Sometimes you can plan your races and prepare properly for them, with Covid you have to take your chances to do a race when they come up. Leinster junior, senior and masters track races were announced a couple of weeks ago and it took a bit of effort to finally press the button and commit and sign up to doing the race the following week, I don’t think I was the only one who felt that way.
The track was in Carlow IT and they have an amazing new facility with new bouncy track, pancake flat pitches beside track to do warmup, flood lit lights, car park and a wind machine for the back straight. There was no strolling in and hanging around watching other races, you had to book in and only go to track area at a set time and then you had to leave soon after your race. But everyone was happy with the set up and a chance to race.
First up was Noreen Brouder in the 1500m and she was in the leading pack for most of the race pushing the pace and ended up in 4th place winning Gold in her age category. The races came around quick and I was up next in the 1500m, I was happy with my run and legs were definitely burning the last lap but hopefully I can knock some time off in the graded 1500m’s during the summer.
Next was Anthony Gillan and Declan Brady in their 1500, Anthony was also doubling up with a 800m the following day. I don’t think any one factored in the wind which was strong on the back straight and tough if you were not in a group. Both ran well but post race lunch discussion was all about what we could of done better. Runners!?!
No one could hang around in the track area for Caroline Conway’s 400m but she didn’t disappoint getting a Gold medal.
The races were split over 2 days and on Sunday Martin Keenan coming back from injury produced a great time in the 800m to get a Bronze medal. Anthony Gillan ran again and I think hit his target time in the 800m
Final race for Sportsworld runners was a gruelling 5000km on the track by Liam Lenehan. All the IMRA mountain running must of paid off as Liam came away with a great time and a Leinster bronze medal.
Full results can be found here.
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