Grey skies give way to......

9 - 15 Jan

Mon: getting back into things slow. Went for a walk at lunchtime. Met a friend for a run that evening as I didn't feel ready to get back to athletics club training. Had planned for 5km, it was almost 5.5 when we got back to the car so rounded up to 6. 6km 37 mins

Tues: just a short walk

Weds: another short walk. Did a workout video, tried to take it easy enough and not push too much.

Thurs: Awake early and decided to go out for a run. Nice to run when it was only starting to get bright and the neighbourhood starting to wake up. 5km 35mins

Fri: Decided to give the live zoom workout class a go. Found it tough and hard to keep up with the class. Went for a run in the afternoon when I still had a bit of daylight after work. Easy run on the greenway 4km 26mins.

Sat: On the road again for parkrun. Visited Castletown parkrun in Kildare for a run. Got there in plenty of time, a little warm up and got the first timers briefing. Started off quite congested to get into a bit of a stride after 500m once we passed the big house. Tried to settle in on my pace but difficult to do so avoiding puddles and managing crowds. Lovely running along by the river for the second km. Was stuck behind 3 women chatting and running abreast. Eventually scooted past. Tough gradual climb to start/finish area and second and final lap to go. now I knew where I was going and where the big puddles were! My 4th km in particular was quite good and I felt strong. But the last km I really struggled, especially that last 500m - it just felt like I ran out of juice and it was a real struggle up that gradual climb to the finish, I didn't even fight for any position. 5km 29:04 Splits: 5:57, 5:50, 5:57, 5:33, 5:26

Sun: rest day

Race Report: Raheny 5 mile official time 44:49 (PB!)

Splits (km): 5:42, 5:26, 5:33, 5:14, 5:39, 5:27, 5:39, 5:29, 4:23 (0.15)

A great race in the calendar, deserves the praise it gets and this year it lived up to it's hype!

Was a bit nervous going into this race. I hadn't raced since Tullamore half end of August. I have been ok at running over the winter but with weather, Christmas and covid I feel like I hadn't done much over the last month to 6 weeks. Also because the course measured long last year I wasn't really sure what kind of benchmark I was to run against and what might be a realistic target to set. So I decided on 45 mins which was to be 5:30/5:35 mins/km pace.

Bit of traffic heading up so a bit later than I expected and didn't get as much warm up as I'd have liked, still got a mile in. Headed over to the start area around quarter to time and had no idea if we had placed too far forward, too far back or just right. I'm short so I couldn't really see above the crowds!

Anyway we were go and the usual going with the crowds, watching your footing, trying to scoot past slower runners. I knew my first km was going to be slower and allowed for that. Second km was faster than I'd expected and found the climb up past the school and start area harder than I expected. Usually there's a lot of support along this km and they didn't disappoint here. Love a cow bell! Third km was slower - the route goes out onto a main road and we have the footpath or the bus lane to run. I try to stay on the road but it's easy to get stuck behind people here. Again I kind of knew to expect this. Turn down Sybil Road start of the 4th km. I knew this was a good downhill section so tried to make up as much time on this km. The crowd still felt quite congested and normally it's a bit more spread out at this stage. Around the corner and 4km done - half way there - a bit of a mental pep talk, pace on target.

5th km was ok - I could have done with a mouthful of water at that stage and starting to regret putting a light tshirt under my club singlet. The km finished when we were nearing St Anne's park and a look at my time at the 5km mark, 27:45 - some mental arithmetics for my last 3kms. Next km we were entering the park. I had kinda hoped the Scouts would have a little water table, I did want just a mouthful. But I had to steel myself up for the up and down of the avenue - probably the toughest part of the route for me. I don't like the motion of the flow of runners going the opposite direction, it's strange on my eyes. So I kept far left and put my head down. I did keep looking for the turning point, it felt ages away! One I turned I felt more like I was on the home stretch. Just before the end of the 7th km coming off the avenue the course narrows quite a bit here and you have to try and be mindful of other park users. Once I got past the dog park and onto the last km it was really just ok make it out of the park. Out onto the road and it just come on, push on. With about 500m to go I could feel the legs running out of steam then like I was trying to get through quicksand and everyone else was moving on ahead of me. Got to the bottom of the little park, knew there would to 2 rights and I was on the finish straight. The finish stretch felt so long but a club mate cheered me on and that gave me one last boost. After I crossed the line first thing I did was check my watch 44:49!! Delighted I was just in under 45 mins! Collected a substantial goody bag and guzzled down that bottle of water. Didn't really hang about as we had a journey home.

