tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52230973220498438932024-02-07T17:35:44.771-08:00Running MadTrail, road & mountain ultra runningAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-17844535251183240612015-06-02T02:56:00.001-07:002015-06-02T02:56:09.723-07:00World Trail Running Championships 2015 Annecy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As always it was massively proud moment to be asked to represent
Ireland at the 5<sup>th</sup> IAU World Trail Running Championships in Annecy,
France. I had not raced the route before or ran with the new Irish crew so I
was really looking forward to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The course is 85km in length with around 5000m of climbing over a
mix of technical trail. Some quick sections together with some slower technical
climbs and descents, many athletes agreed that the first half of the course was
fast whereas the second half was more technical and obviously slower. The
course was treated with some light rain the night before so things were
certainly going to be muddy and interesting!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The field was looking strong and included athletes from all over
the world, including France, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, USA, Sweden,
UK, South Africa, Japan, Australia and Nepal.
Luis Alberto Hernando, Tom Owens, Alex Nicholls, Manuel Merillas to name
but a few of a top field would be
shoulder to shoulder at the start line. The starting pace was going to be
savage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Team Ireland included Paul Tierney, Jonny Steede, Justin Maxwell
and Barry Hartnett. The team were being managed by Gary <span style="background: white;">McConville</span>, Ryan Maxwell and Robbie Williams. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race kicked off at 3.30am(!) the first few kilometres
were alongside Lake Annecy and most of us went out as though we were knocking
out a quick 5km park run rather than a mountain ultra! It wasn’t long before
things were put to order with a slower (but still savage) climb of around 1500m
over a distance of 13 KM. Having started at the back of the pack on the start
line it was nice to use the climb to pass a few people and find my ‘mountain
bounce’, get my breathing under control and enjoy what I love doing, which is
running up a mountain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The atmosphere was great and it was good to see athletes
from all over the world, some of which I recognised from the UK, Germany and
France from other competitions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first climb was a little difficult to judge, if
you take advantage of the adrenaline and atmosphere and hit the climb too hard you’ll
pay for it later, take it too slow and a lot of the field will leave you
behind. My approach was to take it steady on the climb and make up a few places
but take advantage of the technical descents. I spend a good amount of time in Snowdonia
and felt that the technical rocky descents would be the place to push.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It wasn't long before we hit the first peak and
the first checkpoint where the lads were waiting for us. I picked up a few
gels, quick drink and cracked on. The descent would be a nice long 10km ride. I
decided to push hard on this section sitting in 28<sup>th</sup> place I needed
to push on. The descent was great, single track forest, jumping over tree
routes and rocks. It was really enjoyable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Coming around a corner I must have hit a rock as
the next thing I knew I was heading at some speed towards a group of embedded
rocks. I landed really hard hitting the rocks with my knee and hip and then ‘cheesegrating’
my shoulder and back along the side. I lay on the path for while in shock with
the athlete just ahead asking if I was alright. I told him to crack on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The pain kicked in and when I looked at my knee I
could see the cut was real deep just under the kneecap, I could also see
something inside that was as white as a starbucks coffee cup and initially
thought I had broken something. I gingerly stood up and hobbled down the path,
it was obvious that nothing was broken but I had it in my mind that with the
amount of blood pumping out of the gash (my sock was already soaked) that it
was the end of the road for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The pain was bearable but I was not sure what was
going on it was a mix of shock, adrenaline and fear of the athletes overtaking.
I tried a wee jog and although it hurt when I landed on my leg it was bearable.
It was still a fair distance to any aid station (behind me or in front of me)
so I decided to crack on and see how the injury felt along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thankfully it wasn’t long before I had hit the
bottom of the descent but to be honest
at this stage I was confused, I wanted to push on knowing athletes were just
behind me but also not sure if I could continue. The course is very much up and
down so as soon as we hit the bottom of the descent (about 28km and down to an
alt. of 700m) we were heading back up to around 1300m over a few kilometres.
Again, I decided that as it was a climb I wouldn't be causing too much impact
on the leg and it would mean I could give the leg a bit more time to settle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am not sure if it was the adrenaline caused by
the fall but I managed to push quite hard despite the pain and was now sitting
in about 23<sup>rd</sup> place passing a couple of athletes on the descent and on
the second climb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we hit the second climb, we hit a real sharp
descent. I was gingerly running down this descent not wanting to cause more
damage to my leg and afraid of falling again. The key to a good speedy descent
is confidence, something which I lacked and made me a little slow and hesitant.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thankfully I made the bottom of the descent and
hit a road section which took us into the second aid station. Oddly I had
managed to take a couple more places and was sitting in 21<sup>st</sup>. The
support crew looked after me cleaned up my knee a little and I was off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Straight out of the second aid station at around
45km, the excitement of it all wore off and the pain kicked in hard. I had
forgotten to take some ibuprofen and I started to really struggle with the knee
that was looking a little bruised and was still bleeding heavily I had also
some pain in the thigh. It was fair to say I was feeling a wee bit sorry for
myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I now had a 1200m climb which would take me to
the 60km mark. It was not long up the climb when I had decided to DNF. My leg
was hurting each time I lifted it. My hips and shoulder and back were screaming
from the grit and crap stuck to it and I think I had also hit the wall at the
same time. I had confirmed to myself that at the top of the climb I would hand
myself in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A lovely chap from Canada saw that I was done for
and was having none of it. ‘C’mon Ireland’ he said. ‘My parents are from
Ireland, look at my red hair!’ That gave me a wee boost but by now I was
walking, head down feeling right sorry for myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got to the top of the 3<sup>rd</sup> climb and
saw the doctor. He gave the knee a quick look and wanted to cover it up but I
told him that I’d get that done at the finish line. The English and French
communication wasn’t great but considering it was only 10km to go to the next
main CP and it was all downhill I decided I’d at least finish this race. I kept
telling myself that I’m wearing the Irish vest and it’s a privilege to do so!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took the long descent down the mountain with caution
and dropped down to about 30<sup>th</sup> place heading into the CP. This time
I was sure to take a couple of gels, an Iburprofen and hit the coke hard! I
came out of the CP with 15km to go and positive that I would finish this race.
A quick CP in and out meant I left in 27<sup>th</sup> place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don’t know whether it was a mental point having
taken the Iburprofen (surely it couldn’t kick in that quick) and the coke but I
felt good and strong again. I hit the final climb hard and the switchback
descent harder. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was on the final climb that I spent a few
moments on top of the peak looking over the whole of Annecy and the lake. An
amazing view and a reminder of why we do these events! I managed to take a few
places on the last section pushing hard on the final 8-9 miles, unfortunately I
had left it a little too late. I managed to cross the line in 17<sup>th</sup>
place and salvaged a respectable place for the World Championships but in all
honestly I felt a little disappointed with the overall performance and a missed
opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the key lessons of course is that mountain
running is not just about speed, ability to climb and descend but it’s about
being able to deal with the challenges of the day, the conditions and terrain.
