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Lisbon Rock n Roll Marathon Diary

Marathon Diary by Derrick Long

Flight and accommodation very reasonable – €300 should do the trick, early bird race entry fee included Adidas tech shirt and usual goodies. 

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Backroom team in place

The marathon course starts in the town of Cascais and heads towards the city of Oeiras running parallel to the Atlantic ocean ,the course passes the palace of Marquis of Pombal (cobbled streets *ouch*) and through the Praca do Comercion (cobbled streets, more ouch), before heading downtown to Rossio. The route returns to the waterfront and joins the half marathon runners before finishing in Parque das Nascoes.

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Getting to the start line involves a metro from Lisbon to Cais do Sodre train station, from there it’s a 40min trip to the start line, free transport for runners .

The race starts at 8.30am and in true RocknRoll fashion the music and entertainment is from beginning thru to the end, refreshments every 3 miles, good crowds at the start and finish, sparse during the course 🙁

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Finish line in sight at 3hrs 54mins (happy with that) great atmosphere!

The hard part: Watered fed and all medalled up, now came the tricky bit – finding a pub to look at Ire v Arg, alas que sera!

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Would I recommend? Go for it! Phew, slainte….

p.s Thanks to Emily for the words of support before Tuesday night’s session, I had dropped by the clubhouse but had just left for an important appointment with a foam roller. Enjoy the pic of my backroom team, and the medal.

Yours in running,

Derrick

Will Greensmyth

This week we chat with Will Greensmyth who has been a member for almost 10 years and in recent years has taken to the Marathon, having just ran Berlin. Being from Limerick he has a Willie O’Dea streak in him.

When did you join Sportsworld?
May 2006. I was a fresh faced country lad up in the Big Smoke and having entered the Terenure 5 mile, got talked into joining over a post-race cup of tea.

Where do you work?
I’m a solicitor with Walkers, a law firm specialising in financial services.

What is your favourite club session?
The Wednesday night post-International Running Challenge party in La Santa. The sight of Gareth “Hips Don’t Lie” Murran dancing to Danish pop music is an experience in itself.

What is your favorite race distance?
Probably 5k. Hopefully after Berlin, it might be the marathon…(!)

What is your favorite meal before a big race?
What sort of heathen has a favourite meal BEFORE a race?? AFTER a race…that’s what I’m talking about! Point me towards the nearest chipper. Battered everything please.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?
At home, a run along the River Shannon from Corbally to University of Limerick. I think Dunshaughlin 10k is class. Out foreign, the Prague Half Marathon was pretty impressive as city centre routes go.

What is your target for the next year?
First and foremost, enjoy running and stay injury free. Maybe be a scoring runner on a medal winning Sportsworld cross country team. I’d like to dip under 80 for the half and maybe get a little closer to 2 minutes for 800m.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?
My first trip to La Santa with the club, way back in 2007. The sun was shining, the Celtic Tiger was roaring, and I spent a week in Club La Santa (like Irish college for athletes) and shared an apartment with Eanna, Phil, Eoin, Noel Keenan and Ronan Merrick. I don’t think I have ever laughed as much in one week. The trip was a microcosm of all that’s great about Sportsworld: Runners of all ages and talents, having the craic and not getting too caught up on times, with Emily and Myles keeping a watchful eye on us all, haha.

What international events have you ran?
Aside from I think five trips to La Santa, I’ve toed the line in the Munich Marathon, the Malmo Hostmil, the Prague Halfmarathon, and in September of this year, the Berlin Marathon…

What do you like doing when you don’t run?
I’m a deluded fan of hopeless sporting causes and between Munster Rugby, Limerick FC, Limerick hurling and the Irish soccer team, I’ve plenty of misguided optimism to go around. There are positives – Munster have given us some great days and I’ve travelled to places in Europe watching Ireland play soccer that aren’t on everyone’s radar. Recent years have seen us visit Russia, Estonia and Macedonia.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?
While I ran as a kid, my first loves were hurling and soccer. Took up running more seriously for the first few years in university. Been stuck at it ever since.

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
The PB I most want to break is in the marathon. I’ve ran two and blown up in both. Hopefully third time’s the charm in Berlin in a few weeks time.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
At the moment with marathon training, running 6 out of 7 days a week. Mileage is fairly high as a result. I couldn’t run every day.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
Perfect excuse to wear short shorts in public. That, and the camaraderie that you get after a grueller of a Saturday morning session and the way everyone pushes and cheers everyone else on in those last few reps. Oh, and the breakfast afterwards.

