One month, 5 runs.....

It's been a while! I have been quite remiss in keeping my blog up to date it's been nearly a month, I promise to be more diligent about sharing my running habits in the future. A lot can happen in a month, so I've picked out 5 runs which are for me the past months running highlights

RUNS 1 & 2

My last post was all about the womens mini marathon in Killarney, since that I have travelled to Taiwan to Johns cousins wedding, congrats Shane and Summer. Before we headed to Taipei, I checked out a few places to run.
One morning we headed out early to the Gutting riverside park which wasn't to far from our hotel. There were plenty of people out running, cycling, walking, there were elderly people doing their exercises, we even saw people waltzing, I was going to take a picture but it seemed bit intrusive so early in the morning. The park is situated on the banks of the Dansheui river. As we started running, we set off at a good easy pace, the route was just lovely and the miles passed by quickly...

The heat and humidity soon became a factor. We were just drenched in sweat and it felt hard to breath but it was a nice couple of miles although my the end of the run we were wrecked...

A mile or so in...

The end of the run.. (Not our best look!!)

Another morning, we ran in Daan Park which has a lovely running track,  It looped the entire park. There weren't too many people around. Even though we were in the centre of the city you wouldn't know it. You take a path of the loop and run around the lake which was pretty. It was a great place to do a quick pre-typhoon run, Typhoon Dujuan hit that evening.

Running is great way to see a new city. I am looking forward to my next run in a new country..

 RUN 3

I did my local parkrun in Killarney, the saturday after I came home. I was so tired. In fact my legs felt heavy as I started. Parkrun is one of my favourite runs, it is offers a bit of eveything, hills, speed, flat... After a few minutes, I was able to tune everything out, even though I found it tougher than other Saturdays, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Everyone is encouraging whether you run a 17min 5K (I can dream!! Ha ha!!) or walk it, for Parkrun its about getting out there. Which I love!!


RUN 4

I met the girls for our weekly Monday run, it was just a perfect autumn evening. The park was full of people trying to make the most of the gorgeous weather.  As, I ran I was just struck my the amazing colours that were on display, I just love of those rich autumnal colours, which neither my words or photos do justice to.

I just took it slow, I stopped to take a few photos as I tried to capture the evening.

I had the biggest smile on my face as I ran through the fallen leaves. It is so much fun... The parks local residents, the deer are amid their rutting season. They are such beautiful animals but they are noisy, the stags would give you quite a fright, their bellow is so loud.
It was one of the last evenings, that we will run in the park as the time changes this weekend and it will be too dark from next week. We will be back to running through the town,  #townrun.

RUN 5

Sunday, I decided to do a nice quick 3 mile run. It is a route I run all the time. It was a fresh autumn morning. I was moving better than I had since returning from Taipei. I know the road well so I tuned out  and  I just ran. My pace was steady and I was thinking about the week ahead. I had just over 2 miles done, when disaster struck. I FELL!! It was the kind fall were I could see it happening as I was falling. I landed on my left side.  My elbow and forearm took the brunt. Thankfully, as always I had my mobile phone on me and I was able to ring John to collect me.

Between Eileen, my nephew Tomas and myself , we did some home nursing to it. But over the next two days it became progressively more painful, eventually I had to 'bite the bullet' and visit the doctor. Thankfully, nothing was broken but I have a severe infection in it. Had I delayed further it would have meant a spell in hospital. So at present, I am being dosed with of antibiotics and painkillers.

I am on the mend although I  I won't be Running, doing TRX or Crossfit for a while.

So there it is One month summed up over 5 of  its most memorable runs. 
For, the next week or so I'll be more spectator than participant. But, I am already looking forward to putting on my asics and heading out for a run. #bringiton.

Shades of Autumn 

Killarney womens mini marathon 2015

Saturday morning, I was running a bit behind schedule. So by the time I got to Killarney and headed to meet the girls, I felt slightly flustered. Also, as I hadn't the best run last year at this event, I was wary of what was ahead of me... Aggghhhh!!! There was a large crowd gathered as both the 5K and 10K were starting together, you could feel the excitement or nervousness. After a quick catch up and a photo or two, people started running, we were off...

