Around the Year in 24 Pints

18 Miles!

2012-02-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

I'm not long back from a great 18 mile run - legs are sore, belly is slightly uncomfortable, fatigue is setting in but ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh my God I feel great. Can you beat that feeling of actually conquering a long distance run?

Just as I did for my last long run (16 miles a few weeks ago) I just togged from work and ran out of the city towards Bearna. This evening was a little drizzly and there was a slight wind in my face on the way out, but nothing too drastic. Strange for me to say this - but I've actually been listening to an ipod on some of my solo runs lately, and for a man who never listened to music while running, well, I'm warming to it. There was a specific reason for the ipod though - I don't have one of those garmins, so I've been judging my distance by time and checking it back on an ipod related measuring tool after! I'm normally bang on with time - my pace was 8.30ish so 18 miles would clock in between 2h 35 mins and 2h 40. And so it was!

Anyway - back to the ipod... I listened to a few Gillian Welch albums, one after the other, when all of a sudden one earphone went kaput, quickly followed by the other (cheap earphones). It didn't bother me at all though - I'm still a no-earphone man in general.

I was steady and strong for most of this run, though I did find it more difficult than the previous long run. The Barcelona marathon is a month and a half away - I've still got a good bit of time to strengthen the legs. There was nothing left in them by the time I reached my car this evening!

Five Miles Interval.

2012-02-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

My idea was to head off after work for a long run. See where the road would lead me. Only two weeks ago I did a 16 mile run using this very tactic - but it's been short distances since. So time for another long run. However, much to my annoyance I discovered that I had left my gear at home! My work is a long oul commute so by the time I finally reached home it was dark and definitely not long distance running time. Weighing it all up, I decided to swop a long session with an interval! So five miles of hard threadmill running was the order of the evening. And I did fine - survived anyway. The great thing about interval running (or repeats as some call them) is that they break the monotony of the threadmill. A straight run on that yoke is just sheer hell. Another big benefit of the intervals is that you do feel a different kind of buzz after these runs, and they certainly bring your fitness on a good bit. So, box ticked on the interval front - and the long road will live for another day!

Misty Night on the Moors.

2012-01-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

Seanadh Phéistín is 100% bogland - or moorland according to Sherlock Holmes and other friends from across the Irish sea! So a night run in Seanadh Phéistin is a mixture of creepy and beautiful! This evening Conor and I stretched our legs for a five miler on that very moorland, with a gentle mist falling ever heavier as we left civilisation farther and farther behind us. We took it nice and easy this evening (I had done an interval session yesterday and Conor had done another marathon this weekend - so the limbs needed resting). Having said that, we did push it out for about a mile or so on the way back home. Despite my early dreams of following the furman programme for the Barcelona Marathon in March, I'm now just running as I feel - programme out the window! This may backfire completely, but hopefully I'll be fine... time will tell.

Redemption with 16 Miles.

2012-01-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

My intention was to run 15 miles on Saturday or Sunday last. But I didn't. In fact, I only ran four. It was slightly demoralising - I have signed up to do a marathon in Barcelona at the end of March and yet I hadn't run more than 8 miles since the half marathon of December, until tonight. So today I brought my shoes and shorts to work and headed off from the Spanish Arch when the day was done. I had no fixed idea on how long I would run tonight, I simply ran on a whim. The night was beautiful - still and dry after a long day's rain. On I went, out past Nimmo's pier, around South Park, down to Mutton Island and then out onto the prom. I was feeling very confident at this stage - running a steady pace, certainly no more than 8.30mins. I ran to the end of the prom and turned left down onto the gravely path that hugs the diving board at Blackrock. There weren't any lights along this path and the way was now lit from the main road a couple of hundred yards away - but it was still clear enough to see directly ahead of me, and to my left the waves were crashing up against the shore. At end of that section of the run I turned left, heading down towards Knocknacarra cross, and then on out towards Barna village. It was a steady pace, and I felt good enough to determine to run on past Barna and keep going! I would actually have gone further but for the fact that there were no streetlights past Superrvalue and things were getting a bit dodgy! The way back was just as nice - I felt good all the way and probably could have run another few miles. So I've done wonders for my confidence - I now feel that I'm back in marathon mode - and I've done wonders for my motivation too. Real redemption.

8 Miles at Night...

2012-01-19T14:46:00.001-08:00

I've been shirking my running responsibilities lately! Finding a way to avoid a run, or shorten one... not a good tactic when I'm supposed to be competing in the Barcelona marathon next March! So it gave me great satisfaction to actually go a few miles extra this evening. I set out with Conor on a cold and slightly windy night up the Seanadh Phéistín road, fully intent on running five miles - no more. However, when I got to the 2.5 turn we decided to go on a bit, head for 6... and then a six miler turned into eight. Nicely does it! We had a decent pace too - certainly in the low eights and better for some sections. The way back was difficult enough though - Conor's headlight lost it's battery power and the wind pushed us back at every step. There were parts of that road when I was completely lost as to where the heck I was! Still, eight miles completed - surely now I'm ready for a long run this weekend

Great Day in Tuam - PB for Kevin!

2012-01-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

The epic year of a run a month started with the Tuam 8k twelve monthsago, so it was only fitting that Kevin and I should return to the sceneof that crime for another crack this year. I thought the race was nextweek, so I got a bit of a hop when Kevin called yesterday evening toask if I was all set! I arrived earlier than Kevin and registered usboth, and then headed off to a hotel in the town to read the paper andwhile away an hour. Kevin arrived from Mullingar at 1.30pm, and aftera bit of warming up we headed to the start. There were roadworksgalore in Tuam so the regular 8k route was changed this year. All thebetter I reckon. For starters, last year's route was a double loop - Ialways find a doubler way more difficult that a single loop. Therewere slight inclines for sure, and I did hear some fellas in the lockerroom afterwards complaining about the difficulty but in all honestyboth Kevin and I thought it was a far better run. And the day was acrisp and bright - if a tiny bit cold. Kevin and I ran this onetogether - stride by stride, and it really shows how far he has come ina year when he ended up taking over 3 minutes off last year's time aswe strode in at exactly 42.00. We had a coffee in the Mercy Hall,where the Tuam club always put on a good spread, and then off for fishand chips in a nearby hotel - you can't get a better day!

A New Blog for 2012.

2012-01-10T02:46:00.000-08:00

My posts have been tardy of late. There is a reason - and it's not that I've been lazy (I swear). I have a brand new challenge in mind for 2012, one for which I'm eager to dedicate it's own blog. I hope my few followers can switch over for the year (I won't be closing this blog down at all but posts for this blog will slow down a bit (maybe to once a week or so), and who knows, we might even gain a few more followers over the next few months... I'll certainly be keeping in touch with all my friends from Around the Year....More details to follow!

Check out the new challenge and please sign to follow! http://thepebbleandthegiant.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year One and All!

2011-12-31T07:30:00.000-08:00

My internet connection is back, just in time for my New Year's round up! Much has been achieved in 2011 and there are a few goals ahead for '12.

The running story of 2011 has to be the 'Run-a-Month' journey, that brought myself and brothers Kevin, Cormac and Richie, joined by sister in law Ruth, to all corners of Ireland for 10ks, 8ks, and lastly a half marathon in wonderful Waterford City, and a brand new PB! My stand out races were: the St. Patrick's Day Dublin Run, The Tombrack 4 miler, 10k Chonamara and of course the Cúigéal 8k that I ended up winning! And while I'm on the subject of winning - I also won the Peg Christmas Race for the second year running (a major family event!).

I trained well this year, though not half as well as last year... I half stuck to the Furman training programme, but mainly just got out and ran whenever I could. My biking experience in August was the stand-out event of 2011. From a zero biking history I bought a new racer, raised nearly 5k for charity, and cycled across Ireland on my own for most parts. It was an incredibly enjoyable few days - unforgettable.

This coming year I'll be training for another marathon - Barcelona in March, and I'm hoping for a time in the 3.30s (3.39 will do fine!). My main concern though is to enjoy my running - and keep on keeping on! Happy New Year to all the other bloggers and runners - let's keep in touch in 2012!

New Year Coming... New Challenge? What Say You All?

2011-12-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

Before I get on to the meat and drink of this post, let me record tonight's three mile threadmill run. Only three miles, because I hate the threadmill and it's impossible to do much more than this amount on it!

And now to the nub of this post: end of year is fast approaching and this will mark the end of the second year of this blog. It's time for a new challenge. A big one. I've been giving this some thought... I love challenges; running marathons, cycling across Ireland etc, and I also have a self-sacrifice streak - punishing myself by cutting out drink, or meat for periods, staying off carbs, chocolates and more! For next year, however, I am looking at something entirely different... My mission: to pay off my mortgage in one year, in order to commit to a life of helping the less fortunate. Can it be done? My mortgage is HUGE. My house is not huge, but my mortgage is. How can I pay this off in a year, I hear you ask? My wife and I are both employed, but our salaries are just average and this Government has cut cut cut cut. So how could I pay off my mortgage that quickly? Well - I'm not sure! But anything I've ever done has started with a wild statement of intent: I'll run a marathon, I'll cycle across Ireland, I'll give up drink for a year... etc. All pale in comparison to this challenge, perhaps... what do you think - am I daft to set this as the year's challenge?

I still have another week before I commit to the 2012 challenge, and between now and then I'll discuss other possibilities: giving up meat for a year, running a marathon under 3.30, raising 20k on my charity cycle... and it goes on. But for now, let's ponder: could I clear the mortgage?

2 Mile Night Turn-Back.

2011-12-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

I picked up Conor at 8.30pm and headed for the bog road of Seanadh Phéistín. I thank the man for introducing me to night running, and furnishing me with the loan of a spare head-torch. This beats the hell out of the treadmill any day (or night!). Last night was particularly cold - two minutes into the run and our hands began to ache with the freeze! We had definitely underestimated the severity of the conditions prior to setting off. With only a mile gone into our run, and heading into some height, when it became clear that the road was far too treacherous to tread. A sheet of fleet was settling into ice and our every step was a wary one. We decided to turn back at the one mile mark and head towards the car again. A pity, but a two mile run is still better than watching the latest episode of Eastenders.

Great Time in Waterford.

2011-12-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Well the weekend came and went and left us all the better for it! The culmination of a year of races for the Run a Month Boys and (Girl) was the wonderful Waterford half marathon. It was a real family affair, as Kevin and Niamh brought the kids, and Richie and Deborah came along to cheer the rest of us on... Kevin, Cormac, Ruth and I lined up at the start on a cold but very crisp and clear Saturday morning. There was a huge turn out for this race - well over a 1500 I reckon. We each arrived in different shape - Kevin hadn't trained for three weeks but had a good year up until now, Cormac has been struggling with injury and Ruth was coming to her first major race after a good half year of training. I felt fine, but not at the peak I had hoped to reach. Still, my tentative aim was a sub 1.50 min run. I settled into this run nice and slowly, and tracked the 1.50 pacers. After a couple of miles I felt good, chatted away to the pacers and decided I would track these guys until the ten mile mark. The course was flat enough until the six mile mark when there was a bit of a drag uphill for a quarter of a mile. This is the second time I've done this half marathon, and the last time out (four years ago) led to a time of 1.59. All went according to plan this time around when I cranked up the pace at mile ten and entered the athletics stadium and finished at a time of 1.48.18. Happy with that! Ruth came in at 2.11 and Kevin and Cormac crossed the line at 2.17. Everyone happy with their achievement, and ready for a drink or two!

