Conor Kenny has dusted down his old programmes from the Terenure 5, formerly known as the Dublin 5 Mile Classic. Each year there were articles and features written by some of Sportsworlds finest. Conor has kindly offered to transcribe these articles and give them a second wind! It also ensures that club members contributions are archived and not lost or forgotten
The second piece is by Sandra Gowran and first appeared in the Dublin 5 Mile Classic Race Programme, May 2006.
Report By Sandra Gowran (For her Meet-the-Runner feature: Click here)
Flicking through the training programmes contained in running magazines, it doesn’t take long to work out that discussion revolves frequently between the benefits and risks of high mileage over low mileage intensive training regimes.
What is consistent is that all programmes warn of the dangers of increasing mileage too quickly. Many runners follow this advice. Many don’t and end up injured having to abandon the programme in order to take time out to recover from the injury that it induced.
Hence the axiom ‘Less is more’. The less caution a runner approaches a new training programme with, the more chance they have of getting injured. So, some might say that the less you train the less chance you have of becoming injured and therefore the more chance you have of continuing your training programme.
Sandra Gowran in action
That makes sense but only to a point. What is training all about if not training the human body to do more than it was capable of prior to this? If our bodies could run 4, 5, 6 or 7 minute miles naturally, why would we need to train?
The fact is that training and pushing the body beyond the level of fitness it currently is the reason why competitive runners run. Whether it is about beating your Personal Best over a certain distance, winning a race, winning your age category, beating competitors or simply reaching your full human potential in your chosen sport.
There are a multitude of reasons why we train our bodies to do what they cannot do without consistent and steady training. For each reason there is probably a matching injury capable of putting a stop to your gallop, literally!
Runners are well versed in the Latin names for various muscles, tissues and ligaments that pertain to the human body as they are obscure names for injuries that befall them – plantir facitis, IT bands, tight hamstrings, inflamed Achilles, bruised metatarsals, we are a wordy lot!
It is the whole area of obscure names, for unrelenting injuries, that has brought me to another interpretation of the ‘less is more’ axiom. It is related to the premise of the less you have of something, the more you appreciate it. As with most of the more valuable lessons I’ve learnt in life so far, this one came the hard way – through months of deprivation from one of my greatest passions in life – that is the simple act of lacing up my grubby trainers and heading out the door to run.
The parks, roads, paths, trails, hills, fields, tracks that were my places of worship, all very quickly became memories of days gone by when I’d take them for granted. The memories seem to become more vivid and sharp with my diminishing fitness.
The great outdoors of the world of running was replaced by swimming lanes, aqua joggers, stationary rowers, upright bikes, cross-trainers, weights, whatever, anything to maintain some level of fitness not to mention sanity! But nothing compared to life in a pair of trainers in the open air.
The gift of a road racer bicycle came close though and, for a time, the daylight hours co-operated. The great outdoors was, yet again, on the menu – the feel of speed cutting through the wind against my face whilst my lungs gasped for more oxygen reawakened my senses. But, it also served to remind me of how much I love the simple things pure act of running – placing one foot in front of the other, as fast as you can for as long as you can. Nothing compares.
So, yes, after 8 months when I was told that, at last, I could run but only for a short period, I seized the opportunity with both hands as lovingly and gently as I would a new born baby. From my pre-injury 15 miler on a Sunday morning to a maximum of a 7 minute jog, it was some adjustment – but the long absence had sharpened my desire. Seven minutes was better than zero minutes – ‘less is more’ – sometimes.
Sandra Gowran and Lucy D’arcy warm weather training!
Running is a gift, a treasure, a pure and whole and perfect gem from nature to us. Our bodies are the bearers for this gift, if we abuse them, consciously or not, we will suffer, the purity of the gift will be diminished. As with all of nature, it exists in a state of fine balance. It is up to us to do our best to maintain that balance in order to continue to enjoy the gift.
Runners are well practiced in the habit of forgetting the pain of injury and the agony of not being able to run. It’s part of our condition. But, we can take time out to enjoy our next run to savour it as if it were our last – if we do this frequently enough we’ll never tire or lack motivation because we will be reminded of how precious this gift is that we enjoy.
So, for all of you running today – enjoy it – grab it with both hands and savour it.
Inspired by Sandra Gowran’s 1-race-per-month 2016 plan, I realised that the end of February was fast approaching. I cried out of the BHAA cross country last weekend due to struggling fitness (eating cake) so I decided to jump into the Irish Runner paced mile last night. Something new and no harm with the upcoming track season and club training. And sure it’s only a mile, seriously how hard could it be.
The Sportsworld Saturday morning bake off has begun
I’m sure there are plenty of races on this weekend but I’m committed to making caramel slices for training on Saturday. I know my where my priorities lie. Michael Cunningham threw down the challenge last Saturday morning, arriving at the club house with a basket of amazing homemade chocolate brownies; whist I stood there holding a pack of hobnobs. Also this Sunday I want to do another lap of the Waterworks before the Ballycotton 10 miler on March 6th.
As much as people bemoan the hill at the end of Ballycotton, it’s nothing like the Waterworks hills. Until recently the last climb on the Waterworks also had a dog halfway up, which for years launched himself at me when, as a grown adult, I slipped my runners off and tried to tippy toe past his gate each week with my bottom lip trembling.
The last climb at the Waterworks
As that dog got older, fatter and slower he took to firing stones at me as the chase became impossible. Until his eventual demise a few years ago I used to lie in bed on Sunday mornings after the alarm went off debating whether to head to Tallaght or just give up running altogether.
Anyway I digress. So I was at the dog free track. The set up at ALSAA right beside Dublin Airport is quite impressive with the track just alongside the main complex. This Irish runner event had a talk on at 7pm but I was never going to make that with the Wednesday evening traffic now that the schools are back. I really find it hard to believe that many children are driving these days.
The premise was quite simple. At 8pm someone will pace a 12min mile and thereafter there is a pacer for 11min, 10min etc all the way down to the 5 min mile. It’s chipped timed and you just go with the pacer that fits your goals. While we all love our half marathons and 10ks, the mile on the track (4 laps) is a classic distance with a rich history.
The Irish records are held by Ray Flynn (1982 – 3:49.77) and Sonia O’Sullivan (1994 – 4.:17.25). There is also of course Eamonn Coghlan who became the first person over 40 to run a sub-4min mile in front of a packed house at the Harvard University indoor track in 1994. The weight of history was not lost on me as I had my own track legacy to protect.
Ray and Sonia
Allow me to digress briefly once more. If you haven’t heard (and if you have I don’t mind telling you again….and again) I pulled off an unlikely first ever victory in my first ever track race at the BHAA Trinity Track event in the summer of 2015. Tonight’s race is the first step in the Road to Rio aka Trinity College 2016. The date is Wednesday June 16th folks; put that in your diary.
