But its cold outside

UM1 wrote: »

In Donadea....we only cheer for burds.

ah you're such a sweetheart:D...don't tell Mrs UM i said that;)

Saturday 11th February - Donadea 50 km

This event has been at the back of my mind as something I would love to be in a position to attempt to do since back in 2013 when Marthastew won the event. The following year in 2014 claralara won it with Marthastew in 2nd. 2015 passed me by and last year jcsmum was second.

Now I knew they were all faster runners then me but it was still in my mind. So when I saw it mentioned somewhere last Sept or October I mentioned it to Coach and he said I would have no bother doing it. My reasoning to myself and my other half was that seeing as I was in the best condition ever as regards fitness and health I decided to strike while the iron is hot. Why wait another year, so I entered!!!

Once Dublin marathon was over it was back on the agenda and after a few recovery weeks I started into a 12 training plan. It was going to be along the same lines as normal marathon training plans and I trusted in Coach so didn’t think anymore about it and just followed the plan. Again training went well except for an odd missed run here and there but overall I felt good going into this.

One thing that was playing on my mind was the last few miles of Dublin marathon and how bad I felt and I didn’t want to be in that condition with another 8km to add on top. So the goal was always to finish within the 5hr cutoff and not worry about trying to achieve a certain time that was predicted according to previous race times. I reintroduced Calcium, Magnesium and Iron back into my diet from 3 weeks out as I had run out before Christmas and hadn’t been taking any. The lead up week I was more conscious of my diet & hydration and made the effort to get to bed earlier and I had a reasonable good week of sleep.

On Friday it struck me what I was taking on and the nerves really took over. I was a bit of a mess on Friday evening but tried to stay off my feet and not worry about it, what would be would be!!

Up early on Saturday morning way before the alarm and did all I needed to do. I even had time to slice and individually wrap one of the Tea Bracks I had made for the supporters. This ended up coming back home as I forgot to make sure Tang gave it out, but the kids are delighted as they love the stuff!!!

-2 showing on the car as hubby and I headed off to Met with Tang as arranged and then i was headed off for Donadea, I was still shaking with the nerves and Tang let me yap away to my heart’s content.:D

Once we arrived at Donadea forest park all my nerves disappeared but now I was shaking with the cold. Met loads of people I knew from different areas in my life and had a few words with each of them and wished them all luck. Registration was smooth and effortless and then headed back to the car for final preparations. I had removed my base-layer earlier before I left home on the belief that I would warm up, but I decided to put this back on and I decided I could take if off again if I got too hot(there was no fear of that happening as it turned out). It was great having boy servant Tang on hand to hold, carry and lift things for me!!!;)
Quick loo visit and then a hug & good wishes from Tang and next thing we were all off to the start.

Lap 1 - I went to the very back of the pack and before I knew it the race had started!!! Fell in to step beside Racoon Queen and them Pacing mule joined us. I started my watch as I crossed the start line forgetting I should have started it when the race started but it was only 20 secs out so no big issue!!

First bit was a bit congested but no issue as we had plenty of time to get sorted. I did have a moment of panic as the 5hr pacers/sweeper passed us by and took off. There were only 2 people behind us as we came around the lake and we spotted Tang at his Marshals spot by the turn at the edge of the lake. The first mile clocked in shortly at 9.24 but it felt too fast. The 5 hr pacers settled a bit then and we had to pass to keep our pace going. The next mile clocked in at 9.14 and this felt fine. I chatted with RQ & PM as we ran along and PM reminded me that GPS cover was not perfect when I commented on the pace showing as 8.5XX, but when mile 3 clock in at 8.58 I told the 2 to go on ahead I want to try keep things a little slower for a while yet!! I had started drinking a 250 bottle with Zero in it before the start and I sipped on this throughout this lap.
Lap 1 – 28.32 (+ 2.11 for the run up)

Lap 2 - I settled in with another woman and we chatted for the next lap and 2 lads joined us and we chatted for the whole lap. I switched my watch display off from lap pace and just had total avg pace, distance and time showing. It didn’t matter now what the pace was. I was comfortable and I decided to just run by feel and not worry about the time. I took my first shotblok at about 50mins during this lap and I had a 250m bottle of water that I sipped as required..
Lap 2 – 28.23

Lap 3 - AGYR had arrived and had a big shout out for me as I started into my third lap. I stayed with my new friends for the next lap again and we were going along at a nice steady even pace and we chatted away . We were being lapped from now on in and everyone who passed me got a few words of encouragement and plenty of them returned the sentiments. I was enjoying myself and the run.
Lap 3 – 28.17

Lap 4 - My new female friend decided to stop for a loo break as we came around for the start of lap 4 so it was just me and 1 guy so we kept the pace going side by side and chatted on and off but there was no pressure to be chatting either. AGYR had joined Tang at his Marshals spot and they gave great encouragement as we passed. As we approached the hill we slowed to check on a woman who was struggling a bit. She assured us she was ok and she was coming up to some marshals so would stop with them, her race was over as she had picked up the bug her son had all week and wasn’t in a position to finish. She said she had promised her husband she would stop if not feeling well and she was keeping her promise. It was a bit of a jolt as we realised that we weren’t assured of anything until we crossed the line for the final time.
Lap 4 – 29.09

