Joining The Party (I hope)

Another wee midweek update to keep in touch.

Monday - 8.5 miles easy pace

8:12 average. Began slow and continued slightly not as slow. Was late enough getting going as a mate text me to meet for a coffee and I said what the hell. So any of you who follow me on strava will have possibly noticed another ‘star’ shaped run on the map. Míle 1 done grand and I’m away so this run is out to the 30mph speed limit signs (which are a guide/suggestion only about here) and on the second mile I noticed a dog hurtling about and he was with a group of people. I couldn’t have been bothered with any shite so I crossed the road and BANG! Down I go, slipped on mud in the dark down on the knee. I was livid “for FFFFFFFF sake, that f**king dogggggggg” anyone about the town is looking over at a runner come sailor and the air is blue. I’ve an awful short fuse for growling and howling… anyhow I got to mile 5 and notice a running buddy (2:43 the animal) and I do a few miles with him to stride it out and talk about my ordeal. Meanwhile at the club there was a talk on about addiction, he said we should have both been on it haha anyhow, worse addictions than running. Fella who was a student when I worked at Irish language summer camp was a main talker on drug addiction. Brilliant to see him nearer the right end of it all. He was always the very best of a fella so well done to him.

Tuesday - 8.5 miles, 20mins tempo

plan 20 mins @ 6:30 pace -

3 mile warm up, then splits of 6:30, 6:25 and 6:26. Well within myself and spent too much time messing around looking at the watch so I’ll kick that habit. Ran 2 miles uphill home at 7:24 to see what the feel was like with just a little gas on. No bother. I feel I’m cooking away nicely. No rush no panic I’m just really lovin being back training something like a programme. The back end 6 months of 21 had my head astray. Nice to have the fast stuff for the week done and from here on in it’s just easy pace. I’m toying with the idea of a stretch of the legs for Carlingford half. No PB threats or anything I wanna come through it at a good grunt and see where that would take me. Think it would be good to go through all of the race rituals. I’m fairly superstitious so I like to do my set routine and even that is vague in my head by now!!

Sunday - 5.2 miles

Yes Cobh is hilly. Very, very hilly! So long spin - 230 miles, Kilcoo match in which we were very invested and then out for dinner… except everywhere had finished serving, so when we went into a pizza place I was ready to break windows but by the grace of God they were serving and were excellent! I needed a drink to get me sorted out but I didn’t need a bottle of wine and 6 pints. So Sunday I woke up in a middlin way. I was ‘on Spike Island’ as the man said, without actually getting on Spike Island… The tours were full up so frig it. Morning run, over by the Titanic memorial, then up the endless hills and over along the schools and the GAA pitch (as a little mark of respect I did a lap round the pitch).

Went out to watch the Liverpool game, 3 points bagged and back to the apartment to wallow in my misery, thank God I did the run early!!

Monday - 8.30 miles Tempo

Plan was to do 6:30s for 25 mins. Went over and back along the gorgeous promenade which is mostly flat. Sun shining, so much for the weather warnings! Splits were 6:28, 6:30, 6:22 and 6:18 so a little faster than the plan but it felt sound. Had loads left. Really nice to get some running done down here, it’s such a great place (cathedral would drive a body demented though) and the people are very charming!! Anyhow good start to the week and the tempo is done. Making me want to do some interval type work as the week goes on maybe Thursday - I’ll get some advice on that though but I feel I am ready to say I’m into marathon programme from next week on. When I began this log I had no confidence at all that I’d be at this stage by now so I’m really pleased with how things are going.

Heading out now for dinner and a few Murphy’s, go on ya boy ya!

Now, back to the logging

Tuesday - 7.35 miles 8:10s

Last run in lovely Cobh. Nice, mild weather over and back along the promenade. Herself went on her run too but I’m not allowed to be anywhere near her because apparently it stresses! ME?!?!?!?! Anyhow I just stick to the rules for an easy life. Awkwardly met at one point - well almost, I was gaining so I did the gentlemanly thing and took in a hill, there are a few to choose from. Went down to the heritage centre to get a look at the whole Titanic and Famine impact on Cobh and I must say it’s excellent. Didn’t get into the city or marathon route after all (sorry for banging on about it) but did read about the course profile so I’m just thinking whatever will be will be I’ll figure it out. Motorway trip back home was an event too. One wrong turn, 15 mins of turning the air blue and then got stopping at the spot coming into Kildare and it is friggin EPIC! Called to see my sister, husband and their baby in Killiney and on up the bóthar

Wednesday - 7 miles 8:02s

Woke up quite early but was wrecked from the drive the night before so got up and grunted a bit then away for an easy 7 back round home. Arrived down to the oul man in the yard about 10 and his eyes lit up “God I didn’t think I’d see you this early.” At times he makes me feel like a giant. Tagged a few calves that were already entered (shhhhh) and got plenty done.

