Leader Of The (Mid) Pack

Thanks AM, it's certainly nowhere near as flat as some like to portray it ! Regarding Alsaa, that'll probably just be to represent the job - we didn't have a team in the Garda XC. There's no hills to be negotiated, but it's quite open, and the ground tends to be stickier than your average cross country course. As for Carlingford, it occurred to me after I'd concocted the update above, that there is an option to switch distance (which I did in 2017). Something I'm seriously considering doing again.

Fair play N, quite the change in distance for you, from 800 metres to 10 miles in the space of 7 days ! Sure that alone couldn't have been easy. Hope you're right about Connemara. Feeling a bit more positive after this morning.

Looking back that seems like a strange decision all right. I reckoned running with a group might give me a bit more incentive to hang on and hence get a better time. What actually happened was that, from about 2 miles onwards, I was to all intents and purposes running alone. That stretch into the wind with the hills was dreadful. 80 mins would have been handy, no doubt. I seriously thought about pulling the plug on several occasions. However, I didn't want my wife worrying about me after I strayed way over expected finishing time (I'd sent her the link to results) and also I'd arranged to meet friends to watch the Dublin hurlers in Parnell Park. All that said, I made it through this morning's session relatively comfortably, albeit with a different approach than had I not "raced" two days prior. Onwards!

The Great Western Conn Job Resurrection - Week 9 of 18 - We're Halfway There

Livin' on a prayer ? Maybe. Or am I that far gone that not even bad medicine will salvage the end goal ? Right, enough Bon Jovi.

It is my intention to say a few words only. Unfortunately, this week's training amounted to about five minutes. I arrived in Chapelizod on Tuesday night, and threw the car in the usual spot near the West County. The plan was the usual warmup, down to Anna Livia Bridge and back up, before eight climbs of the West County hill. I hadn't even crossed the first road before my ankle felt like it was going to collapse under me. I can clearly remember when that injury occurred - being propelled off a lump of clumpy grass into a rabbit hole on the first lap of the Alsaa race. Didn't bother me at the time, mind. Anyway, that plus I started getting these sharp pains in my knee. Less than a second in duration, but still. Probably something I can run off. Back up to the hotel, start the first climb. Well I'd gone about 100 metres up the hill (if that) before the problems came back. Worth the hassle to do this up and down eight times ? Clearly not, in my opinion, so without further ado, I pulled the plug on a manky wet night and drove back to D15. Since then, I've just been resting it and hoping there aren't any more similar episodes on the way. Back into it, tentatively at first, on Monday, before hopefully a return to the West County hill. If next week doesn't go well, I may have to abandon Carlingford (5th of March) for this year. Beidh le feiceáil, mar a deirtear. Thanks for reading! J.

The Great Western Conn Job Resurrection - Week 10 of 18

There might be a bit more in this week's update.

Mon 21/2 - 2.36 miles @10:02/mi

I sacrificed the usual rest day so I could test the legs out before the Tuesday session. Not the craziest idea I've ever come up with, especially given I'd barely run at all last week. Anyhow, at this slow pace there were no issues to report, and hence I continued to...

Tue 22/2 - 8.04 miles @9:46/mi

More so after last week, I was a bit apprehensive about taking this one on. Even so, I undertook a pre dawn drive to Chapelizod, with the purpose of running up and down the West County hill eight times. Starting just after 6:30 AM, I headed downhill to Anna Livia Bridge, before turning back into the strong wind and very heavy rain. At the best of times, I find it hard to judge pace on the long hill sessions. Hence, trying to find a rhythm which I could sustain was tricky enough, even without the added challenging weather conditions. On occasion I was nearly getting blown back down the hill. Thankfully, the rain eased off towards the end of my stint, and the sun coming up gave my morale an extra little boost. Delighted to have a very long session in the bag (1 hr 18 min inc WU/CD) before work. If I make it to the start line in Connemara, this will be one of the sessions that will stand to me.

Wed 23/2 - 6.02 miles @8:50/mi

I was in the office today, which necessitated a rare (since Covid) evening run. Thankfully, nothing that would shock the body too much. An easy recovery run, with two laps around the Porterstown tarmac followed by two Carpenterstown loops.

Thu 24/2 - 5.97 miles @8:43/mi

Bit of snow overnight in Ratoath, but none sticking on the paths, as far as I could see out the window. The plan was to finally try the 2E / 3 @10k / 1E session, but I gave myself the option of sticking to easy miles if I found the paths too slippy on the warmup lap. No problems on the 2E, so I gave the session a go. The 3E was one and a half loops, with a short drag at the start and a longer drag at the end of the first and third miles. Hard enough with road crossings and human traffic, although no schoolkids with it being midterm. Snow started falling during the third "fast" mile, but nothing that impacted me. Dig in on the last longish drag, and that's it. Closer to HMP to be honest, but I'll take that at this stage.

Fri 25/2 - Rest

Sat 26/2 - BHAA Central Bank XC, Wesley College

I only decided to enter this on Friday, feeling satisfied that I'd recovered sufficiently from the midweek exertions. I enjoyed the inaugural event, which was my last XC race before Covid set in. Windy aul journey over to Dundrum. Warmup lap with Ian R and Tom F, with the longest straight part of the one mile lap straight into the very strong wind. No hills, and the ground conditions were ok. Quick hellos to Marthastew and Mr Skinny beforehand, among many others. Although Susan was giving regular countdowns e.g. 10 mins to go, 5 mins to go, the start itself was very understated. Not to worry. Start off slow, I decided. Hide behind a few big lads in the windy bits, and we'll see. I pretty much stuck to the plan, today not being a goal race. Caught up to G at the end of lap 1, and dropped him at the end of the long straight into the wind. After that, I remember a lad in a Trim 10 mile top passing me. He didn't get too far ahead though. A girl named Sarah was getting plenty of support on the way around. I think we passed each other three or four times, before I got rid of her for good before half way ( four c. 1 mile laps) or so I thought. Positions roughly the same for the rest. I caught one or two during lap 3. Trim came back to me at the start of the last lap - even into the wind, I couldn't hide behind him too long without nearly stopping. Terry C (who I passed early in lap 2) caught me around halfway through the last lap. Were I racing, I wouldn't have let him off as easy as I did. Not that I was flagging or anything, but Sarah caught me again with about 600 metres left. Sure let's see what we have. Keep close around the last two corners, then blast by her in the short little straight to the finish. Nice that I could pull that one out, at the end of a cross country, with two sessions in the bag this week too. FWIW, 98/160, in a time of 29:36. Better than my other XC performances this year, but slower than my 29:00 in 2020, when the ground conditions were heavier, including a lake near the end of the lap. Cooldown with Graham and Vanessa, to make it six miles for the day. Another fine job from RedRunner and his merry band of volunteers.

