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Making every mile count
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After a short jog from the train stop to the start line the legs felt nicely warmed up setting out. As soon as the gun went, I got into a good position, aided by the excellent starting position. Unusually for me there were no immediate thoughts of ‘WHY THE HELL ARE YOU DOING THIS AGAIN?!!’ You know, the train of thought that has you questioning your sanity, knowing the pain ahead. I already felt in a good place leaving the track, not even 200 metres. What’s the plan, I thought to myself. What is the plan? I told everyone in ear shot over the course of the week about the importance of getting into a group, having made a complete mess of doing so in April in Rotterdam. I was on the lookout for a group, preferably eyeing up the leading Dutch women, envisaging they would have their own pacer. I was looking for a bit of comfort, a bit of company for the poor lone Irishman.
First thought of the day: It was hot!
We entered Vondelpark and like a single man standing at a bar, I was looking for someone to dance with. Anyone? I spotted a group……..too slow. Move on. I spotted a female runner with a pacer/bodyguard keeping her from harm’s way. I latched on, following their every step. Lovely. I quickly realised they had slowed down so I made my move. After running through the incredible archway of the Rijksmuseum, I quickly found another group and latched on. Happy days. I am no longer the loner, I had company. We passed the 5km marker. I felt good, if a bit warm.
5km - 03:43 min/km (5km avg.) - 00:18:34
Ok, lads - it’s time to work.
After the 6km marker a definite group formed. It appeared to be a strong group and I was content. There wasn’t anything shared but there was obviously a stronger American runner chatting his way around the streets of the capital (it turned out he was a former 2.23 guy). I liked him but found his chatter a bit annoying and pushed on a bit when he said we were the 2.35 group. They must have liked me because they followed the tall Paddy. Unfortunately there wasn’t any group ahead, no pack to target. Should I have pushed on? Perhaps. I guess it’s hard to push on to the unknown and much easier to stay with what you know.
Second thought of the day: The course may have been flat but it sure was twisty!
Crossing the 10km mat with almost 25% completed, not ripping up trees but getting into a groove. It’s just the start of the race I reminded myself.
10km - 03:38 min/km - 00:36:44
Third thought of the day: I need the toilet!
From here on in I didn’t look at the watch. In fact, I hadn’t looked at the watch since the opening mile or two. One thing was annoying me, grating at me in fact. Unlike Rotterdam the cups did not have a foam top, meaning that you were lucky to get ¼ of a cup after most of it went over the top after grabbing it. I did my best but it was tricky. The U-turn (12.5km), as expected, was negotiated with the grace of a three legged elephant. We now hit the banks of the Amstel and in many ways, the mentally hardest miles of the course to possibly come. The group remained strong.
15km - 03:38 min/km - 00:54:54
We were now running into a strong headwind along the river. The running here was constant and relentless, with very little to break the monotony of putting one foot in front of the other. I was still in a good place physically and still importantly, still in a solid group. I was in good form, taking my second gel after the first at 8km. I put off the inevitable for as long as possible and snuck into the portaloo. I felt the pace had eased somewhat within the group so I picked my moment and did what I had to do! In hindsight that was a mistake as I really underestimated the wind and soon realised why the group pace had slowed. I was now 20 seconds back but with no need to panic I made it my mission to close the gap as efficiently as possible. I was now running solo and fighting the wind. A mistake for sure. The left turn ahead after the 19km marker signaled the crossing of the bridge and visiting the neighbouring bank of the river for some more riverside running! I was really hoping the wind would now help us all out and give us a helping hand. The gap was now down to 5 seconds or so. Good stuff, I convinced myself.
I knew I was behind my initial target at halfway but with plenty of running still to do, confident I could make up some lost time over the second half.
20km - 03:46 min/km - 01:13:42
Halfway - 21.1 km - 03:17 min/km - 01:17:18
The wind was now assisting us somewhat but without that headwind the heat really turned up. I caught the group here as soon as I did…….KABOOM! It blew up. Typical! Some hard running was had here as the sheer relentless of the section of course took its toll. The sun was now beating down and I began to really feel it. The American friend that I mentioned earlier had probably caused the implosion with a slight increase in effort and pace. He left the group behind, as well as his running buddy, creating a 20m gap back. I was now leading the fractured group, fighting the good fight.
Boy, I was looking forward to getting off the river and some sheltered city running.
25km - 03:40 min/km - 01:31:37
Finally! We escaped the hardship of the river. I was now really looking forward to the 30km marker and the end of the ‘death zone’ of marathon running. The crowd support remained sparse but that was something that I didn’t notice at the time, only on reflection. At the 26km marker I was picking off the odd person, with my American friend ahead providing a very useful benchmark of progression. I wasn’t hurting but I didn’t feel I could up the pace. I was running hard and steady, nothing more. Here I joined by two runners running in tandem. Where did these lads arrive from? Are they even in the race? Who cares! Like a limpet I latched on and again looking back, they saved me. A hard left…..28km, 29km. Hang on in there! It now became very clear the lads were on a training run. Little did they know that they were dragging a man from Ireland called Anthony around the streets of Amsterdam for close on 6km. Heroes!
