The Windy Road to Nowhere

ThePiedPiper

Sun 8th May: 10 miles in 69:45 (6:58)

Spent the afternoon in Tayto Park with the kids. Beautiful weather. Out on the road at 6:45, still plenty of heat left, I really love running at this time of the year.
Took it easy enough on the way down the hill, then upped the effort for a few miles. 3 miles at MP and under. The 6:14 was a tough effort with a fair bit of it being uphill, but felt good.
7:02, 6:49, 6:31, 7:14, 6:20, 6:14, 7:19, 7:40, 7:20, 7:15.

AuldManKing

ThePiedPiper wrote: »

Sun 8th May: 10 miles in 69:45 (6:58)

Spent the afternoon in Tayto Park with the kids. Beautiful weather. Out on the road at 6:45, still plenty of heat left, I really love running at this time of the year.
Took it easy enough on the way down the hill, then upped the effort for a few miles. 3 miles at MP and under. The 6:14 was a tough effort with a fair bit of it being uphill, but felt good.
7:02, 6:49, 6:31, 7:14, 6:20, 6:14, 7:19, 7:40, 7:20, 7:15.

Cant really see it in those splits - super run though!

ThePiedPiper

Tues 10th May: 4 miles in 29:30

Progressive run on the treadmill. Started nice and handy, worked up to 15kmh for a half a mile or so.

Weds 11th May: 5 x 1/2 mile reps: 4.1 miles in 28:35 (6:59)

I made a bit of a haymes of this session a couple of weeks ago, and if anything, last night was even windier, so I wanted to get the splits a bit more even this time. First rep was easy downhill, as was the second. 3 and 4 undulating, and 5 an uphill nightmare. I dug in hard and kept the splits relatively even. Did 1/4 mile active recoveries. By the end of August, I should be able to do this session, but with 10 reps under 2:50. Obviously, this would be a hell of a lot easier on the track, but marathons aren't run on a track.

Splits: 2:44, 2:45, 2:55, 2:52, 2:58

ThePiedPiper

Thursday 12 May: 7.6 miles in 55:35 (7:19)

Can't really remember this run, it was at half eight in the evening after marking a whole bunch of Irish tests, clearing the head.

Sunday 15th May: 10.1 miles in 1:12 (7:12)

I was absolutely wrecked heading out for this run after spending the day doing multiple jobs about the house and not having had anywhere near enough sleep this past few days. Was going very easy for the first few miles, then decided after perking up a bit that I'd chance a MP mile. One turned into 3 and ended up having a pretty good workout. Slowed down for a mile, then decided on a whim to run another fast mile.
Faster miles were 6:27, 6:30, 6:19 and 6:14

ThePiedPiper

Mon 16 May: 4.1 miles in 30:35 (7:28)
Weds 18: 4.1 in 31:20 (7:40)

Two handy enough ones, enjoying the longer evenings

Thursday 19th: 5k DDAC graded meets race in 17:55 (5:36)

First fast short race in a very long time, and part of the plan to get a bit of speed back. Windy evening in Drogheda, and felt a little achy during my 7 minutes warmup!!

Race had about 20 runners and within 200m, I was aware I'd be running by myself for the whole thing. In hindsight I probably could have stuck it out with the little group in front of me, but didn't think a low 17 would be on the cards, so settled into my own pace. I was working fairly hard for the last 6-7 laps but managed to hold the pace pretty well. I think I finished in 4th or 5th. Mile splits according to the watch were 5:38, 5:34, 5:38, and 5:20 pace for the last bit. Considering the wind, running alone and the length of time since I did a fast race, I was happy enough with this.

youngrun

Good running , just shows you are pretty fit, the steady miles are working , youd probably run a decent ten k also off that

ThePiedPiper

Sat 21 May: 4 miles in 31:xx
Watch battery ran out of charge. Legs were very tired after a long day running about with the kids

Sun 22nd May: 11 miles in 1:18 (7:10)

Headed out on the road at 8:40pm, again after a long shift in the garden today, but body felt better than yesterday. Headed down by Sandpit, and over Walshestown direction before heading back for home. Threw in two MP miles near the end, 6:26 apiece. Light was just fading at 10pm when I got in.