Sun 27/2 - 3.15 miles @8:46/mi

I began the day with a sunny but very windy Donabate beach walk, having wifey and a very happy dog for company. I finished off the running week when I got back to Ratoath, with a stingray lap plus my first run by the river that runs through the village. Short but steep little hill up to the church, but enjoyable nonetheless. Lots of sport viewing after that, the highlight of which was Liverpool beating Chelsea on penos to win the Carabao Cup, with young Corkman Caoimhin Kelleher to the fore. A nice memory to have for my birthday 😀 Feeling more confident about the plan after this week.

Mon 28/2 - Rest

Next

Carlingford Half Marathon on Saturday morning. This is the last race I've entered before the Connemara Half. Thanks for reading! J.

Thanks D, sorry your own race didn't go to plan, through no fault of your own. That training block will stand to you for the next goal race, no doubt.

As for Carlingford, I haven't given it a massive amount of thought, as it's just a prep race really. I've run it three times before, so I like to think I've a fair idea how to play it. Best was 1:35, in 2020, my second fastest ever. Since you asked, 1:40 springs to mind. That said, I think that was kind of a target two years ago too. Looking forward to it anyways. I won't be crying on the way home in the car if I don't break 1:40, put it that way. I'd a good week this week IMO, so just hoping to build on it next week.

The Great Western Conn Job Resurrection - Week 11 of 18

Technically, not the end of a phase of the plan, but to me it feels that way.

Tue 1/3 - 7.71 miles @9:43/mi

Over to Chapelizod once more, for my final West County Hill session. Starting at 6:26 AM, still in the dark. There's a flat complex near Anna Livia Bridge, where a Liverpool fan has several flags hanging up. Allez Allez Allez. It didn't seem as difficult as last week. In the sub zero temperatures, I opted for a hat and gloves combo, but it was dry and the air was still, certainly compared to last week's battles up the hill. Don't get me wrong, it was still hard! Very happy to be at the end of this series of sessions.

Wed 2/3 - 5.66 miles @9:07/mi

I had to drive into the office this morning, so as I knew I wouldn't get a chance to run after work, I started at the ungodly hour at 5:15 AM. Eerily quiet at that hour. Once around M50 Park, then up and over the bridge for the Clonsilla Lidl loop (roughly two miles). Home and all shortly after 6 !!

Thu 3/3 - 4.10 miles @8:43/mi

WFH today, so I went out for a lunchtime spin. Up to Porterstown, for three laps around the parkrun course.

Fri 4/3 - Rest

Sat 5/3 - Carlingford Half Marathon - Gimme Shelter

As mentioned here and elsewhere beforehand, this was never a goal race. Having said that, when clubmate Bernard and I were talking before the Raheny 5+, we both wondered aloud how we could make a half marathon work in five weeks time. Yet both of us made it to the start line, on a beautiful sunny morning in County Louth. Freezing though, and the wind ! In our faces coming in to the finish, unlike in 2020.

1-4

Tight enough coming out the gates of the sailing club. Bernard got ahead of more of the posse than I did, but I could see him, so I was happy enough. I don't know whether the red van was supposed to be in around us, but it was a few yards ahead of me for a while, with a few lads drafting behind it, a la Kipchoge going around Monza a few years back. At least the lads yesterday got their sub 2 😁 I was keeping it fairly slow as we climbed up into the hills, but even so they seemed to be taking more out of me than I could remember from other years. Having the wind behind us here didn't feel like much of a help. More were passing me than I was passing, but I wasn't worrying about any of that today. Apart from B, I didn't have a clue who anyone else was, let alone what times they may have been targeting. There's a nice photo from 2020 of the two of us running together 5k into it, with hundreds trailing further down the hill behind us. Roughly around there yesterday, he disappeared from my view, and I didn't see him again. I was happy just to make it to the main road (4 miles) without getting an urge to stop.

5-7

The end of most of the hills, but it seemed the wind was coming in side on now. I slowed to walk at the first water station, roughly 4.5 miles in. When I picked up my stride again, I was running with a guy in a Cill Íseal GAA top. According to Strava, these three miles are downhill, but I didn't really feel like I was going downhill much, more trying to keep some kind of rhythm. We reached the end of a long straight stretch near the 7 mile mark, turning towards the sea for a short stint with the breeze with us.

8-10

Water just after the 7 mile mark, stop to walk again. Left turn when we reached the sea. Plusses - beautiful sunny morning, clear blue sea and great views across to the Mournes. Minuses - Wind straight in your face, surface not great, long straights with more and more runners away in the distance. In spite of this, Cill Íseal and I were actually passing a few people. He was a big enough unit, so when I got close I tucked in behind on more than one occasion. Anything to try and make this section a bit more bearable. I'd enough problems at this stage, without another manifesting itself. Shortly before the 10 mile mark, I found a safe place to make a pit stop, and that was Cill Íseal gone for home. Normally I'd pass loads of people back after that, but only one or two this time.

11-13.1

Left at the 10 mile mark, straight up a short sharp hill into the breeze. Down again, but then another little climb after you turn right. Most of the remainder of Mile 11 was downhill but I didn't make a lot of progress. My aim was just to finish it, rather than finish as fast or as high up as I could. Possibly if I knew some of the people I was running with I might have been more interested. There were two miles to go after recrossing the Dundalk Road and turning towards Carlingford. Wind back in our faces again. Keep going. Pass a few, stop for water once more, pass one or two again. Even in the last mile, I was still passing and being passed by quite a few. Turn off the main road with 500 metres left. There wasn't much left in the legs, being honest. I caught one or two more with 200 metres to go, but then I didn't bother trying to sprint into the finish, which meant that those two, and one or two others, passed me back in the last few yards. So what. I finished it. Job done.

