I took my place on the line at this 5k not sure what to expect.
My last 5k was back in Feb/March but I was determined to "have a go" at
setting a fast time. I calculated that 3 miles @ 5.40 or 5/45 pace would get me to my target of sub 18 for a 5k. Wishful thinking..
I took a warm up lap of about 2 miles and was doing a slow jog - i did`nt feel like I was full of energy but after a few strides I was feeling good to go. We took off fast and I went out fairly hard as we met a small hill and then levelled out a bit. A few passed me and I let them go as I felt like I was racing well hard enough. A few more turns and I hit the 1 mile marker in 5.44.
We then ran up a sharp but short hill and then a slight downhill section.
I was`nt feeling great and I realised this would be hard work.
Another 1 or 2 passed me and I joined a guy from Cork Tri Club who was pacing similar to me. A few more ups and downs and we hit the 2 mile mark 12.00. oh oh - that was a slow mile ! I am doing all I can to sustain the pace so I decide to sit it out and try to gain a few places in a fast finish.
About half a mile to go we get passed bu a guy sprinting by as if the line is just around the corner - my goal is now to beat the Cork Tri Guy to the finish and we both increase the pace a bit. I had forgotten how painful the 5k can be..I know from my warm up that the finish line is about 300 metres away so I kick for home hoping I can maintain it ..my buddy goes with me but I hold him off and I am gaining on the dude that passed me with 1/2 mile to go. The line comes in time for him and I am glad to see it too.
Finish time 18.49 - not too bad for a hilly course I suppose..but a long way from 18.00.
Tuesday, August 3
Thursday, July 22
Training Update
I have been doing fairly easy training for the past 4 weeks and I have not
really tested myself apart from a few hilly tempo runs around Rochestown and Raffeen.
We started building on our site near Clonakilty 4 weeks ago so we have been busy sorting out paperwork mostly (we appointed a contractor so,apart from several decisions we must make along the way it should be fairly stress free)
I seem to have a bit more speed and I feel strong running uphill which is probably a gain from my marathon training.
I ventured down to Clonakilty a few weeks ago and entered a 10k in Ballinascarthy (Fri 2nd July) - a nearby village which does`nt hold fond memories for me..
(This was the dreadful venue we were dragged off to as kids for Irish Dancing classes) It was interesting being back in Bal during festival week - the Hurdy Gurdys/Merries seemed not to have changed in 20 years!
The race was a very hilly 10 k and I took off with the club runners and settled into about 6.20 mile pace. I was passed by a few and I passed one or 2 but I did`nt feel fantastic so , if truth be told I did`nt kill myself. Without a watch I decided that I should target 40 mins and I would hold my race position which was,I guessed in the top 10.
I pushed on and felt a bit better as the race went on. My parents made the 3 mile trip from home and it was nice to see them at the finish. The locals gave us a great reception - fair play.
I crossed the line in 8th position - time 40.49-not too bad on my "comeback" race on a very hilly circuit.
We were then off to the fantastic new GAA Grounds in Clonakilty for a 50th Birthday Party where I ate a huge plate of BBQ and washed it down with several pints of Carlsberg - Great recovery fuel!
Since Ballinascarthy I have been ticking over in the training - I will
start doing a bit more soon as I want to race some 5k and 10k races before the summer is out.
Nothing like the buzz (and pain) you get from racing..
I have been playing a fair bit of golf and progress is good here too - golf handicap is down to 13.
My real target for the next few weeks is to hit a new PB in 5k and 5 mile races.
really tested myself apart from a few hilly tempo runs around Rochestown and Raffeen.
We started building on our site near Clonakilty 4 weeks ago so we have been busy sorting out paperwork mostly (we appointed a contractor so,apart from several decisions we must make along the way it should be fairly stress free)
I seem to have a bit more speed and I feel strong running uphill which is probably a gain from my marathon training.
I ventured down to Clonakilty a few weeks ago and entered a 10k in Ballinascarthy (Fri 2nd July) - a nearby village which does`nt hold fond memories for me..
