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Run Killarney Half Marathon
I’d heard this was an amazing route and a fab race. I missed out last year so my birthday was in May and having missed out on a sub 2 hour in Limerick, I asked for an entry to Killarney as my present. It didn’t disappoint.
I set my alarm for 5am last night and proceeded to be awake for hours then after going to bed. 1am and I was still awake. Woke another few times and finally the alarm went off at 5am. I’d everything laid out so got dressed quickly, grabbed breakfast out of the fridge and into the car. I ate breakfast while driving to Killarney. Got parking easily and saw all the buses lined up to take the runners upto Molls Gap. They were leaving at 6:45. Met two friends and we hopped on. We drove up the route we’d be running down and I realized there were going to be a few more uphills than I thought - oh well! It was a stunning morning though fairly cold up at Molls Gap. We left it until the last minute to hand our bags to the bag drop truck and lined up.
My main goal for the race was sub 2. When I started a new plan a couple of weeks ago the suggestion was that it would be better not to be racing during training so no mini tapers or recoveries. However, this had been booked prior to that plan so we fit it into the plan. As a session it was supposed be 10@9:15 and last 3.5 @ 8:58. However, based on the training achieved in the last couple of weeks and discussion with the coach I was aiming for a steady enough 9 min mile and pick up for the last mile or two. I decided myself to start with the 2 hour pacers to just ensure I stayed in control.
Miles 1-5
Splits: 8:36; 8:56; 9:08; 8:48; 9:03
I went and met the two hour pacers and after a quick race briefing we were off. The road was closed the whole way to Killarney which was fab. Scenery was amazing and just beautiful. We set off and into an immediate downhill. I was with one of the pacers and we were discussing how it was hard to pull back even though we felt really slow. First mile clocked in at 8:36 and I mentioned it didn’t seem that fast but the course flattened out and next thing we were climbing and mile 2 was 8:56. It was raining but only lightly and perfect weather really. The steep downhill started around mile 3 and I really held myself back here. It was all so easy and not the slightest bit out of breath. The route was really windy and it amazed me the amount of people sticking to one side of the road. I was happily passing people out simply by following the race line. The mile markers were passing really quickly and it was lovely and relaxing. Strangely, I was passing the mile markers but my gps was starting to beep after I’d passed them. I was ahead of the pacers at this stage but comfortable and slow enough anyway.
Miles 6–10
Splits: 9:03; 8:55; 9:15; 10:21; 8:58
At about 5.4 miles the downhill finished and straight into drags up and hills to recover. My legs felt strange for a bit after the downhill but I’d been told to expect this so I just tried to relax. I took it easy climbing and recovered on the down hills. My breathing was becoming more labored and I began to think about when I’d take a gel. I’d planned to at 1 hour but I was beginning to get a few stomach cramps and I was a bit wary. I hung on for a bit and then decided I’d have to make a pit stop anyway assuming there was a portoloo at the next water stop which were every 3 miles. Took the gel and was grand but was still afraid to bypass the loo. Was busy calculating and I reckoned I’d still be sub 2 so better stop. It was annoying and a bit disappointing. On a funny note the portoloo was on very uneven group and I actually wondered could it topple over with me inside. :eek::eek: That would have been some story
I didn’t know if the 2 hour pacers had passed. I began to think they hadn’t as I passed out a number of people I’d already passed out including a fireman in full fireman suit. I’d only 4.4 miles to go or so and I figured maybe I could up the pace a bit and try and shave off the some of the time I’d lost. Strangely my watch beeped at 9 and 10 miles way before the marker even though it had been beeping after the markers until then.
