I'm still on a nice break after the marathon and don't plan doing an exercise until the 14th. I had planned on a two week holiday and then to get back to training, but what to train for? The first time I ran a half marathon I took a three month break after it. It wasn't planned, but I had put so much energy into the half and no thought about what to do after it. I found with no target or plan I just did nothing, well not this time. I'm going to use this time to look at possible races for next year and maybe you can help m choose which ones. I ran three races in 2010, two 10kms and a half marathon. So far I ran five races this year, a 5 mile, a 10km two half marathons and a marathon, and maybe there is room for one more. I'd love to run 10-12 races next year with one of them another marathon and a few others challenging runs. So what choices are out there.
January:
The Great Health: A 10km run fairly close by in Co. Laois. Looks like a good possiblity for the first run of the year.
February:
Enniscorthy: A 10km run in the lovely and hilly town of Enniscorty. I ran a half marathon here this year and it was a tough one for me as I am un used to hills.
Wild West Run: A very scenic half marathon in the town of Kilarrney from Kenmare to Muckross House.
March:
Wicklow: A 10km or Half Marathon starting and finishing in Wicklow Jail.
Kinvara Rock & Road: An excuse to wear my kinvaras in Kinvara. This is a 10km road race in the town of Kinvara in Co. Galway. Looks like the sceanary will be fantastic.
April:
Connemara: A half-marathon, full marathon or ultra marathon in one of the most ruggid and sceanic parts of the country. A tough course from feedback I've received. Would be beautiful though.
Ballinaslow: A 10km walk/run in Co. Mayo. Doesn't look like there would be a large crowd at this one... I could be wrong. It is in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
Wexford: Half Marathon or 10km run. It looks very well organised. The first part is uphill and then it is downhill all the rest of the way. Looks nice.
Great Ireland Run: A lovely 10km run through the Phoenix Park in Dublin. This was my irst ever road race in 2010 and I ran it again this year. A lovely run with ver 16,000 entrants this year, the largest race in Ireland.
May:
River Moy: Half Marathon in Ballina Co. Mayo.
June:
Strawberry Festival: A half marathon, 15km walk or 5 mile race. I ran this half this year and set a PR on a tough hilly course that my knees did not like me for. Lovely course though and great support out around the town. Really emjoyed it.
Cork City Marathon: This is supposed to be a nice run but doesn't have the level of support that their is in Dublin from the locals.
July:
Irish Runner: A lovely fast 5 mile run in the Phoenix PArk in Dublin with a few hills. A lovely run. Part of the Dublin Marathon Race Series.
Clontarf: Half Marathon and 5 mile race. Billed ast Ireland's flattest half. A great place for a PR then.
August:
Frank Duffy: A 10 mile run in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. Part of the Dublin Marathon Race Series.
September:
Mooathon: This a half or full marathon in Co. Donegal, boasting great scenary and no loop, just a stright point to point run with transport back included in the price of entry. There are miling stations along the way and I'm sure it will be hilly but it looks like it could be a lot of fun.
Dublin Half-Marathon: A lovely race again through the Phoenix Park in Dublin and part of the Dublin Marathon Race Series.
Portugal Half Marathon: Having run the Lisbon Half this year across the April 25th bridge this might be a plan for 2012. It is also based in Lisbon just that it runs across the other bridge and in warmer temperatures.
October:
Dublin Marathon: A lovely marathon in the fair city of Dublin with absolutely fantastic support as you run and a fairly flat course to boot.
November:
Run the Gauntlet: This is a race in the South West of the country through the beautiful landscape of Killarney in Co. Kerry. It is a half marathon over and back through the gap of Dunloe and looks very tough.
Gaelforce Turf Guy: 10km race through bog land in Co. Galway with a few obstacles thrown into the mix.
Mo Run: To celebrate Movember, where men grow a mustache in November to raise awarenss of men's health there is a nice 10km run in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. It'd be a bit of craic and a reason to try to grow some facial hair.
Blue Light Mountain Madness: A nice 5km up and down a mountain.
December:
Santa Dash: This is a 5km or 10km race where you get a Santa outfit as part of your entry and everyone runs in their outfit. The run is in Clontarf in Dublin and finishes on the beach, where you'll have hundreds of Santas crossing the finish line. Money from the event goes towards the Irish Heart Foundation.
Waterford Half-Marathon: Half marathon through the city of Waterford.
RNLI Reindeer Run: A 10km or 5km run to raise fund for the Lifeboats. Reindeer Antleers for all participants.
