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Home Blog Page 63

St Patricks Day Mullingar Half Marathon 2016

Report by Will Greensmyth (narrowly missing the deadline to be excommunicated)

Race Photos available at the Mullingar Half Facebook Page: Click here

For fear of excommunication by our esteemed web editor (baker of dubious caramel slices and BHAA flat track bully), the following is a short race report on the Mullingar Half Marathon:

Mullingar is only an hour from Dublin and there’s not much traffic on the road on a St Patricks morning. Entering the race was a spur of the moment decision after a couple of pints during the Ireland v Italy rugby match last Saturday – in Zebo veritas.

Race reporter Will in the thick of it

The race was in aid of Childline and was really well organised. Great atmosphere around the start. Lucy Darcy was running the chip timing show. The weather was class. It was never like this when we were young on St Patricks Day and getting hypothermia at the parades.

Not knowing Mullingar, it helped that the Real Paul O’Connell and his wife, Aoife were running the race for the second time and were able to fill me on the route. Summary: this course is designed for a PB – There’s only one tough climb, about 200m over the N4 fly over – From there to the end, it’s a stunning run along the Royal Canal (Note to Eoin: Insert Auld Triangle Jingle Jangle pun here).

As for my own performanace, well, running three times in the space of three weeks is probably not consistent training for a 5k, let alone a half marathon. I managed 1’27” for the run. Bravado got the better of me after 15k when I decided to push on from the group of four I was running with and tip under 1’24”. A mile later, the gauge in the petrol tank was flashing red, and the four lads breezed by me, probably thinking “what a tool”. After that, I slogged the last few km home to the finish, where a mighty spread of soup, sandwiches and sun awaited at the finish line, as well as a voucher for a free 99 cone.

Paul O’C ran 1’22 and Aoife O’C ran 1’30 – both will do great in the Rotterdam marathon next month

I would heartily recommend this race for next year. Good cause, fast route, well organised and will keep you all out of the boozer and bookies on St Patricks Day for a few hours.

Up next on the kaleidoscope of races for 2016 – The paced Mile in ALSAA next Wednesday (Enter Here) and then the Good Friday 5k in Raheny (Enter here). Maybe a bit of training as well.

Full half marathon results: Myrunresults

Debra Ireland Wicklow Mountains Challenge Half Marathon

Report by Lucia Prihodova

The Wicklow Mountains Challenge, organized by Debra Ireland, has started in 2009 as a fundraiser for the charity with around 50 runners. As a part of the challenge, now up to 800 runners can either do half-marathon and 10k trail race. One of the taglines on the website states: “Unlike road races, participants will be running through the wild terrain of the Wicklow Mountains so it’s going to be more challenging. We promise you will have painful muscles by the end of it, but we can also promise amazing scenery along the way.” Wholeheartedly agreed.

I have been considering doing the race for the last two years, and each time missed out on the fast selling registration. Hence this year, I signed up as soon as the registration opened in early December. That means 15 weeks of going through stages of excitement and worries if I trained enough.

The race itself starts in Brockagh center in Laragh. The final route map shows 6 caution signs, warning the runners about dodgy sections, some of which need to be walked (relief!). The growing group of co-runners ranges from the seasoned minimalists in worn out runners through those with amo belt of energy gels and full hydration backpacks. Myself and Emmett, the only other Sportsworld co-runners have a chat about our training & desired time (apparently the rule of thumb is to add 20% to your usual half-marathon time in order to guesstimate of your trail results. No pressure so!) After a photo-op for the report, we get hauled up on the buses to bring us to the start line.

Sportsworlds Emmet & Lucia

At the start line, (in midst of all the nature) after blasted out ACDC song, we get last instructions, thanks from the charity & we’re off. The route starts gently enough on forest track. As the music fades, the smells of the forest kick in. The weather is perfect. Gentle breeze, slightly overcast. Just right. Although you are aware of runners near you, at times you feel like the only one running through the mountains. The terrain and the views are constantly changing, revealing itself a little more with each step. Crossing gates & roads and attempting to jog up the walkways takes a little longer than I expected at first but proves to be a welcome respite. We hit the bog, knee-deep at times and I thank myself for tying my shoes so tightly.

