Been back in store for the last 2 weeks. Has its upsides, I have been able to run in/cycle home. Missed the beauty that is working in a set place at a set time. I have managed to keep my mileage at around 35-40 miles a week. will start dropping long runs back in This week.
Had a good run in yesterday got the average down to 7:38 per mile that was nice. I had 2 external factors helping out, one was I was late so had to boot it to make it on time, the other was Ro posted a run on Strava and his average was lower than mine. I had been plodding for 3-4 weeks. Just trying to get my distance up so decided to make a real effort. I wasn't sure what I had in me, Worked quiet hard yesterday but recovered well and had a lot more to give so pleased with that.
IMRA leinster league starts on Wednesday, so it looks like I will be struggling at the back until I get a few under my belt. It's all good though, looking forward to the battles between myself James and Ro. We are all coming off some pretty ropy fitness so it should be interesting. Be great to get some time in the hills. The first few are local just to get the rivalry warmed up.
Already struggling to keep the bouldering sessions going but this must be done to avoid any injurys. Had 2 sessions last week both in Awesome walls. They have reset the problems on the top floor which was timely as I was starting to loose my enthusiasm for the last set. Hit the training room to keep the campusing alive. With the longer evenings may head to Dalkey this week if the weather plays ball.
Still head down training for the Wicklow way Recce in April, that will be 40 miles then the big one in May. Have the Samsung night run that evening as well so that should hurt like hell. A few in work doing it in memory of a friend. The Irony being I don't think he ran a day in his life but he was a lover of sport so kind of fitting. Hopefully just get around in time to have a few beers after.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Stresses
Things that have vexed me this week,
Runners not saying hello when they go past you in the opposite direction. even a head tip, slight hand gesture to acknowledge a shared passion.
hoping Eve can make it through the night without wetting herself when I get up on average 3 times to go for a pee. its only going to get worse for me.
Garmins powering off with 17% battery left!
no make up selfies and selfies in general!
Runners not saying hello when they go past you in the opposite direction. even a head tip, slight hand gesture to acknowledge a shared passion.
hoping Eve can make it through the night without wetting herself when I get up on average 3 times to go for a pee. its only going to get worse for me.
Garmins powering off with 17% battery left!
no make up selfies and selfies in general!
Guilt free
There is something satisfying about watching the Cycling on TV on a Sunday afternoon after you have done your Long run. Milan San Remo on Eurosport the weather looks cack for them cant say I'm jealous.
I was slightly jealous of the wwu and trail runners yesterday until it started hammering it down.
The week started well did a fast 5 miles down the pier on Monday really tried to push it still only came in at 7:30 min/Mile. Felt good after it I'm sure the pace will return its only been 4 weeks.
Had a savage session at Gravity on Tuesday, a few heads around Sean,Andrej and Paul but was climbing with Mark, James,Joe and Shane. The session really snuck up on me I was stiff as a board on Wednesday worse on Thursday. James had a few good goes at the blues for a change and did sterling work. May try cycling down in future for a bit of Aerobic work. The weather was good but held off going for a run want the foot to recover.
Wednesday headed out on my lunch around Kiliney had to take a few phone calls but the weather was mint so it was all good.
Thursday into Awesome, Micheal, Ricky and co where busy resetting so I had a potter. It took ages to warm up and work out the kinks from Tuesday. Then had a blast on the new problems with the boys still stood around, eager to impress but bollloxed I didn't ooze style and technique. Ah well it was still a good session and was well beaten up afterwards. The problems are pretty interesting and I got a good burn of them.
Piers on Friday, went for my Jantastic timed effort. 1:05 for 8.1 I hit 1:06:36 so not to far out would like to get it under an hour when I'm Going well. Another beauty of a morning. Then cycled into town felt a little heavy legged but it was grand. On the cycle home the weather had completely crapped out, I was lucky that it didn't bin it down on me but it was still Baltic. Stopped to give my tube to a guy who had punctured on the way home so that's my good deed done for this year. It wasn't a day to be pushing your bike home!
Hit Awesome again with Dec and the kiddlies never really warmed up,arms still beasted from the other 2 days so just did some stretches and a bit of climbing. Still better than nothing and it worked the kinks out. Eve wore herself out in the kids area and demanded chalk off me to try some pull ups on the bridge bit. She is getting quite close.
Couldn't sleep on Saturday night might have to start doing a short run/cycle on Saturdays before Ann heads to work, not sure I'm burning enough energy to sleep properly..
Up early ish Sunday, got out the door for 8 hoped the watch would make it, it didn't and shut off at 11 miles. annoyingly when I charged it later it said it still had 17% battery left! Good run in great weather out to Poolbeg just shy of 16 miles so added a little kink at the end. Pushed a bit harder at the end as a girl was running just up the way making it look effortless. I caught her eventually but it wasn't easy., felt good and when out of the wind it was roasting. Days/mornings like that and you realize Dublin is just as stunning as any where. Sea on one side mountains on the other.Set off with hat and gloves took a while to warm up but was golden after 5 miles.
Now while Eve is sleeping I'm chilling watching the cycling, not all bad..
38 miles this week will introduce a Thursday short run next week to get up to 45. Hoping for the Wicklow way in May.
I was slightly jealous of the wwu and trail runners yesterday until it started hammering it down.
The week started well did a fast 5 miles down the pier on Monday really tried to push it still only came in at 7:30 min/Mile. Felt good after it I'm sure the pace will return its only been 4 weeks.
Had a savage session at Gravity on Tuesday, a few heads around Sean,Andrej and Paul but was climbing with Mark, James,Joe and Shane. The session really snuck up on me I was stiff as a board on Wednesday worse on Thursday. James had a few good goes at the blues for a change and did sterling work. May try cycling down in future for a bit of Aerobic work. The weather was good but held off going for a run want the foot to recover.
Wednesday headed out on my lunch around Kiliney had to take a few phone calls but the weather was mint so it was all good.
Thursday into Awesome, Micheal, Ricky and co where busy resetting so I had a potter. It took ages to warm up and work out the kinks from Tuesday. Then had a blast on the new problems with the boys still stood around, eager to impress but bollloxed I didn't ooze style and technique. Ah well it was still a good session and was well beaten up afterwards. The problems are pretty interesting and I got a good burn of them.
Piers on Friday, went for my Jantastic timed effort. 1:05 for 8.1 I hit 1:06:36 so not to far out would like to get it under an hour when I'm Going well. Another beauty of a morning. Then cycled into town felt a little heavy legged but it was grand. On the cycle home the weather had completely crapped out, I was lucky that it didn't bin it down on me but it was still Baltic. Stopped to give my tube to a guy who had punctured on the way home so that's my good deed done for this year. It wasn't a day to be pushing your bike home!
Hit Awesome again with Dec and the kiddlies never really warmed up,arms still beasted from the other 2 days so just did some stretches and a bit of climbing. Still better than nothing and it worked the kinks out. Eve wore herself out in the kids area and demanded chalk off me to try some pull ups on the bridge bit. She is getting quite close.
Couldn't sleep on Saturday night might have to start doing a short run/cycle on Saturdays before Ann heads to work, not sure I'm burning enough energy to sleep properly..
Up early ish Sunday, got out the door for 8 hoped the watch would make it, it didn't and shut off at 11 miles. annoyingly when I charged it later it said it still had 17% battery left! Good run in great weather out to Poolbeg just shy of 16 miles so added a little kink at the end. Pushed a bit harder at the end as a girl was running just up the way making it look effortless. I caught her eventually but it wasn't easy., felt good and when out of the wind it was roasting. Days/mornings like that and you realize Dublin is just as stunning as any where. Sea on one side mountains on the other.Set off with hat and gloves took a while to warm up but was golden after 5 miles.
Now while Eve is sleeping I'm chilling watching the cycling, not all bad..
38 miles this week will introduce a Thursday short run next week to get up to 45. Hoping for the Wicklow way in May.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Evening plod
Met Mr C last night for a stretch along the piers lovely still evening the harbour was like a mill pond. 2nd run of the week and feeling good, hopefully be up to 37-40 miles this week then start dropping in an extra session.
Foot feels okay but every run causes a degree of worry as I wonder if I'll wake up with another stress fracture.
Trying to keep the bouldering up as it's savage and it must keep the core strong. Hit Awesome over lunch on Tuesday had a good session did all the yellow black and pinks on the back wall. Was trying to pinpoint the difference between them and gravity... I think it's that with Awesome I can either do it first/second go or I'm just stonewalled, with gravity I feel a degree of progression and that with a few sessions I might pull it off. Still intresting problems and felt nicely tired afterwards.
Some strong lads the guys met in font
http://vimeo.com/m/88008875
Was inclined to do a fingerboard session this eve but ended up having a beer instead..
Foot feels okay but every run causes a degree of worry as I wonder if I'll wake up with another stress fracture.
