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The Windy Road to Nowhere

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Some man - great result.

    Was it busy in that time bracket??

    Cheers. Pretty much no company for last 13 miles, passed couple of people out and fought with the wind and heat. Great weekend.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,011 ✭✭✭Itziger


    3:06 for 18th place. Tough, tough race. Temperature 20 by halfway, stiff breeze made the last hour a bit of a death march. Goal was top 20, delighted.

    Epic race report there, fella. Was this Lanzarote or one of those other canine islands?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Itziger wrote: »
    Epic race report there, fella. Was this Lanzarote or one of those other canine islands?

    Yeah, Lanzarote alright. Costa Teguise to Port del Carmen and back again. Must do a slightly better race report!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,834 ✭✭✭OOnegative


    Itziger wrote: »
    Epic race report there, fella. Was this Lanzarote or one of those other canine islands?

    I see ultrapercy once of this parish was 5th in 2.45.xx. Way off his PB but has been an injury plagued year for him.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Lanzarote marathon race report

    This was always more about the holiday and having a good weekend, but I managed to put in a very respectable couple of months training. Long runs were all based on a 2:58 marathon goal time, and nailed on all the sessions. In that respect, I’d a much better buildup for this than Belfast early in the summer, and probably since about 2015.

    I had hoped the 4% Vaporfly I ordered would arrive in time and give me a shout for a sub3, but they arrived about 3 hours after I left Ireland. The weather was mixed on Thursday when we went over, so ended up having a few beers. Friday was really miserable, but we were all having a good laugh, and by afternoon I was feeling good and looking forward to the race.

    Saturday was forecast to be hot, 18-21 degrees over the 3 hours of the race with a headwind to contend with in the second half. I was not overly optimistic of sub3, but second goal was top 20. I was fairly nervous on start line, weather heating up, I knew I was in for a slog, but rating to go. About 700 running in full and off we went at 8am.

    First couple of miles through Costa Teguise had a few hills and twisty sections, but settled in nicely down on the promenade. Made a guess that I was about 30th as I passed my wife and friends at 3km, then headed off south for Peurto Del Carmen. Running along the promenade by the sea was beautiful, but every few miles, we’d detour off onto city streets in Arrecife, a couple of out and back sections up and down hilly streets, flyovers and poor road surfaces. By 9am, it was very warm, and having made a few places and kept the pace honest, felt reasonably ok. I took to dumping bottles of water all over myself to stay cool which worked well enough.

    About 10 miles in, we had run about 1km south, before turning back north around a cone and switching back again. Slightly soul destroying feeling the wind that was going to be a challenge later on. However, decided I’d keep with the plan, stick it out at sub3 pace for as long as possible. Headed on towards halfway and the airport.
    6:47, 6:41, 6:49, 6:48, 6:48, 6:41, 6:47, 6:49, 6:51, 6:44, 6:52, 6:50, 6:46, 6:48

    As soon as I negotiated the very messy turnaround at Peurto Del Carmen and started running north again, I knew it was going to be tough. People in and around me seemed to slow a lot. I made up a couple of more places, but the people I was catching had nothing to give so no group to run in. Decided not to chase 6:50 pace too aggressively as there was still a distance to go. By my own reckoning I was in 21st, so motored on looking for next targets.

    In miles 15-19, I kept pace between 6:55-7:10, and overtook another person for 20th. Then, the up and down hill at 20 knocked the stuffing out of me, got passed by the second lady, an Irish runner looking great. We were both closing in on another runner, so spent the next couple of miles through Arrecife tracking him down. Heart rate over 180 with still 7km to go, really feeling it. Passed him for 20th again, and pushed as much as my wrecked legs would allow.