30km - 03:39 min/km - 01:49:54
The crowd support lifted, as did my spirits on reaching the 30km marker. I knew I was moving well but knew I wasn’t running at 100%. I was planning to up the effort at 35km and leave nothing behind. Perhaps I was much running within myself a bit too much. Perhaps I was too conscious, too scared to really go for it. I was back to solo running, again picking off the odd person with no one yet passing me.
I was now very much looking forward to the 36km marker and seeing Emma with a big caffeinated spiked drink in her hand!
35km - 03:40 min/km - 02:08:14
True to her word she was there and without even making eye contact I took the drink and gel. I was now in the groove; tired, hurting but not hurting very badly. I thought here about the pain of the corkscrew session and it made me realise I wasn’t faring too badly. I needed to make a move but without support, without many to chase, it proved hard. In hindsight, I just didn’t back myself. I should have rolled the dice and backed myself a lot more. With that said, hindsight and reflecting back in the comfort of a coffee shop……….I was now in countdown mode. A few little (tiny!) climbs now began to be felt.
Passing the 38km mark meant retracing our steps from the opening kilometres. I now began to lift the effort a bit but the legs just couldn’t muster it up to any tangible noticeable degree. It was a great feeling to be running so strong so far into the race but it was disappointing not being be to blow the lid off the effort and pace. I was stuck in a gear, unable to vacate its stubborn hold.
40km - 03:40 min/km - 02:26:33
The finish was a thing to behold. The incredible stadium finish will live long in the memory. I passed out a number of athletes over the course of the closing stage, only being passed once. Finishing the marathon in a stadium was a new experience for me and what an incredible experience it proved to be. Magic.
Finish - 42.195m - 03:36 min/km - 02:34:28
Looking on the result objectively, a PB of close on 2 minutes indicates a positive result. Personally, I don’t think the time truly shows the improvement made if analysing performance solely based on the clock. I have come away from the result on Sunday very happy. After all, we as runners and athletes endure enough poor results, enough hard sessions, to know that ‘a PB is a PB’ and to enjoy it. That I plan to do! PB's become harder and harder to secure, that’s the beauty of the sport. That’s the reason I put on the runners over 10 times a weeks. I am not alone in that, so many do that and more again. I guess it comes down to dedicating yourself to a pursuit, a pursuit I personally am not very good at, and giving it everything you have.
I may never run a good race ever again or never PB once more. One thing is for certain though – it won’t be for want of trying!
The Amsterdam Marathon has filled me with so much confidence going forward. For that, I am extremely grateful.
Amsterdam Marathon - 55th Place (2.34:28)0 -
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Dublin Intermediate XC
31st
In many ways I was very much looking forward to today's outing. Sure, it was to be a trip into the unknown being my first ever cross country race, but I was genuinely interested to see my result and placing on finishing. On paper the race should be one in which I am in with a decent shot of a good placing. Unfortunately for yours truly, races are not run on paper! My build up was not ideal; up early to work at the Jingle Bells 5km before a long trip up North to work some more. I hit bed at 2.30am totally wiped, with motivation at a low point.
I am almost 5 years running but to my eternal shame, I would optimistically guesstimate that I have ran less than 1% of all my miles on grass. Doesn't bode well for XC, does it?! :rolleyes: I am a road runner through and through. With that said, I promised myself and more importantly the club I would toe the line. I felt it was important to 'give something back' or to at least try and give something back. Running can be a selfish sport pursuit at the best of times but sometimes one needs to step back and do something you feel uncomfortable in doing.
My First Day in School.
I made my first mistake it not doing a course recce. Maybe I was protecting myself from what was to come! The start was subdued enough, with me becoming quickly fearful of what was to come. How to spot the road runner: it's the guy who almost falls flat on his face in the first corner! I was pushed back upright (thank you whoever you were!) Perhaps from that point onwards I began running with a bit of fear in my eyes. The race soon settled, with me overtaken by approximately 15 people. That was a new feeling for me. I just hoped my marathon strength may come through later on in the race. How wrong was I! The first of the four laps was a grueling affair; twist and turn, rise and fall, try not to lose a shoe, try not to fall over, try not to completely shame myself. I was aerobically in a good place but unable to get any faster. It was like I was running in mud......oh wait, I was!
Lap 2 was equally grim. I knew I had to finish for the club but the boy I just could not handle the turns (they would make a great bloopers video
). Being a shade over 6'3'' doesn't really make the sharps turns any easier. To say I was like an obese elephant trying to salsa dance would be unkind on the poor animal! There was one particular right turn, very sharp with a very nasty rise, that had in all types of trouble. What the hell was that I thought to myself. I did not recall that from opening lap! The right turn quickly after had me almost at a standstill; no momentum, no technique! Car crash stuff :eek:. Lap 3 was somehow easier, perhaps because I had slowed. The two right hand turns were no easier and I may have well have walked around them. I probably would have been faster in doing so! I could see Luke and the lads extend their lead over me and wished them well......they where closer to the finish afterall. B1STARDS! Mistake 2 was using the shortest spikes possible. What a schoolboy error.
