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Run for your life!!!!

189111314

Comments

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


    Brilliant run K, delighted for you.

    You passed me out somewhere along the Furze, I would guess. Either way, you were ahead coming out of the dip, as this photo (kind of) illustrates - as in, I'm largely obscured by the chap in the dark grey top. Well deserved!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Murph_D wrote: »
    Catching up here - congrats on the JB 5k - great stuff. Good to see the speedwork paying off.

    Thanks D, yes definitely feeling the benefits of the last three weeks!!

    Nice race report K.

    Congrats on the sub 20, still lots more in your tank for the future!


    Cheers J, on the day itself, there wasn't an awful lot left in the tank (a good thing, I know), but like you said on Strava, it was a very satisfying way to end the year!

    Mr. Guappa wrote: »
    Nicely raced K. Congrats on the PB!

    Cheers A, those 5k's are a law unto themselves!! :rolleyes:

    OOnegative wrote: »
    Great stuff K, nicely raced my man, well done.

    Thanks B! Really happy with with it. Another milestone reached!

    Brilliant run K, delighted for you.

    You passed me out somewhere along the Furze, I would guess. Either way, you were ahead coming out of the dip, as this photo (kind of) illustrates - as in, I'm largely obscured by the chap in the dark grey top. Well deserved!


    Thanks a lot J, I actually passed you just as we turned onto the Furze. I thought I would end up riding on your coat-tails a la Ratoath as you were ahead of me for most of mile 1.
    Was checking out those photos yesterday, I still knew it was you though!!! (the cap was a giveaway):D


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Keeping it short and sweet this week on the log front........

    Monday 9th December 
    Rest

    Tuesday 10th December
    60 mins easy
    6.58m @ 9:15

    Worryingly, absolutely no recollection of doing this run......


    Wednesday 11th December 
    Warm up/3 × 2km (6:35-6:40) off 80 secs
    5.59m @ 7:38

    Running each rep 30 seconds too fast + insane headwind along the North Road places this session in the 'blow-out' category. Thankful that the last of the three reps was on the descent down Chesterfield Ave towards the zoo.Followed by 2 mile cool down.


    Thursday 12th December
    50 mins easy
    5.42m @ 9:20

    Early doors for this one and up to Grange Castle Business Park. Peace and quiet all around as always at that hour but never fail to notice how certain companies (mainly the big guns) are rarely ever 'closed' so to speak with lots of activity from within from night-shift employees and pre-dawn delivery trucks.
    Not exactly what I'd call an interesting observation but just something I notice and occasionally appreciate.


    Friday 13th December
    70 mins moderate
    8.80m @ 7:59

    Had an evening of drawing caricatures at a corporate event scheduled after work so after a morning of work meetings, I had to squeeze this in somehow. "Extended lunch break" was the only way.......:rolleyes:


    Saturday 14th November
    2 mile wu/drills/4 x 100m/8 x 30 sec hills/cool down

    Another 3 hour caricature gig today so another early start. Been a while since I've done any hills so this was a nice reintroduction. Each rep was in the 5:40/5:50 territory.


    Sunday 15th December
    10 miles steady 7.65m @ 9:21

    I absolutely loved this run from start to finish. Felt great for the whole thing and could easily have ran another 10 miles. Very cold out though and for the 1st mile, the hands were frozen. After that, it was all good.
    Back home and out again for the Under 11's XC National Novice & Juvenile Uneven Age races in Dunboyne. Parts of the course during the walk-through were a sight to behold. Pure soup.As for the race, there was a huge field, 198 runners to be precise and our little star finished strong and looking very determined in 159th. A fine outing for his first National event, considering he's still only 9. Some mightily impressive performances on display too. Kudos to each and every one of them.


    On Saturday morning, will be heading out for a session in the Phoenix Park with the coach and one other of his coachees (is that even a word?), so looking forward to that.


    Miles for the week- 44.5
    Miles for the year - 1633


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,478 ✭✭✭Comic Book Guy


    Congrats on a tremendous 2019 K.

    Your style of writing and reporting has really marked this log out as one of my favourites. Loved your Dublin Marathon report and looking forward to tracking your progress on what will inevitably be a sub 3 30 in Manchester.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Monday 16th December 
    6 miles easy
    6.44m@ 9:08

    Night time run around Lucan. Nowt to report

    Wednesday 18th December
    15 mins wu/3 sets of 4 X 400m @ 5k pace off 90secs/2 mins between sets
    6.37m @ 8:11

    Another 'up with the birds' speed session. Still hard to know if I'm getting the best out of myself, given the early hour. Usually by the time the warm up is done, I feel reasonably awake.
    Paces were as follows:
    Set 1 - 98/97/99/98
    Set 2 - 96/96/99/98
    Set 3 - 99/98/97/100

    Last two reps in set 3 felt a little leggy, not a bad thing I suppose.
    Finished with a
    15 minute cool down


    Thursday 19th December 
    Recovery run
    5.91m @ 9:09

    Day off work. Absolutely Baltic morning and was on the receiving end of some very strange looks as I walked the kids to school dressed in just shorts/running top.:pac:



    Friday 20th December
    60 mins easy + strides
    6.84 @ 9:12

    Very little to mention about this one either. Still, they all count.