Thursday - 8.20 miles including 10x1min on/off

Eventful enough. Set out about lunch time (suited me and the boss best) and I got up my lane where I saw two people rootin at a car. FFS I thought but I stopped and asked if they were ok. Few mins later and I’m lying in a bush trying to get a jack under their car. Another neighbour arrives and between us with a bit to do we get the tyre off. They head away in another yoke to get a tyre and I took the spare out which was also ripped to bits (Christ Alive). They head On and I head on, telling them I’ll be back in an hour if they need any more help.

So down to the Rangers 45 mins later that banana seems like a long time ago already! I was gonna work on the straights/lengths and recover for the widths but scrapped that for min on/off. Got 9 done all ok around 5:50 pace it was kinda hard to hold it to that but I had been thinking of 6:00. Last rep I said frig it I’ll do 2 mins to bring me onto another mile.

Back up home and another 25 mins of standing about trying to help these ones with their car. In the finish up there was a spring broken and hanging down and that’s what ripped the tyres so they had to get a tow truck. Anyway, no good deed is wasted even if I was froze.

Saturday - 6.30 miles 7:59s

Long run all planned. Got up to see a white blanket and text the boyo to say we may put it off. 4 inches and snowing heavily. Da couldn’t get over so I went down to the yard and set about doing the turns. Saw on the camera one of the newborn calves had jumped out of the calving pens and into the passage and I was worried he’d jump into the wrong cow and get milled. Down I went to save him, for a wee **** that had bent legs 2 days ago he could fairly throw kicks and buckleap

Against the run of play I got out on the road for an easy jog. Amazes me the hurry people driving be in when conditions are brutal. I got slush skites 4 times. Ah well. On up to HQ to watch Armagh take on Monaghan. Brutal first half performance, terrible officiating including a penalty that was in resulted in a draw. Alright I suppose, still top of the league, bitches!

Sunday - 16.30 miles 7:53s

Text another buddy last night and by the grace of God he wanted to do a few miles. Slow pace in pouring rain. Did the last 4-5 miles around 7:40 pace uphill so I’m happy enough. Groin feels a bit tired but not hurt so I’ll organise a rub down some time next week.

53 miles for the week and just under 7 hours. Happy with the way the miles are totting up, pace still not there but I feel I’m getting stronger.

Bit of a midweek madness update now for you all from my school study hall. Nothing is more inspirational than watching young people working/studying away figuring stuff out or nabbing me for a free question on their work.

Monday - 8 miles 7:50

Felt like I was pushing it a little bit my legs were very heavy. One of those evenings where I’m late getting to it, every yoke in the town seems to be pulling out in front of me, there’s training on in the field and not much room for me. Anyhow got it done, out to the physio for a rub down and got a clean bill of health. I was waiting to be told to take it easy but he was happy.

Home to the house for dinner at the ripe old time of 10.45. A real FFS day.

Tuesday 3x10 mins at 6:35 1 min recovery

Felt like my form was all over the place landing on bendy legs from the rub down. Easily made the session but felt uneven. Was just forcing through it.

Wednesday 5 miles recovery

8:20s average. No issues at all was pleased I didn’t have any ill-effects from the session. Morning run before school. I like to get them in now and again and feel like I have a free day.

Arranged to go to the lady’s house for dinner so that was another reason to get it done in the morning. BUT as the day progressed my leg swelled up just under the knee and I could hardly put it down. I don’t remember anything happening to it. Home to weigh cattle and hobble after them - 7 went to the factory today - and then thought I was gonna pass out in the car on the way over to her house. Got there, her dog dived on me and she got me painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Chilled out for a few hours and it wasn’t as sore on the way home. I can’t remember anything happening to it but I’m wondering if running hard (ish I know it wasn’t a hard session) after a rub down.

