Clonakilty 10 K...group trip

Where to begin...
Arriving the night before, we headed to the Quality Hotel HQ for the Clonakilty Marathon, we were here to do the 10K. I had the pleasure of travelling with Bernie and Tina (secretly, I was hoping some of their fast pace would transfer itself to me , maybe by osmosis, I don't know, sometimes I rave). But I digress, we collected our numbers and tech shirts. Our group had decided to go on our first group field trip outside of Kerry, exciting stuff...  We booked into our base for the weekend the Emmet Hotel, soon after Michelle, Anna and Karen arrived. It was time to eat, discuss run tactics (hahaha!!!) and make elaborate plans to run marathons in foreign lands...We also met Kate, Karen's friend who played an integral part in the success of my weekend!
The run was starting at 9am, so alarms were set for 6.30am, for 7am breakfast.

Looking well even in the early a.m...

The amazing thing about breakfast was Kate's ability to eat the cooked brekkie before the run to say we were impressed, doesn't really convey our sense of awe especially as I ate my toast and banana, anything else and I would be sick. As usual before any race I hadn't slept very well and a few bathroom trips were needed, although I don't think I was as panicky as I usually am.
The morning itself was a tad chilly but it was a blue sky day. We walked up to the starting area, all in good spirits and basically looking forward to finishing. I met up with my mum to give her race number which I had collected for her. Karen who came with the intention of doing the 10K, is still injured and feeling a twinge decided not to push it and prolong a full recovery. So, Susan and Karen were the cheer squad, bag and jacket holders for the race and may I say they did a great job. People headed in search of  bathrooms and like every race the world over there were queues. At around 8.45 a.m. we headed toward the start line or so we thought!!!

Startline selfie..

As we waited, I could feel the nerves kick in. It was after 9 before, they told us we had to head to start line which a bit of walk and jog away, so we were nicely warmed up when we crossed the start line. And, we were off... The road had a bit off a pull, which just wiped you straight out. It seemed to make the first mile so long even though in reality it wasn't. I found myself pushing myself up the hills but being bloody wrecked at the top and not pushing forward. (Something to work on!) By the time I hit the straight, heading into the major climb between mile two and three, I was alternating between running bursts, shuffling, walking but falways forward motion. I was also looking at all the runners heading down towards me, first I saw Bernie and then Kate who gave me a high five as we passed each other and my god what a boost. Love it! I had little pep and as I headed up the hill, I bloody well needed it..
At the half way point, we had to go under a timing gate which brought a smile to my face because we had talked about ways of not doing the run and getting a PB  i.e sticking race numbers to Anna, hiding behind a ditch, I know, I know too much time but hey whatever gets you to the start line smiling. As I headed back down into the straight, I was glad I had just worn a t-shirt as the winter sun was adding to the heat I was feeling. As I met the half marathoners and marathoners coming back toward me again, I truly felt sorry for them and so glad for me that I was nearly done. I think heading back was tougher then running out maybe because your legs are tired. I walked up the last tough hill and suddenly, from across the road I heard 'Hi, Majella' it was Siobhan my cousin, she was motoring through the half marathon. The last part was the nearly the worse because you know you are nearly there and you want to stop but you have to still keep going.
As I went through the roundabout heading right, I saw Anna, she was there 'Come on you can do it, you're nearly there', she began to walk with me, then shuffle I tried to do a bit of running, Anna kept saying we won't stop and that's all I could think of doing. As I turned into the Quality Hotel, my legs paused, took a time out, will they ever learn? I had decided I wanted to finish strong and so, I kicked in and headed across the finish line. I then had to take a moment or five to recover as I truly thought I was going to 'throw up'. Having gathered myself , I went in search of my bling which is 'tres importante'

Happeeeee..

Everyone one was glad to have it done. Poor Michelle had a miserable experience arriving back with both feet blistered.
Overall, although the course was tough, It was one of the more enjoyable running experiences I had this year. I also did a good time for me no PB but not too far off it, I can only take the information from my Garmin as my official time has not been found by the timing company.
Race done there was only one thing for us all to do, party. Every good trip needs a theme, a song, an anthem if you will and so ours is....

And so as this anthem sears into the memory of our group, it will always bring a smile to my face as I remember running the Clonakilty 10K and partying with 'the fit, fat and elderly'...