    Saturday 21st December
    5 x hill repeats off 3 mins/cool down

    Met the coach at the top of the Upper Glen Rd, just where the road splits leading down to the Furry Glen. It was the two of us and another of his crew who has been training with him for over a year and is currently preparing for Donadea.
    Did a quick recce of the loop we'd be doing which started along the Furry Glen, about 200 metres from Upper Glen Rd, sharp left continuing along this road, off the road and down the steps leading back down to the Furry Glen. The plan was for 90 seconds hills at 10k pace (approx 6:45) and the rest would be 3 mins recovery.
    Won't go into too much detail but I thoroughly enjoyed this, not least because of the company which is something I rarely get to experience.
    The coaching side of things is working out better than I could have imagined, glad that I decided to take the plunge.


    Sunday 22nd December
    10 miles steady 10.07m @ 8:49

    Identical mileage (have just realised that the distance and time for last week's 10 mile was completely wrong and now uneditable) and route to previous Sunday but right knee was giving out for the first few miles. Felt fine by the end of the run though.

    Miles for the week- 42.2
    Miles for the year - 1682

    So, we're almost through with 2019 but still just enough time to practice different ways to say "just going out for a run" on December 25th. :D
    Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a visit and to those of you who left a comment along the way. It's all greatly appreciated.
    On the whole, I can say that the year has been a success from a running point of view and in what I was hoping to achieve. I know there's a lot more in the tank for 2020 and beyond and hopefully will come away from Manchester with another marathon time and performance to be proud of.

    Happy Chrimbles to you all!!


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


    coogy wrote: »

    I know there's a lot more in the tank for 2020 and beyond and hopefully will come away from Manchester with another marathon time and performance to be proud of.

    No doubt about it, K.

    Have a lovely Christmas!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Huzzah! wrote: »
    No doubt about it, K.

    Have a lovely Christmas!


    Thanks E, you too!! :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Congrats on a tremendous 2019 K.

    Your style of writing and reporting has really marked this log out as one of my favourites. Loved your Dublin Marathon report and looking forward to tracking your progress on what will inevitably be a sub 3 30 in Manchester.



    Cheers for that J. I've definitely been growing in confidence since DCM and that's a big thing that was holding me back for a long time.

    The shackles are off!!! :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Tuesday 24th December
    60 mins easy + strides
    6.96m@ 9:09

    Meat and potatoes.


    Wednesday 25th December
    5 mile progression run
    5.06m @ 8:15

    Happy to say that Santa delivered the goods this year so I took an unexpected opportunity to road-test the new running gear for this 5 mile progression run.
    Paths were quite icy in a lot of parts so had to navigate my way through the icy patches while trying not to let the pace slip too much.



    Thursday 26th December
    50 mins recovery run
    5.48m @ 9:09

    Nothing to see here.




    Friday 27th December
    60 mins easy + strides
    6.87 @ 9:12

    Move along now.


    Saturday 28th December
    20 mins easy/6 x 90 secs on/90 secs off/20 mins easy
    6.50m @ 8:44

    Enjoyed this workout. Legs felt good throughout.



    Sunday 29th December
    11 miles steady
    11.07m @ 8:45

    This run was almost consigned to the scrap heap as the raging hangover I suffered from the night before left me in a sorry state for most of the day. My tolerance for alcohol is on a rapid decline and it doesn't take an awful lot to send me over the edge. Still, glad I squeezed this one in, would have really p***ed me off if I'd struck it off.

    Never again (famous last words)




    Miles for the week- 42
    Miles for the year - 1723



    Quick recap of the year's main events:
    • Sun, 10/03/2019 Bohermeen Half Marathon - 1:36:21 (new PB)
    • Tue, 28/05/2019 BHAA Dunboyne 5 mile (first attempt at 5 mile distance) 34:08
    • Sat, 24/08/2019 Frank Duffy 10 mile. 1:16:37 (new PB)
    • Sat, 14/09/2019 Ratoath Half Marathon - 1:35:25 (new PB)
    • Sun, 27/10/2019 Dublin City Marathon 2019 3:31:46 (new PB)

    Happy New Year to you all and hope that 2020 brings many pb's your way!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,505 ✭✭✭Laineyfrecks


    Happy New Year to you :)

    Well done on an amazing year! Have thoroughly enjoyed reading your log & thanks for the advice coming up to DCM - greatly appreciated:D

    Will enjoy reading your log in 2020 - lots of exciting times ahead for you ;)


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


    Happy New Year K !

    A fine year of PBs, all of which I expect to be improved upon in 2020 - that 10 mile one looks way off compared to all the others.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    that 10 mile one looks way off compared to all the others.


    Haha, yes that was a particularly bad day at the office. Definitely room for improvement there!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Happy New Year to you :)

    Well done on an amazing year! Have thoroughly enjoyed reading your log & thanks for the advice coming up to DCM - greatly appreciated:D

    Will enjoy reading your log in 2020 - lots of exciting times ahead for you ;)


    Cheers E!
    Exciting times, most definitely. I shall be keeping a close eye on your progress too. Have no doubt that great things await!! :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭Dealerz2.0


    Fantastic year of pb's K- well done and all the best for 2020


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Tuesday 31st December
    55 mins easy
    6.01m@ 9:02

    This was supposed to be run the previous day but I was still a little fragile from the weekend's boozing. :rolleyes:
    #lightweight #cheapdate


    Wednesday 1st December
    60 mins easy
    6.77m @ 8:52

    New Year's Eve celebrations the night before went on well into the wee small hours but thankfully the head was clear enough to get this one done.



