Leader Of The (Mid) Pack

Turns out that I was third after the last round, in spite of the fact that I beat the lad who is now second. Long story short, standards (his is one lower than mine) come into it too. Ah sure. We won't worry.

Mon 17/2 - Rest

Tue 18/2 - "5.10 miles @9:09/mi"

Those who follow me on Strava may be mildly amused by the lines I allegedly took through people's gardens etc in the course of three Carpenterstown loops. A chance encounter with the Porterstown ED made one of them go quicker at least.

Wed 19/2 - Club session, Morton Stadium

Not cold tonight, but we had the obligatory strong wind heading around by the stand for our 600s. There were cakes in the office this afternoon, consumption of which left me feeling very fat even before the speedwork started. Happy with the first three (2:14/2:13/2:14) but the effort levels dipped for the next one (2:19). Glad I was able to recover for the final two (2:15/2:12).

Thu 20/2 - 7.42 miles @8:20/mi

It felt a lot faster than the above. Certainly considerably quicker than I would normally run solo on a Thursday. From the Carpenterstown shops the long way around to Hartstown, most of a lap of the park, exiting at St Peregrines GAA and home via Mountview. I was just hoping it didn't leave me banjaxed for Saturday.

Fri 21/2 - Rest

Sat 22/2 - BHAA Central Bank XC, Wesley College

After another poor night's sleep amidst howling winds, I made the drive over Southside for a new addition to the BHAA calendar. Being told I looked like a "serious runner", by one of the volunteers as I was driving in, brought a smile. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be long before her illusions of me were shattered :pac:

Lots of familiar faces around as I sauntered through my warmup lap. 4 x 1 mile laps today - at least it wouldn't be an endurance test, like the ALSAA and National Masters races were.

Lap 1

In mid division as we went around the sticky opening righthander, breeze behind us as we made our way to the far end of the grounds. I noticed my lace had come undone almost instantly after the start. Right again, slightly downhill but into the strong wind. Already I was huffing and puffing way more than I would normally expect to be at this stage. Struggling for grip in the heavy patches at the bottom of the course. Caprica went by, as did a few others. Another field further on, Mr Skinny did the same. I've had the better of G the last couple of outings, but this time I had no answer. About two thirds of the way through the lap, I decided to stop and tie the lace. I lost lots more places while doing this, but I didn't care. I would try and work my way into it. Big lake at the end of the penultimate field. It was possible to go around it, but I decided to go straight through. 7:0x with three laps to go.

Lap 2

Really, I was just passing people who had overtaken me while I was attending to my footwear malfunction, so already it was feeling like a damage limitation exercise. I just felt drained. No zip in the legs at all. Just as well there weren't any hills. I did however make it my business to catch Graham before we reached halfway. With him being "fresh" from the Barcelona HM, he didn't put up any resistance as I went by. Still two laps left. Even with the support from Jim and RedRunner, I just wasn't feeling the love today.

Lap 3

While battling through the strong wind at the far end of the course, I recognised a guy on my shoulder as the Bros Pearse who had narrowly beaten me in the Nats. Ok, maybe I can summon up a bit of fight for this one? To my surprise, I was able to get clear of him, and catch someone else just after the sharp little left hander into the second last field. Some strong runners out this morning, but not strong enough to lap me. Phew.

Lap 4

Only 7 and a bit minutes left. Could I catch anyone else in that time? Somebody stepped off up ahead. Strange to do that at this stage. He didn't look overly distressed as I went by. Two women up ahead - I was slowly catching them, but time was running out. Only a few corners left now - I turned up the power, through the lake one more time. I tried to get out of third for the last few seconds, but although I made up a fair bit of ground on the women, I didn't catch either of them before the finish. Kind of summed up my race really. I was just glad it was over.

Position: 69/180 (11/16 M45)
Time: 29:00

This definitely felt like a race too many. Seven races in seven weekends, and although I've seen a good few of the same faces on my recent rounds, this one was a struggle, right from the start. Very well organised by RedRunner and his crew, with lots of cakes to get through upstairs afterwards. I laughed when Caprica told me we'd won a team prize, with me being third scorer. Some good news to finish off

Sun 23/2 - 6.56 miles @8:18/mi

Most of our newer members wouldn't even know we have a clubhouse, let alone where to find it. Hence, it was nice for some of them to experience Sarah Place in Islandbridge for the first time. We started from there, doing a lap of the Phoenix Park, and back for coffee, cakes and a shower. Great to see the older lads who run from there regularly, as well as John Coghlan and AMK Seán Hehir, who tiptoed their way around at sub-8 minute mile pace. I sat back a bit from the front group, as I was feeling tired after the race and post-match beers last night. Delighted I was able to get out and do it all the same.