Thursday Rest Day

Was a rest day on the plan as well so I don’t feel like I’ve really lost anything that much. Leg is slightly better but still a bruise but I can manage stairs without wailing like a banshee today. I’m for home round 7 and then I’ll ice it and keep off it. I’m due to run light tomorrow and I’ll keep it short if I can do it but I want to do a good run on Saturday.

Any other ideas?

Ha! 12 cows calved. Wee legend had all done when I looked in the camera again. I may write up a new report every night hehe

Wednesday 16th March

6 miles early morning 7:49

Thursday 10 miles steady 6:48 per mile

Left calf quite tight so I was just hoping to get through this one and I decided not to venture too far from the house. Hit all the splits inside 6:50 which is what I wanted and the speed felt easy just that the calf could go at any time.

Friday - Monday = SFA

FFS you couldn’t make it up. So Friday was a rest day and all problems had vanished. I was heading to feed cattle and my foot slipped getting into the van, giving my ankle at the front a bit of a snap.I thought nothing of it but as the day wore on I could hardly walk on it. Saturday came and I knew there would be no run - 3 cows calved to start, middle and end the day and I missed out on a few drinks with the lads - seething but at least everything had a pulse. Mam and Da were over in London for a few days so I was on my lonesome. Ran out of feeding too so had to sweet talk a few neighbours into parting with a few bales. Got all done anyhow. I let out a few cows and calves and of course one wee brat of a calf got separated so Stevie got to run after him on one leg. Form wasn’t great.

Sunday came and everything still living so that was ok. KS was coming over and we were for heading to the Armagh Kerry game, leaving at 12… 10.45 and another cow starts the craic so I threw her into the pen and went up to the house for a cup. Watched the lady on the camera and she spat out a nice red heifer calf. Armagh gave it a decent go but Kerry had another gear, lost by 3. Clifford is like a look into the genetic future. Astonishing player. In the last 10 mins we got Niall Grimley on and he shook the life out of them though. Been a super league, really enjoyed it.

Hello Monday - got a walk round the yard and got another heifer calved into the slats so I had a bit of an early morning melee. I was walking fairly pain free by now though so that wasn’t so bad. Ice had helped a lot. Was tempted to run Monday evening but when I got home another cow was in the throes of difficulty - rang the oul man who was just into the house - “you may get back on the road day and get over here this cow’s stuck” over he came and between us we pulled a huge bull calf.

Tuesday 22 March 7 miles at 7:36 average

No bother with ankle thank Christ. Great to be going again. Such stupid luck lately but at least it’s been no longer than 3-4 days off for each.

Wednesday 23/3/22 8 miles at 7:18

Put the squeeze on bit by bit and did a 6:51 to finish. Felt fine but legs both days a bit ‘squishy’ after some days off so I was surprised by that.

Thursday 5 miles at 7:58

Friday 9.5 miles - Session 10 x 500m

Dosed with a head cold but I said I’ll get a few reps in anyhow. 3 mile warm up and then got going. Plan was 5:45 pace which is 1:47 per rep. One 1:48 was the slowest and I think I did 2 at 1:42. Happy with the pace but drained. Long run tomorrow so I’ll get on the lemsip and see how I go. Happy enough with the runs this week all things considered.

The learning from this week is that I tend to pick up a lot of niggles from farming, very hard to avoid. When there’s a slap of calvings it’s not easy to be doing marathon training.Anyhow we’re down to the last 11 and most are out so the pressure isn’t as bad.

I vowed to keep my goals realistic, grounded and tempered for the spring, just get back into it. I’m doing that. Lot of mini-crises but I’m still there and feeling gains. Down half a stone and another quarter to go. Big April to make the difference.

Haha easily caught!! I’m sneezing like a good one this 2 days! When the weather changes I get it

thanks for that yea maybe slightly slower than PB 5k but yea in that area. Woulda been simple if I had been at myself but I’m pleased to hit every split. 3 consistent weeks and I’ll be confident.

16 miles today with 2 at 6:36 at the end. the bag was out by the end but a good solid run too. Letterkenny tonigjt now to hot whiskey my way through it!

Been so flat out with school/farm and trying to do my training haven’t got near anyone else’s log but I’m determined to keep this one updated at least and I’ll get on the horse again to check out what youre all up to, hopefully all going well - anyone I see on strava seems to be still clocking up miles so keep it up!!

Thursday 31

6.5 miles easy. 8:11 - up at **** o’clock and just coasted round it gettin it done.

