The Foley Team do cross country in Preparation for Belfast!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Training?
Hows everybodies training for the relay marathon goin? Mine is going ok. Done 2 five milers and a 3 miler this week. Given up chocolate, crisps & sweets for Lent so I should be a little bit lighter aswell! How come I am now doing 4.8 miles instead of originally allocated 3 miles? I think I may have been duped by the Folster :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Weekend Training / Poll Closed
- Myself, Steve and Folster can't make it training tomorrow just so you know.
- Steve and I are up for Sunday training if anyone wants to join us.
- Lastly, the Poll for best Raheny 5 Run is closed... and the results are in;
We had a "run away" winner (pun intended) with almost half the cast votes.
Before the winner is announced though, I'd like to comment on a certain voting trend that has emerged: If there were no sibling / partner or indeed self voting allowed, (I'm counting Tom and Neil as being very loosely connected siblings here), there would only be two valid votes!
Anyway.... Great running everyone but the award goes to Steve!
Macker second, and joint third goes to Alf, Karl and Tom, everyone else was... ehhhh... seventh, well done ;)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Mental games
After the intensely uncomfortable task of last sunday, I'm still confused as to what the hell I'm supposed to be thinking about during a race. Surely that kenyan fella ...chips-and-curry or whatever his name is, doesn't be thinking of what he had for dinner the night before and whether or not its to blame for the total knackering feeling that's flooding his body. (By the way, I had chicken & bacon (i.e. rashers) in tagliatelle with spinach, mushrooms, pinenuts and a rich tomato sauce. Mmmm!)
Everyone else always looks so comfortable and relaxed with the pace (especially that Kev fella), while I feel like if I have to focus hard on getting my legs to land one in front of the other so that I dont fall over with the momentum. The iPod used to help - I could go to a happy place and pretend I was at a rave or something ...but at my age, who am I kidding.
Anyway, a quick search reveals all kinds of trickery that people play on themselves, reinforcing the point that its less about mental "strength" and more about how gullible your body is and how long you can delay it from the realisation of the madness you're putting it through.
Example:
http://running.about.com/od/mentalaspects/tp/mentalstrategies.htm
"Think of a runner who you really admire and imagine yourself running just like him." - I did. I imagined myself as a hairy ex-swimmer in short-shorts. It worked for a while but then I almost stopped at 30:09 ...long before the finish line
"Play Counting Games... Pick out a specific article of clothing, such as a white hat, to look for during your run. Then count how many others you see wearing it" - its not the f*ing galway races, didnt see any!
"Make Post-Run Plans... I love deciding what I want to do after I finish my run, ... I'll ponder something basic, such as what to make for dinner" - if I had of pondered I'd be eating a skanky qaurter pounder and chips from a fastfood caravan on the side of a road in Donaghmede, I think I'd have vom'd right there and then
Great race. Good day for it. Need to wear something warmer next time
Well done everyone!
Everyone else always looks so comfortable and relaxed with the pace (especially that Kev fella), while I feel like if I have to focus hard on getting my legs to land one in front of the other so that I dont fall over with the momentum. The iPod used to help - I could go to a happy place and pretend I was at a rave or something ...but at my age, who am I kidding.
Anyway, a quick search reveals all kinds of trickery that people play on themselves, reinforcing the point that its less about mental "strength" and more about how gullible your body is and how long you can delay it from the realisation of the madness you're putting it through.
Example:
http://running.about.com/od/mentalaspects/tp/mentalstrategies.htm
"Think of a runner who you really admire and imagine yourself running just like him." - I did. I imagined myself as a hairy ex-swimmer in short-shorts. It worked for a while but then I almost stopped at 30:09 ...long before the finish line
"Play Counting Games... Pick out a specific article of clothing, such as a white hat, to look for during your run. Then count how many others you see wearing it" - its not the f*ing galway races, didnt see any!