(This was the dreadful venue we were dragged off to as kids for Irish Dancing classes) It was interesting being back in Bal during festival week - the Hurdy Gurdys/Merries seemed not to have changed in 20 years!
The race was a very hilly 10 k and I took off with the club runners and settled into about 6.20 mile pace. I was passed by a few and I passed one or 2 but I did`nt feel fantastic so , if truth be told I did`nt kill myself. Without a watch I decided that I should target 40 mins and I would hold my race position which was,I guessed in the top 10.
I pushed on and felt a bit better as the race went on. My parents made the 3 mile trip from home and it was nice to see them at the finish. The locals gave us a great reception - fair play.
I crossed the line in 8th position - time 40.49-not too bad on my "comeback" race on a very hilly circuit.
We were then off to the fantastic new GAA Grounds in Clonakilty for a 50th Birthday Party where I ate a huge plate of BBQ and washed it down with several pints of Carlsberg - Great recovery fuel!
Since Ballinascarthy I have been ticking over in the training - I will
start doing a bit more soon as I want to race some 5k and 10k races before the summer is out.
Nothing like the buzz (and pain) you get from racing..
I have been playing a fair bit of golf and progress is good here too - golf handicap is down to 13.
My real target for the next few weeks is to hit a new PB in 5k and 5 mile races.
Sunday, June 13
Cork City Marathon Report
Mixed Emotions and a fair bit of pain after my first marathon on Monday last.
I am still trying to work it all out and today I am able
to walk with only a little pain and stiffness.
The last few days were painful - from my feet to shoulders , all muscles seemed to be complaining about the stress placed upon them.
Up until Monday last my longest race was a 10k and I was`nt sure if I had what was required to race a marathon, but, now that I have done it the satisfaction is huge.
As I managed to pick up injuries from racing hard in the past I did'nt race since the XC back in November. I had planned a half marathon or 10 mile but or one reason for another I did`nt make them..I find it hard to pay 20 to 50 Euros to enter a race unless I am going flat out /full effort. If not, I`ll just go training..
So,the Race..
I had decided to go with John D and the 3.15 pacing group and the plan was to basically see how it panned out and kick on at mile 20 if I felt strong.So, my time goal was anywhere between 3.09 and 3.20.
We started behind a lot of runners (mostly relay runners) so once we passed through the starting mat there was a lot of bobbing and weaving.
The pace seemed a bit quick - maybe John is trying to get a cushion already?? Message to self - "First few miles are always a bit difficult
till you find your rythmn".We had some open road now and our group of about 14 was going along nicely.
First 5 miles we were on target with a 30 second cushion. The next 5 miles were into the weather but I felt ok and we had a good bunch of
runners,and we shared a chat and a good laugh at times.In and out of JL Tunnel and heading for my local routes around blackrock and mahon.
Just after the sliproad I was looking for Fiona near Mahon (she was to be there with a banana) but I could`nt see her anywhere.
I wanted to offload my sunglasses as well and did`nt want them in my side pocket for 26 miles..I kept them on for the first 5 miles and figured they would help me in the wind but the rain was a pain in the hole!
No sign of Fiona, I shrugged and took my first Gel,reckon she slept in..
I am feeling ok at this point in the race but I have absolutely realised that it would have been foolhardy to go off any quicker, already I am reckoning that to finish with the 3.15 balloon will take all I can give to this race. After Blackrock Castle we are into the wind and rain and I
know the halfway point is not far away.I am at the front of the Group with John D - feeling good - laughing into the face of the storm. We turn back towards the city and go through 13 miles in 1.37 - on pace.
We are on the old railway line now and as we pass Blackrock Station I spot
Fiona and her sister Sinead. I grab the banana and throw her my sunglasses - Sinead has a Gel for me but I miss it - I have 2 more on me anyways..
Around the 14 mile mark I start to feel my right calf a bit, I don`t
like the tightness and I try to get my left leg to do a bit more work and give my right a break. The pace seems a bit quick now - probably just a bad patch I tell myself.Just stick with the Balloon at all costs - don`t get isolated - stick with the balloon.