On another day, in different times, I'd be feeling fairly cranky about a 1:46, even in those conditions. For comparison, I ran the 2019 Inishbofin half in 1:43 - a very hilly course - having had a few pints the night before. Yet this time I wasn't upset at all. My legs were sore and tired, but there were no tears in the car. Long run done for the week, if nothing else - and actually my longest run since last November's Clontarf half. This was my 20th half marathon - all in my 40s, and at least one for every age year. Will Conn be a happy 21st ?

Sun 6/3 - 3.82 miles @9:04/mi

I drove over to St Catherine's Park this morning for a recovery run. Surprised that it was my first time there since my last run of 2021. Usually I'd begin my stint with a run through the Woodland Trail, but I didn't think the legs would cope too well with that really steep little hill at the bottom. The hill beside the stream, followed by the hill up to the BMX track, were sufficient in terms of climbing for today.

Next

Eleven weeks into the plan, time for a change in approach. Apart from a Christmas Day parkrun in Week 1, every weekend since that I've been able to, I've been off racing. Exceptions being Weeks 2 & 3 (Covid) and Week 9 (injury). This has meant that a number of the midweek tempos were dropped. I have no more races booked between now and Connemara, so especially now we're getting into some really meaty sessions, as well as "undulating" routes, it might take my body some time to get used to the different stresses. Sure only seven weeks left now. Thanks for reading ! J.

The Great Western Conn Job Resurrection - Week 13 of 18

Mon 14/3 - Rest

Tue 15/3 - 6.06 miles @8:55/mi

This was an almost exact reverse of last Tuesday's up and down D9/D11 run. Also, I did this one after work. Sad to see the flags flying at half mast in Erins Isle GAA Club, as our club president had died that morning.

Wed 16/3 - 6.08 miles @8:59/mi

In Wicklow for a few days, so this wasn't your usual recovery plod around D15 or Ratoath. Although the pace was broadly similar, some nice long uphills and downhills to get through.

St Patrick's Day - 6.05 miles @8:43/mi

Some of the lads here have been talking about the benefits of "lumpy" routes for sessions, as opposed to choosing the flattest route possible. Today, I had a shot at the 2E / 3 @10k / 1E. Down the long hill from the house to Aughrim, and back again. That was the "easy". Few seconds break before the "speed" part. First one had a stiff uphill start, but overall -171 feet (7:15). Not as easy as it sounds, as not only was I worried about burning myself out too early on the superfast downhill, I also had to be alert for cars on the narrow roads down to Annacurra. Cross the main road, up through the village, then a right turn between the church and the playground, through the forest trail that links Annacurra to Aughrim. Mainly uphill in Mile 2, and not easy to get traction. (8:22, +82 feet). Last one, a steep downhill to begin, up and over a bridge and nearly all flat to the end. 7:53 for this, although I felt like I was working fairly hard for it (-115 feet). Sure I'm on my holidays. Kind of. Long uphill back to the house to finish off.

Fri 18/3 - 3.51 miles @9:03/mi

This was intended to be a rest day, but wifey suggested I have one more run, since I get so much enjoyment from running in the Wicklow hills. Fair enough so ! This was the reverse of the triangle I ran the first few times down there. This time, downhill towards Aughrim first, then up a brutal climb (227 feet in 0.59 mi). Don't stop. Over that, down the steep other side, and a flat bit of over a mile in length, before a half mile climb back up. Delighted to do it, but concerned about the weekend runs being impacted.

Sat 19/3 - 6.14 miles @8:21/mi

Officially the same session as Thursday. However this time I'd be using Porterstown parkrun for the "speed" bit - my first parkrun of 2022. Fairly tired on the 2 mile warmup, but starting the parkrun improved my energy levels. I did a good job of keeping it steady, opening around midfield and passing a few as I progressed (13/83, 4th M45). Having people around you helps immensely. 23:08 was a nice time to put up (7:23/7:25/7:21 for miles 3-5) Feeling much better than after last Saturday's abandoned session, that's for sure.

Sun 20/3 - 10.35 miles @8:54/mi

In Abbotstown for this one, as our club 5k was taking place there for the first time. The plan said 12 L Undulating route. I got there earlyish to collect my number and get a few warmup miles in before the 5k. Between chats etc I got 5 and a bit miles in, firstly around the parkrun course, then over the race route. This was one 1k lap and two 2k laps. Plusses - we weren't running along the old road by the graveyard, typically quite a sticky part of the route. Minuses - still three times up the hill before turning left into the finishing straight. No racing from me today. Myself and Stephen kept each other company for most of it, until I pulled clear of him over the last kilometre. In the 24s for that, so happy enough to get a few faster miles in on tired legs. Cooldown with Rob to bring me over the ten. Mindful that I'd thrown in some hills on the rest day this week, I decided to leave it at that, especially as most people had gone home by then ! Good week running wise, with just two weeks left before taper. However, hearing this evening that a workmate had died suddenly, at the age of 51 (barely older than me) knocked me for six - totally unexpected, and a reminder to keep all of what I do here in perspective. Thanks for reading. J.

The Great Western Conn Job Resurrection - Week 15 of 18

Mon 28/3 - Rest

Tue 29/3 - 6.55 miles @8:45/mi

Running this one from the house, so out to the crossroads at the top of White's Road, then right down Tower Road and into PP at Knockmaroon Gate. Furry Glen loop before reenacting the long climb from Glen Pond to the aforementioned crossroads. Nice to get a long break at the lights when I got there! Straightforward enough from there back home.

Wed 30/3 - 6.00 miles @9:00/mi

Easy double loop of Carpenterstown first, then two laps of Porterstown. Happy to have it done before work.

Thu 31/3 - 6.04 miles @8:27/mi

Fri 1/4 - Rest

Sat 2/4 - 6.30 miles @7:25/mi (approx.)