Miles 11-13.1
Splits: 8:58; 8:46; 8:50; last .14 @ 8:02
Turned off the road and into the National Park just before the 10 mile mark (I think). It changed into a trail and a short downhill and I passed out quite a few people here while not upping the pace. I hoped the park was finally going to be flat as opposed to the constant up and down. The trees cleared and we went through another water station and I had my bottle from the last one so I just had a sip and dropped it rather than carrying it anymore. I then spotted the 2 hour pacers well ahead. Feck! There was a big group with them and I didn’t know how much under 2 hours they planned on coming in. I was really feeling it at this stage but just tried to maintain the pace as much as I could. I thought back to last Saturday’s run where I picked up the pace for 1.5 miles and the tempo runs I did during the week and I knew my legs could do it even if they really didn’t feel it. Unfortunately a few drags appeared but that meant there’d be a downhill so I pushed as much as I could and then went a bit faster on the downhills. This was really hard but I had to do it. I was reeling in the pacers slowlyand calculating times and how many minutes left and distances to beat the band. I had to get sub 2 or I’d be disgusted. Finally as I passed the 12 mile mark I came up behind the group - they’d split into two and this was the slower of the two. I passed a friend who was walking and gave her a nudge and told her to get going again. I powered past the group and then had to catch the other group who were moving at a nice pace. My legs were like jelly at this stage. I caught up and just kept going to pass them. I wasn’t even able to turn my head to say hi to the pacer and I don’t know if she noticed and wondered where I’d appeared from when I’d gone off in front earlier on. I passed them with 1km to go and there was a downhill coming up and she told the group make the most of it and I heard somebody saying yeah but it finishes uphill - great :rolleyes:
Anyway, I left them behind and kept pushing. I knew I wasn’t flying but it was as fast as I could go. Sure enough the uphill appeared and I just leaned forward and powered up it as much as I could. The finish line was in front of me. I picked up the pace as much as I could and I was through. The clock said 1:59:xxbut there would be a chip time. I switched my watch off so fast I didn’t notice my time. For the first time ever in a race I thought I was going to puke. I needed water and none to be seen. Was wishing I hadn’t thrown away the bottle 3 miles earlier. Queues were quite long to get to the tent for medals, water and then t-shirt. The medal and t-shirt are lovely. I hung round for a bit waiting for my friend and staring at the 10km guys walking though looking for Swashbuckler. Unfortunately we didn’t get to meet. Got my token for a free hotdog too. I grabbed a banana out of my car and had the hotdog for dessert. Lovely at 10am in the morning!
I looked at Strava and saw 1:57:09 and knew I’d stopped for about two mins so was thrilled. It was a bit later when I opened Garmin Connect and saw 1:58:44. For some reason Strava only recorded running time. Even though it was still sub 2 and still a 3 minute pb approx it disappointed me a bit.
I had a free pass to hang out for the day and my friends were staying round but I was tired after max 3.5 hours sleep so headed for home. As the day went on I’ve obviously been thinking and analyzing. I’m delighted now with my pb and finally getting my sub 2. I do think starting the new plan two weeks ago has helped no end. It gave me the confidence to do those paces today and to keep going when I wanted to stop. If I could do it in training I could certainly do it in a race. I know it was obviously in me as that Training can hardly have had an effect on my fitness yet but I don’t think I would have realized I could do it.
So long winded as usual but a good day out and very pleased with how it went overall. Happy to have achieved one of the goals I set out at the start of the year finally. I’m a sub 2 half marathon runner - woohoo
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Run Killarney Half Marathon
I’d heard this was an amazing route and a fab race. I missed out last year so my birthday was in May and having missed out on a sub 2 hour in Limerick, I asked for an entry to Killarney as my present. It didn’t disappoint.
I set my alarm for 5am last night and proceeded to be awake for hours then after going to bed. 1am and I was still awake. Woke another few times and finally the alarm went off at 5am. I’d everything laid out so got dressed quickly, grabbed breakfast out of the fridge and into the car. I ate breakfast while driving to Killarney. Got parking easily and saw all the buses lined up to take the runners upto Molls Gap. They were leaving at 6:45. Met two friends and we hopped on. We drove up the route we’d be running down and I realized there were going to be a few more uphills than I thought - oh well! It was a stunning morning though fairly cold up at Molls Gap. We left it until the last minute to hand our bags to the bag drop truck and lined up.