Really pleased to have gotten a good time and a good yard stick for the year ahead. Will be back to it again next year for the 40th.

06 - 12 Feb

Bit of a funny auld week. Didn't feel well earlier in the week and that left me lacking in energy for the rest of the week.

Mon: Bank holiday. Bit of a rest, bit of housework, bit of work work. Did an in person workout class and really enjoyed it. Did a 2km easy run beforehand to stretch out the legs after the 10 mile the day before. WE had no track training that evening.

Tues: unwell.

Weds: not an ounce of energy. Had to work late so didn't make track training.

Thurs: Busy with work

Fri: Busy with work. But feeling a bit more like myself.

Sat: We had a rare weekend where none of us were on parkrun volunteer duties so we decided to do a spot of parkrun touristing. Paid a visit to Lough Key parkrun for a change of scenery. Decent crowd and lovely run through the forest. I brought my trail runners but conditions were good underfoot. Pretty congested to start but after 1km it was more spread out. Enjoyable run through the forest, did feel like the energy levels were low alright and felt like a long 5km. Little climb at the 4km mark to sap the legs and then trying to hang on in there to finish. 5km 28:00mins even.

Sun: Was visiting the inlaws so headed out for a run before I got tied to the table for more tea! There aren't many routes to run near them with busy roads no verge, or fair climbs. I combined to 5km loops that I would do regularily when I'm up. The first loop felt tougher and longer than I'd remembered, it was a real struggle for the first 2.5km. At 5km I rang my husband to see where he was as he was to be going out for his shorter run but he hadn't left the house yet. So I carried on but met him where he took a short cut across to meet me on my way back from my second loop. While the pace slowed down it was nice to have company. When we got back to near the house, he only had 3.5km done so we carried on to get him to 5km. At that stage I was at 10.5km so anything after that was a bonus for me. We carried on, turned later than we should have so finished up on me with 12.5km in 1hr 24mins. Happy enough with that after feeling like crap most of the week.

20 - 26 Feb

Mon: Skipped morning workout. Track session was a pure speed session 10 x 30 seconds on/off, a 5 min jog, then another set of 10 x 30 sec on off. Good to be able to try and push a little with the pace, especially in the second half. 4.2km in 25 mins.

Tues: morning workout. Went for a walk that evening.

Weds: Had to work late so missed training on the track. Decided to do the morning workout which I had skipped as I wasn't in the humour to leave the house.

Thurs: rest

Fri: Morning workout. Had planned on doing a longish run in the afternoon after work. But we ended up going for a work lunch which meant I was home later and was as full as a tick. So I went for a long walk instead.

Sat: Missed parkrun as I'd to bring the young lad to an exam. Got up early and ran 6km in 37:53. Grand run, took a little while to get into my stride but it's nice to see an unintended progression run! Splits: 6:29 (downhill), 6:36, 6:20, 6:10, 6:09, 6:03 (uphill). Went for a 2km walk while himself was in the school.

Sun: Was away for the night and packed the running gear just in case. It was actually a gorgeous morning for a run and the route was coastal which made a lovely change from the midlands. First run of the year in shorts (I'm soft). A faster run than I had set out for, especially after the alcohol the night before, but I really enjoyed it! 5.7km in 34:26. Finished off with literally just putting my toes in the water - I really have to take my hat off to those who sea swim - it felt like someone was stabbing my feet in the water! (Again I'm soft)

06- 12 Mar

Mon: woke up with a head cold. Felt lousy. Went for a short walk that evening just for some fresh air.

Tues: Still felt like crap, just with no energy to boot.

Weds: Woke up feeling much better. Went to track training that night. One of the girls is looking to ensure she can go sub 60min for 10km so me with the vast experience of ONE 10km race under 60 mins done, decided I would pace her for the intervals! The session was 4 x 6 mins with 2 mins recovery which was perfect for what we wanted to do. I actually enjoyed it, I might have been going a little too fast but fair play to her she worked hard. I do know she will be well able when the time comes, I think she just needs to build her confidence up a bit. It's strange for me to be the one pacing and supporting someone else! 5.3kms covered in 38 mins incl recoveries and warm up. I didn't bother with cool down, ordinarily I would have to bring me up to 6km but I was just glad to have gotten out for a run at all.