I had perhaps been a little overly confident with my technical skills and
arrogant and paid the price early on. However, it was a grand experience and
great to be in such a place representing Ireland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The team did great. We finished 13<sup>th</sup>
overall with Johnny Steede coming in second for Ireland followed by Justin
Maxwell who also scored. Barry Hartnet put in a hearty performance and even managed
to craft two ‘o' natural’ branches into suitable poles for the course. He is
certainly a guy to watch in the future. Unfortunately, Paul Tierney had to call
it a day but will no doubt bounce back this race season. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A massive thanks goes out to the support crew who
did an amazing job at looking after us during the race!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Twitter: <complete id="goog_148183948">@ultrarundan </complete></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-44404025762369284502013-09-09T08:11:00.001-07:002013-09-10T01:21:47.369-07:00UTMB TdS 2013 Race Report <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is my race report for the TdS 2013. It comes across as a little negative but I learnt a lot from this race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please click <a href="http://www.uvuracing.com/blog/some-honest-thoughts-on-the-tds/">here</a> for the race report.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dan</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkknRGXNmCs-VJjG5LTmptJPNyVdeFlfJxwE0fbdpCJhcTzB9DZJIyXtOVn4qsy5fKGJPSqLcC-YcbUcCvMIju_zF0ewQddo-sFiNqOYZc0umxUGIt8A9F07k8ehwblTQI8JW4A_Q8TCo/s1600/1229889_571168889609340_107869345_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkknRGXNmCs-VJjG5LTmptJPNyVdeFlfJxwE0fbdpCJhcTzB9DZJIyXtOVn4qsy5fKGJPSqLcC-YcbUcCvMIju_zF0ewQddo-sFiNqOYZc0umxUGIt8A9F07k8ehwblTQI8JW4A_Q8TCo/s400/1229889_571168889609340_107869345_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-15986158913439079422013-09-07T11:23:00.000-07:002013-09-07T11:23:23.568-07:00UVU The Extremist - Dan Doherty | What running means for me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a UVU Racing Laboratory Athlete, running is my life. It dictates my day, where I live, how I eat, when I rest, my mood and the way I see the world. Being a professional and an international ultra runner, I don’t have time for politics, Pop Idol or office chat. It’s all about the next challenge. The next mountain range.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To read on visit<a href="http://www.uvuracing.com/blog/dan-doherty-what-running-means-for-me/"> here</a></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-70226261685466806592013-05-16T03:18:00.003-07:002013-05-16T03:18:42.131-07:00IAU 100K European Championships – Belves Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many ultra / endurance athletes
will tell you that you can push yourself a lot further than you think you can.
This race was to be my first experience of this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few weeks after racing the
Anglo Celtic Plate 100k and narrowly missing the Irish 100k record by a matter
of seconds, I found myself on the 100K European Champs start line with some of
the fastest 100k road runners in Europe. The course was not a usual IAU 100k
course which is usually very flat – this time around we would have some short
sharp hills to contend with throughout the course including a very steep 1km up
to the finish line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pre-Race<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ireland would be fielding two
athletes – Keith Whyte (<a href="http://keithwhyteultrarunning.blogspot.co.uk/">http://keithwhyteultrarunning.blogspot.co.uk/</a>)
and moi. We would be supported by a team of three - John Collins (Team
Manager), Kevin Belton (Physio) and Jeff Fitzsimons (Team Support). Logistically, this course would prove to be
tough, it represented a 100k loop with aid stations every several KM or so. The
first priority for the team was to secure some bikes as they would need to cycle
the entire 100k route to get each aid station before us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The priority on my list was dealing with a nagging hamstring
issue which I have had for several months caused by an awkward fall on Ben
Nevis (trying to avoid a plodder). The ACP had inflamed the injury but I was
working hard to keep it stretched and the blood flowing. I worked with Kevin
before the race to stretch it out and work on loosening the surrounding
muscles. Spending all day on a plane and then coach doesn’t do a runner any favours
so a very short 1mile or so run the day before also helped shake out the
muscles a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKFKLOYhcKhhYedcPMGwZa6c6KW9YAGBt216S4x04BqXShIoyYGBzDw5DG4L7_W4_JOCZc0Rp9pfSgJFJU3K-HKIddypP64BtMCM_SOJTHYzspMV7LCn65yuXu1kuj9XxwMtumjtIw8E/s1600/309939_520277288031834_1094107713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKFKLOYhcKhhYedcPMGwZa6c6KW9YAGBt216S4x04BqXShIoyYGBzDw5DG4L7_W4_JOCZc0Rp9pfSgJFJU3K-HKIddypP64BtMCM_SOJTHYzspMV7LCn65yuXu1kuj9XxwMtumjtIw8E/s400/309939_520277288031834_1094107713_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A wee jog</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s rare not to get some kind of ‘drama’ before an event
and my drama was a lack of water for the race. The event was held in Belves
which boasts 1 Spar supermarket for the
entire village. Obviously this had been absolutely destroyed by other
competitors getting there before us. Time was running out and I had 4 bottles
to my name and 28 or so aid stations to cater for! Thankfully, just before we
were heading in for the night we visited the local camp site shop where we were
staying and noticed some very small water bottles in the fridge. Result! The
shop assistant was a little surprised when we told her we needed an entire case!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As usual for a 100k road race, I would have more than enough
water, breaking it up every 4<sup>th</sup> aid station with some kind of sports
drink but generally relying on water with Elete added. My gels would be taped
to the side of the bottle for convenience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfZ1LFCnBNw7oCKuMINoQ1ZtlIR9oLyNAlJ40nrFAYIGJ8SfTGV6uwJV21l2bUaPxA3K7Q_NvRD9QeTi_jFzfMdsDKbaYNwigyJq9ww69-wjLAIsZU_r2lWXKmijl4YWlsl7j5aI22F4/s1600/485587_466573096752657_1556562558_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfZ1LFCnBNw7oCKuMINoQ1ZtlIR9oLyNAlJ40nrFAYIGJ8SfTGV6uwJV21l2bUaPxA3K7Q_NvRD9QeTi_jFzfMdsDKbaYNwigyJq9ww69-wjLAIsZU_r2lWXKmijl4YWlsl7j5aI22F4/s400/485587_466573096752657_1556562558_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Team Ireland</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When Keith and I originally discussed race strategy we would
go out with an even split with a view to potentially giving as much as possible
at the end if we still had it in us. This was quickly thrown out the window
when John returned from the course recce to inform us that this was not a flat
course at all! Shit! Race strategy would not be conservative, keep it even on
the uphills and then try and make up for that on the flats. Keep control on the
downhills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKV3L5TCHdJuJ5ZbLEDun4gc4bpoeI8X7nwLbfUb0HBxYpARGIJQ9KWo-VNnZRxX1v9fgIXgIV0yS3zagMoSyOMaq-HHRucwJsanb81PWktCT5SpygIv4E6QNkwA5Yb5bzvc6icjlUaY/s1600/946509_10151477256328859_1854724538_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKV3L5TCHdJuJ5ZbLEDun4gc4bpoeI8X7nwLbfUb0HBxYpARGIJQ9KWo-VNnZRxX1v9fgIXgIV0yS3zagMoSyOMaq-HHRucwJsanb81PWktCT5SpygIv4E6QNkwA5Yb5bzvc6icjlUaY/s400/946509_10151477256328859_1854724538_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Opening Ceremony</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Race</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race would take part in Belves which is located about 200
kilometres from Bordeaux and is known for its beautiful castles which will be
well represented on the race course. The race is 100km looped course that takes
athletes to neighbouring town of Sarlat in the Dordognes Valley. Racers will
get to see five different castles in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to get up at about 4.30/5am as the race started
at 8. This gave me enough time to shower, cream, destroy a 9Bar, Beetroot juice
and some breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We jumped onto the bus which took us to the start line.