    Thursday 2nd January
    Warm up/1mile @7:30 off 90 secs/ 6 x 400m @5k pace off 80secs/90 secs rec/1 mile @ 7:30
    6.13m @ 8:01

    Always love these sessions and it seems that the earlier they are, the more I enjoy them. The splits for each of the 400's were:
    6:32/6:31/6:30/6:29/6:34/6:32


    Friday 3rd January
    40 mins recovery
    4.41m @ 9:06
    Loop of the quays/Heuston Station/Islandbridge and back onto the quays.


    Saturday 4th January
    55 mins steady
    6.50m @ 8:44

    Nice relaxed run, lovely morning for it too. Paces a little quicker than usual but I'm blaming the watch. :pac:



    Sunday 5th January
    11 miles steady
    11.06m @ 8:23

    I was instructed to run this one completely by feel so was a little unsure how it would go. Would I be able to get the paces right or would it end up all over the place? Also, the idea of not looking at the watch for a whole 11 miles was a concept that was completely alien to me so even before I did the run, I had already consigned this one to the reject bin. Started off with a couple of easy miles and gradually took it from there. Once I had gotten used to the idea of running by feel, and not looking at the watch every 30 seconds, it became easier to judge how much the pace should increase with each mile. Thankfully, I didn't have to stop for any traffic which probably would have upset the rhythm a little.
    By mile 11, I felt the pace was bordering on the 'fast' side but I stuck with it and it turned out that it wasn't too far off where it should have been.
    Easily, one of the most satisfying training runs I have done in a long time.


    So, am currently on the lookout for a race to enter between now and Manchester. Trim 10 miler would have been ideal but clearly that's no longer an option seeing as it's sold out. On the lookout for another 10 mile race or half marathon. Pity Bohermeen is so close to Manchester, otherwise I'd be back there like a shot, really enjoyed it last year.
    Coach has suggested running one of the 'East of Ireland Marathon' events in January/February. Lusk half marathon could be worth a punt, we shall see.


    Miles for the week- 42.4
    Miles for the year - 36.4


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Monday 6th January
    Rest day


    Tuesday 7th January
    70 mins easy
    7.06m@ 9:14

    Possibly my earliest run in a long time. With the increased mileage this week it was a case of needs must.



    Wednesday 8th January
    15 mins W/U, 8 miles alternate (8:00/7:30)
    9.63m @ 7:59

    Decided to use this as a runmute after work as the estimated mileage worked out pretty much perfectly. The plan was to enter the PP and run along Military Road before exiting the Chapelizod Gates but even with the slightly brighter than usual evenings, it was a little too dark for my liking and this section of the park didn't appear to be particularly well-lit so changed the plan slightly by heading straight down the Conyngham Rd instead.
    With the faster paces, I knew it would be a bit of a challenge seeing as the route is nett uphill and certain parts have reasonably steep inclines.

    Splits were as follows: 8:01/7:31/8:04/7:29/7:56/7:25/8:00/7:31
    Felt it went really well and as with most of my recent session days, I felt I was well able to maintain the desired pace without feeling too much fatigue.


    Thursday 9th January
    60 mins easy
    6.62m @ 9:04

    Trundled down the North quays and into the Phoenix Park for this. Nice afternoon for it and enjoyed the run up to the Aras before taking a right onto the North Road before leaving the Park. The watch seemed to be displaying paces that were noticeably quicker than what I was running, hence the slightly quicker than usual average pace.


    Friday 10th January
    Rest day



    Saturday 11th January
    3 mile warm up/Griffeen Parkrun/3 mile cool down

    Was really looking forward to this. The plan was to run at 5k pace which was fine by me. Nothing I enjoy more than running Parkruns the only way I seem to know how. Fast. ;)
    Woke up to a very blustery morning, but thankfully no rain. Did the 3 mile warm up in Griffeen and was met with a gale force wind as I ran up the last 500m of the course, most of which has an obvious uphill gradient. This should be fun, I thought.
    After the warm up and the usual formalities, I felt the usual pang of nerves, convincing myself that everyone around me was better than me. Cop on, it's only a Parkrun!
    At the off, I settled into a group of around four/five runners after the front two made their intentions known. Half a mile in and I'd already lost one of the pack so it was me and three others. Took full advantage of the 600 metre-long straight with the wind at our backs to up the pace a little and mile 1 came in at 6:22. So far so good but knew the challenge that lay ahead and how it would affect my splits. Once we came back up the other side of the park, it was a completely different story and as I kicked on against the strong gusts of wind, I left two more runners behind with now just three ahead of me. Confidence boosted no end.
    The headwind continued for another long stretch and just after we came out the other side of it, mile 2 came in at 6:44. Cursed the wind and the very large spanner it was throwing in the works. Again, took full advantage of the tailwind along the second of the two loops and by now I was on my own in 4th with 3rd place looking unlikely, even though I was making some ground. Time to face the music again and now the wind seemed stronger than ever, which, coupled with the uphill path, made it seem like an impossible task. Passed a few runners holding up the rear and I knew that 4th place was as good as mine. 3rd mile clocked in at 6:31 and at the final bend and with 19:32 on the watch, I still felt like I had a mountain to climb. All I could do was give it socks which I duly did.
    Finish time: 20:27 and best Parkrun finish to date. Better than I expected given the conditions but overall was happy with how I felt in general from start to finish and was encouraged when I saw that the first three finishers ran slower times by at least 30 seconds compared to their outings in the previous week's Parkrun.