My main goal for the race was sub 2. When I started a new plan a couple of weeks ago the suggestion was that it would be better not to be racing during training so no mini tapers or recoveries. However, this had been booked prior to that plan so we fit it into the plan. As a session it was supposed be 10@9:15 and last 3.5 @ 8:58. However, based on the training achieved in the last couple of weeks and discussion with the coach I was aiming for a steady enough 9 min mile and pick up for the last mile or two. I decided myself to start with the 2 hour pacers to just ensure I stayed in control.
Miles 1-5
Splits: 8:36; 8:56; 9:08; 8:48; 9:03
I went and met the two hour pacers and after a quick race briefing we were off. The road was closed the whole way to Killarney which was fab. Scenery was amazing and just beautiful. We set off and into an immediate downhill. I was with one of the pacers and we were discussing how it was hard to pull back even though we felt really slow. First mile clocked in at 8:36 and I mentioned it didn’t seem that fast but the course flattened out and next thing we were climbing and mile 2 was 8:56. It was raining but only lightly and perfect weather really. The steep downhill started around mile 3 and I really held myself back here. It was all so easy and not the slightest bit out of breath. The route was really windy and it amazed me the amount of people sticking to one side of the road. I was happily passing people out simply by following the race line. The mile markers were passing really quickly and it was lovely and relaxing. Strangely, I was passing the mile markers but my gps was starting to beep after I’d passed them. I was ahead of the pacers at this stage but comfortable and slow enough anyway.
Miles 6–10
Splits: 9:03; 8:55; 9:15; 10:21; 8:58
At about 5.4 miles the downhill finished and straight into drags up and hills to recover. My legs felt strange for a bit after the downhill but I’d been told to expect this so I just tried to relax. I took it easy climbing and recovered on the down hills. My breathing was becoming more labored and I began to think about when I’d take a gel. I’d planned to at 1 hour but I was beginning to get a few stomach cramps and I was a bit wary. I hung on for a bit and then decided I’d have to make a pit stop anyway assuming there was a portoloo at the next water stop which were every 3 miles. Took the gel and was grand but was still afraid to bypass the loo. Was busy calculating and I reckoned I’d still be sub 2 so better stop. It was annoying and a bit disappointing. On a funny note the portoloo was on very uneven group and I actually wondered could it topple over with me inside. :eek::eek: That would have been some story I didn’t know if the 2 hour pacers had passed. I began to think they hadn’t as I passed out a number of people I’d already passed out including a fireman in full fireman suit. I’d only 4.4 miles to go or so and I figured maybe I could up the pace a bit and try and shave off the some of the time I’d lost. Strangely my watch beeped at 9 and 10 miles way before the marker even though it had been beeping after the markers until then.
Miles 11-13.1
Splits: 8:58; 8:46; 8:50; last .14 @ 8:02
Turned off the road and into the National Park just before the 10 mile mark (I think). It changed into a trail and a short downhill and I passed out quite a few people here while not upping the pace. I hoped the park was finally going to be flat as opposed to the constant up and down. The trees cleared and we went through another water station and I had my bottle from the last one so I just had a sip and dropped it rather than carrying it anymore. I then spotted the 2 hour pacers well ahead. Feck! There was a big group with them and I didn’t know how much under 2 hours they planned on coming in. I was really feeling it at this stage but just tried to maintain the pace as much as I could. I thought back to last Saturday’s run where I picked up the pace for 1.5 miles and the tempo runs I did during the week and I knew my legs could do it even if they really didn’t feel it. Unfortunately a few drags appeared but that meant there’d be a downhill so I pushed as much as I could and then went a bit faster on the downhills. This was really hard but I had to do it. I was reeling in the pacers slowlyand calculating times and how many minutes left and distances to beat the band. I had to get sub 2 or I’d be disgusted. Finally as I passed the 12 mile mark I came up behind the group - they’d split into two and this was the slower of the two. I passed a friend who was walking and gave her a nudge and told her to get going again. I powered past the group and then had to catch the other group who were moving at a nice pace. My legs were like jelly at this stage. I caught up and just kept going to pass them. I wasn’t even able to turn my head to say hi to the pacer and I don’t know if she noticed and wondered where I’d appeared from when I’d gone off in front earlier on. I passed them with 1km to go and there was a downhill coming up and she told the group make the most of it and I heard somebody saying yeah but it finishes uphill - great :rolleyes:
