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Once in a Lifetime....for now

1568101138

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    eyrie wrote: »
    Well done to both of you for your efforts on Sunday! Sounds like the pints didn't interfere too much in the end ;)

    Ah really it's the one thing I have to sort out. Diet is something I have done a lot of work on but far too many pints still... I'd love to be able to quantify the affect on my running...:o


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    13th-19th August

    This week was mostly about trying to recover from my highest ever mileage week and hoping to be ready for the Kilcock 10 from 10. What did I learn? That trying to run races to your best is very difficult in the middle of a heavy training block! :pac: I'm sure today will stand to me going forward but by Jaysus it took it out of me!

    Monday 13th: A very gentle 3.1 miles at a sedate 9:47 per mile. Was still feeling the 19 miles from the day before which included Knockmaroon and Anglers rest hills.

    Tuesday 14th: 60 minutes very easy. 6.6m @ 9:38

    Wednesday 15th: Session day. 20 mins at threshold (6:39-6:48). Went up to Santry Demesne for this. I like the up and down nature of the park for this type of work. Felt good and averaged 6:34 for the 20 mins.

    Thursday 16th: Started the wind down towards Kilcock. 45 very easy minutes. 5.2 miles @ 9:10

    Friday 17th: Rest Day

    Saturday 18th: 3.1 miles including 5 x 100m strides.

    Sunday 19th: Kilcock 10 from 10

    Pre Race: I had terrible trouble trying to come up with a plan for this one. I wasn't sure what nick the legs were in after some heavy training. I had decided that my long term target of breaking 70 minutes for the first time. Well I had decided until I looked at paces last night and saw that to break 1:30 in a half someday I would need to run 6:50 per mile. So the plan changed! :pac: Let's try 6:50 pace and see how long I can hold it for.

    I met a selection of past and present Novices on the day. It was nice to meet Cullenswood and Supercell of this years novices. Big thanks to Browneyes for collecting my number and t-shirt last evening and then providing me with pins when I realised I had forgotten mine. :rolleyes: I love meeting C at races. She has completed a couple of the grads plans, is training really well and reaping the rewards with some fantastic improvements. I then bumped into WW and somehow while chatting I decided I'd sit with the 70 minute pacers for a bit before kicking on.

    Miles 1-3: After half a mile the pacers were 10 or 15 seconds behind pace so I kicked on :pac:. Talk about changing my mind as I went! It didn't take me long to realise that today was going to be a tough one. The mile splits were 6:49, 6:39 and 6:50. Yes I was pretty much on target but it was feeling too hard. Legs were feeling it more than they had after 20 mins of my midweek session even though the pace was slower. I was also isolated on the road unless I wanted to drop back to the 70 minute group. I just didn't want to accept defeat this early by doing that but there were only 3/4 runners in the 200 yds ahead of me that I could focus on.

    Miles 4-7: These miles were all about digging in. It wasn't what I was expecting. I always thought that as race distances went up that you got a bit more time where you felt you were cruising. Not today! I just concentrated on rhythm and breathing, trying to stay consistent. Splits were 6:45, 6:45, 6:49, 6:47. That looks nice and steady but it was far from it. It was grim!

    Miles 8-10: Sean you're a tosser. What in the name of God made you tell your Whatsapp grad friends you'd aim for 6:50 pace? Jesus I regretted it now. Mile 8 was a draggy one and I was losing the battle to maintain pace. I passed one runner from Tallaght but that was it. 7:03 for the mile and my last reserves dragged out of me on a humpback bridge and a hairpin turn that involved coming to a near standstill. I found it hard to get the legs going after that. My heart dropped on feeling the headwind that would be in my face along the canal path. I found myself in a group of 3 here and we just ploughed along without a word. I could tell they were hurting as bad as I was. Nothing much more to add...2 miles of slogging, not a hint of a sprint finish. 6:57 and 6:39 for the last 2 miles

    Post Race: Chip time 68:01 Position: 90/499 M50: 5/36
    A PB which despite the tone of this post I am delighted with. A lesson learned regarding racing in the middle of a training block and managing my own expectations/ hopes.

