing on the board walks on Wednesday I'd imagine.
25mins S&C
Lots of foam rolling in the hostel after the Healy pass in an effort to curb the ache in the back.
Sunday May 21st 11.7miles @ 14:04/mi (2hrs 44mins)
Kieran was getting ready to watch the Mayo match so I thought I’d do some exploring on the Bera Way from Ardigole to Gelngarriff. On with the trail runners and my vest with food and water.
I picked up the trail only half a km from the hostel and was straight away hopping over styles, dodging bushes and general fun trail stuff. About a km later, the trail turned left onto a road and this continued for a km or two before I went off road again. I met four very friendly cows before the trail started heading up and over a mountain. This wasn’t very enjoyable as it wasn’t trail so much as muddy wet ground that you couldn’t run on at all. I followed the yellow men (the route markers) for a couple of km and climbed over 4 or 5 styles. About an hour and a bit in, it was getting dull and quite windy so I decided to head back.
I spotted the cows that I had met earlier and went straight for them. Bad idea. The direct route is not always the best. Tore the legs off myself bashing through bushes and saplings. Not so fun times were had and I was glad to finally get back to the cows and the track. I added a few extra km on by running around some little boreens.
My lower back was still a bit achey on this run so I laid off running Monday and Tuesday this week and felt good enough for another long run on Wednesday.
We went to this great place near Castletownbere that's just been taken over by a South African couple and the chef was cooking up a BBQ. Every mile was worth it for the BBQ steak and vege
Totals for the week:
11.75 hours running (64miles)
0.25 hours Cycling (10km)
2.5 hour S&C
1 hour circuits0 -
Wednesday May 17th
AM 625.6miles @ 10:32/mi (4hrs 30mins)
Well, I knew you excel a the longer distances, but this is rather exceptional Well done, loved reading the blog post on it.Saturday May 20th
AM Bere Island Parkrun: 3.1miles @ 9:09/mi (28mins)
Ah, the memories! We did this parkrun in 2015, loved the course, views, the friendliness, and scones after! Thanks for bringing it all back! 0 -
Well, I knew you excel a the longer distances, but this is rather exceptional Well done, loved reading the blog post on it.
Ah, the memories! We did this parkrun in 2015, loved the course, views, the friendliness, and scones after! Thanks for bringing it all back!
Well spotted, thank you Nop
Isn't it funny how those runs will stay with you. I don't think Kieran and I will ever forget our trip to Bere 0 -
Just catching up here. Amazing training going on, S and what a monster session you had on Wednesday!!! Not surprised the homework was late as don't know how you have time to write about it all in such detail!
I'm exactly the same with sandals in summer. I never even get so much as a blister from running for hours on end, but don a pair of sandals when the sun comes out, and my feet are in smithereens for days. I've kind of given up on them and sure don't Sketchers runners go with everything?:)
I'm definitely going to take a trip to Bere Island after reading that. Sounds amazing.
Keep up the fantastic work, and continue to enjoy it as much as you so obviously are right now 0 -
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Just catching up here. Amazing training going on, S and what a monster session you had on Wednesday!!! Not surprised the homework was late as don't know how you have time to write about it all in such detail!
I'm exactly the same with sandals in summer. I never even get so much as a blister from running for hours on end, but don a pair of sandals when the sun comes out, and my feet are in smithereens for days. I've kind of given up on them and sure don't Sketchers runners go with everything?:)
I'm definitely going to take a trip to Bere Island after reading that. Sounds amazing.
Keep up the fantastic work, and continue to enjoy it as much as you so obviously are right now
Thanks A It's 100% worth the trip down south for the hospitality on Bere Island and there's a fab hostel in Ardigole called the Hungry Hill lodge and camping sight that is a perfect place to stay.
I'm glad I'm not the only person with sandal problems A friend was saying that my feet are probably gone soft from being in runners all the time needless to say, I'm back in my sketchers too hillsiderunner wrote: »Nice training and lovely weekend, Neady. Have been googling pictures of Ardigole and Bere Island, going onto my "list".
