Leader Of The (Mid) Pack

"Nobody knows what the future holds, my friend!"

Mon 27/6 - Rest

Tue 28/6 - 5.84 miles @8:50/mi

Comfortable double loop of Clonsilla Road/Ongar Road after work.

Sat 2/7 - Knocknacarra parkrun

We were staying in Galway for a family birthday, so after breakfast in the hotel, I made the short drive to Cappagh Park, for my first time to be a parkrun tourist in the West. Although the start wasn't where I imagined it, I'd a few people to follow, so arrived in plenty of time. Nice friendly crew, but not a fast course. One lap of two pitches to start, then two longer laps heading back towards the car park and then into the woods, with a fair few drags and drops. I remember being a bit lost on the first long lap, and having to wait something like 30 seconds for the next runner. Of course I was going the right way. Not that it mattered really. 25:13, 17/46, 7th M45.

Sun 3/7 - 6.75 miles @9:09/mi

A 6:30 AM start, for a run that took me into the city centre as far as Eyre Square, around to the docks and back out along the Salthill promenade, before turning up the steep hill away from the sea, and back to base. Busier than you might have imagined. Strange seeing all the touristy bits practically deserted, apart from one or two walkers and a bunch of seagulls. This run brought back a lot of memories from numerous Galway trips over the years. Glad I had the energy to get out and do it, before the trip back across the Shannon.

4/7 - 10/7

Just the two runs this week - a quick few laps of Porterstown in between work and GAA, and a Porterstown parkrun which was a struggle on every level.

Tue 12/7 - 7.34 miles @8:24/mi

The captain is trying to get a few Tuesday/Thursday group runs going, so I was able to tag along for a 6 PM start from White's Gate. I had to stop to take two phone calls during this lap of the park, but thankfully, after the first, one of the lads paced me back up. I'll be able for more of these hopefully.

Wed 13/7 - No running

I was volunteering at the BHAA DCC Irishtown 5k in Ringsend Park this evening. Marshalling on one of the corners, in what can be a fairly busy park in summer. Plenty to be watching for, with runners passing me three times.

Thu 14/7 - 6.51 miles @9:16/mi

Out through Clonsilla to the far end of Ongar Road, back down the long straight to Power City before turning right for home. Warm again, with a few long stops at junctions to give me additional respite.

Sat 16/7 - Porterstown parkrun

Scorching start to the morning, as I lined up at the front of a small field. There was a young one visiting from Manchester, who tore off like a scalded cat at the start. Of course, none of us had a clue who she was, she could have been nearly any standard. The leaders caught her soon enough, but even at the end of the short lap, with four laps remaining, me and another fella were highly unlikely to catch anyone or be caught. Hence, I suggested we just pace it out together in the heat. A wise move, as even slow as we were, it was still a taxing enough run. 23:17, 5/42, 1st M45.

Sun 17/7

My second time to volunteer at a race this week, as I was part of the crew looking after the bag drop for the Fingal 10k out in Swords. I didn't envy those who took it on in that heat, even with the firehoses at the 7k mark.

Mon 18/7 - 4.37 miles @9:16/mi

Mini parklaps route - M50 Park followed by Tír na nÓg, with Porterstown last on the list this evening.

Tue 19/7 - B-5 Bettystown 5 Mile

Right up until the afternoon of the race, I was in two minds about whether to travel to East Meath or not. I'd a very good run here in 2019, beating a 5 year old PB, but I was nowhere near PB shape this time, putting it mildly. Better to be sorry I went than sorry I didn't, perhaps. On the way out, I nearly got clipped by a fire engine speeding up to the right turn at Julianstown which brings you to Laytown. Where was the fire I wonder ? Heading out the new road around Bettystown, I could see smoke billowing in the distance. Not the Tesco (registration location) surely ? As it turned out, it was part of the old hotel that was up in smoke, with the fire out long before we got under way. Short warmup from the finish to the Tesco roundabout and back, before a nice chat with an old a former work colleague from Star Of The Sea. A clubmate was unexpectedly there too, but only in a support capacity - his wife was running here. Luckily for me, the 30 deg C temps which were promised failed to materialise, with an overcast 19 being the temp as we set off.

