Hell, Hell, Hell, Hell, HELLLLLLLLLLLL

Saturday, 26th October 2013 will be etched into my memory for a long, long time. The day went as follows:-

The alarm went off at 7.30 am, so after breakfast etc.. I set off to Killarney to meet Susan. John was driving which was great it meant I didn't have to, he brought my dad along for company. The weather was so shocking - rain, wind, fog and as we arrived in Portmagee you could not even see Hell Mountain  as I will forever more refer to it.
Our two cheerleaders at this stage were looking for a cancellation!
We headed into the community centre, where we collected our numbers and a lovely hell mountain t-shirt. Time has a way of passing quickly and soon, we were on the bus to the start line, we left the enthusiastic cheer squad behind to get another bus.
We were dropped at the end of a steep narrow road, which took us up to the farm yard from where the challenge would start! Then we deposited our change of clothes in the women's cow shed, yes I did say Cow Shed. Looking at the group around me, I just knew they were there to race, the air was full of anticipation and determination.
It was still drizzling outside but not as heavy. There was, as is always the case a queue for the loo and as Susan queued, we met Bernie from our running group. We caught glimpses of Bernie for a while after we started but she sprinted off ahead of us, so I can't wait to catch up with her during the week. As we were all shuffled up the lane way, they let us off in waves.
We had to run up a steep hill, I swear the air just seemed to leave my body in such a rush I was Ughhhh!! Onwards and upwards, next stop the Silage bales, lovely. Around the corner and there was a bog, through it we went, oh and then I fell for the first time. The first of many, many, many falls! Then under the net, crawling through the mud, the noise as I and those around me pushed and squelched through it  and the smell of the mud got stronger as we push onwards! I could hear the screaming ahead. At this stage, we were still laughing, Susan was in front of me as she went through the water she roared how cold it was and as I waded into the waist deep cold water, I roared too, I think!.  Of course, as I went forward toward the next hurdle I was going through the mud when I fell back into the mud. I couldn't get a grip and a nice man picked me up! Thanks, whoever you were! A pile of tyres, I tried to pick up the smallest tyre I could see, up the hill and down we went. I went up and down so many hills yesterday, I don't know how many there were, they were so tiring. Climbing up the next hill, the spectators were there, I posed for photos for John.

At this stage, our cheerleaders began to cheer us on by saying the following "you don't have to go on, you can stop". Of course, we said NO. At a later stage, I probably regretted that decision! We had to go into knee and waist deep bog holes and then go down a water slide. YIPPEE!!!

As I went down the slide, I picked up speed too quickly and as I turned to slow down,  I landed with a bang head first into bog hole. Two fine gentlemen had to pull me out, as I spluttered & thrashed about, Susan at this stage was bent in two with laughter along with everyone else around me, all I could do was laugh too. As I continued, I turned to climb up again and go through a set of narrowing tyres, the mud was awful, and then it hit me the smell of cow shit or silage and it was soooo hard to get through.

At this stage, we got a very welcome bottle of water. Down again, we went into a river of water and up a hill again. Then down on my hands and knees under a net crawling in mud which flowed down. The smell was rotten! Up on my two legs I got and then I tried to climb in ankle deep mud badly. At this stage you would imagine I had climbed most of the mountain. You would be wrong! 
Up, Up, Up, Up we went, Susan went ahead the path was just mud. There were parts I crawled as my back was on fire and my legs were cramping. But then I heard Susan saying "you're there, at the top". But just as a feeling of elation hit it left. There was still more mountain to go. Ughhhhhh!!!!
As mud, water and bog blended with misery to enrich my experience, the views were completely lost to me. I did glance at the view but then kept moving forward and then downward FINALLY. There was no let up though mud, water, bog, crawling, over logs we climbed as the cheer leading squad came into view again.  As, I jumped into a bog full of water and then climbed through the mud to get out of it, I had to remind myself once again that day; I paid to do this, volunteered myself and cajoled Susan into doing it. The fact she was still speaking to me was something in itself!
The cheer leading squad headed for the farmyard, we continued on our hands and knees through pallets of mud. Down we went and up again. Yippee a pile of sandbags! And then yes, the road to the farmyard as we went down our paced picked up, I kid you not it wasn't finished more Silage bales and more water was in front of us. We jogged on and crossed the line, I felt such relief. Yeahhh!!! I swear I was weary to my very bones.
We were covered, Caked in mud!  We got hosed down by a very cold power hose.