Next

For most of the last two months, my weeks have been following a fairly consistent pattern, with easy work sandwiching Wednesday intervals, and a race on Saturday (apart from the Raheny 5 on a Sunday of course). This will change next week, with life stuff requiring some runs to be scrapped or switched.

No race next week :eek: Mind you, I was half tempted to enter next Sunday's 4 mile road race out in Lusk, if only for the fact that my 4 mile PB (26:40) is so poor. However, it might be for the best if I skip it this time.

The Carlingford half is coming down the tracks the following Saturday. I'll probably have an idea early enough in the proceedings whether I'll be chasing a time or enjoying the scenery. Thanks for reading. J.

Mon 24/2 - Rest

Tue 25/2 - 6 x 600m (200m rec), + wu/cd, 1 min rec.

Since I wouldn't be making the trip to Santry this week, I decided to improvise a session. Unfortunately, this would be a solo effort. Windy on the way to the MSB grass track, after work as I planned to do this while there was still a bit of daylight.

After a 1.7 mile warmup, I threw on the spikes (retired from racing, but not binned just yet!) and started into the session proper. Doing these on the track in Santry is one thing. Very different on the wet, hilly, windy grass track in Porterstown. No matter how I started, I seemed to always be stuffed even halfway through each rep.

Times were 2:30/2:29/2:27/2:30/2:30/2:26. In other words, about 15 seconds slower than the equivalent in Santry, with company to push or drag me around. Nice to have a bit of consistency at least, given the circumstances.

Wed 26/2 - Fri 28/2 - No running

I had decided well in advance that I wouldn't be bringing the runners to Scotland. My body badly needed a break anyway. Cold and sunny, but dry, in Embra on Wednesday. Train to Glasgow Thursday lunchtime, before watching the Celts lose at home to FC Copenhagen that night. Unbelievably frustrating, especially as this was intended to be the highlight of my birthday. Plus there's been a fair bit of change since my last visit, seven years ago now. A lot of my old haunts are gone, some "gentrified" - probably the best known (Bairds) now has some hipster joint in its place. Probably just different types of jakeys and heid the baws in there now :rolleyes: Regardless, we weren't unhappy to get home from a cold and wet Glasgow on Friday.

Sat 29/2 - Porterstown parkrun (#138)

Up until the last week or two, I had planned this one to be a big parkrun PB attempt. Currently, that one stands at 20:35 (Malahide, Nov 2018). Well with all the signals of doom from my body of late, I decided it would be foolish to jump straight into that after three days of inactivity. On a cold and windy, but dry and sunny morning at least, I trundled up to Porterstown for a unique parkrun experience. February 29 was last on a Saturday in 1992, long before parkrun was even an idea, and it doesn't fall on a Saturday again until 2048. By then, Porterstown Park will probably have been built on, and sure who knows what I'll even be capable of, 28 years from now.
Anyway. Not much to report as regards the parkrun itself. Couple of speedy lads, including Zico who used to log here, took off. I left them, and a good few others, to go about their business. To be honest, I didn't care what time I put up or where I finished. Except for the last lap, when part of me wanted to go after Liam for the craic. However, I knew he wasn't pushing himself either, so I didn't bother. Surprised to make the top ten (10/157, 2nd M45) in a time of 21:53.

February Review - Through The Wind And Rain

My month's running began with a solid effort in the BHAA Garda XC, over by the Magazine Fort. Although it was a windy day, and the hills caused problems as usual, a dry track, and a bit more HTFU than normal, helped me to a course PB. It certainly served its purpose, as a tuneup race for the National Masters XC.

Driving to Avondale in the midst of Storm Ciara brought one or two nervous moments. Thankfully, in that regard we were helped by the amount of tree cover on most of the course, and also, by and large the ground conditions could have been far worse. For example, the National Novices was far worse, despite Cow Park in Dunboyne being a flat course. It was still one of the hardest races I've ever run, with so many ups and downs over a 7k course, the piece de resistance being a killer hill to be climbed three times. I did improve my finishing position considerably from last year, and got a few scalps that I'd been aiming for.

With the two "main" races of this intense period of activity now behind me, I eased off somewhat in the lead up to the ALSAA race. While Storm Dennis howled around us, I churned out a 40 minute plus time over 5.4x miles. Disappointing, although at least the finish position (46/111) didn't look horrendous, considering how little I had invested both before and during the race.

I enjoyed having a new BHAA event to visit, for the Central Bank XC at Wesley College. Unfortunately, my energy levels were low from the gun, and on a flat but sticky course, I never really got up to full on race pace. I suppose seven races in seven weekends can do that to you. 69/180 overall, which at least was a better percentage than the last combined BHAA race in January (BoI, 90/214).

This week brought a welcome reduction in activity. I certainly felt fresh during the parkrun - there was more there if I wanted, but at what price if I made the mistake of pushing too hard?

