November 8th 2014

Saturday 8th November found me at home in the Kingdom to celebrate my Uncle’s 60th Birthday. To make up for the disappointment of missing the Leinster Intermediate Cross Country I scanned the web for a consolation race and found a gem.

Feet First Foot Solutions, in association with Mizuno, have been hosting an annual 4 x 5K winter race series for a number of years now. The series is held in Killarney National Park, a large parkland buffer zone between the lakes and the centre of town, between October and November. Prizes are awarded at the end of the series. Your individual score is based on your best three performances. Sat 8th was the 2nd race in this year’s series.

175 runners assembled under the Precision TIming Start Line on the main road, at the edge of the park, just before 10am. A local approached me to say I was a long way from home.. considering myself a local I didn’t know what he was talking about…. until he pointed to my Sportsworld singlet. He asked after Mick and Emily and told me that he had some good banter with Mick when he lived in Dublin and ran for MSB. He then offered the advice to get out quick if I could as the paths in the park were narrow and I could get stuck behind the large field.

The race started promptly at 10am and I set off with the leaders and out of congestion trouble. After a couple of hundred metres on the main road we turned left into the park. The paths in the park are well surfaced in fresh tarmac – so underfoot conditions were excellent. The route took us a long river banks, across open parkland, through wooded areas, around golf courses – plenty of variety to keep the mind occupied. It had the feel of a trail run while being on excellent paths. Only the occasional cattle grid to keep us on our toes. The good mood was enhanced by the weather which was sunny, mild and fresh with a slight breeze.

After 2km I was in 6th position with the sound of heavy breathing down my neck. The leaders were strung out over the 50m in front of me. Slowly but surely the heavy breathing moved up beside me, then slightly ahead and then dropped me. I was more or less on my own with a good gap to the field. I did my best to stay with the leaders but my inability to climb hills at speed saw me loose ground. Whereas the course was not hilly there were several punishing drags which knocked the confidence.

The race organiser had promised us that the last kilometer was flat and fast – practically guaranteed PB’s!. The relief at reaching the 4k marker was tempered by the sight of another punishing drag – luckily it only lasted a couple of hundred metres and then we did have a flat finish. By the time the finish line appeared my PB had evaporated and I could see the clock roll disappointingly from 17 to 18mins.

In the end I finish 7th.

1st Tony Harty (1st MS) 17:18
2nd Robert Purcell (1st M45) 17:38
7th Paul Mitchell (2nd M45) 18:21
8th Maria McCarthy (1st FS) 18:58

Water and Bannanas served at the finish line. Tea, Coffee, mini doughnuts, mini chocolate muffins, homemade cakes, were served across the road in the community centre.

I’d recommend this race – as long as it doesn’t clash with a cross country 🙂

The Leinster Masters women’s race also took place in the majestic grounds of Avondale House in Co. Wicklow over 4 x 1km laps. Both novice and masters men were put through their paces over a 2km lap that includes one of the most severe and longest hills on the cross-country running circuit. Mercifully the women’s races were run over the less arduous but testing nonetheless 1km lap. Underfoot conditions were close to perfect on Sunday, but a stiff wind combined with rain reminded us that this was the cross-country season! Jackie Carty of Kilmore AC led the 65 masters women home to take gold, followed by Paula Grant of Portlaoise AC, with Donore’s Anne Curly claiming bronze. Despite a number of Sportsworld masters athletes being away for marathons we still managed to field 8 competitors. For most this was the first cross-country race in a long time for some their first ever. It augers well for the rest of the season that despite not having our best athletes available Sportsworld were 5th in the team rankings with Lucy Darcy, Orla Jordan and Alison Ward scoring for the team. The F35 team comprising of Alison Ward, Louise Brunton and Claire Rowley picked up a silver medal and there will most likely follow a couple more medals in the individual age categories. Well done to all.

Avondale at the base of the Wicklow Mountains was the location for a tough, hilly 4 km course for the Leinster Novice Cross Country Championships on Sunday.
A relatively new Sportsworld Ladies Novice team lined up on the day with all 4 team members Aggie Buckley, Catherine Mulleady, Margaret Crowley and Tara Rhatigan only joining the club this year.
The team finished 7th overall in the club competition and hope to improve on this in the All Ireland Novice Cross Country in Santry in December.
Well done to the Masters Ladies and Men’s teams and the Novice Men’s team from who also ran very well on Sunday!

Sunday 19th October

I travelled up to beautiful Carlingford last Sunday for the Glenmore AC 6K Road Race.
Just under 100 racers set off in blustery, but mainly dry conditions. The course meandered over local country roads which were either closed or extremely quiet. In any event we weren’t troubled by too many cars. There doesn’t appear to be too much flat ground in that part of the world and my impression was that the only significant stretch of flat ground we saw was the 400m race track on which we finished.

