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Micilín's Mucky Miles

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 405 ✭✭irfrm



    Distance|Current PB|Current VDOT|Goal PB
    5km|00:19:54 (23.09.12)|50|00:18:40
    5 miles|00:36:20 (15.09.12)||00:31:59
    10km|00:42:09 (13.10.12)|49|00:38:59
    10 miles|01:12:02 (15.09.12)||01:04:59
    Half Marathon|01:34:55 (15.09.12)|48|01:24:59
    Marathon|03:20:22 (29.10.12)|47|02:59:59

    Nothing like setting goals, will be hoping to match these times in 2013 as well, with where you are and the training you going to be doing I can see you break these, would agree with menoscemo that 2:59 marathon will be the toughest to achieve.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,140 ✭✭✭snailsong


    Aim high and go for a top-20 finish! It'll be painful but worth it! 20th runner last year ran 34:05.

    I'm not inclined to tie myself to a time so soon after DCM. I've had my quota of pain. Okay, I'll try to finish ahead of the first woman:).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Saturday

    Running: 19.45km run/hike from Ballynultagh Gap to Ballinagee Bridge and back.
    The group was made up of myself, grahamor, grizzlynorris, ThisRegard and an IMRA runner. We had 3 competent navigators, one of which was a Human Compass, and 2 navigation students including myself.

    Navigation

    There's a nice trail from the carpark at Ballynultagh Gap up to just below the summit of Black Hill. As there was poor visibility yesterday, it was clear how difficult it can be to actually find the post at the summit without a compass. It wasn't an issue with yesterday's competent navigators.

    Before hitting Ballinagee River, we wanted to find the flattish section just northeast of Billy Byrne's Gap. The visibility was still poor, so I think this was the reason we went slightly further than we wanted, but we took another bearing and headed south to find the river. Since there are so many streams that join to make the river, we couldn't be too sure which tributary we came across first, but could be confident of coming to the river by simply running the banks of the streams.

    From here down to Ballinagee Wood, all we had to do was follow the tributaries and, eventually the river, all the way down Glenbride. Once at Ballinagee Wood, we wad to climb uphill by the fence of the Wood so that we could find the gate to the fireroad leading down to Ballinagee Bridge. The fireroad is a nice chance to turn off the concentration :)

    Our route back again was just a matter of getting back to the cars and warm clothes. Most of us were a bit tired and cold so the journey back was more of a hike/jog than a proper run. Chocolate biscuit cake never tasted so good!

    Gear
    I chose my gear well:
    • trail shoes & 1000 Mile socks (although a spare pair of those socks will be useless as they're very hard to put on when your feet are freezing cold and wet).
    • running tights
    • 2 baselayers and a large-hooded Gore-tex jacket.
    • ski gloves, neck gaiter and this excellent cap.
    My next purchases will be:
    • a plastic pocket for maps
    • a second headtorch
    • waterproof bottoms
    Runningwise, the route out was fine, but I was quite tired and lacking in energy on the way back. One day later and I'm sore all over, in particular my calf muscles and quads.


    Garmin Link
    19.45km in 4hr 20 minutes :eek:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,685 ✭✭✭RunningKing


    One day later and I'm sore all over, in particular my calf muscles and quads.



    Wow - not too sure if I'm envious of this or delighted that I'm still 'recovering' from DCM!!

    I read an article recently on Marathon recovery, where it ststed some things around the dangres of downhill running (if you aren't used to it) so soon after a marathon - specifically around the quads. But I'm sure with your mountain running background, this shouldn't be an issue?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    My quads never really hurt me, even after the Dublin Mountain Plod where there was a good 6km+ of steep, fast downhill on tarmac. I reckon my quads are pretty strong as I have been cycling moderately hilly urban routes between 30km and 70km weekly since I was 14.

    I did a hilly 19km or so run last night and the only point I walked was the steepest downhill as I wanted to conserve my joints so that I could do the same run again tonight. I could do what Ryan Hall does and get a lift from the top of the hill, but where's the fun in that!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    Was last night on the Art O'Neil course or is that tomorrow night ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    ThisRegard wrote: »
    Was last night on the Art O'Neil course or is that tomorrow night ?