Trying to keep the bouldering up as it's savage and it must keep the core strong. Hit Awesome over lunch on Tuesday had a good session did all the yellow black and pinks on the back wall. Was trying to pinpoint the difference between them and gravity... I think it's that with Awesome I can either do it first/second go or I'm just stonewalled, with gravity I feel a degree of progression and that with a few sessions I might pull it off. Still intresting problems and felt nicely tired afterwards.
Some strong lads the guys met in font
http://vimeo.com/m/88008875
Was inclined to do a fingerboard session this eve but ended up having a beer instead..
Saturday, March 8, 2014
old draft just to post
More of an aid to my memory than an interesting blog, hardly climbed since February just lost the drive. Still headed to the coop but found I was just dropping off rather than pushing that last bit to finish the problem. Never really got into the grove on my warm ups more going down for the banter and to abuse people than actually climb! Partially down to not having the strength over Christmas to commit to any projects so had nothing to focus on.
Plodded on until April when I decided to sign up to WAR! So with 2 weeks to get my training in I dropped climbing for a week. It was good to be training just to complete something instead of having to hit a certain level.
So I headed to Glendo on the 2nd to Climb but it rained so I headed up the Spinc then round Camaderry with Jimbob. I hadn't taken my shoes with me so I got a blood blister on my big toes but the running was nice, I was a little concerned about how the whole route was going to go as I felt pretty wrecked after just 1 part of 4! Cycled the bike part of the WAR route on the Thursday after work, I had never cycled over 40k before but had been covering a bit of distance in and out of work. Pleased we got round and in a reasonable time but in my head I was worried about linking all 4 parts. Then my foot hurt so I couldn't do anything over the weekend!
War day was good cool and a little damp was real nervous before the start but so were most people waiting to start so it wasn't to bad. From the minuet we started i was grand, I broke it down in my head into 4 different parts Spinc to lough Dan, lough Dan to Djouce, Djouce then the final cycle. I loved the race! I got cramps going down to Lough Dan hadn't really considered the kayak it hurt like hell and was the only time I felt I would be responsible for someone elses time so had to fully commit! Got to Djouce and didn't have to get off the bike on the savage hill to the transition. It drizzled a bit on Djouce and I got a bit to comfortable walking but managed to pick up the pace towards the end. Was quite looking forward to the cycle as it was supposed to be down hill.... It nearly broke me I lost a gel pack in my bag and was starving the wind was against us and it was a strong effort to get to the finish! I almost stopped to pick Jelly babies up off the road i was that hungry!!!
The last 1.5 k run from Laragh to the car park was a killer although I was making the action/motion of running it was barley quicker than a walk! My finnishing time was 4:59:39! I had set myself a target of under 5 hours, this was a number I pulled out the air but was pleased to get under it. Good to have a welcome committee of Eion lawless, Dave Hanlon and James Clancy waiting for me at the end nice of them to sit around and wait for me! Although I hated the idea of walking back to the car park it probably helped with the stiffness.
I'm really pleased I managed to Finish after only training for 2 weeks it was a great day out I really enjoyed it.
Had the Carphone ball that night in the Convention center, the food was lovely but I was finding it hard to stay engaged and the lovely but small foods didn't satisfy my hunger!
Cycled out to Howth on the Sunday which got rid of any stiffness I think going over the summit was a step to far but hay live and learn!
Plodded on until April when I decided to sign up to WAR! So with 2 weeks to get my training in I dropped climbing for a week. It was good to be training just to complete something instead of having to hit a certain level.
So I headed to Glendo on the 2nd to Climb but it rained so I headed up the Spinc then round Camaderry with Jimbob. I hadn't taken my shoes with me so I got a blood blister on my big toes but the running was nice, I was a little concerned about how the whole route was going to go as I felt pretty wrecked after just 1 part of 4! Cycled the bike part of the WAR route on the Thursday after work, I had never cycled over 40k before but had been covering a bit of distance in and out of work. Pleased we got round and in a reasonable time but in my head I was worried about linking all 4 parts. Then my foot hurt so I couldn't do anything over the weekend!
War day was good cool and a little damp was real nervous before the start but so were most people waiting to start so it wasn't to bad. From the minuet we started i was grand, I broke it down in my head into 4 different parts Spinc to lough Dan, lough Dan to Djouce, Djouce then the final cycle. I loved the race! I got cramps going down to Lough Dan hadn't really considered the kayak it hurt like hell and was the only time I felt I would be responsible for someone elses time so had to fully commit! Got to Djouce and didn't have to get off the bike on the savage hill to the transition. It drizzled a bit on Djouce and I got a bit to comfortable walking but managed to pick up the pace towards the end. Was quite looking forward to the cycle as it was supposed to be down hill.... It nearly broke me I lost a gel pack in my bag and was starving the wind was against us and it was a strong effort to get to the finish! I almost stopped to pick Jelly babies up off the road i was that hungry!!!
The last 1.5 k run from Laragh to the car park was a killer although I was making the action/motion of running it was barley quicker than a walk! My finnishing time was 4:59:39! I had set myself a target of under 5 hours, this was a number I pulled out the air but was pleased to get under it. Good to have a welcome committee of Eion lawless, Dave Hanlon and James Clancy waiting for me at the end nice of them to sit around and wait for me! Although I hated the idea of walking back to the car park it probably helped with the stiffness.
I'm really pleased I managed to Finish after only training for 2 weeks it was a great day out I really enjoyed it.
Had the Carphone ball that night in the Convention center, the food was lovely but I was finding it hard to stay engaged and the lovely but small foods didn't satisfy my hunger!
Cycled out to Howth on the Sunday which got rid of any stiffness I think going over the summit was a step to far but hay live and learn!
steady away
wow nearly 2 years since I have blogged. I blame Ann, hard to get her to spell/grammar check these days...
Been frustrated by a stress fracture in my foot for nearly 9 months, maybe only 6 runs in that time. Turned to Tiger beer and crisps in the evening to pass the time. Pushed up to nearly 12 stone and panicked. Some UK runners were doing a weight loss twitter support thing, so I tagged along. Dropped to 11.6 happy at that. Posting your weight on Twitter each week makes you more careful of what you eat I guess.
The upside to the stress fracture was I returned to climbing. A good thing going with Dec and Mark on Saturdays in Awesome with the kids. Hardly an all out session but it scratches an itch and Eve loves it. Well the cake part anyway. Darragh seems to be popular with all the girls. Good to be back in the mill with it missed the dull ache after a good session, the sore tips after a day on the granite but mostly I missed the banter.
Headed to Glendalough on a day off on my own realised my motivation had changed. I had a good day but I'm not driven by grades and Projects (lucky I'm still shit and I don't have one) but by the banter of a group.
Enjoy the Tuesday night sessions in Gravity. Chris and Dave both have class in door walls that keep me busy. That is clearly the future for me just need Ann to make it big.
3 weeks back into the running as well. managed 4 sessions a week up to 10 miles on my long run. Pain free ish on my foot but it's still a constant worry.
Will have to drop the highland fling as I wont be near fit and will just do the trail on the Wicklow way. Still plan to be ready for the Wicklow way in may then the lakes in July. Time will tell.
Got a new bike for crimbo. It stays in the bedroom I possibly love it more than Ann and Eve.
Hard to fit it all in but it definitely helps you make the effort. Hoping the bike will stop me over training on the running and the climbing will keep my core strong .
hopefully the start of an epic summer.....
Been frustrated by a stress fracture in my foot for nearly 9 months, maybe only 6 runs in that time. Turned to Tiger beer and crisps in the evening to pass the time. Pushed up to nearly 12 stone and panicked. Some UK runners were doing a weight loss twitter support thing, so I tagged along. Dropped to 11.6 happy at that. Posting your weight on Twitter each week makes you more careful of what you eat I guess.
The upside to the stress fracture was I returned to climbing. A good thing going with Dec and Mark on Saturdays in Awesome with the kids. Hardly an all out session but it scratches an itch and Eve loves it. Well the cake part anyway. Darragh seems to be popular with all the girls. Good to be back in the mill with it missed the dull ache after a good session, the sore tips after a day on the granite but mostly I missed the banter.
Headed to Glendalough on a day off on my own realised my motivation had changed. I had a good day but I'm not driven by grades and Projects (lucky I'm still shit and I don't have one) but by the banter of a group.
Enjoy the Tuesday night sessions in Gravity. Chris and Dave both have class in door walls that keep me busy. That is clearly the future for me just need Ann to make it big.
3 weeks back into the running as well. managed 4 sessions a week up to 10 miles on my long run. Pain free ish on my foot but it's still a constant worry.
Will have to drop the highland fling as I wont be near fit and will just do the trail on the Wicklow way. Still plan to be ready for the Wicklow way in may then the lakes in July. Time will tell.
Got a new bike for crimbo. It stays in the bedroom I possibly love it more than Ann and Eve.
