Easter running..

Easter Sunday saw me once more heading to North Kerry to take part in the Maurice Collins Memorial 4 mile run. Last year it was a real blue sky day, this year it was not! The morning was chilly, the rain was falling in heavy showers and when we arrived in Ballyheigue it was windy too. I was in a moany mood as I had a dull ache in my shin, (shin splints the runners friend, NOT!) as well as two knees which were black and blue from the burpees I had done during Fridays crossfit open 16.5.

View from the car

Not long after Michelle arrived we headed over to register. The run raises money for the Kerry Cork Health Link bus which takes patients dealing with cancer to their appointments and treatments, it is a truly worthy cause. As we signed up runners began to appear, I decided to find the toilet for the nervous pee. We were at this stage still layered up, scarfs, coats etc...

Heading back to the car I left my a few layers there but I brought a jacket but to be honest it didn't last long into the run. I warm up to quickly to carry a jacket around with me as I run. 

As I made my way to the start line I made an attempt to warm up by doing a bit of a jog and I did a few stretches. There was a nice crowd, knowing where I was at preparation wise I kept towards the middle rear end of the group. I was not going to be racing. Bernie was at the start line, after quickly outlining the route she sent us on our way. But, as I began to run my breath was literally taken,  as we all ran head on into the wind. The wind made it tough to settle into a good steady pace. At this stage there was a quick downpour, it wasn't too heavy and it was the only one of the run.

By the second mile I felt comfortable in the run especially as the wind was now at my back and as the route began to climb it didn't feel as hard as it could have. Woohoo!! I have run this route before and the previous times the weather has been glorious which made for the most amazing views. But the view of a stormy seascape added a different dimension to the vista. I had no camera with me so I can't share the view with you.
During the last mile and a half there was a runner ahead of me, we kept hopping past each other. Eventually, he pulled ahead of me but I tried as always to finish strong. Although apparently I forgot to smile..

My saddle bags are on full display must do more squats..

As I crossed the finish line to receive my bling, I had a quick peek at the Garmin and I was happy with the run I had done.

It wasn't the quickest 4 mile I have run but considering everything I can't complain. Having reviewed my mile splits on the Garmin I ran more consistently this year, which you know is my ultimate aim - to be a consistent runner. Slowly but surely it is happening..

This run has a truly stunning views, I can't wait to come and run here during the Summer when the sun shines. I will take a some pictures to show you all. 

I didn't reach my monthly mileage goal for March, at this stage of the year it's not too bad but I'll have to put together a good training plan over the next week or so which will take me through the Summer. I have a few runs coming up over the next few months and I want to put in a good effort. 

As the evenings are getting longer and brighter I'm looking forward to exploring the national park once more..

Our next outing is the Banna beast challenge it should be great fun, it is an obstacle race on the beach.Some of the group are signed up I haven't signed up yet!  But it would be a good challenge and also a good laugh. I am hoping for good weather for the participants and spectators. 

  

Becoming stronger..

I really don't know where time goes, it's almost a month since I checked in. With no major runs, this month has been all about being consistent with the runs and putting in the mileage

The week starts with our group run each Monday with the stretch in the evenings we are able to move pass the track and head into the National Park as far as the Abbey. The route has a few ups and downs which I need to do as I'm not a big fan of any incline. I need the practice on any sized hill!! Weather wise we have been fairly lucky with only an occasional rain shower although last Monday evening it was cold as we started. But we soon warmed up but there was no delay afterwards.

A good view helps me move forward..

During the last few weeks we have had some beautiful blue sky days. I have tried to stay consistent with my running despite the weather, which has been hard some days but some days there is nothing better than putting on your runners getting outside and going for a run. I love those days, those runs when you can switch off completely and just move in a forward motion. Runs were you notice the movement of your muscles, the sound of your breath and you smile from start to finish. I have had one or two this month which keep me motivated..

On the move...

Of the last few track runs I have done my most enjoyable was probably last week. There were plenty of people around each doing their own laps at their own pace. My plan was to run an easy mile to warm up, followed by 2 x 400m with a walk rest in between, 6x 200m with walk rest in between  then run two miles at a steady pace. The warm up was fine,  the 200m and the 400m were Ughhh.  A sprinter I am not but I did them and finished with a few steady miles. 

Lights, Runners, Go...

Running track selfie

I've also been going to the Killarney Parkrun which I love, although I need to put in a better performance soon. Last week, I went and as we started my legs felt heavy, I thought it was after Crossfit the evening before NO EXCUSE! But I felt a twinge in my lower shins and thought oh oh!! I pushed on not one of the most pleasant runs.

For the past two weeks I have been taking part in the Crossfit open, along with nearly 300,000 individuals worldwide, you do a prescribed workout each week, your judged and given a score which is uploaded to a website. As this is my first year, I have nothing to lose, all I can do it is give a go and try to enjoy it. There is a great group of people taking part at Crossfit Killarney . The support and the buzz on Friday night really adds to the overall experience and makes you push for that one extra rep.

Pre 16.1 look of dread...

Below are a pictures (photography courtesy of Ewelina Downey and Caroline O Donoghue) of me taken during 16.2, they are not my best looks, ughhh those saddlebags...

But I have to say I love the one of me and the barbell.. It reminds me of how strong I am becoming and how hard I have worked to get this far.