From the gun, heading downhill with a strong wind at my back I was thinking to myself that this can’t bode well for the finish. Gary O’Hanlon set the pace from start to finish and looked extremely comfortable as he drifted away from the rest of us. I found the constant up and down terrain very sapping and was never able to get into a comfortable stride. As I faced up hill again at the 4k mark a spectator shouted “last hill now”…experience told me not to believe a word and, as anticipated, two more hills followed thereafter. The final series of hills were on their own quite a challenge, but add the gale factor, which was now head-on, and you have a trial worthy of Hercules. Very glad was I to eventually enter the running track with a comfortable lead over the next runner. I finished in 9th position and was second in the M45 category.

The organisation was efficient and friendly. The tea and homemade cakes delicious and the prizes were generous. I would heartily recommed this race.

Placings:
1st Gary O’Hanlon 18:53
6th G. Shields North East Runners 21:50 (1st M45)
9th Paul Mitchell Sportsworld 22:26 (2nd M45)
10th Mary Laverty North East Runners 23:08 (1st FS)

North East Runners had sent a very strong team, occupied 7 of the top 10 positions and took two Male Team Prizes – without having declared an A and B team until the results were in!
(Full results on www.precisiontiming.net)

By Will Greensmyth

While on a recent “cultural” weekend in Malmö, I togged out in the Sportsworld colours with a couple of pals to participate in the annual Malmö Hostmil. This is a 10k race through the centre of Malmo. For the uninitiated, Malmo is the third largest city in Sweden with a population of about 300,000 and is located in the southwestern corner of this expansive (and expensive) country.

The Hostmil (which I learned translates roughly as Autumn Race) was the baby brother in terms of participants with a half marathon which also took place. There were around 2000 runners in total, with my guess being about 90% of them in the half. Both races started together beside the home ground of Malmo FF (currently streaking ahead in the Swedish Premier League and also in the group stages of the Champions League) before turning towards the old town for the first 6k, while the last 4k took us through two quite pleasant parks. The course was pretty and pancake flat, with the only real hindrance being the cobbled stone sections through the old town, where you lose a bit of rhythm. There was plenty of support however from the stewards and the locals and the last stretch of the race brought us back into the old Malmo athletics stadium and a 300m dash around the track.

Having been out the night before until 4 in the morning supping the finest Swedish craft beers and learning how to play Swedish shuffleboard (a pub version of curling…), I was not overly confident of a decent run. The fact that the race didn’t kick off until 3 in the afternoon offered us some solace that the late night shenanigans wouldn’t be too much of a detriment to our running and would allow plenty of time for more appropriate hydration.

In the end I got around in one piece, and based on the online results managed to finish one second off 3rd place in about 38 and a half minutes. I’m not sure if that’s right but how and ever, the social running was good fun and anyone who is in Malmo around the start of October and fancies a crack at a pb, should give it a lash, and then go on the lash. Rather than the other way around.

Only negative was hearing later of a fellow runner guy who had collapsed after about 8k with blood pumping from his head and receiving CPR. My best efforts at reading Swedish newspapers via google translate, say that the man was in a critical condition. Hopefully he recovered.

It’s a timely reminder of what can befall even the most experienced of runners, and le cúnamh Dé, everyone will get through the upcoming marathons with nothing to complain about but the ease with which they all smashed their personal bests J

Donadea Forest Park is a real gem. The forest is located a short distance west of Clane, Co. Kildare in the walled demesne of the Aylmer Family (1550 to 1935). Only 40 minutes from Dublin this is a wonderful place for a stroll (or run) through deciduous woodland. There is a lake, a ruined castle and, and a coffee shop!

Donedea Running Club hosted a 10km trail race in the park on Saturday 11th October. Amongst the 250 odd competitors, some recognisable faces, Barry Minnock, Mark Scanlon, Sarah Mulligan, Pauline Curley and Sportsworld’s own Orna Dilworth (winner of the National Ultra at this venue earlier this year). The omni-present Lucy Darcy Sergeant Major’d the chip timing.

“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”, the runners set off bathed in warm autumnal sunshine. The first 3km were on road along the outside of the Demesne wall, followed by two loops of undulating forest trail inside the wall. The underfoot conditions were good – for the most part loose chip trail, with some sections of fire road.
Setting off with the main group of sub-40 hopefuls I settled into a nice sharp pace. The leaders quickly separated from the rest of us and drifted away up the road. Climbing doesn’t agree with my constitution and the initial drag to the park entrance was beginning to take its toll by the time we passed through the main gate. Fortunately it didn’t get any worse inside the park. Mostly the trail section was flatish but there were two significant climbs close to the entrance to the park.

