Run for your life!!!!

I've been mulling over how best to start off this report and given everything that's happened since DCM 2018, "woke up at 6am" doesn't seem to cut it somehow.
On a personal level, 2019 was peppered with a number of personal stumbling blocks which at times threatened to derail everything I was working towards, but it was running day in, day out that saved the day each and every time. That's all for another day, and not for these pages.
As for my target time, as soon as I unleashed 3:30 out into the ether, it was like a weight had been lifted. It's been something of a holy grail for me since last year, as if it were a rite of passage or something that had to be accomplished before even thinking about a 3:20 or a 3:15. That said, for as many times as I was assured by others that it was not beyond me, there were still the seeds of doubt which, I know by now, are all part and parcel of running.
Throughout the various training blocks in 2019, apart from the handful of races I've done (each of which I'm mostly happy with), I have been completely and solely focused on one thing: to come away from DCM 2019, knowing that I gave it absolutely everything I had. Pressure? What pressure?

Pre-race
I had booked a place on the coach into town with the Lucan Harriers crew and enjoyed some friendly chat with some of them that I already know as parents of kids in the Juniors group. A breathtakingly beautiful late-Autumnal sunrise was a sight to behold and with clear skies forever, I knew the day would bring perfect running conditions. As soon as we arrived into city centre and stepped off the bus, I learned that one of the Harriers works in the Mansion House and that it was tradition each year for everyone to walk up Dawson St, avail of the facilities/get changed/ relax in the warmth of the salubrious surroundings of the main reception room of the Mansion House before making their way to the bag drop. After some nervy chat with the others about our respective target times and previous race experiences, I decided it was time to make my own way to Merrion Square and leave the others to it.
The bag drop, just like the previous year, was super efficient and once I was sure I had everything I needed, I started walking in the direction of the Green Wave. It was right at this moment that I felt as if someone who had been holding my hand throughout the entire training block had suddenly let go, leaving me to figure things out for myself. It was all up to me now.
As I passed the queues upon queues of runners at the line of portaloos, I was relieved that I had emptied the tank earlier, so to speak. I had another 20 minutes or so to spare before Wave 2 took off but thinking that time was on my side, I decided that just to be on the safe side, I should join one of the queues. After what seemed like only a few minutes, I checked the time and saw that it was already 8:55, only 10 minutes before Wave 2 took off. Given the size of the queue, I jumped ship and before moving up towards the start line, I thought I'd find a quiet spot and do a few last-minute stretches. This is where I bumped into Mr. Guappa and we had a brief chat about all the things you chat about 10 minutes before a race. By now, I had stupidly convinced myself that I really needed the toilet so after bidding farewell and good luck to Mr G, I joined dozens of other desperate souls (male and female alike) and found the nearest 'discreeet' spot to...you know....ahem.
Another time-check and with only 2 minutes to spare, I sprinted around the corner to make my way as far up towards the start line as a I could. With all the crowds, the furthest I was able to make it was about 100 metres behind the 3:50 pacers. What are you doing? This was not in the plan!!! Ok, just relax, you'll be fine. This is not the time to panic.
As the wave took off and we walked slowly towards the start line, it hit me like a ton of bricks. This was it, it was happening. All the training, the pre-dawn runs, all the miles covered, the sacrifices made. It all came down to this. Make it count. Whatever you do, just make it goddamn count. Tears.