Anyway, I left them behind and kept pushing. I knew I wasn’t flying but it was as fast as I could go. Sure enough the uphill appeared and I just leaned forward and powered up it as much as I could. The finish line was in front of me. I picked up the pace as much as I could and I was through. The clock said 1:59:xxbut there would be a chip time. I switched my watch off so fast I didn’t notice my time. For the first time ever in a race I thought I was going to puke. I needed water and none to be seen. Was wishing I hadn’t thrown away the bottle 3 miles earlier. Queues were quite long to get to the tent for medals, water and then t-shirt. The medal and t-shirt are lovely. I hung round for a bit waiting for my friend and staring at the 10km guys walking though looking for Swashbuckler. Unfortunately we didn’t get to meet. Got my token for a free hotdog too. I grabbed a banana out of my car and had the hotdog for dessert. Lovely at 10am in the morning!
I looked at Strava and saw 1:57:09 and knew I’d stopped for about two mins so was thrilled. It was a bit later when I opened Garmin Connect and saw 1:58:44. For some reason Strava only recorded running time. Even though it was still sub 2 and still a 3 minute pb approx it disappointed me a bit.
I had a free pass to hang out for the day and my friends were staying round but I was tired after max 3.5 hours sleep so headed for home. As the day went on I’ve obviously been thinking and analyzing. I’m delighted now with my pb and finally getting my sub 2. I do think starting the new plan two weeks ago has helped no end. It gave me the confidence to do those paces today and to keep going when I wanted to stop. If I could do it in training I could certainly do it in a race. I know it was obviously in me as that Training can hardly have had an effect on my fitness yet but I don’t think I would have realized I could do it.
So long winded as usual but a good day out and very pleased with how it went overall. Happy to have achieved one of the goals I set out at the start of the year finally. I’m a sub 2 half marathon runner - woohoo
"If it's meant to be its up to me"
How true that is and you're proving it it week in week out.
Well done!0 -
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Fantastic. I was delighted to see your result pop up on Strava yesterday. Very well deserved after the months of solid and consistent training you've put in. No doubt the new coach will help bring you on even more. You're a sub-2 half marathoner 0
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Bluesquare wrote: »Well done on half marathon - loved the race report!Great report! Well done again!Great stuff on the HM. Well doneDelighted you got your goal of a sub 2 hour. Great race report. Well done.
Thanks all.Sub 2!!!! Yessss! Not even remotely surprising but very well deserved and more to the point done in very impressive style! That was some going at the end to catch up to the pacers again and then pass them. Fair play to you, a really impressive run!Excellent going K, especially catching up and getting ahead of the two hour pacers on what sounds like a tough route.
Sub 2 - woooooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
I still can’t quite believe I did that myself. I wonder if I hadn’t seen them ahead would I have copped on to pick up the pace enough to go sub 2.Loved the report K still delighted for you, how are the legs today it normally peaks for me by day 3 and then eases
That was a well-timed email from your coach
My quads were definitely stiffer this morn than yesterday. Have another easy 6 miles to do tonight and hopefully ok by tomorrow evening as I’ve a whopper of a session to do then!0 -
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OOnegative wrote: »Great stuff in Killarney, fair play on breaking the 2hr barrier with ease.