1

Long straight to begin, from the caravan park past the golf club heading towards Drogheda. I deliberately start a good bit back, trying to keep the pace down and resisting the temptation to try and tear through the field. I know I'm way slower than before, but that's the plan tonight. Stick with it and don't worry. 7:13 for a flat start to proceedings.

2

Left at around 1.1 miles and then a largely straight second mile, fairly flat again. I pass a guy from Balbriggan about 1.7 miles, keeping pace with a girl from Sportsworld and a couple of Navan runners. The hardest bit is to come, so I take a bit of a breather towards the end of this mile (7:23).

3

The only real hill in the race comes at the start of this mile, I'm back and forth with Sportsworld and a SOTS woman (not the one earlier) on the climb. Few kids squirting water pistols brings a smile, as I could do with a bit of cooling down. Left at the crossroads at the top of the hill, the highest point on the course. Water at half way, I slow down to walk. Gulp down a quarter of it, tip another load over my head. SOTS and Sportsworld have pushed on while I'm at this. Back in and keep going. The rest of this mile is a gradual downhill (7:38).

4

Continuing slowly downhill, as we emerge from the country and start to pass the housing estates on the edge of the town. A few lads pass me in the early stages of this mile - DDAC, Boyne and Garristown among them. Catch and pass Sportsworld about 3.5 miles, don't see her again. Lots of support out by the side of the road - great to see and hear, although I don't spot Bluesquare from around these parts. 7:21 for the penultimate mile.

5

Three left handers to go, first back past the old hotel. Little hump at the Tesco, as I seem to be catching one or two. Get a bit of pace up on the other side of that little hill. I know when we turn left onto the coast road (Golf Links Road) there's about half a mile left. Garristown is a few strides ahead. At least try! Pick it up a bit more, take him, and soon after another lad comes back to me. Two places back! Pass the start and the 400 metres to go sign. Finish it out at something like my old race pace - looking at the Strava as I type, there's bits in the 6:xx, the novelty ! There's only a few yards between me and the gantry as I turn the last corner. Can they get under 37, says the DJ. Not on the clock I can't, but a last little injection of pace gets me under on chip time. 7:15 for the last mile, still not my quickest, but I'm not overly concerned. 36:58 chip time (37:03), 75/382 overall. Massive spread in the golf club afterwards. I resist the temptation to get too greedy, leaving substantial amounts of cakes, biscuits, sangwidges etc for other runners ! So even though this time is over four minutes slower than my PB, and over three minutes slower than here in 2019, I'm thinking it was worth it on the way back down the M1.

Wed 20/7 - 3.57 miles @8:59/mi

It's seldom I start a run at 9:15 PM these days, but between work, GAA and life, this was the best I could do. Twice around the Carpenterstown loop to clear the head a bit.

Thu 21/7 - 6.50 miles @8:56/mi

I'd originally intended another parklap with clubmates, but circumstances dictated that I do it on my own and earlier than they were heading out. Hence, drive home from work, change into the gear, and a quick spin back to Knockmaroon Gate. First four miles or so on road (hilly side first) the rest of it mainly on the trails from Cabra Gate onwards.

Fri 22/7 - Rest

Sat 23/7 - Porterstown parkrun

This was my 100th time to run this parkrun, having been involved with it from its commencement in October 2015. When I knew I was getting close to this little milestone, I made it my business to get there whenever possible. Seemingly 100 runs of a particular parkrun is a "singleton" in parkrun phraseology. I'd all grand designs of giving it the full beans to mark the occasion (I got a shout out from the RD and a cheer from the other runners before the start) but once we got going I wasn't in the mood for that at all. I ran most of it with a work colleague, until he dropped away with about two laps left. Another fella shot by on the last hill, but I was in no mood to fight him, just get to the end. If you look at this run on Strava, it's so easy to tell where I was going up the hill each time. 23:45, 10/62, 1st M45. This was my 164th parkrun in all, spread over 29 different events in six counties - Galway being the sixth. Coffee and chocolate digestives were warmly welcomed, before the half mile or so walk back to base.

