Kilmore 10km 2009

“I’ll Just Jog It”

The world is creaking and groaning with tales of dread. A quick shuffle through the Sunday Papers will bring rapid personal rain clouds and a deep fog will follow a deep depression.

In a turbulent world, there is no better antidote to misery, worry and fear than running and the company of running friends. Theirs is a positive, happy and encouraging outlook. Runners are not gratified by the material. They have long since understood the effort and the reward comes from better feats. They understand achievement, goals and fun better than any company or business. Theirs is an inherently positive outlook and the glass is always half full. A running club is way more important than running; it’s your tribe, your support and your community.

It’s a haven for heady headaches and it’s a reminder of what really matters.

Then again, at Sportsworld, we are very lucky. Lucky because we have a passionate Coach who is inspiration personified. In a previous note I said “Emily Dowling didn’t just teach us to run, she taught us how to live” How true that is today.

The start of the Kilmore 10k is a well disguised hill. It seduces then pulls and bites your heels. Dermot Bates is a wily fox. Local knowledge (witness the amount of Bates at rest in the ‘Grandstand Graveyard’!) knows better. Dermot’s family come from Kilmore and this gentle start is known locally as … you guessed it … ‘the hill’

Yours truly was on an escape weekend in Kilkenny. The lure of a race and the company of friends were too much to miss. Dermot, the inspiration, creator, producer and director of Project Kilmore was persistent. His early morning text and we were off winding our way from Kilkenny to Wexford.

The huge windmills were singing and dancing. I knew we were near, I remembered their silent presence from last year. Registration and fluorescent signs added to the rural relaxed charm. The sun came up and the wind died down. Sportsworld were out in force.

A little local knowledge and we headed off to the 2.5 mile mark. It’s a sleepy winding lane that destroys your rhythm after 2 very fast miles. Its beauty compensates. Quickly Pat Byrne came over the brow. He was working hard and oh so fast. He was out on his own but relentless in his work.

Soon, our World Class Master Ed was striding through, Michael on his tail. It makes you very proud to see your club mates doing so well and the red and white still cuts a dash.

Lucy came next as fast as fast could be. Still smiling, still striding, and still winning. Lucy is both the art and the science.

Jean, the most understated Doctor, was just behind. She glided and set a scintillating pace (Jean later told me she is ‘not fit’)

One by one our runners strode past. There Was Breda with Husband Jim and both setting super times. Dermot ran with Brian and they ran out of their skin to set fast times for guys who had not raced for some time.

Joe Byrne had run 8 miles around the waterworks in 55 minutes that morning. Joe ran Kilmore and promised his bride-to-be that a PB was hers. He did not disappoint and Mary came in 2 minutes better than her previous PB.

Perhaps the ‘best’ performance came from Rachel Morgan just 10 seconds behind a very fast Mary Finn. You see, Rachel is already a Mum of One and as part of her training to be a Mum of 2 she just had to run 42 minutes – that’s 6:48 pace whilst taking it easy!

Ronan, Jaceb, Clare added to our fabulous spectator fun.

The finish was furious with a teasing little hill. Sprints ignited and smiles widened. A tough course but they were all home. The setting summer sun was becoming a little autumnal but there was an evening of banter, stories and fun ahead.

The next day, two thoughts stayed with me. The first was from Joe Byrne. It was a text and like the rest of us, Joe needs his running to keep his business sane. His message said ….”There is something very natural about tea and biscuits after a rural race” There is. It’s a reminder of what’s important and how ‘pace of life’ will be better served by having a regular dose of a good running ‘pace’

In the end, it’s all about making the most of life and of these special days. Trips away and the trip to Kilmore does that to you and for you. The golden years are not ahead, they are now.

At registration I bumped into Ray Carpenter. Ray is an enigma. A man so content, relaxed and balanced. He makes everyone smile. He oozes calm and he inspires fun. Ray does not get anxious.