Thanks a mill.Swashbuckler wrote: »Just realised I said everything but congrats. Well done on sub 2hrs! Even with a toilet break! That's just taking the piss... Lol... Great job. Roll on DCM
Ha ha! Unfortunate timing for sure!Pomplamousse wrote: »Congratulations on going sub 2 hours
Thank you.BrownEyes79 wrote: »Brilliant race report K, very exciting read, I could feel my heart quickening when I was reading about the last few miles!!! Congrats again on the sub 2hrs, knew you had it in you!Yep delighted for you too....glad that your plan and coaching has you finally believing what DCM 17 told you. Lots more and bigger improvement to come. This is only breaking the ice!
Thanks guys. Looking forward to lots more improvements.0 -
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Swashbuckler wrote: »It did look very tough but I had my doubts it would be that way all the way through. A couple of your sessions have been mega tough.
Yeah, I’m planning to ask what’s the theory behind the aggressiveness of it. I have loved achieving the sessions but the last two longer runs have suffered. Ooh, maybe I should do shorter stuff:rolleyes: 0 -
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Yeah, I’m planning to ask what’s the theory behind the aggressiveness of it. I have loved achieving the sessions but the last two longer runs have suffered. Ooh, maybe I should do shorter stuff:rolleyes:
I was more than a bit concerned by what you were doing for a couple of reasons. The first was that your coach didn't seem to have any interest in past performances which would surely be a good starting point. But he knows a lot more than me about marathon running :pac:
The second was because of a rule of thumb that I had heard about many times about stepping up training...the 10% rule. Never to increase frequency of running, distance or pace by more than 10%. I was worried that you became a 6 day a week runner after always running 4, running much faster and for longer in such a short space of time.Swashbuckler wrote: »Now you're talking my language haha.
What are you like? :pac:0 -
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DCM Training - 1 month down
I’m amused reading my last comment here as that’s not quite how I feel this week and this plan seems to be doing that to me and giving me a right rollercoaster of emotions as I said before. Anyway, more analysis later.
Monday: Planned 7 mile tempo 6@8:50; 1@8:40
Actual: 8 miles with WU, 8:51; 8:41; 8:50; 8:41; 8:59; 9:00; 8:38; CD
This was a lovely run. It was to be putting a bit of effort in but not so fast that it was hard going and needing recovery and I loved just running away listening to my audio book and keeping a close enough eye on pace. Paces weren’t a problem and even though it was humid out I found it really comfortable. Heart rate was average 146 and max 166 which is quite low for me or no different to an easy run really. The rest and break the day before had paid off.
Wednesday: Planned 3x2 miles @ 8:25 with 2 min recoveries
Actual: 7.5 miles, 10 min WU: 8:12; 8:23; 8:16; 8:25; 8:27; 8:24; CD
Was feeling tired and sluggish all day before this one and then had to do it at 6pm to be home to let my husband go out. Not ideal as very sunny and warm and paces were to be fast. Was not looking forward to it. Off I went anyway and decided to do it around the pitches in the park so it would be nice and flat. It was tough going from the start and legs a bit sore but kept going. Did the first mile too fast so was trying to slow down to the right pace. Same thing happened for the 2nd set. I was wrecked but headed into the 3rd set and was more on pace here coming in at 8:27 for the first mile. I was slower again for the 2nd mile but when I saw 0.3miles to go I sprinted until the watch beeped and came in at 8:24. I was exhausted after and clothes soaked from sweat. Had a banana and home then to drop my husband out and put the kids to bed and shower before my own dinner. Didn’t stretch properly either.
Thursday: Planned 7 miles easy
Actual: 7 miles @ 10:33
Nothing major about this. Did it with a friend and quite enjoyable besides swallowing flies. Found it harder than I should have as legs a bit sore. Right quad has been sore ever since Killarney and left calf tight.