This was the hardest of the long tempos in the plan - 2 x 3 miles @10k (5 mins recovery). I was more looking forward to it being over than running it ! I decided to go to the Porterstown grass track for my opening stint. After a 1 1/2 mile warmup and a few stretches, I began my 12 laps, with the MSB beginners group also using the track, while the parkrun gang set up camp and gave me a few shouts as I progressed. About 3/4 way through the first mile, I checked my pace and saw 7:05, from there easing off the gas a wee bit. 7:10/7:34/7:30 was better than expected beforehand. For those who follow me on Strava, the pace graph very accurately reflects the undulating nature of the grass track 😀 Bit of water on board, then across to the parkrun start. Since parkrun didn't start on time, I ended up waiting about 9 minutes to commence my second stint. Not to worry - start in the middle like before, see can you take a few. One lad not only cut the corner of the soccer pitch but also the corner into the finish straight on lap 2, so I resolved to finish ahead of him, tired or not. I passed him and a few others during the last lap, but he hung on right to the end. Very pleased with my sub-6 burst of pace down the finish straight 😁 23:28, 12/70, 2nd M45. There was a fine looking cake to mark milestones for two of our regulars (one running her 100th, the other finishing first woman in her 200th) and breakfast in the local afterwards, but I skipped all of that, as I had to head across to my friend's funeral. Sad day for all present.

Sun 3/4 - 12.03 miles @8:55/mi

The longest run remaining in the plan. It took me several minutes to clear the frost off the car (-2 deg C) before driving to White's Gate for an 8 o'clock start. Only one other there, but delighted to have him for company through the opening 5 1/2 mile stint, over various randomly selected trails between there and Islandbridge Gate. A lot more runners arrived for 9, but unfortunately not many of the aul fellas that were there last week were there this morning. The upshot was that most of the group were going way too quick for what I was comfortable with, so after two miles of huffin' and puffin' I decided to slip off the back. One of the lads dropped back with me, and he was a great help through the remaining 4 1/2 miles or so. Tired but happy to go the distance. Taper time now. As AMK pointed out on Strava, three weeks is a long taper for a half. No more long tempo runs, but I might change up the sessions if they're too easy.

Next

As mentioned above, the first of three weeks of tapering. Elsewhere, due to works in Porterstown, we've had to redesign the parkrun route. Still to be officially confirmed at the time of writing, but we aim to have the temporary course in operation next Saturday. Hope to see some of you there. Thanks for reading ! J.

The Great Western Conn Job Resurrection - Week 17 of 18

Mon 11/4 - Rest

Tue 12/4 - 6.28 miles @9:00/mi

The last of the "hilly run, undulating route" runs on the plan. Slight change from two Tuesdays ago, in that I ran down to the hotel and past the sand pits, which meant a bit more up and down than the usual route from the Carpenterstown shops to Castleknock College. Happy enough with it, although the long climb from the Glen Pond to the crossroads was occasionally a bit taxing. Nice to see AMK in good form, before his encounter with a rude walker.

Wed 13/4 - 6.03 miles @8:56/mi

Standard issue recovery run - twice around Carpenterstown followed by twice around Porterstown. I definitely was feeling the after effects of Sunday and Tuesday's hills on this one.

Thu 14/4 - 6.00 miles @8:52/mi

A few easy warmup miles leading into the session - another 6 x 1 min on / 1 min off effort. These were before work, around the MSB grass track. Surprisingly consistent pacing by my standards, and a nice pickup on the last one.

Good Friday - Rest

Sat 16/4 - 5.51 miles @8:19/mi

Back to Porterstown for another parkrun, but this time we were on the temporary course, which involves running up the "long hill" (approx. 330 metres) five times. Not something I was worried about, as I wasn't racing anyway, and besides that km loop is a regular for our sessions (e.g. 5 x 1k on / 400 off). To be fair I didn't cheat by running the pace bits (again, 6 x 1 min on / 1 min off) on the downhill or flat. Quite pacy for the first couple of laps too, and actually once more a bit quicker than HMP in the main. One lad running close to me was a bit bemused by what I was up to - happy to explain it to him afterwards! Nearly there. 24:11, 16/71, 5th M45.

Easter Sunday - 8.14 miles @9:02/mi

I was in Center Parcs for this one - a family weekend away - having travelled up on Saturday, passing through Tang en route. Saturday was lovely weather wise, but this morning was fairly manky, and I didn't feel the Mae West either after a fair bit of food and drink. Still, the longer I deliberated the less likely I was to do it, so just after 8:30 I was out. I ran 5 times around a fairly flat loop of roughly 1.5 miles, which included a longish (about half a mile) stretch directly into the wind and rain. More runners out than I was expecting, and despite the conditions, I was fairly comfortable once I got into my stride.

Easter Monday - Rest

Next

The final chapter of this sub-log, with hopefully a happy ending to my 21st half marathon. At the moment I'm thinking a sub-100 time is well within my compass - it would be a shame not to try beat my 2016 time (1:40:40) at a minimum. Setting a PB (1:34:05, Ratoath 2019) might be beyond me this time. However, the last few weeks of training have gone well IMO, so maybe I should trust the training more. Pacers (1:30, 1:45, 2:00) probably won't be much use to me here. I certainly don't intend to repeat the Trim 10 sh!tsh0w - going with the 1:30 would be a perfect recipe for making the Hell Of The West (miles 10 and 11) even harder than it should be. Thanks for reading! J.

Thanks all, still none the wiser, as I haven't felt sick at all since. I would have liked to spend more time in the West, but I had to go back to work on Tuesday.

I haven't run a yard since Monday morning. Possibly I'll jump in the parkrun on Saturday. If so, it'll be the first time in a while that I haven't been watching paces or anything, just run ! I'd love to go back to Inishbofin in May for another crack at that HM, but not this year, sadly. Looking back on it all several days later, the main thing was really that we were able to spend some quality time together, in one of our favourite places. Not too long ago, that was a very optimistic scenario, to say the least. There won't be a sub log leading up to the Ratoath return 😁 sure as regular readers here, and Strava followers, will be aware, I spend a fair bit of time out there anyway, so going there for a race isn't quite such a big deal. We'll both be fitter and healthier by then 🤞 Leanfaidh muid ar aghaidh, cinnte !

