Right I'm back again after 6 weeks of pretty much eating, drinking and pretty much giving my body a kicking, and as the title suggests this year should be 3 resolutions I'd like to get done.
No. 1 - Complete a duathlon, have eyed the Conamara Duathlon on the 25th February as a target - simply because it is 5 minutes down the road from me and would love to give it a crack.
No. 2 - Complete my sub-2 half marathon, its a modest target I know, but am still a bit bugged about my 2:02 last year in the Galway Bay Half Marathon, and would love to just get that out of the way. I haven't settled yet on which half marathon to do though so that will have to wait and see.
No. 3 - Complete an adventure race, am considering the Sea2Summit, whether its the short or long course yet, am not sure.
So that's the plan, am starting by jumping into a beginners duathlon plan at Week 2 tomorrow in hopes that i'll be ready for the 25th February. Considering my cycling experience is very limited, am not quite sure what I'm letting myself in for, so let us see what happens.
All help, rambling, criticism, praise etc greatly appreciated again this year folks.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Monday, 3 October 2011
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:
Location: Galway Bay Half Marathon
Distance: 13.1 miles (21km)
Pace (Avg): 9:19 p/mile
Time: 2:02:08
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.
Location: Galway Bay Half Marathon
Distance: 13.1 miles (21km)
Pace (Avg): 9:19 p/mile
Time: 2:02:08
Friday, 16 September 2011
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.
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
 |
| 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
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
4 miles and a breeze
Despite the fact I'm nursing a head cold, I just had to get out and have a run. It was the start of the Fit4Life season again last night in Galway so I figured a group run would be the ideal thing to keep me going and try and open up the lungs and get rid of this head cold.
As it was the new season, plenty of new faces were to be seen last night, our group consisted of about 30-40 runners starting at 10:30 p/mile pace and down to about 10 minutes per mile. So a nice and steady start to the season. Although i would imagine that the headwind we had to compete with slowed a lot of us down significantly. But the one upside was when we arrived on the Dangan campus which belongs to the local university, the wind died down significantly due to the cover from the trees. All in all a nice first run back with the group, just need to pick up the pace over the Winter and we'll be sorted :)
Location: Westside to Dangan loop
Distance: 4.0 miles
Pace: 9:50 p/mile
Time: 39:23
As it was the new season, plenty of new faces were to be seen last night, our group consisted of about 30-40 runners starting at 10:30 p/mile pace and down to about 10 minutes per mile. So a nice and steady start to the season. Although i would imagine that the headwind we had to compete with slowed a lot of us down significantly. But the one upside was when we arrived on the Dangan campus which belongs to the local university, the wind died down significantly due to the cover from the trees. All in all a nice first run back with the group, just need to pick up the pace over the Winter and we'll be sorted :)
Location: Westside to Dangan loop
Distance: 4.0 miles
Pace: 9:50 p/mile
Time: 39:23
Friday, 9 September 2011
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.
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
 |
| 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
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
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.
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
 |
| 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
Monday, 5 September 2011
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.
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.
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!!
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 |
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 |
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
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).
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.
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
 |
| 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
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
A little help would go a long way
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.
Monday, 29 August 2011
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:)
Friday, 26 August 2011
Bogs of Spiddal
Never realised there was bogs up in Spiddal until last night, and some big potholes to boot, which the rain didn't help matters with, so plenty of bog hopping last night :)
Anyways I met up with the local athletics club Tríspórt last night at 7:30 to join them for a group run. Running on your own can be a bit tiring at times and enjoy heading out with them whenever i get the chance. Even the threat of a torrential downpour last night that thankfully didn't materialize didn't deter me.
The course itself was a 7KM run. We ran on the main Spiddal to Inverin road and turned right at the pier road and went up Bohoona for 2KM. At the top of Bohoona we turned left and continued across a bog trail for 1.5KM and then turned left again and went down Salathúna for 1.5KM. This took us out on the main Galway road and headed back to Spiddal for 2KM.
This was a new route for me and thought it was great, always love a change of variety in my routes and the lads and ladies of Tríspórt are great for finding these routes. I can't even find them on mapmyrun.com so that says it all really :) Think it may be time soon to invest in a GPS watch.
Location: Spiddal Loop
Distance: 4.35 miles (7 km)
Pace: 8:28 p/mile
Time: 36:51
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Night Run
I hadn't originally planned to stick a run in last night but for some strange reason after getting home at 10 o'clock I just fancied stretching the legs and sneaking in a couple of miles, some would probably call it an affliction, I would call it an addiction :)
Anyways when I got home i settled on retreading an old route which I used to do when I started running last winter, plenty of street lamps so that i didn't have to wander too far off the beaten track. So i parked up and off i went, first time in a long time i wore a hat and hoody for a run which was strange in itself. It's a nice feeling to just hit the road and get a few miles in, even the wind and cold don't bother me anymore. Going through Carraroe it was so quiet, but just made the run more pleasant for me.
Location: Short Run - Carraroe
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.62 km)
Pace: 10:26 p/mile
Time: 36:34
Back out again tonight for a group run around Spiddal, has just pelted down rain here - so here's hoping for some dry spells even for 45 minutes tonight :)
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