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I wash some of the mud by running through the stream, rehydrate and refuel on jellies. Crossing the road, we are in on the steep rocky descent, at times more parkour than running. Loosening the legs again for the last 5k stretch, we tackle the steepest climb of the race. Most runners are walking at this point, but with Dave’s voice ‘lean into the hill’ I somehow manage to persuade myself to keep jogging up and up and still up. The path flattens and leads us along our last hill before turning into a stunning gradual downhill. Below us, you can already hear the cheers from finish line. I sprint for the finish line, my tired legs finally stretching full strides and next thing, it’s over. And in spite of the tiredness & much, I honestly don’t think I have ever enjoyed any other race as much! And yes, the tagline was correct. The guesstimation, almost as well.

Emmet Wardell: 76th place, 1:58:31
Lucia Prihodova: 225th place, 2:20:48

Trans Gran Canaria 83km Race 2016

Report by Damian Kelly

Trans Gran Canaria 83km race + 4000mm Of Climbing

Well after a hard winters training Race the morning arrives and we all hope we have put enough mileage in. It is hard to believe that Oliver Ken and myself had signed up for the race back in July.

In bed at 8.30 the night before with the alarm set for 2.30 am, got about 5 hours sleep so happy enough with that. Up we get while the wives and our other mate John are fast asleep from a night out in Playa De Ingles. Being so early I just had a Pretzel and Cliff Bar for breakfast and then a final check on our Kit Requirements. Head Lamp, Rear Light, Rain Jacket, 2.5 Litres of water, Space Blanket, ID, Gels, Salt Tablets (For Cramp) BUFF 2 No and Sun Cream. I know it sounds like I am going camping instead of running.

We get a taxi down to the Finish and hop on the Bus at 4.10am for a 1 ½ hr journey to the Starting Line in the mountains.

We arrived at the Starting Line at 5.45am so that gave us 1hr or so to wait. While we were waiting the runners from the 125KM Race pass by.

Around 6.30am they start to blast out some music and some ACDC and we are on the Highway to hell, a very funny moment as all 600 + runners start to sing at the top of their voices. Horns blasted and off we go at 7.10am as it is just starting to get bright.

The first 30km of the race is on the part of the island that is really green, the weather is cloudy and there is some light rain. The plan was not to go off too fast as I had never run 83km before the furthest being 52KM.

Myself and Oliver ran more or less together for the first 35km. There was 8 Aid Stations on the course serving anything from Pasta, Potatoes, oranges, Meringues, Crisps, Nuts, Bananas, Jelly, sweets, Pepsi, water and Sports Drinks. My plan was to spend less than a couple of minutes at each Station so no Pasta or Spuds for me.

When we got to around 30km the weather and landscape changed and we are into a more Rocky and Wild West Terrain, all the Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Westerns were filmed around this location.

Race reporter Damian after 30km

On the last climb to the Half Way Point I was feeling strong and I pushed on.

Campsite Half Way Point.

Quick turn around as I pulled off Oliver arrives in and I gave him a nod but I don’t think he saw me.

If you look at the Profile of the Race the second half should be nearly all downhill, that’s what I thought but I was wrong, straight into a walking climb after the Campsite to the top, then a Downhill Rocky Sections start. We can start to run 5 to 6KM pace but you have to be careful not to trip on a rock.

50km mark trickier descending then bang I clipped a rock and took a fall, lucky enough there was a Spanish runner beside me. I got up brushed myself off said I was grand but with an open gash on my right arm, blood running down my knee and my left hand. He asked me did I want to finish, I said yes, well then my friend take your time and gave me a pain killer and off I went.

When I got to the next Aid Station they wanted to clean me up and I said no as I had a Sub 10 Hour time in my head and I didn’t want to waste any time.

2^nd last Aid Station Ayagaures was at a Dam, again a small piece of orange and Banana, refill the Water Bottles then off up the last climb.

