The Rose of Tralee 10K..DONE!!

Where to start, at the beginning I hear you say,and so that is where I'll begin...

I was doing the Rose of Tralee 10K with John,  I must admit I was looking forward to the company, usually I'm on my own with my thoughts and if you've read this blog before, you know how that monologue goes...  Last Sunday, the 10K was starting in the Tralee Bay Wetlands, as we walked into the centre, the rain began to fall, it was a really heavy Summer shower that came out of nowhere. A while later, I would have appreciated a drop of rain!
Kick off was at 11am, we started at a nice steady pace and I was comfortable, we saw Susan and my godson Daniel, as we left the wetlands and gave them a cheer, smiling we ran on with a spring in our step. Around the roundabout, forward we went and then disaster I heard Owhhh!!! Someone, had stood on the back of Johns foot and he came down on to it hard. We stopped and reassessed, I asked did he want to pull out but no we continued. It was slightly unsettling, for the next mile or so, we slowed, sped up but continued on.
At this stage of the run, we on a long straight road out of Tralee heading to Banna, I knew we were turning right near Mount Hawk school and so I waited patiently for it. As we turned and continued on, we got into a nice easy rhythm, I thought to myself  I am enjoying this. Although, I have to say it was warm,  hot even, we were running a straight road with little or no shelter, which led to much, much sweating. But not that you were too uncomfortable.
 (I have since discovered that this new road is nicknamed 'the fat mile' because of all the people walking and running it).
Ahead the steward directed us downhill to the water station, I had water so didn't take any, John did and as we went up the hill, I thought this was a bit cruel at the half way mark!!! Onwards, we went, pockets of people cheered us on, which was really great. One lady in particular, clapped and offered a word of encouragement to everyone who passed and it was much appreciated!
Heading towards Rock street, then down Rock Street, we were nearly finished and then we turned the corner and were in Denny Street. I felt tired, but crossed the line, thumbs up!!
It wasn't a day for a PB but I was happy, I hadn't pushed myself but was consistent. Medal received, we got water and banana which were welcome. I didn't realise there was no tech shirt as I had been looking forward to it as the one they got in 2013 was lovely.

Johns foot was swollen! (Thankfully, no serious damage but it is badly bruised).

Bernie also ran, she she a good run  and was at the finish line, so we could swap stories.

I have to say on reflection I enjoyed the experience as a whole. The route was just tough enough to be enjoyable. And so, like Arnold, "I'll be back..."

More Bling...

Moving forward..

Last year after the half marathon, I don't think I ran for a couple of weeks and it was tough to get back on track, I felt my fitness dipped quite a bit and by the time the group met again in September, I felt I had to a lot of ground to recover. This year I was determined to not let this happen and thankfully, I wasn't alone, some of the girls also wanted to keep going. So each Monday, we meet up, whoever can make it does and if you can't there's always next week.  We meet at the Killarney National Park, where there are so many directions in which you can run offering great variety. And there's also some one else out running..

We have been doing some hill training as some of us are aiming to do the 10 mile race in Killarney this September, which features one or two hills and so preparation is needed. And if I was just on my own, I would run in the other direction of a hill. Maybe, once I'd give it a go but I wouldn't try as hard as I do when with the group.
The last few evenings we have had a few rain showers so it makes it harder to put on your trainers and head out for a run, but at least its not as humid as it has been!






I am as usual  trying to push through my internal monologue of running doom and have had some success in doing so. Even John has noticed, when we run together my pace has stepped up. Yeahhh!

John took this of me on the go!!

I am doing a 10K on Sunday just so I'll have run at near race pace. Hahaha listen to me race pace, its nearly all the same pace.. I am bringing John along with me, to push me on.

We are up to date now, and I will write about the 10K early next week.

PBs abound...

I really don't know what to say... Yesterday, I achieved a few PB's, which under normal circumstance, I would be delighted with and to be quiet truthful I am but in one PB I received I know could do better, I know it is all very cryptic! 

To begin, I went for a run with the group on Monday evening, we met, chatted, stretched and did a 4 mile run. Our last group run before the Half marathon. I started off the run chatting to Siobhan, she made a great observation, everyone congratulated her achievement on doing a half marathon they didn't follow it up with 'in what time?', I tried to keep that in my head this week. (And today!!) After my first mile I settled into my run and continued on, I did in fact enjoy it, I know who knew!!!  As, I headed into the last mile, I was waning, when who should appear Bernie,she was followed by Caroline, on we went, we reached Doreen, ahead of us was Siobhan. As I my garmin hit 4 miles, I was delighted, in the run I had done and that it was done.  If left to my own devices, I would have walked to the entrance to stretch but with the encouragement of these women I jogged on.  

The support of a great running group should not to be underestimated!!  