These events usually always consist of a lot of rushing about to then wait
around. The event would host the top 100k road runners in Europe from 19
European countries with just under 100 athletes participating. In addition,
there would be an open race which would also include some very fast runners (in
particular from France) who presumably didn’t make the team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The support team immediately got to organising the 50-60
bottles of water we had and placing them in drop bags (not an easy task) we weren’t
quite sure whether we would ever see them again, but thankfully things turned
out well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap_4vUZSDtuTr0I_Xc4at2FkQ9ca7MZoiQkrvPaBAmkGHWRatbvW5QBOjYMRXsZvvrx1Y_nd5Ee_MZ1drwyQw7AWztYcjUQw7V6xKXuJ_2-2RWuyQQMJX_KDkO7ZGwCPtqxkk7x1_Dmg/s1600/164203_10151477267198859_1291957901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap_4vUZSDtuTr0I_Xc4at2FkQ9ca7MZoiQkrvPaBAmkGHWRatbvW5QBOjYMRXsZvvrx1Y_nd5Ee_MZ1drwyQw7AWztYcjUQw7V6xKXuJ_2-2RWuyQQMJX_KDkO7ZGwCPtqxkk7x1_Dmg/s320/164203_10151477267198859_1291957901_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Getting Ready</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It wasn’t long before Keith and I shook hands with the
support team and wished them well on their 100k cycle ride around the course.
We stood on the start line and waited for the off. I quickly knocked back a
couple of Imodium to deal with inevitable stomach issues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The start went off well with enough space for us all to run
at around our desired pace. However, it wasn’t long before we were heading
downhill and both Keith and I started to inform each other that we were
knocking out sub 6mm. Easy tiger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As soon as I started running my hamstring started to present
a dull ache from the top to the bottom. Not enough to affect my running pace
but enough to notice and make my running not as comfortable as I would like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We managed to get about 10 miles into the race when all of a
sudden I need to make a pit stop. I dived into some cover to drop the kids off,
jumped back up and slowly caught back up with Keith. It wasn’t long after that
that my watch told me I had done a 7mm. I was really proud to have emptied my
stomach while doing a 7mm. Surely that was a new Irish record?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As with most ultra runs the race doesn’t really start until
it gets real painful for the athletes, usually around the last 3<sup>rd</sup>
of the course. For me this would be about 20-30 miles in. The event was really
uneventful for the first 25 miles or so, generally quite flat following the Dordogne
river and passing the various castles. It was also lovely to see some local
support around cheering us on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More encouraging was that Keith and I had stuck together
working on our pace keeping ourselves in check to ensure we didn’t go to fast.
It was shortly after the 26m mark that the course introduced some steep
inclines followed by some horrendous down hills (for such as event on tarmac).
This would go on for about 15 miles or so and would see us running up hills at
8-9mm pace and coming down them at 5.20-5.30mm. This was not our desired
approach and we would pay for this later!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By the time I hit the 50k mark my hamstring injury was
starting to complain about the running. I shouted at the team that my leg was
shot, and I would need to hit the ice spray for the next 50k! As we got into
each aid station I would grab the spray, spray the hams and IT, grab my
nutrition and crack on. The spray would generally reduce the pain and get me to
the next aid station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Keith was a little behind me as I believe he had to make a
pit stop. It was around the 60k mark where I really had a bad patch and my legs
were screaming. I stopped at the top of the hill for a very short while and
waited for Keith to catch up. I thought to myself that I would keep with Keith
for a long as possible and let him run on – I would not DNF but I would jog
back in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Worse than my hamstring injury were two athletes (one from Russia
and one from France) who were essentially tucked neatly behind us letting us do
all the work. Now, this is fine as it’s all part of the game. However, we were
getting a little pissed off by the how close they were getting. I was waiting
for one of the guys to clip our legs and send us flying and possibly out of the
race. In addition one of the guys was in the open race and had his support on a
cycle – riding right by us – this guy did not have any consideration and continuously
got in our way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thankfully, I think this took my mind of the hamstring for a
while and after a couple of tough sections we both managed to drop these
athletes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After using 3 quarters of a can of spray on my legs, I think
it was having more of a mental affect than a physical one. It was something
nice to look forward to at each aid station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Keith and I managed to stick to each other for about 65k-70k
or so when he hit a pit stop and I think he started to suffer from an injury.
Unfortunately, I would later learn that this would be the end of Keith’s race
but I am more than certain he will be back in the near future to give the Irish
record a crack!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had about 30k or so to go and I was sitting in around 18
place. My legs were screaming and I was keeping my fingers crossed that nothing
would go ‘ping’ and cramp would stay away. The tough section was over and it
was essentially a good section of flat. I managed to keep myself at a good pace
along this section picking off places as I went along. I got some really good
encouragement from the team with updates on how the guys were looking ahead. “The
Russians are struggling”; “The Italians are not looking good, Dan”; “You are
flying, Dan”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These bits of encouragement gave me the incentive to crack
on and see how I was doing. At this
point I went from thinking about jogging back in to the finish line to seeing
how long I could keep this pace going and finish in a respectable time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After each aid station I could see I was running well compared
to the other athletes ahead. When I passed an athlete I was clearly running at
a pace they could not maintain. I was waiting for each of them to keep shoulder
to shoulder so as to avoid losing a place but they simply let me run past. It
was at this stage that I had to ‘drop the kids off’ again. I had no time for
diving into a bush but simply had to do it on the spot. I apologised to the athletes
running past and also to Kevin who cycled past (I don’t think he will sleep
properly again). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I managed to take a couple of places back that I lost after
the quick pit stop and essentially push on through the ranks. Looking at my
watch a good time was on the clocks and a possible Irish record. I didn’t know
what place I was in at the 90k mark but information coming in was that I was in
or just over 10<sup>th</sup> place. Good sign!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The last 10k I pushed on as hard
as I could passing a few runners and continuously looking back to make sure I
would not lose a place or two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had about 3 miles or so to go
when a spectator shouted, “well done buddy only 10k to go”. WTF, was that right?
I hope not!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was at this stage I was
feeling comfortable, I could not see anyone behind me and the finish line was
close. I was good few minutes under the Irish record when I hit a massive
incline for about a KM (shit I forgot about that!). The climb was severe enough
to drop the pace around the 9-10mm mark. I was desperate, I could see the
finish line was very close but the road followed a curve taking me away from
the finish line and slowly bringing me back towards it. I was just under a KM
when someone shouted from behind me “C’mon Dan”. It was Keith who had hitched a
ride from some guy in a van. The only response I could master up was “Don’t
shout at me, I’m gonna cramp!” I had been on coke for a couple of CPs and I don’t
think I had enough Elete in the bottle so I had signs of cramp kicking in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A final push and I managed to get
past the line in 7.05.57 (although time says 7.06). Seconds away from the Irish
record. Twice in the space of a few weeks! Tough luck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I managed to moan at the guys for
not passing me the flag to cross over the line with to then learn I came 8<sup>th</sup>
in Europe and 5<sup>th</sup> in my group. Not bad for someone who was
struggling at the 50k mark! I managed to squeeze in a couple of handshakes and
the like to only be approached by an interpreter. “Hi, I am your interpreter,
this is [x] from the Anti-Doping team. He will be supervising you until a
sample is taken”. Great, it’s gonna be a long day!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VpKy5liXNiSnFgFzUXMK8WhAG_lXbdcrDyY9xNC_s9S8qcrhnBTMsfkikb-Vv0QIYHuv4DgkpUj3KBCdIF9bpra2IjEXflY6FdHsM_FT9_WhjnbgT5TbNqx88ilCU14-pcDmRNHWGTY/s1600/922905_4661073608158_169913375_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VpKy5liXNiSnFgFzUXMK8WhAG_lXbdcrDyY9xNC_s9S8qcrhnBTMsfkikb-Vv0QIYHuv4DgkpUj3KBCdIF9bpra2IjEXflY6FdHsM_FT9_WhjnbgT5TbNqx88ilCU14-pcDmRNHWGTY/s400/922905_4661073608158_169913375_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Finish Line</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Post-Race Thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One thing I learnt from this race is that you can push
yourself a lot further than you might think. Could I have gone under the 7 hour
mark if the course was flatter? Who knows. Perhaps the hills kept my pace into
check which allowed me to push on later on in the race or perhaps I was having
a great race and could have put in a great time. I will never know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The toughness of the course can perhaps be explained by
looking at other results. Usually, I am at least 40 mins behind the winner. In
this case I was about 12 mins behind. The winning time is usually well under 6h30.