Miles 1-3
Through the gantry and off we go. Stick to the corners, keep it tight. Keep it simple. Remember to take a gel every 45 minutes. Don't pass a water station empty-handed.
First thing I noticed was just how congested it all was. Running along Leeson St and down past Stephen's Green, even though I knew this opening mile would be handy enough, it felt like I was completely penned in and that there was practically no room to manoeuvre. Not only that but I was also hit with the realisation that as well as having to catch up with the 3:50 pacers, I would also need to catch the 3:40 group and potentially the 3:30 group too. You’re not supposed to be even thinking about mental arithmetic at this stage! Complete schoolboy error, you've just given yourself a mountain to climb and we're not even 5 minutes into the race. Calm, just stay calm and run your own race. Just look at all these people.
After all the shuffling, dodging feet and failed attempts at overtaking, mile 1 came in over 30 seconds slower than planned. Hardly a good start. Put it behind you and just start chipping away. Up past Patrick's Cathedral and still no sign of things opening up. Starting to feel frustrated with the situation now and annoyed with myself for taking my eye off the ball when things had been so relaxed beforehand.
Down the hill along Winetavern Street, putting the brakes on ever so slightly before hitting the South Quays. 3:50 pacers still in front but gaining on them gradually. Not a problem, we've got this. You know what you have to do. Mile 2 was a marginal improvement and we're getting back on track. Up the incline towards Manor St, and once again, that 'crammed in' feeling was becoming apparent as we approached the first water station. Plan was to grab two bottles which I just about managed to do and the bottle-neck at the beginning of Aughrim St. caused another few seconds delay. Getting impatient now but told myself not to worry, once we're in the Park we'll be motoring. Already started planning the approaching miles in terms of roughly when I should be reaching/leaving behind the 3:40 pacers. A buzz from the watch showed Mile 3 had lost me some more precious time. Stay where you are Phoenix Park, I'm coming to get you.
Mile splits - 8:53, 8:15, 8:41

Miles 4-7
Running through those gates was a massive relief and eventually overtook the 3:50 pacers at the Zoo but it wasn't till we reached Chesterfield Avenue that I was really able to breathe easy. One down, two to go. I figured that if I was to have any chance of getting anywhere near the 3:30 pacers, I should be free of the 3:40 group by the time we left the Phoenix Park for the second time at the Chapelizod Gate. It seemed like a reasonably achievable target. First gel of the day was taken about halfway up Chesterfield Avenue. Went down a treat and washed down with a drink of water. Who needs Zero tabs eh? Enjoyed the relative peace and quiet of the park compared to the madness of the NCR only moments before. What a difference a year makes, I thought. At this very stage last year, there was indecision, uncertainty and inexperience (and no little amount of bravado) to contend with, simply making it up as I was going along. Now, with those opening miles finally behind me, I found myself striding with purpose (and on pace) towards the Castleknock gates, and more importantly, that bit closer to the 3:40 pacers. The split for Mile 4 brought a sigh of relief and some welcome reassurance that I was still on course. Lost in thought, I had a near miss with the back of a parked Fiat 500 at the side of the road. Concentrate. Feeling replenished after that first gel, we exited the park and into the roar of Castleknock. I wasn't prepared for this last year. Was I ready for it now? Steadily, the crowds grew in size. Signs everywhere. Supporters everywhere. Noise. Music. People. More people. Smiling faces. High-fives.......meltdown. Complete and utter meltdown. I wept uncontrollably. Just let the tears roll, this is the best feeling in the world by a country mile. Look around you and remember this feeling.
Time to check the watch, it's all good. As I started to compose myself and turned off Castleknock village onto College Road, the DJ in the booth shouted my name out. That was me. That was my name!! I gave an enormous "COME ON!!" to the crowd, which was returned with whoops of cheering and complete strangers shouting my name. Jesus wept, I'm not able for this.
Mile splits - 8:07, 7:55, 7:50, 7:54