What made you join a Running Club?
As someone who was involved in soccer and hurling, I liked the idea of coached training with others and competing for a team.

What was your first day at the Club like?
I remember coming into the clubhouse and wondering why it was like a ceilí house from the 1930s with the lads on one side and the girls on the other…

Why is running important to you?
Running, and in particular Sportsworld, has introduced me to some of my best friends. It’s kept me involved in sports and gives a good balance to life generally.

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
More cake. Also, I’d love to see us having full teams for all the big cross country races. But mainly more cake.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Emily and Myles have been great coaches, both for running and life generally, since the first day I joined the club. Also, the achievements of people like Phil, Lucy, Jean Wilson, Aoife Brady, Karol during the course of my time in Sportsworld are also amazing to think about.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I’m a member of the Crossfit gym beside work and try to be in there three mornings a week before work. It’s good fun, “PE for adults” and is definitely helping with the running form and staying injury free. I also have a love/hate relationship with swimming and am definitely, probably, maybe doing the Thomond Swim in the River Shannon next year.

Autumn Open Cross Country 2015

Race Reports by Karol Cronin & Justin McKeever

Report by Karol Cronin

The Autumn Open Cross Country got under way yesterday in the Phoenix Park to kick start what is the traditional curtain raiser to cross country season.

Formally known as the Gerry Farnham Race, this 8k race also included the junior men 6k where they had one less lap to cover. The weather had been so good the last few weeks, I had to ask Emily should I wear spikes. She said to do so, any little advantage.

After listening to first half of the Ireland match on the car radio under the shadow of the Papal Cross, I had to now focus on the tough four laps ahead (hoping I’d hear good news after the race).

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A strong Sportsworld team lined up with the other 170 odd people which was myself, Phil Kilgannon, Martin Keenan and two men new to this race Justin McKeever and Conor McCarthy.

The race started off at a fierce and crowded pace with the lead pack almost out of sight after the first bend. Turning the first corner it felt like you were queuing to get around. I settled into the first lap steady with the aim to pick it up. It’s a good lap in that you can break it down where there are two rolling hills followed by a short downhill stint through the forest and then another sharp hill along the back and then a long steady stretch back to the start where you can regain some strength and put the foot down until the hills.

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It’s always an advantage when you’re chasing people down as the distance goes by quickly as your mind is on catching the person in front of you. Before I knew it I was nearing my final lap and began to stretch the legs a bit more focusing on the group ahead of me.

On the last stretch I managed to take four more people and pass the finish line strongly but in a lot of pain. Sonia O’Sullivan was there to present us with medals I think that were left over from her 5k memorial race over the summer. It was a nice surprise and brilliant to meet Ireland’s greatest athlete.

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Slowing regaining my breath I remembered about the rugby game. I asked a spectator who replied we were hammered. Oh well!

A big thanks to all the support and encouragement we received throughout the race and well done to the rest of the lads who all had strong finishes. Overall winner was Brandon Hargreaves from DSD in a time of 25.36

Sportsworld results:

Karol Cronin 28.11
Phil Kilgannon 29.22
Justin McKeever 30.16
Conor McCarthy 30.46
Martin Keenan 32.48

Report by Justin McKeever

The autumn open cross country was formerly the Gerry Farnan race and is still known by that name. I did a quick google search to find out more about the man and the race and came across Phil Kilgannon’s excellent race report from 2013, which explains everything you need to know about the race and how best to run it (Click here: 2013 Race Report). The race attracts a high standard of senior runners and as it serves as a qualifying race for the international masters xc, all the top masters runners show up to try and qualify for the Irish team. The masters runners also get to wear their age category number on the back, just as an incentive – or a target for anyone behind!

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The conditions were perfect, similar to the Dublin novice xc 2 weeks ago, but with less breeze, the going was firm-to-hard due to the dry spell, so short spikes were selected. I did a 2k warmup lap with Karol and Martin while the open 5k was on, then got in some good long strides to be ready for a fast start.

On to the start line and met Phil Kilgannon and Conor McCarthy. Our race was to be 4 x 2k laps and Phil’s advice was to keep it steady for the first lap. While I knew this was indeed a sound approach, I was determined to run hard out and then settle into position. It’s like a blur when the gun goes off – it was like being in the middle of herd of wild animals, testosterone fuelled, elbows are out, jostling to squeeze into the smallest of spaces at the first left turn, trying not to give an inch, not to trip anyone – or be tripped.