We changed as quickly as we could, there was mud everywhere. I forgot my towel so I had share Susan's seriously all I could do at that stage was laugh as I stood wet and covered in mud in a cow shed! We put the clothes we were wearing in black bags what a state they were in.  (Just a note it took me 10 washes to get the mud completely out of my hair).

Portmagee promised HELL and they lived up to it. Today, I have bruises, aches, pains, I am wrecked!
I will not be doing another challenge which involves mountains or mud!!! 

At least I left Portmagee smiling, I had been to HELL (dragging Susan with me I should add!) GONE UP THE MOUNTAIN and most off all I had eventually CONQUERED IT!

What have I done?

I have been out running in the National Park, you can really feel the change in the evenings now, it gets dark so early. But the park is full these days as the deer rut is on and large groups are out & about with their cameras.
I have met one or two stags as I have been putting into practice the breathing lessons Brenda gave us, it has nearly done me in - I kid you not! I was in the demense, listening to the wonderful sounds of the Stags as I ran toward Ross Castle, I was taking in air  when ughhh I also took in a fly, I swear I got such a start I nearly tripped over myself. There I was coughing and spluttering, I think I got it out. I can still vividly remember the feeling as I retell it. Aghhhhh.
This past week even though I have got through my programme, I wasn't feeling my best. I have a slight sinus flare up so it wasn't great.
Well I signed up for the Hell Mountain Run in Portmagee. PANIC!!!! I also enisted or should I say cajoled/nagged Susan into doing it to. So next Saturday, I will be covered in mud and I suspect giving out wildly to myself for signing up.

Racing dreams.

Well having taken on what Brenda said, I tried to put it all into practice. 
Probably the first run after that training session, I did a run around the demense and the Killarney Golf Course, it just was not going to the plan I had in my head. Without my glasses, I am as blind as a bat and as I ran onto the golf course there was a load of golfers, I was sure I was going to get a golf ball in the head. I freaked myself out and slowed down and down to a WALK. I know maddening!!!! But as I came on to the path, I gave myself a good talking to. The couple, I was passing at the time, must have thought who is the raving lunatic because at that moment, I realised I was giving out to myself aloud! But I dug in and kept going, when I felt myself stopping I slowed down to a shuffling jog. As I saw the playground, I was still running, yeahhhh!! and I felt good/strong.
My next few runs I felt more confident in myself and I think that kept me moving forward. I was smiling as I ran and yes, I did use the R word.
For our next training session, we were hill running. Oh what fun, that was. I kid you not I had pains in my gluteus maximus the following day!
I had to drop my mother in law to Farranfore airport during the week, I was in Killarney for just after 7 am. So I parked at the Gleneagle Hotel and went for a run, there were a good few people out and about. I had to run pass the 'STOP' sign that gave me nightmares for so much of this year, I fooled my brain by running pass it to flesk bridge so I sailed pass it with a smile on face. Progress? I have to say I felt like a real grown-up going for a run before work.  
You know that saying 'two steps forward one step back', well that's how I felt at training this week. This week was all about breathing. I was ok for awhile but then ........... Homework, to be done.

I also felt I should set down a few running goals and so for the rest of this year my running aims are the following:-
10K  in Clonakilty on 7th December 2013
and as I was inspired by Brenda and Bernie at the weekend who did Killarney Adventure Race, I'm going to sign up for Hell Mountain Race in Portamagee.

Wish me luck!!

Finding my pace.....

Well I am a few weeks back into the running group and I'm really enjoying it.
At training last Tuesday, Brenda pointed out I was running off at the group pace, which as anyone who has read my ramblings knows is not my pace,  and it will hinder me more than help. But sometimes it is nice to be at the top of the group than at the back.
Also, as I run or if I pick up pace I can't keep it up and so stop up, just for a quick breath and head off again. So, as we ran Brenda said slow down if I have to BUT DO NOT STOP MOVING FORWARD, and this I did. Of course, I knew I was doing this but when someone points it out you have to make more of an effort to stop, which during the week since Tuesday I have been trying to do.
I have to say it is still so warm outside especially when running and I must remember to bring water with me. Training in the National Park is lovely at the moment,  as it looks amazingggg!! 
Plan at the moment is about me finding my comfortable pace and putting in the mileage.
Congrats to  Bernie and Caroline in my running group who completed the Charleville Half Marathon last Sunday.

