Galway Bay Half Marathon 1/10/2011

I had originally planned to write this on Saturday after the race, but was feeling bitterly disappointed, groggy and I suspect a bit dehydrated after the race and didn't feel up to much. 

I woke up at about 7:30 am on Saturday, excited that the day had finally come. I had breakfast, yogurt mixed with some muesli, nothing too heavy as I didn't want to be carrying a heavy stomach with me. Was sipping on water as much as I could and headed on into town. 

Pre-race everything was looking good, no niggles, no pains and was feeling good. Got to the start line and was ready to go. We got under way at 11 on the button and up the Grattan Road out onto Salthill,the first thing i noticed was that it was very humid even for October, which i thought was just my mind playing tricks with me (but thankfully verified by another runner later on) and moved along at a nice steady pace trundling along between the 8:35 - 8:40 mark per mile. As we returned from the first loop and passed the 6 mile marker at the 51 minute mark I was thinking at this point that the sub-2 was definitely within reach. 

I went through the 7 mile marker at 1:00:03 and was looking good. But as i approached Blackrock and the hill for the turn to the caravan park again, i started to feel the first serious signs of something not being right. Its hard to explain but my legs were still going and plodding along and when i reached the 11 mile mark at 1:40 my legs just said "enough". At this point I was reduced to a walk for at least a minute to two minutes to try and pull myself together. I went again and attempt to run and made the turn in the park for the small loop and there again i was reduced to a walk -thinking to myself as I saw my sub-2 disappearing from me "f**k it - it's gone". 

I tried to pull myself together and made it on to the Mutton Island causeway and made it down around the turn at the bottom and then again my legs seemed to stop me. Was feeling really dejected at this point and wished for it to be over, the time no longer concerned me. Eventually when I got going again and down the final stretch into South Park (a piece i normally enjoyed) seemed to go on for an eternity as i could hear the announcer calling the runners as they passed over the finish line. 

Eventually i could see the turn and pushed on, apparently according to my better half "looking pretty miserable" coming over the finish line. 2:02:08 was my time, so that explained the look. 

When i eventually got to sit down, i could feel my legs shaking and my head was starting to feel a bit funny. I attempted to pull myself together and get out and get some fresh air - but felt pretty groggy for most the day after. Thankfully its gone now but was a new feeling for me. 

Since then I've had a few days to think about it and have a couple of suspicions as to what happened on the day:     

• Breakfast, am not sure I had enough, plus it was probably digested after 3 and a 1/2 hours and probably burnt off the remainder midrace - so might have just had nothing left in the tank     

• Hydration - am not 100% convinced i had taken on enough water the day before and the day of the race.  

Like I said, these are just my suspicions, I don't claim to be an expert. But the one thing I learned on Saturday is "don't disrespect the half marathon" - preparation is everything for a good time, and leave anything to chance you will get caught out.

Location: Galway Bay Half Marathon
Distance: 13.1 miles (21km)
Pace (Avg): 9:19 p/mile
Time: 2:02:08

Nearly there

As I write this it's starting to dawn on me that my first half-marathon is only 2 weeks away. This may not seem like a challenge to some more seasoned runners, but considering this time last year i could barely run across the road without looking for an oxygen tank I'm very happy with the progress I've made. However the more i think about it now, the more my nerves are starting to come into play. I start to question whether i've trained enough? Have I done everything I can to make a decent go of it? I guess these are the sort of questions that creep into the mind of a first timer, so hopefully they will disappear closer to the time.

5.7 miles through Carraroe

Anyways, I got a few miles in this week, not as many as I'd like due to other commitments (plus a head cold that i finally seemed to have shaken) but went out last night to get a run in. I settled on doing two loops of Carraroe last night just to get some miles in. The one thing I like about Carraroe as opposed to running in Salthill would be the slight inclines that are on the main road, these can be deceptively tough but at least force me to work a little harder in my runs, especially when the second loop comes around.

The other thing I've noticed lately is that I seemed to have abandoned the water bottle on these runs now, it seems that as long as I take on board plenty of water during the day I don't need it for these runs. So am considering that progress in my book:)

Location: Carraroe Loop x2
Distance: 5.72 miles (9.2 km)
Pace: 9:27 p/mile
Time: 54:06

Early Run (For a change)

Anyone that knows me will definitely vouch for the fact I'm not a morning person, so was pleasantly surprised to see myself get out of bed at 7:40 (not early for some I know) to sneak a quick run in before work. I have taken a break since Tuesday's run as I've been feeling a bit under the weather and figured it'd be easier to get a run in this morning as I won't be home in the evening.

Short Run this morning

Out the door I went at 8 am, figuring a short run this morning would do me the world of good to get back into it. Looking out i figured a t-shirt, hoody and shorts would be the order of the day, as it was a bit breezy,overcast and pretty much crappy all round weather. Out i went and started on my way, still a bit of soreness in my legs for some reason - i really need to start stretching on the off days just to make sure i'll be okay for my longer runs. Any suggestions for good stretches would be much appreciated.