I run through the "bad patch" and I am so close to the balloon
it is constantly smacking me in the head! We have a good bunch of about 12 guys and 1 gal and I get chatting to a few. The camaraderie is great and a good distraction form any negative thoughts. We share water and food.
One runner (a Boardsie who goes by the name DustyBin)
re-joins our group.He had to take a pit stop and is relieved to be back with us - he tells me he had to run at 10k pace for 2 and 1/2 miles to catch up. Fair play to him. I tell him I am feeling tight but not too bad.
Next few miles are bit of a slog but I have told myself to get to Mile 20
and it`s only a 10k left. At mile 19 I know I am in a bit of bother - I am worried the calf could seize up and I donno if I should stop and stretch or keep plugging away. Both Hamstrings are also getting tight. I relax,check my breathing (it`s ok) and just tell myself to dig in ..
It`s a Marathon after all and it is proving to be Tough !
I spot Fiona and Sinead at a bus stop.."HI.."
We get to Mile 20 and my next target is the County Hall - I am sure that if I can get that far then the final few miles to the finish I will be helped along by the crowd.
I remember a tough mile uphill on the Model Farm Road, I am suffering now and I drink water,energy drinks,I take a gel..anything that may help.
Body is sore and stupid negative thoughts are coming in.."Bollax to it - Don`t lose that fuckin Balloon". We go downhill and onto the Straight Road,In the mist and rain I can just make out the county hall. I am just behind John D and his balloon. Our group is down to 7 or 8 - some are gone ahead and a few have dropped back.I am struggling now and running v low on energy, body is cramping up.."stop and stretch?? c`mon - get to the county hall".
I am hangin on but slowly the 3.15 Balloon slips away,I am feeling a bit woozy really tightening up - before I know it I am stopped to stretch it out.I get going again and pass mile 24 and head for town.
My pace had dropped to I am guessing 9 min pace and I am pissed off to be passed (mostly by relay runners).I up the pace a bit and catch up with another marathoner and run with him for a half mile
but I can`t maintain it and have to stop again and stretch.
Another stretch and I jog on. I am getting great encouragement from the crowd and as I turn for Patrick Street the race announcer is calling out my name on the tannoy - cool !
Bless myself and Cross the line in 3.22.37. Our pacer John Desmond is there to congratulate me - fair play to the man. I make it to the massage tent and get a big hug from Fiona and Sinead.
I am tired and emotional,proud,disapointed,happy and in pain.
I try to keep moving and we head back towards my car - cramps come and next thing i know I am on the ground screaming in pain. John Quigley comes to my rescue and stretches the legs for me - thanks John !
The Marathon is truly a big test of mind and body,those 30 seconds I spent
crying into my towel at the finish are testament to that!
The 2 days after the marathon were fairly painful - a massage helped and
now almost a week on I am feeling good again, ready to race again in a few weeks hopefully.
I am still trying to work it all out and today I am able
to walk with only a little pain and stiffness.
The last few days were painful - from my feet to shoulders , all muscles seemed to be complaining about the stress placed upon them.
Up until Monday last my longest race was a 10k and I was`nt sure if I had what was required to race a marathon, but, now that I have done it the satisfaction is huge.
As I managed to pick up injuries from racing hard in the past I did'nt race since the XC back in November. I had planned a half marathon or 10 mile but or one reason for another I did`nt make them..I find it hard to pay 20 to 50 Euros to enter a race unless I am going flat out /full effort. If not, I`ll just go training..
So,the Race..
I had decided to go with John D and the 3.15 pacing group and the plan was to basically see how it panned out and kick on at mile 20 if I felt strong.So, my time goal was anywhere between 3.09 and 3.20.
We started behind a lot of runners (mostly relay runners) so once we passed through the starting mat there was a lot of bobbing and weaving.
The pace seemed a bit quick - maybe John is trying to get a cushion already?? Message to self - "First few miles are always a bit difficult
till you find your rythmn".We had some open road now and our group of about 14 was going along nicely.
First 5 miles we were on target with a 30 second cushion. The next 5 miles were into the weather but I felt ok and we had a good bunch of
runners,and we shared a chat and a good laugh at times.In and out of JL Tunnel and heading for my local routes around blackrock and mahon.