    In the long run in to Teguise, I retook the place I had lost earlier, and tried to hold it all together. First signs of cramping I’ve had in a marathon in years told me I was on the edge. Pace gone to the dogs, but all all about survival now. 1km to go, hilly streets, struggling massively, but loads of encouragement. My friend appeared at the side of the road and started running with me at close to 42km. Got the legs pumping away again, felt completely satisfied crossing the line in 3:06:03 for 19th place.
    6:55, 6:55, 7:02, 7:10, 7:43, 7:46, 7:27, 7:36, 7:41, 7:54, 7:49, 6:47 (pace)

    Very sore for a while afterwards, but felt really pleased with how I ran the race. Everyone I spoke to had big struggles in the second half, I made plenty of places and lost none. I know, for absolute certain, that on a cooler day, on a fast course with a group to run in, I’d have run a good time. Sub3 was always going to have been a big stretch, so not concerned about it. We had an absolutely belting weekend, surpassing any holiday marathon I’ve ever done.

    Looking forward now, I know I should probably pick out a fast spring marathon, and get a good time under my belt, but honestly, not all that bothered about it. Connemara is the most likely spring marathon, I’ve unfinished business there from 2007 and 2016 in particular. Back in 2007, in my youthful naivety, I stormed through the first half in 1:29, only to fall apart. 2016 was my only DNF ever, getting hypothermia in the ultra. I fancy getting a good race in, and maybe, just maybe, well, we’ll leave that for another day.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    I took a couple of weeks off after Lanzarote to let the body recover a bit, and had a bit of a cold. Back up and running again now.

    Sunday 8th December: 2.5 miles in 23:30
    Day after marathon, recovery run with Mrs TPP. Sore.

    Sat 21st: 4 miles in 30:30 (7:38)
    Easy run around home.

    Monday 23rd: 8.1 miles in 59:30 (7:21)
    On holidays in Fuengirola, Spain for Christmas. Run along the beach. Beautiful sunny weather.

    Thursday 26th: 10 miles in 71:05 (7:07)
    Ran about 6 miles of this in 6:30-40 range.

    Friday 27th: 9 miles in 67:24 (7:29)
    Same route each day. Loads of people out running first thing every day.

    Saturday 28th: 8 miles in 60 )7:30

    Watch battery gave up so only guessing at time and pace. Happy with the week away, it’s fantastic being away for Christmas, no fuss, no cooking, great weather.

    Sunday 29th: 6 miles in 43:11 (7:12)
    Back home, out early, still dark. Two fast miles, the rest steady, concentrated on running hard up the hills.

    Monday 30th: 6 miles in 41:24 (6:53)

    Proper hard effort, really attacking the hills. When I was at my strongest and fastest a few years back, I used the hills in my area to advantage, and it showed in races. If I’m going to race Conn in April, I’ll need this strength back.
    7:16, 6:36, 6:25, 6:17, 6:55, 7:50

    Tuesday 31st: 4.1 miles in 29:43 (7:15)
    Standard run around the block.

    Wednesday 1st January: 8.5 miles in 62:46 (7:23)
    Tough run in the mountains in Connemara. About 900 feet of climbing and into a big headwind, a good way to start the new year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Saturday 4th Jan: 4.1 miles in 28:13 (6:53)
    Home from the west, out early on my standard loop. Two miles in 6:3x range in the middle.

    Sunday 5th: 6 miles in 43:10 (7:11)
    New year, new focus. I’ve been getting weaker on what used to be a strength for me, hills, so in trying to address this, worked very hard on this one.
    7:24, 6:54, 6:58, 6:36, 6:54, 8:20

    Monday 6th: 7 miles in 50:50 (7:15)
    Back on old route around Drogheda when kids are at gymnastics. Handy pace, felt really comfortable. Charging up the hills.

    Wednesday 8th: 10k in 39:06 (6:18)
    10 minutes hard x 3. First half of first rep felt a bit comfortable, so pushed on a bit. Ran very hard on shoulder of a club mate for the second two, just falling off a bit near the end. Fastest I’ve run in a good while.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Friday 10th Jan: 4.1 miles in 27:43 (6:46)

    Cold and windy night in Dunleer, running around the village. 6:58, 6:50, 6:44, 6:27

    Sunday 12th: 10 miles in 70:20 (7:02)
    Focusing on speed on hilly routes again, pushed on nicely around Gallstown Road

    Monday 13th: 7 miles in 50:55 (7:16)
    Comfortable pace around the streets in Drogheda, easy on downhills, steady up the hills.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Friday 17th Jan: 4.1 miles in 29:50 (7:17)
    Running around in Dunleer for a bit in the dark.