Miles 8-11
The trundle down College Road was nice and controlled, applying the brakes where necessary and a quick glance ahead showed me the bobbling balloons of the 3:40 group were within touching distance. Lots of over-excited folk here pounding downhill, while a few heavy breathers and even one or two walkers were showing early signs of over-expending. Another buzz of the watch and we're still chipping away.
Back in to the Phoenix Park for another visit and for a brief period, was once again struggling to move past small pockets of runners along the winding path in order to make some headway. Once we got to the Upper Glen Road, the path had cleared and finally, on the descent down towards Chapelizod gate, I passed the 3:40 pacers. Two down. One to go.
Yet another sub-8 minute mile on the watch gave me another little boost as we exited the gates and as we approached double figures, I was still feeling good, even though I was about a minute and a half behind where I'd have liked to be. Took a cup of Lucozade, more out of curiosity than anything. Had a sip and discarded the rest. No thanks. Received a shout out from a familiar face as we crossed the bridge at Chapelizod and turning the corner onto St. Laurence Road, I was more than ready for the first challenge of the day. Told myself from here on in to treat this race as if it were a training run, where I always found myself at my most disciplined. As the ascent continued, I very slightly eased the pace, making sure the it was steady enough while also trying not to lose too much ground. Up over the top and back on to the flat again, making our way towards my dad's home town of Inchicore. As we passed his childhood home, I took the second gel of the day, right on cue, followed by a salt tablet, Much better. Another gulp of water, better still and a drop down the back of the neck for good measure. The easy-ish pace of the previous incline had the split for mile 11 a little slower than the others but was still managing sub-8 minute smiles with ease. Another emotional collapse was fast approaching.
Mile splits - 7:54, 7:55, 7:43, 7:57


Miles 12-15
Kilmainham was looming large and knowing exactly where my wife and kids would be, I positioned myself and got ready to start picking their faces out of the ever-increasing crowds. As we neared the Royal Hospital, the noise grew and grew and I began frantically scanning the crowds in case they had somehow not managed to secure the spot where they said they'd be. Where are they? I don't see them. Too many faces. Turned the corner onto South Circular Road and still struggled to spot them but just when all seemed lost, there they were, right at the front of the barrier, waving their homemade signs and smiles as big as you've ever seen. Ran over to them and instantly, the emotion of the day got the better of me. Gave them all high-fives and ran on, burying my head in my hands, shaking my head as I tried to compose myself. I looked back and pumped both fists in the air towards them, feeling like the happiest man alive. Come on, compose yourself, you can cry all you want at the finish line.
Watch buzzed with another decent split and by now I was trying my best to figure out whether the 3:30 pacers could be caught at all. Surely if I just kept things ticking over and clawed back those lost seconds of the first three miles, 3:30 would still be doable. Don't worry about that just yet, you've still a ways to go. Keep doing what you're doing.
The support along Rialto was superb with folks handing out all sorts of alternative fuelling options, none of which I fancied. I now felt like I was in the zone and when I thought back to last year, I remembered it was at this very point that I felt things take a turn for the worse.
As I got ready for the long stretch between Dolphin's Barn and Crumlin Rd, I heard my name being shouted out. Looked immediately to my left and saw skyblue and Lazare, cheering me on. What a lift that was and perfectly timed too. Now I felt ready for anything and to my amazement, as I ran underneath the halfway point along the Crumlin Rd, I saw that I was bang on target according to where I should be at exactly this point of the race. So far, no signs of fatigue in the legs. Could this be the one? Keep the head down. Focus. The support all the way along this stretch was excellent. Took another gel and was delighted with how my fuelling strategy was working out.
The seemingly endless drag along Crumlin village continued but I knew that my parents would be waiting for me at the Submarine Bar, which would bring another welcome boost. Finally, we made our way up Walkinstown Road and as we got closer to Walkinstown Roundabout, the crowds were once again growing in size and once more, I felt myself choking and being completely overwhelmed by everything and everyone around me. Keep the head now, by all means relish it but no more breakdowns, please. As I ran past the roundabout, the music was pounding out of the speakers and for the second time, my name was called out by the DJ. How did I react? Exactly the same as I did in Castleknock.
Mile splits - 7:47, 7:48, 7:57, 7:46