"Make Post-Run Plans... I love deciding what I want to do after I finish my run, ... I'll ponder something basic, such as what to make for dinner" - if I had of pondered I'd be eating a skanky qaurter pounder and chips from a fastfood caravan on the side of a road in Donaghmede, I think I'd have vom'd right there and then
Great race. Good day for it. Need to wear something warmer next time
Well done everyone!
30 minutes... and then some.
Raheny 5 2010 Race Report: Alan Mc.
I realise this is long, but I enjoy writing them. You don't have to enjoy reading them ;)
Training:
The big freeze put a stop to anything long term and meaningful for us all. In saying that, myself and Alf still got out on the ice rinks a couple of times and I think it stood to us.
In the last few weeks leading up to the race, I struggled on my fast runs, and did one Fartlek session. At least I think I did a fartlek session, ran fast for a while than slow for a while, rinsed and repeated a few times. I got one long cycle in the week before the race, over Howth and around Malahide back to Clongriffin, and one climb up Howth with Niall.
Breakfast:
Rice Crispies and two slices of toast (minus a quarter of a slice for Sophie Tax).
Lunch:
Bread, bread and more bread. Home made brownish, currenty, wifey made loveliness. It was good.
Morning of:
A decent sleep for once, (Sophie has been trying to torture us with sleep deprevation over the last few weeks), followed by the "Shower choice". Should I bother to shower or not? I went with not, but looking back at the race pictures, maybe I should have at least shaved, thank god there are no close-ups.
At midday Alf and myself went to Raheny to collect the numbers, no hassle, the place was pretty much empty. I needed petrol on the way home so we went to the Texaco up near Saint Paul's. It gave us the chance to check out the Road Works at the corner before the downhill section. There was nothing to worry about, plenty of space available for 2/3 abreast. I learned the Accord takes around 18hours to fill the tank from the yellow warning light to full.
Sophie decided she was too excited to sleep at her usual time... I kind of understood where she was at, until she decided to come along with us and go to sleep during the race instead. She could have pretended to be interested. I took a long wee before we left but the short car journey turned out to be a longer car journey, though it gave me the time to get mentally ready, and build up another wee.
Expectations:
Sel asked me in the car how I thought I'd do. I told her I'd do in and around 31 minutes, and would be happy to go under 32. I wasn't lying, that sounded really good to me and would be a PB of more than 2 minutes. She asked how I thought Alan would do; I answered just as honestly, I said if he doesn't get under 30 minutes, he'll be under 31 at least.
She then asked me how I'd like to do... how did she know that there'd be a difference! I answered honestly and candidly, "I'm going to latch onto Foley and not let him get away!".
The Race:
No warmup really, thank god. That's only for elites and people who actually think about getting injuries so much, that they do. We wandered up near the front, Alan recognised a few fellow Boards AC runners, one in particular that was a sub 30 minute runner. It was an ideal starting berth, almost on the left curb, perfect for the first corner. There was very little banter, there were more focused faces than smiling faces. The only comments a heard were about how cold it was, I cheered a few tall focused faces up by letting them know how warm they were keeping me. There were a few shuffles forward, I didn't do too well in them and found myself 2/3 bodies behind Alan. I figured this would work to my advantage if we got involved in a sprint finish though... I'd just have to finish near him!
The buzzer went and straight away there was movement, as always, no talking, no shouting, no nonsence, just hundreds of people plotting their way through the masses. The first bend turned out to be a nightmare, as soon as I got around it, an older, bigger woman was tromping in my path. She may as well have been facing the other way, she was an excellent obstacle. I joined a flock swerving to the right and cursed our good starting position. The rest of the object avoidance exercise of the bunch was bearable until we finally fanned out onto the Howth road.
I was wondering where Alf was, I assumed he was in front, but with the crowds it was hard to tell. I was still overtaking quite steadily when a glance up confirmed that there was a slow bend to the right. While all the runners were sticking to the left kerb, I thought I'd go the other side for clarity and shortest path reasons. Other then the game of chicken with the photgrapher, the tactic worked out well. Just as I went by Sel (& Soap) and Helen (& Laura & pipling), I spotted Alf, dead ahead, about 20 meters. As I made up the distance, I saw the 1 mile marker and heard the time, I hit it at 6:00 on the button.