    Sunday 12th January
    12 miles easy
    12.2 m @ 9:11

    A lovely, evenly-paced tour around Lucan and some surrounding areas. I sometimes have to remind myself that I'm in training for Manchester because it certainly doesn't feel that way. Not that I'm suggesting the intensity of the training is not matching my expectations, I just feel like I'm in a really good place, running-wise right now. Just hope that I can keep things motoring along for another couple of months.



    Miles for the week- 47
    Miles for the year - 83


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


    Going great guns there K. It's great to see the satisfaction and contentment.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Thanks S! Still one or two pieces of the puzzle missing, namely joining a club but that should be happening soon!!


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


    coogy wrote: »
    Thanks S! Still one or two pieces of the puzzle missing, namely joining a club but that should be happening soon!!

    Lucan Harriers is it? A club should be a good fit for you. It just wasn't for me.


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


    coogy wrote: »
    I just feel like I'm in a really good place, running-wise right now. Just hope that I can keep things motoring along for another couple of months.

    Love seeing and reading stuff like this, long may it continue for you K!!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Lucan Harriers is it? A club should be a good fit for you. It just wasn't for me.

    Yeah, that's the one. I'm actually one of the coaches for the Juniors twice a week now. You know, like I have the time to spare........:rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,306 ✭✭✭ariana`


    Things are really going well for you K, it's great to see, well deserved but putting in the hard yards!
    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Lucan Harriers is it? A club should be a good fit for you. It just wasn't for me.

    Sorry for the hijack K. S can i ask why it wasn't for you?
    coogy wrote: »
    Yeah, that's the one. I'm actually one of the coaches for the Juniors twice a week now. You know, like I have the time to spare........:rolleyes:

    Fair play to you, it's not easy to make the time but somebody has to do it if we want our kids to have opportunities to do things and too many parents leave it to someone else all the time and then the same parents end up having to do everything... sorry it's a bug bear of mine obviously :cool:


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    ariana` wrote: »


    Fair play to you, it's not easy to make the time but somebody has to do it if we want our kids to have opportunities to do things and too many parents leave it to someone else all the time and then the same parents end up having to do everything... sorry it's a bug bear of mine obviously :cool:


    Yeah, they asked me to come on board a couple of months ago but I was going to volunteer anyway, knowing what great work they do and how short they are of volunteers.
    It's actually really good fun and they're a great bunch of kids too so it's all good. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,511 ✭✭✭Damo 2k9


    Similar to the above question for S, why do you think that a club is the missing part of the puzzle for you? You seem to be absolutely motoring along the last while, now with the addition of a coach aswell even more so. I'm genuinely just curious, something that I have often thought about doing but never really seemed like a fit for me.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Damo 2k9 wrote: »
    Similar to the above question for S, why do you think that a club is the missing part of the puzzle for you? You seem to be absolutely motoring along the last while, now with the addition of a coach aswell even more so. I'm genuinely just curious, something that I have often thought about doing but never really seemed like a fit for me.



    Thanks Damo. I guess I was just looking at the bigger picture and how far I've come over the last few years. I take my running very seriously now and I suppose it was my thinking that becoming a member of a club would go a long way towards maintaining that level of commitment.
    You're definitely right to point out that noticeable improvements and having a coach would in some way 'seal the deal' so to speak and it has worked out brilliantly so far but being a club runner has been on my radar for a while so I thought that this year might be the year to do it.
    Also - and I'm not sure if any other club runners get this - I like the idea of being associated with a club at races, be it a 10k, a 10 mile, a marathon or whatever.
    Just feels like the right thing to do I suppose.





































    Sorry, what was the question again? :pac:


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


    ariana` wrote: »
    Sorry for the hijack K. S can i ask why it wasn't for you?

    Again K sorry for the hijack in replying.

    It had nothing to do with the club at all. It boils down to two main reasons. Firstly my shift work makes it impossible for me to attend anything on a regular basis. While the shifts do follow a pattern this pattern doesn't correspond to a 7 day calendar week.

    Secondly, on the Sunday mornings that I am off I simply prefer to run in the Phoenix Park than anywhere else that's reasonably local. This removes me from club long runs also.

    I suppose it's also fair to draw on a comment made by OOnegative....I'm a contrary auld b0llix! I'm very happy in my own company.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Again K sorry for the hijack in replying.

    Not at all, the more the merrier I say!! :)

    I definitely share your preference for running in your own company S, it's an aspect of running that I enjoy more than most others. Whether or not it would stand in the way of getting the most from being a club runner remains to be seen......