Miles 16-19
Looked ahead into the distance for a sign of the yellow balloons of the 3:30 pacing group and barely made them out up ahead. I knew too, that I didn't actually have to catch them if I wanted to meet my target. As long as I kept up this kind of pace, I knew it would be enough.
As I approached the Submarine, I saw my Dad first and then my Mam, went bounding over to them with a big happy head and after exchanging high-fives, I ran on and after a few metres, spontaneously leapt into the air, with one arm raised and shouted "COME ON!!". More cheers from the crowd. Is it meant to be this much fun, I wondered?
By now, my pace had quickened if anything and I was into sub 7:45 minute mile territory. My head space was cleared of any doubts, I was feeling in complete control and as we made our way down Fortfield Road, I took another of my salt tablets, just to play it safe. Now, let's enjoy this downhill jaunt and see where it takes us eh?
What I loved most about these miles was that I was actually able to properly enjoy and appreciate them. Last year, running through Terenure and the miles that followed, I was all over the shop, feeling disoriented and out of sorts, wondering even then, how I was still managing to make my legs move. A year later, I find myself freewheeling along and picking off runners for fun as well as spotting the various parts of the route where my many 2018 'blow-ups' occurred. A shout from a work colleague kept the spirits high.
Still not too concerned with the pacers but a small part of me was wondering if this could still happen.
Mile splits - 7:38, 7:42, 7:38, 7:34


Miles 20-23
Into Milltown now, an area I'm not overly familiar with at all but at least I knew where abouts I was on the route. Took another gel and salt tablet. The incline just after Wilde and Green made me wonder why this particular hill doesn't get as much of a mention as Heartbreak Hill, two miles down the road. Managed it ok though - slower than I'd have liked - and once at the top, was able to settle back into my stride. The split for mile 21 came in about 20 seconds slower but I wasn't too worried as I was still under 8 minutes per mile and still felt capable of maintaining this steady pace. I was now in territory where I could start doing a bit of mental arithmetic but thought better of it for now.
Running into Clonskeagh, I picked out yet another scene-of-the-crime location where the previous year I had stopped by the side of the road in desperation and asked a complete stranger for a drink of their Coke.
Thankfully, Heartbreak Hill was a non-event and didn't break me this year, but it did slow me down more than I'd hoped. Further on, a welcome cheer came from some of the Lucan Harriers/Griffeen Parkrun crew and it wasn't long after that that I could finally feel the miles starting to catch up with me. Getting tired now.
Unsurprisingly, the split for mile 22 was just over the 8 minute pace. Only the first one since mile 4, something that gave me a little bit more hope to cling onto.
Most importantly though, I was still on my feet and decided once and for all to forget about the 3:30 heads, just leave them to it. Great support down along Foster's Avenue towards the Stillorgan Road and once we turned onto the dual carriageway, a quick calculation told me that if I kept this up, all I would need were three sub-8 minutes miles to take me to the promised land. A mile 23 split of 7:58 made me think that this was really happening. What could possibly go wrong?
Mile splits - 7:34, 7:51, 8:19, 7:58


Miles 23-26
As we headed towards the slip-road, I could feel that the fatigue was now starting to become a thing. How long have we got left? Quick check to make sure the legs were still moving. Yep, still moving. Checked the pace and we're looking good, even though we're creeping ever so slightly towards 8 minutes, at times, slightly over. Push on, you have to do this. Crossing the dual carriageway and back down the other side, I was finding it more and more of a challenge to keep up the pace, even though I was still passing out a decent number of runners. I couldn't understand how, in such a short space of time, I was now faced with such an uphill battle. This is nothing new. At Ratoath, I struggled during the last two miles. At Frank Duffy, I struggled in the last two miles. At the Docklands 5k, the last mile was hell. Finishing strong is clearly not my forte. Despite this, I also had to pinch myself that the end was almost in sight and that once we turned off Nutley Lane onto Merrion Road, the enormity of what I was undertaking would once again truly hit home.
And it was quite literally, at that very moment, as the split for mile 24 showed 8:38 that I knew the jig was officially up.
With still a mile and a half to go and the legs beginning to quit on me, I tried my best to prepare myself for the final push. Even with the shouts of encouragement from the crowds lining the streets, a quick look at the watch spelled trouble. You’re losing it, come on just TRY!!! Push HARDER!! I was beginning to fade in a big way but ridiculous as it sounds, a very small part of me refused to give up on 3:30, not really appreciating what it would have required. I was grateful for yet another massive and enthusiastic shout out from skyblue and Lazare, to which I had no response. I was officially spent.
Where is the finish line? Has anyone seen the finish line??
The noise was immense and as much as I tried to respond to the shouts and cheers of the crowd – some of whom were inches away, calling out my name – it was no use. Walkers everywhere I looked. Why not join them? You know you want to. Just stop now, it’s ok, nobody will mind.
Looked ahead and saw the last bridge before the finish line came into sight. Eh, you can give up on that 3:30 thing now. Ok, sounds good to me.
Ah yes, the famous blue mat. Finish line getting closer but still fighting the urge to stop.
Me: How did this happen?
Me: What do you mean, you’re practically there! 100 metres, come on, don’t be silly.
Me: No, I can’t.
Me; YES YOU CAN.
Me: Whatever.
Me: I forgot to smile, can I do the blue mat again?
Me: No.
Prepare to land. Touchdown. Stop the watch. NOW you can stop running.
Mile splits - 8:13, 8:38, 8:53 (8:35)