Sun 24/7 - 5.74 miles @9:04/mi

I'd planned to meet some of the club's marathon men at White's Gate for a 7 AM start. However, on the drive over (lazy, I know!) I realised I'd left the phone behind, so turned around and went back. Result, starting nearly 20 minutes later on my own. Warm and sunny even this early. I started along the trails to the Hole In The Wall, then cut across to the Phoenix Monument, and back on the trails down to the Polo Grounds. On my second lap of the Polos, while pondering the remainder of my 10 mile route, I saw the lads heading back towards Ashtown, so I turned around and got on that train instead. Great to have the company again - one of the group (Galway man) is going to Croker today, and I for one am hoping that the Westerners can upset the odds. Anyway, back to White's Gate with just the above distance completed for me. I abandoned my 10 mile plan, thinking of the heat and that also I may be racing (BHAA) on Tuesday. It seemed to me we were going a lot quicker than 9 minute miles, but that's what it was !

A couple of days after the aforementioned trip to Galway, life took an unexpected turn for us. Not the doomsday scenario we initially feared, but still ongoing, yet improving slowly as I type. For me, running certainly took a back seat, more than it should have. Next "major" race is the Kilbeggan 10 Mile in two weeks time, but we'll have to wait and see about that one. Sorry for the long update, although it has been a month, to be fair. Thanks for reading! J.

Mon 25/7 - Rest

Tue 26/7 - BHAA South Dublin CCSP 6k, Kiltipper Park

This was a new race on the BHAA calendar, so even though I suspected there might be a few hills, I made the trip to Tallaght to try it out. Even more ups and downs than I thought on the warmup lap. Great views though - at one point on the course, you can see all the way across to Howth. Few stretches at the start, before we got away. Two laps to be completed for this one.

One

Deliberately starting slow, slightly uphill before we start the lap proper, then turning left and downhill. After 0.4 miles, left again for a steeper downhill, little loop at the bottom, straight back up to the lap proper. That spur is roughly 500 metres in total. Even then, there's still another km of climbing before a mainly downhill finish to the lap. I was passed by Bill on the downhill, but I passed a few back on the long climb. Tough work, I was glad of a bit of respite! I still had the energy to smile as I passed photographer Lindie Naughton at the end of the loop, with a convoy having built up behind me.

Two

Time to try and shake some of the pursuers. I try to pick up the pace on the downhill, but one of the women picks it up more, and goes by me before we reach the bottom. Easy to just let the rest slip by, with the steepest part of the climb immediately after we turn. Not this time. I go by her again near the base of the climb. It's tough coming back up, with the wind in your face, and nobody close enough ahead to tuck in behind. Look behind turning a sharp bend, there's still three fairly close. Keep pushing up the rest of the climb. I can't get back to Bill, but I'm pulling clear of the others, and the downhill is a great help coming towards the finish, as I finish over 10 seconds ahead of that group.

Time : 26:58

Position: 38/85

Category: 5th M45 (of 7)

Glad of the water and banana while I get my breath together at the finish, before a short cooldown and chat with Marthastew on the way back to the Tallaght Town car park. A reasonable evening's work.

Wed 27/7 - 4.21 miles @8:52/mi

I had a half day off work today, so I ran up to Porterstown at lunchtime for a few different laps of the park. Just as well, because as it turned out, I wouldn't have had a chance to run later.

Thu 28/7 - 7.75 miles @8:37/mi

I was originally planning a run around the "fish loop" but instead I changed to a variation of the parklaps route. This time, I started with Millennium Park (1.15 miles), from there to Porterstown (1 mile), then Tír na nÓg (1/2 mile) and finally M50 Park (550 metres). As it happens, this was slightly longer than the fish loop stint would have been, but a more interesting route.

Fri 29/7 - Rest

Sat 30/7 - Sport Ireland Campus parkrun

With 100 Porterstown parkruns in the bag, I made a long planned return to Abbotstown, to run the new course for the first time. Wet and windy, although times wouldn't really be a concern today. This was two clockwise laps, so different to e.g. the Euro XC, although it includes a lot of that lap. First lap I ignore everyone except clubmate Tim. Fairly flat to begin, then mainly downhill around the graveyard, with a short flat part at the bottom before a long climb back to Abbotstown House. The climb isn't that steep at any stage, but you do feel it in the legs. The previous course had us going up an old road for nearly 700 metres at the end of each of the three laps. This is better. I pass Tim on the long downhill before the graveyard. Even though I'm trying to pick up the pace on the hill coming back, there's really no need, as I finish nearly half a minute ahead of him, and I'm not close to anyone ahead. 23:44, after a lot more effort than you might think I'd need to get that time.