This time the winning time was 6.53. Take from that what you will, but I do
feel that one of us in the Irish squad is very close to breaking the 7hr mark
and coming well under this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Full results can be found here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.iau-ultramarathon.org/images/file/100KM%20BELVES%20EUROPE%20FINAL%202013.pdf"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">http://www.iau-ultramarathon.org/images/file/100KM%20BELVES%20EUROPE%20FINAL%202013.pdf</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-5470726744942693652013-04-12T06:55:00.002-07:002013-04-12T06:55:39.535-07:00AAI Announce Irish Squad for IAU 100K European Champs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The AAI has recently announced the squad that will go over to Belves, France on 27th April to compete in the IAU 100k European Championships 2013. The team will comprise:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Keith Whyte </b>(runner)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>John Collins</b> (team support and manager)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Kevin Belton</b> (team support & Physio)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Jeff Fitzsimons</b> (team support)</span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Me</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (runner)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it is always a very proud moment and a true privilege to be asked to represent your country in an ultra event and get the opportunity to race against some of Europe's finest ultra road runners over this distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At a personal level, it is no secret that I will be looking to challenge the current Irish 100k record again standing at 7.05 after narrowly missing it by around 20 seconds in the Anglo Celtic Plate in March. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFyf2TUuciTMIClBQfnyFCeDbPzAHJBacrMYQBc71MRefSUocOIG09I9NTjIafgncebZVNDcupvX2oXfiJuJtguPY6-UGGMMjMA5HnkdAm5JsGJCGMiubWefsarF2mqQkwznsE_py1eU/s1600/acp_perth_2013_051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFyf2TUuciTMIClBQfnyFCeDbPzAHJBacrMYQBc71MRefSUocOIG09I9NTjIafgncebZVNDcupvX2oXfiJuJtguPY6-UGGMMjMA5HnkdAm5JsGJCGMiubWefsarF2mqQkwznsE_py1eU/s400/acp_perth_2013_051.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In Perth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This course is a lot more technical than the course in Perth with some good hill sections and tricky positioned aid stations which will challenge our team. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Keith Whyte (<a href="http://keithwhyteultrarunning.blogspot.co.uk/">http://keithwhyteultrarunning.blogspot.co.uk/</a>)</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> who is on form at the moment will most certainly be looking to do the same. I am hoping we can both encourage and push each other to a good performance this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="254" src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/KeithWhyte-world100k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Keith Whyte</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photo: Congratulations to my Irish team mate Dan Doherty on winning the Anglo Celtic Plate today . Come on Ireland !!" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p403x403/582262_488721834528230_24966022_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Worlds last year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Read more here: </span><a href="http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=31496">http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=31496</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-60672439471302112712013-04-06T07:10:00.002-07:002013-04-06T07:10:58.730-07:00ACP - Video Montage (thingy)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ho9IaE3TJi0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A wee video montage of the weekend race :O)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Race report to follow soon...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And to answer your question about the music, see previous post!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-41820597695302342822013-03-21T06:08:00.000-07:002013-03-21T06:08:00.319-07:00Run Boy Run<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For all those about to start the Ultra Run Season (or already started) this one is for you</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lmc21V-zBq0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-64112371083319250052013-02-19T08:05:00.002-08:002013-02-19T08:06:07.818-08:00Getting the Itch – Thames Trot (45ish)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It had been a while since I last raced so I had a sudden
urge to enter something. A quick search online and I was on the waiting list of
the Thames Trot 50.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As with most ultras thanks to a couple of last minute
injuries / drop outs I managed to secure a place. My aim was to roll up, get a
feel for racing again and see how the winter training was going. I had only
made up my mind to race a couple of days before the race so there was no time
to taper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The event is organised by Go Beyond and they describe the
race as <i>“</i><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">A tranquil run along the Thames from Oxford to Henley. Ever
changing scenery on the river and Red Kites frequently seen soaring overhead.
One of the best way marked routes we have come across”.</span></i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"> Great a way marked route. One for me!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, as you may have noticed
it had dropped a little snow and rain of late and the Thames had decided to
take a little more territory than usual by way of most of the towpaths – i.e.
the entire “way marked” bit! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Thames had flooded badly but
amazingly Go Beyond had managed to find an alternative route at short notice.
We would still run which is great but it would be around 45 miles and would
involve reading the map a bit more. Game over! Too late to back out now – I
would need to ‘hang’ with my fellow running companions to avoid ending up in
Manchester or Scotland…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race starts at a nice warm pub in
Iffley, Oxford (which serves warm breakfast) registration, pick up a very good
quality race long sleeve tee and have a pee or three. I took out my Kinvara 3
shoes from the box (yes brand new!) and slipped them on. I would strongly
advise against this approach, a) because you should break your trainers in
before racing; and b) 45 miles is a long way to go if they don’t fit properly.
That said, I get on very well with Kinvara so I knew they would be ok for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Standing waiting for the start line I
started to lose feeling in my fingers but thankfully it was not long before the
countdown and the off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We did intermingle with the Thames for
a short period at the start on the way to Kennington. It took me all of about ¾
of a mile before I was wading up to the ankles in water followed by some marsh
like terrain which nicely led us onto the road section. The key here of course
is to avoid too much dirt getting into road shoes as you will inevitably get
hot spots, rubbing and blisters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It only took a mile or two before my
navigational skills were spent. Rather conveniently a chap who I now know as
Scott Forbes was running alongside me with a smartphone and route mapped.