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The Sportsworld boys mixing it up on Sunday

Then it’s out onto the straight with the double dips and we can breathe again and focus on maintaining a good pace. Phil passes me now and shows his experience as he works on up steadily through the field. I can see the leaders already stretching off into the distance, with Karol settled in just behind and I’m surprised at how many 40’s, 45’s and 50’s runners have already pushed on ahead – these lads mean business! Anyway, nothing I can do about that now, but it’s a mental picture to motivate me for what’s needed if I want to be mixing it up with them next year.

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With shouts of encouragement from Emily, Will and Ann, we tear down through the trees, hoping for good footing amongst the tree roots and hard ground as it was impossible to get a good line of sight with so many runners around. A slight drag, then hang right for a short sharp climb where Brenda was urging us to push on and pull back a place a place. The course flattens out and after a sharp left hand bend, there’s a good wide section leading over to the end of the lap where any thoughts of easing up were pushed away with Myles roaring encouragement. Back past the start and a glance at the watch shows just over 7mins and I’m thinking “how am I going to do another 3 of these!” The answer is that you stop thinking about laps and just keep pushing on, trying to close the gap on the runner ahead, then overtake and try not to let them come back at you or let anyone come past……easier said than done!

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Anyway, after 3 laps somehow completed, I get to the bell for the last lap, wishing I was a junior as they only have to do 3 laps, but now its time to dig deep, look for any sign of weakness to pick off any runners that slow up at all. Pushing hard to go past runners at this stage is no guarantee of anything as some of them find reserves that get them right back on your shoulder if your move wasn’t strong enough. I know Conor is just seconds behind me and Martin isn’t far off, so fear keeps me pushing on to avoid them in a sprint finish, as I’ve seen Conor finish strongly in the Dublin novice 2 weeks ago and Martin outpaced me in the club 1500m last month. I get another series of roars from Myles as I hit the last 400 which pushes me to try and close the gap on a small group ahead, then the last bit of adrenaline kicks on to sprint to the line. Breathless and jelly-legged, we are funnelled up the finishing chute to be given our medals by the great Sonia O’Sullivan!!

What a great experience, and well done to the sportsworld lads for the strong running. Karol powered through the last lap to finish in 32nd, Phil ran a smart race, finishing in 52nd (10th M35). I finished in 81st (17th M40), with Conor in 91st and Martin 112th (8th M45)

Finally, a big thanks to Emily, Myles, Brenda, Will and Ann for all the support.

Next race……….Dublin marathon 🙂

Jim Browne

Jim Browne is recently new to Sportsworld but has plenty of solid PB’s in his first running streak 25 years ago. One of the best age group runners in the club Jim  is good craic and always giving it his all for the club.

When did you join Sportsworld?
October,2011

What is your favourite club session?
Probably the hills and sprints session or cross country training on Saturday morning.

What is your favorite race distance?
5k/6k Cross Country.

What is your favorite meal before a big race?
Brown Bread and Banana (hardly a meal)

My Favourite place to train/compete is?
For training the Kiltipper cross country sessions. It’s brutally hard but at the same time exhilarating.. For racing the Lanzarote Running Challenge is brilliant and especially the Ridge Race

What is your target for the next year?
A sub 39 min 10k would be great and a good run in the Dublin Cross Country Masters and the All Ireland Cross Country Masters .

What is your best Sportsworld memory?
The trips to Lanzarote have been great and really enjoyed the trip to the All Ireland Masters Cross Country last year.

What international events have you ran?
The Berlin Half Marathon and the Lanzarote Running Challenge

What do you like doing when you don’t run?
Spending time with the family and friends . Supporting the greatest rugby team in the world and trash talking Leinster rugby. Supporting Limerick hurlers . Eating out.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I actually started as a track runner in Boston 25 years ago. My first race was a glorious success and I finished last by 50m in an indoor 800m. Ran track for two years but when I came back to Ireland I ran on my own sporadically for 15 years whilst training and competing in Tae Kwon Do .

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
My favourite PB’s are from the track but they are from a long time ago . 2 min 4sec for 800m and 4min 48 sec for the mile. My most recent favourite is a 1hr 26 min for the Half Marathon last year.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
5 times a week and about 35 miles

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
The camaraderie and your training partners bringing the best out of you..

