Leader Of The (Mid) Pack

Many thanks for all your good wishes. Time to bring this one back up to date :eek:

Is Fearr An Iarthar 2019

Fri 17/5 - 3.90 miles@8:45/mi

Back to Inishbofin, for the sixth year in a row, but my first time to race here.

After we'd got settled in our hotel room, I decided to head out for a lap of the course, before I got too comfortable. Just over a mile into my stint, I started climbing the hill which goes up past the school. Barely into it, I'm feeling the pain, and thinking how in jaysis am I going to race up this four times tomorrow?! Few other hills in there too Weather was dry but windy at the start, then it started absolutely lashing for the last mile. Glad to get back in before changing, then heading out for food and two pints once the rain eased off.

Later, while I was waiting to collect my number and t-shirt, ReeReeG and her pal arrived, both in great form and enjoying the Inishbofin experience. Hopefully nothing would happen the next day to sour it! As we were in the queue, some geezer behind me asked me what times usually won the HM. He didn't look perturbed when I mentioned 1:32 and 1:34....

I don't usually bother with the Late Late, but there was a special to mark John Sheehan's 80th birthday, so we watched that to relax ourselves. I'd no idea Phelim Drew could sing anything like his da.

Sat 18/5 - Inishbofin Half Marathon, Co. Galway

I was a bit like a kid on Christmas morning, as I stirred myself after a middling night's sleep, and headed down the stairs for breakfast. It was raining again early in the morning, but it stopped as I was getting my gear together, and I had a very relaxing stroll to the community centre. I did get roped in to setting up the gantry at the finish - thankfully we managed to get it standing and secure! After a few stretches, it was time for the short walk to the start. Short briefing, quick countdown, and we were away!

- "There's such a fine line between stupid and, uh.."
- "Clever"
- "Yeah, and clever"

1

The start was on a little hump about 50 yards east of the pier, before a shortish but at times steep enough hill immediately after the turn for the community centre, up to the old lighthouse where the 10k runners would start from later. My aim was to try and keep a tight rein on any speedy bursts, having to be mindful that there were so many ups and downs to negotiate. Up the school hill for the first time. I know it's long - half a mile, give or take, before it starts to level off. With this in mind, slow and steady was the way to go. I kept it controlled, picking off a few having deliberately started a long way back. Two were gone out ahead, with a lot of other fast looking starters, and further back there was a girl in a ponytail who started a bit ahead of me. At the top of the hill, as the road levelled off passing Inishbofin airport, I guessed I was somewhere between 12th and 15th. Not to worry - long way to go here!

2

Continuing flat through the cluster of houses called Middlequarter at the highest point of the course, before dropping down into the very exposed valley. I passed a guy just before the taximan's house - he was out with the kids to give me a cheer as I went through I passed somebody else on the long downhill towards where the 10k runners would turn right on their second lap. We kept going straight though - up another hill, then down the other side. There is/was a snappy little dog in the house at the top of that hill, which has chased me on more than one occasion, so I'm always ready to turn on the afterburners as I'm passing :pac: Gaining on a guy in a blue top, and we were both catching another lad. Even at this early stage, I couldn't see anyone else ahead, apart from the ponytailed girl.

3

This one started with a very sharp right and left descent to East End Beach, turning right to run past the houses. This is one of my favourite parts of the island, and we've usually stayed around here. This area was really badly hit by a storm a few years ago, and most of the rocks that built up, as well as the remains of the curing station, are still there. At the end of the row of the houses, up the drag which takes you to the turnoff for Dumhac beach, and I finally caught up to Blue Top. We worked together as we headed west, past the graveyard and through the 3 mile marker. I decided to ask what time that was. He answered 7:20 - we agreed that was too fast, even with the downhill at the start!

4

Another very tough hill to start this one. We were slowly catching the next fella, who kept looking behind him - surely not a good sign? My wife was supporting just after the next little water station - I was delighted to see her there. Taking on water didn't slow me down too much. I tried stretching out the legs on the long descent towards the harbour, but the last part of this is so steep, so I had to slow down for the last few yards. Through the start with Blue Top, but Creaky Neck is about 50 metres ahead as we pass the community centre and end Mile 4. Nobody else in sight ahead - I didn't look behind.

5

Up to the 10k start again, and I'm feeling it in the legs, but the two of us are still working in tandem up the school hill for the second time. It's not even a straight hill - there are a few twists and turns, and the gradient regularly changes. Past the Inishbofin GAA pitch, and shortly after the school itself. Still haven't caught Creaky Neck. Play the long game, still probably an hour or more of this to go!