ThePiedPiper

Tuesday 24th May: 4 miles in 26 (6:30)

Did this run on the treadmill. Progressive tempo, starting at 14kmph, working through the gears to 17 at the end. Comfortably hard I suppose.

ThePiedPiper

Weds 25 May: 4.1 miles in 30:30 (7:28)

A bit of a nothing sort of run.

Fri 26 May: 7.65 miles in 51 (6:40)

I was quite tired and a tad cranky heading out on this run after a slightly energy draining day or two at school. I hadn't planned on running fast at all, but after tearing through the first couple of miles, decided I'd stay on it and make a bit of a session out of it. Great evening for running.

Splits: 6:52, 6:22, 6:19, 6:20, 7:27, 6:14, 7:25, 6:08 (pace).

ThePiedPiper

Sat 28th May: 3.1 miles in 24 (7:44)

Late in the evening run, just wanted to get out, was feeling the legs a bit after the harder run on Friday.

Sun 29th : 5 mile race in 30:55

I knew I wasn't particularly well prepared for this, and then a couple of hours work in the garden didn't help, but it was as much of a family day out as anything, so jumped in anyway.

Weather was really warm, up about 20 degrees. Stabannon is a lovely little village, a few little hills to be dealt with. I settled into 5th early before some well built looking guy passed me. Sort of figured I'd get him back later, which I did. Anyway, spent most of the race just trying to deal with the heat and chasing down people who I thought were going backwards. With 1.2 miles to go, I passed a club mate to go into 4th and briefly deluded myself into thinking I'd run down 3rd place. As it happened, I ran out of gas entirely with a half a mile to go, got repassed and finished slowly in 5th place.
Splits: 5:55, 6:09, 5:59, 6:02, 6:42.

That's a fair couple of minutes slower than my best times over 5 miles but I'm not getting hung up on it. Really just looking to use a few races to get some speed back, there'll be much better days than today.

Had a brilliant day with the family, all the children ran in races, including the 17 month old!! Great fun had by all

ThePiedPiper

Mon 30th May: 13 miles in 1:30 (6:59)

No issues at all after racing on Sunday and working in the garden, so decided on a longer run Monday. Took it handy on the first mile, then moved on as I loosened up.

Did 10 miles at a range of sub 7 paces, the fastest being the last in 6:29. Felt like I was working fairly hard at times, but it's hilly country around grangebellew and Monasterboice, and it was still warm when I finished up at 10 pm.

I'm planning on upping the mileage over the next couple of weeks, speed is starting to come back, body feels ok, but high mileage has always been the difference between good and bad marathon cycles so now is the time.

ThePiedPiper

Tuesday and Wednesday, 31 May and 1 June: 4 miles apiece on the treadmill, I think

Friday 3rd June: 7.5 miles at 7:45 pace

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were pretty action packed days at school, between taking my class to athletics track and then to Fun Galaxy on school tour (brilliant craic), then Sports day on Friday. My body felt pretty beaten up by the time I did these few miles on Friday. Had more energy by the time I finished.

Sat-Mon 4-6 June: cutting turf about 13-14 hours serious hard work over the three days that has every single part of your body working. For the turfy types here, I cut a 10 sod bank, about 50 yards long, with the shlan and fork. I'd estimate about 140 bags. Great weather for it down in Connemara, temp in the low 20s with a cooling breeze keeping the midges under control.

Mon 6June: 3 miles on treadmill in 21:30.

Managed to get the lawn finished at 10:45 before rain, thunder and lightning started. Jumped on treadmill to just have had some actual running over the weekend. I might manage a longish run after school tomorrow, hopefully the weather won't be too wild

ThePiedPiper

Tuesday 7 June: 15 miles in 1:55 (7:40)

Got on the road about 3:40, very warm and humid weather, and I felt tired enough after the few days work in the bog, so took it nice and easy on this. Went through Sandpit, Walshestown, Grangebellew and Tenure. Nice quiet country roads. Was happy to get home as the heat was getting tricky.