Saturday: Planned 14.5 miles: 10 @ 9:25; 4.5 @ 9:15
Actual - ran 10 miles, walked / ran last 4
Tired yet again after another stupid’s nice sleep. Pressed snooze for a bit and got up, coffee, toast and peanut butter and got ready. Set off about 8am in the rain. Was very warm so wore my sleeveless rain jacket and visor. First mile was 9:11 and a bit too fast. My right quad was sore and hoped it would stop hurting. Kept going and noticed my pace was dropping. I really wasn’t feeling this run. I stopped at about 5 miles to use the facilities more for a break than actually needing to use them. Quad was very sore starting again but pain lessened so kept going. I had stopped watching my pace at this stage and was just thinking about the distance. However I got to 10 miles and that was it, started walking and just gave up. I was soaked so every now and then and I ran a bit. When I got to a shop at 12 miles I went in and got a lucozade sport. I hadn’t carried water or taken a gel and this tasted great. I decided I wasn’t going to run any more though I still had nearly 2.5 miles to go to get back to the car. Turned off the watch and just walked on and a friend picked me up for the last half mile - it was a real downpour after that so I was lucky she passed.
Sunday: planned 4 miles
Didn’t do this run. I could have but my husband has been minding the kids all weekend and I didn’t want to run too late tonight as doing 6 miles in the morning as the only time the babysitter is available.
Total miles: 34.5 miles
Soooo, wasn’t exactly feeling good about this. I have a sports massage booked for Tuesday anyway to hopefully sort the quad. Truthfully though it was more than likely lack of energy too. It’s been a heavy month, the heaviest I have ever done. I was wondering if I made a big mistake signing up to this plan. I certainly am not going to be able to keep this pace of training up. Without me saying anything there were a few comments on Strava from people who’s opinions I respect that the plan is too much. I had already emailed coach asking for a phone call to review the plan and that I think it’s too heavy for me. I’d have probably been quite down in the dumps yesterday but I’d a friend visiting for the night and we were going out for dinner and drinks with other old friends. I had planned to drive but threw caution to the wind and left the car at home and chilled out with a few drinks. It was a good distraction.
Today I have received an email from the coach with the plan for the next month and will have a call tomorrow eve. Plan is different in that with the exception of one week there are 3 easy runs, one session (no harder than I’ve done already) and the long runs which are getting longer and a bit slower too. I still have a few queries about paces etc but feeling slightly more confident again. Just to get rid of this niggly quad now and hopefully get back on track. Now if somebody could tape my mouth shut and stop me picking at rubbish outside of meals I’d be all sorted.
Kellygirl, I love reading your posts and I think its great to see you being so committed!
Apologies if I missed where you may have already have recorded this but how did you decide on the type of training schedule you would commit to after running last year's DCM?
I don't want to get too ahead of myself but part of me is already looking ahead to next year and am wondering if I do continue on the marathon buzz, will I need to consider other traing schedules, considering I'll no longer be a first-timer 0 -
Kellygirl, I love reading your posts and I think its great to see you being so committed!
Apologies if I missed where you may have already have recorded this but how did you decide on the type of training schedule you would commit to after running last year's DCM?
I don't want to get too ahead of myself but part of me is already looking ahead to next year and am wondering if I do continue on the marathon buzz, will I need to consider other traing schedules, considering I'll no longer be a first-timer
Thanks Coogy. After the Novices thread closes somebody sets up a Graduates thread and there are plans posted there developed by Testosterscone here on Boards. They are brilliant and you can choose what distance you want to follow etc. Some of last years group got serious pbs following them. I had an issue at the time that I could only run 4 days a week so chose a Hal Higdon plan for Cork but while it got me round it didn’t develop my speed / pace. I was dithering for ages about Dublin and what to follow as had lost a bit of confidence so decided to go down the personalized plan route. For you, your best bet will be to follow the Graduates plan as it really is excellent.0 -
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The plan really did look intense on Strava, but you really gave it a good shot! Maybe it's too intense right now, but could give you an idea of where you might like to head in terms of training? Or not, of course
Definitely very intense last month but seems to be more achievable for the month ahead so feeling more positive this morning. For the most part I achieved all the runs/sessions and surprisingly so to myself. It was really only the last two long runs that suffered and that was a case of not hitting the paces last week and walking after 10 miles on Saturday. Keeping up that intensity may have killed me though 0
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