Just after the sliproad I was looking for Fiona near Mahon (she was to be there with a banana) but I could`nt see her anywhere.
I wanted to offload my sunglasses as well and did`nt want them in my side pocket for 26 miles..I kept them on for the first 5 miles and figured they would help me in the wind but the rain was a pain in the hole!
No sign of Fiona, I shrugged and took my first Gel,reckon she slept in..
I am feeling ok at this point in the race but I have absolutely realised that it would have been foolhardy to go off any quicker, already I am reckoning that to finish with the 3.15 balloon will take all I can give to this race. After Blackrock Castle we are into the wind and rain and I
know the halfway point is not far away.I am at the front of the Group with John D - feeling good - laughing into the face of the storm. We turn back towards the city and go through 13 miles in 1.37 - on pace.
We are on the old railway line now and as we pass Blackrock Station I spot
Fiona and her sister Sinead. I grab the banana and throw her my sunglasses - Sinead has a Gel for me but I miss it - I have 2 more on me anyways..
Around the 14 mile mark I start to feel my right calf a bit, I don`t
like the tightness and I try to get my left leg to do a bit more work and give my right a break. The pace seems a bit quick now - probably just a bad patch I tell myself.Just stick with the Balloon at all costs - don`t get isolated - stick with the balloon.
I run through the "bad patch" and I am so close to the balloon
it is constantly smacking me in the head! We have a good bunch of about 12 guys and 1 gal and I get chatting to a few. The camaraderie is great and a good distraction form any negative thoughts. We share water and food.
One runner (a Boardsie who goes by the name DustyBin)
re-joins our group.He had to take a pit stop and is relieved to be back with us - he tells me he had to run at 10k pace for 2 and 1/2 miles to catch up. Fair play to him. I tell him I am feeling tight but not too bad.
Next few miles are bit of a slog but I have told myself to get to Mile 20
and it`s only a 10k left. At mile 19 I know I am in a bit of bother - I am worried the calf could seize up and I donno if I should stop and stretch or keep plugging away. Both Hamstrings are also getting tight. I relax,check my breathing (it`s ok) and just tell myself to dig in ..
It`s a Marathon after all and it is proving to be Tough !
I spot Fiona and Sinead at a bus stop.."HI.."
We get to Mile 20 and my next target is the County Hall - I am sure that if I can get that far then the final few miles to the finish I will be helped along by the crowd.
I remember a tough mile uphill on the Model Farm Road, I am suffering now and I drink water,energy drinks,I take a gel..anything that may help.
Body is sore and stupid negative thoughts are coming in.."Bollax to it - Don`t lose that fuckin Balloon". We go downhill and onto the Straight Road,In the mist and rain I can just make out the county hall. I am just behind John D and his balloon. Our group is down to 7 or 8 - some are gone ahead and a few have dropped back.I am struggling now and running v low on energy, body is cramping up.."stop and stretch?? c`mon - get to the county hall".
I am hangin on but slowly the 3.15 Balloon slips away,I am feeling a bit woozy really tightening up - before I know it I am stopped to stretch it out.I get going again and pass mile 24 and head for town.
My pace had dropped to I am guessing 9 min pace and I am pissed off to be passed (mostly by relay runners).I up the pace a bit and catch up with another marathoner and run with him for a half mile
but I can`t maintain it and have to stop again and stretch.
Another stretch and I jog on. I am getting great encouragement from the crowd and as I turn for Patrick Street the race announcer is calling out my name on the tannoy - cool !
Bless myself and Cross the line in 3.22.37. Our pacer John Desmond is there to congratulate me - fair play to the man. I make it to the massage tent and get a big hug from Fiona and Sinead.
I am tired and emotional,proud,disapointed,happy and in pain.
I try to keep moving and we head back towards my car - cramps come and next thing i know I am on the ground screaming in pain. John Quigley comes to my rescue and stretches the legs for me - thanks John !
The Marathon is truly a big test of mind and body,those 30 seconds I spent
crying into my towel at the finish are testament to that!