ThePiedPiper

Weds 8 June: am 4 miles in 30 minutes on the treadmill

Pm: 11 miles in 1:21 (7:26)

Evening time run again. Much easier and more comfortable in the heat than yesterday. Ran down the Hill of Rath, by Tullyallen and back to Monasterboice.
Descending fog meant I didn't do any fence painting this evening. I'll have to tackle it again tomorrow

ThePiedPiper

Thursday 9 June: 3 miles in 23 minutes

Early morning on treadmill

Friday 10 June: 7.55 miles in 56:20 (7:28)

Out at 7:20 for very enjoyable early morning pre-school run. Left myself slightly tight for time for getting to work, but getting towards the end of the year, so no hassle.

Sat 11 June: Hard core bouncing castle shenanigans for our daughters 7th birthday party. Between that and a virtually impossible game of 'stuck in the mud', I physically tore my legs to shreds, and strained a hamstring for good measure. Great fun!

Monday 13tg June: 10 miles in 1:14 (7:29)

Set off quite gingerly on this run, with a bit of discomfort still hanging about the legs. It was fairly foggy up our way but much clearer weather down the hill. Felt fine by the end

ThePiedPiper

Tues 14 June: 4 miles in 30 minutes I think

Thursday 16: 7.55 miles in 52:20 (6:56)
4 MP miles in the middle of this run

Friday 18th: 4.1 miles in 32:40 (7:58)

This was a real easy run in the morning before school. Was going handy for the first couple of miles, then slowed completely to 9:23 for the 3rd running along with a friend who lives down the road who happened to be heading on her run. Picked up the pace for the last half mile

Sat 18th: 5k race in 36:25

This was all about the rest of the family. Mrs TPP had trained for a while for this race on the runway of the airport in Donegal, so I was running with the three kids, the youngest being in the buggy.

After 3k, our eldest daughter who's 7, dropped myself and the young fella, who was struggling with his sprint/jog/walk strategy a bit. She went on to finish in 32 minutes, the young buck rallied to finish in 36, which is fair going for a 5 year old, who is way more of a speed runner. We'd all a great time, and it was lovely to be taking a back seat at a race.

Monday 20 June: 10 miles in 1:09 (6:58)

Two slow miles in the 7:40s bookended 8 miles in the range from 6:35-6:55. Felt pretty good

ThePiedPiper

Thurs 23rd June: 7.6 miles in 56:50 (7:29)

Early morning run before school. Nice to have it done before heading off to work.

Fri 24th June: 4.1 miles in 31 (7:35)

Out early again. Couldn't drag myself out of the bed earlier than this, but happy enough.

Sun 26th June: 5 miles in 36:10 (7:13)

I was over in Sligo visiting my brother Saturday night. Thought I'd squeeze in a run Saturday evening, but didn't work out. Sunday morning, up bright and early for 5 wet, rainy miles on the Sligo-Leitrim border. Headed down to Connemara after that, did 5 hours work in the bog stacking turf. Briefly considered the notion of heading out for a few miles run on the mountain down there, but decided I'd be better served getting in the car and driving home.

Mon 27th June: 4.1 miles in 27:55 (6:48)

First day of the summer holidays proper today. Got up at normal time, and headed out for a half an hour. Mrs TPP still has school this week, so couldn't do longer. My body felt destroyed after the work in the bog yesterday, but the legs started turning over nicely after a bit, and decided to move on a bit, and get in a couple miles at PMP, 6:26 and 6:28 for the middle miles.

ThePiedPiper

Thurs 23rd June: 7.6 miles in 56:50 (7:29)

Early morning run before school. Nice to have it done before heading off to work.

Fri 24th June: 4.1 miles in 31 (7:35)

Out early again. Couldn't drag myself out of the bed earlier than this, but happy enough.

Sun 26th June: 5 miles in 36:10 (7:13)

I was over in Sligo visiting my brother Saturday night. Thought I'd squeeze in a run Saturday evening, but didn't work out. Sunday morning, up bright and early for 5 wet, rainy miles on the Sligo-Leitrim border. Headed down to Connemara after that, did 5 hours work in the bog stacking turf. Briefly considered the notion of heading out for a few miles run on the mountain down there, but decided I'd be better served getting in the car and driving home.