Hard to fit it all in but it definitely helps you make the effort. Hoping the bike will stop me over training on the running and the climbing will keep my core strong .
hopefully the start of an epic summer.....
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Lakeland 50
Ages waiting for a spell check so I'll just stick it up
So to the race, it was never so much a race in my mind it was always about getting through and trying to do it in a timely manor. I also wanted to beat Rene's time, I hoped to get round in about 12-13 hours and survive.
We took the ferry over on the Wednesday, James Eve and I the modern family as Jame's mum put it! The crossing went well and Eve slept all the way down so it was a good journey all in.
On the Friday Dad, James and I headed off to John Ruskin school in Coniston to register for the big day. As we walked in the place was buzzing with nervous excitement. I was quiet nervous and we walked up to the desk. it turns out we had missed the massive blackboard sized sign which pointed us towards getting weighed. It broke the tension and the rest of registration and kit check went as normal. I met up with Mark Barnes who was showing his wears with his new venture, he seemed happy to be living the dream and it was great to see a friendly face. We attached the dibber's set up the tent in case James kicked my arse and went off to Wilfs to get some lunch.
Saturday was weird Dad dropped us off and even though we didn't start until 12 we were up early to be ready to get the bus to Dalmaine. It meant that breakfast was still early and we would have to snack rather than have a bigger feed. Knowing that the journey was over an hour I tried to get some sleep this time.
We had met up with Sacha,Vince and a friend of theirs Emlyn, Sacha didn't seem so well but we put it down to nervousness. Especially when he said he was going for 10 hours!!
Off the bus and we milled around waiting to start, It wouldn't come quick enough I just wanted to get going, it was savage watching the 100 runners arrive in at the 55 mile mark still standing and smiling. The count down started and we were off for the 4 mile lap of the estate before winding are way to Howtown. Th start was a brisk as expected and we made are way out on to the fells. we quickly fell into line with the lads who where ripping along. I was worried already as my training had been light due to my foot. We seemed to be just a bit above my comfort zone but hey it's all new.
We tore into Howtown with the lads demanding a quick turnaround. I just manged to fill my water and the guys were off. i forced down some flapjack as I ran. we turned off the road and Sacha dropped back it turns out he had a bad stomach ache and was going to walk it as he was hoping for the UTMB points. Vince and Emlyn carried on at pace and I was relived when James pace eased. We started up the first good climb of the route up Fusedale. 13 miles in and I had my first Dark moment. James was easing away from me on the climbs I felt I was struggling to keep up and we were only 13 miles in. I spent far to long pondering these thoughts, it was only as we pulled over the top and I caught him up they disappeared. I did a systems check. foot fine, breathing fine, legs fine I was a bit thirsty so took some sips of water. We also caught up with Vince this heartened me it turns out Emlyn had gone off all guns blazing( eventual 9:30 finish!!) We Jogged and chatted along Haweswater reservoir and over to Mardale and mile 20. Vince again checked in then quickly out saying James and I would catch him on the hill. I had some soup and filled my water bottle. I ate some more flapjack as i walked which was a mistake as it was too gooey and I found it hard to get it down. James powered off up the hill and I again couldn't figure out where i was going to get the strength. I started chatting to another runner who caught me up here. I sped up to stay with him and although the chat was irrelevant it helped take my mind off the task at hand. Just get to Kentmere and we can take it from there! As we came over the top I started pushing to catch up with James and Vince, I also took some time to identify the negative thoughts and what I could do to combat them. I thought about the amazing countryside Ann and eve and all the sacrifices we had made so I could be lucky enough to be in this position. As we dropped down towards Kentmere I met another familiar face. Nick Cox who I worked with at the climbers shop was powering along. I met him as we went over the style. Vince was convinced we went left and Nick said over. I went with Vince and James and it added a nice view of the valley but was wrong. I pointed it out when I could see we were running away from the valley. Ah well live and learn, it was only a 5-6 minute detour!
We pulled into the fabled Kentmere, we had heard story's of runners getting overly comfortable here with smoothies and massage tables! I had a bowl of the rice pudding and a smoothie, again Vince was up and out and I was starting to feel a lot stronger. I had hit the half way point next stop was Ambleside, my foot wasn't to sore so I pressed on. We pretty much stayed together as we marched up Garburn Pass I was working hard to stay with the lads so I could enjoy the down hill. This was the last major climb before the end, it was the one everyone talks about. We got over the top and I pressed on James and Vince slowed a bit so I paused every now and then to keep together. They both kept saying to go on and I was enjoying the down hill so I just carried on. I paused again when I hadn't seen anyone for a while I expected the lads to be shortly behind but 2 other guys came past looking strong. I thought to hell with it and tucked in behind them. Adam and Kristof the guys were moving along at a good clip I had to up my effort but after a few minuets it felt natural. It was great chatting to the guys, Adam had done most of his training on a bridge in Holland and was off like a shot every time we hit Tarmac, Kristof was very strong on the hills and managed the pace well on the flats. I remembered the path through the woods in to Ambleside and again it was a fun bit of trail running. I struggled on the tarmac and worked hard to get in to the lakes runner. A bit of soup and a salt sachet in some coke and we were off.
I delayed a little as I preferred the company of running with the guys, they caught me as I headed through the park. We missed the sharp left and it was nearly a Km before Adam noticed his GPS was telling us we were off pace, We backed tracked and had lost a couple of places but no great problem. We had 16 miles and 2 checkpoint to go. The next section is quite flat and it was hard to keep pushing. I was pleased to be running with the guys and we seemed to have a natural rhythm of taking it in turns to keep momentum. Running through the campsite there were some great smells of people's dinners cooking on the stove and lots of people cheering us. We got to Chaplestile and had some food the guys changed into long sleeved tops, I thought about it but carried on as I was. From here on in we just chipped away at it, we ran the flats and the down hill's and waled the up hill. I would have been slightly more lax with what i described as up hill but keeping with the guys kept me chugging along. We got into Tiberthwaite and we just needed to pull on are head torches. we only paused here and set off. Adam had run the last section on the Friday so was happy enough with what we had left. we came to a fork in the path and we weren't sure where to go. I pulled back and chatted to a guy behind and the lads powered on. I came over the top and my quads screamed for mercy. I started to walk the downhill but it hurt as much to walk as it did to run so I figured fuck it, ill just run! I hit the road and was overjoyed the little uphill past the garage hurt like hell but I didn't walk. I pulled into the school and was congratulated by the people who had stayed out at 11 at night. Adam and Kristof had waited to congratulate me before we went it. we are lead into the building and announced as finishers and everyone cheered.
I collected my medal and sat down, it was here I had my first real moment. I couldn't believe it I had done what I had set out to do in 10hours 53 in 64th place. 2 hours quicker than I had hoped for. I rang Ann and then James came in it was great that he was so close behind. It was a fantastic day and so many highs and lows.
So next year I thought id double it!
So to the race, it was never so much a race in my mind it was always about getting through and trying to do it in a timely manor. I also wanted to beat Rene's time, I hoped to get round in about 12-13 hours and survive.
We took the ferry over on the Wednesday, James Eve and I the modern family as Jame's mum put it! The crossing went well and Eve slept all the way down so it was a good journey all in.
On the Friday Dad, James and I headed off to John Ruskin school in Coniston to register for the big day. As we walked in the place was buzzing with nervous excitement. I was quiet nervous and we walked up to the desk. it turns out we had missed the massive blackboard sized sign which pointed us towards getting weighed. It broke the tension and the rest of registration and kit check went as normal. I met up with Mark Barnes who was showing his wears with his new venture, he seemed happy to be living the dream and it was great to see a friendly face. We attached the dibber's set up the tent in case James kicked my arse and went off to Wilfs to get some lunch.
Saturday was weird Dad dropped us off and even though we didn't start until 12 we were up early to be ready to get the bus to Dalmaine. It meant that breakfast was still early and we would have to snack rather than have a bigger feed. Knowing that the journey was over an hour I tried to get some sleep this time.
We had met up with Sacha,Vince and a friend of theirs Emlyn, Sacha didn't seem so well but we put it down to nervousness. Especially when he said he was going for 10 hours!!
Off the bus and we milled around waiting to start, It wouldn't come quick enough I just wanted to get going, it was savage watching the 100 runners arrive in at the 55 mile mark still standing and smiling. The count down started and we were off for the 4 mile lap of the estate before winding are way to Howtown. Th start was a brisk as expected and we made are way out on to the fells. we quickly fell into line with the lads who where ripping along. I was worried already as my training had been light due to my foot. We seemed to be just a bit above my comfort zone but hey it's all new.