Waterford Looms.

2011-12-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Saturday is fast approaching, and with it comes the Waterford Half Marathon. The Run a Month Club has held this great event in the highest of esteem since we ran our first race of the year back in Tuam last January. This was to be the pinnacle of our efforts - the climax to our year of races. However, the confidence that should have accrued from a year of races is not really that high right now. I ran five miles on the threadmill yesterday and another four in Salthill this evening, but if truth be told it feels like too little too late. I should have been running ten milers regularly these past few months but I rarely got past the 10k mark and a recent tragic family bereavement left me with a few weeks of little or no running, very late nights and a bit of drinking. The other Run a Month brother has been flat out busy with work and hasn't run in two whole weeks! We'll also be joined by Cormac, who has been injured most of the time! Excuses... excuses! On the bright side Ruth is flying and young Richie is in a constant state of fitness! Máirín is in great shape and Big Ron is too fit! Hopefully my last two sessions will have brought the body back a bit to some semblance of fitness and a bit of more regular rest will see me in a better state come Saturday. Time will tell!

Quick Post...

2011-11-29T02:59:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post here to let all know that I'm alive and well and even running a bit! It has been difficult however to find time lately to post anything due to the fact that we've been between Louth and Galway helping out as much as we can with a tragic situation for my wife's family and the passing of a little angel. I'm back in Galway this week again and hopefully I'll get out for a longish run some evening... last week I managed a 4, 4, and 5 mile combination - which is just not good enough preparation for an imminent half marathon.

5 Miles on the Prom.

2011-11-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

It looks like the Run a Month Club have lost out on November, but we're still gung-ho for the Waterford Half Marathon in three weeks time and training lately has not been an entire disaster. This evening I went for a five mile run on the Salthill prom. The night was cold and clear... but thankfully very dry. I had a bit of zip in the legs today, thank God (it happens sometimes). We are blessed with the prom in Galway - it's a beautiful way to spend an hour, with the waves lapping against the coast and the place lit up with walkers, runners, strollers - dogs, cats and more! The funniest site tonight was a small terrier dog, down by the gravelly unlit path, who had a torch connected to his head! A canine flashlamp...

Slow Blogging, Fast Running.

2011-11-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

For some reason I've been slow with my blogging this week - even though I ran on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Two four milers and a three were the order of the week and at a fast enough pace to compensate for the short distances involved. I had intended to go for a night run last night but things fell apart on the aul schedule side so I postponed! Hope to get out for a longish run this weekend - weeks are rolling by up to the December half marathon and the Run a Month club looks in danger of a collapse as we reach the penultimate stage...

A Decent Five Miler Around Gleann Mór.

2011-11-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Tí Chóil an tSappar at the turn to Gleann Mór...

Out the house and down to the pier... then up again and around Gleann Mór. Gleann Mór is Gaelic for 'the Big Glen' and a big glen it is - at least in one spot! This was a nice run on a lovely evening - the only mistake I made was to leave it a little late before going out, as it became quite dark for the last twenty minutes (and I didn't have my flash light friends to guide me around!). I reckon I ran it all at around an 8.10min pace - which was not too bad for me! The run definitely kicked off a few cobwebs. On the sporting world front: our soccer boys beat Estonia by four goals last night, thus ensuring their safe qualification for next summer's Euro tournament (although there is another leg to go, but surely 4-0 is a safe advantage to bring home...). Crack open the polish beer...!

Night Run Mark II

2011-11-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

Following last week's debut night run in Seanadh Phéistín, I took to the old road again tonight - once more accompanied by Conor but without Big Ron. Conor had his trusty head torch and it was enough to guide us along that most lonely of roads. Tonight's run didn't set the world alight from a pace point of view - five miles in all, varying from a 9min mile start to a respectable last 7.30min miles. I found this night's run a good deal easier than last week's - okay the night was brighter, but there's no doubt I was taken by surprise last week and felt less disorientated by night running tonight. Trouble is though: I neglected every night since last week AND EVERY DAY TOO! So it's time I copped on to some serious training...

Night Run.

2011-11-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

The rarest of combinations: Big Ron, Con Job and I, at night in Seanadh Phéistín. This was my first excursion into the great mystery that is night running. I can't say I enjoyed the experience wholeheartedly... truth is, I felt it a bit disorientating. The little head lights provide good light, but only for the very immediate road ahead - which leaves you with the feeling of running in tunnel. Hills seem to go on for miles at night and there is a general sense of disorientation. Having stated all the negatives, I should mention the positives - and they are there in spades. For starters, it beats the heck out of running on a treadmill. Secondly, it's always good to run in good company and Big Ron and Con Job provided that in spades and lastly, the night air was fantastic. I'm also pretty sure that I'll get used of this (and will have to if Ron and Con are to be taken at their word regarding another run next week). In all, we ran 5 miles, varying from 7.30min - 8min miles. Ron and Con ran the last mile under 6mins. Needless to say, I was left behind!

4 Miles in Galway, 7 in Louth

2011-11-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

The Waterford Half Marathon grows ever nearer - only 6 weeks to go now and I'm at least recovering from my recent wobble! On Friday I trotted a decent four miler along the Salthill prom and out as far as Knocknacarra Cross. No problems there! The weekend brought me to County Louth where D and I supported the wonderful Stabannon Ladies Football team as they won a very hard fought Leinster title. Inspired by their great achievement and that of Máirín who was completing her very first marathon in Dublin on that day (fond memories of last year), I went out for a 7 mile run on Sunday and was accompanied by Benny for the most part. It's always better to run with company, and especially good to run in Benny's company. So now: I hope to get a few good runs in this week, starting tomorrow, and culminating at some stage with a 13 miler. Yes I can?

Back to the Mill.

2011-10-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

There's been a lull. For nine days now I've done nothing. Nada. Haven't run a mile, or cycled or even played hopscotch outside the parish hall (not that I ever did that). And why? Have I been injured? - No.

Busy at work? - No more than usual.

Bad weather? - Well, we live in Ireland...

Any excuse then? Not a one.

But, there you go... it happened and I'm now over the lull, following a three mile threadmill run. No more negative ninny - there's a lot of training to do between now and my Waterford Half Marathon on December 10th. Let's get to it...

The Con Job and I Beat the Elements.

2011-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

What a difference a day makes - this glorious pic was taken only yesterday, down at Trá na Reilige.

Day off, and run due. Conor and I were committed to running Seanadh Phéistín and it would be the first time for us to run together for many, many months. However, I awoke this morning to the worst weather we've had in this country for a long time (which really, really says a lot!). Lashing rain and fierce gale made me think that today's run would not materialise... but then I remembered the commitment had been made by Conor - a man who would run in an earthquake! So we met at the cross at 12.30pm and with my trusty windsheeter I set off with the Con Man. The first mile of Seanadh Phéistín is a long and slow incline and much to our great pleasure the wind was at our backs! We were pushed up the hill, with minimum effort being expended! There were points on that section of road where I swear my feet didn't even touch the ground (slight, ever so slight, exaggeration). I had hoped to tick 6 miles today but we had to decide to turn at the 2.5 mark, as the rain became too much to bare and our run was entering the realms of pure lunacy! After the turn there's another, sharper, incline - this time with no gale to assist. As luck would rarely have it though the wind and rain definitely seemed to die down on the way back and we decided to push the pace a bit from the two mile mark. Conor's garmin made for decent reading at the end of our run - mile 4 was clocked at 7.12pace, while our last mile was run at 6.40m/pace. Shockingly quick for me! All in all -nothing beats a run against the elements and thanks to the Con Job for making it happen...

Slight Slippage but Keeping it Going..

2011-10-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Not a great week - especially when taken in the context of the past few weeks when I was well and truly motoring in training. This Tuesday I did some interval training, but couldn't manage the required amount from my Furman schedule. I had to pass on the tempo run on Thursday and didn't do my full long run today. The body just needed a pair back I reckon - a recharge of batteries and some muscular rebuild (that's my story anyway and I'm sticking with it!). Hopefully next week will be a bit better - I have Monday off and am hoping to do a 13miler. Meanwhile, I have nothing to practice as regards my showboating style finishes to races - as the pic below shows!

Kevin and I finish the Conamara 10k last week - image from TríSpórt's facebook site...

Run a Month Boys do the Conamara 10k!

2011-10-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since my last entry, but far from being a neglectful runner, I've actually had a good week's training. It consisted of : intervals on Monday, tempo run on Wednesday and then the long weekend run. This weekend saw my own club's big event - the Conamara 10k - held in Carna, give myself and Kevin (the Run a Month Club!) an opportunity to click our 10th month. The day was a bit drizzly and dark to start off with, but by the time the race got underway it turned, well, just a little less drizzly and dark! Kevin and I started and finished together, again, and this time we finished just a few seconds outside the 53min mark! The course was very scenic - starting off outside of the Connemara Bay Hotel in Carna and then winding it's way around the outskirts of this gorgeous village. There were hills - but they also went downward! Full credit to the lads in the club who organised this event - including the oft mentioned Big Ron! - it was a really fun day out and well geared for families. We were all thrilled to hear some advice from the great Caitriona McKiernan (former Cross Country Champion) after the race. The other great thing about a local race is that friends are met that are rarely seen these days (due to mundane adult responsibilities). One such friend was Aideen, who finished the race in 47mins and is in flying form.

On another, unconnected matter: our poor rugby lads lost this morning to Wales in the world cup... pity for them. They should, however, hold their heads high for one particular reason: they just may have fostered a new habit in Irish people, that of getting up at 5.30am - now this could lead to a healthy and productive economy???!

12 Miles on the Old Ardee Road.

2011-10-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

I was in the Wee County this weekend and decided that a good long run with a wholesale change of scenery with be just the thing for me. I'm now following the Furman First Half Marathon Training Programme, and have dipped straight in to week 11 of 18. My aim is to set a PB for the Waterford Half Marathon on December 10th, to finish off my 'Run-a-Month' project on a high. This sounds more difficult that it is - my old PB is just 1.56mins, and was set back in the days when I used to have beer for breakfast (slight joke). I had company for some of my weekend run - Benny came three miles with me, and ended up doing a very creditable six himself. The old Ardee road is a very pleasant run - not much traffic and enough ups and downs to keep a body on it's toes. I felt great throughout and kept a very steady pace of about 8.40mins. Of course it rained, and rained, and rained... but that mattered not a hoot while I was out in it. The good thing is that I'm hitting a wee bit of form at last - and what better place to start hitting a wee bit of form than up in the wee county!

One of Three Great Routes.

2011-09-30T02:21:00.000-07:00

Dinner party to organise for 8pm, work to finish at 5.15pm, an hour's commute and shopping to consider - would I be cutting it fine if I did my 5 mile tempo straight after work? Well, that's what I did, and finely I did cut it! My route was the Salthill prom - out to Mutton Island, around South Park and back down towards the prom, and my training schedule called for a 'mid-tempo' pace. I'm not quite sure what a mid tempo pace means, but I took it to be 'quick enough', so I ran at a level above the norm. There were times during this run when I thought I was going to konk out, but I kept going and discovered a second, third and even a fourth 'wind'. I'm blessed with great training routes: Seanadh Phéistín, An Cheathrú Rua, and Salthill... each has it's own merit, but the one factor in common to all is wonderful scenery. The Salthill route is probably the easiest of the three in terms of being flat as a pancake, but this allows me to concentrate on building a little speed. The 'prom' is an old walkway that hugs Galway Bay and is used by thousands of walkers every day - so the scenery, both human and natural, is always interesting. I even managed to finish this particular run with a spring in the aul step. And believe me, I needed the spring in the step to prepare for a dinner party with very little time to spare! By the time I got home my wife and I went straight to peeling spuds, carrots, parsnips - sticking them all in the oven with some chicken, rushed a shower, got dressed, quick kitchen clean and hey presto, guests arrive (never knowing the panic of the preceeding 30mins!).