Friday - 10 miles at 6:50

Meant to be steady but I felt friggin wobbly enough. Anyhow pulled it out in the rank rain at 6:47 average. Pace wasn’t too bad but a rotten evening and returned to 3 hours of farm work still in my gear. A taxing day. Groin was shouting at me up in the house that night but in the bank.

Saturday - 6x1k at 6:15

Dreaded this but it turned out to be a manageable enough run, no problem really hitting that pace but a bit of decent turnover. 8.5 miles all done.

Sunday - 18 miles

Plan was to do 7:40s for 12 and 7:15s for 6 but I was thinking f*ck that. I teamed up with P and just ran to casual feel. He did 15 with me and for the last three I did the 7:15s and averaged out 7:45 so I think that’s bang on.

That’s just over 63 miles for the week and my biggest in almost 2 years. The groin is causing a bit of aggro but it’s standing up to it. It is nice to have done a full week after 2-3 with interruptions for oul bullshit. I’m pretty pleased with myself. For the latter end of the week I’ve been clinging on but I hit every goal I had. I think Cork is 10 weeks away, it’s great to get out of March like a lion and I hope to kick on now and make April my own - no fools here agus ansin ar aghaidh chuig na tinte Bealtaine!

Thought I’d post up today’s run as it felt like a significant one. I’ll give the week’s total later in the week but this week is kinda turning out to be a bit of a post as I go week.

So I’ve been putting back the rest day a bit that I might get Easter Sunday off. Last Sunday en route home from my house my gf had a car accident when a cow jumped in front of her car out of nowhere. Been a bit of an unsettling week. Thankfully she’s fine apart from a few injuries that should clear up soon but a bit shook up too. So I went to see her Tuesday for a while and said I’d come back Wednesday as well. I took my gear with me and stayed over at her place - I can do little more to help but I can be there. Anyhow we had a nice day or two and I think it helped a bit anyhow.

So she picked out a route for me to run over there along a coastal path. We drove it first so that I could give it my typical surly approval and I felt the run would be challenging enough but not too bad. Mainly flat and downhill on the way out but a serious headwind.

Target was 6:45 average and I thought that would be difficult but I’d give it a lash anyhow. Splits for the first 7 miles were 6:44, 6:46, 6:45, 6:55, 6:55, 6:55 & 6:48 and I was busted. I was thinking to myself that if I keep it to below 7:00 until halfway then at least I’d get the distance and I could put the bad run behind me and look ahead to the rest of the week. Stopped at halfway point and took a pee and a drink.

Back to it and knowing I would have much more uphill on the way home I was resigned to pumping out 7:20s. The earlier 6:55 hatrick felt like a much harder effort. I glanced down at the watch and what seemed a similar effort but uphill slightly and I was running at 6:25 pace. Wasn’t uncomfortable. I thought let it back a bit and hold it as long as I can. 6:35, 6:36 and then I started to figure out where I’d want to be at 10 miles to be back on track - 6:37 and I was 7 seconds short still but feeling strong.

Few lads were out doing slurry and more doing a fence and I noticed a cow had just had twin calves right along the roadside. Banged out 6:36 for 11 and I was back in business - 6:40, 6:43 and eased back to 6:45 to finish.

One of those runs where hanging in there to grunt it out pays off. I might have gone too hard on the way back but there wasn’t anything too insane either. Good confidence boost and I’m up through the 40 miles for the week so far. Groin and glute issues been much quieter this week thank God. That’s me halfway though the big month and it’s back on

Ah she is lad thanks. Wee bit better every day she’s not the sort to lie under it even if a bit of time out would do her good!

Hahaha no no, I’ve enough of my own as much as I wouldn’t see anyone stuck I wouldn’t intrude. She was aggressive as well, very aggressive.

April 18 - 24

I’ve the big end done of a very tough week for me running wise anyhow. I’ve been thinking it’s just as well I’m on midterm. Going round the farm I dread every step that I might strain an ankle or calf (on my legs). We were dehorning calves yesterday and I got the lovely job of pushing them up the crush with a board. One kicked it and broke it in 2. The follow through hit me but the sting was taken out of it. I’m thinkin Jaysus.

Monday

Due to be a rest day but since I’d changed things around to rest on Sunday I did an easy run from Kilkenny down towards Kells. Out 4 and back 4. 2 miles in the urge for a number 2 hit me and I was running on tippy toes for half a mile. Mercifully the feeling didn’t come back until I got back but it def had me worried! There’s your steak now for ya!