What made you join a Running Club?
I wanted to give the running a good lash after years of dipping in and out of it

What was your first day at the Club like?
Grand. I stuck to Breda like a little boy to his mother at his first day at school.

Why is running important to you?
It’s a stress buster,and boy do I love the endorphins. .

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
It would be great if more members would run in team events.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
All those members that train really hard and try to maximize their ability but at the same time don’t take themselves too seriously

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I have started weight training again and used to train and compete in Tae Kwon Do.

Dublin Novice Cross Country 2015

Race Reports by Lucia Prihodova and Wesley Harrison

Photos by Gareth Murran. An amazing album of Gareth’s pictures are here: Facebook

Report by Lucia Prihodova

Last Tuesday, after the training, Emily and Myles asked if I signed up for the cross-country race happening in Phoenix park that Sunday. Never having done any cross country training, not to speak of a race before, after some hesitation I get reassured by the name of the race – novice (ignorance truly is a bliss) and next thing I know my name is on a list.

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Lucia in action on Sunday

Sunday brings perfect running weather – dry, some sun, a bit of a breeze – and flocks of singleted runners and supporters to the Magazine fort. There is a good crowd in from Sportsworld and after a sweat inducing warm-up and pep talk from Emily and Myles, we line up at the start along with other over 80 runners.

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For women, the 4ish k race consists of a small lap with rolling hills followed by two big ones, which have one steepish hill but then are relatively flat. The first few 100 meters and an elbow in the rib prove that these ladies mean business.

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I quickly abandon the plan to take it easy for the first small lap and immediately switch to next gear as I have fallen to the back of the group. And then I get overwhelmed by the noise of cheering coming from each direction.

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Every few meters you see familiar faces, hear your own or your club’s name, tips and encouragement. It’s hard to do it justice in writing but trust me, you’d have goose bumps if you weren’t too busy sweating.

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My mind, like a pinball machine bounces from “what was I thinking”, “wait till I get my hands on Michael Cunningham for that encouraging love-letter to cross-country” (Click here: Michael’s Love Letter), “really need to read that Sillitoe book”, “this is actually ok” to “shhh, just focus at your running”.

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And then, during the second lap the magic happens, that feeling, when you know you’re digging deep and yet enjoying every single stride. Overtaking few more runners before in the last lap and before you know it, it is over.

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Just enough of a break to allow you to catch your breath as now it’s our time to cheer on the men as they glide past on their 6k loop. For me, it is also time to quietly admit to myself, that I am hooked and will be back for more.

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The Women’s team was in 6th place (missing out on the 5th by 4 points) and Men’s team was in 7th (missing out on the 6th by a single point). The camaraderie of cross-country running was clearly on display at the Dublin Novice and Sportsworld had amazing performances by the women’s and men’s teams, with impressive cross country debuts for some runners! Helen & Noreen Brouder deserve a special mention having only recently joined the club they both finished in the top 10, 4th and 8th respectively!

Report by Wesley Harrison

Nursing a groin injury is never a good start to a race, let alone the XC season opener. Shared my woes with Anna on the Saturday and before I was finished complaining, she hands me the most powerful painkiller known to man. I was assured I would not be able to feel my legs, let alone the injury.

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Wes in action on Sunday

We arrive on the Sunday in high spirits, pain free and basking in the sunshine (what was that you gave me Anna?) There was a real buzz about the Park. I was almost able to enjoy it, if it wasn’t for knowing what was to come. The usual pre race nerves were under control, that was until I witnessed the fantastic performance of the Sportsworld ladies. It was great to see them do so well, but it also reminded me we were here as a team. With that comes responsibility.

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No time for panic. A few strides, untie and re-tie the laces for the 5 th time and before I knew it, we were hurdling forward at a rate of knots. Elbows out, shoves in the back, not giving an inch, all things I am learning about the start of a XC race. Position is all important and of course I was too far back from the off. We shuttle around a tight but short loop of the munich lap, “this can’t be a mile already surely”, of course not, as we steer down toward the forest for the real deal. 3.30m clocked on the first kilometre.

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This cannot continue, can it? Wind was a factor so in between gasping for breath, I tuck in on the straight and avail of any cover on offer. The pace was frantic. No time for calmness or getting into the grove, just dig deep and try and hold on. By lap 3 the demons were out in force. “You’re injured”, “breathing too hard”..”this can’t be good for you!”. Strangely enough, slowing down wasn’t an option, it was pull up or hang on. Thankfully the sight of the unearthed tree roots in the forest put an end to the debate and keeping all bones intact became the priority.