Thank you HSR Maybe we could do a Boardsie weekend trip to Castletownbere and all make a trip to Bere Island for the PR.Great description of Bere island and such a beautiful area. Definitely on my list too. Love your description of heading for the cows
I feel a Boardsie get together on the cards 0 -
Annie get your Run wrote: » I can't wait to see what this week's update brings #superlegend
ha ha thank you, I'm working on it 0 -
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Monday & Tuesday May 22nd & 23rd
Rest
….. but with lots of walking around Killarney, where we ended up for the next few days of our holidays. This gave my lower back a break for a few days and it was perfect when I went out on Wednesday.
Wednesday May 24th
3.7miles @ 21:52/mi (1hr 20 with 353m) & 17.5miles @ 13:52/mi (4hours & 860m)
Headed up Torc mountain with Kieran. I had been raving about the views of Killarney from the top and it didn’t disappoint. We headed up around 2pm and it was quite hot - stopped at the top for a few minutes and headed back down, I waited at the bottom for Kie and then I was on my merry way with my vest, mandatory gear for the Wicklow Way as well as food and water.
I’d hiked to Kenmare from Killarney a few years back and vaguely remembered the trail being scenic so figured I’d do a there and back while we were in Kerry. The first mile or so is on good trail and then it gets tricky in parts but it’s so very pretty in the National Park so well worth it. I met a few people hiking the trail along the way but I didn’t stop to chat.
The trail meanders across a couple of fast flowing streams so I was able to top up my water bottles there on the out and back – some of the wider streams have fun stepping stones to negotiate. The climbs are quite steep so I was happy to walk these and conserve some energy for the flats and downhill sections. Before long I was out on the narrow road leading to Kenmare (that’s has big steep hills) – I jogged a mile or two of this before turning back so I didn’t quite make it to Kenmare as I was worried Kieran would be sending out the search party if I was gone too long.
On the way back I was passed by a motor bike on the trail. The guy on the bike had stopped to admire the views at one of the high point so we chatted for a bit there, I was happy of the break for a few minutes. He had a funky looking bike and was out for a spin during his break from work. I had the National Park all to myself on the way back after that except for one deer who was happily munching some grass. I stopped a couple of times to top up my water bottles and wash my face and hands as it was a really hot and sticky afternoon.
A very enjoyable few hours on the trails on my own. The time reflects the total time it took me, including stops for chats and water.
Thursday May 25th
8miles @ 9:49/mi (1 hr 20mins)
We moved on to Killaloe for the last few days of our holidays and as soon as we got there I went out to explore the beautiful towpaths by the river – I also did some exploring around Brian Borus fort. It was really humid so I kept the pace very easy and guzzled two pints of water at the bar when I got back to the hotel.
Friday May 26th
7miles @ 9:44/mi (1hr 10mins)
An early morning run before we headed back to Galway. The leaving certs must have graduated the night before as there were quite a few bodies strewn around the place. I’d planned on taking Kieran up Moylussa but he wasn’t in the form for it – next time.
Saturday May 27th
24km of mountain biking on the Burren Way (2hrs 16mins)
Frank suggested a MTB along the Burren marathon route before the marathon so I set the alarm for 2am and met Jacqo and Frank in Ballyvaughan at 3:30am on the bike and ready for road. I had to stop in Kinvara on the way down to let the torrential rain settle down a bit – there’s no denying that I was tempted to pull up, send the lads a text and fall asleep for another few hours.
Thankfully it was only misting as we headed off on the bikes in the dead of night. The ground was still very wet and before long we were pushing the bikes up the field and on the green road. Unfortunately the limestone was super slippy and Jacqo had her bike set up for more road than off-road biking so she was sliding all over the place. I walked sections of it with her and told Frank to belt on and we’d meet him in Ballyv when we were done.
Once again, the dawn chorus was surreal and as we descended to Fanore I thought I heard thunder so we stopped and listened. It was a heard of (wild?) horses and foals thundering around a field and when we caught a glimpse of them it took our breath away. We took the road back to Ballyv from here, dried off and got an hour of sleep before towing the line at the start of the Burren marathon.
26.2miles @ 9:58/mi (4hrs 21mins & 620m)
The downpour started again at 8am, just as I was picking up my race number so I slunk back to my car in foul humour. Debated what I’d wear in this weather and settled on the Brooks trail runners, shorts, t-shirt & a light rain jacket over it. Took myself to the start line where I caught up with Frank, John and my friend Edel who was doing the half. Thankfully we were off at bang on 9am and I fell into step with Edel (Frank & John went off like the clappers so there was no sticking with them). We chatted happily and the first two miles flew by but I was feeling it already – I had an inkling that this would be a long day. First 4 miles were 8:50, 9:06, 8:53 & 10:16.