8 miles at 7:32

Spent the rest of the day in priories, abbeys and hurling pitches as well as a park or two. I wasn’t that bothered about looking at portraits of men with wigs and hearing about how billionaires dealt with difficult times in huge castles so we didn’t do any of that!

Tuesday

Bit of a dog this one. 3m wu/cd and then 2m at 6:42 then 800 at 6:00 x 3 all with 90s rec - I felt like a countdown contestant with all the numbers in my head, got chased by a dog but had a glorious time at Páirc an Fhailtigh and then into the city, back out ‘our road’ and into James Stephen’s to do the last 800 and the cool down. Excellent facility. I wound up doing 2.5 for the last 2 mile bit after getting my measurements wrong but my heart was set on the 800 in the hurling field and I didn’t wanna be doing a 4min recovery like a pansy.

The numbers on garmin/strava mean F all now but I hit all of the times. One 800 was 2 secs behind time but with the dog nipping at me I’ll allow that.

14.71 miles at 7:16 average

Wednesday

6 miles east back in God’s Country. 8:02

Thursday

12 miles at 7:11 was a bit faster than meant to be. Felt very tired from 10 on but hung on in there.

Friday

The monster this week. 12.5 miles in all. 3 wu/cd and 3.1 at 6:08 x 2 with 3 mins recovery. I hit the paces almost exact and didn’t ‘lose’ any of them but when I was running into the wind it was an absolute killer. The last mile I told myself no looking at the watch until x spot. When I looked it was 6:23 pace ffs. So I surged for about a min and looked again - 6:18… class craic. I tried to move the arms faster for 30 secs, 6:16 and I’m struggling so I did what any other stubborn mule would do and went all out and it took all out as well to finish at 6:07. Whatever about the 0.10 I just kept running at whatever pace and the cooldown up the hill was a sluggish affair.

I’ve a 16 to go and then up to see Armagh take on Donegal. If we finish with 15 on the field I’ll be amazed. Great chance to beat them in Ballynoway.

Should take me up to just under 70 miles for the week and I’m averaging out 68.5 over the last 4 so April is still going to plan. Again, I need a race to gauge where I really am. Hovering at about 11 3 or 11 4 which is still light for me so I’m happy about that - without much real dieting going on.

Saturday

Sunday

Don’t think I said much about it but did a 10k race tonight in Dundalk and came out smashing the PB.

Míle splits

5:37, 5:34, 5:48, 5:51, 5:42, 5:39 and the 0.2 at 5:07 pace

5:42 average

Time on chip was 35:31 and a pb of about 50 seconds. My first real race in 2 years and about 8 months. What a relief to get that done.

Huge thanks to @Swashbuckler for the DM encouragement and words of wisdom about runners and prep, a hero.

Haha I’ll get a look at that tomorrow evening and throw it together sure

Right a bit of a report I suppose. I dunno how to write these but I’ll give it a lash.

DKIT 10k pb 35:31

First race since Carlingford 5k in July/August 2019. I decided on Saturday after my long run that I should race but saw that online registration was closed. Sh*t. So I messaged them and to my glee I could go in person and pay. I did that on Monday - called out after work, paid the fee and then did a reckie in my new runners - 361degrees Carbons… welcome to the dark side! I felt 10 foot tall it was weird kinda hard to stop or control. Anyhow first run in them and no ill-effects. 5 x strides at pace - I didn’t measure time or distance so it was about 50-70m

Tuesday I did a wee lunchtime 5k to loosen out in the 361s again and they felt a bit more comfortable. All slow.

Raceday had arrived. Better sleep on Tuesday night and Armagh’s no-show was becoming a distant memory. I woke up anxious though and it was about 11 am before I realised I hadn’t drank any water. FFS Stephen. So I bate a drop into me and got on with my day. Ive had 4 deadlines for school reports etc this week which is a torture all at the one time. I decided to stay late to get 45mins of reporting done and around 4 it was time to go… except it wasn’t. There was a Year 10 meeting for parents in the assembly hall about a trip to Barcelona next week. Some clown blocked me in. I text VP, Principal and other teachers I thought might be at the meeting. No replies. So me being me I went for the drama option. Marched into the assembly hall “excuse me, Mrs… I’m sorry everybody but someone in an Audi A6 has me blocked in and I’m in a hurry away today, could you please come and move it for me” A woman got up after a tense delay. She made for the front of the school I went after her “no sorry it’s at the back beside the canteen” Wrong car. I’m starting to seethe at this because the ass that did it knows well. So in I go again and roar out the number plate. 200 sets of eyes on me and I’ve a face like thunder. The poor Year Head could only look at the ground. “Right, thanks” away I went. Frigger didn’t come to move it and it’s a good thing cos it could go any way.