Last minute prep.. 

Ready for action!

We began by running down Mission road, on the road, up on the kerb, dodging past people, we turned into the park. The route had been changed this year due to the flooding in parts of the park, we would have to run a loop of the park twice for the 10K once for the 5K. At this stage I was running beside Michelle and Anna, as we ran down by the canal it is a bit of a bottle neck.  I noticed the ground was littered with wet leaves. As we turned right to go up the hill, the girls pulled away. I ran up the hill, which wasn't too bad as my legs were fresh. The hill isn't steep but it has a steady pull which deserves a bit of effort.  Passing the playground, I felt comfortable, so I steadied myself and settled into the run. I cranked up U2, let my feet just move and switched off my brain. This worked great for next 5K or so, I knew I was running well. It felt easy in parts, I was smiling more than grimacing. The drummers at the bottom of the hill were a welcome distraction as I headed up the hill again, this time my legs felt it a bit more.

Dreaming of the finish line...

As, I moved forward, I decided to walk each time I took a sip of my water.(which wasn't too often as I finished with some water left). This time around I had to push myself more. As I passed the golf course, I knew there was less than 1 KM to go, I tried to dig deep and push forward. But I felt tired, I let my pace slow especially as I knew I had to go up that hill for a third time...Ughhhh!!!  But to finish I had to get up the hill , some one said 'go on' as I passed just at the end of the climb I'm sure I said I was *********.  Anna and Michelle, came back to urge me to the finish line. But whether I was ********* or not I kicked it up and ran across the finish line..

Signature thumbs up!

Done!
Bling!
I had survived! I was smiling, no tears, no drama, just running!  It was a relief to finish knowing I had run the best run I could, that I hadn't checked out when it felt too tough. Progress! Woohoo!!
Then, to make it really great there was Ice cream and donuts..

Having caught up with the girls everyone seemed happy with their mornings run.

Smiles and bling, you could say we're glowing!

Riot runners,Rain and Running..

The last few weeks have been fairly busy for the Riot runners.

First up, was Bernie and Michelle they did the Sandstorm obstacle run on Ballyheigue beach. I ran, the Killarney park run that Saturday morning then headed to the beach the cheer on the girls with Anna and my mum. The day was beautiful blue skies and warm sun, which in itself was a real treat..
There was a large turn out for the obstacle run and we were quite fortunate to see the girls as they attempted the last large climb of the run.

conquering fears..

After conquering Sandstorm they crossed the line together.....

And as we were at the beach, there was only one way to sooth tired feet..

The following weekend, we headed to Dingle to cheer on Anna and Tina who were doing the half marathon and Brenda who was completing her 11th out of 12 marathons, you can  read her experience at brendasmercymarathonchallenge.blogspot.com.

The Dingle half marathon, is very picturesque and on my running bucket list!

Dingle Bay!

The girls took some pictures

So JEALOUS!

The girls enjoyed the run and also ran well, so they deserved the bling they received..

Blinged OUT!

I have been out running, the weather has been a bit hit and miss! When the rain stops you've just got to go for it..
Having done nothing for two days, I just went out one morning and it was the best run ever. The moment I started running I could feel my body, my muscles working as they should. I was giddy when I finished!! Runners high!!

The last week or so,  have been particularly wet but I find now I have to get out and run its part of me. I am also moving quicker than I used to, which I am pleased about although I still walk, Usain Bolt has nothing to fear, YET!! Hahahaha!! As the daylight hours are getting shorter, I am trying to take advantage of getting out into the park to run. Due to rain, parts of the park have been under a bit of water, as Anna and I found out on Mondays run.

Anymore rain and we'll be rowing..

I have also have been trying to stretch more and use the instrument of torture that is the foam roller on a more regular basis.

This weekend we will run the Killarney women's 10K. Most of us will be taking part so we will have a good group catch up! I always find this run tough, last year it reduced me to tears. I know the route, I have run parts of it many times, but there is one part of it that irks me I can't explain it!!! I know crazy! This year, I'm  going to try and just enjoy the running. Well that's the plan, but best laid plans etc... I suppose I'll find out Saturday.

Abs, saddlebags and running mojo...