    It's tomorrow night now. Was up Three Rock last night. You free tomorrow?


  • Registered Users Posts: 327 ✭✭The_Boy_Wonder



    Distance|Current PB|Current VDOT|Goal PB
    5km|00:19:54 (23.09.12)|50|00:18:40
    5 miles|00:36:20 (15.09.12)||00:31:59
    10km|00:42:09 (13.10.12)|49|00:38:59
    10 miles|01:12:02 (15.09.12)||01:04:59
    Half Marathon|01:34:55 (15.09.12)|48|01:24:59
    Marathon|03:20:22 (29.10.12)|47|02:59:59

    I revised my goals too. They're all ambitious!

    Those goals look like something I should be aiming for next year too. I might just go for a copy and paste :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Those goals look like something I should be aiming for next year too. I might just go for a copy and paste :p

    Do :)

    Any races in mind for some of them? A head-to-head should work in both our favours!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Monday

    Cycling: 29km to Dún Laoghaire, into town and back home. With the fewer hills on the way into town, I could notice the benefit of my hilly route home over the past few months.

    Running: 18.81km in the evening darkness up to Three Rock, and then Fairy Castle and home. There really is nothing like a long, solid uphill climb of 10km with 483m of climbing. Why do enjoy that so much?!! Plenty of deer's eyes watching me, with a few hikers and MTBers out too.

    I ran with the headtorch sitting on the cap I tried out on Saturday and it worked great. Although I was way too hot as it wasn't cold at all. I took it handy on the downhills so that I wouldn't be too stiff and sore the next morning. I love the hill profile :D

    Garmin Link

    Three_Rock.JPG

    Tuesday

    I had the first of four wisdom tooth extractions this evening, which meant swtictly no wunning. So I walked the 7km home.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    It's tomorrow night now. Was up Three Rock last night. You free tomorrow?

    What are you planning, same as Saturday?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,140 ✭✭✭snailsong


    Those goals look like something I should be aiming for next year too. I might just go for a copy and paste :p

    We should start a 'beat Micilín's targets' club. I won't limit myself to 1 year though. The marathon would be more likely 2 years for me if ever.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Wednesday

    Cycling: 24km to and from work.

    Running: 10km Recce had to be cancelled :(

    Thursday

    Cycling: 34km to and from work and into town.

    Running: Home late. I was so excited about having a day off on Friday that I spent the remainder of the evening planning a big run - in Galway or Dublin - and ended up being too tired to get up early enough :mad:

    Saturday

    Running: a slow miserable 28km.

    I ran down from Spiddal to just before Bearna, and turned up towards Loch Inse, Seanadh Fhraochóg, Leitir Gungaid, Cnoc ar Easair, and back down the Moycullen Road to Spiddal. I ran most of this before, but recently work has begun on building a windfarm in Leitir Gungaid. I'm not too sure what this means for the (what I presume were) public access roads in the area. Either way, it's good to see natural resources being used well :)

    The run itself was miserable, as I said, probably because it was 5 days since I last ran. Five times I nearly gave up and phoned for a lift, but I persevered (or was stubborn). I brought with me four 330ml bottles of water and two bananas - and consumed a total of 1 bottle and no bananas. The pace was slow so my legs don't feel too bad right now. I reckon I'll have a short run tomorrow and a longer run again on Monday evening.

    Photo1.jpg



    A nice pic of the typical Cois Fharraige bog and the hills in north Clare (Burren) in the distance.


    Photo2.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Monday

    Cycling: 24km to and from work.

    Running: 20km up Kilmashogue Lane to Three Rock, Fairy Castle and back home again. Legs feel good this morning. My running mojo is coming back :D

    Tuesday

    Cycling: 12km to work.

    No running again as it's Tooth Extraction Tuesday. Fingers crossed, tomorrow's AON recce will go ahead :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,196 ✭✭✭PaulieC


    Monday

    Cycling: 24km to and from work.