These are just a few options. There are also races outside the country that could be a possibility and local club races to keep an eye out for. I'm looking forward to next year.
If you were to choose just two or three races from the ones listed above which ones would you pick? Also if you ahve any suggestions for runs in 2012, maybe ones you have run that you found to be great runs please let me know... I'm open to all suggestions.
Showing posts with label Strawberry Half. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Strawberry Half. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Race Report - Enniscorthy Half Marathon 2011
A bit late but here is the report of my attempt at the Enniscorthy Half Marathon, also called the Strawberry Half, which took place on the 26th of June 2011.
I arrived with plenty of time to warm up on an already warm morning in the town of Enniscorthy in Co. Wexford. Wexford is famed for it's strawberries and they have a festival each year called the strawberry festival. Last year they staged their first half marathon as part of this festival. I was registered for the race last year but didn't run it as I picked up a slight knee injury. This year I wasn't going to miss out again.
Parking was in a field beside the river, very close to the starting line. I sat relaxed and then decided to jog the short distance, probably 500m or so, to the start as part of my warm up. I was already sweating due to the heat and high humidity by the time I got to the start. I had a feeling that this was going to be a tough race. The temperature was 22ºC which is warm for Ireland but there was complete cloud cover and it felt very heavy.
At the start line I bumped into people I knew and we chatted about times and hopes for the race. I was hoping for a PR, which meant I would have to come in under 1h 59m 30s. I had decided to run with the 2hr pacers for the first 10km and then see how I felt after that.
We all lined up and a gentleman climbed a step ladder with a loudspeaker to get us under way. We ran straight to the first bridge and across.
From here we ran along the river crossed back over the bridge and up our first hill with not even a kilometre done. I should have realised from this point what the course would be like. I've never ran as many hills in my life.
From here we left the town. The two lads pacing were good craic and chatted away as we ran. They knew the course really well and would let us know when the next hill was coming and motivate us through it, telling us to conserve energy and get the breath back on the down hills. At 7km I started to feel a strong twinge in my left knee. Not used to running many hills and with the road slanted and pretty much uneven my knees were getting a good going over. After the injury at Christmas to my right knee and the length of time it took me to get back to running good distances I contemplated dropping out just in case I did some damage. I decided that there is always an aid station, if I needed to I could stop there, and kept going.
At the 10km mark we hit our biggest hill and this separated those who were aiming for a sub 2 hours into two groups. Once we got to the top of the hill my knee was giving me grief. I decided that if I ran quicker I would be finished quicker and be in some pain for less time. I picked up the pace a little, which actually helped the knee. Maybe my form changed with the change of pace, I don't know. The clouds had broken at this stage and there was brushings of blue in the sky. The sun was picking up in strength and the heat was making it tougher. The water stations were extremely welcome when I came upon them.
From here with the heat the going got tough. My heart rate was really high, it actually started higher than normal at the start due to the humidity. All I could do was plod along. Coming up to 16km and we crossed the bridge over the river that would mark our turn back towards the town. What I thought was the last water station was here and I was so happy for the extra water.
From here it was 5km along a straight, main road. I think I found this part the toughest of the course. As tough as the hills were finishing by running 5km virtually in a straight line with nothing but a clear view of the distance you have to run in front of you was tough. At 17km I could see the road looked like there was an incline up above. At 18km I could see it was a hill and I was not prepared for this. I thought this road was all flat for 5km. My heart nearly stopped. I was nearly out of energy and my brain was telling me to stop that I was going to collapse if I kept going. I could feel I was over heating. I had pushed my body very hard and was not sure If it would get me to the finish. As I reached the crest of the hill a water station came out of nowhere. I was never so happy to see a water station. I drank half the bottle and poured the rest over me to cool me down. I felt immediately better and my motivation came back. I was going to finish and in a good time, for me, too.
Back down to the town we crossed the first bridge we crossed at the beginning of the race again and turned back to the finish line. My knee was really aching now but not far to go now. I crossed the line in 1:56:00 race time but a 1:55:36 chip time, a new PR. Happy days
From here I walked to the river and got in. The water was freezing but me legs felt great for it. A nice stretch out and walk to cool down and it was back to the car, a quick change and a 1 hour drive home. Maybe there is something wrong with me but despite the toughness of the course I really enjoyed the event.