Lap 4 began and I was now well and truly in damage control. One or two athletes passed me like I was standing still on the turns; maybe I was actually standing still. I passed one soul on the last 200m and overtaken by one.
Being a 33.30 10km/2.34 marathoner puts me firmly in the 'average club runner' bracket. I think that an honest assessment of my current ability. One day I want to considered a 'good club runner' but that day is a fair bit down the track. While it's nice to place and do well in some races, it's also very satisfying to get your ar$e absolutely kicked in races. Seeing a runner on Sunday, almost a full half lap ahead of me, was quite humbling. He would be someone I beat on the roads, especially distances over 10km. I estimate he probably bet me by close on 1,000m metres.......over an 8km race! Cross Country is a different beast though - a different sport.
Am I disheartened by the race? Not one bit! If anything, it brought me back to reality and reinvigorated me. I am motivated from seeing others do well - that's where I want to be, I tell myself. I quite often look back to the Simon 5 Mile race. In that race I came 3rd but was completely outclassed by two good athletes. I can still see them ahead. I can still see where I need and want to be. That's motivation. I find it difficult to be inspired by worldclass athletes. Yes, seeing them do what they do is incredible to witness but it's not even vaguely tangible, not even remotely possible for a runner like me.
There's no shame in doing sh1te. I guess the my only regret is not doing it earlier. I fully recommend it to all.
Cross Country - I will be back! 0 -
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Great story. Fair play to you for doing a session the day after that ordeal!
All of my own doing so only myself to blame
The story at least breaks up the monotony of writing about easy run after easy run, with barely anything noteworthy to write about! It always makes me laugh that we engage in a hobby, a hobby that can take up a considerable amount of time, that can be so unmemorable in the majority!
Thank the man upstairs for podcasts. The latest one keeping me company being 'An Irishman Abroad'. The episode released for Christmas made the first 10 miles of my long run so interesting. It's the Enda O'Doherty episode. Such an interesting discussion and topic. There's over 100 episodes in the bank so great for marathon training........now where are my keys?! 0 -
dublin runner wrote: »All of my own doing so only myself to blame
The story at least breaks up the monotony of writing about easy run after easy run, with barely anything noteworthy to write about! It always makes me laugh that we engage in a hobby, a hobby that can take up a considerable amount of time, that can be so unmemorable in the majority!
Thank the man upstairs for podcasts. The latest one keeping me company being 'An Irishman Abroad'. The episode released for Christmas made the first 10 miles of my long run so interesting. It's the Enda O'Doherty episode. Such an interesting discussion and topic. There's over 100 episodes in the bank so great for marathon training........now where are my keys?!
Thats a super story...........the old "I had my hands down my tights to keep them warm....Your Honour"........classic.
Must look up An Irishman Abroad - I'm looking for something new - a break from Off The Ball & 2nd Captains is needed. I tried Serial last year, but didn't get beyond the 1st episode.0 -
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Monday 8/1
AM: 6.10 Miles Very Easy @7.45p/m
PM: 6 Miles Easy @7.27p/m
Tuesday 9/1
10.50 Miles Very Easy @7.47p/m
Wednesday 10/1
Corkscrew Session: 4 Reps
10.25+ Miles
Another trip to Howth. Another trip to the Hill of Misery. After a 3 mile warm-up we set of on our session, with the coach giving me a substantial headstart (didn't last long!) I described this exact session before but in essence it's running up a hill four times. Sounds easy, right? Halfway up the 1 minute recovery gives you a chance to brace yourself for what is to come. Now, the opening 2 or so minutes is very much uphill, it's a big climb. Unfortunately, that pales into insignificance when discussing the actual corkscrew section to come. The opening 2 minute segment felt fine but in hindsight I overcooked it. I really struggled on the second section, entering a deep painful cave 30 seconds after setting of. It's really hard to describe how grim it quickly becomes. After reaching the top I turned on my heels and jogged back down to the start, hoping for the best but knowing I was in for a long lonnnnng session. He passed me on the jog down, I wished him well!
I was now already in damage limitation mode and there were 3 more reps to go!! As you can imagine it was quite a painful affair. I really didn't think I could pull through but so I did. The last rep was just brutal. There's a particular 20m section that brings you to a standstill, like being stuck in quick sand. I somehow reached the top, almost falling into a car! I was completely bunched - hands on knees territory.
A great session, even if slower than last time. It a session you need to be sharp for, it's unlike anything else. I was session rusty, having not done it in quite some time.
Once again my Pain Threshold Level has been reset.
That hurt.
Thursday 11/1
8.25 Recovery Miles @7.57p/m
Legs - banjaxed. My everything hurts.
Friday 12/1
6 Very Easy Grassy Miles @7.43p/m
Still nowhere near recovered. The weekend will be fun!0 -
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