Full of Beans After Last Night's Repeats.

2011-09-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

I sprung out of bed this morning at 6am . Surprisingly I was full of energy, something I didn't expect following yesterday evening's interval training session. What was required of me was 6 by 800m repeats at 3/4 pace, with the obligatory warm up and down. This was my first session of interval training since early August, so I didn't know how I'd react. After the second 800m set I nearly collapsed, put my hands on my knees, gasped for air as my chest contracted, and thought I would drop dead there and then on the football pitches of South Park! And what a place to cork it - with the sun shining on Galway Bay, boys playing hurling, women out walking and jogging and life whizzing all around me... and there, in the middle of it all, am I - having a collapse! I recovered enough to run the third set of 800s at a slightly (ok, significantly) slower pace. And then the fourth set, fifth set and finally sixth set of 800s - hey presto, job done! A hell of a tough workout. And the effect of it all: I sprung out of bed at 6am this morning, went for a walk, cleaned the kitchend and am full of beans and ready for work!

Run a Month Club - Grey Lake 10k

2011-09-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

We cheekily asked the local hotel if they would allow us the use of a room for a quick shower following our run and they duly obliged for a very small fee... young Kevin looks satisfied.

September's 'Run a Month' effort brought us to the lovely town of Loughrea to participate in a very popular 10k. Cormac is currently injured but both he and his good wife, Ruth, were at hand to mind Kevin's young ones while the Keester and I set about the Grey Lake run. To make a real family occasion of it my mother and father came along. This is a fine race, very well organised and an obvious favourite with running clubs up and down the west. As Kevin and I trotted down towards the starting point I took a bad fall on the wet sidewalk. My legs went from under me on a slippy surface that had some kind of liquid (coke perhaps) spilt on it. I was lucky not to have been hurt and, thank God, I was back on my feet and heading towards the start line in a matter of seconds... Following some terrible morning showers, the day cleared up very nicely. The first few hundred metres were very congested and it was hard to find a clear running path, such was the interest in this race, but when things settled down Kevin and I fell into a nice, steady pace - around 8.30mins/mile. It wasn't an easy 10k (most of the first half was uphill), but it was extremely enjoyable. We chatted our way around the course and I could definitely see a big improvement in Kevin's fitness since the Breaffy 10k a month ago. Our aim was to bring it home inside 53mins, and the clock at the end read 52.44, so job done! It was comfortable and highly enjoyable. Next up is the Conamara 10k, organised by my own club Tríspórt - then it's off to the Phoenix Park for a 12k in November, followed by the grand finale of our 'Run-a-Month', the Waterford half marathon in December. Santy should be very good to us this Christmas.

Back on the Bike...

2011-09-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

It wasn't a long cycle, but it was great to be back on the bike this evening for the first time since my epic Conamara-Louth trek earlier this summer. All I had to spare was about 40 minutes so I hared up the road, over to Dóilín strand and around the peninsula... I was finished in 35minutes with only around 7.5 miles done, but it genuinely felt great to be ploughing through the air at the pace of a racing bike. It also brought me back to those heady days of August when I roamed free and easy through the Irish countryside on my own little odyssey. There's a spring in my autumn step at last!

7.5 Miles.

2011-09-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

My 'Dóilín' run - the Dóilín is the coral beach which lies on the other side of the peninsula...

My work roster gave me a free day today and I used it productively, thank God! Apart from tidying the house a bit the number one thing on my agenda was to get out and run... These past few weeks have been very stop start and I've been in dire need of a mid range run to boost confidence and get back on course for my half marathon training. So I decided to do the Dóilín route - a handy local run that amounts to 7.5 miles. Today's weather was absolutely beautiful (if you're a runner), and absolutely miserable (if not). Yes, drizzle, and lots of it... The trick with drizzle is that you have to get out and get warmed up asap, preferably during a dry patch. Once warmed up the constancy of drizzle is akin to being in a jacuzzi - lovely and refreshing, and very, very wet! My pace today wasn't too fast but I felt good throughout and this will do wonders for my resolve to eat well and train well for the next few weeks and months. A word on the weekend's sporting action: great win for Ireland against Australia in the Ruby World Cup - I think they can make semis now, and good to see Dublin win an All Ireland footbal final at last (but I hope it doesn't become a habitual thing!).

Never Underestimate the Prom...

2011-09-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

And after the storm... all calm on the western front! A beautiful evening in Galway, hurricane Katia is well gone and the city of the tribes returns to it's usually happy self. And I took full advantage by stopping off in Salthill after work for a nice six mile trot. I ran the prom - that most famous of seashore walkways - and then headed out to Mutton Island Lighthouse, before circling South Park and heading back towards the prom again. I'm not zipping by any means, but at least the upward curve continues! The mackerel fishers were back in force - one old man carried a pastic bucket in one hand and a fishing rod in another as he made his way to a prime spot by the shore. A little boy stood five paces behind his father who pointed a strange looking, half-size rod at the horizon. 'You'll catch nothing with that thing', I thought to myself, and just then his line strained and he began to reel like mad... Never underestimate the power of the Salthill prom!

3 Miles Salthill, 5 Miles An Cheathrú Rua

2011-09-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

I thought I was a brave and hardy soul venturing out into the tail end of hurricane Katia for a five mile run yesterday morning, until I was firmly put in my place by Big Ron. Startled by a passing car going 'beep beep' as I passed through the village - I hopped on to the path, and viewed Big Ron as he whizzed by with an upward thumb extending through the car's front window and a racing bike on the back rack. Last week's ironman was on his way to compete, and ultimately finish in the top 15 of the Loughrea Triathlon! I could barely fight the winds on a short route, not mind struggle with rough water and a light bike! Congrats to the big man, but I really am babystepping my way back to form. On Friday I jogged three miles on the Salthill prom, so a five miler shows some improvement. Whatever summer cold I picked up after my big cycle is taking ages to evacuate the system (man flu my wife would say). I need to start looking for a September run for the 'Run-a-month' club... onwards, brave soldier!

3 Miles Up and Down the Blustery Road.

2011-09-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Winter is coming early this year by the looks of things. We've already begun putting down fires and it's starting to darken a good deal earlier. The rain lashes and the wind howls - they love each other really though.... I stepped out into the wild this evening for a short 3 mile run up an down the road. The past few weeks have been slightly slow for me on the running front, so I took this evening nice and slow. There won't be a Dublin Marathon for me this year, unfortunately, but the big aim is to finish the 'run a month' adventure with a half marathon in the beautiful city of Waterford... breaking my half record and enjoying some pre-Christmas bevvies - now wouldn't that be nice!

4 Miles at a Stretch.

2011-09-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's in the water these past few weeks but following a bit of a tummy bug last week I still haven't been 100%. I thought my Breaffy 10k on Sunday last would put an end to the lethargy but once again, this week, I was more inclined to rest than run. However, a man has to push on at some time... so I drove to Seanféistín today for a 4/5 or 6 miler - depending on form. Well inside the first mile I had resigned myself to completing the shorter distance. My legs were almost wobbly weak! The first two miles of the Seanféistín stretch is basically a slow incline, so it didn't help much! However, I stuck with the task and completed the distance - this run should help me along my road to full running... HOPEFULLY!

Run a Month Club: Breaffy 10k!

2011-08-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

Eight months into our 'run a month' project, Kevin and I travelled to Castlebar, County Mayo, to compete in yesterday's Breaffy 10k run. We came from opposite ends of the province, as I had spent the previous night in Sligo at a friend's stag party. This was a very well organised event, which obviously had the support of the local community as it weaved in and out of the village's little back roads. Young and old stood outside their houses clapping and cheering the runners as they passed and many provided water and refreshments along the way. Kevin and I were a little apprehensive about performance at this run - I had a bit of a tummy bug for the previous few days and Kevin's training had slowed slightly, but we performed well enough. We ran the first 2k well within ourselves, finding a steady pace, letting the crowd run on ahead of us and settling in to the run. From then on we gradually overtook many runners, keeping our form and pace. We finished in 52.57 - happy enough with that and ready to up the training for autumn time. A nice steak and chips were the order of the afternoon after the race while we watched the football on tv... life could'nt get much better!

The Ger Kearney 4 Mile Memorial Run!

2011-08-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

A few days after my mammoth cycle D and I took the two hour southerly trip to Wexford, where I would link up with brothers Richie and Cormac to compete in the Ger Kearney 4 mile run. They call this part of the country the 'sunny south-east', but it was as rainy as any other part on the day of our run! It didn't matter a hoot for us trotters though, and amongst the many competitors was our Mom - celebrating her 70th year in style! My mother and father had six children and all, barring myself, are scattered to the four corners of the island - all married and rooted elsewhere. Richie is well settled in Wexford now and a regular first team player with Tombrack United! Hence the reason for this run: to raise money for their football club and to honour the memory of a much loved local runner.

Cormac romps home in the Ger Kearney Run and we join Mom for her heroic finish!

The course, though short, was fairly difficult and well packed with hills. Cormac and I set off at our own pace, running initially within ourselves and picking it up as we went along. I could definitely feel the long cycle on my legs and couldn't stretch as I would have wanted but still I was happy enough with the run. I finished in a time of 31.45 with Cormac coming in at 33.54. Richie himself was the chief organiser (and he did a fantastic job) so he didn't actually compete.

Cormac and I doubled back after the run and walked the triumphant journey with Mom and Deborah (Richie's wife). We had a fantastic night in Tombrack afterwards - Dad played a starring musical role!

I Cycled Ireland, I ran Wexford!

2011-08-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

These last ten days have been an internet-free zone, as I trudged the country on foot, cycle and tyre! I set off on Monday, 15th August, on a personal odyssey - to cycle across Ireland in three days to raise money for the Jack and Jill Foundation (to care for sick children). The idea came to me a month earlier - so I had to buy a bike! Relearn how to cycle! Acclimatise my posterior... And start fundraising... My brother Kevin and brother in law Mark had hoped to join me on the full cycle but unfortunately they could only make it for parts of the journey, yet were it not for those two lads I wouldn't have done the requisite training or planning.

The lads and I set off to BT's positive sign!

Monday morning: up with the lark and feeling great. Had breakfast, packet my gear (light change of clothes in rucksack!)... watched a 'youtube' video on how to change a bike tyre! Kevin and Mark were to accompany me on the first 30k, out towards the village of Maam. We were delayed slightly due to a tyre problem on Kevin's bike (youtube video came in handy already) but we were on the road by 10am. I'll never forget climbing up Ard na Bleaisteiri to see my cousin, aunt, father and mother out waving us off with makeshift banners! We were doubly waved off by sister Roisin and friends Ronan and BT up at the village and away we went... The first 30k were a delight, with great banter between the three brothers. Weather conditions were perfect - no wind, no rain. I felt sorry for the lads as we descended toward Kane's pub in Maam, because the descent, which ran for at least 4k, would have to be climbed by the boys on the way back! After a cup of coffee and warm toastie, I set off on a long solo journey, while the lads cycled heroically back up the hill towards home. I would link up with Mark again on the third leg of the journey, from Cavan to Louth.