Moved up the climb well which was around 2km then another rocky descent, then grand I thought a flat section, but oh no a dried river bed with boulders and rocks and no proper runnable trail. This went on and on around 9km in the end. I hit rock after rock then wacked a boulder let out a f…k and a few more curses, saying there is another toe nail gone. I was then left with 5km which was a mix of tarmacadam and this time a dried out canal.

Race reporter Damian Kelly

I came out of the Canal with 1 1/2km to go on the road and there was our Mate John waiting with the Tricolour which Ken had brought along.

The finish was brilliant 1km loop around the crowd where my wife Carol was in tears, with Karen, Helen and John. I ran up to the finish with the Tri Colour in the air the MC says Irlanda and asks me with the MIC in my face when is St Patrick’s Day. After 83km it took me forever to work out it was the 17^th March.

Over the Finish Line got my Medal then I was whisked off to First Aid, which was more painful than the fall. I was cleaned up got a couple of Paper Stitches in the arm and knee and bandaged up by two brilliant nurses who for some reason and me singing Bob Marley “No Women No Pride”. I was moaning about the pain, so that was probably to take my mind of it.

Back out to the Finish to collect my beer, Top and Wrist Band for doing a Sub 12 Hr Race. Delighted with my run 47^th overall and 19^th in the 40 to 49 age category.

Then over to the girls and John to wait for Oliver and Ken. Oliver arrived in a brilliant time of 11.37 but he didn’t look great after the finish and needed 3 lots of the Drip to bring him back. Well done Oliver Sub 12 and top 100. We then waited for Ken who did brilliant to finish in 15.33 and 343 overall. He looked the freshest out of all of us at the Finish well done Ken.

To sum up would I do it all again next year no but maybe back for the Trans GC 125km in 2018.

I know I am a glutton for punishment, now back to 5 and 10km for a while.

Cheers Damian

Sportsworld Hellfire Club Relay

Report by Naoise Waldron

Thanks to Nick, Emily and Sandra for the photos.

24 Sportsworld members took part in a club relay up at the Hellfire Club on Saturday to round off the cross country season. As we gathered in the car park below, it was reminiscent of being back in PE class in school as Emily sorted us in to teams of 4.

The teams were fairly evenly matched, with Ruth being the captain of my team along with team mates Eimear and Brian. We all jogged up to the starting point. For those who have never been up to the Hellfire Club, it’s a decent uphill climb. The weather was glorious and there was finally a feeling of Spring being in the air!

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The course was a bit over a mile with a series of ups and downs. We jogged the lap as a group to get our bearings and then we were off. As the first runners took off the rest of us, with Emily’s guidance, decided who would be running the subsequent legs.

Karol was first home and passed over the (imaginary) baton to Breda. For my team Ruth had a really strong run and handed over to Eimear. I was to run the 3rd leg so I waited with anticipation for Eimear to come in to view, along with Aileen, Anna Carrigan, Catherine, Noel and Sandra against whom I would be running.

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Anna was first off on the 3rd leg and I didn’t see her again until the finish. She had a spectacular run. Anna was followed by Aileen who had a good head start on Sandra, myself and Noel, who all began running within a few seconds of each other. Soon enough I was trying my best to hold on to Sandra.

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With a few hundred metres to go, the finish line came in to sight and with shouts of encouragement from team captain Ruth I pushed up the final drag, however not before Catherine came speeding by me. I handed over to Brian, thankful that my lap was over.

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It was a tense few minutes while we waited for the leader of the final leg to come in to sight. Michael was first home, followed by José in 2nd and Anna Delaney in 3rd. Brian followed closely in 4th, putting in a great performance for our team. If Eoin had been running it would have been the final showdown for himself and Brian in this cross country season, however instead he set his sights on Dave and went charging past him to take 4th place.

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After a few obligatory team photos and confirmation of the winners, Stephanie, Michael, Noel and Val, we jogged up to the Hellfire club to take in the view of the city. It was spectacular. A quick run down to the car park, dodging a few dogs and walkers in the process, and off we went to Timbertrove for tea, scones and medal presentations in the sunshine.

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Special mention was given to Eimear and Caroline for their fantastic performances, while standout run of the day went to Anna Carrigan who was in top form. All of the cross country training has certainly paid off!