    Sunday 19th: 9.25 miles in 60:17 (6:31)
    I’d an hour to play with with kids at music, so headed around Philipstown and Dromin. Hills and speed were the order of the day. Good session, really enjoyed it
    7:27, 6:53, 6:46, 6:40, 6:24, 6:24, 5:59, 5:47, 6:14

    Monday 20th: 7.5 miles in 54:15 (7:14)
    Standard steady run around Drogheda.

    Weds 22nd: 6 miles in 41:48 (6:57)
    Two slow miles, then 5k in 19:xx. Not difficult.

    Sunday 26th: 5 miles in 37:30 (7:30)
    Running up and down our lane, couldn’t leave the kids all by themselves, so this works.

    Monday 27th: 7.25 miles in 50:50 (7:00)
    After a few easy days, this felt good to move on a little. Started easy, then moved on a bit
    7:15, 6:49, 6:57, 6:47, 6:32, 6:52, 7:39

    Wednesday 29th: 4.8 miles in 35:27 (7:22)
    Run home from school up the hill into a stiff wind. Happy to push on the hills, as thought correctly we’d give the track a miss tonight.

    No major training happening, but no risks either. I’ve been fairly healthy and want to keep it that way, so I’ll keep it steady between the ditches for a few weeks yet.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Friday 31st Jan: 4 miles in 29:45 (7:25)
    Running about in Dunleer in the dark

    Monday 3rd Feb: 8 miles in 55:30 (6:56)
    Standard Monday evening run on streets in drogheda. Moving well.
    7:20, 6:45, 7:10, 6:47, 6:28, 6:34, 6:57, 7:20

    Tuesday 4th: 4.75 miles in 34:40 (7:18)
    Run home from school

    Thursday 6th Feb: 4 miles in 29:50 (7:28)
    Running around the house and up the lane

    Friday 7th: 4.75 miles in 34:20 (7:14)
    Runmute

    Saturday 8th: 6 miles in 41:16 (6:52)
    Ran down the road to cast vote in election. Ran hard on the hills

    Monday 10th: 7.5 miles in 51:50 (6:54)
    Steady run in drogheda, got very windy and cold near the end

    Weds, Thursday, Friday: 4.75 each day runmute


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    17 Feb: 7.5 miles in 55:17 (7:22)
    Standard run around drogheda.

    Weds 19th: 4.75 miles in 7:26
    Runmute

    Mon 24th Feb: 7.5 miles in 53:37 (7:09)
    I’d a bit of a cold for a couple of weeks, so eased back to let it pass.

    Fri 28th: 3 miles in 23:10 (7:44)

    Sun 1st March: 8 miles in 54:47 (6:50)
    Speedy one around Dunleer

    Mon 2nd : 7.5 miles in 52:17 (6:58)
    Feeling better, running nicely

    Tuesday -Friday 4.75 miles runmute each day

    Sunday 8th : 15.5 miles in 1:51 (7:12)
    Very windy and challenging long run out by Dunleer, Clogherhead, Port beach and Togher. Did 5 miles at PMP.

    Friday 13th, Sat 14th, Monday 16th: 4.1 miles in 29-30 each.

    Connemarathon postponed until September. Everything seems to be going to bits all around us. Communication with my parents by WhatsApp only, no school, but absolutely no joy in that. I’ll keep running, building up strength, and keeping sane for as long as this goes on for. Hope everyone out there is keeping well.


  • Registered Users Posts: 5,236 ✭✭✭AuldManKing


    Hope all is well A - keep it lit and keep well.

    I'm impressed that your parents use WhatsApp :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Hope all is well A - keep it lit and keep well.