The 2 days after the marathon were fairly painful - a massage helped and
now almost a week on I am feeling good again, ready to race again in a few weeks hopefully.
Friday, May 21
Just over 2 weeks to my First Marathon
Well, I am starting to get the butterflies already and
it`s over 2 weeks away. I completed a solid 8min mile 22
mile long run 2 weeks ago but last weeks final long run of 20
miles did`nt happen as I caught a cold.Maybe I was pushing myself
a bit too much.
Anyways my last hard workout at the track was last night and
although I game myself a bit more recover time between intervals
mainly due to the heat (and the fact that I am still recoving from
that cold)
The session was:
4 * 1 mile at 6.20 pace
2 * 800 metres at 3.00
Felt tough but that is par for the course for these speed
sessions but I can bank that one and hopefully it will help me
in a few weeks.
The only trepidation I have on the big race is the unknowns :
What pace can I hold for 26.2 miles ?
How much will I suffer ?
What pace should I go out at ?
What finish time can I achieve?
It is hard to guess accurately as I have`nt raced a
half marathon/or a 10 miler in the build up to the marathon.
My plan was to target breaking the magic 3hr mark but I have
now decided to aim for between 3.07 and 3.15 as I don`t want to
go off at 7 min pace and blow up in the second half.
As this is my first effort I am going to be a bit cautious
- for once !
I can aim to break the 3 hr mark if I decide to do another one ..
So,my plan is to go out with the 3hr 15 pacing group, settle
into the race and take it from there.
Depending on the conditions and how I am feeling I may kick on
after 10 or 13 miles.
I may stay with the pacing group till the 20 mile mark and then
try to "race" the final 10 k home.
Whatever happens it should be a blast and i am looking forward to the challenge.
Just give me 2 more injury free weeks and a cloudy race day
and i`ll be happy..
it`s over 2 weeks away. I completed a solid 8min mile 22
mile long run 2 weeks ago but last weeks final long run of 20
miles did`nt happen as I caught a cold.Maybe I was pushing myself
a bit too much.
Anyways my last hard workout at the track was last night and
although I game myself a bit more recover time between intervals
mainly due to the heat (and the fact that I am still recoving from
that cold)
The session was:
4 * 1 mile at 6.20 pace
2 * 800 metres at 3.00
Felt tough but that is par for the course for these speed
sessions but I can bank that one and hopefully it will help me
in a few weeks.
The only trepidation I have on the big race is the unknowns :
What pace can I hold for 26.2 miles ?
How much will I suffer ?
What pace should I go out at ?
What finish time can I achieve?
It is hard to guess accurately as I have`nt raced a
half marathon/or a 10 miler in the build up to the marathon.
My plan was to target breaking the magic 3hr mark but I have
now decided to aim for between 3.07 and 3.15 as I don`t want to
go off at 7 min pace and blow up in the second half.
As this is my first effort I am going to be a bit cautious
- for once !
I can aim to break the 3 hr mark if I decide to do another one ..
So,my plan is to go out with the 3hr 15 pacing group, settle
into the race and take it from there.
Depending on the conditions and how I am feeling I may kick on
after 10 or 13 miles.
I may stay with the pacing group till the 20 mile mark and then
try to "race" the final 10 k home.
Whatever happens it should be a blast and i am looking forward to the challenge.
Just give me 2 more injury free weeks and a cloudy race day
and i`ll be happy..
Wednesday, April 21
At last I am Marathon Training
Dudes, a quick update..
I have finally moved from the comfort of the shorter races
- my bread and butter
over the past 2 years. Now that I have had nearly a year
injury free I have taken the opportunity to have a go at
the Marathon. I am entering the Cork Marathon boye!
So, I am about half way through the runners world advanced
program I got online
and I have been doing ok at the training - but some of it
is tough.
I am training on the target of marathon Pace of 7 min /miles.
I reckon a realistic target would be between 3hrs and 3.20 but
I really don`t know yet..
Training is 5 days a week and the long run last week was 20 miles
- new territory for me..it went ok , one or 2 hard miles but things
picked up again and I finished at 8.15 in mile average.