We tore into Howtown with the lads demanding a quick turnaround. I just manged to fill my water and the guys were off. i forced down some flapjack as I ran. we turned off the road and Sacha dropped back it turns out he had a bad stomach ache and was going to walk it as he was hoping for the UTMB points. Vince and Emlyn carried on at pace and I was relived when James pace eased. We started up the first good climb of the route up Fusedale. 13 miles in and I had my first Dark moment. James was easing away from me on the climbs I felt I was struggling to keep up and we were only 13 miles in. I spent far to long pondering these thoughts, it was only as we pulled over the top and I caught him up they disappeared. I did a systems check. foot fine, breathing fine, legs fine I was a bit thirsty so took some sips of water. We also caught up with Vince this heartened me it turns out Emlyn had gone off all guns blazing( eventual 9:30 finish!!) We Jogged and chatted along Haweswater reservoir and over to Mardale and mile 20. Vince again checked in then quickly out saying James and I would catch him on the hill. I had some soup and filled my water bottle. I ate some more flapjack as i walked which was a mistake as it was too gooey and I found it hard to get it down. James powered off up the hill and I again couldn't figure out where i was going to get the strength. I started chatting to another runner who caught me up here. I sped up to stay with him and although the chat was irrelevant it helped take my mind off the task at hand. Just get to Kentmere and we can take it from there! As we came over the top I started pushing to catch up with James and Vince, I also took some time to identify the negative thoughts and what I could do to combat them. I thought about the amazing countryside Ann and eve and all the sacrifices we had made so I could be lucky enough to be in this position. As we dropped down towards Kentmere I met another familiar face. Nick Cox who I worked with at the climbers shop was powering along. I met him as we went over the style. Vince was convinced we went left and Nick said over. I went with Vince and James and it added a nice view of the valley but was wrong. I pointed it out when I could see we were running away from the valley. Ah well live and learn, it was only a 5-6 minute detour!
We pulled into the fabled Kentmere, we had heard story's of runners getting overly comfortable here with smoothies and massage tables! I had a bowl of the rice pudding and a smoothie, again Vince was up and out and I was starting to feel a lot stronger. I had hit the half way point next stop was Ambleside, my foot wasn't to sore so I pressed on. We pretty much stayed together as we marched up Garburn Pass I was working hard to stay with the lads so I could enjoy the down hill. This was the last major climb before the end, it was the one everyone talks about. We got over the top and I pressed on James and Vince slowed a bit so I paused every now and then to keep together. They both kept saying to go on and I was enjoying the down hill so I just carried on. I paused again when I hadn't seen anyone for a while I expected the lads to be shortly behind but 2 other guys came past looking strong. I thought to hell with it and tucked in behind them. Adam and Kristof the guys were moving along at a good clip I had to up my effort but after a few minuets it felt natural. It was great chatting to the guys, Adam had done most of his training on a bridge in Holland and was off like a shot every time we hit Tarmac, Kristof was very strong on the hills and managed the pace well on the flats. I remembered the path through the woods in to Ambleside and again it was a fun bit of trail running. I struggled on the tarmac and worked hard to get in to the lakes runner. A bit of soup and a salt sachet in some coke and we were off.
I delayed a little as I preferred the company of running with the guys, they caught me as I headed through the park. We missed the sharp left and it was nearly a Km before Adam noticed his GPS was telling us we were off pace, We backed tracked and had lost a couple of places but no great problem. We had 16 miles and 2 checkpoint to go. The next section is quite flat and it was hard to keep pushing. I was pleased to be running with the guys and we seemed to have a natural rhythm of taking it in turns to keep momentum. Running through the campsite there were some great smells of people's dinners cooking on the stove and lots of people cheering us. We got to Chaplestile and had some food the guys changed into long sleeved tops, I thought about it but carried on as I was. From here on in we just chipped away at it, we ran the flats and the down hill's and waled the up hill. I would have been slightly more lax with what i described as up hill but keeping with the guys kept me chugging along. We got into Tiberthwaite and we just needed to pull on are head torches. we only paused here and set off. Adam had run the last section on the Friday so was happy enough with what we had left. we came to a fork in the path and we weren't sure where to go. I pulled back and chatted to a guy behind and the lads powered on. I came over the top and my quads screamed for mercy. I started to walk the downhill but it hurt as much to walk as it did to run so I figured fuck it, ill just run! I hit the road and was overjoyed the little uphill past the garage hurt like hell but I didn't walk. I pulled into the school and was congratulated by the people who had stayed out at 11 at night. Adam and Kristof had waited to congratulate me before we went it. we are lead into the building and announced as finishers and everyone cheered.
I collected my medal and sat down, it was here I had my first real moment. I couldn't believe it I had done what I had set out to do in 10hours 53 in 64th place. 2 hours quicker than I had hoped for. I rang Ann and then James came in it was great that he was so close behind. It was a fantastic day and so many highs and lows.
So next year I thought id double it!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Lakeland 50 (prequal)
So it's been a while and yes, I'm lazy. I have also been busy and it
takes me so long to write and get the blog spell checked that I just lose
interest. Anyhow, 2 weeks ago James and I headed off to the lake district
to have a crack at the short course of the Lakeland 100. I'm gonna head
back slightly further and give a brief recap of events.
Around this time last year I read Renes post on running the Lakeland 50. It caught my interest for 2 reasons: 1. I used to live in the area and 2. I was in the throws of a persistent elbow injury and plateauing at climbing. Luckily I had used running to fill my time and had started throwing myself at different kinds of events. I tried the WAR which was a suffer fest as I had done no running and was just cycling to and from work. James then injected me with the poison of IMRA. I loved the hill runs on a summer evening, it was like a stolen activity. There we have it I was in the throws of a new love affair with running and Rene was dangling a carrot!
I set a reminder in my phone and laid the seeds of thought in James' head. I entered the Dublin marathon and continued with the leinster league. I had run the London marathon twice before 15 years ago and hadn't really trained so didn't feel I had performed my best. I was unsure as to whether I would be able to run the 26 odd miles but I wanted to go quicker than 4:30 (my secret target was 3:30). That was just my own target in my head. Anyhow I chipped away at the training and came in 3:24. Happy out! I felt good at the end but very aware that it would be nearly impossible for me to turn around and run back!!!
In between the WAR and the Marathon I dabbled with Tri-athlon. I entered the Howth event and took swimming lessons. I was in the sea at Seapoint or the fortyfoot twice a week. Being excited I went straight for the Olympic distance. A 1.8km swim from Ireland's Eye, 4 * 10km laps of Howth on the bike and a 10km run. The sea was horrendous on the day and it confirmed my hatred for swimming as an event but I did enjoy the run and the bike!
After the marathon, time became short (Eve arrived) and I just played at running until Christmas. As we entered January Rene (that man again) and Jason started guiding longer weekend runs around wicklow. It was great to be out in the hills and running with a group. My favourite route was the 6 summits. I was secretly pleased as well that I wasn't being dropped and was keeping up with the main pack. I was having to work but I was still surviving. We then went out to run St Kevin's way - unfortunately no one was aware that 2 bridges were out!!! That meant we had to take 2 detours in foul conditions and ended up running 23 miles. I was very happy as Martin Francis was out with us and he really upped the pace. On a few occasions I really had to dig in to keep up but keep up I did.
During the runs I was chatting with Rene, Jason and Aoife and to cut a long story short I ended up asking the guys at Champions Everywhere to sort me out with a training plan. I found the plan a little daunting at first as it was 7 days a week running with 3 long runs a week to start with. I was confident Rene knew his stuff and I settled in. I found the plan good as without a plan I had paid for I doubt I would have been anywhere near as strict with myself.
A good life rule I picked up from James during this time was an event a month. (Ann thanks you for that by the way James!!) so we set off to do the Ballycotton 10 mile in March. This is a classic on the Irish racing calender. I can see why its an amazing area and it's cheap! James as usual went out hard as he always does and it was all I could do to stick with him. I managed a time of 1:05 and an average speed of 6:27 a mile. it was quick but it showed my base training was working. I couldn't have gone much quicker but I could have continued running. By this stage my training was 3 long runs between 13-20 miles a week and 2 fartlecks of around 7-8 miles an out and back of around 6 miles and a rest day or 5 mile jog. My only issue was I had linked all my previous training runs into one run and was starting to get bored.
The next big test was the wicklow way ultra. This is an out and back from Johnny fox's, it's along the wicklow way. It's a beautiful run and I recommend the trail version if people don't want to go for the big one. I came in just under 5 hours and I was really pleased. It was hard and Ann made a valid point at the end when she asked "could you run another 18miles???" I laughed but the truth was, no I couldn't!
The other lesson I learned was from a passing remark Jeff Fitzsimons made. As we approached the final climb to Prince William's seat we were trotting along together but I voiced my concern that I was worried about the climb as I had found it hard on my recce 2 weeks before (I had run 25 miles from Ballinastoe home). Jeff continued at his solid pace whereas I developed a walk-run approach. I was right, it was hard but I kept up with some guys running the trail race. I told myself it was o.k to walk as that's what Ultra runners do. They walk the uphills. At the end I was chatting with Jeff and he said "you were beaten in your head before you even started the hill". He was right I was so worried that it was gonna hurt that I psyched myself out! I wasn't going to let that happen again.
