Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try

annapr wrote: »

Loch Erne is really lovely and Fermanagh is very underrated. Plus you have the added bonus of looking across at the hills of Donegal

Ah! that's what those hills were!! Although at one point there were mountains on either side, I hadn't a clue where I was, shocking how little time I've spent in that part of the country (north of Leitrim).

Hilariously the sat nav (google maps on my phone) changed from KM to miles the second I crossed the border #verysmartphoneindeed!!

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

A sauna man in Lusty Beg... This log gets awful raunchy at times.

Ha, hardly! was just checking if anyone was paying attention, you win :pac::pac:

tang1 wrote: »

Well done this evening AM, great to see you back racing.

Ooooh that was sooooo much FUN!! there were hills and grass and MUCK loved every second of it!!!

Carton House Trail Race 6K in 33:25 - 6k PB

What can I say about this? I’ve been looking forward to it for a while, initially I was just going to turn up and jog it but as I’d had such a good time on Saturday in Cabinteely and I’ve been feeling almost back to normal I thought I’d give it a bit of a go, not race it flat out now mind you!

Arrived at 7.20 nice and early for registration which was seamless, caught up with some clubmates (managed to miss the group photo :rolleyes:). Hats off to the club, they know how to put on a good race and this was no different, in fact I think one of our better organised events and it was so great to see so many runners there on the night, plenty of quality and the top end and runners from all range of categories.

I started fairly far back in an effort to ensure I wasn’t going to go too fast but quickly realised I was in the wrong place I worked my way through the runners ahead - the start was uphill on grass so between that and the traffic ahead I thought I’d have a fairly slow first mile (I don't do km's..!) I didn’t look at the watch once, not even to check my HR, I ran this completely by feel and the feel I was going for was hard but not full tilt. Looking at the splits this was my fastest mile 8:54, not bad for mostly uphill on grass eh! At some point towards the end of this mile I passed a clubmate but she decided to come with me, we fell into a comfortable rhythm and ran together for the rest of the race, keeping each other going as it turned out.

We left the grass and went into the trails which were somewhat muddy (I’ve seen much worse in the cow park though and in fact it was muddier in Fermanagh on Mondays run) lots of squealing and eewww’s from runners not used to muck, all going around the outside of it - obviously I ploughed through and passed them all Aforementioned clubmate came too. There were a few downhills in here and I took full advantage, dropping the arms for a rest and letting gravity help with the increased pace. Second mile was 9:17 and I was feeling absolutely fantastic and lapping up every second of being in a race again.

Out of the trails and back onto grass and more hills! I was happy now to see the 4K mark, the lungs were starting to tire but the legs and body (and heart) all felt fine. We worked together up the hills and passed a good few more people in the last couple of km’s. As we turned onto the long avenue toward the finish which was out of sight we both picked up the pace - there’s hopefully a good photo of us both at this point (clubmate out taking pics) we pushed on, still passing people. When the road turned and we could see the finish, downhill! I told her to go as I didn’t think I’d a sprint in me, she said she didn’t either but as it happened my legs took over and with some more clubmates cheering on the finish line I sprinted home with a massive grin from ear to ear - I couldn’t have cared less about the time, I’ve never done a 6K or a trail race for me it was all about being back running with other runners, pushing myself and having a bloody good time. Mile 3 was 9:09 and then 8:02 for the final .7 (avg HR 157)

Had a quick cuppa and slice of yummy fruit cake - the post race spread was absolutely fantastic and headed off for a cool down jog back to the car.

I’m still buzzing this morning if not a bit tired and the body feels like I’ve done a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson - obviously from the rougher running conditions but I’m off now to search for more trail runs!!! I think I’m hooked

A massive well done to the club for a great race, congrats to lougheese, fletch and JMSE for their fantastic runs too!

Happy Friday!