I made it to the main road and i'm always surprised how quiet Carraroe is at 8 in the morning, i would expect plenty of activity but all I met on my first two miles was a council truck resurfacing the road  and that was about it really, but that said i love it when its like that, makes the run all the better when the place feels like it deserted. Only when i got into my third mile at about 8:20 that things started to get busy and I was heading back towards home that time. It was a nice way to start to morning, but i regretted the hoody in the end, was cooked by the time i finished the run. Ah well live and learn.

Location: Carraroe
Distance: 3.11 miles (5.01 km)
Pace: 9:01 p/mile
Time: 28:05

One Blustery Run

It looks like the Winter has finally arrived on the West coast, although depending on who you ask they would insist it never left in the first place. It was a combination of elements last night that made for a pretty rough run, and reminds me that I've been very lucky with the weather so far with regards training, although I get the feeling that's about to run out.

Am pretty sure this should have wet and blustery added to it

I was wondering as I finished work yesterday would the wind let up a bit and allow me on my way, it didn't inspire me when i was driving home that i could feel the wind beat the side of the car and push it slightly from side to side. All i could think of was where would the wind launch me if it got half a chance :)

I sat about till about 8 p.m and figured things were not going to get much better, so on with the hoody and hat (this looks like its going to become a regular feature, bye bye summer) and off I went. I opted to do two loops locally stretch the run out for 9km, as any hope of travelling to Inverin for some runs seems to be gradually fading, much like the length of the days at the moment.

I took off anyways, and got onto the road, i was feeling fairly sore still from the run on Saturday and I reckon that was down to a lack of stretching on my part, ah well live and learn. The run itself was fine to a point, anywhere that had cover was relatively comfortable to run but when I got into the open areas I could feel the crosswind pushing me to one side and slowing me down, especially anywhere that a slight incline was on the road.

As i was into my second loop, pretty fed up with the wind at this point, just to add a little bit more of annoyance to the fact I had another 3km to go I could start to feeling drops of rain that eventually turned into a pretty heavy shower. At this point i could do nothing but trudge on and attempt to get to the end, eventually coming back to where I started my run -  and am pretty sure somebody up there was mocking me, because as soon as I got back and finished my run didn't the rain stop. Still another 5.5 miles done in what could only be described as blustery,wet,windy and cold - can never be accused of lack of dedication I suppose :)

Location: Carraroe Loop x2
Distance: 5.61 miles (9.03km)
Pace: 10:02 p/mile (so so so slow)
Time: 56:19

10 Miles and an Ironman(Not Me!!)

As I only had one run done last week I was a bit worried about hitting the 10 mile mark in my training and probably couldn't have picked a harder route to have done it in (although difficulty is relative to the person doing it I imagine :) )

Anyways I arrive in Galway early on Saturday morning, fully conscious of the fact that the half-Ironman competitors were arriving and was greeted by a form of chaos and cheery individuals all rolled into one. I was even mistaken for one of the athletes doing this incredible feat - which did my confidence the world of good as well as my ego.

That long long route

So I got down to the Prom in Salthill, had a quick stretch and off I went. I have to say I was fairly distracted by the activity in Salthill but loved the buzz, plus you could only imagine my envy at the bikes on display as I jogged by thinking "I want one of those". I eventually negotiated my way out of Salthill and off I went, into town and out towards Renmore which is a nice change of scenery for me, even if the inclines killed me a little, but i know thats going to be my weakness when it comes to running, but something to work on in the next year or so. I reached Renmore and turned back towards the roundabout which lead back towards the Headford Road and out towards the Quincentenary Bridge. Out past the hospital i went and out towards Taylors Hill (God I'm really beginning to hate that hill), which is about 10km into my run i slowed to a walk for 90 seconds as the hill finally beat me. That hill is now my challenge to beat in the future, i was not happy having to slow down to a crawl to beat it.

As i finally reached the top of Taylor's Hill I proceeded across to the Knocknacarra road, and plodded along, grateful to finally see the road back into Salthill :) It never ceases to amaze me when you know the end is near that you can find an extra gear in your legs to finish the run. As i landed back at where i started I felt a great degree of satisfaction, even if the walk up Taylor's Hill felt like a bit of cheat in my head, hopefully that was a once off and won't happen again :)

Location: 10 mile loop - Galway City
Distance: 10.14 miles (16.32 km)
Pace: 9:24 p/mile
Time: 1:35:20

Ironman(Not me!!!)
I was lucky enough on Sunday to catch the tail end of the Ironman in Galway on the Sunday, have to say it would inspire you to watch people give it their all for 70.3 miles and the joy on their faces when they complete it.