#Bringiton

A few weeks ago, I mentioned consistency was the aim for the month, and I have tried to stick this especially when putting in the mileage.

As usual I look forward to Mondays, when the running group meet, our new route or our 'Winter route' as I like to call it, is Lidl car park to the Gleneagle Hotel and for some further. Needless to say I don't go further but these days I'm not too far behind. I have to say my running has most definitely improved in fact over the last few weeks I have hit a few new PBs. Which does wonders for the confidence!! I even ran a mile which when I looked at the Garmin it had a 9 in front of it, gasp...I know, who knew I could run that fast?  It is of course an aberration, but it felt good. I had spring in my step for the rest of the day!! For some reading this they'll think how slow, but hey people remember the turtle crosses the line as well as the hare!!!

Talking about improvements, Anna believes its all to do with the length of her arms,... this is her explanation for her quickening pace not all the hard work she has put in over the last year or her natural ability.
The weather here has been hit and miss, plenty of wet days but also there have been a few blue sky days, when the crisp air makes you run that bit faster and you end each run smiling. It is slightly harder to motivate myself, when its dark outside, last Tuesday was one of those evenings heading out my legs felt heavy etc... I also had the wrong underwear on (sorry, I know TMI, but warts and all). I had just decided to stop and turn around when who should I see running toward me, Tina. As she bounded pass all cheerful, putting in the effort, I knew I just had to suck it up and run on. Reaching the car later, a bit sore, I was glad I hadn't given in.
There is one good thing about running in the dark though no one can see your wobbly bits, maybe this to has contributed to an increase in pace..just a thought!

Blurry post run...

At the start of September, Michelle, Anna and myself began doing TRX  at Belief Fit in Killarney, I have really noticed the benefits of it. The class is tough, I sweat buckets and my muscles cry leaving it. My core still has a long way to go but even now I feel the benefit as I don't bend as much as I run. I have to say thanks to Siobhan for introducing me to TRX.

Road outside my door..

It is always good to have a goal, to keep running towards. At present our local community are all in training for a run on Sunday 8th February 2015, organised by the running group 'Kilgarvan Ag Rith'. This run is in memory of baby Aodhan Kelleher, funds raised will benefit the national charity Feileacain. They are offering two options a 5K and 10K both are challenging, (both of whose routes pass my front door) starting in Kerry,heading into Cork,and back to Kerry to finish near the Top of Coom Ireland's Highest Pub, where you can celebrate your PB or just that you crossed the line. All details can be found on Facebook at  'Kilgarvan Ag Rith' or Precision Timing.

At present, we are gearing up for Clonakilty, there is a group of us heading down for it. I will be doing the 10K, which I did last year but not very well. As anyone who reads this blog knows I am not good in a race situation, so I am not expecting too much. I plan to relax , enjoy the run (as best I can) and party afterwards.
Motto for the Clonakilty weekend is #Bringiton.

d'Hillbillies Mud Run 2014

Saturday, I woke up to the sound of rain hitting off the window, which continued to fall for the rest day. On the road to Michelstown, I did note that the last time I had done something similar Hell Mountain 2013, the weather was also not great (and that was a tortuous experience at least for me!). I was taking part in a group, which consisted of the following amazing women:- Brenda, Bernie, Nicola, Anna and Susan.
Car parked, bathroom found, Susan and I then met up with the rest of the girls.  Brenda gave our little group the moniker 'the Dirty Divas',  Bernie decided we needed a look to go with our name and so the following is what we looked like as we headed towards the start line. (we still had them when we returned, prizes all round...)

'The Dirty Divas'