Typical reactions as I talk about my past glories
Back to the present. A quick change in the car and I stuck my head in the door at the ALSAA sports centre. I caught the end of the talk in front of 40 or so which seemed to be about how to categorise your running to get something out of each session. More importantly I caught the piece explaining that this was a paced run and not a race. And to enjoy onesgoodself.
Outside at trackside was Sportsworlds ever smiling Lucy D’Arcy with her timing company myrunresults.com all set up and ready to go. Stephen Willoughby was the only other Sportworld face I recognised and it turned out he was pacing the 8min mile. So out of 3 Sportsworlders two were working. Well we all know what that means, yes I’m writing the race report for once.
Lucy & Stephen
Stephen was out before me with his group, it was the largest group of the night as
A. it was our lovely Stephen pacing and
B. it was combined with the 9min milers (the 12min/11min/10min was also a combined start earlier).
As an experience pacer he brought a good group home comfortably under 8min. It was perfect conditions for running, a clear night, a full moon, very cold, crisp and little in the way of the breeze.
All set to go
I was up next for the 7min mile so we all lined up behind our pacer ready to go. I observed that the pacer didn’t have any helium balloons tied around his waist so he could be easily spotted. It was announced then that my pacer was former Irish international and sub 4 min mile runner Gareth Turnbull. I decided to keep those observations about balloons to myself.
Soooo apparently this is not something you see on the track. Who knew?
I picked the sub 7 minute mile based on running 35:50 in the Rahney 5 mile back in January. A six minute mile would be too ambitious/not going to happen, so I figure if I break the 7 mile comfortably I’ll go for the 6 minute mile at this same event next month.
And off we went. I was surprised at the pace of the first 100m and got that little initial twang of panic that fades once you settle into a race. It was a crowded start and I got unintentionally blocked down the back. It was a mile so it was nothing to worry about but I still didn’t want to let a gap open to the pacer and have more work to do at the business end of the lap. I got into a decent position after 500m and then just sat in beside Turnbull who was banging out the splits on time. And that was it, my work done for the night.
The great thing about the paced mile is the pacer does all the work while encouraging & cajoling us all the way around. I didn’t even set my watch. I just sat on his shoulder until there was 300m to go and he told us to head off if we where up to it. It was a paced event and not a race so we stuck with the pacer but once given the all clear I broke off with two others and came in under the gantry in 6.38.
Overall I still had to push it but broke 7 min comfortably. I’ll jump in with the 6min pacer next month with the plan to at least break 6.30. The quality of the pacers doesn’t diminish either with Irish legend Catherina McKiernan pacing the 6min mile last night.
The whole atmosphere of the evening was ‘can do’ and to get everyone their goal. When someone asked about getting a 5.30 mile at the end of the pre-race talk, pacer Feidhlim Kelly offered to take them around and the pair broke the 5.30 marker….before Feidhlim went off again leading the sub-5min mile group.
I recommend everyone to give next month’s event a try out. Especially if you haven’t ran on the track before. Seriously if you haven’t been on the track before this is the perfect introduction. It’s very relaxed and encouraging with each group supporting the next. Again it’s not a race but an opportunity to get an official chipped time for one of the classic race distances.
As runners it can be hard to break routine and doing what you always do on a Wednesday. I’m a total long distance merchant but get out of your comfort zone, go and do something new next month and have some fun with your running people!
It’s also a nice feeling waking up today to having an official 1 mile time for the first time that can be compared (badly) against the times of the worlds best; and I’ve something to work towards reducing this summer.
Next paced mile is March 23rd at ALSAA and of course the big one is the BHAA Trinity Track on June 15th.
Who thought you could write so much on a 1 mile race, imagine I’d run a marathon #warandpeace
Looking for a tune-up half marathon ahead of the full in Wilmington next month, I decided on Goldsboro on Feb 6th, an 80 minute drive from Durham. A morning to myself, a mini road trip beyond the pale into rural eastern North Carolina, and no kids? I’ll take it.
As is customary in my adopted North Carolina races start very early. 8am. So, this required a ‘redeye’ drive southeast on the I-40 in mostly eery darkness. Not one to break with tradition, I was cutting it fine to get there in time for bib pickup and adequate warmup + strides etc. This despite the ungodly 4:45am rise. Bitterly cold, coffee mug in hand I hit the road at 5:30am in my beat-up Japanese SVU.
An eery road
The field was pretty small for a half marathon, I’d say only around 150 souls. The atmosphere was friendly, the organisers and volunteers chirpy and helpful – after all it was fundraising event for the local YMCA.
I know, I know, too easy…sorry I couldn’t help myself
I scoured the group for any signs of competition – ie. thin, singlet-wearing folk shamelessly modeling racing short-shorts. Admittedly anecdotal, rather than a scientific study, I have yet to meet someone run a sub 1:13 not meeting the above criteria. I have a chance here, I thought. My favourite Aesop’s Fable, ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ never far from my mind, however, I just focused on running my own race and sticking with the plan of aggressively targeting a 1:12 (@ 5:30/mile pace).
A Tortoise and A Hare
Marathon training has been going well since last November and I was patiently confident I had the speed-stamina to hit this tempo. Especially since this was an absurdly flat course, at least compared to where I run and train everyday. Yes, this was pancake flat. Plus, the cold weather conditions were near perfect with ne’er a whisper of wind.
Goldsboro is kind of like Kildare. Without the Curragh and St. Brigid. Ah no, that’s probably very unfair to Kildare actually because this place was grim and charmless, as many rural Carolinian areas and towns can be. Maybe it’s the lack of green, I don’t know. All drab strip malls, car dealerships, fast food outlets, enormous gas stations, terrifying trailer parks, motels, gun stores, BBQs, bleak Baptist churches etc.
Image removed on request
Downtown Goldsboro
And even churches IN strip malls. Don’t get me wrong, I like the United States and parts of it are breathtakingly beautiful but when it’s ugly, it’s damn ugly. I wonder what the Native Americans think of it all? ‘What have you done?! This land was beautiful, pristine. And you turned into a parking lot and shopping mall!’ Y’all in the “South” now, boy! Bible-belt territory. ‘Jesus doesn’t have the answer. Jesus is the answer!’ Really? Yeah but what’s Jesus’s haf-marathon PB?
Having said that, the race did start and finish in a beautiful ‘gated community’ and country club golf course with dozens of McMansions dotted around, that I suspect cost the same as a 2 bed apartment in Dublin 6. I even passed a Trump 2016 sign at mile 2. I settled in a nice tempo on my own for the first 3 miles and then hesitated at a fork in the road. Straight ahead or right? Balls. Why didn’t I study the course map more? Where are the race stewards? Tortoise and hare, anyone?