Mon 27th June: 4.1 miles in 27:55 (6:48)

First day of the summer holidays proper today. Got up at normal time, and headed out for a half an hour. Mrs TPP still has school this week, so couldn't do longer. My body felt destroyed after the work in the bog yesterday, but the legs started turning over nicely after a bit, and decided to move on a bit, and get in a couple miles at PMP, 6:26 and 6:28 for the middle miles.

ThePiedPiper

Tuesday 28 June: 7.6 miles in 55:30 (7:18)

Early morning tired effort

Thursday 30th: 4.3 miles in 37:40 (7:23)

Sat 2nd July: 11.6 miles in 1:20 (6:57)

Run home from Slane, through Collon in the afternoon. Got really lucky with the weather, although it was still a bit windy in places. Ran 4 miles at PMP during this.

ThePiedPiper

Mon 4th July: 7 miles in 47 minutes

One mile warmup and 5 PMP and a mile cool down. On the treadmill. Warm and humid indoors.

ThePiedPiper

Wednesday 6th July: 9.6 miles in 1:05 (6:52)

Windy enough evening for running, and unfortunately the road I choose for this run over the Hill of Rath had a lot of loose chipping for about 2 miles. However, decided to work away and do a few miles at PMP. 4 faster miles went well, but the hardest work was in the 8th mile, 6:55 hard up the hill past the Popes Cross. Delighted with that effort

ThePiedPiper

Friday 8 July: 4.1 miles in 29:40 (7:15)

Another long day in Tayto Park , just squeezed this run in in the evening before darkness and heavy rain fell.

Saturday 9 July: 21 miles in 2:38 (7:34)

First proper long run in a while. I was down in Kilkenny at the Leinster Fleadh for the weekend, and not knowing any long safe routes there just opted for an out and back on the old Waterford road.

There was quite a stiff southerly breeze the whole way to Ballyhale, which was hard work in places. I was glad to turn back and have the wind on my back. However, after about 16 miles, I was getting fairly tired. Weather was hot and heavy, close to 20 degrees, and I'd no water with me.

First long run always a bit of an eye opener, it can only get better.

Sunday 10 July: 5 miles in 38:50 (7:46)

Tired and sore recovery effort

ThePiedPiper

Tuesday 12 July: 4.25 in 31 (7:19)

We spent the day in Carlingford on Tuesday. There's a Greenway between there and Omeath. This called for cycling/skootering and a bit of running from the older two along with me running. Did a mile fastish by myself at the end. Lovely day

Wednesday 13th: 6.25 miles in 46:10 (7:24)

Left one of the cars in for a service, and ran home.

Friday 15th: 12 miles in 83 minutes

Progressive tempo run on the treadmill. Started at 12kmh, increasing every 400m by 0.1kmh, up to 16.0, then 2 mile cool down. Good workout

ThePiedPiper

OK, where was I?!

Before I start logging again, here's a summary of what has gone on in life and running in the past year.

We discovered we were expecting our fourth child last July. With lingering trauma from last years failed Connemara Ultra, along with a couple of slight injury issues, this led me to deciding to take pretty much a full scale hiatus from running. Between July and the Warsaw marathon in October, I possibly ran 30 miles in total, and maybe even less than that between the marathon and March, I can't remember. I did the marathon in 3:30, more of a sightseeing jog than anything.

We welcomed a baby boy in March, and in April, I did a little bit of running. Minor surgery at the end of April meant no running in May. Got things going slightly again through June, to the point where I was getting my long run up to 10 miles. Then, I'd the misfortune to pick up some flu that hung around for 3 weeks. Again, no running.

I've been very lucky in respect to health and injuries for 12 years, so I'm quite accepting of where I am. However, I've piled on a bit of weight, and have a strong desire to start putting some time into running again.

Regarding goals, in the short term, I just plan on running maybe 5 days a week slowly. In the medium term, I'm determined to not let 2017 pass without running a marathon. In the long term, I suspect my marathon PB is out of reach for at least 2-3 years, if not completely. However, I would absolutely love to aim towards sub3 again, maybe in autumn 18 or spring 2019, life and health permitting.