    I'm impressed that your parents use WhatsApp :)

    Thanks A, we’re doing well with social distancing, big advantage in being out in the countryside and having 4 children, everyone keeping themselves entertained. My parents worried enough to keep themselves to the house, which is great. How’s things with yourself?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Tuesday 17th: 4.1 miles in 30:25 (7:25)
    We’d a family parade and couple of beers early afternoon. Great fun. Fitted this in after. Weird Paddy’s day.

    Weds 18th: 4.1 in 28:57
    Thursday 19th: 7.5 miles in 52:21 (7:59)
    Pushed on the pace a small bit on nice route down by Sandpit.

    Sat 21st: 4.1 in 29:42 (7:15)
    Sun 22nd: 4.1 miles in 29:59 (7:19)
    Mon 23rd: 4.1 miles in 28:48 (7:02)
    Tuesday 24th: 4.1 miles in 29:05 (7:05)

    Wednesday 25th: 10 miles in 68:42 (6:52)
    Longer and faster than in recent couple of weeks. Sandpit loop again, so very hilly. Felt good.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Thursday 26 March: 4.1 miles in 28:25 (6:56)
    Friday 27: 4.1 miles in 29:18 (7:09)
    Sat 28: 4.1 miles in 29:10 (7:07)
    Sunday 29: 8.4 miles in 59:24 (7:04)
    Mon 30: 4.1 miles in 29:59 (7:19)
    Tuesday 31: 4.1 miles in 29:40 (7:14)
    Weds 1st April: 4.1 miles in 29:56 (7:18) and 1.4km in 5:32 (6:19)

    The same route every day, apart from Sunday. At the furthest point, maybe 2.5km away, so I’ll keep to these local roads for as long as I must. 1.4km yesterday was with the kids, doing a virtual schools race.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Thursday 2nd April: 4 miles in 29:15 (7:19)
    Friday 3rd: 4.1 miles in 29:40 (7:14)
    Saturday 4th: 4 miles in 29:55 (7:27)
    Sunday 5th: 6 miles in 41:21 (6:54)

    Monday 6th: 4.1 miles in 27:02 (6:36)
    Bit of a session on the loop to break the monotony. 4 x 1/2 miles with 1/4 mile recovery. Times were 2:52, 2:44, 2:46 and 2:47. Felt good.

    Tuesday 7th: 6 miles in 42:55 (7:09)

    Wednesday 8th: 10.5 miles in 75:30 (7:12)
    Joined 3 local loops together to try and get a longer run without being far from home. Might have been 2.5km away at the furthest points as the crow flies. No harm in that, I’m sure.

    Thursday 9th: 6 miles in 44:38 (7:26)
    I’ve done the last couple of days in a pair of Saucony Guides I bought last year. Seems like a decent runner, quite a similar feel to the Mizuno Catalyst that’s my go-to. I’ll alternate them as I’ve no more spare pairs of Mizunos. There’s a pair of Brooks Ghost there too with plenty of life left in them so I’ll manage I’m sure.

    I was half considering running a marathon distance by myself Sunday week, but I think the boredom of running it in small loops would be tough. I’ll dwell on it and make a decision next week. Training going nicely as it is, so no need for anything too mad.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,011 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Thursday 2nd April: 4 miles in 29:15 (7:19)
    Friday 3rd: 4.1 miles in 29:40 (7:14)
    Saturday 4th: 4 miles in 29:55 (7:27)
    Sunday 5th: 6 miles in 41:21 (6:54)

    Monday 6th: 4.1 miles in 27:02 (6:36)
    Bit of a session on the loop to break the monotony. 4 x 1/2 miles with 1/4 mile recovery. Times were 2:52, 2:44, 2:46 and 2:47. Felt good.

    Tuesday 7th: 6 miles in 42:55 (7:09)

    Wednesday 8th: 10.5 miles in 75:30 (7:12)
    Joined 3 local loops together to try and get a longer run without being far from home. Might have been 2.5km away at the furthest points as the crow flies. No harm in that, I’m sure.