    A good day all round with WW and Browneyes both recording impressive PBs, congrats to both of you. The race itself was a triumph of dedication and organisation. Not one thing wasn't done 100%...an absolute success and deserving of a much higher turnout next year and on subsequent years. I have no doubt this race will firmly establish itself as one of the best on the calendar over the coming years. I most definitely have no intention of missing it as long as the auld legs keep going.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,601 ✭✭✭Wubble Wubble


    Fair play on digging in near the end. Nice to catch up beforehand. No mention of the massive spread in the school at the finish?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,834 ✭✭✭OOnegative


    No taper and a bitch of a humid day and you still broke 70 mins with ease, a PB to be happy with but one I reckon that won’t be to long before it’s broken again, good man S.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Fair play on digging in near the end. Nice to catch up beforehand. No mention of the massive spread in the school at the finish?

    Haha...I made my comments on the Kilcock 10 thread. I was a bit distracted at the end of my report watching a fantastic end to the hurling and seeing that my beloved Utd really are $hite again this year! :mad: It was indeed a fine spread with a veritable feast of cakes and buns. I really did miss sandwiches though, they were few and far between. Today's spread was definitely one for the sugar lovers! ;)


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    OOnegative wrote: »
    No taper and a bitch of a humid day and you still broke 70 mins with ease, a PB to be happy with but one I reckon that won’t be to long before it’s broken again, good man S.

    :pac::pac: ease??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,834 ✭✭✭OOnegative


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    :pac::pac: ease??

    68.01 is with ease, 69.59 is hanging on, no??


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    OOnegative wrote: »
    68.01 is with ease, 69.59 is hanging on, no??

    Yeah I get your point. Though 69:59 would have been easier :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,204 ✭✭✭MY BAD


    Congrats on your PB.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,022 ✭✭✭Kellygirl


    Well done again Sean. You did brilliantly. I did wonder was there no spread after when it wasn’t mentioned in your report!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,339 ✭✭✭cullenswood


    Well done today, and good to meet you too. That wind on the canal was stronger than I expected aswell!
    I reckon if you took a weeks taper you'd definitely bag a sub 90 HM when you target it. Hitting that pace on your current schedule is impressive.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,799 ✭✭✭Huzzah!


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Yeah I get your point. Though 69:59 would have been easier :)

    It's not supposed to be easy! Well done on digging in when the going got tough and on the PB. No doubt, with a bit of a taper, you'll hit your goal at the half.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Huzzah! wrote: »
    It's not supposed to be easy! Well done on digging in when the going got tough and on the PB. No doubt, with a bit of a taper, you'll hit your goal at the half.

    Thanks! Appreciate the congrats. Not in Ratoath though...looking at 1:32, 33 for that. Bohermeen next March is already looking like my sub 90 goal race!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Unthought Known


    Congrats again Sean. A great time regardless, but it really is impressive without a taper.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Congrats again Sean. A great time regardless, but it really is impressive without a taper.

    Thanks A. I just have this strange hollow feeling that just won't go away. 😖


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,761 ✭✭✭ReeReeG


    Brilliant running and great report S! Feeling it but still pushing on... that's gonna be a race you look back on with a lot of pride! Well done, you deserve every second of that PB :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,427 ✭✭✭scotindublin


    Great time Sean keeping up he impressive run (pardon the pun) that you are on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,558 ✭✭✭✭Murph_D


    Fair play, Sean, well done. Sometimes you have to grind out a result and you certainly showed a lot of grit out there! Congrats.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,583 ✭✭✭Swashbuckler