Average weekly mileage is now around 45-50 miles
It is the Tuesday/Thursday speed/interval/tempo runs that are really
tough, a typical Thursday is :
3 miles at 7min pace
4-6 800s at 3.10 min
3 miles at 6.35 pace
Achilles flares up now and again but hopefully I have it under control.
Fair play to the Connemara Ultras - impressive stuff!
Good luck on the comeback jogs Bricey,
I will update soon on my targets if I ever decide on them..my instinct is
to maybe target 3.15/3.20 and push hard if I am feeling ok
I have finally moved from the comfort of the shorter races
- my bread and butter
over the past 2 years. Now that I have had nearly a year
injury free I have taken the opportunity to have a go at
the Marathon. I am entering the Cork Marathon boye!
So, I am about half way through the runners world advanced
program I got online
and I have been doing ok at the training - but some of it
is tough.
I am training on the target of marathon Pace of 7 min /miles.
I reckon a realistic target would be between 3hrs and 3.20 but
I really don`t know yet..
Training is 5 days a week and the long run last week was 20 miles
- new territory for me..it went ok , one or 2 hard miles but things
picked up again and I finished at 8.15 in mile average.
Average weekly mileage is now around 45-50 miles
It is the Tuesday/Thursday speed/interval/tempo runs that are really
tough, a typical Thursday is :
3 miles at 7min pace
4-6 800s at 3.10 min
3 miles at 6.35 pace
Achilles flares up now and again but hopefully I have it under control.
Fair play to the Connemara Ultras - impressive stuff!
Good luck on the comeback jogs Bricey,
I will update soon on my targets if I ever decide on them..my instinct is
to maybe target 3.15/3.20 and push hard if I am feeling ok
Monday, February 22
At Last a PB
Last weeks XC took a bit out of me. A 10 mile slow run on Wed helped
me recover but my right achilles flared up a little so I took it easy
for the rest of the week.
On Saturday I had a long days work in Limerick so I treated myself to
homemade chicken and chips (and salad) on Sat night - washed down with
a few beers. I had half an eye on the 5k Bhaa Road Race Sunday morning
in Mahon.
In 2008 this was my first race after moving back to Cork from Dublin
so it would be very interesting to see what improvements I could make.
(2 years ago I finished in 18.50)
I drove down to Hartys Quay on Sunday morning and jogged over to
skehard road and down to register in Mahon. Felt ok on the warm up
and it was a nice sunny, crisp morning. A few strides near the start
line and I was ready to go.
Like last week I took off fast but got into my running fairly quickly
and I found a spot 15 or 20 runners back from the leaders.
I was joined by a guy in white and we were running shoulder to shoulder
for most of the first mile.
Mile 1 in 5.50.
2 or 3 more guys came up on us and tried to pass but myself and the guy
in white stuck with them and were now motoring along in a group of 5.
As we turned right into the wind I stuck in behind 2 of them and caught
my breath. We were really racing and although I was`nt sure if I could
maintain the pace I was kinda enjoying it.
Once or twice a few of them pulled a few yards ahead but I kept
cool and quickened my leg turnover and I stuck with them.
Mile 2 in 5.55.
We were reeling in a few runners who had gone out too quick and were
now isolated and this was a good morale boost. Casual walkers seemed a
bit freaked out as the five of us were flying through the turns on the
public walkway.
I am starting to feel the pace now though and the group gets a few
strides ahead of me.
I dig in as I know from last week what a lonely place it is on your own
for the last mile. We turn and climb and cross over the motorway bridge in
single file..It is a straight finish of 600 yards and I have the 4 guys a few
paces ahead and there are 2 more about 10 metres further ahead.
I do my usual call " cmon, fast finish now " because If I could finish fast
there are 5 or 6 places there for the taking..
The fast finish is not there though - it looks like the quick pace has
scuppered that one for me and now it's a case of hanging on and not
getting passed!
I put in a small burst with 50 left and I am well safe from behind,
I close a bit on the guys ahead but I am never going to get there.
Under the clock in 18.17.
average pace/mile 5.53.