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Thanks to Emily for organising the relay. It was really enjoyable and I’ll look forward to the next one. Also thanks to Nick for coming along to support and take photos.

Results as follows:
Gold
Michael, Stephanie, Val and Noel
Silver
Karol, Breda, Anna Carrigan and José
Bronze
Kevin, Eileen, Aileen and Anna Delaney

Stretching and Strength & Conditioning Demonstration

On Tuesday 15th March 2016 – Stretching and Strength & Conditioning Demonstration

Straight after training in the clubhouse – 20 – 30 min – Tea, coffee, hot chocolate & biscuits

Particularly important with the track season coming up.

Demonstration by Sportsworlds Breda Browne who:

– Won All Ireland school’s medals in High Jump, 100m Hurdles and Heptaplon.
– Won the All Ireland Senior High Jump in 1996.
– Won the Massachusetts State Championships in both High Jump & 100m Hurdles in ’92 & ’93.
– Holds the Munster Senior High Jump record (5ft 11in) from 1993 and still stands 23 years later.
– Represented as a senior athlete Ireland, Middlesex County and Massachusetts State.
– Qualified as a pilates instructor and has been teaching since 2010.

Naoise Waldron

This week we meet Naoise who was an integral part if the cross country team this winter just gone. She has come a long way since starting out as a couch to 5k runner, with a string of impressive PBs and plans to run the marathon (again) this year!

When did you join Sportsworld?

January 2013

Where do you work?

I am a social worker in an adult mental health service

What is your favourite club session?

Fartlek and the occasional hellfire club session, the views of the city are just stunning and are a welcome distraction.

What is your favorite race distance?

I prefer longer distances so maybe half marathon

What is your favorite meal before a big race?

Porridge with berries and seeds

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

I love the Waterworks and the Phoenix Park

What is your target for the next year?

To stay injury free and if I can do that then I would like to train for the Dublin marathon in October.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

I have a lot of good memories from my few years at Sportsworld but I think the cross country season this winter is something that will stick with me. It was great to experience running with a team. The camaraderie and support from the other girls on the team and the lads who were also racing was just fantastic.

What international events have you ran?

I ran a 10k in Bogota, Colombia in 2014. It was quite the experience as there were 30,000+ runners taking part and running at an altitude of 2,600ft was challenging. It was a great way to see the city and really enjoyable.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?

Spending time with my family and friends, reading, baking, practicing Spanish, planning holidays

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

In January 2012, following a suggestion from a work colleague, I started the couch 2 5k plan. I used to get up early in the morning to do it before work, partly so no one could see me attempting to run for a minute and dying at the end! I hadn’t exercised for years so it was really challenging for me to get to the 5k point. I got through the plan and then I then decided to keep going beyond the 5k and signed up for the Great Ireland Run that April. It helped that around the time I was comfortable running 5k, my sister Sibeal was starting back running after having a baby so we would occasionally run together.

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?

Over the last year I have gotten a few PBs which have been a real boost to my running confidence such as 5 mile 35:54 and half marathon 1.40.39. I think my biggest achievement has been completing the Dublin marathon in 2013. I hit the wall after Milltown and really struggled to the finish line but with some fantastic support from family, friends and clubmates I eventually got to the finish line. It took me a while to appreciate that even though it hadn’t gone how I had wanted, I had actually achieved my goal.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?

I try to run 4 times a week and attend as many of the Tuesday/Thursday and Saturday sessions as I can as well as the Sunday long run so I think that’s somewhere between 25-30 miles per week.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?

The support from other club members and coaches.

What made you join a Running Club?

My mum Nessa and sister Sibéal are members of the club and when I started to run in 2012 they were both encouraging me to join. In winter 2012 I was running in the Phoenix park on Sunday morning and I came across Tony McGann out with a group and he also gave me a little push to come down to the club.

What was your first day at the Club like?

I remember being a bit anxious about joining but it helped that I knew Emily and a few other members through my mum and Sibéal. The session that night was down at Mount Carmel. I think I just did laps with a few of the other new members. It was a few weeks before I attempted a session.