Races: 4 (YTD 7)
parkruns: 1 (4)
Mileage: 110 (220)
Days Active: 18/29 (37/60)

Next

My Carlingford HM number arrived while we were away. Still a little in two minds about how to approach this one. If I'm out of puff after the early hills, it's going to be a struggle to finish it out even if I have the wind at my back coming in. However, maybe the mini break has been just what I needed, and that, combined with the extra HTFU from all the cross country races, might push me a bit further. All that said, I'm thinking September's Ratoath HM might offer a far better PB opportunity.
Sure who knows how far this coronavirus epidemic/pandemic will go. I don't have any overseas marathons or anything booked, thankfully - fingers crossed the situation improves for those here that do. I suspect the whole saga still may have a bit to run though. I can't yet see a situation where the gubbermint will try and confine us to our homes for weeks at a time (although it wouldn't surprise me), yet when I hear the likes of Joe Duffy going "We can't get the virus, we're on an island" my heart sinks. If anyone knows the true scale of what's going on or what's to happen, they're not telling. We shall see. Thanks for reading. J.

scotindublin wrote: »

Great start to the year and a great February. Horrific performance and result Thursday unfortunately!

Thanks C, at least matters have improved on the domestic front

To get the new month up and running....

Sun 1/3 - 11.79 miles @8:35/mi

Nice sunny morning, and thankfully Storm Jorge had moved on, although it was still breezy enough in the usual areas. Having the company was a big help, as first we ran through "Eugene's Lap" (couple of sub-8 miles in there!) and then a lap of the Phoenix Park. Enjoyable way to start the month/finish the week.

Mon 2/3 - Rest

Tue 3/3 - "5.13 miles @8:58/mi"

Back to the Carpo loops, after a two week absence. Feeling fat, and a bit miserable starting off, but better than nothing. Some of the Porterstown Panthers were back in action after their Paris adventure. Even though the race was cancelled after they (40+) had all arrived, they concocted a route that covered a lot of the touristy bits, and ran around that instead

Wed 4/3 - "5.87 miles @8:54/mi"

I couldn't get to Santry tonight, so I returned to an old session which I used a few times in the lead up to last year's Connemara HM GIR. This was 2M warmup / 2M @10k pace / 2M cooldown. Well, it was supposed to be 10k pace, but ended up closer to HMP, due to numerous traffic stops including a particularly long one at Laurel Lodge shops early in the first "fast" mile. 7:27/7:27 as per Strava - it's actually a little over 6 miles overall. It felt a lot harder than HMP, but nice to do it.

Thu 5/3 - 4.73 miles @9:23/mi

Easy D15 run. I bumped into my brother no more than 2-3 minutes after I started. Few minutes there and on I went. Not bothered about speed this time.

Fri 6/3 - Rest

I'm on one of the "Marchathon" teams in work, so even though I won't be running today as such, I'll be getting the step count up regardless

So as it stands, I'll be heading to Carlingford in the morning. It's highly unlikely IMO that it will fall through. I'm not expecting a PB tomorrow, as it's feeling more and more like a day to enjoy the scenery, but if it happens I'll take it :pac:

Unfortunately, since the last update, the Paris Marathon has been cancelled/postponed, as has the Rome marathon. No doubt more big marathons will follow, as the levels of panic and/or pandemic delay increase. However, I'm a bit more positive about the whole thing than some out there. It's going to be with us for a while, but I don't believe the doomsday scenarios either. Keep on living, try not to worry about what might happen.

I'll leave you with a lyric shamelessly stolen from a famous American C&W singer (and of course, taken out of context)

"It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it"

Thanks for reading. J.

Sat 7/3 - Carlingford Half Marathon

Pre Race

I was feeling quite nervous all morning, before and during the trip North. I don't know why. I'd run this one twice before, and this wasn't a goal race. Maybe I was worried about not having enough long work done, although I think I've more miles on the clock at this stage of the year than ever.
Anyway. Arrived with just under an hour to spare, plenty of time to find a spot to park the car and get a warmup and some stretches done. Clubmate B was also present, for his longest race since breaking through the 3:30 barrier in last year's DCM. Healy was there as well (3rd!), but I missed him. Bit of a delay while we waited for the start area to be cleared, and then we were off.

Miles 1-4

We knew that the first four miles would be the hardest. Plenty of climbing, and mostly into the wind. Hence, we kept it fairly relaxed on the way out of the town, up a steep hill past the church. Short downhill, then more up and up. It was five years since the last time I ran this race, so having B around was a massive help - as we're at around the same standard, we could keep each other in check. Hard work in the more exposed sections, but just over 23 minutes for the first 5k wasn't too bad, and we were passing a lot more than were passing us. Working with a guy in yellow, and a Sperrin Harrier. Legs were feeling the climbs, but overall in reasonable shape. We got to the 4 mile mark at the townland known as The Bush, just before crossing the Dundalk road. All good for now.