A PB beating the 2008 time by 33 seconds!
I am wrecked but very pleased to keep the pace under 6 min miles
as this is a lot harder than the mile intervals I have been doing in training.
My race was a steady pace and despite the painful finish it was a great
buzz as our group seemed to be flying along.
me recover but my right achilles flared up a little so I took it easy
for the rest of the week.
On Saturday I had a long days work in Limerick so I treated myself to
homemade chicken and chips (and salad) on Sat night - washed down with
a few beers. I had half an eye on the 5k Bhaa Road Race Sunday morning
in Mahon.
In 2008 this was my first race after moving back to Cork from Dublin
so it would be very interesting to see what improvements I could make.
(2 years ago I finished in 18.50)
I drove down to Hartys Quay on Sunday morning and jogged over to
skehard road and down to register in Mahon. Felt ok on the warm up
and it was a nice sunny, crisp morning. A few strides near the start
line and I was ready to go.
Like last week I took off fast but got into my running fairly quickly
and I found a spot 15 or 20 runners back from the leaders.
I was joined by a guy in white and we were running shoulder to shoulder
for most of the first mile.
Mile 1 in 5.50.
2 or 3 more guys came up on us and tried to pass but myself and the guy
in white stuck with them and were now motoring along in a group of 5.
As we turned right into the wind I stuck in behind 2 of them and caught
my breath. We were really racing and although I was`nt sure if I could
maintain the pace I was kinda enjoying it.
Once or twice a few of them pulled a few yards ahead but I kept
cool and quickened my leg turnover and I stuck with them.
Mile 2 in 5.55.
We were reeling in a few runners who had gone out too quick and were
now isolated and this was a good morale boost. Casual walkers seemed a
bit freaked out as the five of us were flying through the turns on the
public walkway.
I am starting to feel the pace now though and the group gets a few
strides ahead of me.
I dig in as I know from last week what a lonely place it is on your own
for the last mile. We turn and climb and cross over the motorway bridge in
single file..It is a straight finish of 600 yards and I have the 4 guys a few
paces ahead and there are 2 more about 10 metres further ahead.
I do my usual call " cmon, fast finish now " because If I could finish fast
there are 5 or 6 places there for the taking..
The fast finish is not there though - it looks like the quick pace has
scuppered that one for me and now it's a case of hanging on and not
getting passed!
I put in a small burst with 50 left and I am well safe from behind,
I close a bit on the guys ahead but I am never going to get there.
Under the clock in 18.17.
average pace/mile 5.53.
A PB beating the 2008 time by 33 seconds!
I am wrecked but very pleased to keep the pace under 6 min miles
as this is a lot harder than the mile intervals I have been doing in training.
My race was a steady pace and despite the painful finish it was a great
buzz as our group seemed to be flying along.
Tuesday, February 16
Red-Lining. Race Report 5k XC Blackrock Sunday 14
I decided the Bantry 10 miler was too long a drive so I went in the local
BHAA XCountry 5k. It was almost 2 years since my last 5k on the roads
where I ran 18.50 and I figured I was in much better shape now.
Halfway through this one I was`nt so sure...
Got there nice an early and had a warm up on the road before I put
on the spikes and tried to figure out the course.It was basically 3
and a bit laps around the park with a few downhills,lots of turns
and a big climb about halfway round.
My plan was to get out of the traps fairly quickly and get a good position.
Steady for 2 laps and finish fast - easy!
The gun went and I took off up the hill like a scalded cat - into the first
turn on the shoulder of a runner in white. There is a bit of argy bargy
and I clip him on the next turn. No quarter given here..
Fuck - this is new territory for me - in the leading dozen. Pace is fast.
A guy comes up from behind on the climb and I close the door - showing
him the outside line. This is fun, but I am working hard.One guy drops a
bit and I move past, then a fast guy goes past.Into the second lap and
there are 3 or 4 hot on my heels - I maintain the fast pace for another
few minutes but I realise I am red-lining it and I cannot see myself holding
this speed.