Why is running important to you?

It helps to clear my head. Working in a mental health service I am very conscious of the role exercise can play in maintaining good mental health.

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?

Advice around nutrition and injury prevention.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?

Our coaches are great and other club members really inspire me and push me at training sessions. However, I would have to say that my mum and my sister are both really inspirational. They both have years of experiencing of running between them and understand what it’s like when you are having good and bad days. I’m grateful to share my interest in running with them. Some of my PB targets have been based on catching up with Sibéal’s PBs so we have a bit of healthy competition between us!

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?

I try to swim twice a week and I have also recently started Pilates.

Ballycotton 10 mile 2016

Report by Adrian Lanigan

Race photos sourced on the Facebook page of ‘Running in Cork’. For full albums: click here.

Cover photo from the chip timing company myrunresults.com. Sportsworld results at the bottom of page.

Unfortunately the group photo didn’t come out folks 🙁

Ballycotton is one of the more famous races on the calendar, a highlight of the year for many runners. Over 3,000 runners gather to take on the famous course and bring back a Ballycotton mug, hopefully a PB and maybe even a T-shirt for anyone lucky enough to slip into the top 100.

Race reporter Adrian Lanigan in action Sunday

Eoin O’Brien was on top of things early, organising a luxury coach for a bargain basement price to bring the runners down in style. Things looked good early, as the day was dry and we set off shortly after 8.30am.

View from the bar on the luxury bus

14 Sportsworld runners (and one Tri-Athlete) made their way down with race scheduled to get under way at 1:30pm. To help pass the time there was a competition to guess the time of a random sportsworld runner. Pick a name out of a hat and guess that person’s time. The winner would get to write the race report while whoever was furthest away in their prediction would get a €10 consolation prize. (or maybe the other way around, I can’t quite remember).

Race reporter Adrian realising he lost the betting sweep and has to do the race report

Saturdays weather in Ballycotton. The race was on Sunday unfortunately.

Anyway, we arrived down in plenty of time but unfortunately the weather had taken a turn for the worse. Rain was now the order of the day. After a brief warm-up and bag drop it was down to a crowded start line. As ever in Ballycotton the start is congested so it is important to get a good starting spot.

A video of the 2011 race start to give you an idea – the town or music hasn’t changed since

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The first 2 miles are downhill so a good opportunity to set a good pace. The rain continued throughout most of the race but there was thankfully little wind. After 3 miles we go right to commence a 4 mile loop, which is mainly flat, on good country roads.

Sandra Gowran racing to a 75min finish and doing her best to ensure Michael Cunningham writes the race report

After this loop we rejoin the course and the last 3 miles are a reverse of the first 3, which means a punishing climb from 1.5 miles out.Those who were smart enough to leave something in the tank for this section can really make up some ground while those who don’t tend to struggle. While the last mile is difficult we are helped through it by the helpful announcer and good support from the sidelines.

Checking the chip times against the predicted times

And the winner is: Like the cat who got the cream; Diarmuid guessed Kevin Curran’s finishing time to within 11 seconds. Michael came a close 2nd last after an outrageous prediction for Sandra Gowran. Outrageous I tell you, he should have been made do the race report anyway.

After finishing the honour of collecting the famous mug and for one Sportswolrd runner the coveted T-shirt (although several sizes too big) A great day for Sportsworld as 22 runners in all completed the race.

Kevin Curran came home in 59th position while Noreen Brouder was the top female sportsworld athlete in 11th place.

With all the PB’s floating around the post race meal was a great occasion. Thanks to Eoin for organising the bus and Andrea for organising the restaurant.