    That's a fantastic result S. And that's a great effort over ten miles. I know all about racing in the middle of training. It'll stand to you don't worry. If it really is a key race for you then you'd probably have a bit more of a taper. Nothing wrong with getting through a tough race on tired legs. Great result.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,307 ✭✭✭ariana`


    It's all been said S... brilliant racing, you showed true grit, you star is shining bright at the moment - enjoy it.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 258 ✭✭BrownEyes79


    Brilliant as always Sean and even more amazing that you did it with no taper!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,338 ✭✭✭eyrie


    That's a hell of a performance S, and the result to reflect it. Well done! Hope you're still smiling from it :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,968 ✭✭✭aquinn


    I've had a busy few days reading your log. You have made some progress.

    Well done and congratulations on the 10 mile PB.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Thanks all for your very kind comments. I don't know why but I just didn't feel the love for my run and was left with a headful of questions. Getting my head around it now :pac:


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    20th-26th August

    Monday 20th:
    Rest Day

    Tuesday 21st: 7.2 very easy miles around local roads and parks at an average of 9:33 per mile. I met Ultrawoman after a couple of miles and had a nice chat until we went our different ways. The amount of running she does never ceases to amaze me.

    Wednesday 22nd: Session day. Plan had 40 mins @ tempo (4:20-4:27 per km). This felt nice and comfortable at an average pace of 4:24. Warmup and cooldown brought the mileage to 7.8

    Thursday 23rd: More very easy miles to add to my burgeoning collection of handy runs. 7.2 of them at 9:19 this time again around local roads and parks.

    Friday 24th: I had my car in for a service so took the opportunity to run over to Cherry Orchard to collect it. The singers were rehearsing at the Papal Cross in preparation for Sunday's ceremony. The little climb from Chapelizod to Ballyfermot was a wee steep bugger! :eek: Nice little 8.4 miles @ 9:04

    Saturday 25th: A 60 minute moderate pace run (4:50-4:58 per km) was on the plan and duly delivered at a slightly too fast but very evenly paced 4:47 per km. I felt really good throughout, a nice little blowout.

    Sunday 26th: Plan had down a 2 hour 15 minute LSR but I had decided to do a 20 miler instead. The main reason for this was that the plan doesn't have a long run included next week and I'll be doing the Ratoath Half the following week. I didn't want to get to mid September with only one 19 mile run above the numerous 14/15's I have done. With the PP out of commission I decided to run 10 miles to Howth before turning back. The morning couldn't have been much worse weather wise with heavy rain for every step of the 3hrs and 11 minutes. The first 6 miles down to the Howth Road were grand but when I left the shelter and hit the coast road the wind was savage, blowing in off the bay. It stayed in my face up to Sutton Cross where I turned right for a bit of uphill work. I felt strong and didn't drop the pace much over the next couple of miles. I got to my target 10 miles about 1300 metres from the summit and decided it would be rude not to go to the top. The return trip was easier to start with a nice downhill and downwind few miles. Finished with a slightly faster mile ...just to get to the shower faster! :pac: Because of the little bit added the run ended up at 21.7 miles at 8:46 pace.
    I got a bit of a shock when I got in to see a blood stain through my rain jacket...my first ever bleeding nipple :eek: Turns out there were one or two more areas of chaffing despite the fact I used Body Glide. Hardly surprising with me being soaked to the bone. Despite this and the weather I really enjoyed the run, good miles banked for sure. First time to bring any sustenance on a run this year, namely an SIS gel which I took at 8 miles and 3 deliciously sweet and sticky medjool dates which I scoffed at mile 15. Hydration was before the run and a couple of bottles of Yazoo chocolate milk afterwards.

    All in all it was a good week, happy with it.

    Sorry that a couple of sessions are in km but Strava won't show me laps or maps at the moment so I'm using Garmin Connect which I have set up in km to see paces for splits and sessions.