Official time: 3:31:46

So I stopped running and almost immediately, out of nowhere two guys came rushing over to grab an arm each. Asked if I was ok. No words came out. Can you stand? Can you walk? Too many questions, one at a time please. Straight over to the medical tent, still in a complete daze. They kept me in for about 15 minutes, did all the usual tests (very low temperature apparently) and after a feed of Haribos, I was free to go.
Still coming round, I walked out of the tent, almost in a dream-like state, before collecting my medal, race t-shirt and goody bag.
Despite my solemn demeanour, and after giving myself a few moments to let things sink in, I suddenly realised what I’d just achieved. I couldn’t have been happier.
I destroyed my previous PB by a whole 26 minutes and had an experience that could not have been any more different to my 2018 outing, in every single way.
In the end, I was so close and thankfully, not too far away from my goal to make me think that it would always be a bridge too far. I wondered how things might have panned out had I started the race closer to the 3:40 pacing group. Would I have finished in a worse condition that I actually did? No matter. I have decided not to dwell on these conundrums for now and just enjoy the moment, which I most certainly am doing.
Rang my wife to let her know I was still alive (she was beside herself with worry, having tracked my progress on the app) and after collecting my bag and (very slowly) getting changed in the dignity-free zone that was Merrion Square, I made my way to McGrattans to meet all of my “internet friends”, some of them for the first time. I am so thankful that I know all these wonderful people, who share a love of something that I know that I would be now lost without. Also, a special mention must go to the DCM2018 Novices crew who at times kept me on the straight and narrow more than they might think.
Lots of PB stories being exchanged, some great performances all round.

With the dust now settled, it has not taken me long to think about what comes next. For a while, I have had my eye on the Manchester Marathon in April, which would require an almost immediate return to training.
If it works out, I’ll be sitting out DCM 2020 and perhaps spend the rest of the year focusing on shorter distances. We’ll see.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who reads this log and to those who offered so much invaluable advice to me since the beginning of the year.
I have learned so much in the last 12 months and the goals that I had set myself have all been achieved. I wanted to be a stronger and wiser runner and I feel like I have made some pretty decent headway in that regard.
Now if Liverpool could only go and win that damn Premier League……:rolleyes:

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed reading it!!

Thursday 7th November
5 miles easy pace - 5.04m @9:05
The knee trouble I had experienced the previous weekend strangely disappeared the following day as if it were never there. Odd.
Still, thought it best to rest up for a few days anyway. By Thursday I was itching to get out and even the cold, wet and miserable conditions couldn't stop me from squeezing a few lunchtime miles in . Legs (and knee) felt good for the whole thing thankfully. Arrived back at work utterly drenched but what harm is a relentless downpour little rain?