I caught up to Al and thought it only polite to let him know I was there. Unfortunately I was quite out of breath, so I tapped him on the shoulder. I got a polite "Macker" in response and decided to keep my pace going. This was the pivitol moment of my race I think. My brain was telling me to stay on Alan's shoulder, my chest and legs were pretty much of the same opinion... But my stupid Positive Mental Attitude said I could keep 6 minute mile pace until 3 and a half or 4 miles. I went with it, if I died, I died... but I died trying. Some bean-pole had then decided to overtake me twice and move in front of me while slowing down. That was particularly annoying, he then cut across the path at the turn off vernon ave to get in front again. The anger thankfully distracted me from the un-naturally quick pace.
I hit mile 2 at 11:59, and the next downhill section saw me hit mile 3 at 18:00. I was knackered, I'd already expelled quite a bit of nasal juice at this stage, and was wishing for a water station. The downhill section at the corner of St. Annes was fast and furious, everyone was trying to use the hill to their advantage, including a bunch of Raheny Shamrocks runners who were about 10 meters from me. I knew in my head they were 30 minute runners and to stick with them would give me a fantastic run. I joined in the madness and let the hill take me. The bean-pole wasn't able for it and thankfully it was the last I saw of him. I ducked into the corner just in front of a Raheny runner who'd been lost by her group. The coast road was flat. There were no more downhill sections and I just hoped the little bit we got would push the mile time down to 6:00.
For the duration of the coast section I thought I'd slowed down a lot. I still had the Raheny Shamrock group in my sights, and other than the guy who insisted on hurdling the cones rather than moving in 5 cms, there was no movement in places around me. I could see a girl's shadow behind me, I kept glancing down expecting to see Alf's shadow moving up, I thought I'd slowed right down. I knew the coast section would be long having ran it during the week, but the sun on my back and the fierce pace were worse than the distance. I was looking forward to the hill, at least I could get out of the sun.
Eat your words Macker. I turned up the hill and immediately remembered how bad the slope was, I knew the 30 minute mark was out now. I was exhausted, probably down a few seconds because of the flat and there was no way I'd make anything up now. I tried to convince myself that the hill didn't last long, and sure there was only a lap and a half of Clongriffin park to go! The 4 mile marker was just meters away at that stage, but there was no-one around shouting out times. I crossed it and looked down at my watch for the first time in the race. 24:00 and I was a little passed the marker. God, why do you mock me so. I struggled up the hill, the girl behind eased past me at first and then slowed down somewhat, gravity it seems, takes longer to affect women. The crowds had been great the whole way around, but a large bunch had amassed here, and their encouragement was required.
Finally I was at the top of the hill, and turning into the estate for the last section. My chest was pounding, my thighs felt like they were bleeding, and my breathing sounded like weezy from 'Toy Story' when I exhaled. Sweat droplets had landed on the outside of my sunglass' lens, as it was about to drop I stuck my tounge out to catch it, before realising what I was doing... I quickly retracted. At this stage I don't count what I was doing as running, it was plodding. Every step was harder than the last, every breath stung more than the last. Pockets of people were cheering on individuals and shouting strange numbers out. I didn't really understand it, but I knew I was on the cusp of 30 minutes. I also knew I was on the wrong side of that cusp. There was no way I kept pace up that hill, or even since I hit the top of it.
Somehow, with the final green in sight, I pushed through a dizzy spell, I was so nearly there. I hugged the kerb and rounded the first bend on the green. There were loads of people out shouting and screaming here. I stayed hugged to the kerb trying to keep pace and started my checklist. Smiling? nope Snots? still present, no energy to remove them. Fans? dunno, probably on the final straight. "Go Macker", Sel had spotted me and I was looking straight at them, they were at the final bend. Rounding the final corner I squinted at the clock.... 29:something! My legs were ready to give in but then I saw the 30:something roll around. Phew! at least I don't have to force it home. It's hard not to though when your wife and daughter are watching! I continued to plod over the line stopping my watch at 30:09. Some woman was asking us to keep moving as soon as we finished. I took my shades off and proceeded to engage in attempting to puck on her. She got lucky.