So, today is ground zero, logging served me well a couple of years ago, before I got bored of boards.

Saturday 12th August: 6 miles in 50 minutes

After a few fantastic days at the world championships, I decided time was nigh to get back on the roads. A slow effort but the important thing is to run consistently for a few weeks. Pace and distance will come back I hope.

AuldManKing

Welcome back!!

ThePiedPiper

AuldManKing wrote: »

Welcome back!!

Cheers Auldman. I'd a wee look at your log there yesterday, you're in fantastic shape. I assume you got the sub3 monkey off your back at some stage over the past couple of years? Best of luck with the races to come.

ThePiedPiper

Sunday 13th August: 8 miles in 1:06 (8:20 avg pace)

Headed down one of my favourite loops crossing the Belfast railway line with views of the sea. Legs were tired after this. Spent an hour and a bit working in the garden after, shock therapy after weeks of doing nothing.

Monday 14th August:4.1 miles in 34:30 (8:27 pace)

Very slow run around the block when I got a break between rain showers. Three consecutive days running. It's a start.

AuldManKing

ThePiedPiper wrote: »

Cheers Auldman. I'd a wee look at your log there yesterday, you're in fantastic shape. I assume you got the sub3 monkey off your back at some stage over the past couple of years? Best of luck with the races to come.

I did in San Sebastian last November!!

Good to see you back - no doubt you'll be back in fantastic shape really soon.

El Caballo

Welcome back and best of luck getting back into shape. Tbh, I think you'll be surprised how quickly you will start to get moving again even if it feels like you are well off it now. All the best chief!

Peckham

One of the old gang is back!

Had this marked as thread I was following from back in the Chicago marathon days. Now suddenly a dormant thread has been reinvigorated.

Best of luck with the comeback. Will be following with interest.

ThePiedPiper

El Caballo wrote: »

Welcome back and best of luck getting back into shape. Tbh, I think you'll be surprised how quickly you will start to get moving again even if it feels like you are well off it now. All the best chief!

Cheers El Caballo. I know what you mean about getting fitness back, I can usually get into ok shape relatively fast. Granted, I wouldn't say I've been as out of shape as I am now since 2006!! Hopefully that old theory about muscle memory is correct.

ThePiedPiper

Peckham wrote: »

One of the old gang is back!

Had this marked as thread I was following from back in the Chicago marathon days. Now suddenly a dormant thread has been reinvigorated.

Best of luck with the comeback. Will be following with interest.

How's things Peckham? I thought you'd left boards a couple of years ago. Good to hear from you. That was a great weekend in Chicago alright. Did you take some time off from running at some point? Hope everything is going well for you and there wasn't too much of a fallout after the Monaghan-Dublin game!

ThePiedPiper

Tuesday 15th August: 6 miles in 46:45 (7:47)

My body didn't seem to be screaming "Stop" at me quite as much today, so I felt able to move at a slightly faster pace.

I've been experiencing a bit of discomfort in my right hip for a couple of years now, I kind of thought a long period of rest might help. It's certainly not painful, just something like a click. I've never been at a physio, but think I might just book an appointment to see is it anything I should be concerned with.

Another issue that I'm going to have to address is runners. I'm in my last pair of Mizuno Elixirs, which have been my go-to for about 7 years. Gait analysis recommendations were Kayano, which I abandoned years ago, or Saucony Guide. I have a couple of pairs of Green Silence floating about that are pretty knackered, and a pair of Ghosts that I've ran in a few times. Maybe the Ghosts would be a good option until I lose a stone and speed up a little. Green Silence was a great runner, I just don't think my running efficiency would be good enough at the moment for something light. I'll squeeze another few weeks out of the Elixir, maybe try and give them a good send off.

pconn062

ThePiedPiper wrote: »

Tuesday 15th August: 6 miles in 46:45 (7:47)

My body didn't seem to be screaming "Stop" at me quite as much today, so I felt able to move at a slightly faster pace.

I've been experiencing a bit of discomfort in my right hip for a couple of years now, I kind of thought a long period of rest might help. It's certainly not painful, just something like a click. I've never been at a physio, but think I might just book an appointment to see is it anything I should be concerned with.