    Weekly Miles: 62.5
    Monthly Miles: 203.4
    YTD Miles: 1624


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,251 ✭✭✭coogy


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    20th-26th August

    Monday 20th:
    Rest Day

    Tuesday 21st: 7.2 very easy miles around local roads and parks at an average of 9:33 per mile. I met Ultrawoman after a couple of miles and had a nice chat until we went our different ways. The amount of running she does never ceases to amaze me.

    Wednesday 22nd: Session day. Plan had 40 mins @ tempo (4:20-4:27 per km). This felt nice and comfortable at an average pace of 4:24. Warmup and cooldown brought the mileage to 7.8

    Thursday 23rd: More very easy miles to add to my burgeoning collection of handy runs. 7.2 of them at 9:19 this time again around local roads and parks.

    Friday 24th: I had my car in for a service so took the opportunity to run over to Cherry Orchard to collect it. The singers were rehearsing at the Papal Cross in preparation for Sunday's ceremony. The little climb from Chapelizod to Ballyfermot was a wee steep bugger! :eek: Nice little 8.4 miles @ 9:04

    Saturday 25th: A 60 minute moderate pace run (4:50-4:58 per km) was on the plan and duly delivered at a slightly too fast but very evenly paced 4:47 per km. I felt really good throughout, a nice little blowout.

    Sunday 26th: Plan had down a 2 hour 15 minute LSR but I had decided to do a 20 miler instead. The main reason for this was that the plan doesn't have a long run included next week and I'll be doing the Ratoath Half the following week. I didn't want to get to mid September with only one 19 mile run above the numerous 14/15's I have done. With the PP out of commission I decided to run 10 miles to Howth before turning back. The morning couldn't have been much worse weather wise with heavy rain for every step of the 3hrs and 11 minutes. The first 6 miles down to the Howth Road were grand but when I left the shelter and hit the coast road the wind was savage, blowing in off the bay. It stayed in my face up to Sutton Cross where I turned right for a bit of uphill work. I felt strong on didn't drop the pace much over the next couple of miles. I got to my target 10 miles about 1300 metres from the summit and decided it would be rude not to go to the top. The return trip was easier to start with a nice downhill and downwind few miles. Finished with a slightly faster mile ...just to get to the shower faster! :pac: Because of the little bit added the run ended up at 21.7 miles at 8:46 pace.
    I got a bit of a shock when I got in to see a blood stain through my rain jacket...my first ever bleeding nipple :eek: Turns out there were one or two more areas of chaffing despite the fact I used Body Glide. Hardly surprising with me being soaked to the bone. Despite this and the weather I really enjoyed the run, good miles banked for sure.

    All in all it was a good week, happy with it for sure.

    Sorry that a couple of sessions are in km but Strava won't show me laps or maps at the moment so I'm using Garmin Connect which I have set up in km to see paces for splits and sessions.

    Weekly Miles: 62.5
    Monthly Miles: 203.4
    YTD Miles: 1624


    I really enjoy reading about the incredible mileage you are covering! Your experience from this morning's run is exactly the kind of stuff that spurs me on even more!


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    coogy wrote: »
    I really enjoy reading about the incredible mileage you are covering! Your experience from this morning's run is exactly the kind of stuff that spurs me on even more!

    Thanks K. There are times when the amount of very easy runs I do doesn't make for great reading. There are no tales of PBs being broken in training ever likely to appear on my log! :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Unthought Known


    Epic running again S.
    Any thoughts on tape rather than bodyglide?


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Epic running again S.
    Any thoughts on tape rather than bodyglide?