Doreen had an old injury give her problem and  had doubts about the half marathon, I am delighted to report she crossed the finish line. After a chat, we all arranged to meet at 7am on Saturday morning at the Gleneagle Car park.

Best foot forward

As, the alarm went off Saturday morning at 5 am, I felt OKish!! I wasn't overly nervous but there were a few butterflies flying around. Coffee, toast, banana consumed, washed, teeth & hair brushed, dressed, bags in car..And off I go!  

Arriving at the Gleneagle Hotel I saw Bernie & Tina, I was quickly directed into a car space near to where Michelle & Anna were parked. Car locked, after wishing the girls good morning, I headed to the bathroom (not the last trip)! One by one we all arrived, the last bus was heading to the start at 7.30am, so a few more bathroom trips and a group photo, we headed on to the bus, Bernie and Tiffany were separated from us. But we all met again at the start.

As we headed to the start line, we chatted away Caroline was having a hectic weekend not only was she running the half marathon, she was opening a cafe on Sunday -'Cosies Cafe' in Caherciveen. Karen was beside me and as we chatted time passed and we were there. As commented, 'Other then staying on the bus to head back down it was time to get off and run, 13.1 miles.' 

It's crazy, of that there is no doubt! 13.1 miles

As some headed to the toilets, the queue was a sight, nerves were abound! I didn't avail of the facilities which I would later regret. As we waited we ran into Aidan from last years group he was as usual smiling, it was great to catch up. 

My first selfie at race start! Note to self try to smile!! 

As we all wished each other good luck and said see you at the finish line. We set off. I kept my own pace, I was comfortable and steady. I tried to take in my surroundings, as I have often said we do live in a beautiful part of the country. At this stage I got a little stitch and the girls who passed said stretch to the other side, which I did but I kept my feet moving. 

I was enjoying the run, I really mean it.

As I hit the tunnel, I ducked into the loo. The lads manning the water table were offering words of encouragement and laughter. Much appreciated lads! But as, I headed off again I felt hard to get into a rhythm there is a few pulls in this stretch, which demanded gritted teeth. I heard a siren and the first full marathoner passed OMG, he didn't look like he had broken a sweat. 

Onwards, I just kept saying get to Torc, smile plastered on my face, feet moving forward.

Taken by Valarie O Sullivan

The picture above is why I should only ever take pictures or head shots. I can't take a good photo, I can look better, believe me! 

Not long after this shot I was walking. Into the park I went, at this point the first of the 10K runners went sailing by me. I also had a niggle on my left side it was sore, tired legs and lack of stamina meant I was near to throwing in the towel.  I know, I know!! Rang Susan, she said keep going I did, but Aghhhh!! Then suddenly I heard 'Majella is that you', it was Denise a neighbour she too was injured and so together we soldiered. John came up behind us a while later and so our duo became a treble. Soon, we were at the Jarvey track, we jogged toward the finish, the cheer of the group pushed me on and over the finish line, I went. 

I obviously have only one pose for the camera!

I had to lean against wall for a second. I really have to say a big thanks to Denise, much appreciated. We crossed the road where we received our medals and t-shirts.  Which I love!! One of my biggest cheerleaders Catherine was on hand to say well done! I really I wanted to meet the group. 

Everyone, was in great spirits, some of the girls had already gone but everyone had done really well.

At this stage of the day I was never attempting or doing a half again! 

(By the end of the day, I was ready to sign up again).

As we all parted ways, we were meeting up later, I headed to the massage tent. As, I queued I meet a  man Pat Kiely & his lovely family from Waterford, he talked about how he started running and his experiences. Isn't that what running is about, meeting people you wouldn't normally and having something in common. 

Now let me explain my opening statement, at the Run Killarney Half Marathon I achieved the following PBs   (personal bests) - 1KM, 1Mile, 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. It is the last PB which could have been better yesterday, but listed out like that not bad for one run!

I say thanks to the following amazing ladies :- Bernie, Tina, Michelle, Caroline, Siobhan, Doreen, Maeve, Karen, Anna, Tiffany, Gillian, Fiona, Caroline who soldiered with me in training for the Run Killarney HM Their ability is inspiring! There laughter & comradeship has been a source of encouragement & support. As amazing as these ladies have been I really must thank my trainer 'extraordinaire' Brenda, I can honestly say knowing you has changed my life for the better.

Taking a week off, Running will then resume...

Where does the time go????

I don't know what I was thinking etc... But Yesterday it suddenly hit me, I am running a half marathon in two weeks. Crazzzy!!! Last year, seemed different I think it was pure excitement that got me to the start line. This year, it just seemed to creep up on me.. I have been out running and this week I have been smiling more, which is always good. I think I am more accepting of my pace, which makes for a happy mind. I have also noticed my legs are getting stronger which also helps.