Another issue that I'm going to have to address is runners. I'm in my last pair of Mizuno Elixirs, which have been my go-to for about 7 years. Gait analysis recommendations were Kayano, which I abandoned years ago, or Saucony Guide. I have a couple of pairs of Green Silence floating about that are pretty knackered, and a pair of Ghosts that I've ran in a few times. Maybe the Ghosts would be a good option until I lose a stone and speed up a little. Green Silence was a great runner, I just don't think my running efficiency would be good enough at the moment for something light. I'll squeeze another few weeks out of the Elixir, maybe try and give them a good send off.

I know just the man!

Great to see you back at it, we'll have to get out for a jog soon and catch up. Need to recap just how many kids you have at the minute!

Peckham

ThePiedPiper wrote:

How's things Peckham? I thought you'd left boards a couple of years ago. Good to hear from you. That was a great weekend in Chicago alright. Did you take some time off from running at some point? Hope everything is going well for you and there wasn't too much of a fallout after the Monaghan-Dublin game!

I've been hanging around in the background (both on boards and the running scene) pretty much since Chicago. That was my retirement from "fast" marathons.

Currently on "comeback" number 143. Hopefully this one lasts longer than 2 weeks! Aiming to pace my brother in law to 3:45 in DCM in October. Maybe that will kick-start something else.

Will be watching you for inspiration!

ThePiedPiper

Wednesday 16th August: 4.1 miles in 30:30 (7:28)

Very heavy rain and a strong wind yesterday evening. I've avoided heavy rain at all costs since my little experience with hypothermia last year, but with temperatures being pretty high, this was the ideal time to get over that hurdle. The old me used to revel in tougher conditions, and I got some of that mojo back yesterday. Really enjoyed the run, and got a bit of faster running done than of late.

Thursday 16th August; 10 miles in 1:18 7:49)

Again, heavy rain shortly after I left the house. This was never going to be anything other than a bit of a slog, as I've gotten very slow on hills, and I live up a pretty long hill. This route is up and over the Hill of Rath and up again to Monasterboice. There's about 500feet elevation gain over the last 3 miles of this run. I seem to be about a minute a mile off being fit, but considering how woefully slow I was just a week ago, it's been a very productive first week back in the proverbial saddle.

I'll be busy over the weekend, more likely to do a fair bit of swimming than running, but I might try to squeeze in a run at some stage. I've cleaned up my diet a lot this week, and am feeling more enthusiastic and positive about running than I have been in about 2 years. It's good to be back

ThePiedPiper

Tuesday 22nd August: 7.5 miles in 58:30 (7:48)

I'd a busy weekend down in Co Clare, squeezed in a few lengths of the pool, but never got out running. Anyway, no harm done.
Up this morning, expecting all sorts of dreadful weather, but it was actually quite warm and humid out and about. Miles went by nicely, I worked hard on the uphill sections, kept each mile under 8:00, which has been challenging lately on the hills. Decent effort

ThePiedPiper

Wednesday 23 August: 4.1 miles in 30 (7:20)

Finally, something resembling a bit of speed. Legs felt pretty jellyish on the way out for this, but I was in a bit of a hurry, so had to push on. Nothing overly amazing or interesting, just a couple of miles in the 6:50ish range. Still though, felt good and I was very happy to feel that bit of pace in the legs.

ThePiedPiper

Fri 25 August: 3.6 miles in 25:40 (7:08)

Thursday got away on me, and Friday nearly did. When I got out, I felt like putting the foot down a bit, felt good to be moving on a little, and ran hard up the hills. Met Mrs TPP and the 4 kids out walking half a mile from home, so cut the run short.

Sat 26 August: 4.1 in 32 (7:48)

Took the 2 year old in the buggy for this one. Good core workout, and good company. Lots of questions about various farms and tractors required answers.

Sun 26 August: 10 miles in 1:16 (7:36)

Around the Gallstown road. Handy first 3 miles downhill towards Dunleer, then an undulating few miles. Worked hard to keep every mile under 8:00 pace.