Excellent! We began talking and it turns out that Scott is a truly
inspirational character. A serious mountain biker, I learnt he was hit by a car
on his bike and was paralysed 12 months before the race! Here he was running alongside
me at 6.30mm pace in his first ultra. I did explain to him on learning that
this was his first ultra that this pace may be a bit too much but he certainly
held on for the first 20 miles before actively deciding that dropping the pace
was probably a good idea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another character worth a mention here
is someone who was running in the Vibram fivefingers. Not sure what his name
was but about 17 miles in Scott and I got a little lost in a field and it was
only a minute or so before Fivefingers caught us up! He had been running at a
reasonable fast click in those extremely minimalist shoes on road! We watched
him for a bit and his form was superb - certainly a student out of the school
of minimalism. That said, after around mile 18-19 we lost him and I think he
must have started to slow down from here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With Scott dropping the pace a little
I started to worry about my navigation – this was when my luck was in again. A fella
had slowly caught up with us (or was not that far behind us anyway) who I now
know to be Craig Holgate. He had run this course before and knew the way
(including the revised course). Rather cheekily I decided to tag along. We got
chatting and it wasn’t long before I found out Craig was training to get into
the English team for the Anglo Celtic Plate a race I would be running for
Ireland at the end of March.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was keen to use this race as a
tester to see where I stood on the 100k front and wanted to maintain an average
6.30-6.35mm throughout the race. However, Craig explained that he was not on
form at this stage and I could not get to the finish without his navigational
knowledge. I resigned to the fact that I would have to hang back and be in
Craig’s line of site to direct me. This is by no means a reflection on Craig -
as mentioned he was not really on form and was not using this race in the same
way as me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It did however mean that I waited at
each junction, roundabout or corner for Craig to shout out ‘left’ or ‘right’ or
usually ‘straight on’ so I could then run a good pace until I hit another
section of the route which had ‘options’ only to turn around like a dog waiting
for orders from Craig. After a while this was stupid so I ran alongside Craig
until the last checkpoint. To be honest, the course was ideal for 100k
training. Nothing too aggressive on the hills, perhaps a couple of rolling
sections but a lot of road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we got to the last checkpoint and
out of the forest clearing I pretty much shot off to the finish asking locals
where the train station (and finish line) was. I was a little frustrated at
myself as I feel that I could have ran the race a lot quicker but I only have myself
to blame for being an arse and an idiot and not learning how to use a map
properly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I felt fresh at the finish line having
passed the 45 miles or so in 5hrs 11mins. I certainly felt fresh and strong
enough to have completed the course in well under 5hrs. But that is not really
the point. The point is to get from start to finish solo in the quickest time.
It is for this reason that I asked that Craig be given the same time as me as
he actually deserved first place. Without his navigations skills and the fact
he was kind enough to show me the way and my continuously (and what must have
been annoying) attention seeking to head in the right direction I would not
have finished and probably ended up in a completely different county, if not,
country!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">I owe Craig a beer! It will be good to
race against him at the ACP where I will not need navigation around the park in
Perth! </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">J</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That said, all in all, a very well
organised and friendly event. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Results:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Dan Doherty 529 5:11:50 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 Craig Holgate 557 5:11:50 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 Scott Forbes 505 5:40:50 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">Kit wise I wore the Irish flag buff,
Newline tee, Newline high vis gillet, North Face Better Than Naked Shorts and
the Kinvara 3 trainers. I took the Ultraspire </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Spry vest</span> and Ultraspire handheld.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nutrition, 9Bar
flax and 9Bar Nutty, and despite being on a Paleo diet I also indulged in a piece
of the legendary fruit cake that is offered at the CP. Do not enter without
having a piece.</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg22LWxY66gyFC8JWT-NLCCqoU6F4o70dozAVdAzva7OlaREg-atLONe01Mc7CayR8XupsJWHyWO7XAjnNXwU3S4p7uaeI1CXuOG-ScUhKV9FoeZWTUvYV86RFO8AoZMUEMtzUL0tR_Jg/s1600/554433_479817088744521_1079622585_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg22LWxY66gyFC8JWT-NLCCqoU6F4o70dozAVdAzva7OlaREg-atLONe01Mc7CayR8XupsJWHyWO7XAjnNXwU3S4p7uaeI1CXuOG-ScUhKV9FoeZWTUvYV86RFO8AoZMUEMtzUL0tR_Jg/s320/554433_479817088744521_1079622585_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-63711436348976013212013-02-19T02:41:00.003-08:002013-02-19T02:41:25.787-08:00A Trip to the South West – Endurancelife CTS South Devon Ultra<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was my second ultra in 8 days. The Endurancelife CTS
South Devon is one of a handful of races in the coastal trail series with many
of the routes found in my favourite places in the UK, the South West <a href="http://www.endurancelife.com/">http://www.endurancelife.com/</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, it being a last minute decision the race was
full. Luckily I managed to purchase a place off a chap who was unable to
attend. The folks at Endurancelife were happy with this arrangement. Easy
enough. I was in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, the endurance actually began way before the race itself!
Mainly in my car. Firstly, with my wife in America, I needed to drop my son off
to Brighton the night before. This resulted in just under 4 hours of driving
there and back with some frustrating and stressful moments in a traffic jam.
Not great for the legs – pre race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I scoffed down my dinner and managed to get to bed at about
10pm. The alarm went off at 2 am, time for a coffee, shower and the long 5 hour
drive to the start line. I rolled in at Kingsbridge an hour or so before the
start, enough time to get ready, have a cup of tea and ensure my kit was all
there and ready.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most of the coastal series runs accommodate a mix of
athletes. There is a 10k, half marathon, marathon and ultra. The ultra would
entail running the marathon course and then tagging on to the 10k route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Due to a landslide the course would change this year, which
is a shame. Having compared notes with a few of the other guys our GPS
confirmed that we ran around 36.5 miles (give or take). This is around 2.5
miles or so longer than the original course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Endurancelife require the following compulsory kit for the
ultra-event. Water, Food, Waterproof jacket, whistle, mobile phone, money, foil
blanket, first aid kit and hat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was great to see some familiar faces hanging about the
large marquee tent including Neil Bryant, Oliver Sinclair and Tom Wright (a
chap I speak to quite a bit on Dailymile) who were running the half marathon or
ultra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kit wise I wore the Irish flag buff, Salomon short sleeve
tech tee, North Face Better than Naked shorts, Salomon Sense, Ultraspire Spry
vest and the Ultraspire 8oz Handheld.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nutrition wise, I took my trusted Elete electrolyte (<a href="http://eletewater.co.uk/">http://eletewater.co.uk/</a>) and a couple of
9bars (Peanut and Flax) <a href="http://www.9bar.com/">http://www.9bar.com/</a>
. It wasn’t going to be a quick race so there was no need to take any gels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Those who have done Endurancelife events will know that
there is no mass rush at the start line as runners have to ‘dib’ their dibber before
they can shoot off. So, I dibbed away and I was off. I went off reasonably fast
as I always do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJ4L0kZCqTm6ipRpNiyIDFgOzCfcWyUFXpIODA6MsA-Jmi5nm34LAot0Z8sndTLnxRZfo7WM_WVpVLagB8R_8uPU3s3QpnkAlYu1iv6ghHzBm6cN-wVDOM4BOLsc9yIYm-Kbo859UWQ4/s1600/pham_cts13-southdevon_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJ4L0kZCqTm6ipRpNiyIDFgOzCfcWyUFXpIODA6MsA-Jmi5nm34LAot0Z8sndTLnxRZfo7WM_WVpVLagB8R_8uPU3s3QpnkAlYu1iv6ghHzBm6cN-wVDOM4BOLsc9yIYm-Kbo859UWQ4/s400/pham_cts13-southdevon_002.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One thing you can expect from the SWCP is that there is little
respite of running on the flat. The hills are not as harsh as those found in
Wales, Cumbria or Scotland but there are plenty of them and they are all generally
runnable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many ultra runners will tell you it’s a long way so walk the
hills if you have to. I cannot resist running up these hills - they call out to
me J. In addition, as I
have developed my training as an ultra runner I have found I can usually take
many of these hills on without expending too much energy provided I go at a consistent
pace and watch my form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpPScwRE4ohM4PNW6wObTQgZZR5jevpqMikmZeo5F_CUJrXd7Sdn2gw9lswwf8tUGzASyqKM8f0HK2SpeZz-kfjD6d2a0jbuvs-YvWyXwBcsQIRPluulOPDcdXn5RHOuWfbHMVrCZj2c/s1600/phcw_cts13-southdevon_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpPScwRE4ohM4PNW6wObTQgZZR5jevpqMikmZeo5F_CUJrXd7Sdn2gw9lswwf8tUGzASyqKM8f0HK2SpeZz-kfjD6d2a0jbuvs-YvWyXwBcsQIRPluulOPDcdXn5RHOuWfbHMVrCZj2c/s400/phcw_cts13-southdevon_0003.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I pretty much ran on my own for the rest of the race which
meant I ran in silence, quite relaxed and really enjoyed the experience. The
route took us along the coastline towards East Portlemouth. There is nothing
better than running along a single trail with countryside to your right and the
crashing waves of the sea to your left. It’s a truly a great running experience
and something I would thoroughly recommend to runners of all distances and
levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I immediately noticed my biggest mistake – my trainers. I
love my Sense so much that I seem to wear them in most of my races not really
thinking about terrain. The Sense are about as useful as a pair of stilettos in
the mud, and this course offered a LOT of it. Mud on the uphills. Mud on the
downhills. deep mud, wet mud, mud mud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXynZrfuozfqHpbP1wuK0iudju2Hn_UkDjCIVF6BDRdlBo_IORK3fCX7T4UtcqBl7WPV3GXVtnXKneqkv25yG4ijPUT0C3UvJ7D2tOqdY61cxGItB83ILzOKg_AV5qSNVXWcCN4GoiD7o/s1600/phcw_cts13-southdevon_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXynZrfuozfqHpbP1wuK0iudju2Hn_UkDjCIVF6BDRdlBo_IORK3fCX7T4UtcqBl7WPV3GXVtnXKneqkv25yG4ijPUT0C3UvJ7D2tOqdY61cxGItB83ILzOKg_AV5qSNVXWcCN4GoiD7o/s400/phcw_cts13-southdevon_0004.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In fact in some places it was so muddy my feet were slipping
from underneath me and I looked like one of those cartoon runners who ran on
the spot without moving! That said, my most proud achievement of the day must
be that I did not fall on my arse for the entire 36 miles! Winner…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Essentially, the race went by in somewhat of an uneventful manner.