    Thursday 9th: 6 miles in 44:38 (7:26)
    I’ve done the last couple of days in a pair of Saucony Guides I bought last year. Seems like a decent runner, quite a similar feel to the Mizuno Catalyst that’s my go-to. I’ll alternate them as I’ve no more spare pairs of Mizunos. There’s a pair of Brooks Ghost there too with plenty of life left in them so I’ll manage I’m sure.

    I was half considering running a marathon distance by myself Sunday week, but I think the boredom of running it in small loops would be tough. I’ll dwell on it and make a decision next week. Training going nicely as it is, so no need for anything too mad.

    Hmmmmm???? I can only see one 15 miler in the last 5 weeks or so. Lots of shortish runs. How wise would a full distance be at this stage?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Itziger wrote: »
    Hmmmmm???? I can only see one 15 miler in the last 5 weeks or so. Lots of shortish runs. How wise would a full distance be at this stage?

    Yeah, I think you’re right. What I’m doing at the moment is good, so there’s be nothing to be gained by running 26 miles. Maybe a half distance will be enough. How’s things on the continent? You on lockdown too?


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,011 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Yeah, I think you’re right. What I’m doing at the moment is good, so there’s be nothing to be gained by running 26 miles. Maybe a half distance will be enough. How’s things on the continent? You on lockdown too?

    Similar to yourselves but with one major advantage over some countries, no rules on running other than that it shouldn't be in groups. That's easy for me. Otherwise, across the community, yeah very similar. Almost everything closed but I think we're moving towards some lifting soon.

    Schools are tentatively pencilled in for May 4th opening but that might be pushed out a week or so.

    Keep her steady and hopefully we might get a race in later in the year or in 2021.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Friday 10th April: 6 miles in 41:38 (6:56)
    Sat 11th: 6 miles in 44:07 (7:21)
    Sun 12th: 6 miles in 44:17 (7:23)
    Mon 13th: 6 miles in 43:23 (7:14)
    Tues 14th: 6 miles in 41:50 (6:58)
    Weds 15th: 6 miles in 42:30 (7:05)
    Thurs 16th: 10.5 miles in 67:36 (7:23)
    Fri 17th: 6 miles in 44:46 (7:27)
    Sat 18th: 6 miles in 44:15 (7:23)
    Sun 19th: 6 miles in 41:51 (6:59)

    Not much to say about any of this. The “long run” was nice, put 3 local loops together. Ran every morning over the Easter break. Back to a bit of contact with students online in the mornings, so I’ll run afternoons now. Mix it up a bit.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Monday 20th April: 6 miles in 43:35 (7:16)
    Tuesday 21st: 6 miles in 45:58 (7:38)
    Weds 22nd: 8.5 miles in 61:43 (7:16)
    Thursday 23rd: 6 miles in 41:13 (6:52)
    Friday 24th: 14.5 miles in 1:46 (7:22)
    Sat 25th: 6 miles in 43:38 (7:16)

    Nearly all the same. Friday long run entailed joining 3 local routes together, passing within 1/4 miles of home about four times, but if anything, I had to stop myself tagging on another 4 miles at the end as opposed to getting bored or tired.
    Thursday was a bit of a tempo effort. The hills are very nasty around here, so any run with average pace of 6:xx is a good effort.
    I’m really enjoying this base building. It’s been a long time since I’ve had so much time on my hands to dedicate to running, particularly at this time of year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Sunday 26th April: 10.5 miles in 75:50 (7:14)
    Nice and easy the first 5 miles, then pushed on. Last few miles were 6:57, 6:51, 6:36, 6:30

    Monday 27th: 6 miles in 44:45 (7:28)
    Easy

    Tuesday 28th: 9 miles in 64:30 (7:10)
    4 6:5x miles, but easy effort as they were on the downhills.

    Weds 29th: 8.25 miles in 60 (7:17)
    Steady

    Thursday 30th: 6 miles in 41:55 (6:59)
    Ran hard in the middle couple of miles and the last mile up the hill. That brought up 201 miles for the month of April, which is a rarity for me over the past few years.
    7:32, 6:57, 6:56, 5:48, 7:26, 7:12

    Friday 1st May: 6 miles in 44:40 (7:27)
    Easy

    Saturday 2nd May: 9 miles in 62:42 (6:58)
    7:19, 6:48, 6:55, 7:14, 7:12, 6:54, 6:38, 6:43, 6:53

    Steady effort for first 6 or 7 miles, then pushed on the last couple. Last mile up the hill with 100ft gain a big effort. Felt good.