    Running: 20km up Kilmashogue Lane to Three Rock, Fairy Castle and back home again. Legs feel good this morning. My running mojo is coming back :D

    Tuesday

    Cycling: 12km to work.

    No running again as it's Tooth Extraction Tuesday. Fingers crossed, tomorrow's AON recce will go ahead :)

    Nice run up to fairy castle, was it tricksy in the dark ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Nice run up to fairy castle, was it tricksy in the dark ?

    I'm a good bit slower on the downhill trails, even on the relatively good trails on the western side of Fairy Castle. Also, a few deer bolted across the fireroad about 30m ahead of me. so after that I found myself looking for the eyes and trying to concentrate on my footing at the same time.

    I'd probably be a bit more relaxed if I had company, as I'm sure it would be at least 12 hours until anybody found me on my own with a head injury or broken ankle last night!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    What should be my longest run before the Art O'Neill Ultra? The event is at least 33 miles, and I'm thinking that it would be a good idea to do a 25-mile run in my peak week (currently planned as the week starting 17th December).

    Any ideas?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Wednesday

    Running/Hiking: 10km recce of AON route from Ballynultagh Gap to Ballinagee Bridge.

    4 of us met up for this point-to-point recce. Myself and ThisRegard had run the route two weeks ago, Nerraw had done the AON hybrid before, and a surfer from work started running four weeks ago and had never even seen the Wicklow Mountains before. All of us very apprehensive hanging around the carpark at Ballynultagh Gap. Weather was windy, but at least visibility was good and the temperature wasn't as bad as two weeks ago.

    I knew what I was in for, so my goal for the night was to put into practice all I had learned about taking a bearing and navigation, and to enjoy myself!

    Navigation
    The two kms up to the top of Black Hill was handy enough and we found the summit without much bother. The bearing I took at the summit was more or less the same as ThisRegard's, so I was happy out with my first ever bearing :D.

    I'm not too sure exactly how it happened, but our next bearing after the summit brought us downhill for a good bit which meant that we had what felt like a longish uphill to Billy Byrne's Gap. Judging by our GPS tracks, the bearing was spot on for the most direct route, but I would be keen to find out if it would be worthwhile checking out a flatter route to the Gap.

    It's actually easy enough finding Ballinagee River from Billy Byrne's Gap as there are a few tributaries that lead to it. From the corner of the River and Ballinagee Wood, we went uphill along the banks of Gowlan Brook to try and find the gate to the fireroad through the wood. It's not even 400m up to the gate, but it's a tough, swampy uphill that took about 5 minutes. Then an easy jog down the fireroad to where chocolate biscuit cake and hot chocolate awaited us.

    Once I have my route planned for the even itself, I reckon I'll memorise the bearings and keep my map stowed away.

    Gear
    All the same as last time, plus:
    • headtorch. I have problems keeping this on my head when I have my hood over my running cap. Will need to think about this.
    • high-viz jacket. This is a mandatory piece of kit and I just wanted to try it over my waterproof jacket. No issues.
    • map case. I had this tucked into my high-viz jacket and it was perfect. No problems at all.
    • waterproof trousers. They're the bomb! They cost a bomb too.
    The temperature was around 8 degrees, compared to 2 degrees two weeks ago. My feet were never cold, despite being immersed in water and mud a good few times.


    A very enjoyable evening with good craic all the way with all our tumbles and falls.


    Thursday


    Cycling: 12km home from work into a headwind.


    No running. I had the time for a good long run, but I have been really hungry and dehydrated the past few days so I figured having a good meal would be better for my body than a long run.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    Must have been the late night mountaneous air as I was ravenous all day yesterday too, any idea of eating well went out the window and bought a big custard brioche yesterday to nibble on throughout the day.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,685 ✭✭✭RunningKing


    Doing great young man, well done on the training. Just out of interest, what runners u wearing on the trails?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Mizuno Wave Cabrakan 3. Amphibian King in Bray picked them out. I don't think the whole gait analysis thing is relevant to trail shoes - it's just a matter of picking shoes that fit and feel comfortable, along with a few personal preferences - toe protection and good grip.