Just before the start Ray and I chatted. I was beginning to feel I should have attempted the race. I had chickened out. Not Ray. Though not at peak fitness he would “give it a go”

At the 2.5 mile mark Ray was right at the back. I wasn’t fooled. By the time I had set up camp at 5.5 miles Ray was right up front. At the finish, his race done and many scalps later, he was still smiling. I smiled back, shook his hand and reminded him of what he said…. “I’ll just jog it”

My reply? …. Sadly, it’s not fit for fit people!

Next year, get fit, get ready and get down to Kilmore. These Bates people know a thing or two about running fun.

Full results and photos from racepix365

Report By
Conor Kenny

From Track Racing 2009

Good turnout from the club at last Wednesday’s Zurich sponsored BHAA series of 2 mile races which took place in Irishtown Stadium. All races were run on a handicap basis. Unfortunately Paul O’Connell’s unbeaten run came to an end and no Paul I still had nothing to do with your handicap being reduced after you winning your respective race at the previous Irish Life & Permanent race night.

Stephanie Bergin kept up her good recent form by winning her standard and Valerie Power making a welcome return to BHAA races won the open race.

Ray Carpenter, Tommy and Sandra Armstrong also ran very well although Sandra was spotted being dragged off at great speed by Valerie’s dog which she was trying to look after whilst Valerie ran.

For those of you who are not aware of what goes into organising an event, brief summary of what was involved in organising this event (which would also apply to the Irish Life & Permanent race night which Kathleen Horgan was responsible for organising with her colleagues).

Responsibility of race Promoter to book stadium, organise race flyers/promoting event. Making sure adequate stewards in attendance to look after registration and track side and to tidy up afterwards. Timing Clock for evening and accurate recording of finishing times. Providing Tea/Coffee/Water and Refreshments, Prizes, St. Johns Ambulance to attend. Posting of results after event.

Although first race started at 7.30pm myself and my colleagues were at venue from 5.15pm to set up and got to leave at 10.15pm even though last race was at 8.35pm.

So do please give some appreciation to race organisers when you are attending races.

Photos from Racepix365

Report by
Stephen Willoughby

Frank Duffy 10 mile 2009

Well, looking out the window at 8 o’clock saturday morning I was not envious of my red army brothers and sisters setting out on their 10 mile challenge. As they lined up however on the start line to do battle the clouds parted biblically (work with me) and the sun came out to warm the backs of the 6000 hearty souls taking to task on the day. A strong sportsworld mens team had clear intentions to take a medal in the Dublin Championship. Some of the girl’s finest were also present.

Kildare’s finest export since Jack L, Paul O’ Connell lead the way for Sportsworld continuing his rich vein of form. With only 2 Irishmen ahead of him, Paul powered his way to fifth in a superb 53.38, leaving guys he peviously was packing with in his wake. He is closing in on the elite men week by week. Next in was westmeath’s finest export since Joe Dolan. Paul ‘Duff Man Duffy’, another man in a rich vein of from continued his successful summer with a brilliant 57.05, finishing in 21st. Paul again is going shoulder to shoulder with guys, previously minutes ahead of him.

Next in was the ever green Trevor ‘silver tongue’ Sweeney. The veteran was well up in the over 35’s coming in just a shade behind Paul in 57.28, 24th place. He may have even pipped Paul had he not stopped to chat to a blond bysander in the last mile. Gareth Murran was fouth man in, breaking the hour comfortably in 59.33. Having displayed huge potential on the track during the summer, this will have served as a good base for him to build up his stamina for the remaining distance races and cross country season. Gareth has a big year ahead ahead of him and will undoubtedly continue his steady improvements. Michael ‘Con Houlihan’ Cunningham was next man in, finishing in 1.01.06. This didn’t really do him justice as his training and recent races have shown a return to form. Michael is building up nicely for the national half and should really kick into gear for the cross country season, where he has probably displayed his best performances.