6

Some respite of sorts, as the course levelled off before dropping downhill again. Keep concentrating, keep your form. Relax the shoulders! (something I almost entirely neglect to do usually) Up Snappy Dog Hill for the second time. Turns out Creaky Neck is wearing one of those dark blue Dublin GAA jerseys. Fair play to him At the end of the downhill after Snappy Dog House, we turn left, and just for a second or two I feel a bit of pain in my knee. It soon goes though. Phew! Thought I might have to stop there :eek:

7

I can definitely feel it getting warmer out there, as the sun gained in strength while we descended to East End Beach again. Still with Blue Top, as we've seemingly dropped Creaky Neck. It certainly feels harder on the second lap. Come on, stick with it! The graveyard ascent is tougher than it looks, and halfway up another very difficult climb, we complete Mile 7.

8

Ouch. Felt that! Bit of a breather on scaling that hill, and past my wife again for badly needed support. In the meantime, Creaky Neck was back with us. Maybe we hadn't left him too far behind in the first place. I suggested that the three of us just run together and finish it out, as we were unlikely to catch anyone or be caught from there. Bit of psychology from me, to be fair - if I thought I could have got rid of either of them at that point, I'd have been over the hills like a shot! The mind was certainly willing, but the legs had other ideas, as we passed the harbour again, and up the hill to the lighthouse.

9

We thought we might clear the 10k start before they got away, but we missed that target, even though in the 10k start Facebook video, you can see the three of us going through just before the end of the clip. Blue Top started to move clear as we worked our way through the 10k runners. I knew a few Porterstown Panthers were running this one, and gave them a shout as I passed. I didn't spot ReeReeG along here - presumably she'd decided to do what I hoped she would.

Up the school hill again. I hadn't noticed it so much on the first two, but as I turned left and up north for about 150 metres, the wind just hit me straight in the face. WOOOFFF! Come on, hang in there! This is the hardest part of the race, the dead zone, where you're still a long way from the finish but really hurting. Couldn't gain much momentum, as I watched Blue Top pull further ahead. I passed a few more 10k runners, but still no sign of V, as we passed the turn off to the finish. There were a few marshals here recording our numbers. One of them goes to me - "Sure you were only here two minutes ago" I laugh, even though my legs are in bits!

10

Through Middlequarter, before the valley descent. I can see Blue Top closing on a girl, maybe 100-150m ahead. A HM runner? Can't tell from here. Keep going. Can't see or hear Creaky Neck, although I passed one or two 10k runners on the downhill. Up the Snappy Dog Hill for the last time. No angry pooch at the gate. Phew! I'm in enough pain as it is! Concentrate on the descent to the beach, keeping the handbrake on till I reach the 90 degree right hander. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

11

Release the handbrake as we turn alongside East End Beach, but there's not much improvement I'm afraid. Blue Top has passed the girl (IIRC) but either way I don't think I'm really gaining on either of them. Past the Galley restaurant for the last time, and what felt like a fairly benign drag on the first two laps is really hitting me now. The graveyard hill (couple of parts to it, bit like the Poolbeg parkrun one) takes more out of me, and then the climb near the end of this mile really knocked me for six. I was thinking how fortunate the 10k folks were, to only have to go up that hill once

12

No sign of me catching anyone in the early stages of this mile, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, as we go by the HM start, I manage to pass someone :eek: 3rd female at the time, although she finished 2nd F, as she caught the other HM girl, who I cleared shortly afterwards. Apart from lapped runners, there wasn't really anyone to chase. Blue Top was gone. I wasn't making up a lot of ground on the other girl. Was it V? I could try put the hammer down and catch her to be sure, but not much point really, as I knew I still had to climb the school hill one last time.

13.1

As we turned right to scale the school hill for the fourth time, all I could think of was putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how much it hurt. DON'T.STOP. If I did, in all likelihood I wouldn't be able to get moving again. I was actually lapping people going up the hill this time, hard as that may be to believe. The girl was still about 100m ahead, as with great relief I turned down the hill to the finish, while she continued on through Middlequarter.

That relief was short lived, as while trying to keep the brakes on going down this very steep hill, I had to avoid a van driving up towards me :rolleyes: Having avoided that obstacle, I knew I couldn't charge down the hill, tempting as that may seem, as I probably would have fallen on my face. Through 13 without anyone catching me. Still .1 of a mile left, and a lefthander to take. Kids looking for the high five. Yeah, no problem I know I've finally got this. Round the lefthander, still keeping the brakes on. Get a shout from the organiser just before I cross the line. I let a roar out, and somehow summon up enough energy to jump up and touch the gantry as I cross the line! Turns out I was 8th overall, in a time of 1:43:11. All done by feel - I just stuck to what I thought might work, and I'm very happy with what materialised.