Maam to Cong was absolutely stunning, but slightly tough. Lough Corrib was beside me all the way, providing the eye-candy! I broke for another coffee in Cong, and felt strong. My plans were to cycle 114k that first day, going as far as Castlerea. From Cong I continued up through Ballinrobe and Claremorris, where I broke for a light lunch. At this point the idea occurred to me for the first time to journey 55k further that first day to the beautiful town of Carrick-on-Shannon. Could I do it? I said I'd assess the situation in Ballyhaunis. By this time the rain was heavy and falling steadily, I was wet to the bone but not overly affected by it. At Ballyhaunis I pulled over, got my phone out and called my brother Richie: 'book a hotel room for me in Carrick-on-Shannon, I'm going for it!'. From Ballyhaunis to Loughglynn and from there on to Frenchpark I felt great, but the rain got heavier and heavier, and the sky began to darken. It was past six now, but Carrick was just about 20k away. My legs were beginning to tire but I kept going on and on and on, wondering 'where is Carrick'? Eventually I saw the beginnings of a town and a sign that broke my heart: 'Welcome to Boyle!' AAAGH! I had taken the wrong road and ended up 15k off track! The constant rain and tiredness had left me dazed and dopey (what's new??!). I reached for the map in my rucksack but it was all wet and torn. As I stood forlorn on the side of the road a kind stranger put me on the right road again and I just put the head down and went for Carrick, reaching that wonderful town with clothes dripping wet at 7.30pm. 170km done.

Beautiful Carrick on Shannon, where I stayed the first night...

Tuesday: Following a sound sleep I awoke at 8am Tuesday morning, had breakfast, walked around Carrick and got back to my hotel room to prepare for the big cycle when the local radio station, IRadio called to arrange a meeting for 11am. Thank God, and Ronan, my runners were now once again dry (I had stuffed them with newspaper the previous night on big Ron's prompting). The radio crew were there to lead me all the way to Cavan, much to my shock and delight (word of my cycle had been spread by my radio-working sister in law, and I was the 'colour-piece' of the day!). This day was absolutely beautiful: sunshine, little breeze and the most beautiful lakeland countryside of Cavan and Leitrim. Thanks to my very long cycle the previous day, I only had 74k ahead of me on day two. I got to Cavan town, where the Fleadh Ceoil (trad music fest) was in full swing. I was so chipper I even had three pints of Guinness that evening!

Fleadh Ceoil in Cavan, and the girls from IRadio who led the way there...

Wednesday: Day three was a pure lap of honour! There were only 74k left in my mammoth cycle and I was to be joined by brothers-in-law: Michael Woods, Michael Minnock, Benny, Mark, sister in law Theresa and friend Brian Murray. We set off from Cavan around 1pm, leaving a very busy road to head for Ballieborough, Kingscourt, Dromcondrath, Ardee and finally Stabannan. Outside Dromcondrath we were joined by Ciaran Maloney and the 'Champs Elysée' atmosphere was beginning to build! The town of Ardee, being our last 'town stop' was the start of the 'carnival' atmosphere, as we were greeted by 20 supporters, family and friends alike -most of whom hopped on a bike to join us on the last 9k journey to the village of Stabannan. On entering the village we were joined by about 50 others, children and adults, all cheering and supporting (little did I think this crazy idea of mine would grow such legs!). We raised €3,300 for the Jack and Jill Foundation and had a whale of a night! Men and women in the pub that night vowed to make it an annual event, in which they would all join in ( was that drink talk?)! All in all: 170k in day 1, 74k day 2 and 74k day 3. Not too bad!

I still have to write about the Wexford 4mile Run - that should be a post of it's own tomorrow!

The Big Cycle Starts Tomorrow!

2011-08-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

The day has finally come... tomorrow morning at 9am I'll set off for a 320k cycle from one side of Ireland to the other. It should take me 3 days - barring injury, extreme weather, bicycle damage or alien abduction! This is my little fundraiser for the Jack and Jill Foundation, to help parents of extremely ill children, and I'm delighted to say that I've collected well over a thousand euro so far... Thanks to everyone who has contributed - I'll let you all know how I got on and take some photos of the lovely countryside!

No Fear, No Doubt.

2011-08-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

Two of the lads who'll join me a part of the way...Mark and Kevin

I am but two days away from one of my life's greatest sporadic challenges! Three weeks ago I decided that I would cycle from An Cheathrú Rua, where I live, across Ireland to County Louth - from where my wife hails. Although I run, and love to run, I haven't been on a bicycle 7 times in the past 20 years! And those seven times were probably jaunts to the shop or around the green area in Knocknacarra... Now, I've set myself the challenge of travelling 300 miles (not 200 as I originally underestimated!), in 3 days. I have no fear of the distance, nor do I have any doubt that I can complete the task. I've been collecting for a charity called the Jack and Jill Foundation and I know that the money raised will go towards an organisation that has been of enormous help to a little darling that's very dear to my wife and I and to her wonderful family that have struggled with great dignity over the past year and a half. On top of all this - I intend to enjoy the cycle to the hilt (providing my posterior stands, or should I say 'sits' the test!). I'll be joined by some great people along the way - my brother Kevin, brother in law Mark, sister in law Theresa and possibly some others! Pray for favourable weather! Donate if you wish at http://www.mycharity.ie/event/breandan_o_heaghras_event/

Implosion in Seanféistín...

2011-08-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

I spent some of today's run in the 'little walking man' position!

I came a cropper on my scheduled 12 mile run today. I finished, but only just and had to take a number of walking stops. Why? I'm not sure - there just wasn't any zing in the legs. Last week I cantered the 11 mile run as if it were nothing, but I've certainly been pushed a bit with this new cycle-Ireland project, so I may be overtraining... Another reason could be that I underestimated the humidity and had under hydrated - I certainly had no water on route and had drank very little before the run. At any rate, I ran and finished - no matter what shape I was in it will still stand to me. As for the cycle-Ireland project: we only have a week left before we head off across the country in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation, so tomorrow Kevin, Mark and I will be heading for the hills on a 70k cycle. I hope the body recovers sufficiently in time!

Charity Challenge!

2011-08-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

I'm planning to hop up on a bike on the 15th August and cycle across Ireland in three days, from An Cheathrú Rua to Stabannan, in County Louth, from where my good wife hails! Nothing MAD about that?? This is way out of my comfort zone - I got up on a bike for the first time in years last week and have been hardening my posterior in preparation for this trip ever since! All in all, it will be about 200 plus miles...phew! Of course, this challenge is for charity - I've just set up a secure web point for donations, so please consider donating the price of a pint (€4, £3 - or whatever you can give). Please read on - I'll sweat enough doing this so GIVE FULL ATTENTION!!

The background: a year ago my wife and I witnessed the onslaught of a severe illness that has left a beautiful little baby girl fighting for her life and her distraught parents stretched to the limits of their vast coping powers. They could barely manage, but for the help of a voluntary organisation called the Jack and Jill Foundation, which sends nurses to the homes of sick children and seriously allievates the stress on parents. This organisation needs cash asap to exist -as it gets very little from our cash-strapped government. So, my pitch to you; if we were ever to meet up away from this virtual world, would you buy me a pint or a coffee (I'll get the next round!)... if so, then please donate the price of a pint (€4/£3/$4...) or donate if you know parents who might need this support... or just if you can do it at all! Click the link and donate! Thanks all...

Click here to donate a few quid!

A Good Week!

2011-07-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Run a Month Club from our April Days... Kevin (Centre) and I cycled a fair distance today, in training for our cross-Ireland cycling adventure...!

Today I was accompanied by brother Kevin on a 50kish cycle (I need to consult google maps for an exact km figure) from Pointe to Leitir Mealláin and back, for what was the end of a great week of training. Yesterday I went off to Seanféistín for an 11 mile run all by my lonesome on a windy and rainy July afternoon (do we get any other kind of day around here!). I felt great during yesterday's run - I took it at a steady pace, around 8.30mins, but never felt weak. This has been my best week of training for some time - including intervals on Tuesday, a tough tempo on Wednesday, a long cycle on Thursday and another today. I'm beginning to get in good shape again - thank God! Today's cycle had the dual effect of being A) a good bit of cross training and B) a major psychological plus as we head into the two week countdown for our cross-Ireland cycling adventure!

Tough Tempo and Twenty Five Mile Cycle.

2011-07-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

A good start to the tempo season with Conor in Seanféistín

I went out to Seanféistín on Wednesday evening with Conor, with a tempo run in mind: 1 mile easy, 4 miles fast and 1 mile slow. We chatted merrily for mile one and then Conor turned to me and said; 'do whatever pace you feel like for the tempo and I'll follow'. So off I went, like the clappers. Seanféistín is an unforgiving road which goes from one uphill climb to another and I was like a fool for a mile and a half running at a pace I had no hope to maintain. By the time I reached the end of the first 1.5 mile my pace dropped dramatically. I picked it up again at the turn, but then had to stop completely! The shame! I didn't stop for too long though and was off again, but at a steadier pace. I finished the the tempo with a strong mile - thanks to a prolonged downhill stretch...On Thursday I took to the bike with my legs still aching from Wednesday's run... I cycled for two hours and covered a distance of 40km - which I'm happy enough about... however, I'll need to be covering three times that each day just to get to Louth for my planned epic holiday adventure!

First Intervals of the Year...

2011-07-25T15:41:00.001-07:00

Started interval training this evening: 10 min warm up, followed by 5 by 1km reps at pace, with short break between each. Now I really feel like I'm training!

Run A Month Club: VICTORY!!!!

2011-07-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Victory in Cuigéal 5mile Run! Kevin came third - so a great result for the 'Run a Month Club'!

Well, well, well... just when we were in danger of running out of racing opportunities to fulfill our July commitment to the run-a-month club, up pops a race that I actually win! And Kevin came third - two O Hara boys in the top three! Yes, the Cuigéal 5mile Race may have been low on competitors but a win is a win! It was an extremely tough race - flat for the first mile and full of hills from then on! I found myself out in front from about the two mile mark and extended my lead between that and mile 3. Then, however, I became a paranoid android - wondering how far behind me my nearest competitor was! This paranoia pushed me to produce my quickest run for some time - I attacked all the hills with gusto and really felt knackered on the home stretch... it was lovely to come in 1st and great to see Kevin come third. Well done to everyone involved in organising this race - I'll be back next year to defend the title! On another matter: I brought the bike for a test cycle today, just an hour and a half... I know now that I'll need to do a fair bit of bike training before I can cycle across Ireland... 3 weeks to the deadline!

Four Miles and a Wicked Plan.

2011-07-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

On a warm but breezy day I did a nice four miler in Seanféistín with Conor. He's quite a character... several years ago he took to running in a big way and is now within nearly a year of completing 100 marathons... so far, he's at number 70, and just trotted out five marathons in five days last week! I felt a little embarrassed restricting the man to a four mile run, but as it happens the short distance suited us both this evening. I'm within three weeks now of my annual 'big' holiday, and I've hatched a wicked plan: I intend to cycle across Ireland in three days, from An Cheathrú Rua to County Louth, from where my good wife hails. I made my plans known last night and to my pleasant surprise brother Kevin said he'd join me - so good laughs ahead, though it will be one hell of a challenge!