Saturday 9th November
8 miles easy pace - 8.15m @9:06
This had to be an early one as the OH and I were hitting the road for a trip to Carrick-on-Shannon (minus the sproglets) to celebrate the ol' wedding anniversary.
Once again, the legs felt really fresh and was tempted to turn the run into a 10-miler but I doubt my nearest and dearest would have appreciated the sight of me nodding off in the middle of our fancy meal later that evening........:o


So. What's next?
First things first. I have bitten the bullet and got myself a coach for the first time. This is a huge step for me and the first of several steps I aim to take to help me bring my running to the next level.
I have always taken my running seriously but I think now, with two marathons, a handful of half marathons and a few races at other distances under my belt, it's time to up things a gear or two.
Manchester 2020 is my goal race and aside from the training, I will be aiming to race either a 10k or 10 mile distance somewhere in between.
Had a good chat with him yesterday and covered lots of ground so really looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.
Planning on doing Jingle Bells also in a few week's time, provided it doesn't sell out before payday!!!

Secondly (and as mentioned before in this log), joining a running club is top of my 'to do' list for 2020. I'm thinking that the more people I tell, the more likely it is to happen!! :pac:

Exciting times.......


Miles for the week- 13.2
Miles for the year - 1446

Rossi7 wrote: »

Do I get commission

Yes, but only if I manage to get through an entire marathon without crying like a baby.

Monday 11th November
5 miles easy pace.
5.01m @9:10
Freezing out and seriously under-prepared for the conditions with the gear I was wearing. Nice little trundle around city centre though.

Wednesday 13th November
Warm up/1 mile@7.15 pace/off 90 secs/5x400 (6:45-7:00) off 90 seconds/1 mile@ 7:15 pace.
6.00m @ 8:11
I had been looking forward to this all week so I got up really early to get it done. Started with a 2 mile warm up and once I started the first 7:15 pace mile, a lack of concentration , a wrong turn a happy accident found me entering Grange Castle business Park. Wasn't really familiar with the surroundings but looking ahead, I could see there was a very long stretch of road which was just what I needed. Running surface was perfect too and with zero traffic around, it suited me just fine.
The plan prescribed a '5k pace' for the reps of 400 so I settled on somewhere between 6:45-7:00, slightly less that what it would usually be if I was racing a 5k but I was happy enough with that for starters this early in the plan.
The paces were all bang on which was very satisfying, even though I felt I could have taken it up a notch or two. Plenty of time for that.
Only mishap was that I had saved the workout on the watch wrong and ended up doing 5 reps of 400 instead of 6. :rolleyes:
Finished with a 1 mile cool down.

Thursday 15th November
40 min recovery.
4.61m @ 8:46
Was a little worried that the paces were not my usual 'recovery' pace. Nothing to be overly concerned about though.


Saturday 16th November
2 mile wu/3 miles@8:00/3 miles @7:30-7:40
8.00m @8:10
Up early again into the freezing cold morning for an 'out and back' run with the paces exactly where they should have been. 

Sunday 17th November
Easy 9 mile run.
9.42mi @ 9:17
Thought it better to dress appropriately for the weather and don the running tights for the first time since March or April. Don't really like wearing them but sometimes it's a case of needs must. The run was nice and relaxed, perfect morning for it too. Back home for Junior Parkrun where himself bagged a new PB, finishing in 7th place. :cool:

So, as mentioned previously, I have Manchester 2020 in my sights. Payday this week so will finally get around to registering for that. Even though I am eager to run it, there have been a couple of occasions this week (after my usual episodes of over-thinking things during runs) where I've wondered if I'm throwing myself into this too quickly? I know that at some point I'll have had to set a target for myself and train accordingly but there's a little part of me that feels like I'm just trying to cram too much in and that if I do end up going to Manchester, I could easily find myself at the start line thinking "how the hell did this happen?" 
Still, with two marathons under my belt, my competitive side is telling me that there is definitely room for improvement (I can't ever see myself running solely for the enjoyment of it, nor do I want to enter races just for the 'experience') which is what I based my decision on to run Manchester. I desperately want to improve, who doesn't? Strike while the iron is hot and all that. Just hope I'm not getting carried away with all of this. I do love it though, that's certainly not in question. All that considered, I will most likely go ahead with the plan, sometimes it's good just to get these thoughts out into the open.Looking forward to the week ahead. 