    How's the thigh these days? Any races picked out?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Friday

    Running: 19km to and from Three Rock and Fairy Castle by headtorch. Unintentionally a few minutes faster than Monday's effort.

    Sunday

    Running: 18km to and from Three Rock and back, by headtorch. It was lashing rain when I left, so I put my raingear to good use. I temporarily fixed the headtorch over hood over cap idea, by taking off the hat. I was colder, but at least it stayed on.

    Visibility got very difficult coming up to the wood between the Wicklow Way and the masts. I wasn't worried about losing my way, but about running into some deer. I literally couldn't see past 1 metre in front of me, so I stuck to the side of the fire road keeping my eye on the verge. My plan was to run up to Fairy Castle but I knocked that on the head.

    My headtorch batteries died on the descent. I had spares but wanted to see how difficult it would be running without light. I never thought about the difficulty of replacing the batteries in a headtorch, when you've got no headtorch to light what you're doing! Maybe a small backup maglite would help.

    I also thought about how difficult it would be to navigate open mountain in that kind of visibility. Scary!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,685 ✭✭✭RunningKing


    Mizuno Wave Cabrakan 3. Amphibian King in Bray picked them out. I don't think the whole gait analysis thing is relevant to trail shoes - it's just a matter of picking shoes that fit and feel comfortable, along with a few personal preferences - toe protection and good grip.

    How's the thigh these days? Any races picked out?

    Damn thing took ages to go away. Only feeling normal this week.
    Had my 1st few decent runs in last few days, going to do the Jingle Bells 5k in Phoenix park this weekend, but not expecting anything major as no speed work done. Might even pace my 12 yr old around.
    Once I'm happy with my form, I'll start my log. I miss writing down these things.

    Must get myself a pair of trail runners.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Monday

    Cycling: 12km to work.

    Tuesday

    Cycling: 17km home from work and up to Taylor's Three Rock pub.

    Running: 14km by headtorch. Met up with Belcarra, Jeawan and the Surfer at Taylor's and headed over to Kilmashogue Lane and up through the woods to Three Rock and Fairy Castle and back.

    Cloudless skies, until we reached Fairy Castle, which was covered in cloud :confused: A very enjoyable descent down the Wicklow Way back towards Kilmashogue. I felt a lot more at ease as I wasn't on my own, so I upped the pace and made the most of it.

    Trail running at night is great on my own, a lot more enjoyable with company! Second instalment is tomorrow night when Jeawan will guide us around Prince William's Seat and the other hills in Glencullen.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Wednesday

    Cycling: 35km to and from work and Taylor's Three Rock and back.

    Walking: 19km hike around Three Rock, Fairy Castle and Tibradden. I met up with a few friends who are doing the AON hike. I wasn't expecting much of a workout but the hike ended up lasting 4 hours in total. The pace was quite fast, mostly powerwalking, surprisingly I was very tired and sore by the end. Great craic anyway.

    Thursday

    Cycling: so far today 12km to work. I came off the bike at about 25km/hr :(. I should have been concentrating on the on-road, off-road, on-road bicycle lane, but a taxi was parked in the lane and I didn't see the kerb when I was pulling in after I went by him. Knee is very sore as it's skinned and bruised. I'm hoping it won't stop me from running tonight.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Thursday

    Cycling: Another 14.5km to Dundrum for lift to Glencullen, and home afterwards, 26.5km for the day.

    Running: Met up at Johnny Fox's with 5 other Boardsies for another hilly head-torch trail run. New surroundings, good quality runners and lovely calm weather and cloudless skies. It was an extremely enjoyable run. Jeawan was our tour guide for the evening and he brought us further down Glencullen for a tough climb up the Wicklow Way to other trails just below Prince William's Seat and into Co. Wicklow.