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Back around for the final lap, the ring of the bell is music to my ears. I can surely manage one more, helped no doubt by the small drop off in pace. As we turned the final bend, I muster a sprint finish, gaining a position.

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A small victory, having placed well down the field. I lay on the grass looking up at the sky, listening to the bellowing of my chest. It sounds good. How quickly the pain turns to pleasure. Thoughts switch to getting properly fit.

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I get off the ground and swap war stories with my compatriots. General consensus is it was tough, very tough, some say a 9 out of 10. A hint of exaggeration but so what, we’re allowed a bit of drama on the day.

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A short recovery jog to Donore Harriers for some tea and cake (a big thank you for the spread, much appreciated). Rocky road has never tasted so good.

Full womens and mens results here: Dublin Athletics 

Some upcoming cross country fixtures in case you feel you missed out!

October 18th Sunday – Autumn Open Cross Country (Formally The Gerry Farnan) – Phoenix Park – Womens Start 14.00 – Men Start 14.45
October 25th Sunday – Leinster Novice & Masters – Moyvalley, Co. Meath
November 1st Sunday – Dublin Senior – Tymon Park – Womens Start 14.15 – Men Start 15.00
November 8th Sunday – Leinster Intermediate – Venue TBC
November 14th Saturday – British & Irish Masters – Santry
November 22nd Sunday – Inter County Cross Country – Santry
November 29th Sunday – Dublin intermediate – Tymon Park – Womens Start 14.00 – Men Start 14.20
December 6th Sunday – National Novice – St.Augustine’s College, Dungarvan, Co.Waterford
January 10th Sunday – Dublin Masters – St Annes Park Rahney – Womens Start 13.00 – Men Start 13.30
February 14th Sunday – Intercounties – The Curragh

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Breda Browne

This week we meet former High Jumper Breda Browne a long standing member of the Sportsworld cross country teams over the past 12 years. Also regular on the Sportsworld trip to lanzarote Breda is always a positive person to be around. She has been injured recently but is on the way back.

When did you join Sportsworld?
12 years ago

Where do you work?
Irish blood transfusion service (scientist)

What is your favourite club session?
Cross country training in Phoenix park

What is your favorite race distance?
Cross country

My Favourite place to train/compete is?
I run on the trails around Biarritz France on holidays every year and really like running there

What is your target for the next year?
To stay injury free and get back to cross country racing.

What international events have you ran?
Berlin and Edinburg half marathons

What do you like doing when you don’t run?
I like all sport (watching and going to matches) I like the cinema. Eating out and I read a lot.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I did track and field ( high-jump and heptathlon) for years. When I retired I started running to maintain fitness

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
I won the meet and train cross country series one year

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
I run 4 times a week

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
I like the social aspect of the club. Also I like the team competitions.

What made you join a Running Club?
I had been a member of an athletic club for several years (in Ireland , UK and USA) and always loved the camaraderie among fellow athletes. Also I really like competing with the club.

What was your first day at the Club like?
There were only about 10 people there. I misunderstood Emily s instruction to jog a few laps and I tried to stay with the group on 2 fartlek laps of bushey park. I couldn’t walk for a few days afterwards. Really liked it though and though the group were really friendly.

Why is running important to you?
I have lots of friends in running and also find running a great stress reliever.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Sandra Gowran and Phil kilgannon are always really encouraging. They are both really good-humoured yet serious about their running. Sportsworld s own poster-boy and 2015 1200m division D champion is an inspiration to all.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I cycle, go to the gym (weights) and do pilates

Athlone ¾ Marathon 2015

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Report by Emmet Wardell

The Athlone ¾ marathon is held three weeks before Dublin city marathon and is very much advertised as an ideal stepping stone for the big day itself.  Having heard contrasting views on the merits of running a race of such a distance 3 weeks before the marathon, I hummed and hawwed as to whether to get involved or not.  Eventually, when a mate from work who has helped drag me around on many of my long weekend runs said he was keen to give a go, I let that make up my mind and so agreed that he should sign both of us up.