Conclusion:
I didn't see it coming. I nearly killed myself, but wasn't it fun!
I realise this is long, but I enjoy writing them. You don't have to enjoy reading them ;)
Training:
The big freeze put a stop to anything long term and meaningful for us all. In saying that, myself and Alf still got out on the ice rinks a couple of times and I think it stood to us.
In the last few weeks leading up to the race, I struggled on my fast runs, and did one Fartlek session. At least I think I did a fartlek session, ran fast for a while than slow for a while, rinsed and repeated a few times. I got one long cycle in the week before the race, over Howth and around Malahide back to Clongriffin, and one climb up Howth with Niall.
Breakfast:
Rice Crispies and two slices of toast (minus a quarter of a slice for Sophie Tax).
Lunch:
Bread, bread and more bread. Home made brownish, currenty, wifey made loveliness. It was good.
Morning of:
A decent sleep for once, (Sophie has been trying to torture us with sleep deprevation over the last few weeks), followed by the "Shower choice". Should I bother to shower or not? I went with not, but looking back at the race pictures, maybe I should have at least shaved, thank god there are no close-ups.
At midday Alf and myself went to Raheny to collect the numbers, no hassle, the place was pretty much empty. I needed petrol on the way home so we went to the Texaco up near Saint Paul's. It gave us the chance to check out the Road Works at the corner before the downhill section. There was nothing to worry about, plenty of space available for 2/3 abreast. I learned the Accord takes around 18hours to fill the tank from the yellow warning light to full.
Sophie decided she was too excited to sleep at her usual time... I kind of understood where she was at, until she decided to come along with us and go to sleep during the race instead. She could have pretended to be interested. I took a long wee before we left but the short car journey turned out to be a longer car journey, though it gave me the time to get mentally ready, and build up another wee.
Expectations:
Sel asked me in the car how I thought I'd do. I told her I'd do in and around 31 minutes, and would be happy to go under 32. I wasn't lying, that sounded really good to me and would be a PB of more than 2 minutes. She asked how I thought Alan would do; I answered just as honestly, I said if he doesn't get under 30 minutes, he'll be under 31 at least.
She then asked me how I'd like to do... how did she know that there'd be a difference! I answered honestly and candidly, "I'm going to latch onto Foley and not let him get away!".
The Race:
No warmup really, thank god. That's only for elites and people who actually think about getting injuries so much, that they do. We wandered up near the front, Alan recognised a few fellow Boards AC runners, one in particular that was a sub 30 minute runner. It was an ideal starting berth, almost on the left curb, perfect for the first corner. There was very little banter, there were more focused faces than smiling faces. The only comments a heard were about how cold it was, I cheered a few tall focused faces up by letting them know how warm they were keeping me. There were a few shuffles forward, I didn't do too well in them and found myself 2/3 bodies behind Alan. I figured this would work to my advantage if we got involved in a sprint finish though... I'd just have to finish near him!
The buzzer went and straight away there was movement, as always, no talking, no shouting, no nonsence, just hundreds of people plotting their way through the masses. The first bend turned out to be a nightmare, as soon as I got around it, an older, bigger woman was tromping in my path. She may as well have been facing the other way, she was an excellent obstacle. I joined a flock swerving to the right and cursed our good starting position. The rest of the object avoidance exercise of the bunch was bearable until we finally fanned out onto the Howth road.
I was wondering where Alf was, I assumed he was in front, but with the crowds it was hard to tell. I was still overtaking quite steadily when a glance up confirmed that there was a slow bend to the right. While all the runners were sticking to the left kerb, I thought I'd go the other side for clarity and shortest path reasons. Other then the game of chicken with the photgrapher, the tactic worked out well. Just as I went by Sel (& Soap) and Helen (& Laura & pipling), I spotted Alf, dead ahead, about 20 meters. As I made up the distance, I saw the 1 mile marker and heard the time, I hit it at 6:00 on the button.