    I'd need a shave first and I'm really not the metrosexual type!! ;-/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Unthought Known


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    I'd need a shave first and I'm really not the metrosexual type!! ;-/

    Ah, it was a leading question as I've been looking for alternatives myself. I've seen some recommendations of micropore tape and even trimming the hair rather than shaving.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,070 ✭✭✭Baby75


    what a great week and your Long run this morning remind me of one of ours from training last year rain from start to finish :D good memories all though I do remember it being a tough run half on trail and then half on road.

    slight tut tut to having no water on such a long run ;):D


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Baby75 wrote: »
    what a great week and your Long run this morning remind me of one of ours from training last year rain from start to finish :D good memories all though I do remember it being a tough run half on trail and then half on road.

    slight tut tut to having no water on such a long run ;):D

    Water is for wimps! :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,070 ✭✭✭Baby75


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Water is for wimps! :pac:

    :cool:;):D say that to a great white:D


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Baby75 wrote: »
    :cool:;):D say that to a great white:D

    I will if he calls to the house! :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,558 ✭✭✭✭Murph_D


    Ah, it was a leading question as I've been looking for alternatives myself. I've seen some recommendations of micropore tape and even trimming the hair rather than shaving.

    Tape always peels off me, and the one time I splashed out on pricey Bodyglide I lost it after a week. I like to follow the Keep It Simple rule in all aspects of life, so Vaseline it is. ;)


  • Registered Users Posts: 498 ✭✭Sheep1978


    Funny that Sean, last week was the first time I've ever had 'nipple' issues too


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,338 ✭✭✭eyrie


    I'm tired just reading about your week! Stellar, as usual. :)
    It must be worlds apart for you training for DCM this year compared with last year, in terms of confidence. Or do the goalposts just keep shifting...
    To everyone struggling with tape/bodyglide/anti-chafing measures - a good sports bra works wonders :p


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    eyrie wrote: »
    I'm tired just reading about your week! Stellar, as usual. :)
    It must be worlds apart for you training for DCM this year compared with last year, in terms of confidence. Or do the goalposts just keep shifting...
    To everyone struggling with tape/bodyglide/anti-chafing measures - a good sports bra works wonders :p

    You could say the goalposts have shifted alright. The problem now is too many goalposts! Last year the main thing was the main thing. This year I just don't feel it as much. I kinda resent it because it means I can't race the next BHAA race the way I'd like it so I will give it is miss. I won't be able to get the most out of myself in Ratoath either. Yet the feeling isn't strong enough to let me skip marathon training to do my best at other races. To say I'm seriously conflicted right now would be an understatement! Haha.

    I'll take note of the sports bra. It might come in handy if I do next year's mini marathon in drag!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,338 ✭✭✭eyrie


    I get what you mean alright - too many possibilities but you can't pursue them all at the same time. On the bright side you can't go wrong either. It's all going to be good training that will help overall, and then you can move on to something totally different next. Not that I'm telling you anything you don't already know in spades... But if nothing else it'll be fun following along with your adventures so it makes for good reading :pac:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,307 ✭✭✭ariana`


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    You could say the goalposts have shifted alright. The problem now is too many goalposts! Last year the main thing was the main thing. This year I just don't feel it as much. I kinda resent it because it means I can't race the next BHAA race the way I'd like it so I will give it is miss. I won't be able to get the most out of myself in Ratoath either. Yet the feeling isn't strong enough to let me skip marathon training to do my best at other races. To say I'm seriously conflicted right now would be an understatement! Haha.

    I'll take note of the sports bra. It might come in handy if I do next year's mini marathon in drag!!

    I can identify with this feeling 100%. I don't have any answers to make it easier except that it's only another 9 weeks and then you have your pick of races again and all the races that you're not giving your best too will still be there next year along with loads of other races. Imagine if you were missing these races through injury or for any other less desirable reason than because you're too busy clocking up 60-70 mile weeks marathon training ;)


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 10,966 Mod ✭✭✭✭aloooof


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    I'd need a shave first and I'm really not the metrosexual type!! ;-/
    Ah, it was a leading question as I've been looking for alternatives myself. I've seen some recommendations of micropore tape and even trimming the hair rather than shaving.

    Hypafix tape lads, a roll of that stuff is the business! Comes off easily in the shower afterwards without taking 1001 hairs with it (or the pain that goes with it).