    Sunday 3rd: 6 miles in 44:50 (7:28)
    Easy. Ran the 4th mile in 7:01, too fast by accident as a friend drove alongside having a chat. Beautiful weather.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Monday 4th May: 10 mile in 73:10 (7:19)
    Tuesday 5th: 6 miles in 44:50 (7:28)
    Weds 6th: 9.5 miles in 70:40 (7:26)
    Thurs 7th: 6 miles in 45:50 (7:39)
    Friday 8th: 12.25 miles in 93:10 (7:37)
    Sat 9th: 6 miles in 43:58 (7:20)
    Sun 10th: 7.5 miles in 56 (7:28)

    Nothing much to report about any of this, just feeling good. Body is standing up well to the mileage. Feel like fitness is improving steadily. Could do with throwing in a long run every week, but no panic. From past experience, solid 50+ miles per week will bear fruit.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Monday 11th May: 6 miles in 45:26 (7:34)
    Easy pace with my brother in law for 5 miles, then hammered the last mile up the hill.

    Tuesday 12th: 10.25 miles in 78:10 (7:37)
    Slow run. I felt pretty tired and lethargic all day; no reason at all for it, but nice to be tipping around in the sunshine.

    Wednesday 13th: 9 miles in 64:46 (7:12) including Yasso 800 session.
    I’d this on my mind this past week or two. Felt fresh this morning and despite strong breezes, went for it. About 7 out of the 10 reps seemed to be against the wind or half uphill. Just tough going. The reps when I’d either the wind or hills assisting felt good. Hit the times I wanted. Good session.
    2:53, 2:53, 2:53, 2:59, 2:56, 2:55, 2:54, 2:53, 2:53, 2:50


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Thursday 14th May: 6 miles in 45:25 (7:34)
    Easy pace
    Friday 15th: 6 miles in 41:07 (6:51)
    One mile easy, then 6:48, 6:38, 6:25, 6:25. Tough on the hills

    Saturday 16th: 6 miles in 43:20 (7:13)
    Steady

    Sunday 17th: 13.25 miles in 1:33 (7:05)
    First 4 miles were with the two older kids on their bikes, me running. Then hammered on a small bit.

    Monday 18th: 6 miles in 45:45 (7:38)
    Easy on tired legs.

    Tuesday 19th: 10.25 miles in 76:40 (7:29)
    Nice and steady.

    Weds 20th: 6 miles in 42:54 (7:09)
    One mile very easy, then 6:39, 6:48, 6:43, 6:46


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Thursday 21st May: 10.5 miles in 78:50 (7:31)
    Friday 22nd: 6 miles in 43:08 (7:11)
    4 faster miles in the middle; 6:43, 6:53, 6:40, 6:44

    Saturday 23rd: 10 miles in 73:25 (7:20)
    Steady run, with only the last mile in 6:5x

    Sunday 24th: 6 miles in 44:59 (7:28)

    Monday am: 1.8 miles in 13:25 (7:27)
    Pm: 15 miles in 1:49 (7:19)
    I’d time to kill in drogheda waiting for car to get serviced so ran out the newly resurfaced Boyne-Oldbridge ramparts and did loops in Oldbridge, before tracking back via Donore direction and the ramparts again. Beautiful afternoon for running.

    Tuesday: 6 miles in 43:20 (7:13)
    Started nice and handy on this but sped up a bit near the end.

    Weds: 10 miles in 74 (7:24)
    Steady

    Thursday: 6 miles in 44:35 (7:26)

    Friday: 6 miles in 41:55 inc 3x1mile
    The mile reps were tough with 2 minutes active recovery. First one fine with wind and hills assistance, but second two into a very stiff breeze. Really hard work, but happy with the session.
    5:41, 5:53, 5:51


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Sat 30th May: 6 miles in 46:10 (7:42)
    Easy run on tired legs.