And then, we were off..
Running along a cow path which was full of 'muck' in essence it was cow shit, it was very slippery and as I moved I was internally hoping I would not fall.  As we left the path and crossed a road into a lovely green field, there was the first official obstacle (in my opinion the mucky path was the first obstacle.. ughhh), so down on our hands and knees and under a barbed wire bridge.
At a lot of the obstacles there were queues. I know who knew that I would queue to wade in waist high water or to crawl in mud, not me! Next up, was a dip in ice cold water it didn't feel solid under foot and  tyres were bobbing to the surface. Out and then run, across fields over bales which were square, piled high. Passing through fields the gaps were muddy and slippery, the next major obstacle was a fence which I admit I didn't go over, no one wants to see my 'gluteous maximus' hanging off the top of a fence or worse trying to push my 'GM' over the fence... The girls hopped over and then we continued on.. Spirits were high, onto the road way once more, we passed an elderly gentleman said 'hello' but what must he have thought of all these wet, mud covered people! Next into pits of water and out them twice, I think?
As I'm writing I'm not too sure if I have the order of obstacles correct but all mentioned were there.
Then ahead of us were monkey bars three people at a time, they weren't straight across but an angle, tres impossible! Underneath was an inflatable floor which was slippery and a challenge in itself. Next up was to walk across a narrow plank of wood over a pool of water, Bernie, Brenda, Anna crossed the knack was to hold hands which steadied you, so with Nicola to my left and Susan to my right I crossed. The crowd lay ahead, only 7 people could enter the tunnel at same time, I really thought this was the one which would turn me into a wreck. Go ahead the lady said, no going back etc.. I scrambled down the bank slowly into a ditch of water, then the tunnel, crouched or more bent, looking toward the light I moved as fast as I could, trying not to think of what else could be lurking. Out of the tunnel, then into a river of water, it was uneven beneath my feet, not sure how deep it was, also over logs and under I headed, then two gentlemen helped me up into another field. They asked who was getting married, thinking we were on a hen night (seriously, who would do this for a hen night??). The field had a path marked off it was very boggy next up was a slide. A photographer stopped us to take a picture, the other girls had just finished the slide came over and we posed as best we could. Not wanting to know what lay ahead the girls said they wait for us and we continued to the top, I gritted my teeth and went for it. WHATTTTT.. I hit the water under I went came up spluttering the water was a lovely shade of brown, it smelt and dirt even went into my nose. Yuckkkk!! Susan gathered herself at the top after a while and then came down hitting the water awkwardly she had hit her elbow and it threw her.The girls helped us out of the pool and we ploughed on. The slide really too a bit out of me, it took a bit to gather myself heading into the next obstacle I fell flat face down into the mud. Thankfully, they had a water stop next. So we had a bit of a breather and a welcome drink, the lady handing them out was lovely. Running on, the path led us into another river, moving through it, we had to climb over trees and in and out of tyres, Out of the river, we had a brief respite before we were back in to it again. At this time, I had no sense of time or distance. I was in fact enjoying myself, everyone was in great form and there was great sense of camaraderie. Climbing out via a wall of tyres into a field which we had to run around, my legs felt truly heavy, it was the first time I thought to myself 'surely we're near the end'. After, another fence, I heard the screaming as we ran down towards the entrance to a wooded area. As I entered, I soon realised why, there was knee deep mud which we had to go through and holes of cold water, it seemed to go on for a long time
Then in and out of pits before facing a long muddy path downhill.

No Filter, No Vanity...

I know what I was thinking in the picture above 'really do I have to go down there, this is where I really will fall'..
But I didn't. Yeahhh!!  Heading along the path I could see the sheds of the yard just above.. The end was near suddenly I saw Brenda and Bernie, they had come back to see how we were getting on. Pushing on, I tried to finish strong and run across the line.. Yeahhh!!

They provided hot showers, which took away the the chill, some of us had been more affected by the cold than others and having a place to change into our dry clothes was great.
John had driven us up so it was great, he went back to car to bring over towels, change of clothes and most importantly baby wipes.  Karen who unfortunately couldn't do the run as she is still injured, came to cheer us on and it was great to see her at the finish line.

After the run..

Dry, Cleaner, nearly warm...

How to sum up, I have to say I really enjoyed the 'd'Hillbillies Mud Run', there was never any point were I thought I would give up or stop. Thinking about it, I definitely believe I am much fitter than this time last year and this really helped me to enjoy the experience as much as you can enjoy being wet, covered in mud, traipsing through boggy fields and woods.
The d'Hillbillies Mud Run was done to raise money for the Mercy Hospital Cancer Appeal. The organisers did a great job putting this fun, challenging event together.
Would I do again to quote Arnold, "I'll Be Back"..

In search of.....Consistency!

The evenings have really began to close in and with the clocks changing, running in the dark will be the norm for the next few months. Finding good well lit routes without traffic light etc.. obstacles is challenging..  