Yes indeed, a few more smiles on this log lately 😀 thanks again !

Mon 16/5 - Rest

Tue 17/5 - BHAA Beach Race, Sandymount Bob Heffernan & Mary Hanley 5k

Due to an apparent threat of thunder and lightning, the BHAA committee on Monday decided to postpone the beach race. This left me in something of a pickle. I could take the easy way out and watch Southampton v Liverpool, or join around a dozen clubmates on a mini excursion into North County Kildare. Well, I thought, it's a fast course anyway, and there'll be plenty to drag me around. So in spite of the rain belting down through the morning and early afternoon, I set off, and thankfully it cleared up before I pulled into the car park of the Hamlet Court Hotel in Johnstownbridge, to register on the night. Quite a few people were doing this - it's part of the Kia Race Series, and hence you get a few Olympians in the mix, as well as aul plodders like myself, and every other standard too. Lots of time to warmup. I decided to run out to the 4k mark and back to begin. Was that Lainey gone by me ? I'm in my own world usually if running alone, so unless you're right in my eye line, I tend not to see anyone. I'd forgotten Dubh Geannain was running, so I hadn't been looking out for him. I made my way out to the start with a few lads, including quick feet of this parish, before a long wait for the guards to let traffic through. Was I nervous ? Not at all. One of our Connemarathoners was running too, and he reckoned that the HM runners had the worst deal there 😁

1

I was mindful of not going out too hard on the slightly uphill opening. The road was fairly wide here, so even though there was a fair bit of traffic, I didn't have as much trouble with it as I usually do in bigger races. Having not done any speedwork in a month, it would have been daft to chase a PB (19:43) or anything close to it tonight. Hence, I picked out a clubmate up ahead (usually a 20/21 min 5k guy) and kept him in my sights.

2

Sharp left hander soon after the 4k to go mark, leading into the longest part of the race. G passed by as we swung around the bend, seemingly none the worse from his 10 mile warmup. I decided not to tag on, sticking to my original plan of following E's pace. Quite flat through here, passing more than being passed.

3

Similar to the one before. I could feel myself working a bit harder to keep E in my sights. Sun was out, but the old warm weather training came into play, thankfully. Keep this going, see what happens. I'd probably have struggled with a steep hill at this point, but that wasn't on the agenda tonight. Towards the end of this one, E started to come back to me.

4

About 200 metres into this one, I caught and passed my clubmate. Would this be the impetus I needed to push on ? Well to my surprise, due to a probable combination of him pushing back and me not being able to make my move stick, he got back in front. There were a few Na Fianna runners around me at this stage, as well as one or two from Raheny, and some other clubs (Trim?) I'm writing this five days after the event, so bear with me 😁 I knew a fast last k was coming, so I tried to keep it going as strong as possible to the turn. I saw the GAA pitches up ahead, and hence the turn for home. Downhill around the bend. Here we go!

5

Having done the run out and back earlier, I knew exactly what was coming. Forgot to mention earlier, beforehand I dug out a few old reports on here from the last event, in 2019, to get me in the mood. As we headed for home, I was reminded of Lazare's "we're animals" quote. I couldn't say I got to that level of desperation [ C finally nailed his first sub-20 ] but I did give it a bit more welly. As the photos show, I wasn't quite phoning this one in, like a parkrun for example. Over the little humpback bridge with about 400 to go, and time to put the hammer down. So I said to quick feet while we were heading to the start. It didn't happen like that for me, as the legs couldn't raise enough of a gallop to avoid being passed by three or four in the last 200, while only passing one in return (I think). Over the line in a chip time of 21:28. Nothing to shout from the rooftops over, but still my fastest 5k since January 2020, so I'll take it. And yes, as was suggested to me since, I did banish a few demons relating to the Connemara collapse.

Hearing word of Liverpool's successful comeback on the drive back to base made it a better evening's work. By the time most of you read this (I'm writing before the games kick off) we'll know the outcome of the "highly unlikely, but not impossible" task facing the Reds in their attempt to stop Man City winning the league again. Either way, still two cups in the bag, with the possibility of a third next week, so there won't be any tears out of me tonight, whatever happens.

Wed 18/5 - Rest

I had a recovery planned at some stage, but long story short it didn't materialise.

Thu 19/5 - 5.18 miles @8:36/mi

I thought it might be foolish to just sail on to the weekend, so I decided to throw a session into the mix having had a day of nothing prior. Up to Porterstown after work, for a warmup around the grass track, while the cricketers were training. I decided on 12 x 200 on/200 off. With balls occasionally whizzing over towards the parkrun finish line, it was an easy decision as to where the 200 on would be. Push out hard, slight downhill to begin, but then it rises up around the bend, however the wind was behind me as I ran the bend through 150 and back downhill to the 200. Stopped to walk after some of these, as well as watching the activity on and around the crease for the start of my recoveries. Looking at the Strava today, it seems I kept most of them within the 5:30-5:50/mi range, which is better than I expected in advance. Who knows, maybe I'll give one of these track races a go this year after all.

Fri 20/5 - 4.38 miles @9:07/mi

Back to the parklaps this morning. M50 Park first, then Tír na nÓg, and lastly a spin around Porterstown. Legs were feeling the session a bit, but nothing drastic.

Sat 21/5 - No running

Although we were down in Wicklow, and I had brought the runners, there was no realistic chance to do anything. Ideally I'd have gone to Gorey parkrun (Avondale is suspended due to building works) but it wouldn't have been fair to leave wifey with two smallies for the guts of two hours, so I left it. Maybe next time.

Sun 22/5 - LSA Peninsula 4 Mile

My second race this week, with the 5k having given me a taste of what it felt like to race "fast" again. I was in good form as I made the drive to Donabate, for a new race on the calendar. Organised by the Lambay Sports Athletics club, but there was no sign of Lambay island from these parts. Ex Boardsie HelenAnne was lining up though, and not seeing anyone else I knew around my standard(ish) I decided she would be the one to follow. The starter was an old GAA clubmate of mine, and it was he who introduced me to the legend that is John Treacy before we got away. There was a marked reluctance to go to the front among the majority, until a few Raheny boys jumped in. These included a lad in green and white striped shorts. Luckily for him, he had the winning performance on the day to back up that kind of attire 😀

1

Wind at our backs as we headed towards the sea, under the railway line through a largely downhill opener, with Malahide visible across the estuary. H caught up to me about halfway through, and I matched her thinking I could get a decent time if I managed to make it stick. Not too bad, still with her, and we were passing more than were passing us. There was a Clonliffer just ahead, and a few Luskers - they had a huge representation out of the 356 that took the start. Systems check was all good so far.