Thurs: Morning workout, really enjoyed it, sweated buckets! We got snow that evening so went out for a walk in it. Hopefully, that's it now til Winter, I am so ready for sunshine and warm weather now. Oh how mother nature laughs at me.

Fri: Body was sore and tired next morning so gave the workout a miss. Thought I might get to it in the afternoon but ended up working late and had a lot of housework to do.

Sat: Was volunteering at parkrun and got absolutely soaked and frozen to the bone. An anti-social one, people headed home as soon as they finished to get out of the wet clothes, I wouldn't blame them.

Sun: First race of the Offaly race series. I'm not with an Offaly club although technically I am half Offaly in blood - this is not a requirement to take part in the race series however! First club to host was Tullamore and it was a fantastic event. My plan: few km warm up, 5 km race, few km cool down after = 13km long run. I usually only do about 1km warm up before a 5km and no cool down! Arrived early, collected race number and got 3km done (22 mins). Back to the car to swap the long sleeve for a singlet - it was quite warm out - I told you Mother Nature is playing with me! Picked a spot near the back of the pack, and we were off. Felt I had started a little fast but it felt ok. Even after 600m it felt a bit congested and was having to watch where I was stepping to try and get around people. First km beeped at 5:13 - bang on what my average pace was for last year's race. Second km was ok, trying to keep in mind that I was to try and maintain this pace for the whole race! Another bit of trying to scoot past people plus a very slight uphill, not visible but just making you work a bit. 2nd km 5:25 - crap I need to pick up a bit. I was boxed in towards the end of the 2nd km so I looked for a gap and darted out. Around the corner and clear road infront of me, around another corner where I knew there was a climb and a powered up it, passing one person and catching up on the group ahead by the time I got to the top. Now that we had looped around we were on the homeward stretch. 3rd km 5:09 - that's better. My 4th km was spent picking off people one by one, such a good feeling but I was a bit worried I was going to run out of steam. Look I'm nearly finished, just keep going! 4th km 5:05. Onto the last km and it was just keep going, knew we would turn off the road and into the stadium for the victory lap! Was feeling very overheated and when I got to the track for the last 400m I hadn't it in my legs and was afraid I was going to puke. It took everything just to keep going, keep moving, I just wanted to be finished. I hadn't the sprint for the finishing straight and I was a little annoyed at myself being passed by people I'd overtaken earlier. Last km in 5:02 and an official time of 25:53 - my second quickest 5km!! Really quite pleased with that, once the feeling of nausea passed. Bottle of water, a jaffa cake and few chats and it was back to the car to stick back on my long sleeve and out for my 5km cool down. Went the opposite direction than the race still buzzing! Could feel it in the legs a bit on this cool down. 5km 33 mins. I feel like I should be ok for the half marathon on Friday morn - I just need to hydrate myself properly this week and get a few early nights. Plan is to run with the 2:10 pacers and see how I'm fixed 🤞

Race Report: Mullingar Half Marathon official time 2:07:32 (PB!)

Splits (km): 5:52, 5:46, 5:51, 5:45, 6:00, 5:49, 5:51, 6:01, 6:06, 6:02, 6:06, 6:09, 6:09, 6:05, 6:15, 6:12, 6:33, 5:56, 6:03, 6:04, 5:40, 5:22 (0.2)

A race that I've wanted to do for some time but it being on St Patrick's Day it just didn't really suit. This year however it did. I felt I didn't get the long run training I should have with other things going on but figured sure if anything it will be a long run at least, a practice race . Went into it fairly determined to get under 2:10 and as close to my pb 2:08:12 as possible. Also, like the 5km the previous weekend, I wanted to see where I was with that distance pace-wise.

Landed in Mullingar in plenty of time, walked up the town to get my race, back to the car and did a 1km warm up. Back again to the car and bumped into a club mate so we jogged to the start area and met with others from the club. A day for the singlet, it was very mild out - wish I had a bin bag though to keep the rain off before the start.