So I got squeezed out a wee gap at the handball ally (I really didn’t think I’d get through) with the help of a few lads to keep an eye for me either side.

Home I get and begin with the rituals. Changed clothes and got the eggs and toast on. Oul man rang me with a few questions. All ok. KS on her way out and I always shower before a race. I’m in a towel and she arrives. Some quick manoeuvring and i make it down the stairs on time to be pinning the number to my vest as she gets in the door. I’m raised but relaxed and she’s telling me all about her day. Some of it goes in. There’s a pair of socks I bought in August 2019 for Dublin Marathon and when I missed it I decided I’d save them until the next race… little did I know. So I tell KS the story (You’re a total psycho…) and vase up the toes. On with the socks and vest and put a long sleeve top on overall.

Out the road to Dundalk and I’m 10 mins late leaving. Fu*kin standard Stephen. Fu*k it. We got there on time and KS went away to get a coffee and I did my warm up after a wee kiss for luck.

Onto the start line and the announcer says there’s a 2 min wait. I got up near the top and a familiar looking lads ambled over to me. You know my cousin Eddie. I remembered his surname and asked what’s your first name again? We briefly chatted times and wished other luck. His pb was 36:50 mine 36:22 so we wouldn’t be far apart. We’re at the right hand side of the gantry and 3 lads come in from the side and stand in front of me. Now I have no clear path to the front. Cheers lads. Eddie’s cousin gestured for me to go ahead of him just as I was doing the same to him. I went forward reluctantly. And then we were into the ten second countdown (mercifully some know it all gym bunny didn’t take it upon him/herself to warm us all up with a high octane level routine - God I find that insufferable) and so onto the race

GO! I got into a good position and started the watch early to ‘gain’ if possible. 5 steps into the race and a thin fella cuts in from my left and all but stops in front of me “Run on will ya!” A roll of the eyes and I got round the first corner in the car park and lost him again - what’s the point of that? I come round another corner unscathed and now there’s straight. Glance at the watch 5:40… ok. 5:48 was my average last time out and that was in the sweet spot. I hammered on and surged a little, I felt nothing. About 3/4 of a mile in I said hello to DW and his daughter (I taught her) from the running club (I took a year out of it last year) and DW half-assedly replied… fu*kin lovely. 2 lads were laughin and one said youre some boy has time to chat… “Aw I wont chat much now” My watch buzzed 2 mins later (longer than youd think) 5:37. Good lad.

I horsed up the slight hill and we came to a turn to change road early in mile 2. 4-5 lads cut the corner (I’ve no issue) but I took it wide and they passed me. I just got into a stride and felt a light headwind kiss my face. I felt they were slacking a bit and looked at my watch… 5:42 no not quick enough and I kicked. Glided past 3 fellas and someone passed me. I tucked in and maintained speed Mile 2 5:34 You’re in fuckin business lad.

Mile 3 - I’m thinkin right here’s the 2 wan*er miles. Big long straight and it dawned on me that I messed up the reckie 2 days earlier and took an early turn. Tube. I laughed to myself but not very loudly cos I was feeling it. I was conscious of my breathing and spitting (awful habit I’m sorry) and thinking that everyone all around me thinks I’m gonna blow. Eddie’s cousin is up ahead. If he comes in ahead of me and he let me ahead at the start line I’ll look well. Any how I have a wee mantra for things like that STFU Stephen. Mile 3 in 5:48 and I feel a bit gassy.

Mile 4 - There’s an uphill in here. A few lads slow a lot but I think no push now. So I go past 2 more. Eddie’s cousin is struggling a bit. I offer minimal encouragement and press ahead. Up and down over ramps and I take them at their lowest point. My side is starting to ache and I’m thinking oh no! 5:51 I was furious I wanted them all below 5:48. Frig it.