The problems when you lead out a race in a new country!
Finally after an anxious 20-30 seconds, a car kindly arrived and set me right. Panic over. The course weaved through the golf course and out onto the main road. From here it would be an out and back loop for the next 10 miles on forgivingly flat asphalt. This was a new experience for me: leading from the front with nobody around. There wasn’t even the glamour of a ‘leader’s motorbike’ to keep me company. This presented its own mental challenges I suppose, and midway through the 13.1 I probably did lag slightly. I had to remind myself and check-in to maintain that 5:30 tempo. The mind wanders, the pace can decline.
Race reporter and race winner in 1 hour 13min Sportsworlds Gavin!
Alas, that 1:12 wasn’t to be this time. I did manage to pick it up for the last couple miles but the damage was done at ‘forkgate’ and the mid-race wilderness between miles 7-10. No excuses though. This was a worthwhile time-trial in the greater 18 week marathon scheme and satisfied to have done it. Thanks to all the kind people I met at the race, including the lady who ran with her miniature dog, bib and all! And even the cheeky teenager who murmured as I crossed the line, ‘That beard must help him run fast’. Indeed.
Onwards to Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington on 19 March.
Photos from the BHAA Flickr account, click here for full gallery: Flickr
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, I don’t believe in them to be honest, as I think any day of the year can be a new start; and frequently is for me! That said, I have found that making personal challenges keeps me motivated in training, particularly at times when I feel like I’m struggling a bit.
Race reporter Sandra beating the men at their own game!
Last October I took on Ronhill’s ‘run every day in October’ challenge, I managed to get out most days, but it didn’t really matter if I hit a perfect 30 day run, the net effect was to get me through another month’s training with a bit of distraction.
Ron Hill – second man to break 2.10 in the marathon
And so it was for similar reasons that I chose my next personal challenge, to race at least once per month from Jan-Dec. In recent years months could go by and I wouldn’t have raced, so I started the year off with a 5km on New Year’s day, a couple of weeks later I did the Dublin Masters xc and unfortunately had to miss the national master’s xc due to a sinus infection. So January had got off to a good start.
When I set myself a challenge I always tell at least a few people as I find I’m more likely to carry through if I know someone might ask how I’m getting on and so over a post-training cuppa in the Clubhouse last week Conor Kenny asked me had I done my February race yet. When I said no he suggested the BHAA xc in ALSAA, the men’s 5 mile he felt would provide a suitable challenge!
The ALSAA complex beside Dublin Airport
And so off we went to ALSAA on a pretty miserable Saturday morning, it was probably about 10 years since I’d done that race. I felt like a complete novice and was delighted to be minded by Conor who even chauffeured me there and back.
The women’s race started at 11am, it was a small but fast field and the eventual winner Sarah Mulligan led a blistering pace over the wet muddy fields finishing the 2 mile course in 12.51. Sportsworld’s Kathleen Horgan finished very well up in 15th place in a time of 15.10, modest as ever she didn’t allude to this super performance when we spoke afterwards.
Kathleen Horgan
Soon after reaching the race area we met the ever cheerful Brian Conway, and other than at the start line this was the last we were to see of Brian who zipped off at the start, and finished in 80th position in 38.19.
Lining up for the 5 mile men’s race felt a bit strange and I was thrilled to see 3 other women join the start line. The BHAA has always welcomed women into the men’s races (unfortunately however the reverse is not allowed for the men). My rationale for doing the longer race was that I was giving up a Saturday morning training session and so I wanted it to be for a decent distance and 2 miles wasn’t cutting it for me. And so it was that I headed out with about 140 men and 3 other women on the 4 lap course around a very wet and muddy ALSAA.
Brian Conway (3061)
The first lap felt awfully long, but I got into a rhythm avoiding as much of the heavy mud as I could. By the end of the second lap I was thinking, “Jeez I have as much to do as I’ve done, maybe I’ll just drop out after 3!” But having battled through one short period where my legs were beginning to get heavy I decided my best strategy was just to try to keep running steady and so it I soon found myself at the start of the final lap as the leading man (Brian MacMahon 28.21) headed into the finishing straight. To my surprise I was able to pick up the pace a bit for the last lap and finished the race strong in 107th position, (42.04). Conor Kenny who’s missed most of January through injury was about a minute behind.
Conor Kenny (3693)
It was a great morning, and despite the inclement conditions we even had some good support from Kathleen Horgan and Sandra Armstrong. February completed; roll on March and the Ballycotton 10!
Meet & Train races generally take place in parks, on flat surfaces which are kind to the participants, many of whom are new to racing or making a comeback. Not so on Sunday 21st February. Meet & Train moved into the hardcore zone – Cow Park Dunboyne. A daunting prospect.
The weather wasn’t on our side either. It was grey, wet & windy. Cow Park was bumpy, marshy & mucky. A near perfect day for Emma and Laurence to try out their shiny new spikes! The conditions didn’t stop a large crowd of eager Sportsworld women heading off on the 3 lap jaunt. It was tough going from the off and the pace brisk enough notwithstanding the conditions.
Valerie Power & Race Reporter Anna laughing it up!
First lap was OKish, we were still fresh enough to tackle the marsh, second lap it got tougher, third lap was just get through it. Great to see some hardened supporters out on the course. Thanks Conor, Jim and Dave for making the journey. Being a spectator on a day like this is nearly as bad as racing. At least we warmed up!
We were without our usual Meet & Train leader, Paddy, but Emily took over the reins and managed to fly around the course shouting instructions at us from various different spots. Catherine was our first girl home. A really strong performance.
Quite a few other outstanding performances on the day – Breda had a great run as did Margaret who turned up straight from her sick bed. That’s dedication!
Claire Rowley and Naoise also gained a few places from the last race. We were a happy bunch once we were all safely over that line. The relief was heavenly! We were practically revelling in the muck at that stage taking photos and all. It’s all great gas when the hard work is over. Then a 1m jog back to Dunboyne clubhouse and the nicest cup of tea ever. Well done everyone.
It’s all to do again next Sunday in Cherryfield Park at 11am for the last race in the Winter league.
Conor Kenny has dusted down his old programmes from the Terenure 5, formerly known as the Dublin 5 Mile Classic. Each year there where articles and features written by some of Sportsworlds finest so Conor has kindly offered to transcribe these articles and give them a second wind! It also ensures that club members contributions are archived and not lost or forgotten
First up is an piece from Conor on mountain running which featured in the May 2002 race programme.