And Just Like That...

2011-07-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

Blue sky day for the prodigal son...

as if nothing had ever happened. As if no void had ever existed, no gap to close, no long pause to reset... As if nothing... the road arises to forgive it's prodigal son. 'You've been away, but I'm glad you're back... run on, I'll keep wind and rain away and I'll clear your lungs and rattle the rust out of your chest... go on, run five miles easy'. And so I did... out the door, down towards the lighthouse, turning towards the village... I hoped for three miles, but soon settled in to five. It was fantastic to be back, after over a week off - first through work, then flu, then work again. Running into all kinds of excuses, I could have dodged this evening's run, 'not yet right, still tired, another evening's rest, working too late...' But God spared me sense and up I got. Loved every minute.

Cut Down in the Prime of My Running Summer.

2011-07-16T03:02:00.000-07:00

To those many thousands of you who have wondered this past week 'where has the Connemara Bullet gone?', I say this: fear not, I have not retired, or died, or gone to prison for grand theft and larceny, or run off with another woman for a simpler life in the Faroe Islands... plainly and simply, I have been cut down in the prime of my running summer, by a achy summer flu/cold (insert appropriate term depending on sex - male: flu, female: cold). I've had this nasty yoke for the past four days now and feel it's finally clearing, though I'll stay away from running until Monday at least. So ends the Connemara Bullet-in.

3 Miles Wednesday, 5 Miles Today...

2011-07-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

'An tOileáinín' (the little island) - my grandfather had seaweed rights on this Atlantean paradise!

I ran but didn't blog on Wednesday - nothing too hectic, just a three mile jaunt up and down the road. I stretched the same route to 5 miles today and felt strong enough. At the bottom of the road, just before the turn, I could get a clear view of the little island just off the shore at Pointe. The tide was out so far that you could walk to this island - as I'm told my grandfather did in days of yore to gather seaweed. In them days every house had seaweed rights along the shore and our's would have been on the little island. How times have changed! I decided to run the hills hard this evening - a sure sign that the pace of training is picking up a bit! Felt good, probably looked awful!

8 Miles with Conor in Seanféistín...

2011-07-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

After my run I went for a walk to the rock, where angler's, like Rhona, were looking for supper...

It's been about 8 months since I've had the pleasure of Conor's company on the plains of Seanféistín, but, it being that time of year, I was glad to meet up with him on Ros a mhíl cross this evening, for what would turn out to be a tough 8 miler for me (and 12 for him). Conor is way ahead fitness-wise, and intends to run 5 marathons in 5 days next week. This evening's 8 miler was the longest run I've had for some time. We started off brightly and I felt good for about 3 miles. Seanféistín is a real test - the first 2 miles are all up hill, and while there are some downs the course puts you through your paces. I had only intended to run 6, but decided to go another 2 miles, so I said my goodbyes to Conor and turned at the four mile mark to head back for base. On the turn I hit a 'wobbly' - my legs were like jelly beneath me and I slowed to a tortoise jog. I had hoped for a second wind but it was a struggle all the way back. Truth be told, I even stopped to walk at the hardest of climbs, with only 2 miles to go. Mind won over matter though and I quickly picked myself up and ran the rest of the way home - glad to have completed an 8 miler, but with the clear knowledge that I NEED TO DISCIPLINE MY TRAINING!

7 Miles with Kevin.

2011-06-26T10:57:00.001-07:00

Kevin and I set off on our 7 miler...

Kevin and the clan came home yesterday evening and called to the house this morning wondering if... Of course, says I, why not. And so we did. To be honest, we set off with the casual intention of doing the same as we did last week: our three mile 'up and down the road' route. However, when we hit the turnaround spot I asked Kevin if he wanted to push on up to the four mile mark. When we got as far as the four mile mark, Kevin mentioned that he had hoped to get close to a 12k run this weekend, so we set off towards Doilín, and a 7 mile run. I's great to run with good company - one pushes the other and the the conversation shortens the distance. We ran the hills with gusto and slowed down when we needed to. There was nary a bit of rain and the weather, though gloomy for summer, was fine for running purposes. A nice run, good company, great distance.

3 Miles with a Twist.

2011-06-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Bóithrín an tSagairt

You can't beat a summer's Saturday morning. I got early to give the students their breakfast, and with a long free day stretching far ahead, I tore into some serious house cleaning - basically turning the house upside down, cleaning and mopping and mopping and cleaning! After about four hours of housework I decided to reward myself with a 3 mile run... my usual 'up and down the road' jaunt, but with one little twist in the tail. On reaching the turnaround point I decided to head right, instead of turning directly back down towards the house. This right turn would bring me on a nice little loop, stretching the 3 mile mark marginally in terms of distance, but significantly in terms of difficulty. The road is known as Bóithrín an tSagairt (the Priest's Road), and is basically an unforgiveable hill that leads to the highest point on the peninsula. From here, on a clear day, you can see as far as the Island of Garumna to the west, and out to the Aran Islands to the south. I huffed and puffed up the savage hill and felt gggggreeeeeeat at the very top. Just like Tony the Tiger. The rest of the run was easy peasy after this! Throughout I hummed the infectious 'what you focus on grows' tune that I heard the last day. Running can be a great old life motivator...!

St John's Eve...

2011-06-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

The lads make toast on the bonfire!

23rd of June is known as St. John's Eve, or Oíche San Seán - a time when villages along the west coast of Ireland are lit up with bonfires galore... There are 15 teenage students living in our house at the moment (learning Irish) so we gathered as much wood as we could, threw a bag of turf on top, splattered with some petrol and awwwway we went! I got some bread and jam and the lads were trying to toast the slices as they dangled at the end of thin branches - faces were burning for the sake of the toast! A lovely night - at least we kept up our side of the bargain. Juneathon was ticked with some sit ups!

What you focus on grows...

2011-06-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

There's nothing for me to do today but highlight a fantastic blog post from Julia, at Running to Learn. This post is exactly why I love to keep a blog - to find inspiration like this!

Wild Garlic.

2011-06-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

We've been living here for three years now, in a beautiful and rugged spot by the sea. Many years ago my father turned the boggy ground around where my house now stands to make potato beds - not an easy job in Conamara, for if you're not sinking into wet bogland or marsh then your hitting hard rock - and there's plenty of that, believe me! What's also plentiful around here is wild garlic - standing tall and proud amidst the briar and heather. I can't claim to be any great nature boy - it took a visit from my cousin Míchéal to point this majestic wild plant out. Truth be told, I'm not wild about garlic, but I may just be wild about wild garlic - at least the look of it! Exercise wise: a paltry mile...

Ups and Downs.

2011-06-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Nice to run with company - well provided today by brother Kevin!

I've been letting myself down lately - dropping standards, dulling ambition, doing things badly. I slipped with my Juneathon quest again yesterday, though that doesn't really bother me too much, it's the quality of what I've been doing recently that is gnawing at me. This morning I had reason to be in a field beside our house and heard the clearest cricket song. The little fellow was relentless, hiding somewhere in the long grass, he chirped and chatted away to the world like a madman amusing himself. Our place is usually full of birdsong in the morning, but today belonged to this little fellow. My brother Kevin was at home, so we decided to go for a run when my student lodgers left for college. It's nice to run with a bit of company every once and awhile. We did my usual 'up and down again' route, marking the 5k turnaround point at Cóilín Daddy's. Our pace was brisk enough and we even decided to stretch it out for the last 1k. I was upbeat again after this run, and decided to look at some positives: I may not be training as hard as I was last year, but I'm still at it and, though they be short jaunts, I've still competed well enough for Juneathon. Not too bad, an do better!

Sit Ups...

2011-06-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Not fun, not a run, but done. 30.

I.5 Mile.

2011-06-16T15:57:00.001-07:00

Got up and down for a quick 1.5 miler this evening. Not too many spectators out to cheer me on as I continue my Juneathon quest - very disappointing!

Thaaar She Bllooooowws.......

2011-06-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

The same scene, just a few days ago, and it looks like an entirely different country...

The weather - the runner's constant companion, is fierce moody this year. Last week she smiled on Friday and cried on Saturday. Ever since she's blown hot and cold. To be honest, I've fallen out with her this year. Last year I could take her moods, actually the more volatile she was the more I liked her. Windy, rainy, stormy - I didn't mind, I just wanted to be out there with her. This year, though, I'm turned off by her wild mood swings. Truth be told I've been making lame excuses just to avoid her. It's getting a bit awkward between us... this evening I trotted down the road and up again for three miles and everything was like old times again - she smiled, I laughed, we got on so well. Let's hope this rekindles our love affair... the ball is in her court now...

Mile.

2011-06-14T12:47:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I did some sit ups, but failed to blog them up in accordance with Juneathon rules, so technically I'm out. However, I'm going to plough on anyway - surely a 90% success rate is better than nothing! Today I ran a paltry mile - it's all I had time to do... better than nought.

Another Day of Sit Ups...

2011-06-12T14:02:00.001-07:00

Following yesterday's fantastic run, and lovely weather, comes a dank and dirty day of sit ups, press ups, and not a bit of running. Still it keeps Juneathon ticking, somehow!

7.5 miles, on a day of meetings...

2011-06-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

My wife was the first soul I ran past, she on her way back from a walk, and I on my way to Dóilín Strand...

Upon joking about a need for drugs following a stressful day, a friend remarked that I should go out for a run to get my 'natural high' - never truer words were spoken. Today, I finally broke the 5 mile barrier, for the first time in quite a while, with a fantastic 7.5 mile run, from one tip of the peninsula to the other. This was a day of meetings for sure. In the hour prior to set off Yolando and her children called to the house, followed by Big Ron and his youngest Cóil. When all were gone I set off, down to the lighthouse first of all and then up towards the village. The first soul I met on my run was my own dear wife on her way back from a walk - so the camera was sprung! After this I met Síle and her young ones, crossed paths with Mícheál, Peadar and half the world... The opposite tip of the peninsula to us is the famous Coral Strand - Trá an Dóilín, so at this point I turned to head back for home. For about a half a mile after the turn there's a steep and steady incline. It nearly broke me! But what goes up must come down (or at least level off!)... I trotted back home at a decent enough pace - and lastly met cousin Bríd! A fine run, on a fine day...

Sit Up Day.

2011-06-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

It's Juneathon after all, and though I won't be a winner, or anything near, I've decided to keep going for most of the month at least. Today was a sit up day, just 30 - enough to make my soft stomach churn! And on it goes...

5 Miles.

2011-06-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

This scraggily beauty marks the entrance to our home in wild and windy Conamara...

Out the road at 7pm, down towards the lighthouse and back up again. Not a mile gone when the heavens open and I'm being lashed - punished for past sins, or sins of a past life or just punished. Or am I being treated to nature's greatest cleanse? While the world inside four walls can look out with dread at June rain, the runner is quick to adjust, and even delight in it. All day long I felt sluggish, but all of a sudden I'm revived, galloping up Ard na Bleaistéirí, past my mother's house, nearing the top of the hill at Connolly's and still stretching the legs. By the time I got as far as Matt Tom's I was ready for London 2012. My intention was to go out for 3, but I ended up stretching it to 5. And I loved every minute!