Miles 5-7

With the worst of it over, I was glad of water at the school, although I took a little too much on board, which caused problems for a few minutes afterwards. Mainly flat now, with the breeze at our backs. The roads were not closed for this race, so everyone had to keep their eyes and ears open, especially when a large truck came down the other side of a narrow country lane before the 5 mile mark. Sperrin had gone ahead by then, but we were still back and forth with yellow top. Overall for these few miles, working well with B, with the 10th and 11th ks coming in at 4:22 and 4:21. Too fast today?

Miles 8-10

The road turned around to the right, and downhill towards the sea, as we caught up to two Tafelta AC runners. On reaching the coast road, we turned left, and had the breeze at our backs again, with the Irish Sea on our right, and the Mournes in the far distance. For me anyway, it made the difficult third quarter seem a bit easier to get through. Here you could see where remedial work had been done on the road. My first time to run this race was in 2014, when this section was closed due to storm damage. Slight left just after the 8 mile mark, with the breeze a little bit side on now, but still with great views. We were starting to catch a few more people now, including yellow top, and had left the Tafelta two behind. A guy just ahead nearly got taken out of the race, by a goat which ran across the road while tied to a tree by the sea. I moved as far left as I could just in case :pac:
At 9 miles, I decided to see could I up the pace a bit. Not by that much, but even so, B wasn't coming with me. On I pushed, passing a couple more as I could see people turning off the seafront up ahead. A guy in a blue Gaelforce top appeared ahead of me, presumably having stopped for a call of nature. 10 mile marker. Only a parkrun to go.

Miles 11-13.1

Just after the 10 mile marker, the road turned left, away from the seafront and up a short sharp climb into the breeze. I had to work to get up there, but it didn't last long, and soon there was tree cover again, with mainly downhill running for the next half mile or so. Plenty of targets ahead, as I continued to make progress. The only one that passed me (I think) was the guy from Tafelta who we first encountered at the 7 mile mark. He rocketed past - I made no effort to stay with him. Just after the 11 mile marker, we turned right at a T junction just before the Dundalk road. Definitely left in other years, but not to worry. Passed two more before a short run at the side of the Dundalk road, then right onto the run for home.
Now we were going through the 10k backmarkers too. Still I knew that the next two HM runners ahead were a girl from Lisburn, and the Gaelforce guy. This stretch can be brutal when the wind is against you, but this time it was in our favour. Keep concentrating, keep the breathing going. Past Lisburn girl. Dodging in and out of more 10k runners. 12 mile mark just after the end of the golf course, and now I could see across Carlingford Lough, with the long straight up to the town. It seemed a long way away all of a sudden. About half a mile left, I caught Gaelforce. Somebody else who I guessed was a HM runner, about 150m ahead. No harm in trying at this stage. Right onto the road towards the sailing club, along the stretch we started on. Little rise and then a downhill for about 100 metres. Couldn't get to that other guy, but I could hear somebody (Collie) getting shouts behind me. I didn't want to get caught at the end, so I gave it a bit more gas up the short climb to the finish, and that was enough. It turns out Collie was yellow top. Nice to win that one, when we'd passed each other a fair bit over the course of the race.

Time: 1:36:04 (1:35:56)
Position: 99/926

Pleasantly surprised by how well that turned out, when beforehand I was thinking I would struggle to go under 1:40. Actually my second fastest HM ever. Nearly two minutes slower than Ratoath last year, but a return to that race was always going to be the target half for 2020. By then hopefully I'll be in sub-90 shape. Lot to happen in the meantime though Some brilliant results from Bohermeen today, in what were fairly wretched conditions at times, hailstones and all. At least it stayed dry for this one.

Next

As it stands, I'm going to be pacing 25 mins in the MSB 5k next Sunday. This race got cancelled two years ago due to snow, so fingers crossed we can get the go ahead this time! Hope to see some of you there if so. Thanks for reading. J.

Thanks all, glad ye enjoyed the read. Yes it seems that all those XC races helped me fitness wise - I certainly finished this one much better than a lot of my numerous HMs over the years.

You have probably seen or heard by now that the MSB 5k has been cancelled (again). Purely from a club standpoint, and also from a running one, it's really frustrating, but understandable. I suppose I'm just fortunate I got to run a race in the last few days, especially now, with other events falling like ninepins both here and overseas.
I'm entered in the GIR, but who knows where we'll be in 3-4 weeks from now. We could be over the top of the Covid-19 Bell curve at that stage, or maybe not. Nobody really knows. Hence, I'm reluctant to think too much about other races in the near future. I haven't actually entered any more races, other than the GIR, at the moment. Could be a very boring (no) logging period here! Thanks for reading. J.