Meeting in Lidl, and following a quick discussion on where we were heading, we set off. Instead of heading left toward town we went right and headed out to Fossa. A new route which meant new views. The thing about running pass peoples houses is that you get to have a good peek and sometimes see houses you wouldn't even see when driving. Poor Karen, who had given her leg a weeks rest had arrived this evening to run but her injury once again flared half way out, so she had to walk the rest of the way. Just pass Killarney Golf Club, we turned to head back. Then I noticed how quickly evening had turned to night, when driving you would think this road is lit all the way into town but there is a stretch which is not, so we tried not to delay. And were thankful, when we saw the street lights and that we live in an age that electricity is a common utility for us. 

During the week I only put in one more run as I went to Dublin for a few days, of course running wasn't to far from my mind even though I didn't go for one but look what I got..

New runners.. love it..

Monday dawned once again, it was chilly, we were a few short, as I chatted to Anna and Michelle, I noticed two girls heading toward us all kitted out, I thought they must be meeting a group and have mistaken us for them. Turns out it was Maeve and her friend, I never wear my glasses when I run (so if you know me and I pass you, it's probably because I haven't seen you, apologies in advance). Heading out I went up through the town once more and I wasn't long warming up. and with a storm forecast we didn't delay too long at the end of the run. 

This week also marked Johns return to running. We headed out on Thursday for a run and he noticed straight away the improvement in my pace and overall running. In fact, I passed him out on one occasion (yeahh!! it may not happen again but I'll take it as a bonus this week).

Headed into the park and it was a lovely evening. Also, the run took me back to my 'beloved 'STOP' sign. Hahaha!!  At the end of it I was satisfied, good run done!

A bit of root attention needed for the hair..

So, I have felt my running has become more consistent in the last few weeks and today, I went out for a run and hit a new 5K PB. I took nearly a minute off but it could have been more. I am sooo happpppy!! 

I pushed on today but I could have pushed on more in the second half of the run.  Finishing, I was fine and So, I know there is more in the tank.

Next Saturday, we head to Mitchelstown to do the d'Hillbillies Mud Run which is raising money for the Mercy Hospital Cancer appeal. I have heard whispers of costumes... I don't know which terrifies me more the dress up or the mud! But, my aim is to complete it, in good company and have a good laugh while supporting  a great cause.  

My hope for my running heading into a new month is summed up in one word 'consistency'.

And so Winter has arrived...

In the last post, I did say I would take a picture of the view on the 10 miler and so I did..

A view to run a 10 miler for...

It is beautiful! #lovekillarney.

Blue sky is something which has been missing this past week or so, the weather seemed to change once the calendar hit October. I have to say I like that slight nip in the air when you run at this time of year.  Natures colour palette really shows its subtlety at this time of year. Varying shades of greens, yellows, browns, it really makes a run more interesting..

The Monday after the 10 Miler my legs felt extremely heavy but I managed to put in 3 miles before I gave in and went for a coffee with Bernie, Michelle and Anna. Which was great, as I felt weary to be honest.

Sun setting on last park run with group

As the evenings have been closing in, we decided as to start meeting at the Lidl car park.
Last week, we met at 7, we welcomed back Gillian and Karen was back from injury. Bernie was also carrying an injury. The first thing to say was that it was chilly even cold and so as we waited for Maeve we ran down to the roundabout and up, to warm up. We decided to head down to the Cathedral. As usual, I left them all off ahead of me and I continued at my own comfortable pace. Unfortunately, Karen's injury flared up  hopefully, there won't be any serious injury.
As I headed up Mission road the girls came down against me, we turned and as I followed them, I think our route and planning of it went askew. Bernie with her injury headed back to Lidl. Karen followed Bernie straight up through the town. The girls went up to Lidl via a St Finians shortcut. I, on the other hand, went pass the cinema, the friary, headed down College St, up Main St and up St Margaret's Road to Lidl. All in all I did 3 miles. They were waiting for me when I came back, the thing about running around town is that you have to stop for traffic lights and people a problem I hadn't encountered while running in the park. I also have to take out my luminous running bib as it was black night when we finished.
Looking back on the garmin after my run, the pace was fairly consistent which I was happy with.