However, it offered a great deal of varied terrain. Coastal trail, farmland, forest,
hills, mud, grass and (a bit too much) road! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6pCFX9MdjnEhyeDRF_WSZGryP9fGoS5HlmcipgvziObt_LrcJ_jcA4TMAnKLBqjejeKh1LX9MWbfssbTaOWR3xBwBASXaMXwa46yYQPOozKQkQxggUopiA5xodiMuyUHOQl23dq32tM/s1600/01e36ee863a402bf8547812c3c7fea39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6pCFX9MdjnEhyeDRF_WSZGryP9fGoS5HlmcipgvziObt_LrcJ_jcA4TMAnKLBqjejeKh1LX9MWbfssbTaOWR3xBwBASXaMXwa46yYQPOozKQkQxggUopiA5xodiMuyUHOQl23dq32tM/s400/01e36ee863a402bf8547812c3c7fea39.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks to Tom for pic!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The toughest section has to be hitting about 29 miles in
where you essentially pass the finish line, run past the marque, the food and hot
drinks, spectators and finishers only to have to hit the trail again so you can
complete the 10k route. Looking at the results it is clear this is a great
mental challenge. I can see that many of the ultra runners decided to throw in
the towel at this stage and settle for the marathon distance instead. A good
bit of evidence that training yourself mentally for such events plays a very
big role in succeeding!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As usual, even with a VERY well marked out route, I did
question myself from a navigational point of view several times. In particular,
I was not sure I was following the 10k route but rather I had tagged onto the
half marathon route. Despite asking several of the runners whether I was
running the 10k or half marathon route, I was none the wiser. Oh well, more
miles for my money J<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thankfully, I saw the Ultra/10k route sign which diverted
runners off to the right and to the finish. I knew this point would be tricky
as it is single track and there were a lot of 10k runners to pass. Despite
shouting well in advance that I was coming past these runners, some did not
move to the side. I was not sure whether it was a “push” or simply I did not
slow down, so put my hands in front of me to protect myself, but I did manage
to nudge a few runners into the bush. I apologised at the finish line as it was
not very sportmanlike despite us being in completely different races!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hit the finish line in just over 5hrs bringing me in at first place. A little slow with
the added mileage and recent battered terrain, but still I am happy to feel
fresh and strong having raced a 45miler 7 or so days beforehand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all a great day to be had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-rfJB8zJ_mfFt1wnjVmPZKPPBIRwhgjOq4RS1o3_V6skm_tytXEMQYZlyp8JZtItnlcvrHnd2b3LHY6TXZLqFwI-y0-MsswwQOx3scBBOR0EOhiCdTntmAMLSOngSkMoa-P-WJ8COLU/s1600/579586_483538241705739_1559758168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-rfJB8zJ_mfFt1wnjVmPZKPPBIRwhgjOq4RS1o3_V6skm_tytXEMQYZlyp8JZtItnlcvrHnd2b3LHY6TXZLqFwI-y0-MsswwQOx3scBBOR0EOhiCdTntmAMLSOngSkMoa-P-WJ8COLU/s400/579586_483538241705739_1559758168_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-44312368855761716742013-01-03T07:10:00.004-08:002013-01-03T07:10:53.545-08:00Eoin Keith Sets 2 Irish Records <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/EoinKeith4.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hell Yeah! Another great example of world class ultra running from Ireland! <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Eoin Keith ran 300 miles in 3 days when setting two new Irish records on 29 December 2012 - 1 January 2013 in the 'Across the Years' race.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More <a href="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/live/news/921.html">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Visit Eoin's blog <a href="http://eoinkeith.wordpress.com/">here</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-79327890091427037712012-12-30T13:52:00.003-08:002012-12-30T13:54:53.655-08:00Ultra Running 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well I don't really evaluate the 'past year' other than to say it was a craic and I learnt a lot about ultra running. 2013 will be a lot more serious for me, in the meantime here are some pics of 2012:</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-74057908702841367162012-12-27T02:51:00.004-08:002012-12-27T02:51:46.278-08:00IAAF Honour for UltraRunning Ireland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/Doherty-TrailWC.jpg" /><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Picture of Ireland's Dan Doherty in Trail World Championships</span></strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Footage of the 2011 Trail World Championships in Ireland was selected to be shown in the '100 Years of Athletics Excellence' video at the IAAF Centenary Gala in Barcelona.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Read more<a href="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/live/news/919.html"> here</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-43579216420581066762012-12-27T02:49:00.002-08:002012-12-27T02:49:14.699-08:00Irish Ultra Runner of the Year 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/ACP-StartLine.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The team - which comprised John Byrne, Michael Collins, Dan Doherty, Thomas Maguire, John O'Regan and Keith Whyte - finished a fantastic 6th in the World 100km Championships in April 2012.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Furthermore, individual members of the team performed brilliantly in other ultra events throughout the year.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Find out more <a href="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/live/news/918.html">here</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-68605162710080233752012-11-05T07:55:00.000-08:002012-11-05T07:55:00.681-08:00A Pat on the Back for the Donegal Mooathon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufTGIhUtcexPq1wWWkxnLoCxkIhAmOmrdHlb0VSvaCeTxGwIlw4JcGGXOYV1g3m60XqEP_U6bZ4QkPLSsX56ZR4m3KnbfHZ8Na9_NC6AiDGJlCqZgWu62NORlDodcZxlfUs0H6V9v4Z0/s1600/545374_351005988327759_664359016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufTGIhUtcexPq1wWWkxnLoCxkIhAmOmrdHlb0VSvaCeTxGwIlw4JcGGXOYV1g3m60XqEP_U6bZ4QkPLSsX56ZR4m3KnbfHZ8Na9_NC6AiDGJlCqZgWu62NORlDodcZxlfUs0H6V9v4Z0/s400/545374_351005988327759_664359016_n.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When asked to attend a marathon
by Newline, I was a little apprehensive. My usual race involves
running on trail or in the mountains over 50 to 100 miles. Recent training
sessions and races include the Cornish coastal path, Glen Nevis, the Lake
District, the Welsh mountains and the French Alps – You get the picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If I’m going to travel for a race
I want to make sure it’s something that can push me physically as well as
offering breath-taking scenery along the way. When you run as seriously as I
do, you need to remind yourself that it’s about having fun and the experience.