2

Surface wasn't great here, slight rise as we moved away from the sea, passing various car parks as well as Corballis and Balcarrick golf clubs. H led me past a few more, including the Clonliffer, but as we approached halfway, I was finding it harder to hang on to her pace. Not knowing how much training she's doing these days, I was reluctant to bust myself before we'd even started the hard part of this race. Hence I just kept it steadyish up to the halfway mark.

3

Roughly 3.5k into proceedings, we swing left at the roundabout near the Shoreline Hotel (formerly Waterside) and head back towards the village. Now the fun started, as the wind picked up and we felt it against us for the first time. Clonliffer passed me back, as well as two others, while H was getting smaller and smaller as she sped off into the distance (she finished 40 seconds ahead of me). It's a long straight road, and I was finding it fairly tough to keep motivated and try to get a half decent time out of it. Nothing like FTFT, mind you - yet at the same time, I didn't want to put in a totally embarrassing effort. Hit the three mile marker shortly before the turn for home.

4

Lefthander onto the new road which bypasses the village. Uphill as we turned, with one Clonliffer talking two of her clubmates through this last battle. All three passed by me on the short downhill, but I passed their clubmate back, as well as a few others who'd run out of gas. I'd run most of the last mile out and back as part of my warmup, so I knew the last climb up and over the railway line would be tough - into the breeze as well. The three Clonliffe women pulled away on the climb, but I was still passing others, including a Raheny woman and a lad from Lusk. As we approached the top of the hill, I could hear him saying "Now. Now. Now. Now. Now" as if to give himself a last push over the top, and down the last couple of hundred metres to the finish. Well, for a change, it was me who had that extra kick in the final seconds, pulling clear of Lusk for a very satisfying conclusion to proceedings.

Time: 27:51 (27:49)

Position: 59/356

It's seldom I race 4 miles on the road. Going back through the archives, it's been over seven years since the last one - a 29:12 in St Anne's Park, to complete the 2015 Lord Mayor's 5 Alive Challenge. It's definitely my best ever road time for that distance, so I was very pleased to go sub-28 in a race of two halves. The reason I say road, is because I have a 4 mile time of 26:40 from the BHAA Maynooth XC in 2019. Hmmm. XC can be a bit off to be fair. Not that I'll worry about it too much - a very positive start to the day, and end to my running week.

Next

I've signed up for the Virtual IKA Run For A Life, taking place over the next few days. At the moment I'm planning to run it in a parkrun. Corkagh (the home of the live IKA runs) if time allows, Porterstown if not. Thanks for reading! J.

Mon 23/5 - 4.22 miles @9:17/mi

Recovery around Porterstown, after work. Nice and gently does it.

Tue 24/5 - Rest

Wed 25/5 - 4.48 miles @7:41/mi

The car was in for a service, and they needed to keep it in overnight, so instead of GAA I headed to the midweek club session, for the first time this year. It would be interesting to find out what kind of pace I could manage in company. The session was three sets of 400/600, with 200 AR in between, with a 3 min recovery between sets (generous IMO). I kept pace mostly in the 6s, which was nice. Finishing with 4 x 200 on/200 off, I picked up the pace for a strong last one. Happy with my evening's work, and also it was nice to catch up with some people I hadn't seen in a long while.

Thu 26/5 - Off

Collected the car after work, then decided to switch rest days around.

Fri 27/5 - 4.02 miles @8:48/mi

Lunchtime Clonsilla Road/Ongar Road loop. Hearing of Andy Fletcher's death had me on a major Depeche Mode buzz all day. Also, later on we were ordering a coffee and what song comes on but "Then He Kissed Me", obviously to do with Ray Liotta's passing. Great film, with that scene being one of the standouts.

Sat 28/5 - Virtual IKA Run For A Life / Corkagh parkrun

In the interests of authenticity, or whatever term you like to use, I went to Corkagh Park, as it's the home of the IKA runs. I liked the parkrun anyway, having done it once before, back in September 2017. At the time I was training for DCM, and got in a 20 miler the following day. No chance of that happening this time! Great to see Lazare (one of my old proteges) there. Beforehand I had designs on going sub 21, but then since C was running 22:xx pace, I decided that would be sufficient. A very enjoyable run ensued, with one of the local RDs joining us along the way. Around the 4k mark, the two boys picked up the pace. I let them off, but had enough energy of my own to pull away from the lead female, and reel in another lad near the finish. 22:59, 16/146, 4th M45. A great way to support the IKA. The 2012 Run For A Life was the first race I trained for, and they were the beneficiaries when I ran my first marathon (Paris 2014). As long as I'm able to do this, I'll keep supporting them.

Sun 29/5 - 4.05 miles @9:12/mi

I nearly didn't get out for this, feeling a bit tender after a good few pints before, during and after the Champions League final. Sad to lose, but what a season - the maximum possible 63 games, and only four losses. It'll probably never happen again. Disappointed but not surprised by UEFA lies and deflection, as well as the usual fans of mickey mouse clubs with their "bantz". Haters gonna hate. Ah well, it was nice to see the Dubs back lifting trophies again, and my own team racked up their highest ever score in my time with them. So lots of reasons to be cheerful on Saturday too.

Next

Back racing again, with a long overdue return to the BHAA's Dunboyne 5 mile event on Tuesday evening. Hope to see some of you there. Thanks for reading! J.

Another week along the road, as May turns to June, and plans become more settled.

Mon 30/5 - Rest

Tue 31/5 - BHAA Government Services 5 Mile

I was given the option to transfer my registration from the beach race to this event, so on a dark, wet evening, I made the short drive to Dunboyne. Parked in a school about half a mile away from the finish, to discover on the way down that they had secured another closer car park on the day. However, unlike AMK and quite a few others, I didn't bother going back to my car to shorten the post race walk. Plenty of time to get my bib, before warming up around the track, which we would be finishing the race on.