My Training plan said to have 2 rest days and then 5 days of 3-4 miles light jogging. I was feeling great and high on my achievement I was also short of time so pushed maybe a little hard on the third day and felt a pain in my hip. Over the next few weeks I managed the pain until the Glendalough WAR.
I had unfinished business here - last year James finished nearly an hour before me. The weather was horrible driving down. Thunder, rain and as we set off up the Spink it was snowing. It settled down and I ran well and knocked 55 mins off last year's time and finished 22nd. The pain in my hip was really bad and even after a week's rest it still wasn't gone. I made my first visit to the physio who said 3 weeks rest and to just use the bike and swim.
The new IMRA season started and I set out on the league, not the best rehab for my hip but we got through. I did manage to fall over a lot. The worst one coming down Djouce where I badly bruised or cracked some rib's. Another week off running! Ann said if I wasn't capable of lifting Eve up then NO running.
I did a lovely run from Glendalough out to Djouce along the Wicklow way with John. The weather was lovely and it was nice to know I still had mileage in the legs. It was 27 miles all in. My heel was really sore at the end, a problem I had first noticed with some new road running shoes I had purchased. Again I managed it and in June James and I took a trip over to the Lakes to join the final Recce weekend - most of the 50 mile route over 2 days.
Day one:
James and I with our usual diligence managed to be last off the bus and followed the end of the group. The weather was awful but it was some lovely running. We met up with 2 guys, Sacha and Vince, and they guided us around the first 28 miles of the course. Sacha can really shift and we worked hard at times to keep up but were bound by our hatred of using maps! Last year the boys had run the course in 12 hours, it led me to reevaluate my proposed best time of 13 hours.
Day two:
This was the last 15 miles from Ambleside to Coniston of which parts could be run in the dark on race day. We were hoping to run with the lads again so we wouldn't have to map read but they were late getting up. James and I split after 7 miles I ran with Steve who was wanting to better his 13 hours from the previous year and James ran with Mick, a 100 runner. This was my first insight into the fabled community. It was nice running along shooting the breeze with a stranger. It felt almost comfortable. We both also avoided using the maps!!
My foot was still sore and on returning it was like walking on a bruise. I went to the physio and it turns out I have a wear injury on my ankle and also my muscle in my calf and foot get tight creating a perfect storm of pain in my foot. I did a few light runs but nothing to speak of. Helen, my Physio, advised me 3 days before the race that running 50miles was not a good thing and she advised against it. I noted her advice and got her to tape my foot and then I ignored her! I had worked too long and been fully focused on this for nearly a year to not at least start it.....
Around this time last year I read Renes post on running the Lakeland 50. It caught my interest for 2 reasons: 1. I used to live in the area and 2. I was in the throws of a persistent elbow injury and plateauing at climbing. Luckily I had used running to fill my time and had started throwing myself at different kinds of events. I tried the WAR which was a suffer fest as I had done no running and was just cycling to and from work. James then injected me with the poison of IMRA. I loved the hill runs on a summer evening, it was like a stolen activity. There we have it I was in the throws of a new love affair with running and Rene was dangling a carrot!
I set a reminder in my phone and laid the seeds of thought in James' head. I entered the Dublin marathon and continued with the leinster league. I had run the London marathon twice before 15 years ago and hadn't really trained so didn't feel I had performed my best. I was unsure as to whether I would be able to run the 26 odd miles but I wanted to go quicker than 4:30 (my secret target was 3:30). That was just my own target in my head. Anyhow I chipped away at the training and came in 3:24. Happy out! I felt good at the end but very aware that it would be nearly impossible for me to turn around and run back!!!
In between the WAR and the Marathon I dabbled with Tri-athlon. I entered the Howth event and took swimming lessons. I was in the sea at Seapoint or the fortyfoot twice a week. Being excited I went straight for the Olympic distance. A 1.8km swim from Ireland's Eye, 4 * 10km laps of Howth on the bike and a 10km run. The sea was horrendous on the day and it confirmed my hatred for swimming as an event but I did enjoy the run and the bike!
After the marathon, time became short (Eve arrived) and I just played at running until Christmas. As we entered January Rene (that man again) and Jason started guiding longer weekend runs around wicklow. It was great to be out in the hills and running with a group. My favourite route was the 6 summits. I was secretly pleased as well that I wasn't being dropped and was keeping up with the main pack. I was having to work but I was still surviving. We then went out to run St Kevin's way - unfortunately no one was aware that 2 bridges were out!!! That meant we had to take 2 detours in foul conditions and ended up running 23 miles. I was very happy as Martin Francis was out with us and he really upped the pace. On a few occasions I really had to dig in to keep up but keep up I did.
During the runs I was chatting with Rene, Jason and Aoife and to cut a long story short I ended up asking the guys at Champions Everywhere to sort me out with a training plan. I found the plan a little daunting at first as it was 7 days a week running with 3 long runs a week to start with. I was confident Rene knew his stuff and I settled in. I found the plan good as without a plan I had paid for I doubt I would have been anywhere near as strict with myself.
A good life rule I picked up from James during this time was an event a month. (Ann thanks you for that by the way James!!) so we set off to do the Ballycotton 10 mile in March. This is a classic on the Irish racing calender. I can see why its an amazing area and it's cheap! James as usual went out hard as he always does and it was all I could do to stick with him. I managed a time of 1:05 and an average speed of 6:27 a mile. it was quick but it showed my base training was working. I couldn't have gone much quicker but I could have continued running. By this stage my training was 3 long runs between 13-20 miles a week and 2 fartlecks of around 7-8 miles an out and back of around 6 miles and a rest day or 5 mile jog. My only issue was I had linked all my previous training runs into one run and was starting to get bored.
The next big test was the wicklow way ultra. This is an out and back from Johnny fox's, it's along the wicklow way. It's a beautiful run and I recommend the trail version if people don't want to go for the big one. I came in just under 5 hours and I was really pleased. It was hard and Ann made a valid point at the end when she asked "could you run another 18miles???" I laughed but the truth was, no I couldn't!
The other lesson I learned was from a passing remark Jeff Fitzsimons made. As we approached the final climb to Prince William's seat we were trotting along together but I voiced my concern that I was worried about the climb as I had found it hard on my recce 2 weeks before (I had run 25 miles from Ballinastoe home). Jeff continued at his solid pace whereas I developed a walk-run approach. I was right, it was hard but I kept up with some guys running the trail race. I told myself it was o.k to walk as that's what Ultra runners do. They walk the uphills. At the end I was chatting with Jeff and he said "you were beaten in your head before you even started the hill". He was right I was so worried that it was gonna hurt that I psyched myself out! I wasn't going to let that happen again.
My Training plan said to have 2 rest days and then 5 days of 3-4 miles light jogging. I was feeling great and high on my achievement I was also short of time so pushed maybe a little hard on the third day and felt a pain in my hip. Over the next few weeks I managed the pain until the Glendalough WAR.
I had unfinished business here - last year James finished nearly an hour before me. The weather was horrible driving down. Thunder, rain and as we set off up the Spink it was snowing. It settled down and I ran well and knocked 55 mins off last year's time and finished 22nd. The pain in my hip was really bad and even after a week's rest it still wasn't gone. I made my first visit to the physio who said 3 weeks rest and to just use the bike and swim.
The new IMRA season started and I set out on the league, not the best rehab for my hip but we got through. I did manage to fall over a lot. The worst one coming down Djouce where I badly bruised or cracked some rib's. Another week off running! Ann said if I wasn't capable of lifting Eve up then NO running.
I did a lovely run from Glendalough out to Djouce along the Wicklow way with John. The weather was lovely and it was nice to know I still had mileage in the legs. It was 27 miles all in. My heel was really sore at the end, a problem I had first noticed with some new road running shoes I had purchased. Again I managed it and in June James and I took a trip over to the Lakes to join the final Recce weekend - most of the 50 mile route over 2 days.
Day one:
James and I with our usual diligence managed to be last off the bus and followed the end of the group. The weather was awful but it was some lovely running. We met up with 2 guys, Sacha and Vince, and they guided us around the first 28 miles of the course. Sacha can really shift and we worked hard at times to keep up but were bound by our hatred of using maps! Last year the boys had run the course in 12 hours, it led me to reevaluate my proposed best time of 13 hours.
Day two:
This was the last 15 miles from Ambleside to Coniston of which parts could be run in the dark on race day. We were hoping to run with the lads again so we wouldn't have to map read but they were late getting up. James and I split after 7 miles I ran with Steve who was wanting to better his 13 hours from the previous year and James ran with Mick, a 100 runner. This was my first insight into the fabled community. It was nice running along shooting the breeze with a stranger. It felt almost comfortable. We both also avoided using the maps!!