My first 10K

I always had it in the back of my head that I might run in the Killarney women's mini marathon, but I still hadn't signed up by the time our running group met up. That first Tuesday, we were discussing the Killarney women's mini marathon a few of the girls were signed up, so that convinced me to give it a go. I signed up that Thursday and began to prepare.
On the morning of the mini marathon, I collected my number and goodie bag, I met Tina like me she was nervous. My mum who was walking it was also nervous, my stomach  was upset. I met up with Michelle  wishing each other well, soon enough we had started.  Off we all set, up the Main street I felt good I continued running and felt strong and steady. As, we turned into the Demesne across from the Cathedral all the men were lined up to cheer us on. I walked up the hill because everyone around me was and I thought I'd do the same. I powered on as I collected water at what I call the canal walk, the girls around me became familiar as over the next 4 Km we kept each other in sight. I don't like this part of the National Park it's hilly and ughhh!!
Onwards I went and as I turned towards Killarney House because  I just couldn't see the finish line I nearly pulled up when I saw Susan & Mary I was asking
 "where is the finish line"
" keep going, you're there" said Susan
And then I was. Yeah. 1:16:35.
I know there will be people reading this who will say how slow and yes compared to others it is but for me on that day I was happy.
Michelle was there at the finish she had done amazingly well and finished under the 60mins. We celebrated with raspberry ice cream which was being given out.  Tina and Bernie had also come in under the 60mins.  The medals they gave out were lovely.
I had achieved a 10K PB. So now onwards I go!

Summer break is over so time to get back on track

Well after the half marathon,   I took two full weeks off. I started back with 2 or so runs a week. The weather has been great thankfully not as hot as that Saturday in July but dry and warm. My running has taken me throughout the national park in Killarney and I have really enjoyed that experience. I feel I have improved as the Summer has moved on. As usual my brain is my biggest downfall, when I don't think, my running is easy.  Its when my brain switches on and tells my lungs and legs they've done enough or gone far enough, that I find it tough. But I really love it
As September has arrived our running group has begun to meet each week again and so I have decided to write again too.

I COMPLETED A HALF MARATHON Yeahhhhhhh!

Well I completed the Run Killarney Half Marathon on yesterday 20th July 2013. As always with me my running it wasn't pretty, at times it was bloody torturous but at the finish line I felt pure elation. I had done it!
This is how the day went it probably will be long winded as I want to record as much of the day as I can remember.
The alarm went off at 5.30 am after dressing, brushing teeth etc.., a mug of coffee and a banana, I was out the door. I had my porridge the night before. Susan stayed at my house the night before so we travelled into Killarney together. We were to meet the group at 6.50am at the Gleneagle Hotel. We managed to park quiet easily and we put on our race numbers. I was number 573. Before I met up with everyone I had to rush to the bathroom there was quiet a few people doing the same thing. The sun was up and it was warm, there was such a great sense of anticipation in the air. Everyone in the group seemed in good spirits.  Mags husband Niall was there he like Aidan and John was running the full Marathon Also Brenda's husband Pat was there to do the half marathon. A newly married couple from Brenda's group in Dingle was also there, they were lovely and planned to run together which they did.
The next step was to head on to the bus which we did, as the bus pulled away someone pointed out the 13 mile mark across the road. I hoped I would see it again that day ( In fact I actually do not recall passing the sign again!). As the bus progressed up to Moll's Gap the chat began to lessen.  Liam as relaxed as he is, went for a nap! As the bus reached Moll's my stomach actually came up to meet my throat luckily that's as far as it went at that stage in the day. Like half of the people above there, many of us decided we needed the toilet, there was a queue heading to Kenmare so instead of queueing for a portaloo I queued to squat behind a rock. I kid you not. I am sure I have said before, there was is no glamour in running. Well, then we did the warm up, after which Brenda saw Valerie O Sullivan and went over to get a photo taken of all of us.

I hadn't a clue was about to happen to me physically but more importantly mentally.