I'd originally half considered entering the Monaghan marathon on 1st October as a low key sort of jog. I don't think I will now, it's just too soon, don't think there's any point putting that pressure on the body just yet. There's a few options in late October or November so I'll aim to get myself in some sort of shape and see what happens.

ThePiedPiper

Mon 27 August: 4.1 miles in 29:40 (7:15)

Very heavy rain when I went out yesterday, got a nice soaking, but it was lovely to be out, had a busy enough day organising a few things, good to clear the head.

Tuesday 28 August: 4.2 miles in 29:30 (7:02)

When i go back to school tomorrow, I'm going to try to go out running in the mornings before school, so today was a dry run at that. I ran as hard as I could on the last mile up the hill, trying to address what has become a weakness, something that used to be a strength. Getting there, slowly but surely.

ThePiedPiper

Wednesday 29 August: 4 miles in 30:27 (7:36)
Nothing interesting, early morning run before school.

Thursday 30 August: 5.85 miles in 43:35 (7:28)

More streamlined routine in morning, had more time on my hands, nice to have running done before school.

Sat 1st September: 8.3 miles in 1:03 (7:35)

Friday morning didn't happen, with 4 smallies, there's always the potential for that. Declined the evening, as I felt like a day off.

The young lad had a party to go to yesterday, so I decided to go running when it was on. I was hoping to have an hour and a half, but with traffic and whatnot, we were late getting across town to the party. Only had an hour and ten minutes on hand.

I took a route that takes in a lot of the Boyne 10k race in Drogheda. Headed along the Boyne Ramparts, did a lap of the Oldbridge Park, back in the whole length of the Ramparts, up by Millmount and back to Funtasia. As it turned out, I could have squeezed in another 15-20 minutes, but that was fine. Good mix of surfaces and a few hills. It was nice to run on the grass at Oldbridge, actually taking the time to enjoy the landscape, as I've only ever raced here before.

I might see about doing a longer run than that later, or maybe I'll consider getting up at 6 tomorrow and getting it done earlier before school. Back in the day, I once did an 18 mile run on a February morning before work. Can't see a return to that level of madness, but I'm sure I can stretch a long pre work run to 10-12 miles, we'll see.

ThePiedPiper

Monday 4th September: 12.35 miles in 1:33 (7:36)
Up at 6 to get out in the pouring rain. However, despite the rain, it was pretty warm. Really enjoyed this. I'd the countryside entirely to myself. Kept the pace nice and steady, but had to put in a decent effort on the last 3 miles uphill. Longest run in a very long time. Got to be honest, I was feeling it at the end, but very happy to get the 'long run' up to 20km.

Tuesday 5th September: 4.1 miles in 30:35 (7:28)

Legs were on the stiff side after yesterday's longer run, but turned over alright after the first few minutes. More rainy weather, but not cold. Really enjoying these early morning sessions, great start to the day.

Itziger

Great to see you back Piper. I hope that you can get back to 'fast' running in the not so distant future. The above 12 miler suggests you're in a decent enough place already. Who knows, we might run a marathon together at some stage even.

In the meantime, we'll always have Frankfurt and you supping a beer in the taxi between pubs!!

ThePiedPiper

Itziger wrote: »

Great to see you back Piper. I hope that you can get back to 'fast' running in the not so distant future. The above 12 miler suggests you're in a decent enough place already. Who knows, we might run a marathon together at some stage even.

In the meantime, we'll always have Frankfurt and you supping a beer in the taxi between pubs!!

That was some impressive post race rehydration in Frankfurt alright. Was I speaking Irish to a german taxi driver?! Good craic.
Yeah, hopefully our paths will cross again at another race. I'll be booking into marathons all over Europe before long I'm sure.

ThePiedPiper

Saturday 9th September: 5.2 miles in 35:10 (6:46)

I was up home in Monaghan for the day, and snuck out for a quick one. Having had a couple of days of no running, I felt like I had a bit of energy and freshness in the legs, and moved it on pretty well. That could well be the fastest run I've done in maybe a year, not too sure. Felt good.