By Conor Kenny
“I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less travelled, And that has made all the difference” Robert Frost
To the non-runner struggling to understand this unnatural obsession, runners are either heroic, patriotic Olympians or merely, slightly sad, get-in-your-way Sunday morning ‘Joggers’. The ultimate in fame or “Ah God Love them” victim. There’s no in between and, if you’re not famous, you join the latter label instantly: “There Darling, look at them, you should be out there ‘jogging’ too”
The joy of running is not in winning. If it were, we mere mortals would have retired ages ago. No, running is a magnificent engine that creates fun, memories and even the occasional medal. Even the ‘finishers’ medal’ can create a treasure chest of memories, trips and PB’s.
On the way to the start
It’s a funny old sport. A season that last 52 weeks of the year, a sport that carries on regardless of the wind, rain or storm. It’s a race against ourselves, a physical battle that tests our mental strength and not just in a race. It’s the ultimate mid-winter Angel & Devil debate; “Stay in, it’s cold and wet. You’re tired, you deserve a rest. Come on, you’ve worked hard, relax, what’s the rush? Go tomorrow”. The seductive voice is rudely interrupted by the strict voice that says “Get your ass out the door, drop the excuses and go lose some weight” – Eventually ‘Reasonable Voice’ enters the fray. “Oh Go On, go, you won’t regret it” Thing is, you never do. You go (mostly!)
Lots and lots has been written about winners, elites and so on but, this little piece, is about the regular, middle of the pack runner, who falls in behind the winners and pace setters. It’s in these private personal battles that my best memories have been born and they are as fresh today in my head.
In 1999, after running in the Irish Mountain Running Association leagues, I decided I’d have a go at the ultimate race on their annual calendar, Carrounthill, Kerry.
It’s a terrifying race. No marshals, no aid, no markings and no supporters. Its 4 miles straight up and 4 miles down. It tests courage, strength, will power and more. The climbs are horrific and the descents utterly frightening. There are no paths, just loose stone.
Eric, a good friend, was given a highly edited invite to join me. Kerry, June, a bit of a hill and a night out after. Before he could think about it “I’ll pick you up, I’ll drive” He agreed to come. Now, I should tell you that the reason this race is held in June is because it has the record of visibility and, they added, the fewest casualties and fatalities. Carrounthill is not to be messed with.
Eric Golden
The night before, Eric couldn’t understand why I was a little on edge. He said “How long is the race tomorrow?” I said “Oh, about 8 Miles” Eric never spoke after that. Later that evening, we drove in the mid summer dusk to look across the lakes at this beast. It was beautiful but it was surreal. The idea of ‘running’ any of it was hilarious. You know what I mean by ‘hilarious’? Nervous laughter that looked like we’d overdosed on Botox.
It’s about a 10 mile drive to the start. Each mountain seemed bigger than the next. Eric kept saying “That one? Surely not ‘that’ one?”
We drove through Killorglin without a curtain moving, passed the Gap of Dunloe beaming in the sun. Around a few twisty bends and “Sweet Divine Jesus, that couldn’t be Carrounthill, is it?” It was.
The start was the most frightening ever …. Ever. The entire entry for this ‘Irish International Championship’ event was 38. No women, all men. Almost everyone wore international tracksuits boasting of Olympic selection, National honours and more. Eric and I wondered if our Sportsworld tracksuits fitted in.
A friendly face, Vivian O’Gorman, was officiating. Vivian is a much better hill runner than I. Knowing the answer, I asked Vivian how tough was this. He smiled, said “Very” and continued on his way. There was no point warming up, we were doomed.
John Lenihan is a World Champion Mountain Runner. He has been undefeated on this beast for 14 straight years and one of the most modest men you’ll meet. I was in awe of this legend as I lined up with Eric and the other 36.
John Lenihan descending. World Mountain Running Champion
The start was simply a vertical slope. Lenihan was away like some clockwork toy making mincemeat of the hill. Those of us at the back, about 8 of the 38, blew up after 100 metres and walked. There was just 4 miles of sheer climbing ahead. This was going to be some challenge.
In time, I got a little rhythm going. After all, here I was taking on this most daunting of challenges – me and just 37 others.
An hour into the climb I looked up at the vertical peaks that still lay ahead. It was soul destroying not to mention the physical pain. I considered giving up. Just then, like some Messiah emerging from the clouds above, arms flailing and feet dancing, came Lenihan on his descent. His speed was a dance, this was a World Champion mesmerising us mortals. He glided from jagged edge to jagged edge and one wrong foot spelt enormous danger. I paused, on all fours, to watch. He looked across and gave me a smile and thumbs up. I couldn’t surrender now. A DNF is nothing. I scrambled on.
The final ridge
I tried hard to catch the 2 ahead but I couldn’t. I stayed with them all the way to the summit vowing to take them on the descent. Not far behind me was my friend Eric, a tough cookie beavering away. The gap was small.
The final ridge is the stuff of nightmares. An undulating, uneven rocky path links 2 ridges. It’s about 2 metres wide. On either side, unguarded, the drop is over 1,000 feet.
On either side, American tourists, in full mountain climbing gear, stared in disbelief as these wild Irishmen, in shorts and singlets, ran as fast as they could along this treacherous trail. I don’t think they knew what they were cheering, a remake of Braveheart perhaps?
Nearing the summit
I’d never been to the summit of Carrounthill. It was breath-taking. A simple metal cross and dry stone hide marked it out. More tourists sipping from flasks, more cheering and time to turn.
The descent was a rollercoaster. Full throttle, no fear, throw yourself forward. Just go. It was time to catch those 2 guys.
Quickly, I caught one, then another, then 2 more. It was exhilarating. It was my Chariots of Fire, my Olympics. I fell twice but that was just an inconvenience.
From 36th overall, I was heading for 32nd. That would do me.
About 2 miles from the finish, there’s a soft sloping boggy ridge. It gives your feet a break. I eased up a little hearing (or so I thought?) a manic kind of roar. It grew louder. I chanced to look over my shoulder. Closing in fast was a flame haired 6’2” Kerry runner who was really angry that I had overtaken him. He passed me at the speed of light and looked me in the eye and roared.
It scared whatever life was left in me straight out. Worse still, he then raised a clenched fist as the final tribal stamp of his superiority.
As he continued his incredible speed down the soft boggy ridge he forgot to take a sharp right hand turn that would lead him home.
Alas, I couldn’t find the energy to shout after him. He disappeared into oblivion and I finished in 32nd.
But, that’s not important or even the point of this story. Read on.
My time was 2 hours and 15 minutes. Decent compared to others. I was satisfied. The clock kept ticking and every few minutes the 33rd runner, the 34th and so on came around the final bend.
At 3 hours and 5 minutes, the last runner was in. But where was my friend Eric? He was only 100 metres behind me at the summit.
The Stewards looked impatient and that turned to worry. I started to fear the worst, this mountain had claimed too many.