Lucy looked close to her best, running hard all the way to a fantastic fourth overall and first in her age group (O 21’s). Colm Kennedy followed her in with an impressive 1.04.35. Martin Keenan ran a fine 1.06.14 building up nicely for the marathon, just ahead of Joe Byrne. Joe shook of a recent knock to storm home in 1.06.28. Life in the old dog yet……..

Stephanie was second girl home in 1.07, followed by Ciara in 1.12.47, representing the girls team with distinction. Dave ‘El Nugget’ Clarke continued his marathon preparations cruising home in 1.10.17, reaping the benefits of a good training bloc. Just ahead was the bowld Will Greensmyth, flown in for the weekend. Limerick’s finest finished in 1.10.11. Eoiny ‘Felony’ got back on track for his assault on the 26.2 miles in October with a solid 1.14.10 and will be fighting fit for the half next month.

A great team performance all in all and we look forward to the rest of the autumn and pending winter with high hopes.

Here’s a link to the photo album with a larger selection available at racepix365 and full results.

Is mise le meas,
Phil Kilgannon.

From Track Racing 2009

Just to show that track running isn’t just a young kids game, this is tommy armstrong finishing strongly at the BHAA Irish Life 3km track race on wednesday last. The race organiser and club member kathleen horgan, can be seen in the background. Other club runners on the night were paul duffy, stephanie bergin, colin mahon, jean wilson and POC. The Zurich 2 Mile track race organised by Stephen Willoughby is on wednesday 26th August.

From Track Racing 2009

Wednesday 5th August 2009

The final evening of the graded series for 2009 took place at a warm and sunny but breezy Irishtown stadium. First up was the 200m, and there were 2 grade C races. In the 1st Sportsworld’s fastest man Conor Murphy was an impressive gun to tape winner 27.08 and would have bettered this if there was somebody to chase. In the 2nd Packie Enright made his debut at sprint events and finished third in 27.52. It wasn’t a bad result for someone with no track or speed work of any sort done, but it wasn’t a sensible decision to race either with no preparation; one based on impulse.

Next up was the 1500m girls, and Crona was a decent 4th in Grade A behind fellow national senior finalists Lorraine Manning and Azmera Gebrezgi. In a mere 18 months running Crona has climbed to a level that no one would have expected of her, and the national championship of three days beforehand was her peak of the season. As a result she looked a little tired, and maybe should be on a break from running for a few weeks. She wanted to come back this evening to try for a pb but on such a breezy evening no athlete recorded one. Hopefully she’ll be very pleased with what she’s achieved this year, it’s rare that someone of such little experience progresses so quickly, and the Brady’s enthusiasm is something we can all learn from.

Conor was back in action at the 1500m grade D and did very respectably considering that distance running is not his event. With laps of 84, two 89s and a 56 second last 300m, he was driven on by Paul Duffy’s “come on Conor, you’re dropping off” along the way! Our next club member in action was another novice who punches above his weight, Gareth Murran. Going in grade C, he’d a super race with 3 steady 73s and a last 300m in 48 seconds. He was always to the forefront of the closely knit and cautious pack, looking like a contender and was leading with 120m left. Coming round the final bend the strong wind hit him hard and he was beaten into 4th place. However he did look the part and this maybe his event to concentrate on for next year.

The race of the night was undoubtedly the star studded mens 1500m grade A, bringing together the recently crowned national 10,000m champion from Kenya (who was skulling pints three days previously may I add!), the 800m bronze medallist,steeple bronze medallist, 1500m silver medallist, 5000m 4th placer and the 800m 5th placer. In a fast race it came down to a photo finish with the 5000m US based runner getting the nod over Alan O Brien (by only one hundredth of a second), Josphat Boit also running 3:48; with the wind ruining the athletes faster times they’d hoped for.