Sun 31/7 - 10.63 miles @8:51/mi

Thinking how am I going to race 10 miles next week if I can't do 10 easy today, I'm at White's Gate before 7 AM this time. Nobody there at first, till I hear two voices on the trail from Castleknock Gate. Turns out it's two of the lads from last week. Big heavy rain jacket on me, I'm like one of the Clydesdales from the old Budweiser ad on the first long lap (6.11 miles). Glad to leave that in the car and take some water on board before resuming. We lose one of the lads, but another joins us for a couple of miles, before he splits right at the Phoenix, and we go left past the Hole In The Wall, then on the trails from Ashtown Gate back to White's Gate. Very happy to have the company - doing that stint solo wouldn't have been easy at all on a dark wet morning.

Mon 1/8 - Rest

Next

I had an eye on Wednesday's graded meet in Lucan. This is the last one of the summer, with mile and 3000 metre races included. Having not really done any speedwork lately, and feeling nowhere near as fit as I'd like to be, it would be foolish IMO to take on either of those. I might be there in a support capacity though, if we've anyone heading over. As for Kilbeggan, that's still very much up in the air at the minute. Thanks for reading ! J.

Thanks D, I'd like to go, as it seems like a fair challenge, certainly not flat! If I do miss it, it will be for a good reason....just the way life is right now.

Sat 13/8 - Castletown parkrun

This was my first time to visit this one, despite the fact that it's closer to our house than about two thirds of the Dublin parkruns. Glad I could make it, on a scorching morning without a cloud in the sky or a breath of wind. Big numbers for their 250th, including a lad from Griffeen running his 250th. After the briefings, we were away on a slightly uphill drag past the house and down into the woods running close to the Liffey. A two lap course with only a short little hill about three quarters of the way through each to worry about. Yet pretty much throughout proceedings, I felt like I was running with my legs tied together. 24:40, with an increase of pace to pass two in the last 100 metres, felt like awfully hard work today. 39/192, 6th M45. The queues for cake etc afterwards were too long, and I was conscious of time, so I didn't sample any of it this time.

Sun 14/8 - 5.88 miles @9:04/mi

With it scheduled to be the last hot sunny day, I wanted to get out early, and I had enough time to go back to St Catherine's Park. This time I ran the two laps clockwise, which meant I was coming up the zigzag hill up to the dog run to finish each lap. Puffin and pantin and delighted with the water at the end.

I wasn't going to bother with this at all, but reading through the latest log updates (and of course the Novices thread!) gave me sufficient incentive to type this up.

Since the last update, the two runs above have been the sum total of my running. Life has been particularly draining recently. Not so much physically - lack of sleep notwithstanding - but by the time I've done my own work, and then done what's needed here, it's usually been too late, and I've been feeling too smashed, to even think about going for a run. In one way, it's been great to see so many superbly executed sessions and LRs on Strava lately, as the marathon training gathers pace. From a purely selfish point of view though, sometimes it's soul destroying knowing I'm falling further and further behind. And to be honest, I've often had doubts in recent times about whether I'll ever rediscover the old HTFU that served me well on so many days of yesteryear.

Which to summarise means that the Ratoath HM will be simply a case of turning up and getting it done. Far too many lost miles and missed sessions that I can't chase. It's a pity, as I've done well in my two previous runs there, including setting a 3 1/2 minute PB (1:34:05) in 2019, which still stands, possibly for ever more. Hopefully I'll have a bit more to write about here before that. Thanks for reading! J.

Right then, where were we?

I wasn't going to log anything at this stage, but it's got to a point where the other night, wifey (who reads here from time to time) wondered aloud when I'd be updating my log. Truth is, running wise there hasn't been much to mention. In the meantime, my musings have slipped to a third of the way down Page 2, due in part to a number of old logs being revived. The more the merrier!

Since Portugal, I haven't really felt much motivation to run. Diet went completely off the rails, so much so that I'm currently over a stone and a half above my "competitive" racing weight. Drinking has been a lot more controlled than eating, thankfully. I've done a few parkruns lately, the most recent being the second edition of the new Dodder Valley parkrun - a welcome addition IMO, as opposed to crowding that area even more.