Sportworld results:
59 Kevin Curran 58:11:00
87 Paul O’Connell 59:38:00
121 Conor McCarthy 01:00:42
131 Michael Cunningham 1:01:17
214 Diarmuid Ó’Súilleabháin 1:04:05
220 Brian McCartan 01:04:20
234 Noreen Brouder 01:04:14
277 Ruth Kelly 01:05:37
367 Will Greensmyth 01:08:31
470 Caoimhe Costigan 01:10:07
489 Stephen Willoughby 01:10:37
614 Phillip Kerr 01:13:21
624 Anna Delaney 01:13:14
739 Ann Higgins 01:15:23
760 Sandra Gowran 01:15:36
830 Eoin O’Brien 01:16:09
864 Naoise Waldron 01:16:45
942 Enda McMorrow 01:18:38
1076 Patrick McMorrow 01:18:26
1121 Adrian Lanigan 01:21:38
1164 Peter Duggan 01:21:09
1650 Kathryn Potterton 01:27:33

Full results: myrunresults.com

Florence Forth 10k / USTAF North Carolina State 10k Championship

Report by Gavin Finlay

Perhaps I should have wore a cape. A brooding Batman cape; or a bright Superman cape our inner child desires? Those kids know something we don’t. Would a cape have made a difference on this most undulating of routes? Who knows? I definitely could have done with super powers on those torturous hills, that’s for sure.

Race reporter Gavin

The Florence Forth race was founded by two Durham residents, Leslie and Will McDow, who lost their young daughter Florence to Autoimmune Encephilitis, a rare neurological condition, on March 4th 2012. This wonderful local event commemorates the day six year old Florence died, and to inspire us to “march forth” in support of the search for a cure to AE. All proceeds from the event help the AE Alliance raise awareness, educate doctors and improve clinical care so that no one faces AE alone. Like all kids, Florence loved wearing her superhero cape, and so the race encourages participants to don their capes and “go forth”. It also features a kids’ “cape dash” which is great fun and a such a touching spectacle.

Florence McDow (For more info click here: About Florence Forth)

Conditions were ideal – blue skies, crisp and calm. There was an electric atmosphere on 9th Street, the heart of arty, bohemian Durham on the Old West side. Runners, joggers, waddlers and kids – some caped, others not. I was really looking forward to this race – not only was it a local event (I live in the adjoining “hood”) and for a great cause, but it also served as a perfectly timed tune-up 10k ahead of my upcoming Wilmington Marathon. Plus, it incorporated the North Carolina State 10k Championship meaning there would be some slick operators at the business end of the field. In fact, the 2012 USTAF Cross Country champion, and NC resident, Bobby Mack was racing and favourite to win. And as a newly minted USTAF member I was eligible to compete in my debut championship on US soil.

We got off to a murderously fast start, not helped by watch refusing to start. I often don’t run with my watch so I’m not even sure why I was so preoccupied with this. Anyway. I had decided that, despite the hills, I was going to aggressively target a PB here. Gay abandon. I have four solid months of marathon training and was feeling strong, so thought, let’s try this. And because I run on the Durham hills everyday I should be able to handle this tough course. Right? Well, not exactly. I tucked in with the chasing group, of which there were four of us, including Kaleb and Mark, whom I know from Bull City Track Club. Two low 30:00s 10k guys. The plan at this point was to stick with these seasoned whippets. The opening mile was a blistering 5min/mile pace, and while I knew this was verging on the suicidal, I also knew it was net downhill and these seconds in the bank would likely be repaid in the latter hillier sections.

The course wound its way through the Old West Durham neighbourhood, passing EK Powe, my daughter’s elementary school (‘Where Eagles Soar’…..apparently). I got a nice shout out from the family at the junction of Green and Edith. Always nice….to be running away from the kids. Down Knox, past Monuts, one of Durham’s most popular eateries, with queues down the street not unheard of on a Sunday morning. What’s a “monut” you ask? I’m still not sure myself. When I first moved here I naively thought a monut was a special type of donut – like a mix between a macaroon and a regular donut. But simply, the owner’s name starts with a M and it sells amazing donuts.

Hard right at Watts Street, named after George Washington Watts (1851 – 1921), a Gilded Age financier and philanthropist, and co-founder, with James B. Duke, of the American Tobacco Company, at one time the largest tobacco manufacturer in the US. The history and wealth of Durham and Duke University, by the way, is primarily due to tobacco. Formerly the city of tobacco, today they call it the ‘City of Medicine” because of the enormous Duke medical centre and cutting edge research here. Talk about delicious, ahem..smokey irony.