Ten minutes after the last runner came in, Eric came around the corner looking relaxed. Rather than rush to congratulate him, I unleashed my anxiety “What the Hell happened to you? You were only 100 meters behind me and now it’s an hour?”
His reply made a powerful mark and taught me a precious lesson.
“Nothing happened me Conor, nothing at all. I got to the summit, saw the beautiful views and met some of the Americans taking shelter. They gave me some tea and asked me what was going on. I told them. Then I told them I must go and came down”
Race reporter Conor Kenny & Eric Golden
You see, Eric enjoyed his run that day and I was to learn why.
That night, he gave me his view;
“You see Conor, I was never ever going to win the race. I probably won’t ever see the summit again so I thought I’m going to stop, take in the view and enjoy it all. It’s that simple and I had a lovely day”
Eric took the road less travelled. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t have learnt a valuable lesson and you wouldn’t be reading this today.
Last November I decided that I wanted to try a race longer than a Marathon ( just because) , so I roped in Shay Brady , entered the Donadea 50K and told myself “it will be grand , I have 12weeks”
Next thing I know the alarm goes off and I discover it is 6am race day – Ahhh where did the time go – im not ready –I’ll never get around that distance. All of the usual panic moments before a race.
Fast forward to 9.55am , 4 nervous sportsworld runners are on the start line , myself , Shay Brady , Irene O’Connor and a late entry Claire Harrington . All have one goal in mind – Finish.
Claire Harrington
It was unusual not to be time focused and just run how you feel and we quickly settled into an easy pace. The race consists of 10 x 5K laps and I was counting them down by park runs “ only 8 park runs to go” , “only 7”and so on.
The first 25k or so were fine but then fatigue started and each lap seemed longer and it didn’t help that the leaders were lapping us. The first time the leader passed us we cheered him on, the second time we gave him a thumbs up , by the third time I wanted to trip him up.
Irene O’Connor
Finally it was almost finished “on the last park run” and all I could think about was getting off my poor feet and drinking cold beer, and like a mirage in the distance was the finish line. I had done it. I was over the moon.
All four of us finished and all four were happy and exhausted. If you fancy a challenge greater than a marathon, Donadea 50K is a good one . But be warned, if you’re an ultra virgin like me, it is a long long way.
Researched and written by Sean O’Byrne, February 2016
Beginnings
In 1983, the year of the first Women’s Mini Marathon, a small group of ladies met for the first time under “the tree” next to the Bushy Park entrance beside Our Lady’s School. They came to train for the 10k distance, a daunting prospect for many as very few had ever run before. Nevertheless help, coaching and advice was on hand from one Emily Dowling, an International and National athlete who has been involved in sport all her life.
Sportsworld team in 1984 & running the 1986 Dublin Mini Marathon
A senior International Cross Country runner for Dublin City Harriers (DCH) for many years, Emily has completed 5 World Cross Country Championships on the Irish Team, won the Dublin City Marathon in 1981 in 2h 48m 22s, was a Gold Medal winner in the World Cross Country Masters (O50) 5000m in Oregan USA, and has competed in the World Senior Marathon Championships in Japan and Australia.
Emily Dowling Racing (center in Sportsworld Singlet)
Emily also held the course record for 16 years for the Ballycotton 10mile Road Race, with a time of 56.00mins. She was ably assisted by her husband, the former Olympic boxer Mick Dowling. Mick had competed at Bantamweight on the Irish Team in both the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1968 Mexico Olympics after winning 8 consecutive titles in 1968 and European Bronze Medals in 1969 and 1971.
Mick Dowling sparring with his opponent from the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Cuban Orlando Martinez, in Havana in 2015
Mick retired from the sport in 1975 after winning 8 National Senior Bantamweight titles. Also around at the time was a fellow DCH club-mate and friend of Emily, Ailish Smyth who went on to compete for Ireland in the Marathon in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. So those first Sportsworld members certainly had quality coaching from the beginning.
Ailish Smyth (3rd from right) departing with the 1988 Olympic Squad at Dublin Airport. Photo from the Dublin City Council Photographic Collection
Some original members included:
Ruth McGann, Tony McGann, Deirdre Steadman, Ann McGrail, Ann Kissane, John Kissane John Delany, Vera Delany, Jackie Wright, Nessa Waldron, Kathleen Dempsey, Tommy Dempsey (Dec) Ann Cowzer, Alan Cowzer, James Wright, Mary Whelan, Adam Jones, Dr. John Walsh (Dec), Anne Mulveney, Basil Kennedy, Eilish Barry, Rita Reid, Mick West, Anne Murphy, Maeve Foy, Veronica Boylan, Teresa Mullen, Carol Lynch, Paddy Lynch (Present Chairman), Frank Kelly and more.
1983 to 2005
Early Years
The Group continued to meet and train after the first Mini-marathon was completed, gathering at ‘the tree’ in Bushy Park in the summer and the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Templeville Rd\Springfield Rd junction during the first winter (you run by it at the start of the Terenure Lap in training), because the street lighting in the vicinity was good.
That infamous tree in Bushy Park – still in use today as a start point for sessions
In the winter of 1983\4 the club was able to use the facilities of St Pauls School, Greenhills, Walkinstown and this link with the school continued for 28 years with it being the registration and prize-giving venue for the Sportsworld 5 Mile Classic Road Race.
From 1986 the winters were spent using the facilities of Mike Dowling’s Boxing Club on Mount Tallant Ave, Kimmage. Sprint training was held in the car-park of Rathfarnham Shopping Centre since at the time the centre closed at 5.00pm. The “Ballyboden Lap” was used for longer training runs. Summer training always centered on Bushy Park as it does today. The club during these years went from strength to strength, gaining many members and losing only a small number each season. Mini-marathon training for new members continued with a new group starting every April organised by Emily.
In 1987\8 Sportsworld first registered as an Athletics Club with Bord Luthchleas na hEireann (BLE, the forerunner of Athletics Ireland) and formally became Sportsworld A.C. Coincidently Myles Nugent as Secretary of Kilcullen A.C. was at the meeting of the Dublin County Board that considered and eventually accepted Sportsworld’s application. Mick Dowling served as Chairman and Tony McGann as Secretary. Later Frank Kelly became President of the club and served for many years, becoming one of only three life-members of the club alongside Mick and Emily.
Ruth & Tony McGann in Lanzarote – Front row far left Tony McGann and front row far right Frank Kelly
The club participated in many away races throughout these years, with coach travel organised by the President Frank Kelly, an owner of Silverdale coaches. (Frank also owned a beautiful classic car, a touring open 2-seater 1940 MG sports car, red in colour. If he gave you a jaunt in the car you were very honoured).