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Monday 27th: Rest Day

    Tuesday 28th: Cant remember this one too much. Just more very easy stuff thrown into the ledger. 8.2 miles @ 9:08

    Wednesday 29th: Session day. This one went a bit wrong. I got up before realising I hadn't enough time to do the session. I decided that as I was up I'd go out for a few gentle miles anyway and defer the session until evening. I did 4.1 miles @ 9:19. I went to Marlay Park that evening for my 3 x 10 mins threshold (6:39-6:49) and did it on the lap in front of the house. First rep was at 6:42 and the subsequent 2 reps were a bit faster than planned but the effort felt right, (6:38 and 6:32).

    Thursday 30th: Marlay Park mostly and a lap of Endas Park as well. A 10 mile run but not paced very evenly. Ended up being a 9:49 average but that was 3 miles on my own at my usual paces, 3 miles with someone doing 11 minute/ mile recovery run and then 4 again alone at normal pace.

    Friday 31st: 90 mins easy around the local roads. 10.2 miles @ 8:56

    Saturday 1st: 90 mins easy again. I decided I'd throw Poppintee Parkrun into the middle of this and to just do it at moderate pace. The Parkrun was great. After a couple of Kms I got chatting to a man out pacing his early teens daughter to try to get a PB to beat her 23:45. This pace was perfect moderate pace for me so I stayed with them. The girl was ever so tough. She was blowing hard all the way and really fighting. I joined in with encouraging her and stayed behind them to the finish. So close! 23:45 again!! A few very easy cooldown miles to get up to the 10 for the morning.

    Sunday 2nd: What a busy day!! First things first, I had to get my run done. Plan had a 75 minute run at moderate pace. As my moderate pace is 7:46-8:01 I decided to change it slightly to 10 miles. Up to now I had been setting runs like this on my watch in one block. It meant however that pace changes late in the run did not affect the average too much and meant pacing was difficult. For this one I broke it into 5 consecutive two mile workouts with the last 3 to be speeding up by a few seconds. I did a 2 mile warmup before getting down to it. The first two 2 mile blocks out around Airside were at 8 minute pace, nice and comfortable. The next 3 segments were out and back some of the FD10 route where preparations for water stations were in full flow. Segments 3 and 4 were bang on plan at 7:47 and 7:39 but I had a bit of a brain fart and ran the last bit at 7:08 :o I was wrecked. Time for a carton of chocolate milk, a change of tshirt and then back into Swords Main Street to meet a few of the novices group.

    It was nice to briefly meet Huzzah, Kittyclaws, Dealerz, Gypsylee and Juke before the start. I then jogged out to the water station at 2.5 miles to get a vantage point to give a shout to anyone I knew. Plenty of Boardsies passed...AMK, MurphD, aquinn (I only know that from D's race report :pac:), Omeceron, Lazare, Damo, TBO, Rossi, ReeReeG, Applegirl and the 5 from earlier. I got a few other shouts but for the life of me I had no idea who they were from!!

    Thanks to the shape of the course a short 1k jog brought me back to the 9 mile mark where I got to see most go through before walking back in to Swords. The speed of Scullion coming down the hill at the point :eek:

    Then it was home, quick shower, dinner and down to the pub to get a good seat for the match. I have to admit to a mild panic attack and feeling of impending doom after 18 minutes of the game but thankfully the best Gaelic football team ever quickly took control. Far far too many pints were consumed before, during and after the match which led to some stupid drunken texting later in the evening (more on this later :().