I caught up to Al and thought it only polite to let him know I was there. Unfortunately I was quite out of breath, so I tapped him on the shoulder. I got a polite "Macker" in response and decided to keep my pace going. This was the pivitol moment of my race I think. My brain was telling me to stay on Alan's shoulder, my chest and legs were pretty much of the same opinion... But my stupid Positive Mental Attitude said I could keep 6 minute mile pace until 3 and a half or 4 miles. I went with it, if I died, I died... but I died trying. Some bean-pole had then decided to overtake me twice and move in front of me while slowing down. That was particularly annoying, he then cut across the path at the turn off vernon ave to get in front again. The anger thankfully distracted me from the un-naturally quick pace.
I hit mile 2 at 11:59, and the next downhill section saw me hit mile 3 at 18:00. I was knackered, I'd already expelled quite a bit of nasal juice at this stage, and was wishing for a water station. The downhill section at the corner of St. Annes was fast and furious, everyone was trying to use the hill to their advantage, including a bunch of Raheny Shamrocks runners who were about 10 meters from me. I knew in my head they were 30 minute runners and to stick with them would give me a fantastic run. I joined in the madness and let the hill take me. The bean-pole wasn't able for it and thankfully it was the last I saw of him. I ducked into the corner just in front of a Raheny runner who'd been lost by her group. The coast road was flat. There were no more downhill sections and I just hoped the little bit we got would push the mile time down to 6:00.
For the duration of the coast section I thought I'd slowed down a lot. I still had the Raheny Shamrock group in my sights, and other than the guy who insisted on hurdling the cones rather than moving in 5 cms, there was no movement in places around me. I could see a girl's shadow behind me, I kept glancing down expecting to see Alf's shadow moving up, I thought I'd slowed right down. I knew the coast section would be long having ran it during the week, but the sun on my back and the fierce pace were worse than the distance. I was looking forward to the hill, at least I could get out of the sun.
Eat your words Macker. I turned up the hill and immediately remembered how bad the slope was, I knew the 30 minute mark was out now. I was exhausted, probably down a few seconds because of the flat and there was no way I'd make anything up now. I tried to convince myself that the hill didn't last long, and sure there was only a lap and a half of Clongriffin park to go! The 4 mile marker was just meters away at that stage, but there was no-one around shouting out times. I crossed it and looked down at my watch for the first time in the race. 24:00 and I was a little passed the marker. God, why do you mock me so. I struggled up the hill, the girl behind eased past me at first and then slowed down somewhat, gravity it seems, takes longer to affect women. The crowds had been great the whole way around, but a large bunch had amassed here, and their encouragement was required.
Finally I was at the top of the hill, and turning into the estate for the last section. My chest was pounding, my thighs felt like they were bleeding, and my breathing sounded like weezy from 'Toy Story' when I exhaled. Sweat droplets had landed on the outside of my sunglass' lens, as it was about to drop I stuck my tounge out to catch it, before realising what I was doing... I quickly retracted. At this stage I don't count what I was doing as running, it was plodding. Every step was harder than the last, every breath stung more than the last. Pockets of people were cheering on individuals and shouting strange numbers out. I didn't really understand it, but I knew I was on the cusp of 30 minutes. I also knew I was on the wrong side of that cusp. There was no way I kept pace up that hill, or even since I hit the top of it.
Somehow, with the final green in sight, I pushed through a dizzy spell, I was so nearly there. I hugged the kerb and rounded the first bend on the green. There were loads of people out shouting and screaming here. I stayed hugged to the kerb trying to keep pace and started my checklist. Smiling? nope Snots? still present, no energy to remove them. Fans? dunno, probably on the final straight. "Go Macker", Sel had spotted me and I was looking straight at them, they were at the final bend. Rounding the final corner I squinted at the clock.... 29:something! My legs were ready to give in but then I saw the 30:something roll around. Phew! at least I don't have to force it home. It's hard not to though when your wife and daughter are watching! I continued to plod over the line stopping my watch at 30:09. Some woman was asking us to keep moving as soon as we finished. I took my shades off and proceeded to engage in attempting to puck on her. She got lucky.
