Time for a New Adventure

The start of a new week and a new focus. The next month will be largely about running, particularly trail running when I can get on the trails. My next target race is the IMRA Wicklow Way Race on June 10th. I’m not quite sure if I’ll be ready for a 130km trail run but I’ve nothing to loose by going for it and I can’t think of a better way of seeing Wicklow. It has an allocation of 5 ITRA points that I can use to enter the draw to take part in the 2018 CCC, the baby sister of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blancs so there in lies my motivation.

Monday May 7th
AM 5.1miles easy @ 10:04/mi (51minutes)
Out in the AM to get a few miles by the river – the pace was really slow as I was scouting out new routes - jumping over gates, around some cows and much further up by the river than I usually go.

Lunch 6.2miles @ 9:28/mi (59mins)
Up and over the hill on circular road a few times in the sunshine. If I want to keep up running in this weather that I’ll have to start bringing water with me as I was parched with the thirst.

PM 6.5miles @ 9:28/mi (62mins)
Another hot hilly route and almost 18 miles done before I got home from work.

Tuesday May 8th
AM 3.1Miles @ 9:26/mi (29mins)
Couple of cool miles by the river before circuits.

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

25 minutes S&C
Heel drops, quad & glute stretches, foam roller on the quads & calves.

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
Few hip opening poses and some really good glute stretches before relaxation

I was in Dublin for the day for meeting, wore sandals that I hadn’t worn since last summer. Feet are in bits, blisters under almost every toe and under the arch of both feet. Can do all sorts of races and survive relatively unscathed but a pair of sandals take me out.

Wednesday May 9th
AM 6.2miles @ 9:28/mi (59minutes)
Early morning run in the company of Rachel. There can’t be a better way then to start the day with a run in great company. We took the track by the river where lots of students were lying out with their duvets. I doubt they were up to catch the sun rise – I guess schools out for summer.

Lunch 5miles @ 9:32/mi (48mins)
Had enough time to squeeze in a short run between meetings.

PM 10 miles @ 9:35/mi (96mins)
Another hilly run. All these runs are done from feel. The blister on my right big toe was really bothering me. Almost got taken out by a roller skater on the prom, she clipped the front of my foot

Thursday May 10th
AM 20 minutes S&C
Heel drops & much glute stretching.

Circuits 6 stations @ 4x90 secs each
1. Core: 20 sliders & 5 10kg ball slams
2. Core: side planks, 2 varieties
3. Kettle bell swings: 10 swings & a side shuffle
4. Bosu ball sit down stand up
5. Get up lunge & walking lunges with 10kg
6. Backward lunge & squat (2x5kg)
7. Ropes: 20 slams & jumps
This started well but I quickly got quite tired so kept the weights light and focused on the strength element.

PM 1.3miles @ 10:55/mi (15mins)
Had the evening to myself and had planned a bike ride but work was pretty busy and we were all working late. I asked one of the girls in the office to go for a walk/jog for a break and eventually cajoled her to run but she was done after a mile and a bit.

Friday May 11th
7.1miles @ 9:25/mi (67mins)
Steady run in the sun before work. Headed for Ballina after work o no time for a PM run. My quads are really quite stiff from all the lunges yesterday.

Saturday May 12th
4.4miles @ 10:27, 4.6miles @ 9:09/mi & 13.2miles @ 9:14/mi (3hrs3mins)
I was on pacing duty for the River Moy half marathon. Kieran has been steadily training whilst coming back from a long injury and Ballina was to be his second half marathon after his first one two years ago (sans training) pretty much broke him.

I got out for a run in Belleek woods, on the trails, with Rachel in the morning before breakfast and well before the half. The trails in the woods are spectacular and offer a great training ground to get some technical work done.

I warmed up before the half and was just at the line with Kieran when everyone was heading off. I’d suggested that we go with the 2:10 pacers but Kieran thought he could go sub 2:10 so despite my protests I let him dictate the pace. Unfortunately, I knew on the first mile that it may not be his day, his breathing was too laboured. He’d had a stressful week with funding reviews, lack of sleep and dinners out and I think it took it’s toll. At mile four he was really suffering and was adamant that I go on as he wanted to walk sections and he knew I wouldn’t let him walk. So I trotted on at my own pace feeling sorry for him and hoping that he finish.

My legs were quite tired when I finished. It was a great event in a stunning part of the country – I’d highly recommend it. Kieran came in 4 minutes behind target but with a valuable lesson learned – the days coming up to a race are important and pacing is key. We’ve another target race in mind in about 5 weeks so we’ll have another crack at it.

Sunday May 13th
4.5miles @ 10:43/mi (48mins)
Another early run with Rachel on the trails in the woods. Took me a while to loosen out, I’d a niggle on the left knee and my right foot was bothering me a bit. Nothing to suggest there’s an injury looming but enough that I know I need to do some stretching and do some walking.

Totals for the week:
12 hours running (74miles)
2.25 hours S&C
2 hours circuits

annapr wrote: »

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 used

snailsong wrote: »

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.

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 event

ThebitterLemon 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

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

aquinn wrote: »

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

annapr wrote: »

:eek:

Give me a marathon over 400m repeats any day A

diego_b wrote: »

Sure 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.

Ososlo wrote: »

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.

annapr wrote: »

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

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