    Weeks miles: 64
    August miles: 243
    September miles: 25
    YTD miles: 1687


    So to today, 2 days before the Ratoath Half. One of the next arbitrary round number targets I have is a sub 1:30 half marathon. My PB from Bohermeen is 1:34:12. I used the Kilcock 10 mile to see how long I could hold the required pace. I did it...for 10 miles....and not one step further could I have gone. So a quick bit of revision had me think I'd aim for a low to mid 1:31 in Ratoath. Eminently sensible I thought. :pac: Now back to that drunken texting...two of the grads had also been thinking of similar times for it, post match bravado took over and next thing we have agreed to going with the 1:30 pacers!!! :D

    Monday mornings sobriety brought me back to my senses. Time to back out of this madness. The best of intentions and all that...long story short I have been cajoled, bullied, pressured, slagged off, accused of sandbagging :pac: and had my manhood questioned! :D So it's back on. I see this only ending in one way for me...pain! I keep getting images in my head that just won't go away. They're from Ireland's Fittest Family. There is a challenge on that called Hang Tough where family members hang suspended over an icy cold river and hold on for as long as they can before the inevitable plunge into the dark abyss below! Ratoath is shaping up to being my personal Hang Tough!! :eek: The only question is at what mile will I drop :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,236 ✭✭✭AuldManKing


    Super mileage - that level of consistency will see you improve in leaps and bounds in the coming months ahead.


  • Registered Users Posts: 498 ✭✭Sheep1978


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    So to today, 2 days before the Ratoath Half. One of the next arbitrary round number targets I have is a sub 1:30 half marathon. My PB from Bohermeen is 1:34:12. I used the Kilcock 10 mile to see how long I could hold the required pace. I did it...for 10 miles....and not one step further could I have gone. So a quick bit of revision had me think I'd aim for a low to mid 1:31 in Ratoath. Eminently sensible I thought. :pac: Now back to that drunken texting...two of the grads had also been thinking of similar times for it, post match bravado took over and next thing we have agreed to going with the 1:30 pacers!!! :D

    Monday mornings sobriety brought me back to my senses. Time to back out of this madness. The best of intentions and all that...long story short I have been cajoled, bullied, pressured, slagged off, accused of sandbagging :pac: and had my manhood questioned! :D So it's back on. I see this only ending in one way for me...pain! I keep getting images in my head that just won't go away. They're from Ireland's Fittest Family. There is a challenge on that called Hang Tough where family members hang suspended over an icy cold river and hold on for as long as they can before the inevitable plunge into the dark abyss below! Ratoath is shaping up to being my personal Hang Tough!! :eek: The only question is at what mile will I drop :o

    It'll be mile 13.1 before you drop. Super consistent for months on end now and will definitely hold you in good stead. Only problem for you might be me clinging to your ankle as you leave me in your wake!!!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,251 ✭✭✭coogy


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Monday 27th: Rest Day

    Tuesday 28th: Cant remember this one too much. Just more very easy stuff thrown into the ledger. 8.2 miles @ 9:08

    Wednesday 29th: Session day. This one went a bit wrong. I got up before realising I hadn't enough time to do the session. I decided that as I was up I'd go out for a few gentle miles anyway and defer the session until evening. I did 4.1 miles @ 9:19. I went to Marlay Park that evening for my 3 x 10 mins threshold (6:39-6:49) and did it on the lap in front of the house. First rep was at 6:42 and the subsequent 2 reps were a bit faster than planned but the effort felt right, (6:38 and 6:32).

    Thursday 30th: Marlay Park mostly and a lap of Endas Park as well. A 10 mile run but not paced very evenly. Ended up being a 9:49 average but that was 3 miles on my own at my usual paces, 3 miles with someone doing 11 minute/ mile recovery run and then 4 again alone at normal pace.

    Friday 31st: 90 mins easy around the local roads. 10.2 miles @ 8:56

    Saturday 1st: 90 mins easy again. I decided I'd throw Poppintee Parkrun into the middle of this and to just do it at moderate pace. The Parkrun was great. After a couple of Kms I got chatting to a man out pacing his early teens daughter to try to get a PB to beat her 23:45. This pace was perfect moderate pace for me so I stayed with them. The girl was ever so tough. She was blowing hard all the way and really fighting. I joined in with encouraging her and stayed behind them to the finish. So close! 23:45 again!! A few very easy cooldown miles to get up to the 10 for the morning.