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,511 ✭✭✭Damo 2k9


    coogy wrote: »
    Thanks Damo. I guess I was just looking at the bigger picture and how far I've come over the last few years. I take my running very seriously now and I suppose it was my thinking that becoming a member of a club would go a long way towards maintaining that level of commitment.
    You're definitely right to point out that noticeable improvements and having a coach would in some way 'seal the deal' so to speak and it has worked out brilliantly so far but being a club runner has been on my radar for a while so I thought that this year might be the year to do it.
    Also - and I'm not sure if any other club runners get this - I like the idea of being associated with a club at races, be it a 10k, a 10 mile, a marathon or whatever.
    Just feels like the right thing to do I suppose.
    Sorry, what was the question again? :pac:

    Thanks a mill for that K, I was genuinely curious so apologies if it came across as anything else. Best of luck with it, this will be a great year for you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,306 ✭✭✭ariana`


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Again K sorry for the hijack in replying.

    It had nothing to do with the club at all. It boils down to two main reasons. Firstly my shift work makes it impossible for me to attend anything on a regular basis. While the shifts do follow a pattern this pattern doesn't correspond to a 7 day calendar week.

    Secondly, on the Sunday mornings that I am off I simply prefer to run in the Phoenix Park than anywhere else that's reasonably local. This removes me from club long runs also.

    I suppose it's also fair to draw on a comment made by OOnegative....I'm a contrary auld b0llix! I'm very happy in my own company.

    That all makes sense S... Contrary eh? I never would have thought so :p
    coogy wrote: »
    Not at all, the more the merrier I say!! :)

    I definitely share your preference for running in your own company S, it's an aspect of running that I enjoy more than most others. Whether or not it would stand in the way of getting the most from being a club runner remains to be seen......

    Despite being an introvert i find the miles go a lot quicker in company so i do like to be in a group for the long runs. However if it's a choice between running in a group of two or running solo then i will pick running solo any day, I guess I prefer to listen to others chatting away rather than feeling like i have to be part of the conversation :o


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


    coogy wrote: »
    Not at all, the more the merrier I say!! :)

    I definitely share your preference for running in your own company S, it's an aspect of running that I enjoy more than most others. Whether or not it would stand in the way of getting the most from being a club runner remains to be seen......

    There is definitely room for both K. I saw this post by Steve Magness recently which pointed out 2 benefits of running which struck a chord with me in this age of short attention spans and mobile phone 'addiction'.

    " Running helps create two skills which are increasingly rare:

    1. When running by yourself, it helps create an ability to be alone inside of your head for a long time.

    2. When running with others, you learn to fill time with conversation rather than defaulting to your phone. "


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Damo 2k9 wrote: »
    Thanks a mill for that K, I was genuinely curious so apologies if it came across as anything else. Best of luck with it, this will be a great year for you.


    No apology necessary Damo, glad you asked!!!! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,511 ✭✭✭Damo 2k9


    coogy wrote: »
    No apology necessary Damo, glad you asked!!!! :)

    Whats the plan for Manchester, what are you hoping to get? Any races in the lead up?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Damo 2k9 wrote: »
    Whats the plan for Manchester, what are you hoping to get? Any races in the lead up?


    I'm afraid to say that that information is currently being withheld....even from me!!! :rolleyes:

    Still on the lookout for a half marathon or 10 mile race but it's proving difficult!

    Worst comes to the worst, coach said he'd pace me for a half if I pick out a route.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Damo 2k9 wrote: »
    Whats the plan for Manchester, what are you hoping to get? Any races in the lead up?


    Sorry Damo, I've just realised I didn't answer your question properly......

    In terms of what I'm hoping for, as you know I just missed out on 3:30 at DCM so I think a realistic target would be around the 3:20 mark I reckon. Anyway, all will be revealed in a few weeks! :)

    Looks like I'll be running the Naas 10 miler at the beginning of March too so that will give me a chance to test the waters.


  • Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭Dealerz2.0


    coogy wrote: »
    Sorry Damo, I've just realised I didn't answer your question properly......

    In terms of what I'm hoping for, as you know I just missed out on 3:30 at DCM so I think a realistic target would be around the 3:20 mark I reckon. Anyway, all will be revealed in a few weeks! :)

    Looks like I'll be running the Naas 10 miler at the beginning of March too so that will give me a chance to test the waters.

    What about the lusk half? Have you ran that before?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Dealerz2.0 wrote: »
    What about the lusk half? Have you ran that before?


    Haha, touché!!! :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Monday 6th January
    Rest day


    Tuesday 14th January
    8 miles easy
    8.44m@ 9:07

    The midweek easy runs are gradually increasing in distance which opens up some new opportunities for the odd runmute here or there.
    Ran the canal from Lucan all the way down to Inchicore, up the Emmet Rd, past James' Hospital and into the city centre getting into work with thankfully some time to spare. Lovely morning for it too. Probably would have enjoyed the surroundings more were it not for the shocking amount of litter along the route.



    Wednesday 15th January
    15 mins W/U, 3 x 2 miles at hmp/off 90 seconds
    6.23m @ 7:11

    Another runmute, this time an evening session and into another stiff wind with an uphill climb. Found the pace hard going at times, especially with the headwind along the inclines, once again cursing myself for choosing this particular route for this session. Will I ever learn?? :rolleyes:
    Even though I was just about hitting the paces, I allowed myself an extra 10 seconds recovery after the first rep due to the effort levels needed.
    Finished with a 10 minute cool down.


    Thursday 16th January
    60 mins easy
    6.50m @ 9:14

    Watch died about 10 mins from the end so had take a stab at the overall pace, seems about right though.