I was running in a group with Pauline Curley. For the first 4.5k she was a couple of metres behind, but then moved ahead by a couple of metres. It was tough going but I worked hard to stay within 5m of the group in order to give myself a chance to battle with them at the end. I’ve never run a 10km race before so I was not sure how much kick I had, or Pauline had, or anyone else had for that matter. That was going to be interesting to find out! On the 2nd loop the climbs occur at around the 8.5km mark. Just before the climb I put in a surge to come up to Pauline. As she climbed the first I noticed she wasn’t pushing as hard as she had on the first lap and I surprised myself by being able to keep with her. On the second climb we were side by side at the beginning of the climb, we passed some encouraging words between us, and I drove up the climb ahead of her. I had seen her kick hard at the top of the climb first time round, so this time I kicked hard, at a place I’d usually want to catch my breath, and then I really pushed the descent as I knew I was faster on the way down and I wanted to break the umbilical cord between myself and the group to give myself a comfortable margin in case one of them put in a strong finish. 600m to go – lungs bursting, legs weary – not much left in the tank – pushed hard – checked over the shoulder a couple of times – but just held out. Finished in 37:12. Not earth shattering but I was happy enough with the time – plenty of room for improvement! Pauline, finishing 3s later, told me she had done the course in 36mins last year – I wouldn’t have been able to match that. She’ll be back in form again soon I’m sure.

Male Winner: Barry Minnock 32:17 1st
Female Winner: Sarah Mulligan 34:43 7th
Male 40 Winner: Paul Mitchell 37:12 17th
Fourth Female Orna Dilworth 40:09 28th
(Full Results on PrecisionTiming.net)

Tea and sandwiches back at the local GAA club rounded the day nicely. A well run friendly race which I would thoroughly recommend.

Well done to all those running in today’s Dublin Novice cross country in the phoenix park. The course was in great shape despite rain over the weekend.

In the ladies race we had newcomers  Aggie and Margaret both running really well. In the men’s race we had a fantastic  run from Paul Mitchell with  Noel, Kevin, Tim, Mark, Trevor and Brian also running.

We hope to get bigger teams for future races after the marathon is over.

Downlaod the results here.

Galway Bay 10k 2014 Race Report
By Maura Ginty

Background

Ugh – my year since last sept has been dire running wise, injured, and then trying to get back form since this January. Unsuccessfully. Since mid July I have just been running 4 times a week, a nice no stress 10k with aim of building a good base and then getting back to solid training. Figured the galway 10k on first weekend of October would be a nice little test of where I was at and maybe give me confidence to start sessions.

Oh who am I kidding?!!?! I can not write this race report without more of a background to the story of me and this race… a story that resulted in me falling head over heels with Sunday afternoons of mud, styrofoams of tea and goosebumps (the wrong kind)

Galway bay 10k 2011

Background

I had started running in 2011, had been doing well racewise and joined SW about a month before this race. My first 10k was a 42min job* in the February so I assumed a bit more effort into the running craic would grant me the sub40 in no time. Since then, I had been doing well in the racing and been progressing (as expected from a first-timert). The race was marketed as being flat and fast and AI certified, so I planned a nice sub40 with a good Galway style Saturday night later.

I had gone down to club earlier in the week and Emily had been on about the Dublin novice on the Sunday. I had mentioned the Galway plans, she said to take it easy there (of which I had absolutely no intention of doing) and the Novice was only 4k or something and would be grand, bit of fun. No probs so.

The Galway race

So did the race, felt the usual feelings of pain, agony, determination, lung collapse etc, was on target at 5k but it was pretty clear I was going no-where fast. Was coming into the chute slightly desolate as clock was showing 41xx, but that was quickly surpassed by usual feelings of euphoria and relief from hell that is racepace 10k. As I was getting my bearings (being a cross between wretching, fainting and crouching down) some random girl came up to me and thrust a fairly sizeable glass vase and an envelope unto me, with a big smile and a “CONGRADULATIONS – first lady!!!!” Now this was a all lot for me to take in; not least the fact that i had morphed into a lady. I opened the envelope there and then and jeepers (and it really would be vulgar of me to say any more). In any case, I was clearly chuffed with the win, but a little embarrassed with what my time achieved.

After

I stayed around for the Half after to suss out. And there was those girls from the club– in their SW singlets. Aoife, Crona, Lucy and Jean – gazelle like eating up the ground on the course, running, chatting away, smiling and just all cruising to a really comfortable team prize; all in faster pace than my 10k – for more than double the distance. Oh, how I just wanted to be in that group…

That night

Out on the town that night in Galway, I was not drinking due to over eagerness for the real fun of the weekend (i.e. Sunday. Per Emily).