My runs over the last few weeks have been a bit hit and miss. I have had a real lack of motivation to push on when out running. I know what I have to do but my legs have felt like lead on more than one of my recent runs. I've lost my running mojo!
The anomaly to this has been the local Park run which I am really enjoying. It definitely pushes you! I have improved my performance with each run which I am so pleased about.

I have been attending TRX and HIIT sessions at Belief Fit in Killarney, to strengthen the core (which in theory should help to improve my running) and to burn the 'flubber' of my backside, which has been working. Yeahhh!! I have now progressed to Crossfit which I am loving. My abs are a work in progress... During these classes they also have some sprinting, one workout included running with weights...

My saddlebags are also a work in progress...

John took both pictures as he waited for me. For the first picture he was with one my nephews they had just come from the pizza parlour, pizza in hand! 
I have short legs, big hips and large thighs so running photos are not my best look!

I missed group training Monday, but met up with Anna to go for a run on Tuesday. We decided to change it up a bit and so headed out to Muckross for a run. Best idea ever! I smiled throughout the run. We ran through woods, passed red deer, the lake, tourists taking pictures and finished by climbing the steps of Torc waterfall. The change of scenery was all that was needed to re-energise my running legs....

#runningviews

The next few weeks are going to be busy as various members of the group take part in events,this weekend Bernie and Michelle are taking part in the Sandstorm event on Ballyheigue beach. This is an obstacle course run so it should be great fun, of course Bernie has home beach advantage!

I am glad to have gotten out of my running funk this week, re-energised I am looking forward to my next run!

Park runs, Colour runs and plans to run...

A couple of months ago, a Park run began in Killarney, as I was concentrating on the half marathon and Saturday was my long run day, I hadn't signed up or taken part.  I knew a few people who had taken part, they enjoyed the route and highly recommended it. So following on from my last post and my search for new running opportunities, I decided to sign up! Also some of the other members of the  Riot runners decided to join me!
The Park run takes place around Muckross, it starts at 9.30 am on Saturday mornings. So two weeks ago, I arrived at Muckross to take part in my first park run. I met up with Tina and my mum (who had done the park run on previous Saturdays), the group was a real mix women, men, children, runners,walkers, locals and tourists alike, all  ready! The organisers explained how it all worked, the route and then we were off!
As we started, Anna and Michelle were just arriving so they had to sprint to the start and keep going. The route was hilly, it took us pass the farm,  Muckross Abbey and the lakes, it is quite lovely! We had to do two loops. The first loop was good, the second was more testing! I could feel that I was running well and more importantly I was enjoying it.

Thumbs up!!

The route started off  in the carpark, then on straight before turning left up a hill (second time round this hill really was a bit of a struggle!), down towards the Abbey left again towards Muckross house on a route which was a serious of ups and downs. Heading back to the start line at the car park, I could see the finish line..  Done! After, we were all finished, we headed over to the cafe at Muckross House for a Coffee and chat.
My favourite part..

Glowing after our Park Run.

Unfortunately, I couldn't do it last Saturday as I had the Colour Run but I plan to be there this Saturday.

Training has continued as normal even though the weather has been quite atrocious, it was more like November rather than July/August. As Irish people, the weather is a source of concern but as Irish runners we are obsessed with it! As I have said before, I had been looking forward to the Colour Run as it was the first time in months that the Riot runners would be all out together.
So last Saturday, I donned a white t shirt with 1000's of others to run around the Demense while paint powder was thrown at us.. FUN!!! It was all in aid of a great charity AWARE (which helps people and their families who are suffering from depression). As this run was all about fun, I decided to add a bit of colour to my white uniform....

photo bombed???

We collected our numbers and paint packets at the Old monastery before half nine, our wave was beginning at 10 a.m. Unlike those around us, we were a bit polite in putting on the paint powder, and so later when it was been thrown around it came as a bit of a shock!

Group shot...
 thanks Aidan Doyle who was the photographer.

There was a party atmosphere as we did a group warm up! We were jumping up and down and my blue hair was going astray, I hoped it remained on for the full run.. Happily, I can report that it did! There was a large crowd, as we started it was hard to move and I lost everyone for a while.