    The return journey was slightly different but extremely enjoyable with plenty of fast downhill trail. Another climb from Glencullen River brought us back up to Ballybrack Road. Unfortunately disaster struck after about a mile into the flat - I felt a very sharp twinge in my hamstring that caused me to stop dead. I walked the last 1km back to Johnny Fox's.

    Garmin Link

    I thought and hoped the injury may have been from the bike accident earlier that morning. I took Friday off in the hope that I would be ready for doing the Waterford Half Marathon Saturday (not a major goal race). On the jog to my lift that morning I felt the twinge again, so I went down to Waterford, gave support to my cousin who beat my PB by a minute, and had time to think about my running for the last while. Booked physio for Monday and had to cancel my plans for the recce on Sunday.

    Monday
    Lots of pain from the physio today. He actually hi-fived his assistant when he learned I broke a tooth from all the tooth grinding the last time I had a session with him :pac:

    A week off running and hiking, lots of foam rolling and cross training, and a rehab session next Monday. Let's hope my left leg doesn't need amputation. No point in any updates here until then :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Day 7 of no running. The men in white coats are coming for me ;)

    75km done on the bike Wednesday to Friday so it's not too bad.

    Physio tomorrow morning. Hopefully he'll let me run soon :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Painful elbow-and-thumb work on my hamstring and calf, followed by some 'rehab', ie hamstring extensions and calf strengthening. Have been asked to run in 2 or 3 days and to report back. Good news as far as I can tell!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,196 ✭✭✭PaulieC


    Saturday

    Running: 19.45km run/hike from Ballynultagh Gap to Ballinagee Bridge and back.
    The group was made up of myself, grahamor, grizzlynorris, ThisRegard and an IMRA runner. We had 3 competent navigators, one of which was a Human Compass, and 2 navigation students including myself.


    Is this route on public land ? Or if it is on private land, is permission required ?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Is this route on public land ? Or if it is on private land, is permission required ?

    Yep, the route we took is all public land so no permission required. There is some private land in the western side of Glenbride, mostly farmland by the road, but it's easily avoidable.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Overtraining is the word.

    If you take P&D's description of hill running as a form of VO2 Max workout, I have been doing nothing but VO2 Max sessions since DCM. No wonder I ended up with a hamstring injury. I have done no recovery pace runs at all, just recovery days. How stupid is that?!

    I think DCM was a bit of an anti-climax for me and this pushed me to train harder (and less smart) for AON. I only have four and half weeks left to train for AON. I need to have a proper look at my training plan. I suppose I'm looking at a two-week taper now, rather than the three I was hoping for.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,196 ✭✭✭PaulieC


    Why was DCM an anti-climax ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,691 ✭✭✭tHE vAGGABOND


    If you take P&D's description of hill running as a form of VO2 Max workout, I have been doing nothing but VO2 Max sessions since DCM. No wonder I ended up with a hamstring injury. I have done no recovery pace runs at all, just recovery days. How stupid is that?!
    Well its worked for you, but I could not get near to the amount of miles and hard looking sessions you have been doing? That has shown in the great times you have ran.

    Im a firm believer in hard day - easy day [or even Hard-hard-easy], as your body needs a rest.

    I have been doing "random" runs since DCM, with no real goal or purpose and I have really enjoyed it; and feel in really good shape and ready to go now, as I get into Conn Ultra training. [but that being said, Im sure you will be LITERALLY hours ahead of me on the course, on the day!]


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Why was DCM an anti-climax ?

    I didn't have a chance to relax during the week after the marathon. It just never really sunk in. That and I was already thinking about Art O'Neill.
    Well its worked for you, but I could not get near to the amount of miles and hard looking sessions you have been doing? That has shown in the great times you have ran.

    Im a firm believer in hard day - easy day [or even Hard-hard-easy], as your body needs a rest.

    I have been doing "random" runs since DCM, with no real goal or purpose and I have really enjoyed it; and feel in really good shape and ready to go now, as I get into Conn Ultra training. [but that being said, Im sure you will be LITERALLY hours ahead of me on the course, on the day!]