Sportsworld trips to France (top left) and Galway (top right) have contrasting reasons for the umbrellas while Frank & Emily led out the Sportsworld 5 mile classic in style
Club members travelled to the Enniskillen 10k every year for some time. During that period Northern Ireland was a dangerous place to visit as the civil strife, euphemistically referred to as the “troubles” was ongoing. Crossing the border meant driving through a heavily armed area with both the British Army and RUC Police inspecting the coach in both directions.
Checkpoint leaving Northern Ireland
Alcohol was cheaper in the North at the time and the back of the bus as it returned to Dublin resembled an off-licence with “slabs” of Carling, Harp and Carlsberg lining the seats. Not that any of this was consumed prior to our arrival home of course!!!! Club AGMs during this period were held in various venues around Terenure including CYM Sports Club (Now Terenure Sports Club), Spawell and Terenure Inn.
Just some of the clubs championship winning teams over the years – see the clubs titles page for the full listing
During this period Sportsworld gained many honours for both individual achievements and club team successes. These are recorded elsewhere on the club website (Click Here) and are too numerous to list here. The club had teams running at all levels of competition from Meet and Train to Marathons, as well as at all levels of BLE\A.I. competitions. Club members also ran at Novice, Intermediate and Senior level in National, Leinster and Dublin races. Many members competed for Dublin and other county teams during this period and the club became a regular competitor at races throughout Ireland.
Some notable achievements over these years included club members making Irish teams for international competitions (Click Here) and the winning of National, Leinster and Dublin Titles (Click here).
Internationals clockwise from top left: Lucy D’Arcy, Sandra Gowran, Ed McEntee, Orna Dilworth, Jean Wilson, Helen Dixon, Aoife O’Leary, Carol Lynch
Lanzarote Connection
In 1994 Mick and Emily’s daughter Lisa, a club member also, went to work in Club La Santa in Lanzarote, which began our annual connection with the International Running Challenge held there in the last week in November.
Lisa Dowling with husband Sean at the clubs 25th Anniversary Ball, Club La Santa in Lanzarote & Julie Dowling racing in La Santa green team colours
Over the years club members won many of these races and team events across all age levels. Hundreds of club members over the years have enjoyed this warm weather week of training\running coupled with sun, sea and sandals (See club Galleries for photos: Click here).
Emily and Mick’s family continued their Club La Santa connection over the years with their sons Mark and Stephen and daughter Julie-Ann also spending time working there. Sportsworld members have made lasting impressions on the disco floor and at karaoke nights, as well as becoming experts on local restaurants and very knowledgeable about a certain golden liquid called Cruz Campo. The Club’s annual week away in La Santa continues to the present day.
Administrative Changes
During these years the structure of the club went through a number of changes. With growing membership and the need to attract sponsors for the 5 mile Classic a formal Club Constitution became necessary. Work on this was completed by members Tony McGann and Sean O’Byrne and was formally adopted by the Club AGM in 2001.
Sean O’Byrne: author of this article and the club constitution!
This gave the club the structure we have in place today, with President, Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Club Committee positions. At this time the Club adopted the logo of two runners side by side to go with our red and white club colours. Club tracksuits and tops first became available also.
Winter Facilities
The Boxing club continued to be used for winter facilities until local residents objected about the amount of cars parked in a small suburban area and the Club had to move again, this time to the Tennis Pavilion (the building next door to our current club house) in Bushy Park in 2002. This was totally unsatisfactory as the building had no heating, no showers, toilets only fit for use by the very brave and sometimes no electricity.
Our Own Clubhouse
Over these years many discussions took place, especially on the long Sunday runs, of the possibility of building a Clubhouse. It was felt to be an impossible dream as the chances of obtaining a site in leafy Terenure close to Bushy Park would simply be beyond Club resources.
However Mick decided to seek a meeting with the Parks and Landscape Services Division of Dublin City Council (DCC) in 2003 to discuss the feasibility of getting a site for a Clubhouse in Bushy Park itself. After some discussion DCC offered two sites, one behind the existing football pavilion and the other at the bandstand. Both of these were unsuitable; the first because of the existence of a stand of oak trees which must not be damaged during any construction work and the second because the low lying area near the bandstand is basically a flood plain for the Dodder river.
Eventually after further meetings with DCC a site was offered and agreed alongside the existing Tennis Pavilion. This news was amazing and members simply could not believe that a Clubhouse was now no longer a dream, but something that might actually happen.
2004 was a year of meetings and fund raising as the reality of paying for a large building in the park really came home. Finance became all important and it was agreed initially to fund €40,000 from our own resources. A levy of €150 on each member to “buy a brick” was agreed (indeed, some members contributed much more). Quiz-nights in Faughs GAA club, bag packing in Tesco’s Rathfarnham organised by Ellen Lavin and other fund raising activities all helped towards reaching our target.
The club was very fortunate to have an Architect, Sarah Davenport as a member at the time. She designed the Clubhouse and the plans drawn up by her were submitted and accepted by DCC after a number of meetings with them.
Sportsworld Architect Sarah Davenport in center (race number 520)
Joe Byrne, a Quantity Surveyor assisted Sarah with this process. In the meantime Mick had spoken to both the Sports Council and the Minister for Sport John O’Donoghue and an application was made to the National Lottery for funding of €100,000. In November 2004 the news came through we had been granted €80,000.
Fundraiser Ellen Lavin, Quantity Surveyor Joe Byrne & Project Manager Trevor Lloyd
A builder was sourced; Joe Duke Ltd. DCC had agreed to match the finance provided by the club and so, with grants of €160,000 and €40,000 of club funds, the construction went ahead. Club member Trevor Lloyd offered his services as an Engineer to project manage the construction over the timeframe of approximately 6 months during the winter of 2004\2005. However, the funding which the Club had started out with was insufficient to completely finish the building. After further discussions with the Sports Council another application for funding was successful and the Club was granted €25,000. This ensured that the Clubhouse could be finished.
It was agreed that Dublin City Council, as owners of the building, would hand control of the Clubhouse to Sportsworld A.C. on an annual licence basis with conditions attached. This is the situation to the present day.
Sportsworld was now in the position of having not only a Clubhouse in the very park we train in but also having no building debt hanging over us – a truly marvellous achievement which all club members have benefited from in subsequent years.
The Clubhouse was officially opened in June 2005. Some members had spent the previous month busily painting and decorating so it was looking fantastic on the beautiful summer’s evening when the Minister for Sport, John O’Donoghue T.D. officially declared it open (Ministers Speech: Click here). Also in attendance was the Deputy Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague. Many club members attended the celebration and it was a wonderful evening with speeches and wine which marked a fantastic job of work and a new chapter for Sportsworld.