    Sunday 2nd: What a busy day!! First things first, I had to get my run done. Plan had a 75 minute run at moderate pace. As my moderate pace is 7:46-8:01 I decided to change it slightly to 10 miles. Up to now I had been setting runs like this on my watch in one block. It meant however that pace changes late in the run did not affect the average too much and meant pacing was difficult. For this one I broke it into 5 consecutive two mile workouts with the last 3 to be speeding up by a few seconds. I did a 2 mile warmup before getting down to it. The first two 2 mile blocks out around Airside were at 8 minute pace, nice and comfortable. The next 3 segments were out and back some of the FD10 route where preparations for water stations were in full flow. Segments 3 and 4 were bang on plan at 7:47 and 7:39 but I had a bit of a brain fart and ran the last bit at 7:08 :o I was wrecked. Time for a carton of chocolate milk, a change of tshirt and then back into Swords Main Street to meet a few of the novices group.

    It was nice to briefly meet Huzzah, Kittyclaws, Dealerz, Gypsylee and Juke before the start. I then jogged out to the water station at 2.5 miles to get a vantage point to give a shout to anyone I knew. Plenty of Boardsies passed...AMK, MurphD, aquinn (I only know that from D's race report :pac:), Omeceron, Lazare, Damo, TBO, Rossi, ReeReeG, Applegirl and the 5 from earlier. I got a few other shouts but for the life of me I had no idea who they were from!!

    Thanks to the shape of the course a short 1k jog brought me back to the 9 mile mark where I got to see most go through before walking back in to Swords. The speed of Scullion coming down the hill at the point :eek:

    Then it was home, quick shower, dinner and down to the pub to get a good seat for the match. I have to admit to a mild panic attack and feeling of impending doom after 18 minutes of the game but thankfully the best Gaelic football team ever quickly took control. Far far too many pints were consumed before, during and after the match which led to some stupid drunken texting later in the evening (more on this later :().

    Weeks miles: 64
    August miles: 243
    September miles: 25
    YTD miles: 1687


    So to today, 2 days before the Ratoath Half. One of the next arbitrary round number targets I have is a sub 1:30 half marathon. My PB from Bohermeen is 1:34:12. I used the Kilcock 10 mile to see how long I could hold the required pace. I did it...for 10 miles....and not one step further could I have gone. So a quick bit of revision had me think I'd aim for a low to mid 1:31 in Ratoath. Eminently sensible I thought. :pac: Now back to that drunken texting...two of the grads had also been thinking of similar times for it, post match bravado took over and next thing we have agreed to going with the 1:30 pacers!!! :D

    Monday mornings sobriety brought me back to my senses. Time to back out of this madness. The best of intentions and all that...long story short I have been cajoled, bullied, pressured, slagged off, accused of sandbagging :pac: and had my manhood questioned! :D So it's back on. I see this only ending in one way for me...pain! I keep getting images in my head that just won't go away. They're from Ireland's Fittest Family. There is a challenge on that called Hang Tough where family members hang suspended over an icy cold river and hold on for as long as they can before the inevitable plunge into the dark abyss below! Ratoath is shaping up to being my personal Hang Tough!! :eek: The only question is at what mile will I drop :o



    I need to lie down after reading that. :eek:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,583 ✭✭✭Swashbuckler


    Loved that update


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Loved that update

    Thanks P. Was hoping that someone wiser than ourselves would warn us off our plan! :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,834 ✭✭✭OOnegative


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Thanks P. Was hoping that someone wiser than ourselves would warn us off our plan! :pac:

    Best plans are always made when drink is involved, we all know that!!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,251 ✭✭✭coogy


    Loved that update


    Me too. Really reminds me why I love running so much.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    coogy wrote: »
    Me too. Really reminds me why I love running so much.

    K did you get my PM on here?


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