The route took us through the demesne, once we move passed the start line congestion, we able to run on. At various points along the route, there were people on both sides who were throwing paint powder, they really looked they were having too much fun!!!  I caught up to the girls and I spent most of the run with Bernie and Karen, it was really great to see Karen back running.

My go to pose!!

In fairness, at the finish line, I didn't have too much paint on me compared to others but my hair was the same shade of blue as alot of the paint...

Going for the SMURF look..

Everyone had enjoyed the run, the silliness of it and the dodging of paint powder, made the moving part of it the easy part. There was a real sense of fun and  accomplishment at the finish line, with all those who were involved in the run cheering everyone on!

Finishing line smiles!!!

Next up, will be the Killarney Mini marathon  in September, it wasn't one of my best in 2014 but I'm hoping 2015 will be a better experience. I, also will be heading to Clonakilty in December, I also plan  to add one or two more runs in between..
I want to be kept motivated and working towards a goal!! #bringiton..

Recovery and looking for new running challenges...

For a day two after the half marathon, I was in recovery mode!  I still had a feeling of stiffness in my left leg specifically my IT band I could the muscles creaking... But after a day or two of rest, some icing and a deep relaxing bath using 'Bernies Miracle Bath salts', (named so by our group because Bernie found them) I was ready to run once more on Tuesaday evening.

The smell they leave in bathroom is fantastic..

We gathered on the Tuesday after the run, it was a lovely evening. I put on the Run Killarney tech shirt, I'm loving the black! There was so many people out running as I've said the evening was so fine.. We headed out the Fossa Way, there were no hills, thankfully! I had a solid run! I finished smiling, after the half marathon it didn't seem too bad..Hahaha!!!
We are at the end of July and the weather here in Ireland feels like November. It takes as much effort to motivate yourself to get out and run than it does to run! But sometimes the views make it worth it!

Two weeks have passed since the Half marathon and I am running a couple times a week but having a run to look forward to, is always great motivation. At present, my next run is a 5K Colour Run which I have to say I'm looking forward to, (although not the clean up), it'll be a great laugh.  After that I have a few thoughts but I haven't signed up to anything yet.  Decisions will have to be made!

Run Killarney Half Marathon 2015

Saturday dawned not bright and sunny as one might expect for July but overcast and drizzly, not the best running weather but certainly not the worst. I was surprisingly calm when we arrived at the Gleneagle hotel, Susan was driving, we parked the car and thought about our first bathroom trip!! And as we headed into the hotel we met Bernie.

First photo of the day!!

There was plenty of people milling around and a sense of excitement was in the air! Tina and Anna appeared, so our little group was all present and accounted for.
We met Aidan who had run previously with us he too was doing the half, we wished him a good run. Looking at the watch it was 7.25 am, time to head toward the buses which would ferry us to the start line. The bus journey flew by as we chatted away and soon we had arrived at Moll's Gap the start area.

Heading to Killarney..by foot

We kept a few layers on for as long as possible before the girls dropped their bags off. It seemed colder than it was but we warm up as we ran. The only blip was that the mist turned in to a strong drizzle. Thankfully, as we ran the weather improved drying up and becoming quite warm. As time moved on there was a need for another toilet break, thankfully I didn't need to go because as usual the queue was sooo long!!

As Anna and Bernie headed to join the long queue, Tina and myself tried to find some shelter from the elements. I did some stretches but not as many as I could have I walked up the road a bit to warm up the legs. In no time at all they were calling everyone to the start line, I couldn't find Tina. Anna and Bernie joined me, I turned on the Garmin and crossed the start line! We scanned the crowd in front of us and soon we were reunited with Tina.
Now anyone who has previously read this blog will know the amazing running abilities of these women, but what they did yesterday shows what amazing women they are. They ran with me, encouraged me and pushed me on to run a great half marathon. If anyone wonders what the merits of running in a group are read on...

As we moved on, I was enjoying the camaraderie of running with the girls, in fact the first few miles past quiet quickly. I had my music on which is quiet eclectic (no judgement, please!), as we entered into our 3rd mile our anthem for Clonakilty came on.... 