The following day, I set off for my run after work it was dry, slightly chilled and a bit damp. There was a good few people around but as I headed to the Castlerosse Hotel it started to drizzle then the sky really opened. It was so wet I could hardly keep the rain out of my eyes. Then, I saw Anna and Michelle running toward me, they were heading back but stayed with me for awhile. Amazingly, this was the first time Anna had ran in the rain since she joined the group last Spring. We turned as we reached the Castlerosse Hotel. The girls  headed off at the horses crossing their company was very much appreciated and shortened the journey back to the car for me. Reaching the car I was drenched, it was the first evening I could wring out my clothes and my feet were really wet which I don't like!  I don't mind too much running in the rain in fact for the most part I enjoy it, there is a real sense of freedom but Tuesday evening it was a bit torrential.

The last week/10 days I haven't had the same dedication to going out for a run I have been LAZY! Lack of pace consistency has always been my downfall and having finally found some, I don't want to lose it, so this week I will put in the miles, (Fingers crossed!)
Also I am excited as I am planning to get new runners and that always gives my running a boost.

I have luminous bib, torch, running tights, jacket so Winter I am ready for you. I THINK!!

'The hills were alive with the sound of my moaning...'

On Monday, we met up at the demense once more, we had a chat about the previous Saturday's run and put some time in training for this Saturday's run, the Killarney 10 mile. I really don't think any amount of training could have prepared me!!!
Strangely enough, I do believe it was the most relaxed I've ever been before a run. I slept like a log, the night before a run I usually toss and turn and wake at first light, feeling like I haven't slept a wink. Not this Saturday I woke refreshed, I ate the breakfast, loaded the car and headed into Killarney.

So relaxed my eyes are half closed..

The reason for my relaxed state was because my aim was just to finish. That's all just to finish. I knew about the uphill and in fairness if you have ever glanced at this blog before, you will know my aversion to anything vertical! So why, do it? I hear you ask. Well the run was being held to raise funds to help the construction of a running track here in Killarney which will be of benefit to the whole community, that sums up why.
As I collected my number and tech shirt, I had to pass the finishing line and I did have a moment where I thought I hope I see it later. 
I met up with Bernie we headed toward start line. Tina arrived although not running,  herself and Susan were the cheer squad for the day. I headed to the bathroom and then came back to the girls. That was the one thing about Saturday between collecting number and start there was a lot of time to hang around also we were unsure of the start but it was at Ballydowney Roundabout. As we arrived at the roundabout, Michelle and Anna strolled up. People were steadily arriving now. As usual we took a before pic.

As we took off, I was relaxed, the first mile or so was lovely and then the roads incline became more noticeable. As I hit Madams Hill, I headed up walking and then for the next mile or so I ran/walked. As I hit the Aghadoe graveyard, I had a wobble and said no I'm done. As people passed, My old 'I don't want to be the last, or the slowest' thoughts crept in and I stopped still. Took a deep breath looked at the road behind me and thought F*** it, I'm finishing! And I powered on..
I took some water at the stop but didn't take any oranges even though did look lovely.
As I passed the Aghadoe Heights Hotel, I did think shame there is no one here to take a picture. I will try take one at a later date and share it, for those of you who may not have seen this view. It's amazing! (I should have taken one..)
From there was a good downhill stretch, great, Yes and No!  My thighs were burning as I reached the Golden Nugget, which I would pay for later. I was smiling and coherent which is always a good sign for me when doing a run. As, I entered the Fossa Way I was on familiar territory.   I sweat alot and for some reason I felt a real need for a fizzy drink and so rang John to see could he have one at the finish which was less than 3 miles away. Something to look forward to.. As I passed the playground, the legs felt like lead, as I headed up towards the demense entrance I saw Bernie. I knew I had yet to climb the Knockreer hill (which is torturous to me on the best of days) but today with heavy legs. It was UGHHHHHH!!!!  (No words people, no words).
Bernie offered to stay with me, but I declined I had to push on alone. The next mile or so passed on and as I headed up the canal, I knew I would get there.

As an aside, Bernie offering to stay with me even though she had completed 10 faster miles already or Anna doing Knockreer Hill twice to urge Michelle on, this is what a running group is all about. We really got lucky with this group Brenda created...

Heading down the Bishops path, I was run/walking, (More walking, I must confess. I know your surprised..) then in front of me I saw Susan, John and Tina.