George Washington Watts

Ok, I digress. The long drag through Durham’s fanciest neighbourhood, Trinity Park, with its gorgeous early twentieth century homes built on tobacco money and the monied professors at Duke. We hit Main St and a nice downhill stretch for a few hundred metres towards the recently revived downtown. All disused, redbrick tobacco warehouses, now home to trendy apartments and hip restaurants. Brightleaf they call it. After the tobacco leaf. Last century the smell would have been inescapable. We lean into Buchanan Blvd at mile 2-3 still managing to hold the aggressive pace. This brought us across the US-147, the highway that bisects Durham north and south. Each working off one another – at least I think we were – we came to the dreaded Morehead Ave after several sharp turns through the Morehead Hills and Lakewood Park area.

Morehead Ave

Morehead Ave was not going to be easy. Named after a guy with a large head I assume. No, no, I jest. Eugene Morehead (1845 – 1889), the Durham banker, property developer, of course. Who may or may not have had “more” head than the average man. This was where the wheels could come off. This is where the cape may have come in handy. I felt confident up to this point. Strong. Comfortable, even. But there is a killer hill approaching mile 4 and this slowed me down considerably. The group split but to my surprise it was me who pulled ahead of the other Bull City lads. The worst was still to come.

Duke University Campus, Durham

The gradual, unrelenting drag up Anderson Street, through the forested Duke campus, was savage. At race pace, it broke me. I heard the pitter-patter of racing flats behind me. Kaleb and Mark catching up. They obviously had more juice in the legs to handle that hill. I probably should have stayed with them a mile ago rather than breaking away. All runners know that pang of dejection from being passed in the closing stages, and that’s how I felt. But I did manage to pick it up again and put the stamina to the test for the last km or so, which was mercifully flat with a downhill tease thrown in. The home stretch down 9th Street was a thrilling way to finish. I crossed the line in 33 minutes and change, utterly spent and slightly disappointed I didn’t dip sub-33:00. But on that hilly course, I’m proud of the time. It felt like a hard-fought PB out there. Next year I’m seriously considering a cape though.

Race finishers, Super hero Conor and Gavin

Well done to all involved. And thank you and best wishes to the McDow family and the AE Alliance.

Gavin Finlay results:

Time: 33:16
USTAF NC 10K Championship: 8th
O35: 2nd.

Gavin Finlay

This week we sit down with our USA correspondent and Liberties 6k champion Gavin Finlay. Gavin recently moved to North Carolina and this accidental runner managed to win a Leinster Intermediate Cross-Country Team Gold medal before departing. More recently he also won a half marathon in 1:13 in North Carolina in February!

When did you join Sportsworld?

September 2010.

Where do you work?

Currently I’m a stay at home dad to my two young children here in Durham, North Carolina (due to US visa restrictions I cannot work!) I volunteer as a tutor at the Durham Literacy Centre. Back home I was working with Historical Walking Tours of Dublin and a part-time Mr. Mom. You could also describe me as a “recovering” historian’ and former teacher!

What is your favourite club session?

Winter: Hills and sprints; Munich lap in Phoenix Park.

Summer: Fartlek in Bushy

What is your favorite race distance?

10k and marathon.

What is your favorite meal before a big race?

Porridge, honey, nuts/seeds. Coffee and/or green tea.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

Phoenix Park and Dublin Mountains. And here in Durham I love running in Duke Forest. Bliss.

What is your target for the next year?

Hopefully achieve a 2:32-35 marathon in Wilmington in March.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

Competition-wise, it would have to be the Leinster Intermediate Cross-Country Team Gold in November 2013 with Karol, Paul and Gareth. Also, representing the club in the Terenure 5 Mile.

What international events have you ran?

None really until I moved here to North Carolina. I’ve ran several races here in Durham from 5k, 5 mile, 10k to half marathon.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?

Generally lying down. Resting. Reading. Meditating when I can. Enjoying the occasional ale. Oh yeah, and parenting. Did I mention lying down?