Miles for the week- 35.5
Miles for the year - 1482

Monday 25th November
40 mins easy w/4×80m strides/cool down
5.23m @ 9.18
It was out into the late night cold air for this. Don't remember very much about it tbh, pretty straightforward.

Tuesday 26th November
5 miles easy w/6 x strides
5.45m @ 9:03
Took advantage of a long lunch and ran down the docks, into Ringsend and finished with some strides (approx 80 metres) in Trinity College.


Wednesday 27th November
OFF


Thursday 28th November
WU / 8 x 400m @5k pace off 75 seconds/2 mins recovery/4 x 200m hard off 60 seconds
5.53m @8.05
Woke up at the usual early time but I really had to push myself out the door to do this session. After deliberating for about 20 minutes over whether or not I had it in me, I decided that I would only regret it later. 
After a similar session the previous week, I felt that I could have given a bit more so I thought I'd up the pace slightly for each o f the 400's:
Splits were:
6:36/6:34/6:38/6:32/6:36/6:34/6:28/6:34

The splits for the 4 x 200's were:
5:43/5:55/6:05/5:46

Overall, very happy with the session and by the end, relieved that I got it done and out of the way rather than spend the day fretting about how I would fit it in. 

Still somehow getting away with not wearing running tights. Hard as nails, me. :cool:


Friday 29th November
30 mins easy
3.23m @ 9:20
A little tired during this, a good tired though.


Saturday 30th November
30 mins easy + strides
4.14m @ 8:51
Over to Griffeen for the first time in a long time for this easy trundle. Finished off with 4 x 80's


Sunday 1st November
10 mile progression run
10.01m @ 8:28
Was planning on starting with a 1st mile of around 9:30 but some gps issues resulted in mile 1 coming in at around 9:42. Probably just as well as my final mile would have ended up being close to the 7:00 mark which I felt might have been a little on the 'pacey' side so I stuck with the gradual progression from the slightly slower-than-planned pace.
Have been a little guilty of becoming something of a slave to the Garmin of late. Definitely need it for uploading workouts for the sessions but for runs like this one, I should try to be less rigid when it comes to the paces. Seemed to do the trick and with mile 10 coming in at around 7:15, I reckoned it was a good day at the office.

Came home for a quick shower and change before making our way to Tymon Park for the last of the three Junior XC events of the season.
Once again, my son was running in the Under 10's and when we arrived, the terrain was, as expected, 'soft', with some parts of the course that could only be described as mulch.
Given the proximity between the start line and finish, it wasn't possible to see him set off so we waited just before the finish line to cheer him on. The usual faces made up the top four or five but wait a second, who's this? Out of nowhere, himself comes steamrolling down towards the finish line, securing a top 10 finish. Unreal. 
Bring on the Nationals!



Recap of the week: a busy week of running with only one rest day but four of the days were 'easy pace' and relatively short. 
The coaching side of things is going really well too. I think I'm just one of those runners who's not confident of making decisions without some direction. Definitely the right move for me.
One thing I need to pick up again though is a routine of s&c workouts. I was doing these religiously pre-DCM but let it slide once that was done and dusted.
Also, Jingle Bells was all of a sudden looking unlikely after I discovered at the weekend that it was sold out. All is not lost though, thanks to fellow 2018 Novice Hedgehoggy (thanks G!), who's saved my bacon!!

As for the race, a 19:59:59 will send me home happy!




Miles for the week- 36.6

Miles for the year - 1558

Monday 2nd December 

Rest



Tuesday 3rd December
Warm up/4x 1k @ 5k pace
4.48m @ 7:48
This looked like a juicy one on paper and I was NOT disappointed when it came to executing it. Always feels like more of a challenge doing these sessions so early in the morning and ultimately way more satisfying. After a 15 min warm up, I started the first of the 1k reps. I knew for Jingle Bells that if I wanted a sub-20, I'd need to be hitting at least 6:25 min/miles so I aimed for a similar pace. Was happy to see that I was bang on target each time.