The Official opening with Minister for Sport, John O’Donoghue T.D. and Emily & Mick Dowling
5 Mile Classic Road Race 1985 to 2011
In 1985 under the leadership of Mick Dowling, Sportsworld began a remarkable local event by putting on an international 5 mile road race – The 5 Mile Classic. It became an annual event on a Sunday in May, continuing for 26 years on the same course and becoming synonymous with racing excellence.
The start was on Greentrees Rd\St Peters Rd in Walkinstown and the route was Templeville Rd, Lr Dodder Rd, Terenure Village, Templeogue Rd and back along Templeville to the finish on Greentrees Rd. Mick had chosen the name from a race in the USA that Emily’s brother had run, called the “Cresent City Classic”.
The race was also to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Crumlin where Irish Olympian athlete Eamon Coghlan was Executive Director of Fundraising and Development. This relationship lasted nearly thirty years and well in excess of €250,000 was raised by the participants over that time. In 1985 the men’s winner was Noel Harvey 24:04 with Dick Hooper 2nd in 24:10. Emily Dowling won the women’s race in 27:43 with Deirdre Walsh 2nd in 29:38.
Past winners: the 5000m world champion Ismael Kiriui & world cross country silver medalist Catherina McKiernan
Over the years some great athletes competed in the race: in 1993 the world 5000m champion Ismael Kiriui ran 22:07 for the distance, 1991 Eamon Martin 22:17, 1994 John Treacy 23:06, 1994 Catherina McKiernan 25:43, 1988 Jill Hunter 25:24, 1989 Jerry Kiernan 23:06, 1986 Ailish Smyth 26:50, 2000 Magdalen Chemjor 26:13. In 1988 1500 runners participated in the race, an indication of its popularity at that time.
The 1989 Sportsworld 5 mile classic highlights on RTE!
For the two years 1995 and 1996 the Race was sponsored by the ESB, at whose request the distance was reduced to 5k. It was held in Dublin city centre, starting and finishing on Merrion Square. The winners in 1995 were James Karuiki 13:38 and Catherina McKiernan 15:35 and in 1996 Rob Denmark 13:30 and Rose Cheruiot 15:12. In 1997 the race returned to the course in Walkinstown\Terenure.
Sponsorship was forthcoming for most of the twenty eight years due in no small part to both the networking of Mick Dowling and the tireless efforts of Tony McGann in cajoling club members to bring in sponsorship. Over the years sponsors included Woodies Ltd. Asics, Nike, Insight Ltd. Manor Farm Chickens Ltd. For 26 years until 2009 the Race Director was Mick Dowling and the Course Director Tony McGann. Tony Mc Gann took the position of Race Director for 2010 and Michael Cunningham took the position for 2011.
However, various changes over time impacted negatively on the Classic Race and these required a response, described below, to enable Sportsworld to continue with an annual event in its home locality of Terenure.
Other Charitable Activities
Sportsworld’s Annual Cake Sale organised by Nessa Waldron has contributed to a number of charities over many years, including Harold’s Cross Hospice and Guide Dogs. Throughout the 90s one of the summer evening’s training sessions was devoted to an egg-throwing and dizzy-stick contest, again to support various charities.
Deirdre Steadman, Ellen Lavin & Nessa Waldron at the 2015 cakesale
2005 to Present
Changing Times
Responsibility for a clubhouse meant that the club always had to have sufficient funds to cover payment of bills, ongoing maintenance and any accidental damage to the building that might occur. Having its own facilities in Bushy Park raised the profile of Sportsworld and encouraged the growth of membership. New members are a feature of nearly every weekly training session, in particular during the summer months. In 2007 the original layout of the building was modified to remove the office area which matched the kitchen area on the opposite side. This necessitated the removal of a wall and re-covering the floor. This modification created the space for the rowing machines and exercise bikes.
2011 saw a major change in the Club’s management with Mick Dowling stepping down as Club Chairman after 28 years. His association with Sportsworld has continued both as Club President and an Honorary Life Member.
Mick Dowling – club chairman for 28 years and current president
At the 2011 AGM the election for Chairman had two candidates in the field, Paddy Lynch and Sean O’Byrne. Paddy duly won the election and has been re-elected Chairman in 2013 and 2015.
Current club chairman Paddy Lynch
2013 saw the celebration of 30 years of Sportsworld with a formal dinner to mark the event in the Hilton Hotel on Charlemont Place (For Photo Gallery: Click here & Speech by Conor Kenny: Click here).
From 5 Mile Classic to Terenure 5 Road Race
As time moved on and Irish society changed, the 5 Mile Classic course became difficult to police and to steward. Sunday trading became a normal part of society bringing an increase in Sunday traffic and the “celtic tiger” period added to this. In addition, construction of the M50 Motorway (which certain Sportsworld members used a number of times for long Sunday morning runs prior to its opening!!) and the opening of the Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght impacted on the race.
The Gardai could no longer hold up traffic on the main routes leading to the motorway and Tallaght, so the Club reluctantly had little option but to change the Classic course in 2009. With a new start time of 9.00am and a new course, numbers were very low and the race costs had to be borne by the Club at a time when little sponsorship was available due to Ireland being in the depths of recession.
A decision was made in 2011\12 to rebrand the race as a community event, the “Terenure 5” and to change the course so as to allow traffic flow on one lane with the runners using the opposite lane. This meant the Guards were prepared to allow a start time of 11.00am. Terenure College was approached and kindly agreed to offer their facilities for registration and prize giving. The Club also decided to allow a Sportsworld Men’s team and Women’s team into the race.
The Terenure 5 Race has proved a successful event since 2012, with numbers exceeding the 1000 mark each year. In addition the race now has a dedicated website (click here), web entry and electronic timing. It requires a dedicated team to work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for all the runners.
The Race must meet the high safety and event management standards of Dublin City Council and the Gardai and costs in the region of €20,000 to stage. Charities supported have included Debra Ireland, Jack and Jill Foundation and Fighting Blindness.
Clockwise from top left: 2014, 2010 & 2004 charitable donations
The Race Director for 2012 was Tony McGann and from 2013 to 2016 Michael Cunningham has undertaken this role. The Race Organising Committee Chairman was Trevor Lloyd in 2012\13 and Paddy Lynch in 2014\16.
2013-2016 Race director Michael Cunningham
Sportsworld Club Leagues
Myles Nugent agreed to organise a number of Club Leagues using a handicap system, the first being held in Tymon Park in 1998. Further leagues were held over the years the last being 2014 using the Terenure Lap. These were a great success with much “discussion” on allotted handicaps.
Club stalwart & coach Myles Nugent
In 2015 the Club used the Tallaght Track for this event, the format being a men’s and a women’s 1500m race followed by a mixed team event of 4 X 400m (For race report: Click here & Photo Gallery: Click here). It was a really enjoyable and successful day.