After Work 3 Miler...

2011-06-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

A windy but bright June day and after work I trotted the prom at a slow enough pace. The place was full of walkers, as always, but funnily enough it was low on the runner barometer for some reason. Felt good, but didn't push the pace too much... Juneathon ambles on..

Another One Miler...

2011-06-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's changeable weather out here, but beautiful to catch a run in between showers...

To keep Juneathon just about going, I trotted out for a one mile run today - up and down the road was all. I was under a wee bit of time pressure, so good just to tick a box and funnily enough, it felt like enough! Back tomorrow with some serious running (I hope).

Resorting to Sit Ups...

2011-06-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

So as not to fully collapse for Juneathon, I did some sit ups today... a few, maybe 40. My stomach is in bits. Bits I tells ya, bits...

Run a Month Club are Kings (and Queen) of Cong...

2011-06-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

King Cong (well, King of the Cong 8K!)... Deep in the woods of Ashford Castle..

The run a monthers were in fine form today for the Cong 8k... Cong is a gorgeous little village in the west of Ireland, just on the border of Counties Galway and Mayo and famous for two things: A) it was the site of a famous John Wayne movie called The Quiet Man and B) there is a beautiful old castle in the village (now a hotel) called Ashford Castle - where so many famous Kings, Queens and Presidents have stayed over the years. The run, which started on a little off-road just outside the village, was one of the most satisfying I've done for a long time.

Kevin crosses the line and checks his watch with a satisfied grin...

Cormac and Ruth bringing it home in style...

The route meandered through woods and trail, with a good part of it on the grounds of the famous castle. Kevin and I ran most of the route together - he is in fine form right now! I tend to mentally break these races into sections of 2ks, and I decided to up the pace a bit for the last two, after taking it slightly easier for the previous two. The very last km was a real up hill slog, but I was happy enough crossing the line at 40.43. Kevin followed at 41.16 and Ruth and Cormac ran together for a time of 51mins...

We even had time time for coffee in Ashford castle to celebrate afterwards with Mom and Kevin's two youngest in tow...

2 Miles...

2011-06-03T15:58:00.001-07:00

Just two short miles today on the Galway prom after work... It was the nicest day of the year so far - almost to hot for running! Men, women and children were out in their bikinis in Salthill. Yes, everyone in bikinis. Day 3 of Juneathon done!

Day 2 Juneathon - 1 Mile Run.

2011-06-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Didn't even need shorts for this one!

I have rarely done a run as short as this, but with time being scare and the legs being slightly heavy after two days running in a row, I decided it would be good to mark day 2 of Juneathon with the shortest of hops, out the door, down to the pier, and up to the one mile marker. On a beautiful even, it was a beautiful idea!

Day 1 of Juneathon... 5 miles.

2011-06-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

June is back, and so is Juneathon, that weird and wonderful jogger/blogger marathon when we sign up to run or exercise every day and blog about it, every day! I muddled through last year with some, well plenty, sit-up days, but this year I am determined to run a bit more if I can! I had my heart set on a run in the neighbouring village of Spiddal today with the rest of the Trísport club but had to come home and attend to some house fixing work due to the imminent arrival of 15 young teenagers on Monday (for the first of three summer camp courses for which we are a host houses!). With my Spiddal plan scuppered I decided to do my usual up and down the road run. The legs were weary enough for the last mile or two, but generally I did ok, for the first day that is! Good luck to all other Juneathoners... let the games begin!!!

Up With The Birds...

2011-05-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

In honour of my first major lawn cut of the year I decided to post this pic of a mushroom, which ended up as an innocent victim of said cutting. PS: what room has no windows and no doors... yes, a mushROOM. Hardy, har, har...

I decided to give myself a kick up the jacksy this morning, by rising at 5.45am to get out for a four miler. Is there anything more spiritually uplifting than running on a bright May morning with a cool breeze at your back and the chorus song of a thousand birds all around? And what a chorus... there were finches, for sure, thrushes and other little birds I couldn't recognise. One fellow I did recognise though was the quuuuuark quark of the pheasant - we live in a marshy area and the place seems to be the pheasant equivalent of Grand Central Station! My pace wasn't too bad either - I eased into the run by turning down towards the lighthouse with a leisurely gait, but on the way back I stepped it up, almost unknowns to myself. This was my first run for over a week, and though I've been busy at work and with some visiting guests, there's no real excuse. I missed it, but now the decks are cleared and I'm ready to trot. And by the way, there's talk of another marathon this autumn, but keep it quiet...

3 Miles in Hurricane!

2011-05-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Ard na Bleaistéirí - part of my 'up and down the road' run!

Last week the Queen of England came to town and this week we welcomed Barack Obama - a red letter fortnight for Ireland of the welcomes! Inspired by the 'yes we can' speech, I decided to brave near hurricane conditions to do my 'up the road and down again', three mile route. I felt grand and the wind pushed me along up ard na bleaistéirí (the hill of the blasters). Three miles isn't huge, but it keeps me ticking along. Summer Irish courses start in two week's time and this marks the real start of summer for me. At this time we're constantly on the go with 15 students staying in our house for 9 weeks solid. Strangely though it's a perfect time to train like mad - evenings stretch along nicely and I usually have between 7-9pm free for leg stretching. That's the theory anyway... Yes I can!

Blustery, Stormy, Spluttery Seas...Wonderful Run!

2011-05-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ahhh.... sometimes the worst of weather makes for the best of runs! A four mile jaunt around Salthill, heading out towards Mutton Island while the sea swelled an spat at me... funny thing about this Mutton Island run is that one side of the causeway calm no matter what the weather, while the other is wild as starving boar...

I'm happy to have strung two sessions together this week - progress is a drug like no other! PS: Historic times in Ireland for sure, today we lost Garret Fitzgerald, who was Taoiseach (PM) from '82-87, and one of the very few gems...

3 Miles Treadmill...

2011-05-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well, t'was a treadmill, and t'was but three miles. But still, it was better than I've been doing for a while, so, on the day that the Queen of England came to Ireland, I'm happy enough with that!

My thoughts on the Queen's historic visit: well past time, and very welcome. I'm definitely no monarchist, and like most Irish men my age I was raised on a diet of waaaaaaaaay to much history (the average Irish person knows so much about the past that we could each write an indepth book on any period!). England and Ireland have had a troublesome entanglement for sure, but we've also had much to be thankful for... So, I'm buying my own Elizabeth action figure and putting her up on the mantelpiece!

Calcutta Run for the one-a-month boys...

2011-05-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

On our way back from Dublin, following another successful outing for the One-a-Month brothers!

Another month, another run for the one-per-month brothers. It's been a hectic few weeks for me between one thing and another and I made the cardinal error of not incorporating runs into my work and life schedule, so the one-a-month club got me back out there again... This time we were without Cormac, Ruth, or Richie, but Kevin and I continued our monthly committment with this lovely 10k. It started off outside the Law Society at Blackhall Place, and we ran around some sideroads before coming in to the Phoenix Park, where most of the run was located. For the most part it was a flat course, with some nice downhills and very little uphill, so we had little excuses... We ran throughout at a chatting pace, but upped the tempo for the final 2ks and ran together past the 10k mark at around 53.23. The race itself continued for nearly another half a km so our finishing time was in the 55 min bracket. There was some wind, but by in large the day was perfect up until the final 1km when the heavens opened and it lashed rain... All was in aid of a good cause - the Fr. Peter McVerry Homeless Trust - helping the homeless in Calcutta and Dublin. A very enjoyable occasion - and hopefully a springboard to more regular running...

RTE 5 Mile Run For the Run a Month Club.

2011-04-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

The lads pensively await the start of the race ...........

I have fond memories of the RTE 5 mile run from two years ago. At that time I was a chubby boozer, settling into my thirties with a penchant for pizza and pints and little interest in running. I got a wake up call that Easter when I tried to run up to the village with my one of my brothers-in-law and ended up wheezing and whining after less than a quarter of a mile. So, I packed up the pints for a while, bought a new pair of running shoes, aimed for the RTE 5 mile run, and haven't looked back since. Today, I returned to the scene of that run, and this time, it was to tick off April with the one-a-month brothers. So far we have run: Tuam in January, Birr in February, Dublin in March and now RTE in April. I arrived a bit earlier than Kevin and Cormac, so I got to register us all and soak in some of the pre-race sunshine swanning.

Kevin and Cormac, comfortable at the midway point!

The race is based on the site of our national broadcaster, so some famous(ish) faces were in view... My mother and father were up, as were Kevin's youngest two and Cormac's wife, Ruth, who ran with us last month and will run again next month but unfortunately wasn't ready today. We gathered together in Aylesbury Road for the off and the race took us on a four lap journey around the leafy suburb of Donnybrook.

The brothers stuck together for the first two laps, running within ourselves and holding ourselves for a mad burst! At the three lap mark we each stepped up the pace a bit and strode home while mostly passing runners (always a good sign!). I finished in 41.34mins, not too bad for this time of year, and Kevin and Cormac came in at 43.30ish, so they are seriously flying and closing in on aul Bren.

Next month's race is still to be decided, but a 10k would be in order for sure...

Good Friday on Diamond Hill

2011-04-23T01:51:00.000-07:00

The day on Diamond Hill turned out windy and rainy despite early promise but we'll still enjoyed the walk immensely.

The forecast was for a warm and clear day. The forecast was wrong! Still, it didn't deter Brendan McGowan and I as we took advantage of our day off from work to head for Diamond Hill. This noble pertrusion that lies to the back of the Connemara National Park information centre and casts it's cold eye over it's more illustrious neighbours, the Twelve Pins.

McGowan's grimace: understandable for a man who climbed a mountain with bandy legs and a bad back...

We set off early enough and got to Letterfrack by about 10.20am. Last September we conquered the mighty Glen Coghan Horseshoe loop that takes in 7 of the twelve pins, but this time 'round Brendan was hampered by a sore back and consequently sore legs, so we opted to ease into the season by walking the Diamond. Brendan has already done this hill a few times but it was my first time - being new enough to hill walking. The hill itself is pretty high (well over 1400ft), but it is very manageable due to the work that has been done by the National Park and the Office of Public Works. Amazingly it is stepped almost all of the way up with flagstones. Walkers were out in their droves and one Englishman, on hearing our accents, joked that he 'didn't know Irish people walked'.

A sandwich at the summit...

It took us around two hours to go up and down and the wind was heavy to say the least at the very top. In fact we were practically blown off our feet and I ran the last section coming towards the stones that symboled the mountains peak, so that I could shelter behind the rock wall at the very top. There I enjoyed a sandwich or two while we surveyed the sprawling wilderness below - with a great view of Kylemore Abbey to our right and directly ahead of us, in the far distance, we could see Mayo's highest peak - Mweelrea Mountain.

Amazingly this mountain has a stone pathway nearly all the way up! Firstly: how did they manage to do this? Secondly: do not underestimate the climb simply because it has this path!

It started to rain as we made our descent, but it took nothing away from the lovely views, the great chat and the fine start to another year of walking and running...

5K Salthill Run

2011-04-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Proud and undaunted - some of the TríSpórt club members who took part in the Salthill 5k with yours truly far left.