And so it was onto long distance which is what our club members are best at in most cases, and by now both the wind and sun had died down considerably. Having raced only 15 mins earlier, Gareth was next up in the 3000m grade C which he won at ease, displaying superior fitness for this grade. Grades A & B were combined in the final race of the night. Packie struggled with poor fitness to break 10 mins with kilometres of 3:08, 3:21 and 3:30. Conor, a glutton for punishment decided for yet another race this evening, and didn’t do badly at all. However Paul was the success story of the night with a pb of around 20 seconds. At the front he was in a group of 3 or 4 Liffey Valley lads and finished in 3rd place. Well done Paul. Also well done to the organisers for putting on a great series for everyone all summer. Another year has passed, and with the exception of a few BHAA races, that’s the end of the Irish track season for 2009.

Men’s 200m, Grade C (I)
1 Conor Murphy Sportsworld A.C. 27.08

Men’s 200m, Grade C (II)
1 Eoin Bradshaw Raheny Shamrock A.C. 24.97
3 Packie Enright Sportsworld A.C. 27.52

Men’s 1500m, Grade D
1 John Healy Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 4.44.83
10 Conor Murphy Sportsworld A.C. 5.18.76

Men’s 1500m, Grade C
1 Paul Gleeson Clones A.C. 4.26.28
4 Gareth Murran Sportsworld A.C. 4.28.93

Women’s 1500m, Grade A
1 Martina Mc Carthy Athenry A.C.4.38.33
4 Crona Brady Sportsworld A.C. 4.56.93

Men’s 3000m, Grade C
1 Gareth Murran Sportsworld A.C. 9.39.67

Men’s 3000m, Grades A & B
1 Ian O’Leary Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 9.06.39
3 Paul Duffy Sportsworld A.C. 9.10.57
8 Packie Enright Sportsworld A.C. 9.59.42
9 Conor Murphy Sportsworld A.C. 11.53.12

Race Report By
Packie Enright

A big congratulations to Ed McEntee who came home in 6th place in the Marathon at the World Masters Athletics Championships in a stunning time of 2.43.41! For the past two weeks in Lahti, Finland the World Masters has been taking place with the event concluding with the marathon last Saturday. Continuing an excellent season for Sportsworld competitors, with Helen White representing Ireland in the World Mountain Championships and Aoife Brady taking home a Bronze medal from the National T&F in recent weeks, Ed ran a strong race on a warm morning in the surroundings of Lake Vesijärvi to come in behind Russia’s Sergey Perminov who took the marathon win in 2.30.27.

Full results.

Also this weekend is the Adidas Frank Duffy 10 mile in the Phoenix Park. Online entry is still possible but from newspaper reports last week the event is a near sell out……6000 expected to line up! If you are not running come out and support the club as we’ll be fielding strong men’s and women’s teams and the club usually has a high turn out of runners at this event. If you are entered wear your club singlet or if you need a singlet see Emily or Mick at training this week. Also if there is some interest we may look at organising going out for a bit of food & drink on Saturday night to replenish your bodies supplies after a hard mornings racing!

From Track Racing 2009

Aoifa Brady, a name to watch out for in the not to distant future. 1 of only 2 representative from Sportsworld to race in these prestiege championships. Saturday evening, 4:25pm National 5k on next, Aoife takes her place on that start line,she looks great,like she belongs. Bang, there goes the gun & there goes the girls,12.5 gruelling laps with a stronge enough wind in your face every time that home straight was hit.

Linda Byrne & Rosmary Ryan were gone from the gun,it was clear from the start it was a 2 horse race between them, how-ever the race for bronze was there for who-ever was hungry enough to go for it. Aoife ran a very sensible race, she knew what she had to do. Staying tucked in the middle of the pack until it was time to go. 10.5 laps gone, 2laps left, 3rd place still up for grabs, just like changing gears in your car,Aoife change her gear fron 3rd to 4th,a gap was opened immediately,600mts still to race & off she goes,from 4th to 5th gear,that was it there was no catching her now. The sound of the bell…1 more lap,arms in full swing,legs in full stride,the field was broken.Aoife went on to clain a very fine National bronze medal in an excellent time of 17mins 38 behind 1st place Linda & 2nd place Rosemary.