Anyway got going and my plan was to stay with the 2:10 pacers for the first few km to ease in. But after 500m the pacer was running 5:45/km so I scrapped that idea and ran myself. I just tried to settle into my own pace by feel. Unfortunately feeling fresh at the start so my pace for the first 5km was around 5:50/km! But it felt fine and I was enjoying it so I didn't worry. 5km done in 29:30 which I was happy with. I had been running near I girl I knew and was chatting her the odd time. But from around 8km onward she seemed to slowly move onward and I let her go. At the same time my tummy started to feel off, wondering should I use the course toilet when I came across them but each time I felt fine once I got near one. Was glad when the watched beeped for 10km - in just under the hour which again I was pleased with. But it felt like it was going to be a long way to get to the finish! After that my tummy felt unhappy again so I tried to distract myself by chatting to a local runner. He told me about the big climb up ahead - fly over the N4 at 12.5km - which in fairness I knew about anyway. It was a fair climb but I was mighty pleased I ran up it the whole way, passed M'gar man and others on my way up. Once down the other side we were turned and in my mind I thought right we are facing for home now so it put a spring in my step. Onto the canal now and I do like a canal run. Tried to relax as best I could. When the watch beeped for 15km I was thinking right 6km to go, hold on another little bit and you can start working after 10 miles. But by then my insides really weren't great and I grabbed a fresh bottle of water just before 17km and had to stop briefly and walk, I was sure I was going to empty out 🤢. At that stage to get myself going it was just think of the toilet at the end, the quicker you go, the quicker you'll get there. A guy who worked with a friend of mine was up ahead, he had passed me about half way, so I put a target on his back and reeled him in and got him with 2km to go. Those last 2km I pushed on and was surprised that I had a good burst in my last km, tummy trouble all forgotten I had such drive! I just wish my last 10km had been as enjoyable.

Finish line, waddle to the race HQ for tshirt and medal while chatting a few clubmates and sipping on soup while waddling back to the car and straight home to the comfort of my own throne! Not going to lie I was disappointed when I seen my finish time - I thought with how I'd been running in the first half at I'd have been closer to 2:05. But still a pb by 40sec and it's early in the year yet!

20 - 26 Mar

Mon: Didn't get up for my workout. But went to track training that evening. 3 x 9 mins. Tried to keep them to about 6min/km pace. Recoveries in between and warm up and cool down. Glad the legs still work after the half! Total 6.2km 41mins.

Tues: nothing

Weds: Morning workout. It felt fairly enough, it put it down to me not being consistent with them lately but was chatting one of the other girls that evening and she said she found it tough also. Walk at lunchtime. Track training that evening. The weather had been pretty bad all afternoon but we seemed to get a window of opportunity. Was late down so missed warm up. Into 4 x 6 mins session. Fell in with the lady I know who is aiming for a sub 60 min 10k in the summer so I took it upon myself to pace her for the 6 mins. It also meant I wouldn't be doing the intervals too fast as I'd a 10km race myself on the Saturday. 2 mins into the last 6min set the rain started and got heavier. Just made it to the end of our 6mins and cool down was a run to our cars! The guy taking our session it was his first time so I felt sorry for him but also hope it's not an omen that any sessions he oversees are going to be wet ones!

Thurs: Lovely bright morning so went out for a walk.

Fri: Had planned to do an online workout but gave it a miss to be ready for my 10km race the next day. Went for a 5km walk instead.

Sat: 10km race The Ros Run - watch time 55:42. 2nd fastest 10km I think. Will do a race report separately.

Sun: The legs felt fine, no stiffness so went out for 10km with a few of the Sunday crew. Glad it was the more relaxed runners and the legs started to feel quite tired after just a mile. It felt like a very long 10km. I also thought it felt cold enough even though the rest were in tshirts and me in a long sleeve, I put it down to tiredness. While I probably didn't need to do a 10km I'm not around for next week's long run and it rounded off a week of decent mileage - 34.5km running.

03 - 09 Apr

Mon: Didn't get up for my workout. Should have gone to track training that evening but a friend messaged asking did I want to meet for a run, I hadn't seen her in a bit and as we would be running out around her way, it would be nice to have a change of scenery. She had a 5 mile loop planned out, bit of climbing for the first part but then a few miles on the greenway. 5 miles run in 48:17 - couldn't believe it. We were yapping the whole way around, didn't once look at the watch for pace or time. And all the years I've tried to race a 5 mile under 50 mins and here I am now running sub 50 without even thinking of it. Only negative is that my left heel was grazed from my runner. I've about 200km run in these shoes so they aren't due to be replaced.