With hours of training each week, I sometimes forget that this is a hobby and not a job!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Mooathon is entirely on road but
take athletes up and around the Donegal mountains and then along the beautiful coastal line through Downings and up to Long Rock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The start line was a mix of
serious looking runners and cows. Yes, that’s right, cows! Many on the line had
made great effort to dress in accordance with the rules, i.e. look like a cow. Pretending to be a serious looking athlete I
simply opted for the white singlet and black shorts to avoid disqualification. Some
went for the complete cow suit. Great! Athletes had the option of two
distances, semi-skimmed (half marathon) or the full fat (marathon). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A bit of face painting with a cow
patch on my face (“Moo!”) and I was ready to go. Looking at the
competition on the line there were certainly some serious looking athletes
amongst the cattle. I noticed some guy who seemed to have
been inspired by the <span style="background-color: white;">Tarahumara
Indian barefoot tribe as he was standing on the line in some very flimsy flip
flops. He had painted his toe nails in cow print; guessing what his feet probably looked like and will look like at the end of the race, it was probably for the best</span>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The route starts in the very
sleepy village of Kilmacrenan just outside Letterkenny. The countdown began and
I immediately broke off from the crowd at a fair pace just behind the leading
semi-skimmed runner. Half a mile to warm up and then the hills kicked in. I never wear a HRM but I there were times my heart felt like it was trying to break through my rib cage. A couple of
miles in, my lungs felt like they were going to explode. It was like this for a
good 7-8 miles. I am conditioned to run hills and mountains, but not at this
pace! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As they say, “no pain, no
gain”. And there was a lot of gain to be had. I finally hit Lough Salt a
beautiful lough shadowed by the Loughsalt Mountain, these were the views I was
after and they were well worth the wait (climb). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Reaching the highest point in the race we
were given a little respite (by that I mean running at marathon race pace on the flat) where we
ran the length of the lough to be rewarded with a view that stretched for miles
across Donegal. To the right I had a vast stretch of beautiful countryside and
mountains in the distance and to the left I had Sheephaven Bay. This is why I run and more importantly, this is why ultra running and mountain running is the way forward!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having spent the last 7 to 8 miles
running at 6 minute miles to 10 minute miles, the next few miles would lead to
the half marathon finish line at Downings and would provide a different
challenge. Downhill and with pace. The long downhill road provided the
opportunity to make up for the slow climbs. In fact, I remember looking at my
GPS a couple of times and seeing 4.37 minute miles at times. I knew I would pay
for that later in the race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It wasn't long before we hit Downings.
The guy in front passed the finish line and clocked a very respectable 1.22
half marathon. A great time for that course. I had hit the half-way point and
after a quick refresh of my Elete electrolytes I was ready for the second half.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The second half follows the coast
line and offers the same kind of climb as the first half but spread out in long
undulations. The route had its own challenges mainly from its exposure to the
winds coming in from the coast. Fighting a steep climb in the wind was tough
and I was starting to pay for that downhill section several miles back. My mind
however was elsewhere. I was taking in the huge cliff sections, rugged rocks
and traditional Irish thatched cottages that were dotted along the coast line.
I wondered what life would be like around here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I completed the full loop of the
coast line which naturally brought me back into Downings. Only a couple of
miles to go. I can see the finish line but I’m not there yet, I have to do a
wee detour around a church and then try and find some speed in my legs for the
final two miles into the finish. These final two miles or so was in headwind and my legs felt like lead. The pace felt like I was walking but taking a cheeky gander at my watch I was still running at a respectable pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before I knew it I had a few
hundred metres into the sports centre. A hot shower awaits. A final push and I
was being greeted by the smiling organisers at </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Irishfit.com (the race organisers</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">)</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> and a post
recovery carton of milk. Job done!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8BIOK_TPh8LTg0UB5JPf7itUzi1no06_dB1SdnEAcCkUl9N50ikyy-8q00LhjOCMF86x6Ow2vFM9aO5sIpoo2qINRuY8neSSzh9vhIDu0Ja_Uoft_N2ruc4zAu-PLw_jjpEc0y83sbk/s1600/399657_350997498328608_126590539_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8BIOK_TPh8LTg0UB5JPf7itUzi1no06_dB1SdnEAcCkUl9N50ikyy-8q00LhjOCMF86x6Ow2vFM9aO5sIpoo2qINRuY8neSSzh9vhIDu0Ja_Uoft_N2ruc4zAu-PLw_jjpEc0y83sbk/s400/399657_350997498328608_126590539_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This really is an amazing course.