Sinking feeling sets in as the 2 or 3 guys on my heels go past. "Just keep
it together - you are on a good run here" This is new territory - most of
the runners around me are getting lots of support and I realise I have gone
off too quick. Still, I get past the second lap ok and I push on for the third.
I am feeling it now and I know the long climb will cause me problems.
On the climb another guy goes past- I cannot respond - breathing hard -
trying to keep it together and I can`t wait for the finish line.
I am losing contact with the guy in front and the crowd are encouraging
the runner behind me. "Come on Niamh you are first lady".
Shit - I am going to get chicked - second last bend she breezes past,
last turn and a hilly run to the line. I sneak a look over my shoulder as
some guy is encouraging the runner behind - he can probably tell I am struggling..Fuck this - no more!
I find some power and my injection of pace just keeps him at bay.
I recover on the water trailer and congratulate a few guys - and the chick.
So, I am not as fast as I thought - I got my pace all wrong as I was
drawn into an early scrap with the runner in white.I ran 2 fast laps and
1 not so fast where several passed me..but what the hell,It was good
experience and was fun trying to stay up with the fast guys for a change.
My right lung/ribs are sore and I hurt my ankle when I landed on a tree
root, but that was a good buzz and I hit a good time I think.(in my
distress I forget to stop my watch), but I recognised a few runners finish
a bit after me who I would usually be competing with so that is a good
barometer.
I need to do more speedwork before the next one.
Results: http://www.corkbhaa.com/Results/Cross_Country_2010_Web.htm
Finished 19th
Time 19.21
Avg Pace 6.14
BHAA XCountry 5k. It was almost 2 years since my last 5k on the roads
where I ran 18.50 and I figured I was in much better shape now.
Halfway through this one I was`nt so sure...
Got there nice an early and had a warm up on the road before I put
on the spikes and tried to figure out the course.It was basically 3
and a bit laps around the park with a few downhills,lots of turns
and a big climb about halfway round.
My plan was to get out of the traps fairly quickly and get a good position.
Steady for 2 laps and finish fast - easy!
The gun went and I took off up the hill like a scalded cat - into the first
turn on the shoulder of a runner in white. There is a bit of argy bargy
and I clip him on the next turn. No quarter given here..
Fuck - this is new territory for me - in the leading dozen. Pace is fast.
A guy comes up from behind on the climb and I close the door - showing
him the outside line. This is fun, but I am working hard.One guy drops a
bit and I move past, then a fast guy goes past.Into the second lap and
there are 3 or 4 hot on my heels - I maintain the fast pace for another
few minutes but I realise I am red-lining it and I cannot see myself holding
this speed.
Sinking feeling sets in as the 2 or 3 guys on my heels go past. "Just keep
it together - you are on a good run here" This is new territory - most of
the runners around me are getting lots of support and I realise I have gone
off too quick. Still, I get past the second lap ok and I push on for the third.
I am feeling it now and I know the long climb will cause me problems.
On the climb another guy goes past- I cannot respond - breathing hard -
trying to keep it together and I can`t wait for the finish line.
I am losing contact with the guy in front and the crowd are encouraging
the runner behind me. "Come on Niamh you are first lady".
Shit - I am going to get chicked - second last bend she breezes past,
last turn and a hilly run to the line. I sneak a look over my shoulder as
some guy is encouraging the runner behind - he can probably tell I am struggling..Fuck this - no more!
I find some power and my injection of pace just keeps him at bay.
I recover on the water trailer and congratulate a few guys - and the chick.
So, I am not as fast as I thought - I got my pace all wrong as I was
drawn into an early scrap with the runner in white.I ran 2 fast laps and
1 not so fast where several passed me..but what the hell,It was good
experience and was fun trying to stay up with the fast guys for a change.
My right lung/ribs are sore and I hurt my ankle when I landed on a tree
root, but that was a good buzz and I hit a good time I think.(in my
distress I forget to stop my watch), but I recognised a few runners finish
a bit after me who I would usually be competing with so that is a good
barometer.
I need to do more speedwork before the next one.
Results: http://www.corkbhaa.com/Results/Cross_Country_2010_Web.htm
Finished 19th
Time 19.21
Avg Pace 6.14
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