    Friday 17th January
    Rest day



    Saturday 18th January
    3 x 10 mins @ 7:10 pace/off 3 min float @ 5:45 pace

    Was supposed to have an early morning hill session in Phoenix Park but with our sporadic kitchen improvements still happening, I was needed at home to help out for a short time. As the morning went on, and with the run looking increasingly unlikely, I was like a bear with a sore head and my poor family spent most of the morning and early afternoon putting up with my poorly disguised foul mood.
    Only one thing for it. Asked the coach for a plan B so he sent me through an alternative session which initially left me scratching my head. 3 x 10 mins, just a tad slower than HM pace with 3 mins float at 5:30 pace. The '5:30 pace' part was like a slap across the face with a wet fish, being somewhat familiar with the effort required from some short bursts of speed during some recent strides.
    Headed over to Griffeen to do the session.
    The first rep was manageable enough and timed it well so that I was faced with a long 600 metre stretch which I hoped would be sufficient for the 3 minute sprint. Could I maintain such a pace? Only one way to find out. Initially, I was keeping close enough to the pace needed while trying my best to remain as 'relaxed' as possible and not over-strain the run. First minute was fine-ish but the pace started to slip gradually as I ran, edging closer to 5:45/5:50 pace. Certainly didn't feel like I was putting any less effort in but was already beginning to tire slightly after 2 minutes. The last minute was spent wondering how the in the name of sweet flying Nostradamus on a pogo-stick the elites can run an entire marathon at that pace and faster. Insane. Just insane.
    Anyway, the second rep of 10 mins felt like a breeze and after the next sprint (same as previous), the third rep felt even easier.
    Plan to find out a bit more about the float sessions. I like the idea behind them but just need to have a chat with the coach to make sure I'm executing them right.


    Sunday 19th January
    14 miles easy
    14.16m @ 8:39

    Cold frosty morning but thankfully the paths were ok. For a change, decided to head out towards Leixlip/Celbridge direction for this long run. Plan was to run 13 miles at 8:45min/mile pace which I managed handily enough and ended up running splits of around 10 secs less anyway. Added a bonus mile for good measure (mostly to do with a miscalculation) but felt good for it. Nice way to end the week. Nice to return to the house with everyone still asleep......just the way I like it!!! :pac:
    Later in the day, headed out to the Sport Ireland NIA where Lucan Harriers Juniors were invited to take part in an event celebrating Mid Sutton AC 40th anniversary. All the events were 4 x 200 relays from U9s up to U16s. Some super talent on show but great experience for everyone too.

    Even better still was The 'Pool's grip on the Premier league trophy tightening that little bit more. It's insane to think the last time they won the league, I was a fresh-faced 17 year old about to sit the Leaving Cert.............just bizarre.


    Miles for the week- 46-ish
    Miles for the year - 130


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Monday 21st January
    Rest day


    Tuesday 22nd  January
    7 miles easy
    7.02m@ 9:08

    Up with the birds again for some pre-work miles.



    Wednesday 23rd January
    2 miles easy/6 miles @ hmp/2 miles easy
    10.00m @ 7:49

    Used this as a run-mute, knowing that the route is predominantly downhill which would obviously work to my advantage, particularly for a session like this.After the initial 2 mile warm up, I upped the gears and found what I am now used to being my HM pace. Experienced a little GPS trouble in parts for the opening mile but after that, it started behaving. Was keeping inside the desired pace easily enough for the most part, remembering to try to keep the form relaxed as possible. During the 5th of the six HM pace miles, along the Conyngham Rd, I felt the first signs of tiredness in the legs, or somewhere, setting in.
    Anyway, managed to pick myself up again and was overall happy with the consistency of the splits:
    7:04/6:55/6:49/6:53/6:56/6:53

    Finished off with a 2 mile cool down.


    Thursday 24th January
    6 miles easy
    6.19 @ 9:03

    Night run



    Friday 25th January
    Rest day



    Saturday 26th January
    3 miles wu /8 x 600m hills/2 mile cool down

    This was another of those sessions that on paper, look like an absolute doddle. In reality - and I mean it this time - this was by far the hardest session I've done to date. Arrived in the PP early. Early enough hat there were a handful of runners still with their head torches glowing. Parked up at the foot of the Khyber and set off on a nice 3 mile warm up, eventually taking me back to my starting point. The aim here was to try to achieve the same average time for each rep and to focus on good form rather than pushing too hard.Still with fresh feet, the pace for the first rep started off at about 5:50 pace, but by the half-way point and with the incline increasing pretty rapidly, it was closer to 6:30/6:40 which I managed to maintain for the rest of the way. First rep came in at around 2:20 and lightly jogged back down to the bottom.
    Still remembering to focus on form, I set off again, this time a starting off in the 6:10/6:15 range, and managed to stay within the 6:20-6:40 pace range for the most part. Second rep was a little slower at around 2:25 and for the remaining 6 reps - even though after each one, I was unsure how I could possibly do another - I maintained that same pace throughout. Great workout, tired but elated. Sat on the grass verge for a few minutes to take it the majesty around me. There's no place quite like it. :)


    Sunday 27th January
    14 miles easy
    14.07 @ 9:07

    Up early for the this and ended up sodden from a torrential downpour about an hour into the run. The breakfast I whipped up afterwards made it all worth while. :D

    Great to see so many fantastic performances at the Raheny 5 mile. Well done to all the PB-ers!!