My foot was still sore and on returning it was like walking on a bruise. I went to the physio and it turns out I have a wear injury on my ankle and also my muscle in my calf and foot get tight creating a perfect storm of pain in my foot. I did a few light runs but nothing to speak of. Helen, my Physio, advised me 3 days before the race that running 50miles was not a good thing and she advised against it. I noted her advice and got her to tape my foot and then I ignored her! I had worked too long and been fully focused on this for nearly a year to not at least start it.....
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Glenmac
Had a great day out in glenmacnass today. Had one of those days when you never really get up stuff but do loads of mileage. Tried monkey burger and the arete next to it, didn't really get too far. Dec and john were doing well on the face on that boulder but it felt like a real skin shredder! Played on the tombstone with everyone getting shut down but a good team effort saw it compeleted.
Tried that damn thing on the rasher got to the lip but lacked the strength to pull over. Finished on solidarity no one managed it but i felt better then at the beginning of January. My baby soft skin ment I went through 2 tips and most of my knuckles.
The ground was good and frozen and the boulders were dry. It tried to rain but it was grand in the end.
John and I walked out straight while Bray, Dec and Mark followed the river, it was a race and we won!
Good day out would love to head out tomorrow but feel broken.
Tried that damn thing on the rasher got to the lip but lacked the strength to pull over. Finished on solidarity no one managed it but i felt better then at the beginning of January. My baby soft skin ment I went through 2 tips and most of my knuckles.
The ground was good and frozen and the boulders were dry. It tried to rain but it was grand in the end.
John and I walked out straight while Bray, Dec and Mark followed the river, it was a race and we won!
Good day out would love to head out tomorrow but feel broken.
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Monday, November 8, 2010
Ode to Pierre
Just picked up on the crazy Frenchman's blog and I thought I'd try and chill him out! The weather over the weekend wouldn't have stopped the ever hopeful Pierre!
Mr Tormey traveled out on Saturday, said it was damp and then it rained. I sulked in work all day as it looked mint.
Sunday I was going out whatever. I text everyone I knew but as I left I still had no replies (God damn people with interesting Saturday nights). I drove to Glendalough and got a call from Dec to say he and Jules would be down, sweet!
I had a great session - got all the usual warm ups first go, the nu rails and the weird mantel on the back of the egg boulder. My confidence was quite high as Dec and Jules arrived, this worried me as it normally means shit's about to bite me in the ass. We mooched over to Big Jim and warmed up some more then it was time for the old foe. I had decided at the beginning of the winter that I wasn't gonna bother with this piece of crap problem as I have wasted too much time on it. However, Kev did it the other day and Trish is projecting it. Well I'd already let a girl get it before me, I wasn't letting Trish! Felt strong on the first go but came off then Dec did the same. A few repeated goes later Dec finished it and I was close to being pissed off again. I had a good rest while Dec and Jules ate their tomato soup, then went back. I felt a little cold and stiff but I tried anyway. I caught the crimp, hopped my foot up and straight for the jug. In the bag - saweet! I know it's always the way but I cant believe how easy it felt as I did it, I feel I have wasted far too long.
Then after an interesting river crossing we headed to pascals. I thought I was about to find out that I had practiced the problem into submission. I got the start pretty quickly then after a few mistakes I latched the top then almost fell off but in a very unstylish motion topped out.
Cool benchmark at the beginning of the season and it proved it wasn't a fluke. It's true I couldn't remember the start but technology to the rescue - I had recorded Chris doing the start so I watched that:)
We finished off up at the fin. I was touching the hold but my day was over and I was content. Pretty pissed with the car park closing at 4 but can't be arsed to start a thread on climbing.ie.
So there was outside climbing at the weekend and no reason to go indoors. Where do I stand on blogging about it, I mentioned to some that I thought indoor bouldering was a strange thing to blog about but who am I to judge. If you don't want it in your blog list take it out. At the moment there is some real keenness running through the coop and it's good fun. It has motivated me a bit more to pick up my game.
Mr Tormey traveled out on Saturday, said it was damp and then it rained. I sulked in work all day as it looked mint.
Sunday I was going out whatever. I text everyone I knew but as I left I still had no replies (God damn people with interesting Saturday nights). I drove to Glendalough and got a call from Dec to say he and Jules would be down, sweet!
I had a great session - got all the usual warm ups first go, the nu rails and the weird mantel on the back of the egg boulder. My confidence was quite high as Dec and Jules arrived, this worried me as it normally means shit's about to bite me in the ass. We mooched over to Big Jim and warmed up some more then it was time for the old foe. I had decided at the beginning of the winter that I wasn't gonna bother with this piece of crap problem as I have wasted too much time on it. However, Kev did it the other day and Trish is projecting it. Well I'd already let a girl get it before me, I wasn't letting Trish! Felt strong on the first go but came off then Dec did the same. A few repeated goes later Dec finished it and I was close to being pissed off again. I had a good rest while Dec and Jules ate their tomato soup, then went back. I felt a little cold and stiff but I tried anyway. I caught the crimp, hopped my foot up and straight for the jug. In the bag - saweet! I know it's always the way but I cant believe how easy it felt as I did it, I feel I have wasted far too long.
Then after an interesting river crossing we headed to pascals. I thought I was about to find out that I had practiced the problem into submission. I got the start pretty quickly then after a few mistakes I latched the top then almost fell off but in a very unstylish motion topped out.
Cool benchmark at the beginning of the season and it proved it wasn't a fluke. It's true I couldn't remember the start but technology to the rescue - I had recorded Chris doing the start so I watched that:)
We finished off up at the fin. I was touching the hold but my day was over and I was content. Pretty pissed with the car park closing at 4 but can't be arsed to start a thread on climbing.ie.
So there was outside climbing at the weekend and no reason to go indoors. Where do I stand on blogging about it, I mentioned to some that I thought indoor bouldering was a strange thing to blog about but who am I to judge. If you don't want it in your blog list take it out. At the moment there is some real keenness running through the coop and it's good fun. It has motivated me a bit more to pick up my game.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I could run Italy.
Who said being inappropriate never gets you anywhere. If it's good enough for berlusconi it's good enough for me.
“You’ll all see that, in the end, it will come out that I did nothing (vis a vis Ruby) other than an act of charity that I would have been ashamed not to do . . . I do things like that all the time, that’s the way I am and always have been . . . I lead a life of uninterrupted work and if, now and again, I like to have a good look at a beautiful girl . . . well, it’s better to be passionate about beautiful women than to be gay . . .”
Quality, what a numb nuts.
I lifted this from the Irish times.
“You’ll all see that, in the end, it will come out that I did nothing (vis a vis Ruby) other than an act of charity that I would have been ashamed not to do . . . I do things like that all the time, that’s the way I am and always have been . . . I lead a life of uninterrupted work and if, now and again, I like to have a good look at a beautiful girl . . . well, it’s better to be passionate about beautiful women than to be gay . . .”
Quality, what a numb nuts.
I lifted this from the Irish times.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Drivers
I have noticed a recent increase in slow drivers around Dublin. I'm all for economical driving but what is really starting to wind me up is people driving at stupidly slow speeds on known shortcuts! To take a shortcut and then drive slowly is ultimately pointless you may as well just go the long way round. Arghhh
Friday, July 2, 2010
Just a test.
After months of trying to get google to answer a question as to why my iPhone won't post to blogger and getting no answer I have finally turned to the app store. This is my first iPhone post if it works I'll try and be more consistent, I just can't be bothered to wait for the laptop to turn on and start up before I lose interest.
I have a quick catch up I finally managed Rainbow in lough Bray, glad to have got it more so I don't have to go back then anything else. Visited the Rasher had a good session although I didn't get the problem I felt a lot stronger. This was all back in may.
In June I headed over to the Uk for a visit before Emily leaves for the Ginger one. My drive for bouldering had wained some what but I went to Longridge with Baz and had a lovely session in the sun. Nice to be moving on rock without any self imposed pressure.
Headed up Farlton a few times had one great session with John. Through a rope down a 7c+! Got most of the moves a long way off linking it but it's nice to feel the holds and no u could move on it. Then had a terrible session in the coil, still no ware near realised when I looked back at a video that it was just like Jetset. Tried the 7b next to it holds I couldn't even find a year ago felt like great holds.
A few runs as well but mainly the usual process of up breakfast trip to town lunch, coffee and cake then we exercise shopping for dinner.
Went up to Edingbrough to meet the Frenchman had a nice session at the small crag by his house. Handy and local then we headed of to sailsbury??? Where their was some lovely if highball problems.
Since then spent a lot of time tradding in Dalkey, did my first E1 but then eased back to get more confident where I am.