Sunday afternoon, 4:05pm, not as windy today, but still a wind none the less, time for Aoife to take her place on the track once again,this time accompanied by her sister & club/team-mate Crona. The 2 girls on the line side by side with some top athletes. The’re off for a very fast 3 & 3/4 laps on a sunny & breezy afternoon of day 2. Although battle ensued between the 1st 3 athletes Deidre Byrne,Roisin McGettigan & Kelly Mc Niece, Aoife hung in for a very good 4th place fininsh. Crona ran with great confidence to notch up a season’s best & a peronal best time of 4min 46 on her debut to this national senior event. Now she has a taste of what its like she could be a name & face to watch for next season.

Well done both of you on very fine performances.

Race Report By
Lucy Darcy

Photos By
Gareth Murran

On Saturday 25th July, Paul Mitchell and I made the trip to the Carlow/Wexford border for the IMRA Mount Leinster Hill race.

Having not recced the race and only listening to Paul’s brief of the course it wasn’t a race I was looking forward to. The race brief was: 14km race, 635m ascend, 7km up hill, very poor underfoot conditions on the final 1km to the summit – but it’s all down hill after that!!

We arrived at the start to be met by beautiful blue skies and temperatures in the high teens. Not perfect conditions for racing but at least the peak wasn’t covered in cloud.

We set off at a moderate pace on fire road for about 2 km at a very light gradient. Off the fire road and on to the open mountain we continued on zig-zag trails. Underfoot conditions were slippy with streams flowing over the trail in numerous places. Paul and I worked well together up the mountain and we were to change lead many times before reaching the saddle between Mount Leinster and Black Mountain.

From the saddle it was relatively flat for 300m and then a steep climb to the second last false peak before we would eventually reach the top. At this stage I had opened a gap of 50m on Paul but was well aware he would fly by me on the descent. We continued on to the last false peak before the top and were met with a welcome descent of around 500m – where as I had guessed Paul flew by me. I wasn’t long catching him however as the descent was short, and we started our final ascent, to the top of Mount Leinster, together. It started off on good underfoot conditions for about 400meters and then turned into soft bog. At times you would be stuck in muck up to your knees. These conditions gave me the slightest advantage on Paul and I managed to summit about a minute ahead of him in about 13th position overall,

Glad with my rare achievement of reaching a summit before Paul I started out on the descent as fast as I could possibly go – hoping against hope that I wouldn’t see him again till the finish line – only for him to fly by me about five minutes later. Bar seeing him in the distance it would be the last till I crossed the line. My thoughts were then turned to catching other competitors and I managed to catch one and retain my 13th place over.

Excellent race to sign off my hill running season and look forward to doing it all again come January.

Overall Results
1 Tom Hogan 60:28 (Slaney Olympic)
11 Paul Mitchell 71.48
13 Liam Mc Fadden 73.15
26 John Fitzgerald 87.47

Report By
Liam Mc Fadden

From Track Racing 2009

On Saturday night Sportsworld was represented in the Women’s 800m by Jean Wilson & Crona Brady. Both girls ran very well and came in together 10th & 11th respectively. In fact there was only .24 of a second separating both girls. Crona also got a PB by a number of seconds & both girls are running very well ahead of the National track & field coming up.

Aoife Brady warmed up for the Nationals with a run in the 1500m B race for men. The field left Aoife in the early stages of the race but she maintained her composure & ran steady through out & clawed her way back in. She had fantastic support from the whole of the stadium & it’s great to see a Sportsworld athlete command so much respect from fellow runners who turned up on the night.

Results:
800m women
10 02:18.63 Jean Wilson Sportsworld
11 02:18.87 Crona Brady Sportsworld

1500m Men B
14 04:27.35 Aoife Brady Sportsworld

Thanks to Jakub for the photos and video.

Race Report
Paul Duffy