The Run Killarney Half marathon is one of the most picturesque, the closing date is the 9th July

I did tell ye!

Leave it go..

Well the weather has been fantastic, it has been blue sky weather. Great in general bit not so much for running. The humid air makes it hard. Bit, we persevere! Sweaty and sticky has been the order of the day for much of the past  fortnights runs.
Logging the mileage on the legs has been the aim, not pretty, definitely not graceful but getting it done,
Well last Thursday, I had a lovely run it was drizzling but I went out early, no one around & I just switched off. Before long I was back at the car smiling. Loved it!
Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said about Saturdays run.
We met at the Gleneagle car park at 7am and headed off on our long run. The first couple of miles were OK at my own pace, I was smiling, the dinis route is hilly and so takes a bit of effort in parts and as I met the girls coming against me they told me Brenda was waiting for me and as I thought of the half marathon I said 'I can't do it'. Of course, she told me I could. So I turned and headed back, as I continued on I knew I wasn't right and I sweat alot normally but when I felt dizzy, I just knew I couldn't finish. I rang Brenda and she came back to me. This is the first time I didn't finish, I was so embarrassed-mortification.
After making sure I got some energy into me, Brenda gave me the advice 'it was a bad run, leave it here' and so hopefully my bad run is behind me and it's all good from here..
For some of the group it was the first time they had ran in double digits so what a great morning for them. Bernie ran an amazing 10K this Sunday in Kilmoyley coming 2nd in the ladies category.
In other news, I am officially registered for the Run Killarney Half marathon..  All I can say at this stage is #Bringiton

Still smiling...

Well, I think this is the first week in a while that I have felt truely happy in my running.
Monday training, had me facing that hill again, words spring to mind that I couldn't write or say out loud but have thought many times as I went up it, which best describe my feelings about this particular part of the national park . I put my head down, I felt better about it this week and felt sure I would complete it but No I haven't conquered it. YET! Some day.. Maybe!
Brenda told us we would meet on Saturday to do an 8 mile run as a group. We were to meet at 7.30am. Yikes!
As I ran during the week, I really enjoyed it. I felt I had a little spring in my step...
I don't know if I had the same spring at 6am on saturday morning , due to work I had arranged to meet Brenda at 7am. Arriving at the Gleneagle, Brenda and a few of the girls were there- Caroline, Doreen, Karen and Tiffany.
The route was as follows: -Down to Killarney Oaks up to the Gleneagle Hotel stretch, then head to Killarney Golf course, go down hill to the  turn off for demense, turn and return to Gleneagle.
As we set off, I turned on a bit of music in a bid to out shout my inner running voice, even as I write it I laugh because that voice is Sooo LOUD! However, at this stage we had a bit of a chat and settled in, after the  stretching we all headed off, Gillian had joined us at this stage. Brenda would follow on her bike later as soon as the rest of the group set off at 7.30am. Heading in to town was fine, keeping to my own pace. I was lost in the music and checking out who was out and about at this hour, there were a few.
It was cloudy at this stage of the day , so no sun beating down on us although it was warm it was still  comfortable.  Passing the Cathedral I noted I was alone on the road,  I felt calm and I was enjoying the run, the quiet.. All was good. As I reached the castlerosse, I slowed, but my little mantra kept me going
'You can, you will, you have'
with the help of Timber, Pharrell Willams and more..
So as I met Caroline & Doreen, I'm sure I was smiling. As, I  headed  into the golf course I was wary about the turnaround as there was g a slight incline , and in fairness me & uphill don't gel.. But, I felt a smile as I saw Karen & Tiffany they  were in good spirits. I slowed down once more at the turn as Brenda came up beside me and as I hit the incline I  slowed to a walk going up. I got water from Brenda and a few words of encouragement.  And so, as I left the golf course, I have to say I felt good in how the morning was going for me.
And then, yeah, BOooom!!
I saw the other girls coming against me and as they passed,  that inner voice of mine switched to high volume. I kept waiting for the footsteps to pass me out and so, instead of stepping it up - I slowed.
I am a idiot..
But, to take something positive from this negative I kept moving. But I couldn't find a steady pace. As I hit the top of Mission Rd, I was feeling bummed out, unable to motivate myself, I thought I just to have to get on with it. As, I headed toward the Gleneagle I saw Brenda heading towards me on the bike, I must of looked a state, a big sweaty head up on me. It was the first time, I can say I was truely glad to see the stop sign! (Although training begins there Monday so that thought won't linger).
On reflection, for me overall  it was a good run, I hadn't stopped if only  I hadn't let that voice take over! Frustrating is the first word that springs to mind! I have to learn to trust my training, the miles I've logged and most of all myself.
As my internal debate/monologue will undoubtedly continue I'm smiling because already I'm looking forward to the next run.

New runners, blue skies & smiles..