I'm now (I think) in a better position to get back to some kind of structured training. It really brought it home to me when I was recently asked how often I'd trained with the club. Honest answer. Once this year. That and maybe three or four Sunday morning group runs in the summer. Back when I was fit, I'd have been a lot more involved with club training. Along with plenty of my own stuff of course.

Upshot of all of this. For the foreseeable, I won't be getting involved in any extended training plans. Better to focus on the short stuff. The BHAA cross country races are recommencing soon, which should help to bring the love back. I didn't go to Dublin Novice (Tymon) or Leinster Novice (Bellurgan), as I just felt too out of shape to justify travelling to those more competitive events. Similarly, National Novice is off the table - even if I was fit, I'd be dubious about what would probably be a solo trip to North Cork. I'd have liked to run Jingle Bells, especially as it's on almost exactly the 10th anniversary of my first ever 5k (Jingle Bells!), but it sold out before I got around to entering. I'm looking forward to getting back to logging more often, and seeing if I can recapture some of the glory days, as I edge towards a new age category. Thanks for reading! J.

Thanks for the kind words !

Still on the road, with another three parkruns in the bag since the last update. The first of those was a chance reunion with Murph_D, as he made the penultimate stop on his Dublin parkrun list, with a trip to Abbotstown (Sport Ireland Campus). The standard wasn't great - even trundling along as we were, we were briefly first and second, before those who wanted their win went after it. Anyway, nice to catch up with him - first time in a while I'd seen anyone from here, apart from occasionally spotting AMK running locally.

Some great results in the Jingle Bells on Saturday. Sorry I missed ye. Plenty of very enjoyable reading in the race reports, yet I was somewhat disappointed not to read of any tales of heroism at the finish this year 😁

I ran this (Monday) morning to try and make this running thing a bit more of a regular habit again. To hopefully give me some more motivation, I've signed up for a few races, including this Saturday's BHAA cross country, as well as the 2023 Raheny 5 (29/1/23). I don't think I'll be around for the Fat Turkey Run, unfortunately. Others I have in mind over the coming months include, but are not limited to :-

Sat Jan 7, BHAA Bank of Ireland XC, Tymon Park

Sun Jan 8, Dublin Masters XC, St Anne's Park

Sun Jan 15, Leinster Masters XC, venue TBC

Sat Feb 4, BHAA Garda XC, Phoenix Park

Sun Feb 12, National Masters XC, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny

Sat Feb 18, BHAA Central Bank XC, Wesley College

Sat Mar 4, BHAA Dublin Airport XC, ALSAA

Sat Mar 11, BHAA AIB XC, Maynooth University

So there you have it, no training blocks, no lengthy half marathon buildup. I'll just play the hand I'm dealt each day, and see where it takes me. Thanks for reading! J.

Still going ! Happy New Year to all ! Congrats to all the A/R winners, some top class writing and performances throughout 2022.

Up until the last week or two, not much other than parkruns. Getting a tiny bit of fitness, with a shuffle through Hartstown parkrun on New Year's Day being the most recent outing.

2022 was very much a running year to forget for me. A DNF in the Connemara HM, with my final race of the year being an almost DNF in the Ratoath HM last September. Motivation was really low for a lot of the year I'm afraid.

Will 2023 be better ? I've signed up for this Sunday's Dublin Masters XC in St Anne's Park. Should I take the start, it'll be my first time to do so since 2018. Since then, with ever increasing numbers (apart from no event in 2021) it's become a victim of its own success, in a way. The upshot being, instead of all the women running together, followed by all the men running together, it's been split by age. Now, O35M will be the last race of the day, with O50M having raced separately earlier. Could they not have waited one more year to do this ? I might have a serious battle on my hands to avoid finishing last. Hopefully this week's training goes well, having kept up at least some level of activity through the holidays. I might see some of you there. Thanks for reading! J.

Mon 2/1 - Rest

As planned.

Tue 3/1 - No running

Not planned. Partly due to life getting in the way.

Wed 4/1 - Club session, National Indoor Arena

Four of us were under the Abbotstown roof for this one. I have to say I was a bit worried about it, even though the other three are (were?) all around the same standard as me. After a few warmup laps and stretches, time to get it going. First part was 6 x 400, with 200 jog recoveries. I think I did the jog recoveries for the first two reps, standing for the remainder. Even knowing I was slower than before, it was still a struggle. 5 minute break at the end of these, then six 200s to finish off. When I was training regularly I loved to end with these. This time, apart from the last one, I was struggling to maintain pace for more than the first 100 metres each time. First one back is always the hardest!