As a relative novice when it comes to running, coupled with the fact that I am a slightly competitive individual, I’m no stranger to taking off a little hard when racing and paying the price later on.  When chatting to Myles on the Tuesday previous I mentioned I was running the Athlone 3/4 as a training run.  He immediately displayed a look of concern and was quick to inform me that he and others in the club did not promote the running this race given its proximity on the calendar to the full marathon on the October bank holiday weekend.  “It is grand though Myles” I said, “I’m not gonna race it, I’m just gonna take it nice and handy and treat it as a training run” at which Myles smirked and threw up his eyes as he walked away, quite obviously suggesting that he had heard that plan before, and subsequently watched it fail leaving many a hopeful Dublin marathoner with legs not as fresh as they should be on the start line a proper.

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So with this exchange with Myles playing and replaying in my mind (I didn’t dream about it the night before, honest….), I took off from the picturesque setting of Glasson golf club at 10.30am on Sunday morning.  Being the ‘apprehensive’ (please see the photo attached!) sort of guy that I am, I was nothing short of terrified that was I gonna take off too fast, and take too much out of my legs in what was only supposed to ultimately be a training run.

However, with the help of Myles’s subtle/not to subtle wise warning (thanks Myles!) and some rarely seen good discipline, much to my pleasant surprise I managed to run at the race in reasonably consistent splits at about 5.10 per kilometre (was planning for 5.15 per km).  For the last 4 to 6 kms my legs were heavy enough and I undeniably felt tired but after running 30 odd kilometres I think it is fair to say that that is to be expected.  It’s worth noting here that my preconception that Westmeath, being in the midlands, would offer up a nice flat course was well wide of the mark and there was not insignificant hills a plenty!  This also served to contribute to my weary legs from kilometre 26 and beyond but should hopefully stand to me in three weeks’ time.  All in all though, I thought the race was extremely well set-up and offered a great chance to do a training run under race conditions. Once the race is approached with sufficient caution I think it is a great stepping stone before the Dublin city marathon (although I would take that advice with a word of caution given it comes from a man with zero marathons under his belt!).

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With a time of 2 hours and 43 minutes with relatively even quarter marathon splits I came in 209th out of over 900 plus runners.  From a man who 12 months ago had never run more than 10km, it wasn’t a bad effort although I think it is fair to say I couldn’t have got this far without the help of Myles, Emily, Paddy and all the other wonderful and kind people down in Sportsworld.

Roll on the big day on October 26th.  And for now…..let the taper begin!!!!!

The only other Sportsworld runner was Enda McMorrow who came in a time of 3:04 – great going, well done Enda!

Galway Bay 10k and Half Marathon 2015

Report by Phil Kilgannon

Photos by Naoise and Eoin

When I remember it, I think of it as dancing … Dancing as if language had surrendered to movement – as if this ritual, this wordless ceremony, was now the way to speak, to whisper private and sacred things, to be in touch with some otherness …Dancing as if language no longer existed because words were no longer necessary.’ (Brian Friel; Dancing at Lughnasa.)

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Firstly to thank Conor Kenny, our Social Committee chief, who suggested the trip a few weeks back.  It’s always nice to have an excuse to hit Gaillimh and the weekend proved a great success.  There were new friends made, goodbyes said to old ones (sorry Trev), some great performances,  craic agus ceoil, rugby to beat the band, debates with bouncers and of course Supermacs.

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When hearing of the race,I sought out the most dedicated and determined crew for the trip, but however all I came up with was Eoiny, Will and Trevor.  In fairness to them, despite their heroics in the Berlin marathon to endure last weekend the three stooges needed no persuasion in hitching up the wagon and rolling out on another road trip (see Footnote 1).

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Anyway, the Galway Bay half marathon is well established and includes a lucrative team prize, which our own ladies team has won on a previous occasion.  This was the inaugural year of the 10k as far as I recall and with a turnout of 1,500 has huge potential for bigger numbers in years to come.

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Coming from the tail end of our Indian summer in Dublin, the chill of the Wild Atlantic Way was a bit of a shock, but conditions were otherwise fine.  After eventually rising the two lumps I was sharing the room with from their noisy slumber half an hour before the race, we jogged down shop street and out the Claddagh, getting ready to go for 9.30 (am).  The course was a tidy 5k out and back job along Salthill prom and was flat as the proverbial pancake.  The half marathon didn’t get going until 11.15, so some of our clubmates kindly gave us a shout going around, before their more onerous task began mid morning.