Tues: rest day

Weds: Morning walk. Had something on that evening so missed track training. Also missed the easter eggs being given out at training but no harm there!

Thurs: Had to bring the child to an appointment so I'd an hour free and went for a walk, 6km covered. By the end of it my right heel was blistered, turns out these shoes, the ones I use solely for walking do actually need to be replaced, the inside of the right heel is worn away completely so into the bin they go.

Fri: no work! Went into town early and ran 2 loops of the park for a change of scenery. 5km in 29:08, pretty happy with that as I wasn't watching the clock. Was wearing my runners from Mon eve and no issues other than my heels both feel sore after doing battle with my footwear. Went to an inclass workout that evening, usually I'm online. Defo got some workout done, especially when there's more room and better access to equipment.

Sat: First time running my local parkrun this year, I've either had stuff on, been away or volunteering. Did a warm up run of 1.8km and was fairly warm by the end of that. Started off parkrun with someone I knew and we ran along and chatted. After 2km she told me to go on and so I did. Looking at average pace on my watch I pushed to get it below 6mins/km so I could finish under 30 mins. Then kept pushing on a bit more. Finished in 29 mins. Splits 6:14, 6:16, 5:34, 5:44, 5:28. Again another pair of shoes that hate me! I wore my trail runners and ended up with a blister on my right instep, I really don't know what it is with my runners this week.

Sun: Had kinda planned to go out for a run. But my legs were fairly sore after the activity of the last 2 days so I decided to have a rare lie on in bed. Went out for a short walk that evening to ease out the legs and get some air.

17 - 23 Apr

Mon: Morning workout. Evening track running - a pyramid workout - I like these, challenging but good. Total covered 6.2km incl warm up and cool down in 45 mins.

Tues: Just a short walk that morning.

Weds: Morning workout. Couldn't make track training that evening so just a little walk to get some air.

Thurs: A day off work so went visiting. Went for a long walk after, almost 8km.

Fri - Sun : family wedding so runners, watch, everything given a break!

08 - 14 May

Mon: Evening training on the track. An interesting session of 400s - one lap of the track, take whatever recovery you needed and go again for another 400 and so on. Managed 8 x 400m in the session - many of the reps were 1:57. Total covered 4.3km in 35 mins incl recoveries.

Tues: lovely morning out so went for 4km walk. That evening himself was going for 6km walk so joined him.

Weds: 3km morning walk. Track session in the evening, a nice steady 3 x 8 mins tempo. A friend who I hadn't seen in a while was at training so we fell into step and chatted for the session. It's nice to look back on times and see that even though we were chatting we were averaging 5:45 /5:50 min/km pace. 18 month ago I could barely even race 5km at that pace. 5.3km in 35 mins.

Thurs: rest

Fri: Morning workout.

Sat: Had planned on running parkrun. But they were stuck for volunteers so I stepped in, little disappointed as I hadn't run on Fri either. And with the heat I knew I wasn't going to be able to go for a run myself in the afternoon.

Sun: Set out good and early to avoid the heat, could have had a lie in as it was drizzling all morning. Started off nice and slow and as the miles ticked by the pace gradually increased. I think it was an element of not paying attention as we were chatting and wanting to be finished out of the drizzle. First 9km were slow and then picked up progressively for the last 4km. Felt a little tired but I think it was in my head rather than my legs. Didn't stretch after and I could feel a bit stiff in my hips that afternoon. Total 13km 1:23.

15 - 21 May

Mon: Track training. A type of pyramid session - 8mins 6, 4, and 2 with recoveries in between. The 8 mins felt very long. The 4 and 2 mins were good paces. 8 mins 5:27min/km, 6 mins 5:20 min/km, 4 mins 4:26 min/km, 2 mins 3:55 min/km. I'd say my watch has never seen 3:xxmin/km before!! Few strides then after, all fairly fast. Including 10 mins easy warm up I covered 6.5km in the 45 mins.