There's nothing better than an unexpected race, on a fine day - especially when the route is a regular run that I had planned to do anyway! Such was the case yesterday... I brought my gear to work in order to stop off in Salthill on the way home, but received a call from Big Ron to remind me about the Salthill 5k (a run organised by the Christian Camp of the Arts). I needed reminding for sure, as I had clean forgotten this event. About 150 runners gathered on the prom at 7.30pm to run a flat and what should have been a fast 5k. We headed out towards South Park and rounded the football pitches to turn back towards the prom again. I usually add the Mutton Island Causeway and a further stretch of the prom to this route to make it a 5 miler. I ran at a tempo that was higher than usual for me at this time of year and finished in 23.30mins - not great, but no disgrace. Rónán finished in 19mins, so he was haring along nicely. The event also marked my first run with the rest of the TríSpórt club members (a local club for triathlon participants, and those of us who can compete in one leg of a triathlon only!). It was a great event - and a good call to get on a Tuesday afternoon!

An Unusual Run with Music.

2011-04-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

I swopped the stillness of the bog for a run with Lara Marling playing in my ears.

I don't usually run with music, in fact I have already written a post here about how much I dislike running with a pair of earphones dangling from my aural receptacles. However, for some crazy reason, I decided to do a 5 miler on the prom today, with a pair of said music transmitters in my ears. And, d'you know what, but it wasn't all that bad. I do still prefer to run to the natural sounds all around - the gulls, the lapping water, the whistling wind, or the chattering classes on the promenade. These sounds, and more like them, excite me greatly. And in another way I love the bog runs for the stillness and peace - a place abandoned by man and animal alike (save for the wasp-like clag, or the odd goat). But, for one day only, I joined the ranks of the music runners, and didn't mind it one bit. Ran nice and easy, upped the pace for the last mile.

In Lovely London Running!

2011-04-09T04:50:00.000-07:00

Ed on the Hungerford Footbridge (I think that's what it's called) on a fine day in the lovely little town of London.

Arrived in Queen Lizzie's backyard last night and headed straight for a tiny little pub on the Strand, called the Nell Gwyn. We're here for Siobhan's 30th birthday bash and her other half, and our other good mate, Stephen was working in the Gywn. So the plan was to get there, have a drink or two, and then back to their place for the night. We met some famous actors (Stephen and Siobhan are two fine actors so we meet famous people whenever we catch up with them!), and we met Ed, a friend of Stephen's who is also here for the birthday bash. Anyway, enough of the scene setting: Ed and I went out for a run in London town this morning, taking in the major sights on a beautiful day. I always thought England and Ireland had similar climates but my God I was wrong - the day was absolutely beautiful here! We ran up towards Trafalgar Square and then turned back a different way towards home - crossing a footbridge where bongo players and all those lovely artsy people were hanging out, crossing markets, art galleries, busy cafes and of course the mighty Thames. All in all, just shy of 3 miles, but utterly refreshing. I'm well ready for this big bash now, and hopefully Lizzy herself might make an appearance.

Awful Weather, Lovely Run.

2011-04-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

Not a pretty sight, after taking a battering by the sea!

Sometimes the worst of weather can make for the best of runs. I stopped off at Salthill on the way home from work this evening to do my favourite Mutton Island run, on an evening when the Atlantic was spraying all those who tread too close. And I loved it. In fact, I loved it so much that I defied her will by cutting out on to the causeway heading towards the lighthouse, while spray spluttered all about.

An overboard look from the Mutton Island causeway.

I was wet for sure, but it was a refreshing kind of dampness! All in all I ran about four miles this evening, but it was probably as good as 10!

Five Miles on Mother's Day

2011-04-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

A famous landmark on my 'out the door and up and down run', this old ruin was a grand mansion in long ago days. Today, the Council has left a water tank outside this old house because the village's water supply has been contaminated by a home heating oil leak!

Mother's Day, with neither a wife or a mother in sight. D headed up to County Louth to visit her own mother and family, while my mother left our little village to head up to the big smoke of Dublin City to see my sister and brother who are both married up there (not to each other, I stress). I was working on Saturday, but today was blissfully spent at home - cleaning, studying for a wee project of mine, a visit from big Ron and his two fine boys, doing a bit of gardening, and of course, a five mile run! It was my 'out the door and up and down route', in brilliant wind and threatening rain. Thankfully the rain stayed away until I had finished but there was an icy tone on the wind and it took me a good mile to warm up! I felt great today - the slow but sure policy is definitely paying off.

A Gusty Run and Late Night Window Trouble.

2011-03-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

A picture taken in fairer weather (last Monday!). The emerging shadow is my own of course!

Ah, the joys of living on the most westerly tip of the most westerly rock in Europe. My last post here was all about March sunshine and a stroll to the beach, but last night the winds came... and boy how they came! D and I were awoken from our slumber at 5.30am last night to the sound of swirling and rattling from upstairs. I had inadvertently left a velux window open and it was rocking wildly, with the wind battering against the bedroom door! Of course, I did the brave thing by gently nudging my good wife out of bed to deal with this situation (I'm joking of course!). Anyway, the day cleared and all we were left with was the gusty residue of a big wind. The tail of a gale. And is there any weather nicer to run in than the tail of a gale? I did 5 miles today, something in the sub nine region. It was a slight improvement on Monday, so I'm happy with an upward curve, and I've made sure to close all windows tonight.

4 Miles in Seanadh Mhach

2011-03-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

On our way down to the secluded beach D and I passed our neighbour, Beartle's, raised beds. He is all set and ready for sowing vegetables - putting me to shame!

The beautiful weather continued today, and as luck would have it I have been on a few days off from work - just at the right time. I went for a four mile run in Seanadh Mhach at lunch time. This is a beautiful trek through barron bogland and the place was awash with golden Spring rushes. For some reason I am still not 100% so I felt this run to be sluggish and slow - it may have something to do with the fact that I am still not meat-eating due to Lent, but this is hardly the case, as there are many vegetarian runners in the world. At least one cutter was eager for an early year - most people wouldn't cut turf (peat) until May at the earliest but this sprightly man was at it already!

The little beach was full of empty shells, as the tide was out.

When Deirdre came home we went for a walk down to our 'private beach'! Well, if truth be known it is not private, and definitely not ours either, but it may as well be, for though it is secluded and difficult to get to from the main road, it is but a short walk from where our house is situated. In olden times nuns would cross fields to bathe in this secret spot and it must have belonged to some man named Páidín, for it is still known as Trá Pháidín (Páidín's beach). Running-wise I seem to be in a cycle of short runs only. I had to cancel the Craughwell 10 mile run some weeks ago in order to do the Dublin 5k with the lads (happy to cancel though!), and now I have to cancel the April 9th Connemara half marathon, as D and I must travel to London that weekend for a friend's celebration. Truth be known though, I'm not really bothered about racing long distance pre-Summer and I hope to add on the miles in finer weather.

Late March Brings the Sun.

2011-03-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

I spotted the first sea-angler of the year on Salthill's prom this evening as I was out for a 5 mile, slow run. I doubt there are any mackerel to be caught, but my good friend James assures me that pollack are plentiful for those who know how to catch them. Late May is when we usually manage to get down to the rock for a cast or fifty, and when the mackerel are in you usually don't even need to know how to catch them - just keep casting your line and feathers and you're bound to land a few. Today was the best day of the year so far (weather-wise!), and the prom was jam packed with walkers - not to mention the benches that were bulging with ice cream lickers. There were even swimmers and bathers - though I can't say that I would have braved the sea at this time of year! I ran very slowly, and really couldn't even put in a fast mile. I'm still feeling the residue of last week's cold - either that or my Lenten abandonment of meat is beginning to wear me down. Must get iron tablets.

St. Patrick's Dublin 5k.

2011-03-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

The One a Month Club hit the Capital for their March Run!

Like some wild banditos looking for trouble, the One-a-Month Club rode into the big city today, taking a wife with them - and this time no one would be safe...! Yes folks, it was a great day for the men of the wild west as we travelled east in brilliant March sunshine to participate in a the St. Patrick's Dublin 5k. Kevin, Cormac and I were joined today by Cormac's wife, and my sis-in-law, Ruth.

Pre-race tension builds on Dawson Street!

There was a great buzz of excitement around the Mansion House with old and young runners stretching, chatting, jogging and doing just about everything that fit athletes do in those minutes before a big run.

Cormac 'Big Bang' O hEadhra makes the grade...

Ruth crosses the line...

Of course, we do things a little differently in our family - so a sit down coffee break was called for just a half an hour before the start! This time last year I ran the Craughwell 10 miler with a cold and just ached my way through it. A year on, and I had a bloody cold again - this time though the worst of it was over. There were some famous faces to be seen all day - the great Irish miler, Eamonn Coughlan, the magnificent rugby player, Ronan O'Gara and one of Ireland's greatest marathon runners, Gerry Kiernan (with whom we got our picture taken). The Lord Mayor counted us down and we all set off towards St. Stephen's Green, heading towards Baggot Street. Kevin and I sat back at the start but Cormac and Ruth shot off, at varying speeds. The course from start to finish was more or less flat and a joy to run.

Kevin strides it out...

Memories of last Autumn's Dublin marathon came flooding back as I watched the mass of runners making their way through city, being cheered by exuberant onlookers. Kevin and I ran at a chatting pace, not overly stretched but definitely not slow. We paced ourselves well and finished strongly, running at around an 8.30 pace. Cormac, who has only really started back training, was only a minute behind us, and Ruth wasn't far behind him - finishing the run well under the 30 minute mark. We had another coffee afterwards to toast our success, and to look forward to April's run (which we still need to find!).

Glorious Five Miler!

2011-03-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

Walkers and runners of all species heading out towards Mutton Island...

A glorious day for a run. I left work and drove towards the Prom to run my Mutton Island route - determined to stick with the policy of taking it easy for this time of year, as well as taking Running Fox's advice of adding a 'fast mile'. My pace was around 9.15ish as I started off in an area called the Claddagh - an old fishing village. Here I swung my little digital camera into action and snapped some lobster pots that were left up on the quay wall. I then headed out through South Park towards the Mutton Island causeway, with the old lighthouse and sewerage plant looming in the distance! The place was full of walkers and runners, with dogs on roller skates! Turning back from the Island I finally headed for th famous Prom. The sun was blinding above - though it was actually a chilly evening for anyone standing still! The walkers of Galway have a tradition of walking as far as the old wall by Blackrock, at which point they kick the wall and turn for home! This kick was my signal to up the pace and put in that 'fast mile' - it may have only been 3/4 of a mile, but it was fast...! I'd say I ran about 5 miles in all, and enjoyed every one of them!

The 'one-per-month' racing plan is to head for Dublin this weekend, where Kevin, Cormac and I will compete in the Mansion House 5k. It means missing out on the Craughwell 10 miler in order to keep the Brother's quest going - but well worth it I think. My book tip today is Born to Run - a fantastic read about barefoot running in Mexico!

Back to Basics with a Three Mile Run.

2011-03-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

Towards the tip of Point with th Aran Islands out in the distance...

Following nearly a week of inactivity, when I felt sorry for myself for not feeling 100%, I got out into the cold clear air yesterday to run three miles, down to the lighthouse in Point, back up to Cóilín Daddy's house and then back down home. What I call: the out the door and up and down run. I have resolved to do two things for this time of year: 1) slow down my training runs, 2) get out three times a week. I reckon my recent lethargy is down to the fact that I have run too sporadically and when I have gone out I have run to fast.
The brain keeps telling me that I have already put in a year of hard running in 2010, culminating in a decent marathon, and that I should therefore have a base from which to run faster at the drop of the hat. But the body disagrees. So now I reckon this time of year is for one type of behaviour, and one type only: put in the long slow miles, enjoy the scenery and build the legs for summer training.