I'd run this race twice before. Although it has a reputation for being a fast course, I didn't run well in either year (2014 - 35:32, 2016 - 35:24). Sure I didn't even have my own Boards log in those days. I reckoned a course PB was definitely on, whatever about the rest. Nice to see lots of familiar faces in the build up. With the rain easing off, we gathered out on the Maynooth road, ready to roll.

1

I lined up on the outside, thinking (correctly, as it happened) that there would be less traffic out there. Slight drag till we turned off down the country road. Downhill it seemed a lot of the way along here. The other side of that was, especially with me having less traffic to negotiate, in relative terms I was whizzing along. On BHAA Youtube, there's a video of the race. About half a mile (?) into proceedings, you'll see me (blue top) going through at 1:15, overtaking (another) four or five. Bit enthusiastic, you might say. The Ref passed me before the 1 mile mark, looking strong. Maybe he'd come back to me. Sure no panic.

2

This first section of the race seemed mainly flat or downhill, a couple of little drags but nothing serious. While I didn't feel like I was flat to the boards, I was having doubts that I could keep "even" this pace going. About a quarter way through Mile 2, Mister Drak pulled up alongside, then eased away a bit. Here, I was thinking, if I could keep him and/or The Ref in sight till the last mile, that course PB would surely be gone. About 1 1/2 miles in, a double left hander, then into the second of the three main sections of the race. Passed by a few along here, but then I think I passed one or two as well, so I wasn't overly perturbed in the grand scheme of things.

3

There were a couple of little groups forming, as I hung with two or three others along this gently rolling middle mile. I didn't bother taking on water at the start of it - I didn't notice anyone else ahead of me doing so either. Getting harder to maintain pace, but on the other hand, it was a sign that I was working hard and not just letting the race happen. I could still see D maybe 60-70 metres ahead. Far from disastrous if I could hold that gap. Mind you, it did seem a lot longer than the first two miles. Shortly before the turn for home, I could feel myself retching, and pulled in to the side, convinced that my lunch was about to come up. Thankfully, nobody was treated to that unseemly spectacle, but it did knock me out of whack a fair bit. Not sure exactly how long I stopped for (20-30 seconds?) but I turned for home and finally passed the 3 mile marker, with a changed mindset for the remainder.

4 & 5

I'll take these two together, as by and large they were the same - me just finishing out the race, while being passed by a lot more than I was passing. Feeling fairly p!$$3d off over what had happened, but there will be other nights. I did have a small bit of added motivation at the end though. There was a large Raheny contingent in action, as per. Mick Clohisey was on the road before the turn into the grounds, encouraging his clubmates, one of whom was closing in on me, it seemed. Not on my watch. I might have been running shi'ite for nearly 2 miles, but I was in no mood to be passed on the track. Looking at the video, I had a much bigger gap than I thought, as I crossed in a miserable 35:48, not even a course PB. Next time I'm not leaving a seven hour gap between eating and a race. Even so, great to talk to so many post race, including AMK, scotindublin, Mister Drak, and quick feet. I warmly welcomed the water, banana, tea, and especially the biscuits and cakes, before making my way home. I had to laugh looking at the results the next morning, as I hadn't even considered that we might have won a team prize (our regular rivals weren't there tonight). As it transpired, we were first in C Class, with moi the second scorer. So not a complete and utter disaster after all 😁

Wed 1/6 - 4.31 miles @9:22/mi

A tired D15 parklaps shuffle after work, starting with Porterstown, working down to Tír na nÓg, and from there to M50 Park.

Thu 2/6 - 7.65 miles @8:54/mi

Thinking ahead with the longer races in mind, I decided to try running a bit further than of late, even though my legs were still tired. Back to an old favourite, the D15 fish loop - a roughly 5 mile loop, which crosses the N3 twice, either side of passing the NSC, and also passes the Blanchardstown Centre twice. A clubmate was driving by as I crossed the N3 to start the long drag past the NSC. Well timed, my friend ! The last two miles were into the rain, and I had to stop a few times for traffic, but overall I was happy to get this one in the bag.

Fri 3/6 - Rest

Sat 4/6 - Porterstown parkrun (158)

Friends of ours had organised drinks for wifey last night - the first time so many of us had been out together in years. I really enjoyed it (and more importantly, so did she), even though it was less than ideal preparation for running the next morning. Hence, I walked up to Porterstown, to add to my parkrun total - my 95th at Porterstown. Seemingly 100 runs of one parkrun is known as a singleton. Maybe TBO can verify. One of our long time stalwarts - and also the founder of the Porterstown Panthers - was running his 200th, so he was deservedly in the spotlight today. 69 last week, and no sign of stopping - an inspiration and a friend to so many D15 based parkrunners. As for me, having five of the long hills to negotiate wasn't ideal, but negotiate them I did, with one of the RDs on my tail for most of the last three laps. 24:04, 10/81, 3rd M45. For context, the same fella finished nearly five minutes behind me on Tuesday. Not to worry. Coffee and cake went down well at the finish. I would have stayed longer, but we had to be on the road fairly early.

Sun 5/6 - 6.21 miles @8:47/mi

Back in Ratoath, for a spot of dogsitting. I was up early to get this one done. Same as three weeks ago - two stingray laps, with extras added on to the first one - out and back to the GAA club, as well as a spin off to a housing estate at the far end of town. Overcast out there, and as I type it hasn't really brightened up a whole pile. Still, pleased with a comfortable conclusion to this week's running.

Mon 6/6 - Rest

Next

A rematch with the 5 mile distance, as I take on a tricky looking Irish Runner 5 Mile course next Sunday. Maybe the 9 AM start will be more to my benefit.

I've pretty much finalised the racing plan for the next few months, so, for your pleasure, here it is !