Post Race

Into the community centre for coffee, biccies and sambos with my wife. Shortly afterwards, V arrived, followed then by her pal, who was running her first ever 10k (what a place to do it!), as the Panthers and some others joined us too. We didn't stay there that long, as my legs were cramping up big style, so I needed to get back to base. Stayed "a bit" longer at the BBQ later on. It was funny, because my wife and I were seated right beside the musicians, and literally couldn't hear each other. It was a bit like this

V was fourth overall, and first lady - delighted with herself, and rightly so. Fair few celebratory scoops were had. What.A.Day.

The inquisitive lad from Friday finished second, both himself and the winner in 1:29 :eek:

Sun 19/5 - 3.87 miles @10.20/mi

I ran the course lap in reverse, to try and get some recovery miles in. This was horrendous - nearly crawling at times in a 10:41 Mile 2, which was every bit as desperate as it sounds. I did take some comfort in the fact that I didn't encounter any other runners doing similar The weather was amazing for almost all of our stay on Inishbofin, which left plenty of opportunity for walks with my wife as well. Sorry to leave so soon. Hopefully it won't be too long before we're back.

Mon 20/5 - 4.65 miles @9:11/mi

Back in Renvyle, another of my favourite places. I kept to my usual route here, from the hotel out to Tullycross and back. Murph_D had run a different way a few weeks back, but I stuck to what I knew. I got out very early, so literally only two cars passed me in well over 40 minutes. It seemed for so much of this run that I had all the road to myself, in beautiful early morning sunshine before the North Connemara commute kicked in Back to the hotel, and time to fill up with their wonderful breakfast, before the long drive to D15.

Next

I haven't actually booked them yet, but it's 99% certain I'll be running the Irish Runner 5 Mile and 10 Mile, in June and July respectively. Pacing 30 minutes in the Castleknock 5k in June, shortly followed by a PB attempt in the Docklands 5k. Later in the summer, the Kilcock 10 mile is one I'm looking forward to returning to. The Race Series HM in September should offer a realistic opportunity to improve on a PB set in the corresponding event in 2016.

Looming large over all of this, is DCM. I'm entered anyway, but I've still a month or so to decide whether I'll be willing or able to give myself a chance. This would entail training more, training better, eating less rubbish, and drinking less alcohol. Among other things. It's probably going to be my last marathon attempt either way. Sub 3:30 if I do it right, or a 3:45+ messing around otherwise. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions! Thanks for reading - your patience is very much appreciated! J.

OOnegative wrote: »

Well done J, great read & even better performance on that route. Super stuff!!

Thanks B, the strategy (for want of a better term) worked well I think. Stronger lineup overall than the previous couple of years at least. Like I said before, I'd have looked really foolish had I tried to race the lads at the front early on.

ariana` wrote: »

I loved reading that report J thanks and well done on a great performance. I haven't been to Boffin in a good many years but you made it come alive for me again, really must visit again soon. There's an annual 10k on Clare Island I believe - it might appeal to you

Thanks E ! Glad I was able to give some impression of what the place is like. For those who haven't been, come and see Must have a look for that Clare Island 10k - assuming there's a few hills involved in that one too !

The Black Oil wrote: »

Great detailed account there, nicely done. I had completely forgotten about the airport.

Thanks B, yes the airport is still there, but for the time being, it doesn't look like it's going to see much action....

skyblue46 wrote: »

Really great report J. I'm particularly taken by your simple technique for naming people and places! I'd love to see the results to put a name to Creaky Neck! :pac:

So called because he kept looking behind him as myself and Blue Top were in pursuit. Was talking to him later. Nice fella, although I declined to mention the moniker I'd concocted for him!

chickey2 wrote: »

Epic report, well done!

Thanks C, and well done on your PB !

Swashbuckler wrote: »

Really well done J. I don't know how you remember such detail. Great stuff

Thanks P, after six years of visits I've a fair degree of familiarity with the island !

ReeReeG wrote: »

I'd say that must have been me you could see? Judging by where you saw Blue Top pass a girl it seems to add up to where a man in a blue vest passed me
Well done again!! Seems like there could be a good boards crew persuaded to go next year

Yes indeed, on reflection it couldn't have been anyone else Would love that all right, sure we'd take over the place

coogy wrote: »

Awesome stuff J! Would love to do this next year!!!