    I'm not too sure about Conn yet to be honest - my hamstring is not 100% yet, and I'm not sure if I'm into doing long miles on tarmac and concrete over the next few months.

    Your rate of improvement has been consistent, by next summer I predict we'll be running the same times as long as you don't do something drastic!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Cycling: 48km in total. Another tooth extraction delayed my return to running :(

    Running: 5km on Saturday. Finally a run, in daylight. I cut it short as my hamstring still felt a little tight.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Monday

    Cycling: 32km to and from work via Carrickmines.

    Tuesday

    Cycling: 12km to work. Getting stitches out at dentist later. He's probably going to tell me to take it easy for another few days :mad:

    This training cycle has been a disaster lately - nearly three weeks without a quality run. Christmas and New Year's isn't looking very good for training either - I will be in Galway for a good bit (no good trails near me) and in Kerry for a few days (lots of hills and trails but no time). I want to stay away from tarmac to speed up my recovery.

    On the flip side, I've been reading loads of P&D's Road Racing for Serious Runners and fingers crossed I'll be starting a 12-week plan for 5-mile training in February for peaking at the Terenure 5-Mile on May 19th. No plans beyond that. Also on the flip side is that I'll have very healthy teeth ready for eating lots of food at Christmas!

    Art O'Neill is still on - I'm as stubborn as a mule :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Wednesday

    Pints

    Thursday

    Pints

    Friday

    Cycling: 12km home from work.

    Pints

    Saturday

    Mince-pies & cream

    Sunday

    Pints

    Quite a bit of work-related and other stress at the moment is taking its toll on me. I'm glad of the pints.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

    No exercise

    St. Stephen's Day

    Running: 10km or so down to and around Bushy Park for a few laps. The tightness in my hamstring and calf has gone away, I didn't feel the plantar fasciitis either until afterwards. During the run I rightly felt like I hadn't run in nearly four weeks. Did a bit of foam rolling afterwards. The PF feels sore in my non-running shoes.

    On the way down to Galway now - I will get a few runs in and see if I can get my longest run in before the New Year. Will hopefully hike Croagh Patrick in Mayo or somewhere in Kerry during the week too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    I forgot to mention that I’ve started doing yoga classes, yoga as Gaeilge actually! I had the first class last week and I really enjoyed it. I was raised through Irish and haven’t had the same opportunity to practice it since I started running, so it’s a great chance to mix two of my favourite pastimes, Irish and exercise, together.
    The teacher is excellent and has a good eye for everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, including that I have hyperextension in my joints. It's great for stress relief too. I felt fantastic after the class and really motivated me to start it properly in the new year.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,685 ✭✭✭RunningKing


    Is this 'normal' yoga or the hot yoga?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Is this 'normal' yoga or the hot yoga?

    Just the normal yoga. I highly recommend it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Thursday

    Running: 21km from Spiddal to Galway. I felt tired from yesterday's 10km but otherwise fine. I faded a lot in the last few miles, probably because I had no water or food with me. A good bit of soreness in the quads later that evening.

    Friday

    Rest

    Saturday

    Rest

    Sunday

    Running: I psyched myself up for going out in the howling wind and rain to do an easy 10km. 500m later I knew I wasn't able for it - my hamstring was tight and my quads were sore.

    I decided not to run the Art O'Neill any more after only covering 750m, but to do the hike instead.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    Tuesday, New Year's Day

    Hiking: 12km from Ballinagee Woods to Three Lakes and back again. I woke up with what felt like a chest infection. The navigation was grand. We decided to try out climbing from Art's Plaque to Art's Cross. A distance of 650m with 160m of climbing. Not advisable!

    The cross to the Three Lakes is easy. Just a hard slog across peat hags that looks like the surface of Mars. Our route back was descending along the banks of Asbawn Brook. It was too steep for climbing up. The ridge to the east of the Brook is where you want to climb.

    I thought we had covered around 20km so was very disappointed to find out it was only 12km max. My foot (plantar fasciitis) was very sore at the end.

