Easter running..

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

View from the car

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

Becoming stronger..

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

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

A good view helps me move forward..

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

On the move...

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

Lights, Runners, Go...

Running track selfie

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

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

Pre 16.1 look of dread...

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

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

Valentines day running - 10 miles

After all the rain of the last few months, it was great to wake on Sunday to blue skies, it was a day made for running, the temperature was low but not too cold.  Heading into Tralee, I quickly found parking. I had everything I needed for my run water, phone, earphones I was missing only one thing sunglasses, the sun really was that strong...
A short walk down to the wetlands gave my legs a stretch, after the requisite toilet stop I was ready. I would be running solo none of the girls were able to make this one. The atmosphere was good and I felt quite relaxed....

There was nothing left to do only to head to the start line. There were pacers but I didn't know where to place myself, I knew where I'd like to finish but not wanting to put my 'delicate' running psyche under any pressure, I hedged my bets and lined up between the 1.45 and 2.00 hour pacers.  I did a few squats to keep the legs warm and soon enough we were off.
I knew I was going faster than I could maintain but I moved with the crowd and as the first mile passed, I didn't feel too bad. As I headed up Caherslee, I was able to ease in to a more maintainable pace, there were plenty of people out cheering us on which was lovely. As I hit the roundabout and turned left out into the country road, I felt a slight twinge. Aghhh!! A stitch but a quick stretch and I felt fine once more. I was really enjoying the run. I felt comfortable. Out in the Tralee countryside, the road stretched ahead I tried to run relaxed and smile, which wasn't too hard considering what a beautiful day it was.
I no longer felt a chill in fact I was quite warm as I turned left toward the Kerries.  I knew the road for next few miles was hilly with a few twist and turns, so I paced it as best I could, I walked one hill, ran another and then once more...Stitch!  I did the same as before, stretched but kept moving forward. The view at the top is lovely and offers a beautiful view over Tralee Bay.
What goes up must come down and as I headed down the stitch was there niggling.. The road climbed slightly and so did I slowly. I stopped again to stretch..  As I hit the 8th mile, I was thankful for the water offered, looking out at the Atlantic ocean is always uplifting but heading past Blennerville windmill and along the canal was tough, the stitch was a constant.

I caught up to a  runner I knew Elaine from the 'Kilgarvan ag rith' running group, she had picked up a bit of a knock herself. Over the next mile or so I walked a bit, ran as best I could but I was not enjoying it at all. As I headed towards the Brandon Hotel,  Elaine passed and offered encouragement as did another runner who said the best think for a stitch was to run through it, which I assure you is a lot easier said than done! (The runner I later realised was a pacer so they do know what they were talking about).  As I crossed the road, Susan was there she said just go for it  and some how I just kept looking straight, literally with my teeth gritted I sprinted towards the finish line as fast as I could.
Crossing the line I knew what was going to happen, I got as far as the white van and began to dry heave which quickly turn into the regurgitating of every sip of water I had drank since I woke..The stewards were extremely helpful and patient, fantastic!
Having retrieved my bling and stopped my trusty Garmin, I found a bench sat down and gathered myself. Susan and mum found me and my new bit of bling taking a few deep breaths. I finished just within the 2 hours.

Eyes in need of sunglasses..

Looking back on the run, I really did enjoy it as a whole the first half I paced my run well which I really happy about. And although I didn't finish as strong as I would have liked, I know I am capable of a good strong 10 mile run at some time in the future....

Rain, pace, wind, bling - Clonakilty 10K

Originally the group were heading down to take part in the rescheduled Clonakilty run but due to previous commitments, illness and the business of life by Friday evening, only mum and I were going to be running.

So early Saturday morning we set off to West Cork, we bought our cheerleader with us, Susan who is just coming back from injury. It was a cold morning, the rain showers that fell were heavy. As we arrived into Clonakilty and headed to the Quality Hotel as that was the race HQ.  We parked the car in the showgrounds and went in search of a bathroom. There were queues outside every toilet, so we joined one. Everyone seemed in good spirits despite the weather outside, around us people were preparing for the inclement weather, there were many people rubbing Vaseline and other creams on various parts of their bodies.

Toilet humour...

As we exited the bathroom with not much time to spare, we were not alone the front lobby of the race HQ was full. We headed outside it was cold and waited to start, I tried to warm up as best I could. I did a few stretches, a squat or two  but I definitely didn't warm up as I should have.

They released the balloons and the run began unlike other years everyone began together 10K, half marathon and marathoners.

And their off...