    Miles for the week- 49
    Miles for the year - 186


    On a side note, I have decided to put this log to sleep for a little while. I do really enjoy updating it but I've made a conscious decision to curtail my online activity on the whole, and the amount of time that I spend between updating the log and catching up on everyone else's is increasingly to the detriment of other things that should be taking precedent. Nuff said.

    For now though, the focus is obviously on training for Manchester - which is going swimmingly - and I will pop back closer to the time to give ye all an update on how things have been progressing. Happy running and see you on Stravaville!! 


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,796 ✭✭✭Mr. Guappa


    Sorry to see this log take a hiatus, but it's the correct decision to scale back if it's encroaching on other stuff.

    Best of luck with the rest of the Manchester training. Your consistency since DCM has been fantastic, and I've no doubt you'll smash Manchester.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,478 ✭✭✭Comic Book Guy


    Well done on the hills session K, looking at it on Strava that day and ya nailed it.
    Will miss your reports here bit good decision.

    Are you targeting 1.29.59 in HM pre Manchester? I think I heard on the grapevine that you are tackling Lusk HM??!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Mr. Guappa wrote: »
    Sorry to see this log take a hiatus, but it's the correct decision to scale back if it's encroaching on other stuff.

    Best of luck with the rest of the Manchester training. Your consistency since DCM has been fantastic, and I've no doubt you'll smash Manchester.


    Thanks A!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    Well done on the hills session K, looking at it on Strava that day and ya nailed it.
    Will miss your reports here bit good decision.

    Are you targeting 1.29.59 in HM pre Manchester? I think I heard on the grapevine that you are tackling Lusk HM??!


    Thanks J, no half for me but I'll be doing the Naas 10 mile at the beginning of March. 70 mins might be a realistic goal there.


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


    Sorry you're putting away the quill for a while, but if it means the important stuff gets done, fair enough. Keep us updated via the Stravasphere in the meantime :D


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


    I understand your reasons for giving the log a break, but I hope you treat us to one of your epic race reports after Manchester.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    So, that was a quick month. :)

    Thought I'd just drop by for an ol' update.

    I must say, not having to meet weekly self-imposed deadlines for my log updates has been very liberating, I would recommend it to anyone! :pac:

    Felt strange not recording any updates after doing it so religiously for the last couple of years but I certainly feel all the better for it and it gave me a chance to 100% focus on the training, which has been going really well.

    Anyway, I will be doing the inaugural Naas 10-mile race this Sunday, just hoping the weather behaves as I've had my fill of these seemingly never-ending wind-hampered training runs.
    Aiming for a sub-70 or thereabouts.


    As for Manchester, still all systems go but am a little concerned over the increasing possibility of it being cancelled due to recent events.
    Already looking at possible alternatives if worst comes to the worst. Limerick might be an option as a back-up plan, we'll see.


    Hope everyone's well!!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭Dealerz2.0


    Just when you think you’re out.....they pull you back in!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,250 ✭✭✭coogy


    First race report since Jingle Bells, here it goes.....:)

    The intensity of my training since Christmas has given me a belief in my own ability that's been sorely lacking and thankfully the weekly training schedules I am being sent are no longer met with the assumption that I had been sent someone's else's training plan in error.Apart from a tough enough interval session midweek, the rest of the week's runs leading up to this race were handy enough and managed to throw in an easy Parkrun the day before followed by a handful of strides.

    Nerves were making themselves known on the morning of the race but with a 2pm start, I needed plenty of distractions. Just as well then, that my son was running for Lucan Harriers the indoor Junior Championships in Abbotstown.
    He was in one of the six U11 500m heats (medals to the overall fastest 1st/2nd/3rd across all heats). I wasn't required in a coaching role so took to the stands and watched him set off. He looked really confident and by halfway through the first of 2.5 laps, he was comfortably in 2nd place and holding it well. The atmosphere was great and his club mates and their parents were all shouting him on as he commenced the last lap, still in 2nd place. I knew exactly what was going through his head at that stage and he confirmed as much for me after the race ("how am I in this position?").At the last bend he was overtaken and as they started the home straight, another runner appeared at his heels but I can only imagine the shouts of encouragement spurred him on and with a final kick, he secured 3rd place. Couldn't have been any more proud. As if that wasn't enough excitement for one day.........

    Onto the race.
    Arrived in Naas with an hour and a half to spare so managed to avail of a decent parking spot in the grounds of Naas GAA club where the start line was.Conditions were a big improvement on the previous day's weather but I still hadn't decided in long or short sleeves. Time came to head out and test the waters with a 2 mile warm up. Short sleeves were the order of the day.
    After some stretches and a few minutes of hanging around, it was time for the off. Decent sized crowd for the inaugural race and by now I was raring to go.Sub 70 mins was the aim for the day and the instruction from coach was a few conservative 7 min miles to start with before upping the pace in the second half for an overall negative split.
    When I heard this, I instantly thought back to races where I'd struggled to come anywhere near that pace (last year's FD and Ratoath spring to mind) so I could be forgiven for having some doubts about how the race would go. Still, I knew the training had been going well so there was at least some cause for optimism.

    Off we went, out of the grounds of the Naas GAA and onto the main Sallins Road and a nice trundle down to a large roundabout and hung a left to begin a mile and a half of incline into a hard enough headwind. Passing out pockets of runners along the way.

