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.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Sunday, March 23, 2014
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!
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!
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