Headed to Aytons(howth) cave today it was great. The problems are completely different to anything else in Ireland. It has great moves across the roof.
Blog thing has worked ok but only seems to have a small memory so better written in notes then copy and paste.
I have a quick catch up I finally managed Rainbow in lough Bray, glad to have got it more so I don't have to go back then anything else. Visited the Rasher had a good session although I didn't get the problem I felt a lot stronger. This was all back in may.
In June I headed over to the Uk for a visit before Emily leaves for the Ginger one. My drive for bouldering had wained some what but I went to Longridge with Baz and had a lovely session in the sun. Nice to be moving on rock without any self imposed pressure.
Headed up Farlton a few times had one great session with John. Through a rope down a 7c+! Got most of the moves a long way off linking it but it's nice to feel the holds and no u could move on it. Then had a terrible session in the coil, still no ware near realised when I looked back at a video that it was just like Jetset. Tried the 7b next to it holds I couldn't even find a year ago felt like great holds.
A few runs as well but mainly the usual process of up breakfast trip to town lunch, coffee and cake then we exercise shopping for dinner.
Went up to Edingbrough to meet the Frenchman had a nice session at the small crag by his house. Handy and local then we headed of to sailsbury??? Where their was some lovely if highball problems.
Since then spent a lot of time tradding in Dalkey, did my first E1 but then eased back to get more confident where I am.
Headed to Aytons(howth) cave today it was great. The problems are completely different to anything else in Ireland. It has great moves across the roof.
Blog thing has worked ok but only seems to have a small memory so better written in notes then copy and paste.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Trashed and Burned
I traveled out to Lough Bray after work on Thursday, it was a lovely evening a little bit of wind and quiet warm. It took exactly an hour from gaff to boulders although I half ran half walked in. I tried going up the military rd via Fosterbrook and Rathfarnham rd, then came back via Enniskerry and the n11. It took the same amount of time but the traffic wasn't as heavy, so not really a fair test. I thought I'd burst a tyre when I cracked a pot whole in the road,I slowed down a bit after that!
Warmed up on the grand hotel boulder, did Aerosmith cleanly for a change and prob 14 without the sketchy top out. Did Diarmuid's little arete as well but it was the start of a skin losing pattern.
Then I mooched over to Rainbow but had forgotten my sequence,so I just tried to sort the top section first. In the end I used Dec's method with the quick intermediate and low heel hook. Then it turned out I had forgotten the start, I finally got it wired but had nothing left in the tank! It was nice to get out I'm glad I went maybe a little disappointed I didn't get Rainbow but Ill go again on the next nice evening.
On Wednesday I spent the morning getting the car through it's NCT, well pleased it passed first time and with very little expense! A god send after last time. So with a clean and legal car I took off to Glendalough and met Kev. It was quiet warm but there was an OK breeze at the boulders.
As it was dry I warmed up on The Plum and original route both sides was pleased to get them all first go I normally fall of the right arete the first few times. Then headed into the track side area did the usual warm up circuit which I also added slugger to. Then it was time for the show,
Headed over to Pascals, I was worried after I'd had such a good session on it a fortnight ago that it might have just been a fluke. I tried to dial down the top moves but kept doing it slightly different each time, in the end I opted for a heal hook on the intermediate hold under the triangle.
Then I pulled on from the start and surprised myself by catching the crimp first go. My foot popped of going for the break so I had to fight to get it back on, I fell going for the final hold. Gutted, I really didn't want to have to try the start again. I pulled on a few more times but kept pinging off at various points at the start. I went back to trying the top to build my confidence back up. Then I had a good break for about 10 Min's, I was trying not to put pressure on myself but I found I really wanted to get it and had come so close twice. This attempt I pulled on hit the triangle brought my heel up caught the crimp then the break, I had one move left but was wreaked. I caught the top hold and was made up almost blow it when I didn't have much strength left to get over the top. I was well pleased for the time it took me to get down off the boulder.
Its funny its been a while since I have sent something I have really worked towards as I get side tracked very easily. I always expect more jubilation but one of my first thoughts was how can I do that and not Andy's arete. I'm pleased I got it though as I wasn't having the most productive season. I have got stronger but not really progressed. I can now look at it and say "there I improved!"
Still have the thing on the rasher, the egg ss and rainbow but I don't feel as pressured. I have dropped Andy's as it just upsets me.
I don't care If you have all been bored by this as I F%£king climbed Pascals graded 7b in Super Dave's guide and my first 7B.
On Tuesday I gave Yoga a try, I actually enjoyed it. I was definitely more flexible afterwards and was quiet stiff on Wednesday. I'm not sure how much the yoga contributed to the stiffness as I have been running /climbing everyday for 11 days now. I'm going again to see how I get on. The most pleasing point was I didn't fart like I was told I probably would.
Was at UCD in the morning, it was a nice change but I find its more dynamic than the coop and the holds offer a lot less friction. This is possibly due to the heat in the place. In an odd twist I was as close to getting the 7a as 7b. Not sure I agree with the grades but a grade debate for a climbing wall seems a little pointless. I found the change good fun, it got busy as I was leaving at 1 as the students were on lunch.
On Monday I ran up Djouce with Bray, it was a fantastic evening. I wish I had worn gloves as my hands got really cold. I have never been up there before and I really enjoyed the sustained climb up. It's been a while since I have done any fell running and I really enjoyed the deep breathing and pain in my legs. It felt like a stolen trip out, the views were stunning. Bray keeps a good pace for me but if he hadn't been their I would have definitely walked a little to the top!
So a great week all in all I feel pretty broken now but nice broken.
Ann had no part in the spell checking on this post so cant be blamed for any errors!
Warmed up on the grand hotel boulder, did Aerosmith cleanly for a change and prob 14 without the sketchy top out. Did Diarmuid's little arete as well but it was the start of a skin losing pattern.
Then I mooched over to Rainbow but had forgotten my sequence,so I just tried to sort the top section first. In the end I used Dec's method with the quick intermediate and low heel hook. Then it turned out I had forgotten the start, I finally got it wired but had nothing left in the tank! It was nice to get out I'm glad I went maybe a little disappointed I didn't get Rainbow but Ill go again on the next nice evening.
On Wednesday I spent the morning getting the car through it's NCT, well pleased it passed first time and with very little expense! A god send after last time. So with a clean and legal car I took off to Glendalough and met Kev. It was quiet warm but there was an OK breeze at the boulders.
As it was dry I warmed up on The Plum and original route both sides was pleased to get them all first go I normally fall of the right arete the first few times. Then headed into the track side area did the usual warm up circuit which I also added slugger to. Then it was time for the show,
Headed over to Pascals, I was worried after I'd had such a good session on it a fortnight ago that it might have just been a fluke. I tried to dial down the top moves but kept doing it slightly different each time, in the end I opted for a heal hook on the intermediate hold under the triangle.
Then I pulled on from the start and surprised myself by catching the crimp first go. My foot popped of going for the break so I had to fight to get it back on, I fell going for the final hold. Gutted, I really didn't want to have to try the start again. I pulled on a few more times but kept pinging off at various points at the start. I went back to trying the top to build my confidence back up. Then I had a good break for about 10 Min's, I was trying not to put pressure on myself but I found I really wanted to get it and had come so close twice. This attempt I pulled on hit the triangle brought my heel up caught the crimp then the break, I had one move left but was wreaked. I caught the top hold and was made up almost blow it when I didn't have much strength left to get over the top. I was well pleased for the time it took me to get down off the boulder.
Its funny its been a while since I have sent something I have really worked towards as I get side tracked very easily. I always expect more jubilation but one of my first thoughts was how can I do that and not Andy's arete. I'm pleased I got it though as I wasn't having the most productive season. I have got stronger but not really progressed. I can now look at it and say "there I improved!"
Still have the thing on the rasher, the egg ss and rainbow but I don't feel as pressured. I have dropped Andy's as it just upsets me.
I don't care If you have all been bored by this as I F%£king climbed Pascals graded 7b in Super Dave's guide and my first 7B.
On Tuesday I gave Yoga a try, I actually enjoyed it. I was definitely more flexible afterwards and was quiet stiff on Wednesday. I'm not sure how much the yoga contributed to the stiffness as I have been running /climbing everyday for 11 days now. I'm going again to see how I get on. The most pleasing point was I didn't fart like I was told I probably would.
Was at UCD in the morning, it was a nice change but I find its more dynamic than the coop and the holds offer a lot less friction. This is possibly due to the heat in the place. In an odd twist I was as close to getting the 7a as 7b. Not sure I agree with the grades but a grade debate for a climbing wall seems a little pointless. I found the change good fun, it got busy as I was leaving at 1 as the students were on lunch.