Mile 5 I started hard and at the first watch check I think it was about 5:38. I’ve got 2 to go and I know well that it’s either do it or blow it trying to do it but there’s no backing down I want all or I want nothing. I tear along and the fella who passed me is still 10 paces ahead and keeping pace. I think ‘he’s not gaining’ I could pass him… then I thought do I wanna beat a stranger or do I want to beat a time so I just held on. We were on mainly flat now and I was on a stretch i knew well from memory. 5:42 - it’s back on.

Mile 6 - I need to make it one more mile. People are on the streets now clapping us along in bigger small crowds. I know I have fellas right behind me but I’m not here for a place I’m here for a time. 0.3 into the mile and my watch reads 5:36 I push a little and it’s on 5:32. I pass the guy I’d been keeping with all along. If he’d stayed behind me it would have likely been the other way about in hindsight and what about that at the time I know doing that will give me a kick to finish and if he retakes the lead over me good luck to him. I tear on up the last hill and round the soccer pitch. A couple of big shouts some people know me. On ahead up to the roundabout and the finish line is on my right. KS standing there and I’m calm now I know the work is done and I tell her “yea I’ll do it” a man screams at me right down to the end (you go to the end of the car park left and left and home) I push round the last corner and let one good groan then put the boot right down 6th mile was 5:39 but I didn’t notice it or if I did I don’t remember. I go into an all out sprint. I hate that about myself at times but I let the emotion out at a finish line. It’s not good for the quads. I haven’t had a race in over 2 years I’m gonna have a moment of abandon. I zoom through the line at 5:07 pace

The watch says 35:33 but the chip time is 35:31. A new pb. A pretty big deal for me. I began this log talking about injuries and genuinely thought I’d have another year of BS. Now I’ve just put out 3 x 70 plus mpw and a 64. I’ve hit a pb and 50 seconds off a 10k time is significant. I think there’s loads more in me. For now that’ll do. And that’ll do for the race report except to tell you all about the reward food

a snackbox with loads of salt. I got KS a bacon double cheeseburger which she didn’t eat so I did the decent thing and drank it down too… then woke at 4.22 having weird dreams…

8 miles today in pain and on we go.

Yea he’s a super fella making a big difference to me. Everything I want in a coach

thanks a million lad. Great to have a pb monkey off my back

Thanks pal! It’s a good course isn’t it (my head is away I nearly wrote report but meant course!!!!) What is the pb? And what did you study ansin? When I was at college they were only getting going so their team weren’t great. We beat them and I played for Coleraine. Mostly seconds. I wasnt always that good a trainer and the coach wouldn’t play me for the first team. In fairness probably just a shade off good enough as well.

Emm yea there’s a bit of it in the middle that would wind you! I had a stitch for about a mile. Probably should have put that in the report. Just not used to speed like that over distance. Aye he’d be a cousin. I suppose that may have been his first year there and it was good to make a good impression. Still at it yea. Get cracking on the races and bring that pb down under the 40. Nice milestone. Haha first team is overrated anyhow!

So this week represents the wobble. From the high of a pb and a good solid run out to the lows of an injury.

Monday

Rest day. Went out for a few drinks (my last until Cork Marathon) with KS and then saw the physio for a rub down on the following day. Everything very tight but told me to work away. I was taken aback by how tight my hamstring on my right leg was as this is usually an area in which I’m fine.

Tuesday

8 Miles easy 7:50 average. Legs not as tight but left calf a little stiff. Rolled.

Wednesday

Session. 3 x 2miles in 12 mins. Got through it ok 12:00, 12:07, 12:07 but I was very winded on the last one. Left calf my worry and in the warm up it was a bit stiff to begin with and then ok. Left hamstring had a dull pain but I ran on through it. In hindsight I’m not sure if it was that big a mistake or not.

Thursday

meant to be 10 miles easy but I got to 3 and pulled it. Not a terrible pain but enough to worry me and I’m thinking if I tear this that’s the marathon over. I jogged in and text the physio. Seeing him this evening and then I’ll know what the plan is but I’m feeling gloomy enough. Right now what I’m hoping for is to take the weekend off (I had been thinking about one day’s rest but I doubt I’ll be that lucky) and then easy running next week. Doing a 21 mile run in pain last week may well have been the moment of stupidity. I could have run on and done more legs of the marathon after having had a rest day on the Saturday. Can’t change that now. Fingers crossed he can rub it out but he will likely say do nothing until I see it next Thursday. If it’s that I’ll just take my licks. Feel fat already.

24 miles so far this week. Brutal.