I picked up the pace and headed to the finish line and didn't stop until I crossed the line. And, I was glad that it was over! I told the girls I never wanted to go up a hill again. And at the moment, I truely meant it!

I had completed the 10 miles. It was the first finish line this year that I genuinely felt happy after crossing.  I may even attempt it again next year if they get rid of a hill..or two!! Yes, I could have done better but I had battled one or two of my own inner voices along the way and those little battles will improve my ability more in the long run (no pun intended). 

Happy to be done!

So as my inner voice conflict will no doubt continue, this is what I know after the last few months:
I will always be an end of the pack runner, the runner who ends before the walkers or on a bad day after the walkers. But I will finish! This does not mean my ability is anything less than those who run faster or further, it just means it may take me a little while longer to get there.  I always strive to push on forwards even if sometimes it looks like I'm standing still. I will run (with some pace, if possible) across the finish line. I will improve. I have improved. And above all else, I won't give up. 

Mind training needed.. or maybe a kick in the ....

Well, where do I begin..

Saturday morning dawned, breakfast of porridge and coffee, twenty trips to the bathroom (maybe should have made it 21) and I was out the door. Mum was doing the 5K walk, so having collected her, we arrived into Killarney in plenty of time. Parked car and headed out to meet the girls.
Having met up we walked to the start line, did a run to warm up stretched (very professional!) and waited, at this stage I was relaxed enjoying the morning. I even have pictorial evidence of this.

We are rocking the Black and Pink..

As we headed to the start line, Tiffany appeared and we had a quick catch up. Then with a massive bull horn we were off. Heading down Mission Road with Bono singing in my ears, (I am loving 'songs of Innocence') I kept a steady enough pace. There was a good crowd around me and in we headed to national park. Down by the canal, around this time the 60min pacer and his group passed, I could see him just ahead of me, which was quiet novel for me because of course that's the dream. Across the gravel path and then up the hill, still running, impressed, so was I, then I walked - briefly, at the top (but its like going to the bathroom when your out, once you go once you have to go again & again) and that was it I had given myself permission to walk.
Pass the playground the 70min pacer passed, I confess I was shuffling/walking, I shook myself off and caught up to them and kept up/kept him in sight pass the castlerosse hotel. He was a bit ahead as I crossed the second cows gate. Now I was Running/walking and I was progressing steadily.
For some reason when reading the route, I was convinced I didn't have to do the Lake loop and so when I was directed towards it , I was completely thrown.  Silly, as we had ran it at least 3 times in the last few weeks but my brain had taken it off the table for the day and it fought with me all the way around it.
Onwards, a girl was do a run/walk and I joined with her for a part of the loop, she took me over the hill to the views of Ross castle. Two miles to go!
I beg your forgiveness for what is to come, but these are the experiences of 'my running' and so, at this stage as I huffed along I felt a trickle. I tried to squeeze  but to no avail then a whoosh. F***!
I just continued on, mortified and embarrassed. I thought about the people running behind me 'going oh look that fat girl just p****** on herself'  , of course the only thing they were thinking of at that stage was finishing. To get me through I thought about the training we had done the previous Monday, where the group ran to certain point turned and ran back to the last in group ME. Miserable was I, then I saw Bernie coming towards me and it really was Bernie. She had finished her race and she come to run with me to the finishing line. Amazing! It wasn't pretty but we got there, as I headed towards the the playground, I think I uttered the immortal line 'I can't'. 
What an idiot I am! (Fill free to interchange the word or thought with eejit, lame, crazy).
I turned and bolted toward the finishing line. Catching sight of the time, I won't even comment! I should have been in at least 7 mins earlier! Because you know what I can do it.

The girls had done really well! Smiles abounded. I headed over to queue for ice cream and I pondered my now regular mental breakdown.  Bernie checked the sheets which were up and was able to report to us that she had finished in the top 25. Anna was also happy as she had serious shiny bling around her neck.

The cold was setting in..

Pondering answers to my racing breakdowns both mentally and physical:-
Growing older and weak pelvic floor result in leakage and maybe trip number 21 to the bathroom would also help.
The solution lies in the title of the post, I will try to focus my mind more. But this lack of focus is as a lack of belief in my abilities and that will require me to give myself a good kick in the posterior.
Sometimes its what's needed..