Sunday 10th September: 15.7 miles in 1:58 (7:35)

I was apprehensive enough about this, and could have nearly talked myself out of it, but the two youngest were in bed and Mrs TPP chased me out the door with a stick.
Weather was reasonably dry when I left but gusty winds would make it interesting. Wind was at my back for the first 6 miles down through Termonfeckin, then straight into my face as I ran up the Boyne estuary into Drogheda. Somebody turned the rain on for a couple of miles, and wind seemed to swirl a lot. Last mile up the hill into the wind was tortuous, that one took nearly 9 minutes. However, average pace was pretty decent.

ThePiedPiper

Tuesday 12 September: 4.1 miles in 30:55 (7:33)
A little fatigued after the long run, but no real issues. Cold and wet September morning.

Wednesday 13th September; 5.8 miles in 42:25 (7:19)

Got out slightly earlier, and moved on pretty nicely on this run.

Friday 15th: 6 miles in 44:18 (7:23)

Various children related issues meant Thursday morning was slightly manic, got back out early Friday.

Pints, a late night, early morning, a cough, and miserable wet weather and a more sensible approach meant Saturdays planned long run deferred.

Sunday 17th September: 16.25 miles in 2:02 (7:34)

We were over at a friends house for all-Ireland football final, so I took gear with me to run home. I headed off in the direction of Mornington, ran back in the south bank of the Boyne estuary into Drogheda, took the Ramparts right out to Oldbridge. From there, decided on the more challenging route up King Williams Glen, into Tullyallen, out past Mellifont, and on home by the Monasterboice monastic site. An extremely enjoyable run, taking in the best of the historical sites around Drogheda. Pace felt comfortable, and a few more miles would not have been a problem, but for falling darkness.

I'm feeling pretty well set up for a race in a couple of weeks.

ThePiedPiper

Saturday 23 September: 10 miles in 1:14:30 (7:27)

Missed, or took, a week off, whichever way you want to look at it. I'd a bit of a cold threatening to escalate, so figured there wasn't any point making it worse. Got a nice 10 miler done on Saturday, felt pretty comfortable, and was good to be back on the road.

Monday morning went out the window with various children related issues to deal with before school.

Tuesday 26 September: 4.1 miles in 31 (7:36)

Beautiful morning for running. We've been having issues with the oil boiler this past month or more, got a new one yesterday. Felt great to just go out to the garage and put on a pair of runners instead of mopping up a gallon of water! Miles ticked by nicely. I'll just do a couple of easy runs this week, I'll start introducing a bit of speed work in a couple of weeks probably.

ThePiedPiper

Monaghan Marathon Race Report

I entered the race three weeks ago, and felt reasonably confident that I'd be in acceptable shape for it. The goal was to avoid a personal worst. So, 3:30ish was my rough target.

We took all the kids up and stayed with my parents. Headed into Monaghan to pick the race number up at 8:15. Great atmosphere for such a small race. Some people had run marathons on Saturday also, and an occasional lunatic was lining up for back to back to back.

Lined up at 9, and got going promptly. Met up with an old friend I hadn't seen in a few years, and we nattered away for a good hour or so. One loop of town taking in the Greenway along the Ulster Canal, which was absolutely lovely.

The race headed into Rossmore park then, which was beautiful. I genuinely enjoyed every minute, despite the course being challenging in places. Every one of the four loops, I took in different sights. Wife, kids and my mother were on hand to cheer me on and give me gels on the end of the second and third lap. I started feeling the distance after 23 miles. Managed to pick up the pace on the last couple of miles to finish in 3:27:30. The young fella ran the last 100 metres with me, which was great.

Super spread after in the soccer clubhouse. Fantastic race, well organised, nice Tshirt and medal, €35 entry, and running in my home town. Great day.

pconn062

That's a great run off a few weeks training A, the ability is still there. You might consider sticking the 5th of November in your diary for the senior XC, need all the help we can get. You can only run better than you did last year!

AuldManKing

pconn062 wrote: »

That's a great run off a few weeks training A, the ability is still there. You might consider sticking the 5th of November in your diary for the senior XC, need all the help we can get. You can only run better than you did last year!

jeez P - he's only just rejoined Boards - this sort of pestering will make him go away again

BTW Nice run A - impressive endurance already.