The only thing I could fault the organisers for is the t-shirts. When I came across the line there were no more medium size shirts left so I had to take a large, no biggy. Apart from this it was a great event. The route was fantastic lots of little roads and very scenic. We passed lots of houses where people were outside cheering us on. At one house a group of girls had set up their own water stand and were handing out cups. Although I didn't take any I thanked them for their work. There was a great buzz and atmosphere about the place the route was well sign posted. It is a tough run but all the more enjoyable when you finish it. It is also a small race at the moment with 414 starting it and 409 finishing. I finished 244. I hope to be back next year.
I arrived with plenty of time to warm up on an already warm morning in the town of Enniscorthy in Co. Wexford. Wexford is famed for it's strawberries and they have a festival each year called the strawberry festival. Last year they staged their first half marathon as part of this festival. I was registered for the race last year but didn't run it as I picked up a slight knee injury. This year I wasn't going to miss out again.
Parking was in a field beside the river, very close to the starting line. I sat relaxed and then decided to jog the short distance, probably 500m or so, to the start as part of my warm up. I was already sweating due to the heat and high humidity by the time I got to the start. I had a feeling that this was going to be a tough race. The temperature was 22ºC which is warm for Ireland but there was complete cloud cover and it felt very heavy.
At the start line I bumped into people I knew and we chatted about times and hopes for the race. I was hoping for a PR, which meant I would have to come in under 1h 59m 30s. I had decided to run with the 2hr pacers for the first 10km and then see how I felt after that.
 |
| The 2hr Pacers and their orange balloons |
 |
| Me "71" crossing the bridge |
 |
| At least there is always a downhill |
At the 10km mark we hit our biggest hill and this separated those who were aiming for a sub 2 hours into two groups. Once we got to the top of the hill my knee was giving me grief. I decided that if I ran quicker I would be finished quicker and be in some pain for less time. I picked up the pace a little, which actually helped the knee. Maybe my form changed with the change of pace, I don't know. The clouds had broken at this stage and there was brushings of blue in the sky. The sun was picking up in strength and the heat was making it tougher. The water stations were extremely welcome when I came upon them.
 |
| 12km in, just under 10km to go |
 |
| Across the bridge and the return journey begins |
Back down to the town we crossed the first bridge we crossed at the beginning of the race again and turned back to the finish line. My knee was really aching now but not far to go now. I crossed the line in 1:56:00 race time but a 1:55:36 chip time, a new PR. Happy days
 |
| At the finish line, and happy to be there |
The only thing I could fault the organisers for is the t-shirts. When I came across the line there were no more medium size shirts left so I had to take a large, no biggy. Apart from this it was a great event. The route was fantastic lots of little roads and very scenic. We passed lots of houses where people were outside cheering us on. At one house a group of girls had set up their own water stand and were handing out cups. Although I didn't take any I thanked them for their work. There was a great buzz and atmosphere about the place the route was well sign posted. It is a tough run but all the more enjoyable when you finish it. It is also a small race at the moment with 414 starting it and 409 finishing. I finished 244. I hope to be back next year.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Juneathon Meltdown
The first half of Juneathon went well. I managed to get in 15 day of exercise in a row and blog about it. My legs were tired but there was a nice sense of satisfaction at managing to get in 15 days of exercise in a row and I was starting to notice the difference from the core exercises.
Then meltdown. I felt run down. I know tiredness is a state of mind but I lost my motivation and a bit of my willpower to continue exercising everyday. I also backed away from the Internet, so I've read no posts and written none since June 15th. This is not to say that I have not ran during this period because I did, I just didn't do what I hoped I would.
I guess I found out how tough Juneathon is if you are not prepared for it. I'll be back next year with Janathon and hopefully will make a better go at it then.
So since the 15th of June I've ran a total of three times. Once for 17km, another for 6km both shown below, and I also ran a Half Marathon race, the strawberry half. Race report to follow. It's back on the horse again and the next run will be the first run of my 18 week Dublin City Marathon schedule, a schedule I hope I am better at sticking to.
Then meltdown. I felt run down. I know tiredness is a state of mind but I lost my motivation and a bit of my willpower to continue exercising everyday. I also backed away from the Internet, so I've read no posts and written none since June 15th. This is not to say that I have not ran during this period because I did, I just didn't do what I hoped I would.
I guess I found out how tough Juneathon is if you are not prepared for it. I'll be back next year with Janathon and hopefully will make a better go at it then.
So since the 15th of June I've ran a total of three times. Once for 17km, another for 6km both shown below, and I also ran a Half Marathon race, the strawberry half. Race report to follow. It's back on the horse again and the next run will be the first run of my 18 week Dublin City Marathon schedule, a schedule I hope I am better at sticking to.
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