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Given the lads were on marathon wind down and Trev and I overcoming recent injuries, there were no great expectations amongst ourselves beyond running tourism.  I felt a bit like an old chevvy entering a drag race as the front group eased away as I watched wistfully, chugging along behind.  It gave me a good pace run in the end though as I worked into it gradually and got a good hard 5k in the middle, thanks to Siobhan O’Doherty to run along with.  She showed a clean pair of heals on her way to winning the ladies race. Trev wasn’t too far off either and having exchanged trash talk as we approached each other either side of the turns, we came in 12th and 13th respectively.    Good Will Hunting came in shortly afterwards with his trademark click of the heals to finish in customary style, followed by the serene Eoin O’Brien and then the resurgent Conor Kenny.

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Not to be outdone, Eoiny also finished in style, being showered in glory from the sidelines with Ballygowan’s finest.  It was Eoin’s first drop of water all weekend, having shown great empathy with the All Black’s the night before in sinking a few himself as we watched the game   Sportsworld’s ladies also represented with Sandra, Phil eile, Roise and Sarah putting in strong runs and showing good progression from their recent training.

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I didn’t see the half marathon unfortunately, as Trev and I made a beeline for the physio after breakfast.  Stephen and Joe ran solidly as always and several of our ladies had excellent runs, notably Andrea with a 1.33.  So pleased was she with the PB, that she told the bouncers in the quays all about it and they enjoyed a healthy debate about all things running.   Claire Rowley, Maria Finnegan, Catherine Gilmore, Laura Reynolds, Caoline Galligan and Madeleine Byrne all completed the gruelling 13.1 miles and did the club proud.

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All in all it was a great weekend and opportunity to give Trev a send off as he is Jamaica bound for his new job, developing the logistical network for the Lilt Man’s delivery route.  Trev represented the club with distinction over the past few years, sometimes even on his way home from the night before, an impressive combination.  Only for injuries, Trev would have certainly achieved even more and hopefully still will.  A couple of years in the sun won’t hurt.  See you soon brother…

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the Lilt Man – race number 3496

I say fly away home to Zion (fly away home);
I say fly away home to Zion (fly away home).
One bright morning when my work is over,
Man will fly away home.

(Bob Marley, Rasta Man Chant).

Sportsworld 10k Results:

Phil Kilgannon 35.30
Trevor Marley (formally Sweeney) 35.53
Will Greensmyth 40.04
Eoin O’Brien 44.39
Conor Kenny 45.51
Sandra Kelly 48.21
Rosie Mulhern 52.27
Phil Daly 53.46
Sarah Lavan 56.32

Sportsworld Half Marathon Results:

Andrea McNamara 1.33.39
Joe Haugh 1.38.51
Naoise Waldron 1.40.38
Denis McCaul 1.40.39
Stephen Willoughby 1.46.12
Claire Rowley 1.49.43
Emma Barry 1.52.23
Maria Finnegan 1.52.32
Catherine Gilmore 1.53.19
Caroline Galligan 1.56.28
Madeleine Byrne 1.56.22

Footnote  1. Trevor didn’t actually race but was charged with administering the magic sponge and post race massages.

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Your race reporter

Paris to Versailles 16k

Report by Ellen Lavin

Last Friday a group of us headed to Paris for the Paris to Versailles 16k road race. Paul, Breda Walsh and I (plus two people from my French class) travelled together from Dublin to Charles De Gaulle.  Ray had already arrived early having flown from Lisbon via Beauvais. He got busy sampling the local produce while waiting for us to arrive. Trevor and Judith flew up from Carcassonne whilst Sean and Jill were already in situ as he was attending college on the far side of the city.

Once we had arrived and met up with the rest of the running party we headed for the pub adjacent to the hotel and then on to a nearby Bistro for dinner. At this stage we were joined by Eileen and her Finance John, to whom she had recently become engaged. The ring was thoroughly inspected for authenticity and a great night was had by all. Eileen was very impressed when John and herself were serenaded by Bernie from the French quarter.

Saturday morning we were up and ready to head to the Expo. We presumed we had to be there early to get pins, however, there were none.. the French obviously  think we are all magnetic offering only our paper number.  Were there any freebies? None, they don’t do that either apparently. I was obviously spoiled in Lisbon. While Jill and Breda went in search of a haberdashery the rest of us ensconced ourselves outside a cafe for coffee and croissants, courtesy of Judith, merci beaucoup. Some sightseeing followed then back to the hotel and out to dinner as some sustenance was required for the race the following morning.