I took off at a pace I knew I would pay for later on. The route took as through the town centre there were a few people out to cheer us on which is always a lovely boost. As we headed towards the coast road I found myself slowing down. I was mentally out of sorts but I was boosted by the amazing runners I saw around me. There were runners singing, talking, jumping and above all else smiling. Also the scenery along this stretch of the run really is so beautiful. I passed the half way mark smiling but as I crossed the bridge which is quite picturesque the wind hit me full on. As the road turned and I headed along the Inchdoney road, I was thankful I didn't have to run up the hill towards Incydoney. The marshal directed us to head back across the causeway, the rain which was now falling was biting cold.
There was about four or five people running around me, I spent the next mile or so passing or being passed by them. It was great to have something to focus on. The spectators were few and far between at this stage especially considering the weather but some people out cheering on family members also gave us some much needed support. By the fifth mile I let the runners in front of me slide away, I could have ran up the big hill but I walked, my fast pace start was coming back to bite me... Heading towards the finish I was determined to keep moving, I could see some of my runners just ahead of me I tried to keep the momentum going but with a couple of metres to go I had to take a breath. I sprinted to the finish and crossed the line wanting to vomit... (giving it my all)!

Get me to the line...

And so I was done, not the quickest 10K I have ever run but having ran Clonakilty for the last three years it was my quickest there.   At first I was a bit disappointed with the official time I had run, even considering the weather conditions but having checked my time on my trusty garmin I didn't feel too bad.
Having recovered I collected my bling woohoo!! The girls will be so jealous. I missed them on the run although I'm sure they did not miss running in the rain...

I met up with Susan she like me was wet and cold. Its not easy cheer leading and taking photos..

Cheer leading stylishly

As I drank a welcome cup of coffee,  we waited for Mum to finish. The rain began to fall heavily
although we did get a quick photo at the wall.

My hair, my expression ...

I thought about all those who were still out running, would I have the stamina to keep going in this weather over the distance of a marathon? Maybe someday I'll find out!
We had come to Clonakilty done our race, collected our bling now it was time to leave. The weather really was horrible it was fabulous to change into warm dry clothes, is there anything better after running in the rain.
Will I head to Clonakilty again this December? If I'm honest I'm undecided. I'll revisit it during the year.

Jiggling the fat, running in the rain, crossfit and doing it fabulously...

Wind and rain have been the most constant thing on most of my runs this month. Also the temperature, for this time of the year has been quite moderate except for a day or two when the temperature dropped.  The constant wet gear has led to an ever increasing pile of washing each week - the joys of winter running.

I often read about runners who due to weather conditions or time, run on treadmills. I tried maybe once or twice to run on a treadmill but I felt awkward. I could see the fat jiggling, in the full length mirror in front of the treadmill!!! Not a good look for anyone!

Misty Hill runs..

Hill running/training isn't on the list of my favourites things although I know it has to be done. I have a few runs coming up over the next few months so have try to put in one at least once a week. As I'm usually soaking wet from the rain it has given me added impetus to finish and get the pain over as quickly as possible. I really do find them the toughest thing I do....

This weeks hill run was this past weekend, there was a small gap in the weather so as I started there was no rain. The first mile and half were fine, a few rolling hills, manageable. Then I hit the next hill which seemed to go on for a while, so a quick chat to self and I just kept moving to the first bend and then the next and the next.. I still haven't mastered the keep running part.  So as I climbed to the top of each bend I stopped maybe only for a second or two but I stopped all the same. Finally I reached the top! What must go up must come down as the saying goes, so down the hills I went and as I hit level ground again my quads were beginning to cry. Thankfully,there wasn't too far to go and hill training was done. Although, my quads haven't yet forgiven me for it!

The day closes in so quickly at the moment, during one of my longer runs, the sky just kept darkening as I kept running. My illuminous running vest is part of the kit whatever time of the day it seems. I am also trying to curtail the urge to take off like Mo Farah and not burn out towards the end of each run. My aim is to run at a steady pace, it works sometimes. Its like my running in general a work in progress. I am trying to put the miles on my legs as I have the 10K in Clonakilty and the 10 Mile Valentines run in Tralee at the start of February.

The weather has also being playing havoc on our running group schedule. I look forward to Monday,  to run with someone other than my own thoughts. When there is someone ahead of you, I tend to move better, its like they set the pace.  I also do more pre and post run stretching with the girls which as we all know is a plus! I'm not great for talking as I  move, so a catchup before or after adds to the enjoyment. This week it was great to see Siobhan back running and she was flying. I predict great runs by our little running group in 2016. #RIOTRUNNERS

I am also determined to conquer some specific goals at Crossfit. I've picked two things which really bug me even though there are many moves I haven't conquered yet, I am determined to get these down - Double unders and walk walks. So I decided to invest in some Reeboks which I'm hoping will give me magic Crossfit powers.

I'll keep you updated on how I get on with conquering these moves and my Reeboks.

The motto for January...

Thinking of the month ahead and looking for a motto to carry me through the miles and workouts I must do in order to achieve the goals I've set for myself, I read this and I think this motto will carry me not only through the month ahead but maybe the year

'I know I can't do everything 

so I will do what I CAN fabulously....'

Kicking off 2016..

Running in 2016 has been a bit of a washout. It started on New Years Day, which is when I did my years first run of 2016. Start the year off as I mean to go on etc....
The Riot runners and myself headed to Beaufort to take place in their annual New years day run. Bernie, Eileen and Michelle signed up for the 5K. Anna and myself signed up for the 10K.