I really hoped that my booze abstinence would not impact the group- which rather strangely included all of my little brother’s college class. The craic was mighty, so heck it – I thought they would all appreciate a jagerbomb each to really kick things off – all funded by envelope. My intentions had been to bail home relatively early, but also did not factor that my sister and her gang had the heroic intention to do all-nighter to culminate in the irish WC rugby match the next morning.

Won’t go into this further, nor indeed the train journey at stupid o’ clock the next day- but in any event i landed in heuston in one piece. And that’s the main thing.

The morning after

Now, when emily had said “magazine fort” and started giving elaborate directions, i kinda tuned out (sorry emily) and thought “yeah, yeah – will google maps..” Turns out neither my maps nor taxi man could locate this mercurial fort; though at least maps was confirming phoenix park vicinity, my dublin driver disputing the fort even existed.
thankfully, this time the SW guys had allowed plenty time for this eventuality. So me and taxi-man (who had sheepishly turned his meter off, after good old wikipedia confirmed fort existence) whilst ending up 50mins late, were in grand time.

that being said, i vowed i would start the driving lessons that week.

Anyhow I had arrived at Magazine Fort!

Here, i appeared to have been transported to the ballycroy sports day 1989; there was a guy with a megaphone, there were kids in vests, lots of people were shouting a lot, i did not understand anything. Well, after a good look around, I realized my dublin life to then had been quite sheltered; flitting in and out to work, faffing about to dundrum, lots of pubtalk etc. etc. Heck – i was just back from a big commercial race, with music, hydration stations and a 60mins plus wave.

I saw the SW banner and wandered over, just me and my 3 bags from weekend adventures. And there was Lucy (who i had last saw on the prom), happy out, randomly handing out race numbers. Bizarrely mike dowling was also in the thick of things (did not realize the connection).

i was given my SW singlet for the first time (oh the joy!), my runners were subject to much discussion, of which i contributed nothing, but eventually after a bit of action with a screwdriver, everyone came to a “they’ll do” consensus.

The race the morning after

And with that, my first XC race started. And i would prefer to speak no more of it.

Instead, i hope i can insert a pic of me midst race here. I initially hated this photo – I was going through an ill-advised blonde highlights phase, i had seemingly decided that the best way to wear singlet was OVER my top, i was clearly in significant pain and it is debatable whether there was tears [Michael/Eoin – can ye find this pic? i could not on FB/website – but it was defo there at some time, no hassle if not – they will get the point].

We finished team gold!

Mick informed me i had scored!! (cue initial worried look – I had not touched those Jagers, surely?). We were a pretty damn fine team – ruth, ciara, me, natalia, catriona, anna, erin (don’t know where Shona was). i was hooked!

That novice medal is my prized possession. I think the crystal ended up with my mum. The rest of the envelope financed the singlet and also a snazzy SW jacket. And I knew where my heart lay.

Galway bay 10k 2012

I had been running real well all this Summer, the sub40 attempt was ON! In fact, at the start of this race, I reckoned I was in 38min form. Now as with above, I would also prefer to speak no more of this race. The attached garmin link is here -http://tinyurl.com/ljdgwe7 the first km is hilarious, i really had been that confident. Ended up an excruciating 40.06. And the next AI certified 10k was realistically in 6 mths! Well, I had a damn good night in Galway (as I was now exempt from the Novice on the sunday).

But the six seconds got to me big time and i ended up spending every night for the next 6 months fantasising about a 39.

Galway bay 10k 2013

Injured. sigh

Galway Bay 10k 2014

Since Summer, I had been doing all my random running at about 5.20 pace (km’s – clearly). so with my years of running experience, figured – yep, 45mins sounds about right and went out with this aim. did not look at watch during race, apart from at 1st k to ensure i was on time – yep, bang on. Came past the chute as clock was ticking over to 45 so unsure of whether i actually got the sub 45.
At time of writing results aren’t available, so no doubt will give you all a thrill to check whether i did indeed make the famed 44’s. i started a bit behind the mat so maybe… I think i may have been able to do better as (1) did not spend from 2k onwards vowing to never run again and (2) was able to sprint (term used loosely) over last 500m. but this would be extra 30 secs at most.

as to winners and the half – sorry, i had to rush off – but hey, you can get all this stuff online.

my only comment here is that Sergiu was defo there; i had delayed him in the queue for number collection last night – i was happily deliberating the size of t-shirt when i realized this.

did not come across other SWers

In summary, this race is expensive, but well run (sorry!) and indeed, in my experience has always been a blue sky, beautiful galway day and just great atmosphere, fun event.

The real show, however, will be in Dublin XC tomorrow.

As for me, today’s 10k gives enough confidence now to start sessions, so will hopefully be able to do XC this winter; and yes – i know, i know – roll, stretch, plank, squat, sweat, etc etc

Ostensibly my aim is to get competitive. But really, just want to hang out with all you Sportsworlders. I miss you guys!