    Sunday 31st: 9.5 miles in 70:34 (7:26)
    Steady pace. This brought me to 250 miles for the month of May, by far and away the highest mileage I’ve done in at least 4 years.

    Monday 1st June: 7.5 miles in 57:58 (7:44)
    Easy run.

    Tuesday 2nd am: 3 miles in 23:34 (7:51)
    9:20 am on the mountains after driving 250km, slightly above government restrictions, but I’d excuses ready. Worked on the bog cutting a decent bank of turf all day.
    Pm: 4 miles in 29:36 (7:23)
    Very sore at the start of this run , but loosened up nicely as I went.

    Weds 3rd: 6 miles in 41:30 (6:56)
    Did another few hours in the bog between 7 and 10, and headed back east. This run was meant to just loosen the legs out, but felt good after a mile and motored. Middle four miles were 6:50, 6:54, 6:17, 6:44

    Thursday 4th: 8 miles in 59:50 (7:29)
    Steady

    Friday 5th: 10 miles in 72:27 (7:14)
    Ran quite hard this morning. Felt good. Considered doing a run in the afternoon too but shelved it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Sat 6th June: 6 miles in 43:52 (7:18)
    Steady pace, just one sub7 (6:35) to get the legs turning over.

    Sunday 7th: 16 miles in 1:51 (6:59)
    After spending a while on Saturday night evaluating current shape vs 2013 equivalent, I’d decided I’m in a good position and planned on mirroring key sessions against that summer, which brought pb times in every distance.

    So, 16 miles at steady sort of 7:30 average pace was the plan. Easy first mile, then try as I could to keep pace in 7-7:20 for next couple of miles, they beeped in 6:45-6:55 range. I decided then to keep on it for a few miles seeing as I was feeling good. Tipped on nicely through Drogheda, the Boyne estuary to Termonfeckin, working a bit harder the last couple of miles up the hill from there. Then eased off for the last 3 miles.
    12 faster MP miles: 6:51, 6:46, 6:56, 6:48, 6:51, 6:45, 6:44, 6:41, 6:43, 6:48, 6:45, 6:49.
    Best marathon session I’ve done in a long time, particularly so far out from a planned race.

    Mon 7th: 6 miles in 46:50 (7:49)
    Easy run on tired legs, hardly surprising.

    Tuesday 8th: 6 miles in 45:25 (7:34)
    Loosened out nicely as this went on. Would’ve added on another couple but Mrs was due to go running with a friend at 9:30 so time wasn’t there.

    Unfortunately, the rescheduled Connemara marathon has now been cancelled altogether. I’m a little bit gutted, as I’ve been gearing up really well this past couple of months, and felt like I could do a proper job on the marathon for the first time since 2014. Option of virtual marathon is there. I don’t know if I fancy that. I’ll keep training and keep on it as I’m enjoying the training. I’ve got until August to defer, cancel or opt for virtual. First thoughts are that I’d prefer an actual race, but that might be hard to come by. Anyway, I’ll keep on running on my road to nowhere.


  • Registered Users Posts: 5,236 ✭✭✭AuldManKing


    Nice work on that MP session.

    The lack of races is frustrating. I'm keeping an eye out for Frankfurt and Amsterdam.
    Frankfurt falls after the date of the limit of 5000 for mass gatherings.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    Nice work on that MP session.

    The lack of races is frustrating. I'm keeping an eye out for Frankfurt and Amsterdam.
    Frankfurt falls after the date of the limit of 5000 for mass gatherings.

    Yeah, I was looking at Amsterdam last night. Cancellation policy is non-existent though, they can just cancel it and keep your entry! Don’t really fancy that.
    Frankfurt is a superb race, it’s where I ran my PB, so it’d be an interesting option.

    One obvious issue about booking foreign marathon might be entry into the country; a lot of talk about having to do Covid test at a cost of up to €200 at airport. Don’t fancy that


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