Splits were:
6:25/6:27/6:23/6:26



Wednesday 4th December 
50 mins recovery
5.52 m @ 9:12
Headed down the North Quays and up to the Phoenix Park via NCR. 



Thursday 5th December
Rest


Friday 6th December
30 mins easy + strides
3.59m @ 8:58
Another lunch-time run with 4 x 80 m strides tagged on to the end.


Saturday 7th November
Jingle Bells 5k
3.1m @ 6.22
Although I was feeling very confident, the nerves were starting to make themselves known during the drive over to the Phoenix Park. Made sure I was in plenty of time to allow for a bit of a warm up and some decent stretching and a few strides for good measure.

Met Hedgehoggy on the way down to the start line and once in the enclosure, had a brief chat with Damo before spotting Wubble Wubble and wished them both luck. Positioned myself about 50 metres from the start line and save for some minor congestion, once we got going, and manoevered past some pockets of runners, I was moving freely enough. That said, some small amount of weaving in and out was required at times but once we hit Chesterfield Ave, we were motoring. 

Spotted WW up ahead, steadily making ground, while Damo had already left us for dust. 

This being only my second actual 5k race, I was unsure how things would unfold but for the time being, I felt in control and was hitting my target pace without any major problems. 

Turning on to the Furze, mile 1 beeped in at 6:29, happy with that for starters, just keep it up and don't panic. Too early for panic. I was starting to pass out a good few runners now and a quick glance of the watch showed me I was still maintaining the desired pace, even though the first signs of real effort were become evident. The only thing I was focusing on was not letting the pace slip too far beyond what was needed and, looking up ahead at the incline, I knew how important it was to do a good job of managing this section of the course.

Kept the form as controlled as possible and thankfully, still on track. Past the Knockmaroon Gates now and mile 2 showed a pace of 6:27, Feeling the pinch now but knowing that the home straight was not too far ahead, I tried desperately hard to prevent any of the usual inner demons from rearing their ugly heads. Another unexpected incline which was thankfully managed reasonably well and we can finally begin the approach down the home straight. Even with the obvious downhill advantage and a pace of around 5:55/6:00, I knew that this was no time to take the foot off the gas. Things were beginning to hurt now and was really struggling to find an extra gear from somewhere. Spotted my coach pacing one of his crew and had a little chuckle to myself as I heard his words/shouts/screams of gentle (?) encouragement. It was a relief to see mile 3 coming in at 6:11 and knew that this was the time to make it count. I desperately searched for signs of the runners up ahead approaching or crossing anything that looked like a finish line but all I could make out were runners running. Ah, there it is, finally. 

Now with the finish line finally in clear sight, I took one last look at the watch which showed 19:30. With about 100 metres to go, I put the foot down (or as close to 'putting your foot down' as you can get), using up the last of my reserves and crossing the line with around 10 seconds to spare. Phew!! Crossed the line in 19:48 and for the first time in what seemed like a long time, experienced a feeling of elation at the finish. Spotted Lazare, who finished just a few seconds ahead of me and went over to congratulate him as we both desperately clung on to the barrier composed ourselves before collecting our mugs and other goodies.

Was great to catch up with some Boardsies afterwards including Browneyes, Huzzah, and Damo to discuss our respective post-race thoughts. Had a quick chat with coach before running the cool down with Browneyes before joining ReeReeG for about a mile's worth of chats.

A good day at the office all round.



Sunday 8th December
70 mins easy
7.65m @ 9:21
Not much to say about this except that it was an absolutely rotten morning for running. The running tights came out too. I am clearly not as 'hard as nails' as I thought I was. :rolleyes:

Legs felt a little creaky after the previous day so took it nice and slow. Weather took a turn for the worse later in the day so was relieved to have got this done early doors.




What's next..........the training for Manchester will begin in earnest in January, during which time I plan to target a 10k and half marathon. Bohermeen would be ideal but cutting it a little fine for me timing wise, being less than 4 weeks away from Manchester. Wicklow half looks like the only other option for now. 





Miles for the week- 35

Miles for the year - 1589