Lap 5 and my new friend decided to stop at the feeding table, I grabbed a bottle of zero from my stash as I passed by and got a great big shout out from one of the girls from work who had come down to cheer me on. It was great and I was delighted. Lots of people were cheering me on but it was lovely when it was someone I knew that was there to help me out by encouraging me.
Lap 5 was another one in the bag with no issues and I crossed the halfway make in 2.25.xx so I was up on the 5 hr cur off. I had another shot blok during this lap and I was beginning to lose track of when I was taking them and knew another gel would be due soon but decided to push it out to the next lap.
Lap 5 - 28.55

Lap 6 and the Boards supporters had arrived.:D Such a reception they gave me and it was wonderful and a great lift for me. I grabbed a bottle of water as I passed by the table and then there was another great big shout out from Tang & AGYR as they were making their way back towards the cabin , no doubt for some warming and well deserved hot drinks. I was still feeling good and still smiling at everyone. I was sure my family would have arrived by the time I got in another lap!! Took my second gel as I started into this lap and thankfully there was no issue with my stomach. I did note to myself that the gel tasted different to what I was expecting but didn’t think anymore of it. I also noted that the overall avg pace was dropping on each lap but I really didn’t mind as I was comfortable and still feeling good.
Lap 6 – 29.10

Lap 7 - As I rounded into the start of Lap 7, first thing I see is the sign my daughter has made for me and knew my crew has arrived. There was alot more there than I was expecting. I was expecting my husband and 3 kids but along side him was my sister and her 2 kids and 2 of the girls I run with in Navan and their kids and they had a poster with my name on it and it was brilliant, a really big lift. The Boards crew were still making themselves heard and it really was like a shot of adrenaline each and every time. I was being lapped constantly, by some for the first time, some for the second, but I was also passing people too. I knew I wasn’t lapping them but just passing them as they slowed. I was still feeling good. The hill each time was not bothering me either and I put this down to my runs on the hills at home. Throughout the 10 laps the hill never fazed me once and for that I was very grateful.
Lap 7 – 29.18

Lap 8 - Starting off for lap 8 and the cheers are as good as ever. The first 3 placed runners have crossed the line and I still have 3 laps to go!!! Meno is at the clock and gives me a big shout out and enquirers how I’m doing. 3 laps to go!!! RQ who had stopped earlier was giving shout outs every time I passed the clock too. I waved to my gang again and inform them, when they asked too, 3 laps to go!!! The Boards crew keep the support going. I’m starting to feel the miles in the legs and it’s like someone stuck a pin in me and all the air has gone out of me. I grab a Granola Oats & Maple syrup bar out of my stash as I pass the table. I spot Chickey2 by the lake and get lovely words of support from her and it’s like its ok to tell her what I didn’t want my kids to know, but it’s starting to feel difficult. :eek:

I munch on a bit of the granola bar and it’s good. I sip my water but note I only have a small drop so go easy on it as I want it for the next bit of bar. During the next mile I munch on one stick of the bar and it really helps. Along here a runner is coming up alongside me and as I glance to wish them well I realise its Murph and I think he’s as shocked to discover me. We exchange a few words and I wish him well as he continues on his way. He’s on lap 9 and I’m on 8, wishing I was on 9!!! However the bar must have done something as I don’t feel any worst than I did during mile 23. It’s like I’ve reached a level but don’t go any lower.
These last few laps are lonely as the runners are all well-spaced out and there are less people passing so things are a lot quieter. A lot of the marshals have left too so it could be a mile before you see another person. I’m used to running on quite country road and I found it a little difficult, so I can’t imagine how anyone used to running in a busy environment felt. I took my third gel during mile 24, it still doesn’t taste great, very bland but still stomach is ok.
Lap 8 - 30.16

Lap 9 and the supports are still helping no end with the brilliant support. It’s hard to identify some people with hats & hoods but its great to hear them. Mentally I’m back in a good spot, only 2 more laps. I am going to finish this, no matter what. I know now that I will finish and hope to God nothing happens to put an end to that. I get very emotional here. I note mile 26 clocking in and keep a watch for marathon distance. Foot of the hill and marathon distance clocks in at 4.07.30. and I fly up the hill.;);)

This is now the home run. I want to take off but talk some sense into myself, it’s the home run but it’s still just under 5 miles to go…way too early. I maintain my pace which is still slowing and lap 9 clocks in at the slowest of all at 30.51 but who cares its lap 9!!!:rolleyes:
Lap 9 - 30.51.