I wasn't sure how long it was since I'd done this kind of speedwork. Having just had a look back through my Strava, the last one was way back in May ! Sure no wonder I was gasping. The last time I ran up there was in December 2019, when we had maybe fifteen training the week before Christmas. It surely won't be another three years plus before I run there again.

Thu 5/1 - 4.13 miles @9:17/mi

Lunchtime shuffle around Porterstown. Bit of a breeze but other than that no issues.

Fri 6/1 - Rest

Sat 7/1 - BHAA Bank of Ireland XC, Tymon Park

It's now ten years since I made my official Business Houses debut, at the much missed K Club 10k. Hence, I really feel like a veteran going to these races. Their first event of 2023 took place on the Templeogue side, as opposed to the Tallaght side where the Dublin Inter normally takes place. I'd fairly low expectations for this one, even though numbers were down on previous years, primarily due to the Masters races taking place the following day (although some did the back to back).

Short warmup and a few stretches before we headed away. 3 3/4 laps or thereabouts.

I got away fast - too fast, and was already regretting it, as we turned away from the M50 and down the steep bank before running three sides of a GAA pitch and back past the start area. Three laps to go and I was already stuffed. It wouldn't be considered a hilly course, but there was little respite, as what drags there were were into the strong wind. Also, there was a stiff breeze along the stretch parallel to the motorway.

I couldn't get into it at all. I got passed by dozens, and only passed one - a fella coming back after a number of months away from running. Seeing the people passing me later on was disheartening - some who I don't think had ever beaten me before. Crossed the line in 32:43, which is surely my slowest ever 6k. Despite a number of sticky sections around the course, this was dreadful, even allowing for all the extra weight I'm carrying - a few pounds down this week, but a lot more need to go. 85/117, 15th M45 (of 18 I think). Nice to see RedRunner and Mr Skinny. Usually we're good for a team prize if we have the bodies, but somehow we managed to miss out there too. We were convinced one of the lads wasn't declared properly !

Sun 8/1 - Dublin Masters XC, St Anne's Park - DNS

Saturday's events meant that giving this one a miss was an easy decision, much as I enjoyed it in the past. At least next year I shouldn't have to worry about being lapped by half the field. I didn't get out for a run at all, as I missed my chance to go early, and other activity took over then. Swap rest days around so.

I've also decided not to travel to the Leinster Masters, as the fitness just won't come back in seven days. A few good weeks will hopefully change that. My next cross country race will be the BHAA Garda XC, on February 4 by the Magazine Fort. How I perform there will most likely have a major bearing on whether or not I go to the Nationals, which take place on February 12 in Gowran. Here's hoping. Thanks for reading! J.

Mon 9/1 - Rest

Tue 10/1 - 4.78 miles @9:28/mi

Early morning local plod in the wind. Could have chosen the route a bit better, as the breeze was in my face a lot of the last two miles.

Wed 11/1 - Club session, National Indoor Arena

Back to Abbotstown, with the rain hammering down outside. Few warmups and stretches before the session. This time it was a pyramid - something I'd never done indoors before, and not outdoor in probably the best part of two years. Anyway, the longer spent thinking about it, etc. 200/400/600/800 on the way up, with either 200m jog or standing recoveries. I found keeping consistent pace on the 6 and 8 quite tough. We decided not to run the 1000. 5 mins break, and down the other side. Energy levels were better this time. So much so, that I led out the last 200 from the gun, powering clear on the home straight ☺️ sandbagging or what. Races are taking place next Wednesday. Much as the five of us enjoyed this session, when one of the coaches asked us if we'd be racing next week, there were no takers ! I still think the indoor mile I ran five years ago was one of the harder events I've run - to the extent I haven't raced indoor since.

Thu 12/1 - No running

Fri 13/1 - Rest

Sat 14/1 - Porterstown parkrun

I was half thinking of pushing hard in this one, but by the time I arrived at the start area, I'd dispensed with that notion. Instead, I settled into the back half of the field, and worked my way through slowly. Loads of little kids in a group - one took it on himself to race me it seemed, as he passed and was passed by me about six times over the first couple of laps. Back in more familiar company after that. We're still on the five hills course here, with talk of moving back to three laps some time in March. Today, we had our first 250 parkruns milestone runner at Porterstown - one of our true unsung heroes, who's also volunteered 138 times (mostly in pre and post event setup/closedown) without ever seeking plaudits. Delighted to be part of the guard of honour which cheered him across the line. 25:06. Nearly forgot that bit !