Sun 12/6 - Irish Runner 5 Mile, Phoenix Park

Tue 14/6 - BHAA OPW Trail Race (5k), Phoenix Park (possible)

Sun 19/6 - Castleknock 5k

Thu 23/6 - Clonee 10k

Tue 19/7 - Bettystown 5 Mile

Sun 7/8 - Kilbeggan 10 Mile

Sat 10/9 - Ratoath Half Marathon

Participation in the trail race will depend on how the body feels after the IR5. Hopefully the BHAA beach race can be rescheduled - if so, I'll probably run that one. I was originally planning the Docklands 5k on the 23rd, but due to some technical glitch my registration didn't go through. Hence I decided to join some clubmates in Clonee, for my first 10k race in over three years. In my opinion, the Kilbeggan 10 is the best fit time wise between the Bettystown 5 (a PB race for me in 2019) and the Ratoath HM (also a PB in 2019). I'll be taking a little break after all of that, before the cross country season gets into gear. Thanks for reading! J.

Mon 20/6 - Rest

Tue 21/6 - 4.21 miles @8:50/mi

Easy few miles around Porterstown before work.

Wed 22/6 - 3.59 miles @8:41/mi

Six laps of M50 Park. It ended up being a mini progression run, with the laps (roughly 550 metres) starting off nearly 3 minutes duration, and ending closer to 2:50.

Thu 23/6 - Clonee 10k

Home from work before 5, for a quick bite to eat and to give myself plenty of time to get my gear together for the short drive. However, on arriving at race HQ, I was informed that the car park was full, so I got redirected to the hallowed cross country turf of Cow Park, over a mile away from the race start. So not that short. I met AMK driving in as I was shuffling out of CP. Still enough time for a couple of miles warmup, on a very humid and sticky evening (22 deg C). Pleasantly surprised that I wasn't the only one there from the club ! I lined up somewhere in the middle, where I could see my clubmates, but not alongside them - my first 10k since April 2019 would not be one to chase a PB.

The course consisted of a long out (towards Kilbride) and back (over 3k in each direction) with a loop of well over 2 miles at the far end. Rather than a km by km breakdown, I'll split the report into three segments.

Out

Downhill at the very beginning, into a long straight, largely flat with one or two little chicanes. I noted the bits of downhill on the way out, nothing to worry me at this stage, but they might be tricky enough on the way back. Did I mention it was warm ? Well I hadn't even gone a kilometre when I could feel my singlet already stuck to me. Clubmates (two of the three) were visible on the long straights, but I made no effort to get closer. Instead I found a relatively steady rhythm which I felt I could maintain for 10k. Water at the 3k mark, at the end of another long straight, was very warmly welcomed - I didn't see one runner skip the station. It went over the head as well as in the mouth. Systems check after this - everything functioning, kind of, but we were very much in FTFT territory tonight. Long suffering readers of this log will be well aware of my aversion to racing in the heat, and this was a classic example.

Loop

About 2 miles completed, and we turned right for what somebody on Strava has labelled the "Rowan Loop". Bit of a drag at the start, and the first country lane was wide open to the sun. Thankfully, on turning left just after 4k, there was a bit of shade on the right hand side of the road, and everyone drifted over there, not too worried about having to run an extra few metres as a result. Left again just before halfway, slight downhill to start the second half, or maybe I imagined that bit. One or two started dropping off my "pace", more to do with them fading than any increase in speed on my part. Double left hander before 6k, and now some others were passing me. I wasn't too bothered about tagging on - as above, finishing was the main thing here.

In

Loop done, and now back the way we came. Same water station, except now 7k completed. A lady offered me a second cup, even after seeing me gulping down my first. Did I look in difficulty ? I decided not to pursue the matter at this stage. The straight seemed a lot longer coming back, especially when I knew we still had over 2k left at the end. I know it doesn't look great, but just being honest writing this. Remember also that this was my fourth race in a relatively short space of time, eleven days after the first of those. Those little drops I noted on the way out were a bit close to hills for my liking now. I saw a car with the race timing thereon. Over 40 minutes gone, and I hadn't even gone through 9k. Lord above. I could see the finish from a fair bit out - about 500 metres maybe ? On another evening, this would have been an empty the tank job. Trouble was, I was empty from long before. Hence I didn't even raise a sprint coming to the line, as several more runners claimed an easy scalp on the night.

46:38. Call off the search party. For context, the lady who finished almost directly behind me here, was over two minutes behind me in the 5k trail race.

Fair play to AMK, he was on the ball with the water, as I stood a few feet across the finish line, a bit weak, but nothing a couple of minutes sitting down wouldn't cure. Up on the feet again, and back to race hq for pizza, coffee, biscuits and cakes. Not to mention a "medium" t-shirt from the cancelled 2020 Dunboyne 10k - I was glad of it, as my singlet was drenched. No pint for me unfortunately. A couple from Porterstown (both RDs) were better organised on that score, as I chatted to them while they enjoyed their post race pint and pizza combo, before their cycle back to D15.

Fri 24/6 - Rest

Sat 25/6 - Porterstown parkrun

Luckily this morning was a lot cooler, even though the wind was back. I wanted to push myself a bit more than usual here, so I lined up at the front. Out fast and see what happens. Halfway up the first hill, I'd settled into my finishing position. Normally I'd have two or three to run with, but I'd burned them off even before going through four laps to go. First mile was 6:42, with one and a half hills included in that. Between running alone and an over enthusiastic opening, the rest of it wasn't quite up to that standard. Even so, I was happy with my effort levels so soon after a 10k, when from a long way out it was highly unlikely that I would catch or be caught by anyone. 22:20 (my fastest parkrun this year) 7/80, 2nd M45.

Sun 26/6 - 11.00 miles @9:29/mi

With a change in tack incoming, I decided it would be important to get a longer run in, despite a few post Croker beers. Very slow starting off, but I gradually picked up pace (or didn't run so slowly, if you prefer!) This was the five parklaps route revisited, from smallest to largest. The wind was strong coming back, but all things considered I was very happy to complete the run as planned.

Next

With my mini medley of races now in the rear view mirror, back to the midweek club sessions next week. As it stands, I'm not planning to race again until July 19 (Bettystown 5 mile), but I'll need to have some more intervals and longer work on board, in order that I can take on the remaining summer races with more confidence. Thanks for reading ! J.