Conclusion:
I didn't see it coming. I nearly killed myself, but wasn't it fun!
My first experience
Well, I started race morning feeling fairly ok after a good nights sleep. I decided a early night was the right decision (not including the wife) and seemed to have paid off. Breakfast as they say is the most important meal of the day, to make me nice and strong for the race Weetabix was the only food on the menu. I was secretly hoping i'd be able to run like the jockey on the weetabix ad. Kinda did at the end i suppose. 12 bells arrived, 3 hours to race time. In walks Neil all ready to go in his shorts and jumper under his T-shirt, yes a jumper. What a tool. We decided to head over to collect our race numbers early so we could take in the atmosphere and race build up later. 735, my new lucky number. Neil was only registering so he was given 1923. Back to my house then to get ready. On arrival at the house we found a old man, full of wisdom on running, or so he believed. Yes, he told us about his storys of old, and how he used to run when he was younger, a long long time ago. But we decided not to listen to Dermot, as his expierences no longer count. We were then at the stage of lunch. Will we or won't we. What effect will it have on our performance. We decided it was best to have something as we had plenty of tome to digest, or so we thought. Ham and cheese toasties it was. None of this cold pasta stuff Tom. It's only 5 mile. Right, quater to two. Need to be in Al's at two so better get going, downing the isotonic lucozade on the way. Every little helps. Race time arrives, Al and Al eile head for the front to get a good start. Not for me I thought. Too many people will pass me out if I go up front. Somewhere in the middle will do me fine. I'm joined there by my running buddy Neil, or so I thought, Tom, Noel and Stevo. Here we go. Horn sounds and the sound of buffalo stampeding begins to comes towards you as people begin to make their way. It's almost a minute later before I actually get moving. I just cross the start line and my running buddy is no where to be seen. Fair enough I thought, wouldn't have the spare breath to chat along the way anyway. I'll keep to my normal pace of 9 minute miles and if I can push a bit more at the end, then great. Noel's just ahead of me running at the same pace. Kev had reminded me the night before not to get beat by his dad. Was this possible. Surely not. Well best get ahead of him just in case. Past out Noel just before mile one. Checked my pace at mile one, 8.20ish. Jeez, keep this up and you'll never finish. Felt ok so continued on. Mile 2 I was down to 8 min mile. How long before I fail. Take your time. Although the down hill parts really helped. On to mile 3. Ham and cheese toasties starting to kick in now. STITCH. Ok , deep breaths, it'll ware off. Got to the coast road and felt the heat of the sun for the first time. Would usually have stopped by now for a can of heino, a smoke and catch a breath. Not this time. Left at the lights and on up the hill. Suprisingly I still felt ok, a little harder I thought. You can manage. I pushed it up the hill and passed out quite a few people. One lad wasn't happy with that as he tried to keep up. He didn't have the energy in the end and faded off. As we turn into the housing estate I feel nauseous. Not to far to go. I have the final green in my sight. Everyone ahead of me starts to jump onto the path. They want to keep the last few hundred metres to a minimum. There's no room for passing. Gotta get back on the road. I dodge through a couple of cars back onto road. Lots of space, time to up the pace. I round one corner and hear screams of support as I head towards the final bend. Brilliant, I can go faster. I turn the final bend running as fast as I can. Probably only crawling along but it feels like I'm running with a rocket up my ass. The final straight looks like it's a mile long. Will I ever finish. I see the clock, but I really don't care about the time. I knew already it was quicker than anything I had run before. I was just glad to make it to the finish. Across the line. Yipee, but no energy to raise my arms, never mind jump up and down. Drink, drink, where's my bleeding drink. No chance. We have to remove the tag first before shuffling through the crowds for a goody bag. It's all over until next time. How do I feel?