Tues: rest day, 3km walk

Weds: morning workout. Track session in the evening 90 sec on/off. It was to be at 5km pace but there seemed to be a fast crowd there that evening and the on segments seemed to average 4:40 mins/km. I probably shouldn't complain if it helps me run faster and push myself a bit. Few more fast strides to round out the training session. Total 5km incl cool down in 39 mins including recoveries.

Thurs: morning walk 4km

Fri: Met a friend for an early morning run and a catch up. It's not often that I run around the big town early in the morning so it was nice for a change. 5.9km 40 mins.

Sat: Was out for drinks on Fri night. Was hoping and praying that I'd be able for a long run on Sat morn. Plan was 10km at 8am and then parkrun 5km. Didn't make any plans with anyone for company incase I couldn't follow through [read: hungover]. Was ok the next morning, it helped that it was a nice morning weatherwise. Had an easy enough route planned along the greenway into town and back. Still a little nervous on it that early on my own but there were a few other people about dog walking etc. 10km done in 1hr 6 mins. Had 10 mins of chatting and stretching before parkrun. Felt stiff to start but eased into it. Not pushing, take it handy. Got around in just over 30 mins. A very slow 1km shuffle after to round up to 16km / 10 miles in a moving time of 1hr 45 mins. Quite happy with that and not gonna lie a tad smug that I could do it after being out for a few drinks the night before. As I'm facing into marathon training I don't want to feel I have to abstain for the next few months even though I'm not a big drinker, I'd like to find some balance.

Sun: Rest day. Family occasion.

29 May - 04 June

Mon: training on the track. An interesting session of 200m's 300m's and 400m's. It felt tough after having a long run on Sunday and trying to maintain the pace as the intervals were getting longer. Total 4km in 30 mins incl warm up, cool down and rest intervals.

Tues: Met a friend for a early morning run. 6kms in 40 mins. Gorgeous morning for a run.

Weds: Morning walk. Evening track session, very warm out. 3 x 7 mins tempo pace. It felt tough enough, legs felt tired and heavy. Realised during the training that I'd had a run of some description every day since the previous Weds so resolved to rest until Sunday. With warm up and cool down and rest intervals covered 6km in 45 mins.

Thurs: 4km evening walk.

Fri: Did a morning workout. Hardest part was getting the motivation to do it, also doing burpees!

Sat: 5km walk

Sun: VHI Women's mini marathon (10km) 56:01

Splits: 5:27, 5:30, 5:44, 5:25, 5:39, 5:49, 5:22, 5:46, 5:58, 5:33

This was a very tough run. Knew I wouldn't get near my time of 53:20 from last year but threw 55 mins out there as some sort of target. Up in Dublin plenty early. Hydrated well in the days leading up to the race. In the starting pen in plenty of time, didn't feel too warm waiting about. First 2 or 3 kms felt ok, keeping the pace steady at 5:30mins /km. Slowed down for the water station at the end of 3rd km, even though I had a water bottle with me with a zero tab, I wanted a mouthful of clear cool water and this was the case the whole way along, I stopped at every water station, few mouthfuls of water and poured the rest over my wrists to cool down. The 4th and 5th kms you could feel it starting to feel tough but kept it steady and trying to keep my average pace at 5:30. 6th km was a bit slower as I slowed for the water station. 7th km along Nutley lane is my favourite bit of the race, you don't notice the slight downhill. Turning onto the Merrion Road it seemed to get very quiet, there wasn't many supporters and no chatter out of any participants - you could just hear footsteps. In my head I was trying to visualise what the marathon would be like - and then I thought well I'm this wrecked now, what am I going to be like after 39/40km the next time I'm running here?! Bit of life from Ballsbridge onwards (where I was spectating last year at DCM) and I could really feel the struggle. Watching my average pace drop back after stopping at another water station, it was a case of keeping it away from 6 mins/km as 5:30 was gone. Just kept telling myself not to walk, it's ok the let the pace back a little. Left turn up Pembroke Street for the last km and the legs felt like running through quicksand, felt I was getting nowhere. By the time I got near the bridge over the canal it felt like I was only jogging but the spectators were great! Over the bridge, could see the finish line and a guy calling out names on loudspeaker gave me a little boost when I heard my own name. Seen the clock reading 55:xx and pushed on as it turned 56 crossing the line. Happy to come away with 56:01 - it was really tough running conditions out there.