One thing I'm looking forward to is to be able to pick up on some proper training this summer - I reckon I'll go for the furman first programme again that stood me in good stead last year - but I need to build that base first!

Lent.

2011-03-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

It's Ash Wednesday, and being a Catholic (at least culturally), and also a man known to deprive himself of certain pleasures from time to time - aka the title of this blog, I have determined to do a good Lent this year! And what, I hear you ask, would a good lent be? Well for starters: NO MEAT. Forty days of veg and at times, fish. Secondly: NO CHOCOLATES, CRISPS, FIZZY DRINKS, PASTRIES OR SCONES. And what about the demon drink, I hear you ask? Well, it's not such a huge thing for me to cut out the booze anymore, but during lent I'll only allow myself to drink when staying away from home on the odd weekend (which may happen once or twice). Lent used to be a really big deal in this country many years ago: in olden times people would practically keep themselves on a diet of potatoes, water, homemade bread and the odd fish. There were no marriages or any kinds of celebrations during Lent and hardly any games of any kind. Of course, much has changed since the 19th century! One interesting thing about life back then was that people would allow themselves to eat Goose during lent - believing somehow that geese were connected to the sea through some ancient myth, thus catagorizing them as seafood rather than fowl. Hmmm, now where could I get a good goose....

The Mutton Island Run.

2011-03-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

Mutton Island... out on Galway Bay.

There's a training route I love which I call the Mutton Island Run, and t'was that very run I did this evening. It starts on the prom, heading out towards the football pitches on South Park, with a detour that cuts through Galway Bay as we head out to Mutton Island. This evening was particularly beautiful, a slight chill the only clue that we were in March and not May. Mutton Island sits only 1.5km out on the bay and there is an old lighthouse there which is now encased in a sewerage treatment plant! My good old friend, Bill Scanlon, was the last lighthouse keeper on Mutton Island, stepping down reluctantly in the 1980s when the lighthouses of Ireland were all automated and unmanned. It's hard not to think of Bill as I run towards the Island - his father and grandfather were also lighthouse keepers there, so Bill spent many years lighting up that rock in the bay. The road that now leads runners and walkers out to the Island was only put in place about 8 years ago, when the sewerage plant was put in place - so some good comes from a pile of sh*t!. In Bill's day the only access was by boat and as I run close to the Island I get an impression of the incredible peace that the inhabitants must have had on beautiful days like these as the water flaps gently against the rock and the sound of the gulls and other birds are amplified in chorus; 'this is our spot - away with you'. And turning back is even better - now I can see what Bill and his young brother must have seen all those years ago as they played down by the rocks edge and viewed Galway from afar. The cathedral is prominent now, but back then this was Galway gaol, the docks are full of tank-like buildings but there are no great ships - many years ago the great liners pulled in here, and Salthill was surely a thinner line than the big blot of property that now stands on the horizon. But still, the City is beautiful from this distance and the gulls agree... The Mutton Island run keeps me going for about five miles, round South Park and back down the prom. I ran this slowly, but steadily - it's the best I can do for now.

First Picture From Birr 10K!

2011-03-03T08:36:00.000-08:00

The good people who organised last Saturday's tough, but wonderful 10k run in Birr have just sent on a pic of me finishing (slightly over excited, I know)... I am indebted to Oisín, David and all the crew for this pic as I had left my own camera behind... I'm also hoping to get hard evidence pics of Kevin and Richie's participation!

The Glorious Prom on a Fine Day for Cricket!

2011-03-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

Some currachs in the Claddagh, on the way out to the Galway prom...

I took advantage of a beautiful, bright Spring day by skipping off work a wee bit early to run the gorgeous Galway prom. Who knows where this weather came from, and who cares - it's about time we started getting some bit of good news around these parts. In fact, good news was the order of the day when the radio man said that Ireland beat England in the Cricket world cup in India. How shocking was that?! To put this into perspective I don't think it's any exaggeration to say that this would be like England beating Ireland in a game or Hurling. Or a three-legged cat chasing a Alsatian dog up a tree. Most of us know absolutely nothing about cricket, but the nation needs a lift now and I reckon it should be taken as a compliment by our English neighbours to know that it feels good to beat the best! As for my run: I did at least four, at a fair pace (around 8 minutes), with another mile warm down.

The Brothers Tick the Second Month on the One-Per-Month Quest.

2011-02-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

Two from Twelve as the Brothers O'Hara completed the Birr 10k to mark the February calendar. We lost one brother, Cormac - he was reporting for RnaG on the little matter of a general election, but we gained another in Richie, who tore up the by-roads and side-roads around Birr to finish in 47 minutes. And believe me that was an achievement for this was one hell of a tough run! Kevin turned out for this race as a far fitter specimen of man than that which competed a month ago in Tuam, and so-signs on it as he trotted home comfortably in 54 minutes. There is a fit train a-coming from the direction of Mullingar... Personally, I found the going extrememly tough, finishing in the 50 minute mark and I reckon my weeks of stop-start training and over reliance on the treadmill have sent me on a downward spiral that needs to be checked. There is no substitute for the open air. The race itself was extremely well organised and it was a big bonus to have gotten such a nice day in one of Ireland's finest little towns. We started in the centre of the town, at John's Mall, and headed out the Kinnity road for about 4k, before turning right for 1.5k and heading back in again towards town - with the finish line alsoat John's Mall. I think it's fair to say that there was no down hill and very little flat parts of this race! It seemed to drag from slight incline to slight incline and every time we came to the brow of a hill our expectations of a downhill were dashed by another flat or worse still, another bloody incline! Having said all that, it was a very good run and very well marshalled. The organisers have told me to expect another run in Birr town in 8 weeks time - this time possibly around the grounds of Birr Castle, and yet another around Kinnitty Castle. Hopefully we'll be back... As for the O'Hara brothers: we celebrated our run with a good few pints in the County Arms Hotel and were joined by the election count man the following day. Onwards to March, when I personally will compete for a PB in the Craughwell 10mile, and when we will also have to find another race on the one-per-month brotherly quest for fitness.

4 on the TM

2011-02-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

Another four miles at a fair pace this evening. Treadmill. Big race coming up on Saturday in Birr for the O'Hara brothers, who can now confirm that young Richie will be present...Methinks a Thursday trot will leave me in a good state.

5ish Miles in Louth

2011-02-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

A run that brought me as far as Stabannon Castle...

I took the last week off from running, due to the onset of a winter cold. This morning, up in my wife's Wee County, I resolved to get out and at it again. My route was the usual Louth route - the little road to the back of Stabannon Church, then heading right, past the old graveyard and straight on for two miles as far as the old castle. All in all I probably ran about five miles, or just shy of that. It's strange how a short week away from running can set you back so much as I was struggling at times and even felt like turning back a good deal earlier. Next Saturday I'll be in Birr for a 10k run with brothers Kevin and possibly Richie, which will mark the second of the O'Hara's 'Run Per Month Schedule'. Unfortunately we will not have Cormac on board this time around and it's also looking dodgy for Richie (Cormac will be otherwise engaged as election reporter and it's likely that Richie's soccer commitments may see him having to miss the race). Still, as long as we have two brothers per month it's still a valid cause!

Back to the Great Outdoors to run a Beach, Two Piers and Fifty Lobster Pots...

2011-02-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

My starting point: the Coral Strand.

At last I shook free from the treadmill and went out into the fresh air for a run that was about 5 miles in distance, and somewhere in the region of 8.30 in pace. The first part of the day was borrowed from high summer, while the second part was a borrowed from, well a typical Irish rainy winter. So glad was I that I availed of the fine weather. I started my run down by the coral strand - Trá an Dóilín, and ran across the eastern side of the beach and a trail that I had heard about from Rónán, but hadn't run before. I had no choice but to run this section at pace, as I was leaping over seaweed and slippy rock. The trail led me to a little pier which I had never seen before - our peninsula has a pier at the end of every little road. From that point I followed an uphill section of road that ran for about a half a mile until I reached the main route to the beach again. I turned left instead of right at the top of the road and headed toward the village but broke off to take in another road, that led to another pier at Caladh Thadhg...I felt good enough today, and was full of beans at this stage. There is about a mile (not fully) in the road that leads to Caladh Thadhg and back. Down at this pier there were about fifteen boats of all shapes and sizes anchored up, and about fifty lobster pots stacked ready for the next day. The way back from that pier to the top of the road calls for a big climb - so the elbows were grinding like the axle of a steam engine as I tried to motor on up! I ran on into the village then and really could have gone on for a good while, the day being so fine, but for two reasons: today is wifey's birthday and I was anxious to be back at a decent time and, Ireland were due to play France in a big rugby match (which we lost, but only just!). All in all, I enjoyed today - it's great to get back out.

3 Treadmillian Miles Considering this Whacko Election.

2011-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's still out there, why oh why can't I use it...

Imagine an election where one of the main parties can't muster enough souls brave enough to canvass door to door, where the Taoiseach (PM) elect isn't brave enough to participate in a leader's debate and where the electorate is mad as hell, but not brave enough (or bothered enough) to do any of that Egyptian-style protest. Yep, it's the Irish election. Factor into this the fact that we are merely electing a Government to implement an IMF-EU four year austerity plan and you can see why we are less than tickled pink by this chance to express our democratic right to vote. But despite all this economic Armageddon I've noticed that the hills are still green, the sea is still blue (well, grey-green), the fields are full of grass and heather and the roads are made for running. So why the hell am I still in a treadmill phase?

Two Quick Miles and The Finkler Question...

2011-02-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

No outdoor run to report, just a rushed two miler on the treadmill this evening (about 7.30min pace, which nearly killed me on that machine). Meanwhile, I've added a new review down the right column of this blog - the Booker winning Finkler Question...

How to Combat Treadmill Misery.

2011-02-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

I dreamt I was back walking up the bright trail to the top of Slieve Foy.

I stopped the rot this evening by running three miles. Unfortunately I had to resort to that mechanical misery mile machine that is: the treadmill. So, to combat the unbelievable drudgery of a half an hour on a treadmill, I recalled last summer's sojourn up to the top of Slieve Foy in County Louth. As I plodded away at an 8.30 pace I remembered that fine day when I set off up the mountain, past the sheep and up the briary trail to the very top of the most beautiful spot on the east coast of Ireland...

A Louth Sheep, relieving himself on the side of the mountain.

Situated in the old viking town of Carlingford, it is just big enough to walk to the top and back in three hours. And walking the Foy has a magical way of making a pint of stout taste 100% better (at least, I've heard this - last year I was on a restricted diet of Guinness so I didn't partake of a bevvy after my walk, but I'll put it to right this year). What I'd also like to do this year is to run up the Foy, or at least a good part of it.

View from the top...

After all, I'm sure a torturous run up a mountain still beats the hell out of the treadmill.

Not Dead, Just Not Running.

2011-01-31T10:44:00.000-08:00

I've been busy, or lazy, or just in need of a short break from running. This break should end on Wednesday...or rather it will end on Wednesday. The 'Monthly Brothers' have but one notice this week - our next race will take place in the lovely town of Birr on the 26th February, and not in Wicklow on the 12th of Feb as was the plan. Now, back to temporary hibernation....