One of the many finishers on the day

Just have to say congratulations to all the finishers and competitors, it was an amazing achievement and would inspire anyone to get out and run, cycle or swim. Well done!!

Another 5 miles down

After the weekend of running and walking (did a sponsored 6 mile walk on Sunday), it was back to the training last night. Was not sure where to go but stuck to the old reliable of the Inverin Bogs where the roads are long and very quiet (bar the odd car that flew by me).

My start point last night

One thing about that road is you simply can't beat it for scenery, plus the mix of modern life and countryside side by side. I parked up at the local wind farm, quick stretch and off I went. The evening was ideal for a run, not cold or warm -  just a pleasant evening to hit the road and knock out a few miles.

The long lonely road in front of me

I'm starting to enjoy these 5 mile training runs, i don't really feel the discomfort anymore running them -  even the inclines on the bog roads are getting easier and hopefully will keep me in good stead for the long miles ahead of me. Its a great feeling of peace running in a place like this, and sometimes think I'm blessed to have this kind of quiet when training.

Next up is a 6 mile training run on Thursday in Baile an tSagairt, a serious hill challenge for a novice like myself. So here's hoping that my training is starting to pay off.

Location: Inverin Bogs
Distance: 5.2 miles (8.37 km)
Pace: 8:46 p/mile
Time: 45:38

A little help would go a long way

I guess this would be a good opportunity to tell people why I'm doing the half marathon next month, I decided that I would get in touch with Western Alzheimer -  an organization that fund care for Alzheimer sufferers in the West of Ireland and offered to attempt to raise some money for them. It's my first attempt at fundraising so am looking at the modest target of €500 to help them out and hopefully exceed that target with a bit of luck.

I have had first hand experiences of a family member suffering from Alzheimer disease, and its a heartbreaking condition to watch a person you once knew disappear in front of your eyes, to the point when you no longer recognize them. If anyone here can help me out and donate I'd appreciate it very much, its a cause very close to me and really want to give it a fair chance of succeeding.

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/mairtin_o_mochain_half_marathon/ is my donations page, if anyone can help i'd be extremely grateful.

The first 9 miles are the hardest

I took off for Salthill on Saturday this week to get my LSR in, a bit apprehensive that i may be hitting my wall in terms of distance for training. I suppose with this being new to me this is to be expected, but felt really stressed thinking about how am I going to pace myself? What if i have to stop? What if this is as far as i can go?

The best thing probably is that these questions pop up in my training runs, and hopefully these things will be gone by the time i do the half marathon. But got on with it anyways as I took off from the Claddagh and made my way towards the Prom, consciously trying to keep the pace nice and steady so not to blow up half way down the road. After the first 3km or so, I started to feel like myself again and felt my breathing start to settle and feel a bit more comfortable in my run. As I reached the end of the Prom i headed up the road towards the turn down to the caravan park and started to loop back and was beginning to feel that maybe this isn't my wall just yet.

Into my second loop and coming towards the 13km mark at the end of the Prom I got that familiar sore legs as i knew the hill towards the caravan park was coming up again (talk about mid games), and said "screw it" and just pushed on up the hill. I'm telling you, i never felt that hill so long as i did on Saturday, even though its only about 800 metres. When i finally got to the top i turned left, and was never so happy to see a downhill section and plodded around to come back to the Prom. That was it, 15.25km - was never so happy (and sore) as I was then, such a great feeling.

This time last year this would have been nothing more than me making excuses that i could never do this, and have somehow come this far. Its a great feeling, long may it last :)

Location: 15.25km Galway Bay Half Marathon Route
Distance: 9.48 miles (15.25km)
Pace: 8:42 p/mile
Time: 1:22:30

Just curious if any fellow runners read this (hopefully haven't bored you to tears yet), but what sort of tricks would you have to take the mind off the pain when you know you're reaching the tough end of a race? Would really appreciate some feedback on this and my blog in general as well:)

Facing my fear

I've sort of jumped into this blog about 8 weeks into my half marathon training, I'm using the Hal Higdon Half Marathon Novice Plan and have progressed to 13.2km without having to stop. Here's hoping i can keep the progress up.

Monday 22/08/11:

My long run was pushed back to Monday this week due to not been home on the weekend but hopefully will get back to normal after this week. Took to Salthill tonight to follow the route of the Galway Bay Half (well the first 13km of it). Was a bit unsettled by this as i wasn't sure what was in front of me, plus i could be putting myself off the race itself :)


Anyways I found the route to be decent and flat, which is a nice change from the usual runs up Taylor's Hill which i've been doing of late. I reckon that the second loop around the caravan park at the 14km mark will be where the suffering will start for the less seasoned runners like myself. But am delighted to knock out the first 13 and a bit km without stopping. A massive jump since April for me, when 5-10km was the target.

Location: First 13km of Galway Bay Half route
Distance: 8.2 miles (13.2 km)
Pace: 8:31 p/mile
Time: 1:09:54