Lap 10 - As I start into Lap 10, I’m laughing and telling everyone sure I’ll do one more lap. Think I’m actually losing it here!!!:eek: Murph is finished and gives me a shout out from the finish area as I go by. I grab a bottle of water and my 3rd bottle of zero and I head off on my final lap. I have one gel left in my belt so I decide to take it. I also turn my watch back to mile pace and this is a hug boost for me. I count down each mile. Mile 29 clocks in at 10.15 but its the problem with trying to get the gel open and the water open. My hands are frozen and difficult to use. So much for my lovely fleecy running gloves, they couldn’t stop the cold from getting in…

Mile 30 I’m picking up pace and getting a bit excited, I’m passing people and give them all a few words of encouragement, nearly there. I’m feeling very emotional and a bit disbelieving. My legs are moving well, the stomach is feeling good, there are no problems. I’m feeling on top of the world and I only have 1.5m left. Mile 30 clocks in at 9.39. It feels like 7.39!!!

Then it’s “only 1m” and I moving faster again. A lady shouts out to me “you are flying keep it going”!!! Any marshals that are left I am high fiving them and thanking them for their support. Then the 4km maker comes up and it’s no longer miles, its 1km to go.

I come to where we started and AGYR is there and starts cheering and shouting and running alongside me, she shouts to me to sprint and I turn and laughingly tell her” I am FXXXing sprinting(and I never curse:eek:) The crowd 400m away start shouting my name , UM1 is coming along with the megaphone and is roaring me on, a high 5 as I pass him and then Annapr is on the right roaring me on.

Suddenly I spot my youngest on the left and she is waiting for me. I grab her hand and we run in the last 50m to a roaring crowd that sounded like thousands but was probably 20 – 30 people. I throw my arms into the air and the biggest smile ever is on my face. Mile 31clocked in 9.01
Lap 10 - 29.31

I did it, I really did!!! I cross the line and my husband and other kids are there and I feel amazing. My breathing goes a little funny like what happened in Dublin but this time I don’t panic and I catch my breath. The chip is removed from my show without me even realising it and my son states that I have to get my sugars in. I’ve an awful habit of forgetting to eat after and then get very lightheaded and he was listening. So he got me my bottle of Lucozade and I drank half the bottle and it tasted good. I went into the marque and my husband and sister helped me change and I instantly feel warmer. It takes me a long time to get organised and I want to get back out to thank the supporters. I do a few photos with my friends from Navan as they have to head as the little ones are fed up and who could blame them.

Then I got to thank all the fantastic Boards crew and finally meet those I haven’t officially met before. I'm afraid to name them all in case i leave someone out. EDIT But I'm going to try - Thanks to Tang1, Annie get your Run, MrsMc, Annapr, Mrs Kennyg, Chickey2, FBOT, Jake1970, FerrisB, MurphD after he finished he had energy to cheer me on too. Belcarra, Aimman, Marthastew, Mr Marthastew, RacoonQueen, Pacing mule and of course UM1 and to everyone who sent me good wishes across all different types of media!!!(think that everyone)

I’m still very emotional thinking about it and even writing this report. I am so very proud of myself and delighted to have achieved this. I am blessed to have a family who support my hobby and to be part of a group that are prepared to stand for hours in the freezing cold to watch me run round in circles!!!

Delighted and very lucky to have someone to coach me and who knows what they are taking about and I can just run and not have to understand all the scientific reasoning behind the why of training. Thank you Myles.

As for Donadea, well I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try their hand at the longer stuff. It’s a great set up and they run a great show. will i be back. . .we'll just have to wait and see;)

Overall during the run i took 4 x 250ml bottle of water, 3 x 250ml bottles of Zero mix, 4 gels and 4 shot blocks. discovered when binning my gel wrappers on Saturday evening that my gels were original flavour instead of orange. I've checked the box but the rest are orange so don't know how that happened!!!

Official gun time 4.54.33,
Garmin - 31.01m in 4.54.16 @ 9.29 burning 4032 calories!!

Apologies its a long one!!!

Recovery Week

Thank you all for the lovely kind words.

Recovery is to be expected, in that I am very tired but legs are surprisingly good. They have been in worse condition doing training runs.

After a bit of a false start on Saturday evening, plenty or rehydration and a bit of grub and then I managed to have a few PB Beers and they went down very nicely!!
Sunday was spent lazing away and keeping the body rested followed by a few more of those lovely cold beers!!

Monday was a duvet day with my 2 youngest after dropping the eldest to school and things were feeling pretty good.

Tuesday was another day off and I was tired again....was contemplating a short walk/recovery run but just didn't bother!!

Sports massage Tuesday evening and legs are in very good kick. Light rub out and no issues. He taped my ankle to let the blood flow as its still bruised from the treatment last week and thankfully after lap 1 on Saturday it gave me no problem.


Wednesday 15th Feb - Recovery Run
Back in work today and decided I would go with one of the girls for a bit of a run. She was doing 5m and I said I would do 3 with her. First mile was a little rusty but second mile was great and I was thinking maybe i'll do the 5 with her, but then common sense popped her head in;) and told me to cop on!!!:eek:

During mile 3 and the legs decided they weren't having it and I shuffled on for another .75 of a mile before I decided to walk the rest of the way back. The walk was lovely and legs had no bother while walking but I was glad to get out at all.

I will rest tomorrow and I have my Uncles funeral on Friday so I won't get out, so will just see what happens over the weekend but not going to stress about it.

Total 2.76m @ 10.33

WTD: 2.76m
MTD: 72.32m
YTD: 244.11m