12 - 18 June

Mon: Track training. Intervals of 10, 8 and 6 mins with laps alternating between HM and 5km pace. A good one to tune in on how paces feel and to control your paces. Cool down, I was tool ate for warm up. 4.75km 35mins incl rest.

Tues: evening walk.

Weds: Track again. Nice tempo session of 3 x 7 mins with 90sec recovery. Few strides and then a cool down, warm up before. Total 5.2km in 36 mins.

Thurs: rest

Fri: morning walk

Sat: Athlone 10 mile race. Time 1:34:08 pb

I'm normally away this time of year and miss it so was looking forward to this local race. It was great to run a race where I knew so many people, it made it enjoyable. Arrived good and early, didn't bother doing a warm up jog, just walked up and down between the car and the community hall a couple of times and a few stretches while chatting. Of course the sun broke through just as we were starting off. Started off well, held back and let the crowd go and stuck to my planned pace of 5:50mins/km. The kms ticked by, lovely countryside running. My 5th km was slow for some reason, I can't remember why. At 6.5km we were off the country roads and onto the main road towards Athlone. This bit was longer than I expected. Felt fairly warm with the heat coming off of passing cars. Still ticked off each km on pace. Turning off the main road at 9km and a downhill as we head in the direction of the Shannon, got a nice quick km in here for 5:40. Just after 10km there was a water station and I stopped to a walk while I refilled my water bottle. I lost a bit of time here and spent the rest of the race trying to make up that time. At the start of the 13km went around a corner and a stiff breeze caught me by surprise and made me realise my body was tired after a restless night's sleep from thunderstorms. Kept trying to dig in and while my pace wasn't slow - 5:52/km - it felt like work. I set about putting targets on peoples' backs and reeling them in. That got me through those kms. Watch beeped for 15km done and decided to push on for the last km - 5:36min/km. Countdown signs for 800m and 400m - I visualised the track - 2 laps, 1 lap. The finish line was in sight, I passed a woman near the line and had a good fast finish, surprised I had it in me. Delighted with my finish time in that very humid weather. My 10 mile pb was 1:36, I went in hoping for 1:35 and delighted with 1:34, inching closer to 1:30! Renowned spread of tea and cake after and it was great to sit out in the sun chatting.

Sun: My local (home) GAA was having a 5km fun run, again I usually miss it. Went over that far planning on just taking it easy, maybe enough to go under 30 mins and ended up running just under 27 mins. 😎 First 2kms felt fine, they were fast but ok. Turning then half way where there was a water table I stopped for a few mouthfuls and found it hard to get going again, the legs understandably felt tired. It was a bit of a struggle back. It was very warm out so the quicker I go the sooner it's over. Final stretch was a lap of the track around the pitch where I got a last boost of energy. Probably shouldn't have run such a fast 5km the day after a 10 mile race but sure look!! Nice to catch up with a few people after who I haven't seen in ages.

Thanks a mil. Not gonna lie I am quite pleased with it, that I set a target and exceeded it. That's me done with racing for the moment. I'm starting into marathon training beginning of July so there will hopefully be a new kind of buzz for that training.

26 June - 02 July

Mon: 3.5km 23mins. Great notions of early morning runs along the seafront on my holidays. Reality: late night drinking large measures, going out too late in the morning and wanting to stop after half a mile. Turned just after a mile and shuffled my way back to the hotel. Not gonna lie it put me off running the rest of the week. However the hotel was great for activities and had plenty of circuit classes, aqua classes etc so we did one or 2 or these each day.

Tues: spin - my god that was so tough!

Weds: Went for a cycle down the coast. However the seafront was fairly busy and it was not relaxing or enjoyable so we turned at the next town and cycled back. 11km 1 hour.

Thurs: circuits

Fri: circuits

Sat: Decided to head out for an early morning run before we returned home. Ah going out early was much better! Really enjoyed this run, I didn't want to turn around. 5km 32 mins.

Sun: Back in Ireland to more familiar running weather. We were on a flying visit to the inlaws so decided to get up early for a run. Himself joined me for 5km out and back from the house, then I headed on myself the opposite direction from the house for another hiller 5km. 1hr 7 mins for 10km