Over the bleeding moon.
As Nike say, bring it on.
Steve.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Over the bleeding moon.
As Nike say, bring it on.
Steve.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, February 1, 2010
Raheny 5, January 2010
A huge congratulations to everyone, I think it's fair to say that everyone surpassed even their own expectations. There wasn't much left out there yesterday, though I was disappointed to see *some* still managed a sprint finish, you know that's not my philosophy!
It's going to be hard to pick out the best run of the day. I've created a Poll on the right where we can vote for our choice. I think Steve deserves it (on top of his undisputed award of best finisher) based on taking 2 minutes off his expected time and finishing his first 5 mile run without stopping.
There are of course many more nominees, Noel Moran flew in well under 50 minutes, 15th in his category, with only half a leg. Stevo was very close to going under 40 minutes with not much training under his belt and immediately agreed to do Belfast after the run. Neil and Tom deserve a mention for holding a 37 minute conversation, while running 4.9 miles, and finishing off with a sprint (next time let Neil know when your about to go Tom!). Kev and Karl both did astounding times when you consider the fact they don't really run, they're only in it for the image. Karl's under ground (Portmarnock beach) training and Kev's altitude (mountain climbing) training is obviously doing more than just keeping those image muscles perky. I think Folster's run was the least surprising, I expected something between 29:30 and 31 for him. He didn't disappoint with a strong 30:45, probably with a sprint in the tank knowing Al, I didn't give him the chance to use it though. If there's a prize for nearly pucking (see pictures below), I'm claiming it.
I've compiled a shortlist of our official chip times here:
447 MCDONNELL ALAN 00:30:09
725 FOLEY ALAN 00:30:45
402 HEERY KARL 00:31:52
403 MORAN KEVIN 00:32:33
1553 MYERS TOM 00:37:47
1923 GALLAGHER NIALL 00:37:49
449 MORAN STEVEN 00:40:33
735 MCCONKEY STEPHEN 00:43:01
1267 MORAN NOEL 00:48:07
And I've been on RacePix and plucked out photos I could find:
No pics of Kev or Al anywhere as far as I could see, but everyone else features. There's a couple more in the club album anyway. Roll on Belfast!
Al mc.
It's going to be hard to pick out the best run of the day. I've created a Poll on the right where we can vote for our choice. I think Steve deserves it (on top of his undisputed award of best finisher) based on taking 2 minutes off his expected time and finishing his first 5 mile run without stopping.
There are of course many more nominees, Noel Moran flew in well under 50 minutes, 15th in his category, with only half a leg. Stevo was very close to going under 40 minutes with not much training under his belt and immediately agreed to do Belfast after the run. Neil and Tom deserve a mention for holding a 37 minute conversation, while running 4.9 miles, and finishing off with a sprint (next time let Neil know when your about to go Tom!). Kev and Karl both did astounding times when you consider the fact they don't really run, they're only in it for the image. Karl's under ground (Portmarnock beach) training and Kev's altitude (mountain climbing) training is obviously doing more than just keeping those image muscles perky. I think Folster's run was the least surprising, I expected something between 29:30 and 31 for him. He didn't disappoint with a strong 30:45, probably with a sprint in the tank knowing Al, I didn't give him the chance to use it though. If there's a prize for nearly pucking (see pictures below), I'm claiming it.
I've compiled a shortlist of our official chip times here:
447 MCDONNELL ALAN 00:30:09
725 FOLEY ALAN 00:30:45
402 HEERY KARL 00:31:52
403 MORAN KEVIN 00:32:33
1553 MYERS TOM 00:37:47
1923 GALLAGHER NIALL 00:37:49
449 MORAN STEVEN 00:40:33
735 MCCONKEY STEPHEN 00:43:01
1267 MORAN NOEL 00:48:07
And I've been on RacePix and plucked out photos I could find:
No pics of Kev or Al anywhere as far as I could see, but everyone else features. There's a couple more in the club album anyway. Roll on Belfast!
Al mc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)