At mile 4 we turned off onto the first off road section and as I figured, it was mucky, very wet and involved some slop dodging. This is where we started the first climb of the day and I was finding it very difficult to lift my legs at all, there was no pep in my step today. I told Edel to belt on and I struggled on up the hill. At the point where the marathon and the half marathoners diverge, I was 70% heading on the half route as I felt terrible. I don’t know how I coaxed myself to stick with the full.
I watched as a guy who’d turned off to do the half, doubled back and went on the marathon route. Caught up with him (Damien) heading up the hill and he told me he was supposed to do the half but on a whim figured he’d do the full. His poor wife was waiting at the finish line for him and expecting him in after 2 or so hours. Asked him if he’d trained for the distance and said that he has been but his marathon isn’t for 6 weeks Sure what better way to train for a marathon than to do one without planning to. The man had balls and he was good craic. We must have ran together for well over an hour, exchanging stories and chatting about life. I completely forgot about how tough the run was and was absorbed in our conversation.
I’d told Damien about a big climb that was coming up – a really steep section that would zap the legs but one that we’d be forced to walk. Before long we were there and unfortunately Damien fell back a bit so I was on my own again. I’d forgotten my blip at this stage and was happy enough running my own race. I passed a few people here and there.
I’ve no stats after 4 miles unfortunately as my watch died. After much research I pulled the trigger on a new watch, the Suunto Ambit 3 Vertical. I need a watch with a good battery for the WW and I was owed a birthday present so I called this in. It’s a really nice watch despite looking like a juggernaut on my small wrist. Lots of features and a 15h battery with 5 second GPS accuracy (100 hours with 1 minute accuracy). I’m pretty sure it’ll make me a cup of tea but I haven’t figured out which button does that yet. Anyway, I only got it late on Friday night so hadn’t charged it enough boooooooo.
Zipping down the hill to Fanore beach I was feeling good and reminiscing back to how I was at this stage last year – not good at all I had started to walk little sections at this point last year. The next section (mile 19 – 22 I think) is the Green Road on the Burren Way, a great trail to run but with some slippy rocks to negotiate.
Here I met a guy from Cork. We chatted, he’d won this race 5 years previous but had some health problems so was now making his come back. He pointed out a lady about 500m in front of us and told me that she was in third place and egged me on to go after her. I took the lead on the trail and he followed my footing, staying with me until we reached the section where we descended onto the road. All the time he kept telling me to go for it but I really had no inclination as I was out to enjoy myself and not kill myself. Once onto the road he was still shouting after me to go on so I took off my jacket, threw it in the ditch and went for it.
I was a few meters behind her when we came to a water station, the girl at the station told us we were third and fourth. Third stopped to grab water and I over took and went hell for leather (or as fast as I could after 23 miles). I’d love to have the stats as I really felt that I motored on, I looked behind me once or twice but there was no sign of her and even though I knew that I had a cushion, I wasn’t willing to slow down in case she got a second wind.
I could see a guy up ahead in a green top and he was going at a nice clip but he stopped every 2 or 3 hundred meters. With about 1.2 miles to go I came upon him and he was walking so I tapped him on the shoulder and told him to come on. Turns out he was French with not a word of English but in the universal language of running, he understood what I was getting at. Sign language while running is mighty craic. I could gather that he was from a flat area in France and not used to hills but loved the Burren. In silence we ran the last half a mile together. Nearing the line he gave me a push to go ahead. Great big hugs and kisses when we’d both crossed the line. His friends took some pictures and I went for a lie down on the footpath
A cracking race and made some friends for life. Twenty minutes faster than last year and third girl home. Delighted to get a podium finish and a free entry into next years race for my efforts
Sunday May 28th
6miles @ 10:03/mi (61mins)
Was down home to see the folks so headed to Kilkee for a recovery run. I headed out towards Dunlicky from the car park at the strand. This is the 10km route for the Hell of the West and what a stunning route with views out over the ocean. Very easy pace and I paddled in the toasty water for 10 minutes after.
Totals for the week:
13.25 hours running (68.5miles)
2.25 hours MTB
Two weeks to the Wicklow Way and another taper 0
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