    Mile 1 came in at 6:45. Clearly faster than was planned but do I stick with it or hang back? I really wanted to come away with not just a time to be proud of but a performance to be proud of. Why not just go for it?

    Mile 2 was 6:49 and I was happy that the incline wasn't hampering the pace too much. As we approached the point where we doubled back, I could see the leading pack on the opposite side of the road already making their way back down and I was looking forward to the downhill section with the tailwind for assistance. Crossed over the road and made the descent back down towards the roundabout, passing a handful of runners along the way but still staying within the pace of the previous mile, no need for heroics just yet.

    Mile 3 was 6:46 and still feeling comfortable enough, I begun thinking ahead and started to fancy my chances of maintaining this pace. Still on the downward path, I was keeping myself in check, making sure I didn't get too carried away with the wind at my back. There were pockets of spectators along the route and some of them were offering great support. I was on my own by now with some runners up ahead that were definitely 'catchable'. Plenty of time for that.  ;)
    As the path leveled out, mile 4 came in at 6:43. One more mile and we're halfway there. Feeling very good. Turned left over a bridge with the M7 beneath before leaving the main road onto a narrow country road of about 500 metres, slightly uphill. Over a hump-back bridge and hung a left onto the canal walk. The halfway point made itself known (6:46).

    We're still ok, still holding the pace reasonably well. No signs of tiredness. Onward ho.This mile-long section along the canal, although very pretty and lovely to run along, wasn't giving the best gps signal and the pace on the watch was flitting between 6:45 and 7:25 for a few hundred metres. At this stage, I had singled out and was keeping up with another non-club runner who was keeping just a few metres ahead of me. Lets call him Under Armour. He was definitely aware of me and was keeping a good pace, as was I without too much effort. At the end of this stretch, we took a sharp left, over another hump-back bridge where the watch beeped showing mile 6 at 6:49. Let's try to take that back down a notch shall we?
    Still feeling good in the legs as we ran along another narrow road which would eventually bring us back onto the Sallins Road. Was now running alongside Under Armour for a few minutes before he pulled away slightly, still within easy enough reach. Continued along the Sallins Road and passed the entrance to Naas GAA, for another loop.  By now, the weather had turned slightly and the clear skies darkened bringing hail, sleet and more swirling winds. The watch showed a time of 6:50 for mile 7 and it was here I decided to put the foot down a little. The conditions were the sort you wouldn't dream of doing a training run in but as I ran while being pelted from all sides, I felt exhilarated and made it drive me on even harder.  

    Crossed over the M7 again in the driving rain, passing cars beeping their support as we turned once again off the main road. The previous short-lived incline awaited up ahead as I begun to pass out runners at the the tail end of the race. Up along the narrow country road and just after turning onto the canal path for the second time, I saw that I had just registered my fastest mile at 6:41. That was just the boost I needed and at a good time too as it was just then that I felt the slightest signs of tiredness in the legs.  
    Again, the gps was a little erratic along this stretch with all sorts of paces showing on the watch. Under Armour had pulled away and was about 20 metres ahead of me now but I was still making good ground on a pack of four or five runners up ahead (one of whom had two shoelace malfunctions in the space of 5 minutes) that I had been trailing for a few miles while also passing out one or two others along the way. Just before we left the canal for the second time, the penultimate mile came in at 6:40, my fastest mile. I now knew it would take a collapse of gargantuan proportions not to achieve sub-70, even with the freshness in the legs now fading ever so slightly. I was making some ground once again on Under Armour as we turned on the Sallins Road and approached the GAA club.

    Almost lost my footing as I attempted to overtake two runners before turning off the Sallins Road into the grounds of the GAA club. Too close for comfort.
    Time to put the foot down as we approached the final turn towards the finish line, overtaking one last runner in the process.
    Sprinted the 100 last 100 metres to the finish line (finishing just a few seconds behind Under Armour) and a final glance at the watch was enough reason for me to let out a massive "YES" as I came to a stop.
    Finish time was 1:06:27. Very happy indeed, especially as it was a 10 minute pb from last year's Frank Duffy and a performance that made a mockery of the pre-race nerves.


    One thing I did notice almost immediately was the course length which was showing a deficit of around .12 of a mile. Something they need to look at for next year.

    Later on, seeing that I had secured a 37th place finish in a field of 630 runners had me truly lost for words.



    In summary, this was a real valuable lesson that will go a very long way towards how I approach races in the future. At no stage of this race did I experience any thoughts of stopping or easing up due to fatigue which is almost a first for me. The strong finish was also a first. Clearly, this is down to the training, and to see the benefits it brings in a race situation is great feeling. Roll on Manchester! (if it actually goes ahead, that is)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,478 ✭✭✭Comic Book Guy


    Was waiting all morning for this to land!

    Congrats K, Brilliant racing and a well deserved PB. I knew you would go comfortably sub 70 but you truly smashed it and a brilliant strong finish.

    Your training since Christmas has been exemplary especially with all your early morning starts in what can only be described as absolutely crap weather.

    Congrats to your son too, your pride really shines through.


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


    Great racing K, the consistent training is paying dividends.


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


    I'm as sad as CBG and was also waiting for this report :)
    It was worth waiting for though, savage report and result. That training/coach has been such a good step for you in both running and confidence! Delighted for you :) Hope Manchester goes ahead


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