Getting on the layers to face into the weather!

I had been suffering from a bit of a head cold but felt much better. As I signed up, I mentioned to the girl at the desk I would be slow, 'You won't be later than an hour fifteen?', she asked, 'Hopefully, not',  I replied but I thought 'No pressure, so'.

I happily brought down by 10K run to under 70mins over the last year which I am quite proud of.
Sometimes, Athletic clubs and fast runners think only in their fast times and forget that a 10K run at 38/48 Min's is the same distance as a 10K run at 70/80 Min's.

The start was delayed by 30 minutes, as we started it was dry and other than a light mist it was that way for the first mile. Anna and I stuck close  as the girls sprinted off in the 5K.
I could feel my chest wheeze slightly so catching my breath was a bit problematic after a while,
although not debilitating. Fun running! Hahahaha!

As always I never take a good running pic... Nothing changes!

The route itself was a loop.  The first miles or so passed as we house watched but the rain began to fall heavily. The road was open to traffic but we didn't meet to many cars as the back splash as they passed wouldn't have been fairly large.  The puddles were getting larger and I found myself walking up any bit of a hill. The wind was fairly strong so battling against that also added to the fun of the years first run. I kept thinking to myself that surely the wind would be to my back soon, it never happened. I just wasn't feeling great but I was determined not to start the year off with a DNF. My legs were fine but head was just so foggy. I was having my only little pity party as I ran and I had only myself to blame for how miserable I was feeling.

We were really sopping wet, Anna ran ahead but soon we came to a crossroads, we didn't know which way to turn.

Thankfully, we flagged a car and they were able to direct us on the right road, (left to our own devices we would have taken the wrong road). So with a Kilometre to go, it was time to kick it up a notch.  That kick that comes at the end of most runs didn't materialise. I met my mum who herself had done the 5K, she said just around the corner and you are there. Thankfully! As we came up to the finish line the stewards were calling for our numbers, which they duly noted.

Done! 

I was so glad to be out of the rain as we went into the community hall. Susan and my dad went to the car to get our gear. Our cheer leading squad were as always fabulous!! Bernie and Michelle got us lovely hot coffee... After a quick change and putting on more layers, I soon began to warm up. We had all felt the effects of the wind and rain. Bernie was the 4th lady home in the 5K,
Michelle too had a good run and Eileen (my mum) had powered through the rain too. We waited a while to cheer on those who had received prizes and then headed home to hit a hot shower.

Mum and I, getting warm after the wind and rain...

There was a delay in putting up the results as they had a technical fault with the timing. I had my trusty garmin with me so I knew that I had run a 72.5 min 10K. The results did go up during the week and apparently Anna and I got the following result 'NO TIME'. After 68 Min's there were no times recorded  which is disappointing for those who finished after this.

But all thinks considered, I was happy enough with the time I finished in because at times it felt I was running for hours.

What a way to kick off the running year!

It had to last me a while as I was knocked down with my sinuses for most of last week, towards the end of the week I turned a corner. I was unable to go to Crossfit either. So I'm ready and looking forward to heading out on the road and heading into do some AMRAPS, WODS. I'm sure as I do the first WOD I won't be thinking that..


So this week coming is when I start of my 2016 in earnest.

2015 summed up with a glance at 2016..

I started 2016 of  by doing the Beaufort 10K with some of the Riot runners, the weather was appalling. It was a tough one!  I'll put 'pen to paper' about it soon.

Since I've started this blog I've done bit of  of a yearly sum up as the old year ends to see what I have achieved and get me ready to face the new year ahead.

My Running Year 2015


Total Mileage:-                       554.55 miles      

Highest Mileage
Month:-                                  June

Lowest Mileage
Month:-                                  December

Runs done:-                            132

Pace:-                                      Improving

My Races:-                              6

Half Marathon                        Run Killarney Half Marathon

10 Mile                                   Tralee Valentine  10 mile run

10K                                         Killarney women's mini marathon

4m                                           Maurice Collins Memorial run

5K                                           Run for the Angels 5K
                                             
                                                Colour Run 5k

I also started attending my local Park run on Saturday mornings in Killarney National Park.

This year I also started doing core and strength training at Crossfit Training. This has transformed my running.


Pb's 
At the start of the year my aim was to achieve 10K in 70 Min's and a half marathon within 2hr 30 I happy to say I met all these goals. I  have run a 62 min 10K while training but on a time race I ran a 66 min 10K at the Killarney Mini marathon. In July I ran a 2.21 half marathon.
I also achieved PBS 1 mile and 5K Pb's.

Looking ahead to 2016 I want to be more consistent.

I have so far decided to do the following runs:

February                     Clonakilty 10K
                                    Valentines 10 Mile Tralee

March                         Tralee Half Marathon

This will keep me busy for the first few months of the year.
Looks like a fun year ahead!