    Wednesday


    Back at work today. Had to go to the doctor as my chest infection felt very sore. She has given me 3 days off work and a course of antibiotics for a bronchial infection. Not looking good now for the Art O'Neill in any form :mad: The doctor was also worried by my blood pressure - most likely due to work, which is mounting in the next few weeks.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    Tuesday, New Year's Day

    Hiking: 12km from Ballinagee Woods to Three Lakes and back again. I woke up with what felt like a chest infection. The navigation was grand. We decided to try out climbing from Art's Plaque to Art's Cross. A distance of 650m with 160m of climbing. Not advisable!

    Sorry to hear about the chest infection. Hopefully it clears up pretty soon.

    The climb from the plaque to the cross is a tough one! Is that the way you plan to go on the day? (If you go)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    nerraw1111 wrote: »
    Sorry to hear about the chest infection. Hopefully it clears up pretty soon.

    The climb from the plaque to the cross is a tough one! Is that the way you plan to go on the day? (If you go)

    Thanks, fingers crossed I'll be well enough.

    I won't be going up that way, it's too dangerous for anyone with 45kms in their legs, a simple slip could result in some nasty injuries!

    I'll be going up via the ridge between Glenreemore and Asbawn brooks. Once I find their confluence, I'll take a bearing to head straight for the ridge. If I were running I'd definitely take that route.


    ArtsCrossViaRidge.jpg


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    Interesting.

    I remember it not being too bad. It's a steep sharp climb and you're over.

    You planning anymore recces? I've yet to do the last section. Calf is still tight/sore. Sports massage tomorrow so hopefully that'll clear it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    nerraw1111 wrote: »
    Interesting.

    I remember it not being too bad. It's a steep sharp climb and you're over.

    You planning anymore recces? I've yet to do the last section. Calf is still tight/sore. Sports massage tomorrow so hopefully that'll clear it.

    It was very slippery on Tuesday, and the more people that go up it between now and that morning, the worse it'll get. I had a few 'moments' despite not being afraid of heights or anything like that! For only 750m, it was far too slow for my liking (about 20 minutes).

    That said, I don't know what the ridge is like, I'm only judging by the map contours and my views of the ridge from a short distance on Tuesday :pac: Although it is the route that a few of the IMRA regulars took on previous occasions.

    I don't have any plans for another recce, unless I'm well enough by Sunday. Unfortunately I can only hike it if so. Are you going out at the weekend?

    Look after that calf!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    I hope to a reccee on Sunday, very happy to hike it. Physio tomorrow so will see what the state of play is then.

    I was looking at Enduro's garmin and he went up to the ridge too. It *looks* relatively straight forward.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,842 ✭✭✭Micilin Muc


    I've been making the most of my 3 sick days - antibiotics, hot whiskey, Vick's, Exputex, Solpadeine. It's clearing up now.
    Interestingly, my plantar fasciitis has been giving me very little trouble, probably because I haven't left the house in 48 hours. Have I no pain because I haven't walked far enough in that time, or is it because I've been off my feet and looking after it?!

    My physio recommended me a taping technique to keep my foot in a dorsiflexed position throughout the night, which means that the foot is stretched so that the toes are brought closer to the shin. I've been told this prevents scar tissue from forming, which is a bad thing!

    I've also been doing foam rolling on my hamstring, calf and foot, along with other stretches, followed by some hot/cold 'contrast' therapy.

    I'm very grateful for Sky 007 - I've watched six Bond films in the past few days :cool:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,759 ✭✭✭belcarra


    I've been making the most of my 3 sick days - antibiotics, hot whiskey, Vick's, Exputex, Solpadeine. It's clearing up now.
    Interestingly, my plantar fasciitis has been giving me very little trouble, probably because I haven't left the house in 48 hours. Have I no pain because I haven't walked far enough in that time, or is it because I've been off my feet and looking after it?!
    Has the solpadeine been masking the issue instead?

    I've also been doing foam rolling on my hamstring, calf and foot, along with other stretches, followed by some hot/cold 'contrast' therapy.
    So that will be a pint of cold lager with the hot whiskey chaser?:)


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