The 2015 Club Track event
Back to the Future
Sportsworld has always been much more than simply an Athletics Club which has sporting success as its only goal. The “real” history of Sportsworld is the human one: the friendships made and sustained over many years, relationships established, support in times of adversity, in times of loss, in times of trouble.
In 2016 Emily started her 33rd consecutive year coaching Sportsworld runners. This dedicated commitment to the Club and to athletics in Ireland is a remarkable achievement and continues to encourage everybody.
Silver medals for the Senior ladies team of Helen Brouder, Noreen Brouder, Zoë Greene and Caoimhe Costigan!
Silver medal for Carol Lynch in her age category too!
Full results below.
The 32nd annual Raheny 5 Mile Road Race took place on the last day of January. Over 40 Sportsworld atheletes were in attendance at what was to be a fantastically organised and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on the Northside!
Overall the conditions were fair. Unseasonably warm and despite the drizzle and the breeze, a surprisingly more pleasant experience than I had anticipated looking out the window that morning!
The afternoon kicked off, as usual, outside the Garda Station in Raheny village. Despite the fact that I live only down the road I managed to cut it fine, arriving just in time for a quick half hearted warm up in the rain before it was time to line up. I spotted a few familiar red and white tops gathering at the start line.
Chatting before the gun, we were all united in our gratitude to be back on solid ground after last week’s mud bath!
Race reporter Caoimhe clearly missing last weeks mud
The shiny clean road runners were back out and the chances of finishing with our shoes the same colour as when we had started were high…things were looking up! Just before the start Eoin mentioned something about a race report….hahaha no no I’m new, I couldn’t….but apparently my newbie grace period was over!!
The course was fast and flat. The start, as could be expected with over 2000 participants, was a little congested with lots dodging and weaving required. The crowd really carried us along throught the first mile, and before I knew it the watches were beeping….20% done. Mile two was a nice flat stretch along the main Howth Road, turning into a gentle descent towards the park. With the crowd dispersed by this stage there was plenty of room to stretch the legs and get into a rhythm.
We hit mile three just as we entered the park, a new twist in the route, which previously would have taken us along the seafront and up the long drag of Watermill road, to make us really earn those goodie bags. The park was overall a pleasant change of scenery, and on a windy day less, exposed than the main seafront road would have been.
The long “out and back stretch” was probably the toughest part of the race….seeing all the traffic coming against us….thinking “surely the turnaround can’t be far”…”we’re not going all the way to the end of this avenue are we!?”…“I can’t even see the end”. Finally, we turned. Then the four mile marker came…nearly home!
Another few hundred meters and the loudspeakers from the finish came into ear shot….psychological boost…really nearly home now…As we exited the park we met Myles in his Sunday best promising a finish line “just around the corner”…..and although it felt like forever the bunting finally came into view and it was all over.
Spot the Sportsworld!
The race was won by Mick Clohissey in 24:05 with Mary Cullen leading the women home in an impressive 26:16. Sportsworld had some notable results of their own with Carol Lynch coming in 2nd, Ray Carpenter 5th and Patrick Mc Morrow 6th in their respective categories. Karol Cronin finished 8th in the Men’s Senior race and in the team event the Sportsworld ladies team came in 2nd. Full results below.
A great race and fantastic start to 2016, congratulations to all who ran. Enjoy those goodie bags….well deserved!!
Sportsworld Results:
Karol CRONIN 26:11:00
Paul O’CONNELL 27:56:00
Karl CHATTERTON 28:57:00
Conor MCCARTHY 29:06:00
Diarmuid Ó’SÚILLEABHÁIN 30:55:00
Helen BROUDER 30:56:00
Conor KEATING 31:08:00
Noreen BROUDER 31:28:00
Joe BYRNE 31:36:00
William GREENSMYTH 31:36:00
Jim BROWNE 31:58:00
Peter KNAGGS 33:28:00
Denis MCCAUL 33:37:00
Caoimhe COSTIGAN 33:50:00
Zoë GREENE 33:50:00
Jose CHOPA 33:54:00
Damien GERAGHTY 34:29:00
Stephen WILLOUGHBY 35:10:00
Aidan CURRAN 35:15:00
Catherine MULLEADY 35:36:00
Noel LYNAM 35:47:00
Eoin O’BRIEN 35:50:00
Naoise WALDRON 36:37:00
Ray CARPENTER 36:56:00
Patrick Killian MCMORROW 37:38:00
Margaret CROWLEY 38:22:00
Sibeal WALDRON 39:05:00
Grace KENNY 39:30:00
Enda MCMORROW 39:48:00
Conor KENNY 39:55:00
Trevor LLOYD 40:07:00
Valerie LACY POWER 40:26:00
David CLARKE 40:31:00
Emer CASEY 40:38:00
Denise KILKENNY 40:50:00
Emma BARRY 40:52:00
Claire RAWLEY 41:05:00
Deirdre HEAVEY 41:34:00
Cathy COYLE 41:56:00
Ellen LAVIN 43:33:00
Catherine GILMORE 44:04:00
Ed COLLINS 44:06:00
Padraig MOOREHOUSE 44:37:00
Audrai O’DRISCOLL 44:55:00
Carol LYNCH 45:17:00
Sean O’BYRNE 45:19:00
Photo sourced at Irish Runner Magazine, visit here for more details and full gallery: Irish Runner
The first Irish Runner paced mile event took place on Wednesday, 27 January on the Alsaa track beside Dublin Airport. The next event is on 24th February followed by 23 March with plans for further paced mile events to follow throughout the year. Having taken part last week, I would recommend it if you can make it.
The opportunity to clock a time over one mile, the benefit of which is twofold – firstly to track your mile pace at regular intervals throughout the year and secondly, to obtain a “base pace” from which to draw out your range of training and racing paces.
There were pacers from sub 13 to sub 5. The event was very well coordinated and there were pre-run talks from David Carrie, Catherina McKiernan (Irish ladies marathon record holder in 2.22!!!) and Gareth Turnbull (Irish Olympian and sub 4 minute miler). The pacers were all right on the mark and guided, cajoled and encouraged the runners around the four laps and nine metres. As David said beforehand “Think pace, not race”.
For the measly entry fee of €5, you got electronic timing by myrunresults.com, an experienced pacer, a goodie bag and a free copy of the Irish Runner. Sure, what else would you be doing of a Wednesday evening. If nothing else, it will get the buzz of the track back into the bones, ahead of our return to the Saturday morning sessions on the Tallaght track, and arguably more importantly prepare you for the Sportsworld Club Relays (especially if you get picked on Gareth Murran’s team J) and the jewel in the crown that is the Trinity Track BHAA 1200m D grade race…
All set to go
Current club chairman Paddy Lynch 
Clockwise from top left: 2014, 2010 & 2004 charitable donations
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