There wasn't much else left to do but wish each other well as we moved toward the START line. Then BANG BANG courtesy of Michael Healy Rae TD and I was off. I felt good and was trying not to get pushed on with the crowd. Off I went at a good pace for me, I had a great view as the runners rounded the bends in front of me. I was happy for all of them and for me, this feeling quickly left me a few miles down the road. If there was one part of the route that our group dreaded it was the hill around Kissanes sheep farm, up I went slowly but I remember saying to myself you did it. I was quiet proud of my self. As I passed the lake there were lads camping, they were taking pictures and encouraging us onwards, there was also a pull up as the lake ended. I thought it was OK as I knew now that Ladies View was in reach of my legs. It was getting hotter at this stage. I took water and plodded onwards. I kept on my downhill path, at last there was some relief from the heat with the shade of the trees around me. I swear at this stage of the run I was thinking look I'm not doing too bad, I'm enjoying this. (How Innocent I was!). I met an American lady earlier who was taking pictures, really enjoying the surroundings of the run.
Passed mile 6 knowing I was nearly half way done and only 3 or so miles until I got to the national park. Mile 7 came up quick enough, I was on my way to mile 8 when I was walking and I got the chills. It freaked me out!  I continued forward  but my legs seriously felt like two concrete blocks filled with lead. Mile 8 came, I kept thinking the turn off for Dinis will be coming up soon. Around this time, I caught the smell of a dead animal, thinks weren't bad enough!
I just couldn't see mile 9, my hands began to swell and felt stiff. F*** it I thought! Just keeping moving . I seriously thought 'will I just sit down' and at this stage I was running and walking in fact I don't know what I was doing. I know my body was having it's own meltdown. I can't believe I'm going to say this but I wet myself and I hardly knew it happened. I was on my own on the road and I tried to calm myself which I managed to with a bit of success.
Then, I saw a steward like a mirage,  he handed me water, he said that I was headed into a wooded bit which was good because I knew Muckross was ahead and it would be hot, hot, hot! There before me also was a little girl with a water sponge I put the water done the back of my neck, I remember Brenda saying she found it cooled her there. It worked. I can honestly say, I knew this route so well and It was a killer yesterday.  I tried to motivate myself as best I can I wasn't do a good job. All, I had was to keep going forward.  Around,  what I call the HA HA bridge,  I genuinely thought that the 10K was over. I pushed on running as best I could through the wooded area I knew so well, into the bright again  I began to walk on, I went up the hill towards the second Lake Hotel entrance, I let the fall of the road bring me along and as I turned the corner at Hegarty's shop I saw the Gleneagle Hotel ahead of me. I also saw my Dad, when I got up to him I was babbling my hands felt so stiff I asked him did Mum come in (I should point out my Mum was doing the 10K). He said no, they left that long. I was moving forward as we spoke. His being there gave me an extra spurt. Off I went again I saw someone coming toward me it was Susan with a medal around her neck, she said your nearly there everyone is above. So I just kicked in and went for it with whatever I had in me.

I crossed the line and felt like I was going to puke. I did wretch slightly. Thankfully a gentleman tapped me on the shoulder and he said you have to cross the two sets of rubber mats to get your time, which I did. I also got my medal, a bottle of water and a banana. 
As I went out to meet everyone, I felt overwhelmed I had wanted to do the half marathon in 3 hrs, net time was 2:58.12. DELIGHTED. Yes, I would love to say I ran a 2 or 2.30 hr, but I am only at the beginning of my running now I have something to aim for. There was so many people around John, his sister in law Eileen and our nephews were there, as were our cheerleaders Catherine & Elaine.
I met the rest of the group, they had done so well especially at the pace they run, in the heat (I believe it was in the 20's c). I Had heard them cheering me in and that's what makes being in a group so great there is always someone there to champion you.
I wanted to head to the car to do a quick change, get flip flops etc... On the way back, I headed toward the tent for the massage. As I queued, I had a few moments to myself to take in the roller coaster I had been on for the last 3hours, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness. The queue was long but I committed to it, as I queue I saw Joanie coming me from the 10K , I also saw my mum. I got up on the couch and got a rub on my calves which helped them.
Then it was my turn to stand and cheer those who were coming in, Niall Mags husband came in and then we waited as a group for John & Aidan to come in. We cheered them on as they crossed the finish line, the heat had been particularly bad in the second half of the course, affecting them as it had everyone else. Aidan was smiling as he usually had been throughout our training. Caroline who is one of the strongest in our group collapsed during her half marathon due to the heat, which put a little cloud over our group. But she'll be back stronger next year.

Well there we are at the finish all 'medaled up'.

After spending the afternoon watching all the runners coming in with Susan, Elaine & Catherine, we met up with some of the group that could come back in that evening, to catch up on our experiences of the day, to relax and unwind. It was a lovely way in to end a truly memorable day.

They say you always you remember your first half-marathon well I couldn't imagine I could ever forget the roller coaster that it was and like any roller coaster when you get off, you want to get back on .
And so, I will continue on with my running hopefully improving as I go.

I want to thank Brenda Doody who trained me, offering her time, knowledge and patience. As well as, all the members of a great group:- Aidan, Assumpta,  Bernie, Caroline, Geraldine, Geradina, Joanie, John, Lisa, Liam, Michelle, Mags, Mary, Susan, Tina, who all did amazingly well.