So I was smiling on the inside if not on the outside as we moved up one of a few hills we encountered.  It was unusual to see the girls  move that slowly and I tried to shoo them on..  They stopped to take photos, chatted, got to experience running through such amazing scenery at a much slower pace than is their usual.

The Lakes of Killarney in all there glory

I listened more than talked as I tried to keep some pace and move but at one point I had to tell Tina stop with the story, she was just too funny and the laughing was affecting my running... The first half passed away quite quickly as is the case with many runs. As we headed toward the 6 mile marker, I needed to use the toilet facilities, Anna did too so we stopped. There was one or two before us and I don't know if we were too impatient or the need wasn't really upon us, we decided to continue onwards. As they stopped for a photo I continued on. I knew they would be on quick enough...To be honest I was feeling OK at this stage however as I headed into the 8th mile I felt my left tightening slightly. I shook it off stretched.. Carried on...
Just an obsevation, as we headed towards Killarney we met a runner coming up against us, he was obviously taking advantage of the road being closed, I loved to know where he went? I imagined him crossing an imaginery finish line at Molls Gap..
From mile 9 onwards  the run got tougher for me.. and a lot slower for the girls. But as tough as anything is when your doing it  looking back you think it could have been worse! There was a throbbing or tightening in my left knee/leg, which was annoying as I ran and which made me pull up more frequently.. It was lovely and frightening to see that we had reached Torc waterfall.. This section of the park is tough your nearly there but you have to work a little bit harder.. There was also more people around to cheer us on and encourage us to keep moving forward. In fact some tourists herded up a hill like cattle.. they were amused and I smiled at their amusement.

No picture of me running is flattering.....I'm consoled by the fact I am running!!! 

The thoughts of cups of coffee and better still bling as described by Anna kept me moving.. As we headed towards the last mile I was frustrated with myself that I was pulling up so much.. But I kept plugging away in my own head.  Heading up to the finish line, I was so happy, I passed my dad, then Siobhan and Gillian and then the finish line. I looked up, I was slightly dazed.

Must turn off the Garmin!!

There was Michelle in front of us, we had talked about that at the start we had missed Michelle and Karen this morning. Next year girls...

I had done 2hr 21ish half marathon. 

I was so happy and shocked!! I was hoping for a 2:30ish.. I was quite emotional I really appreciated what the girls had done, they had helped me achieve and push past my goal. I can't thank them enough!
As I crossed into the finishing area I was greeted by my own number one cheerleader

forever friends..

Having received my fabulous medal and tech shirt, I met Dad he was waiting for Susan and my mum who were doing the 10K. After heading to the bathroom, where I took a moment to gather myself, I  picked up a cup of sweet tea, (which tasted fab! too soon for coffee..) I  headed over to meet Siobhan and Gillian who were there with their beautiful little daughters.

What lovely cheerleaders we had...

We waited for Mags, Susan and Mum to finish the 10K. We didn't have long to wait! The girls had a great run and did amazing..

Looking Strong..

Girls Next year, Half Marathon once more??

Next, was Brenda who was finishing her 6th marathon, she look so well as she crossed the finish line.. her marathon experience is up at brendasmercymarathonchallenge.blogspot.com.

As we all chatted and caught up with each other, we headed to get our hot dog courtesy of Run Killarney, it kept the hunger at bay! I queued for the massage that was on offer, it was fabulous, as I explained what ailed me the physio knew straight away. It was my IT band, I felt it as she massaged in to it. (I followed her advice and as I write, it feels better..) But after availing of a shower in the Gleneagle Hotel, I went for lunch in the bar. The plan was to meet up later to watch the game as Kerry V Cork were playing.. There was a great atmosphere and we were very happy with the result, (Sorry Karen and Mags!!).

I had such a great experience during the run; the scenery, the stewards, the jelly babies on offer in the park, the friendliness and the bling all made sure I'll be back next year.

Tech shirt and the bling #loveit

To all those who turned up to support us Gillian, Siobhan, Michelle and family in our endeavour thank you for your support, it was so appreciated! 
I want to thank Anna, Bernie and Tina who could have run a completely different half marathon but chose to cross the finish line with me.. You are truly amazing women, Thank you!