Sunday morning we all met in the hotel lobby for the official photo. It took us approximately 10 mins to walk to the start line which was under the Eiffel Tower. This is when the magnitude of the race really took hold. 25,000 + runners all lining up along the river Seine with such an iconic structure as the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Paul and Ray were well positioned to battle it out as were Trevor and Judith. Sean, Breda and I opted to wait for the 30th wave. It was very cold so we enjoyed hot chocolate courtesy of Sean. In fact the vendor wanted to put a shot of whiskey in each but we decided not to drink and run, the adrenaline was enough lol!

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The course took us along the banks of the Seine and through the Andre Citroën Tunnel. This was the flat part of the race. The website had displayed a map describing a climb of over 2k. Seeing it on screen was one thing but running up it was quite another. Although there was plenty of support along the route from the locals, it was the brass bands usually situated at the top of a long hill that was a welcome distraction. There was a change in terrain as we turned onto Route Royale and entered the forest. This road was mostly paved and some people opted to run on the grass. This was going to take us to Avenue de Paris that leads to the Palace.

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Jill was at the finish with a green balloon hoisted above her head and a fantastic picnic in a satchel that reminded me of Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, an endless bounty of food was produced from it. It’s no wonder we all recovered so well. We headed to the Village for coffee and so the dissection of the race began.

It was a great race… with great company… in a great city.

Paul Cassidy – 1.20.39

Ray Carpenter – 1.21.35

Judith Lloyd – 1.31.47

Trevor Lloyd – 1.33.03

Sean O’Byrne – 1.41.00

Ellen Lavin – 1.41.00

Breda Walsh – 1.43.51

Conor Kenny

This week we chat with Conor Kenny one of the friendliest people you could meet. Conor has an impressive 8 marathons behind him and has a sub 20 minute 5K waiting to jump out.

When did you join Sportsworld?
1998

Where do you work?
Conor Kenny & Associates which is a training, learning & professional development and HR supports company. We specialise in the hotel and hospitality industry in Ireland and the UK. www.conorkenny.com

What is your favourite club session?
I enjoy Saturday Track sessions at Tallaght. Short, intense, rewarding (and that much loved cup of coffee is around the corner)

What is your favorite race distance?
I’m probably most comfortable between 10 miles and the half marathon (assuming I’m fit) but I’ll try most distances. With 8 marathons under my feet, I’ve no desire to do No.9.

What is your favorite meal before a big race?
I love pasta and, on the morning of a longer race, porridge. Though the famous BHAA Tea & Brack is impossible to beat (but that’s after a race!)

My Favourite place to train/compete is?
The waterworks. Stunning, beautiful, moody, constantly interesting and full of challenges. To race? BHAA Winter League XC

What is your target for the next year?
To stay healthy, happy, injury free and get as fit as I can by racing lots. In racing, a good Galway Half Marathon this October

What is your best Sportsworld memory?
The famous National Half Marathon Road Trip/Weekend in 2004. 18 people, 2 houses, infinite happy and hilarious memories

What international events have you ran?
1 London Marathon 2 Half Marathons in Berlin, 9 Great North Runs in UK and (of course) La Santa International Challenge plus numerous short races in the UK

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

How/When did you start your adventure with running?
in 1996. I was unfit, overweight and thought GAA socks were okay for racing. A casual chat with Mick Dowling lured me into The Club and I’ve been stuck ever since…

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
Getting back in 2014 after 4 months out. 3 x Dublin Medals. PB’s – Marathon – 3:36. Half Marathon – 1:37. 10 mile – 71:05. 10K – 43:30. 5 mile – 34:00. 4 mile – 27:16. 5K – 20:40

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
I aim for not less than 4 and try for 5. Mileage? Between 25-35 depending on the goal.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
The friends that last a lifetime. The road trips. More than anything else, the balance and perspective as well as staying healthy, cheerful and grounded.

What made you join a Running Club?
Being overweight

What was your first day at the Club like?
Great but …. I did find the simple instructions somewhat complex – “Meet us in Bushy Park………..by the tree!”

Why is running important to you?
It’s a trip switch between work and play, stress and fun. I’m doing it long enough to know that success and feeling good lie on the far side of effort. I have never regretted going to the club.

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
More solo runners joining that would never predict what they get from a club way beyond running. More people getting involved and helping all the good people who take on 95% of the load.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Emily, without a shadow of doubt. She has achieved at the highest levels and balances tough with fair. I once wrote a piece on her that sums her up today “Emily Dowling didn’t just teach us how to run, she taught us how to live”

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
None whatsoever.;

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