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

I used to jog sporadically when I was in my 20s. Nothing serious or sustained. Then in 2009 when my daughter was born and we lived right beside the Phoenix Park I decided it would basically be irresponsible and foolish not to run.

It wasn’t really until early 2010 that was running regularly. I’m talking 3 times a week, nothing much. Like many other people I started running really for my mental health. I hadn’t been exercising or physically active in my barren and hedonistic 20s, and realised that you just can’t go on like that. I honestly I had no initial goals to join a club or be “competitive” or anything. I don’t really have a competitive streak, Never have. Gradually, though, I began to love it, and soon it became a vital part of my life.

I guess you could call me the ‘accidental runner’! I had always admired athletes and runners from afar but growing up I don’t recall having the exposure or inclination to take up athletics or running. Other sports and interests got in the way I suppose. I know I’m not alone in this experience.

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?

5k: 15:50

10k: 33:20

Half: 1:13

Marathon: 2:39 (soon to be improved upon I hope!)

Biggest and proudest achievement may well be 38th place finish in the 2014 Senior Inter Club Cross Country Championships. That or first place in my beloved Liberties Fun Run in July 2014!

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?

Right now, 7 days a week. With marathon training I’m putting in between 70-95 miles a week. Throughout the rest of the year, probably 6 days a week and 40-50 miles.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?

The meaningful social connections you make, whether it’s the guys on the Senior team or any club member. Running can be a lonesome pursuit. And I do like the solitude, but having the club sessions, structure, mentoring, friendship and camaraderie enriches what running means to me.

What made you join a Running Club?

To learn how to be a better runner. To have a social outlet and be part of club and community which I hadn’t really been since I was younger.

What was your first day at the Club like?

Like everyone else I suppose, a bit anxious and intimidated but you soon get over that when you realise we’re all here for the same reason really. I do remember being impressed by the faster runners in the club and wondering how can you get that fit?!

Why is running important to you?

It’s an escape from the house and my kids!:) Ah no. Although that is partially true. A strong and fit body is a strong and fit mind. I realised it’s very difficult to have one without the other. Running is mediation for me, where I can think about everything…and nothing. I like being on my own at times and prefer running to say team sports or “games”.

And then with the club or group runs, it’s being part of a community, human connection and a forum to debate…I mean, have a chat and a bit craic! Now, after many years training and racing, I do get a rush out of competitive races and achieving goals (or at least trying to achieve those goals!)

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?

Perhaps more strength/conditioning and form drills included with the club sessions.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?

Emily has been a source of inspiration for me ever since I started. Her kindness and support have had a profound influence on me. Myles’s wisdom and storytelling have also helped me considerably. Phil and the other senior runners have also been great mentors and friends.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?

I used to do yoga/pilates classes several years ago, and I definitely credit that with making me a better and ‘injury-resistant’ runner. Less so now although I do try do a bit myself. Mainly body weight and resistance band work. Nothing serious, mind you. I also walk a lot with the kids!

Meet & Train Cherryfield

Race Report by Zoe Greene

Photos by Aggie Buckley, Paddy Lynch, Denis McCaul and Valerie Power.

After last week’s hardcore Cow Park in Dunboyne the sight of the relatively flat, muck free fields in Cherryfield was a very welcome one. Even the weather was being kind although there were some hailstones before the race the conditions for the race were ideal with the sun even making an appearance towards the end.

Race Reporter and 1st Sportsworld athlete home Zoe Greene!

The course was 2 laps of a series of 3 fields so quite varied. As the course was flat the pace was quick from the start and as it was the last race there was no holding back. The Sportsworld team were up there from the start, supporting each other through the first lap. They were being eagerly cheered on by a large group of Sportsworld supporters who were dotted around the course. Emily even had her hair done for the occasion!

The Sportsworld team held their places and a number of runners gained a few spots as the rest of the field started to tire. The second part of the last lap did seem to drag on and no wonder as it turns out the course was 2.5 miles although I think this meant we could have an extra biscuit after the race!

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The entire Sportsworld team put in stellar performances with plenty of wrecked, red faces at the end. Of particular mention is Catherine and Anna who kept up the strong pace throughout and Breda who gave it everything right to the end.