Sun 15/1 - 11.00 miles @9:00/mi

This was the Boardsie meet advertised elsewhere on A/R. Even though a comfortable pace was promised, I was still a bit doubtful about my ability to complete 90 (?) minutes of running, having not spent that long on my feet since Ratoath. Anyway, off we set from the PP visitors centre, downhill to start then up the North Road into the wind and rain, with a detour to Castleknock Gate. Glad to reach the downhill into the Furry Glen. Not so enthused about the uphill back out. By the time we'd passed the Wellington Monument, I'd fallen back a bit, so S took it on himself to stay back with me. We followed the others towards Conyngham Road, but as we were passing the CCJ, we couldn't see them, so turned up Infirmary Road. Turned out they'd gone through the rose garden, while we went up North Road and took the back way into the visitors centre. Bit sore and tired at the end, but cakes and chats in Phoenix Cafe sorted that out ! Great to be able to be part of this meeting of many of the finest minds of Boards A/R. Hopefully I can make the next one. Thanks for reading! J.

"Goodnight Springton. There will be no encores."

Quick update....

Another super week in Lanzarote, apart from having to abandon the warm weather training. I was delighted with myself for completing my first ever session there - 10 x 10 sec up a "cardiac hill" described by a mate of mine a few weeks ago (the one up from Murphy's in PDC, for those who know the area). Then a couple of days later, I'd barely started my LR on the promenade, when the left ankle and achilles started playing up again. Both long standing problems on and off, which I never gave enough time to recover, hence I look like I'm running on one leg lately (not much different to running on two, to be fair). Anyway, I haven't done any running since, so I stayed at home rather than get to hear tales of 2023 Raheny 5 heroics live and in person. A great pity, because there's some brilliant reports up already.

I'll leave it till Wednesday or Thursday before I (don't) enter the BHAA Garda XC, taking place this Saturday in the Phoenix Park. Hopefully I'll be able to line up, as it's my favourite BHAA race, and I haven't quite abandoned hope of going to the National Masters (Sunday 12th) yet. Thanks for reading! J.

So what's happened in the five weeks since my last update ? Not a whole pile, from a running point of view.

I started and finished all of the three races above, although somewhat surprisingly the first (Wesley) was a particular battle of wills to get through. I actually stopped for a few seconds, before continuing to the finish of a dry course without any hills. Tendonitis has been a major problem in my attempts to get anything going of late, but a bit of vaseline on the Achilles and on the heels of my runners helped me get around ALSAA, in my first race since turning fifty. Thankfully, this was the driest that course has ever been in my experience, apart from one or two spongy bits at the bottom. Yesterday was the BHAA cross country season finale, in pouring rain at Maynooth University, and I was just happy to complete (57/75) on the coldest race day I've encountered in years. One or two heavy sections on each of the four laps, but no hills, thankfully. I managed to find third gear in the last couple of hundred metres, taking out two as I did so. I remember wondering were either of them in my new age category. Both, as it turned out ! For the first time post Covid, showers were available after the race, and just as well, as even after spending ages under a hot shower, my insides were still freezing for hours afterwards.

Sin an méid go fóill a chairde. Tá súil agam go mbeidh mé ar ais go luath. Go dtí an chéad uair eile....

The spiders have had a few field days around this log of late. Sure not to worry.

Great to read about all the wonderful racing around here, and looking forward to reading many more reports when time allows.

Only one day really makes it in here for me.

Thursday, March 23, 2023 (23.3.23)

This morning, we left our house, with the two of us having lived there for almost nine years.

Hours later, we got confirmation that our lives, and not just our house, would never be the same again.

Our beautiful daughter Isla was born at 11:10 AM.

She is an absolute treasure, a little stunner, and completely worth the wait.

Who knows, she might even be a runner one day. But we won't be putting any pressure on her 😎

So now you know why I haven't been as active around here. All good in the hood. She's doing great eleven days later. We all are. Thanks for reading! J.