On Monday I ran up Djouce with Bray, it was a fantastic evening. I wish I had worn gloves as my hands got really cold. I have never been up there before and I really enjoyed the sustained climb up. It's been a while since I have done any fell running and I really enjoyed the deep breathing and pain in my legs. It felt like a stolen trip out, the views were stunning. Bray keeps a good pace for me but if he hadn't been their I would have definitely walked a little to the top!
So a great week all in all I feel pretty broken now but nice broken.
Ann had no part in the spell checking on this post so cant be blamed for any errors!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Lough Dan
A great day out in Lough Dan today, I have never been so I was unsure of what to expect. Mark also said he had never been but this turned out to be a lie and he had indeed been before - lucky really as it turned out the rest of the group are in capable of reading the guide! Its an amazing area, the scenery was great and the fact that there is a longish walk in made it more worthwhile. There was even a wade across a river! The recent snow and rain made this an interesting prospect but it wasn't too bad. Warmed up on what we think was a 6a ripper traverse. Dec and I then did the sit start which was supposed to be 7a. If we were on the right bloc I think it is a lot less than the given grade but good none the less. Then to the recommended Shadow - Dec did it first go, I had a few more attempts but got it in the end. I found the top out rather tasty, thought there should be a thank god hold but there wasn't. I really enjoyed the doc bloc problem - we were unsure if it was the right or left side of the arete so we did both. Looked at a possible line to the left of Shadow, pretty burly - a bit like hugging a fridge!
Finished up on Karma, a lovely problem but I was spent and it took me ages. Again a possible sit start but my fingers hurt when ever I touched anything, ah well there is always next time.
Ann made stew for dinner which was great and she made enough for 2 meals which sucks as it means I didn't get to keep eating it. Back to work tomorrow that was my Easter!
Finished up on Karma, a lovely problem but I was spent and it took me ages. Again a possible sit start but my fingers hurt when ever I touched anything, ah well there is always next time.
Ann made stew for dinner which was great and she made enough for 2 meals which sucks as it means I didn't get to keep eating it. Back to work tomorrow that was my Easter!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Dear diary
Bad weather this week has really hampered my ability to get out, however I did get to the Scalp with Davo on Wednesday. The rock was dry but I found it very cold and it took ages for my fingers to warm up. Tried Holly tree roof, this felt really doable using the blind slap method although there does seem to be a big crack running along the back but with that it's a lot easier. Did a nice line Dave showed me as well which is very much like problem 21 in the guide to Glendalough.
Tuesday was a torrid day in the coop - I got really frustrated on Barry/Eoin's Problem being unable to get much past the start, where previously I have consistently got further. Suffice to say after an hour I got in a big mood and stopped climbing. It also showed me how banter unfit I was. I must try and remember how to block Bray's voice out out when I'm climbing!
Thursday's wall session was good but still failed on the above problem but did at last manage Chris's traverse, not using Dec's ridiculous campus technique but sneaking in a heel hook. Then pints which makes a nice change. Only down side was everyone else going on about their long weekend while I'm working like a sucker.
Ran around UCD on Wednesday in the sun which was nice, the longer evenings are great. Starting to feel like I'm plateauing across running and climbing at the moment. Find it hard to pick up my pace, I'm by no means tired at the end of the run but I can't get myself to go faster. I just drift off into my own little world. Thinking of changing my runs, I like the idea of a run up to three rock from home. Pretty much uphill all the way, that should shock the crap out of my body! Also trying to think of a short run that I would hit at pace and go all out.
No real shocking out burst for you at the moment, just find everything equally grating!
Friday, March 26, 2010
So long
Apologies been really busy/lazy of late and to be honest I have had to force myself to blog tonight.
Things I've done,
Got married.
Went on honeymoon and only got 2 climbing days out of 10 in a very snowy Font.
Skied in Austria wich was great and I progressed on to the black runs.
Stayed in the alleged most romantic hotel in Salzburg.
Ran from Dun laoghaire to Howth after work. Now they call me forest, it took 2hours 18 min the last kilometer taking over 6 min's.
Went climbing outside 4 times in a week with clever use of evenings and days off.
Met Micheal O'D and went to the meet. climbed in a new area of Glendalough really enjoyed the white stick problem and will go back for dark arts. Electric mountain was good to I liked the rock there even if I was too tired to pull on much.
Problems I'd like to complete before the crappy summer weather kicks in,
The egg ss
Pascals
Andy's aret ss
The problem on the rasher boulder Glenmac (7b)
Possibly the fin, although Im not really overly psyched by this.
6ish weeks of cool weather to make it happen. also looking forward to the Arran islands cant wait to trial the new tent.
Ill try and be more regular from now on.
Things I've done,
Got married.
Went on honeymoon and only got 2 climbing days out of 10 in a very snowy Font.
Skied in Austria wich was great and I progressed on to the black runs.
Stayed in the alleged most romantic hotel in Salzburg.
Ran from Dun laoghaire to Howth after work. Now they call me forest, it took 2hours 18 min the last kilometer taking over 6 min's.
Went climbing outside 4 times in a week with clever use of evenings and days off.
Met Micheal O'D and went to the meet. climbed in a new area of Glendalough really enjoyed the white stick problem and will go back for dark arts. Electric mountain was good to I liked the rock there even if I was too tired to pull on much.
Problems I'd like to complete before the crappy summer weather kicks in,
The egg ss
Pascals
Andy's aret ss
The problem on the rasher boulder Glenmac (7b)
Possibly the fin, although Im not really overly psyched by this.
6ish weeks of cool weather to make it happen. also looking forward to the Arran islands cant wait to trial the new tent.
Ill try and be more regular from now on.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sheffield
Hurrah, off to Sheffield this evening for the weekend for 2 days of climbing with the guys. Have i Climbed enough lately? I'm not sure but it will be great none the less. One thing I'd like to try is Gorilla warfare as I last tried it 2 years ago and would like to see how I have improved.
The wedding plans are moving at pace, I finally got my baptism certificate from the UK so that's all sorted so I'm pretty much sorted. Ann seems to have a load of things to sort out but I think I'd only get in the way!
Starting to get excited by the whole thing now it's going to be great to have everyone there for a big party.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Snow joke
Cycled to work again this morning through the snow, It was lovely it was like I had the clean world to myself. It was quiet hard going similar to running through wet sand was glad of the big thick tyres on Ann's bike!
Have been surprised that despite the weather warnings etc we have been busy in work people who have phoned in as it's to hard for them to get to work have been browsing the shopping center. These are the same people who went shopping in the sales on Stephens day, however if you asked them to work over Christmas there would be an uproar, as Christmas is a time for family! When Christmas becomes a 1 day bank holiday they will only have themselves to blame.
Have been surprised that despite the weather warnings etc we have been busy in work people who have phoned in as it's to hard for them to get to work have been browsing the shopping center. These are the same people who went shopping in the sales on Stephens day, however if you asked them to work over Christmas there would be an uproar, as Christmas is a time for family! When Christmas becomes a 1 day bank holiday they will only have themselves to blame.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Even Ginger people
Just seen this, thought it was maybe a little offensive but still really funny!
Not much news really - Christmas is coming so I'm working like a dog at the moment. I don't mind too much as it can be good fun if not a little stressful trying to explain why a 12 year old wants a particular phone.
I managed to win a laptop last week in work, I'm not sure how and I don't really want to ask as surely to win a laptop you should be focusing on it.
My days off at this time of year and since the last trip to Glendalough I have not managed to climb on real rock. I seem to be getting days off either side of nice or at least dry days. This means that I am in the coop a lot at the moment. There are a good few people down there in the evenings so I am enjoying the social scene. I think this must be almost what it's like to have real friends and not just stand next to groups of people in pubs pretending.
After talking to a few people of late I have decided that maybe some sort of climbing goals are necessary for me to really improve. I was hoping to be a little more " I'd just like to climb harder" but I think having a specific aim is key. I was trying to avoid this as climbing is supposed to be fun and I thought it would add unnecessary pressure. Most people seem to think without goals you lose focus, so I hope to have some short term goals up for the Beginning of next year.
Looking forward to the trip to Sheffield in January, I'd really like to be bouldering well for that as last time we went I had a stinking cold. Although the way the weather has been it will probably piss it down. It's all good as I still haven't been to the fabled Climbing Works.
Then in another honeymoon twist we could be heading to Fontainbleau for 9 days of the trip as well as skiing in Austria. The reason for this is we have both been busy and Ann just wouldn't enjoy a week sport climbing as she hasn't climbed much recently. In font she is quiet happy to sit read and relax, for me it's win win. She did ask what we could do in font when we are not climbing and I was stumped, go to font and not climb and drink, is there anything else? I also have to stop referring to the honeymoon as THE FONT TRIP!
So there we go the wedding invites are sent, I worked very hard overseeing their design and production. In seven weeks I get to go skiing for a week, then climbing for 10 days and Sheffield before that. Hmm there was some thing else, if it comes to me Ill post it.
If I don't catch you before the festive season have a good one.
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