Thanks K, hope it can happen!

Sheep1978 wrote: »

Great read that J well done. might see you at docklands

Thanks D, enjoyed it all right. Looking forward to Docklands - different entirely to this one!

eyrie wrote: »

Well done J! It sounds like a bruising course to say the least. I'm very impressed you not only managed to run it so well but also stay alert through the suffering to remember that much detail!
Sounds like an amazing weekend overall, definitely one I'm keen to do now! Though maybe just the 10k

Thanks C ! Still recovering from it, haven't done a tap since. The things I do for you guys You sure you couldn't do the half? Unless you're planning on having a shot at V's title #BoardsieSmackdown

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Great race report!

Thanks so much, glad you liked it !

Baby75 wrote: »

Well done J, I was looking forward to this report and you did not disappoint

great read and great performance I might catch up with you to say hello at the Irish 5 mile or 10 miler I am hoping to do both or one of them

Thanks N, glad it was worth the wait! Will watch out for you at the Phoenix Park races .

Singer wrote: »

Epic report, and well ran too! I am also in the "how does he remember all of the detail" camp

Thanks B! I've a good recall of details generally, and knowing the course so well is an advantage in this regard .

tbukela wrote: »

Well done on the race and the, as usual, excellent report. Very impressive running by feel without the watch.

Cheers T ! I usually race by feel. It may not sound easy, for longer races in particular, but it helps you (IMO) to know what you can or can't do on a given day.

Kellygirl wrote: »

How do you remember all that? Well impressed you have it mile by mile. Very well done. Great race and loved reading about it.

Thanks K, and well done again on your own PB. I won't be doing mile by mile for every race I run :pac: but hopefully you got a sense of how much I enjoyed racing in such a beautiful location.


Overall - one or two bits before I leave this behind.

Having run the course so many times was a great help to me, particularly when having people what would seem to be only a short distance ahead, for several miles. All the while I was thinking things like (for example) :-

(1) Could I get rid of Blue Top if I push the pace now?
Yes
(2) Can I sustain that pace for e.g. six or seven miles?
No

Knowing exactly what was in store and when was a plus. So the "solution" was - stay with him, and see how we go from there. In a long race with such low numbers (53 finishers), in a way I was lucky to have people to run with for such a large part of it (over half the race). HMs give you a lot of time to ponder, and of course remember details for Boards reports :pac:Fingers crossed we'll be back in 2020!

Credits -

"This Is Spinal Tap" (Stupid/Clever)
"Paths To Freedom" (Rats In Belfast)

Sat 1/6 - 10.01 miles@8:22/mi

This was a variation on something I'd originally had in mind to do a few weeks back, i.e. finishing a double figure mileage run with a parkrun. It didn't quite go as intended. In my early morning slumber, I missed the planned left hander onto Delwood Road, carrying on straight past the Roselawn shops instead. Not to worry, I'm thinking - at least I'll definitely get to the parkrun in time! Pacing was fairly consistent the next few miles, arriving in Porterstown with about 5.5 in the bag, and plenty of time for another mile and a half before we set off. It turned out to be a nice progression run, with the splits for 8, 9 and 10 being 8:05, 7:48 and 7:06. Very pleased indeed with that, and in the process, I helped a few of the regulars along, which was a nice bonus to take away from a very satisfying morning's work.

The evening brought more satisfaction, as the Reds sealed Number 6 on a scorchio night in Madrid with "several" pints put away before, during and after :pac: There's a fair few Reds whose logs I read here and/or follow on Strava, so I'm delighted for them too.

Sun 2/6 - 8.85 miles@8:57/mi

I dragged my hungover body out of bed, to join up with the Panthers for the second Sunday in a row. We passed Skyblue shortly after we started. Little did I know at the time, that he was so upset over the CL final....

Anyhow, I suppose you could divide this one into two halves. Bit quick for the first 4 miles (8:48/8:40/8:38/8:25) but once we did our CCJ loop and came back in the North Road via the NCR gate, things became more manageable, with the remaining miles all in the 9:xx range. The Donore posse, with a very happy scotindublin amongst them, zipped by as we were passing the zoo. For me, this was just about getting the miles in - similar to the previous Sunday, I don't think I would have bothered on my own.

Mon 3/6 - Rest

Easy does it this week. Maybe a hardish parkrun, to give me a better idea of where I stand in relation to Docklands.