With some reluctance I signed up for the national masters track and field championships on July 26th in Tullamore. Joining me in the midlands were Adam (045 800m), Gavin (045 5k) and Anthony (055 800m).
In the end, it was a great decision. I’d forgotten what an uplifting occasion it is. It is wonderful to be among athletes of all ages, long past their best but still giving it everything in events as diverse as discuss, hammer, 5k walk, sprints. For some reason, we don’t get too many from the club at these events, but I would encourage anyone over 35 to give it a lash.
I ran the 045 800m. The old running adage ‘It’s not the distance that kills, it’s the pace’, most certainly applies to middle distance. The 800m is simply put..for me at least.. torture. You start out at 90% effort and only go up from there. It’s like a contest of who can hold their hand over a flame for longest. (I may be over dramatising..indulge me).
My only plan was to get out with the leader and hold on for dear life until 200 to go and see what happens after that.. if I’m spent, I’m spent; At least die with the boots on. That’s kinda how it played out. I tried to get around him on the final bend, had nothing left and then I just wanted to hold on to what I had; which I managed to do, despite what felt like running in quick sand for the last 50m. Billy O’ Brien from Skibereen took Gold in 2.09 and I was next in 2.11. Two hours later he took bronze in the 5k. I don’t know how. I was in an absolute heap for the rest of the day. Fair play to him. I was delighted with my silver medal. Shout out to Adam, Gavin and Anthony for running really well in their respective events and making the effort to go down to Tullamore to represent the club. All in all, it was a hugely enjoyable experience.