If you want a half marathon or marathon PB then this is probably not the one for
you. However, if you like dressing up as a cow, or you are looking for a true challenge with the rewards of one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, then
the Mooathon is one to add to your diary!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">See you on the start line! Enter online here: </span><o:p></o:p><a href="http://www.mooathon.com/" style="text-align: left;">http://www.mooathon.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-47081180555960333652012-10-24T02:44:00.001-07:002012-10-24T02:44:11.516-07:00Irish Team Mate Byrne Comes 5th in World 50km Champs!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<img src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/JohnByrne2.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Irish 100km team mate John Byrne finished in 5th place at the World 50km Championships in Italy, despite temperatures soaring making conditions really tough!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can read more of this on Ultra Running Ireland's website <a href="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/live/news/917.html">here</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-85503497154925077722012-10-23T10:46:00.002-07:002012-10-23T10:47:45.793-07:00Time to Re-Classify Ultra Running?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When is a run, no longer a run? I believe that ultra running truly brings this point into question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, before I start, this is not a blog about what is the 'better' distance or which discipline is truly ultra or tougher but it's to ask the question: at what point does the race in itself become a different sport altogether and in itself comparable to adventure racing, triathlons and the like?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Personally, when it comes to ultra running I am a multi-tasker, I love to run the 100k roads as well as the mountains. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each event holds its own challenges:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the 100k, 24hr, 50k being more prescriptive and comparable to track style running. Road ultras require constant pounding of the tarmac or track which adds to the toughness of the run with the repetitive running cycle, harshness on the joints (with little give) and usually ran at a faster pace. Personally, I have found that nutrition and hydration is tougher at these events as you are running that much faster with little time to stop and recoup.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trail and mountains offer a truly unique experience and in most cases (for me) offer a more 'enjoyable' run with a truly unique experience each time you put the trainers on and hit the trail. Of course, the obvious challenges for mountain and trail running being the terrain, harsh ascents and descents and the frequently changeable and unpredictable weather (saying that the past few 100k World Champs have been bloody hot). That said, I don't think anyone can put a plausible argument across as to whether road or mountain running is the tougher sport. They each have their own challenges.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With that point in mind, I'd like to pose the question when is a run no longer a run? Presumably when its a walk. Right? Or a scramble, climb, abseil or whatever? But we are actively encouraged to walk ultras in places and taught that it forms part of the race. So surely walking is fundamental to ultra running?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sure, I think this is a simply concept to grasp. Anyone who has run a tough ultra (whether on road or mountain) will have spent some time walking or standing at an aid station. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, (posing an extreme example) what if the majority of competitors in a competition walked, scrambled, or hiked say 90% of the race course - would this still be an ultra run? Presumably not. It would most likely be deemed as a pedestrianism event. So on this basis there must be a stage where the run no longer qualifies as a run. So are we talking stats here to re-classify an event? If so, are we talking about distance walked and percentage of those walking that distance?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's take an example,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">if over 50% of competitors walk, hike or scramble over (let's say) 30% of the course, can it still be defined as an ultra run? or should it be re-classed as an ultra race? Does it matter? Will it matter in the future when ultra running becomes more mainstream?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">let's take another example that may not be unimaginable, 95% of competitors walk, hike or scramble over 20% of the course. Should this race still be deemed as a run or something else? Again, does it really matter?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think we can drop the term "ultra marathon" as to me a marathon is a determined distance and ultra marathon simply doesn't make sense. So what should we call it? Perhaps there should be several disciplines:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ultra mountain race</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ultra mountain running (but how much should be ran)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ultra run (where the event is run by over 95%?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ultra road running</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ultra race (other races not an ultra run)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I dunno, just chewing the cud. What are your thoughts?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dan</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-65998647143815663152012-07-23T00:53:00.001-07:002012-07-23T00:53:11.421-07:00Keith Whyte Wins Anglo Celtic Plate!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLujsz6A9LATGUnpSwdlBVnqcIE7OtyAmxYLKvKw2708CIxjvaoe7yw6fH-w9vL1szZYgEILg7e2coPYtWunXTCQM5ajpcDMdWdaSSTg7E2QqeD-K0OnI7Z8hgfPRwtvVyMk0zinmPbo/s1600/KeithWhyte-world100k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLujsz6A9LATGUnpSwdlBVnqcIE7OtyAmxYLKvKw2708CIxjvaoe7yw6fH-w9vL1szZYgEILg7e2coPYtWunXTCQM5ajpcDMdWdaSSTg7E2QqeD-K0OnI7Z8hgfPRwtvVyMk0zinmPbo/s320/KeithWhyte-world100k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Irish team mate Keith Whyte won the Anglo Celtic Plate on Sunday in very tough conditions to become the first Irishman to win the race.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The race is 100k road and involves Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England competing against each other. Unfortunately, Ireland was unable to field a complete team but Keith did Ireland proud by bringing it home in 7 hrs 16 mins, followed by Allen Smalls (Eng) 7hrs 25 and Craig Holgate (Eng).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can check out Keith's blog <a href="http://keithwhyteultrarunning.blogspot.co.uk/">here</a></span>. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am sure a race report will follow!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-47868885081451219592012-06-30T00:34:00.000-07:002012-06-30T00:39:01.371-07:00Ultra Trail South West - Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH4RpQV6bplabtHpOQHYzV5v4cCTWncbnKrEMtyVV3uDQWJnWACmOATcKx2vAO9Nb21C57VsJth5nsNEGJayR7F_HxiNH3-LpVNeaFZP8avsl85Q8Bzc5ezZu7zBNCEKgke4sjv9HqPg/s1600/that_nuts_got_guts%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH4RpQV6bplabtHpOQHYzV5v4cCTWncbnKrEMtyVV3uDQWJnWACmOATcKx2vAO9Nb21C57VsJth5nsNEGJayR7F_HxiNH3-LpVNeaFZP8avsl85Q8Bzc5ezZu7zBNCEKgke4sjv9HqPg/s320/that_nuts_got_guts%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Award Ceremony - thanks to Simon Ritter for photo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was both excited and apprehensive of
entering the Ultra Trail South West 100. This would be my second 100m race to
date with my last being 2 years ago. That was at the Lakeland 100 and it turned
out a true disaster coming in at around the 31 hour mark. I have done a lot of
running since the Lakeland but it would be true to say that 100 milers are new
to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many people asked me: “how long will it
take you?” and my usual response was “I’ll be glad to the finish, thanks!”. I am pleased to say I crossed that finish line
and here are my thoughts from the day:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The
Ultra Trail South West 2012<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A wee introduction to the course. The event
is organized by Endurancelife (<a href="http://www.endurancelife.com/">http://www.endurancelife.com/</a>)
who organize a variety of events along the Cornish and Devon coastline
including the Classic Quarter and the Coastal Trail Series amongst others.
Check them out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Ultra Trail South West 2012 covers a
100-mile stretch of the South West Coastal Path in Cornwall. The path itself
covers a stretch of around 630 miles and is maintained by the National Trust.
According to Wikipedia:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">The
path originated as a route for the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">Coastguard<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to walk from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>lighthouse<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to lighthouse patrolling for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>smugglers. They needed to be able to look down into every bay and
cove: as a result, the path closely hugs the coast providing excellent views
but rarely the most direct path between two points</span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lesson over.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The race is claimed to be the toughest foot
race in the UK and there are many reasons for this. The multi-terrain is extremely
technical in places, there’s a lot of climbing and descending , with much of
the course exposed to strong winds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The race covers a different section of the
SWCP each year with the 2012 edition covering a stretch of the coast from
Porthleven to Watergate Bay (north Newquay). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As far as terrain is concerned, runners
will need to tackle road, trail, forest, sandy beaches, very large sand dunes
(some stretching on for 2 miles!), rocks, pebbles, cliff faces, tin mining
areas, and some extremely large boulders! The course has a cumulative gain of
around 6500 metres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The event started at 7pm to ensure everyone
faced a night section and of course to make the event that little more
difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have been truly looking forward to this
event for a good few months. I love the coast (I have spent most of my life
along it), it’s the kind of terrain that you can say is truly ‘alive’. The
views of the cliffs and wave cut platforms are magnificent. At night listening
to the sea smashing up against the cliffs adds to the drama, character and
excitement of the run.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My
Approach<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For me, it was key to recce the entire
route: a) to know what laid ahead, b) reduce the risk of getting lost on the
day (this didn’t work!!); and c) note key locations to use on race day to get
an understanding of how far I had left. I therefore took the time to go down to
Cornwall on 3 or so occasions to check out what we had in store.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kit wise:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was expecting to wear the new Solomon
Sense shoes but they gave me massive blisters so I had to run on the day
wearing the NB MT100 which are 4mm differential and are a reasonably minimalist
trail shoe. The key point to these though were they had a very good rock plate
which really looked after the sole of my feet during the race. Not an ideal
shoe for 100 miles or for any road sections but they would have to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was also wearing the Newline Imotion tee,
Newline Stormpack Jacket and BTN NF shorts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I would be using my Elete eletrolytes
(seriously, if you don’t use this stuff, DO IT!!). The Salomon SLAB pack, a few
GU gels, some 9bars, a hot cross bun (I know!) and whatever I could get my
hands on at the CPs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Finally, I taped a pic of my boy on my
water bottle, to give me that lift I may need later on in the race </span><span lang="EN-US">J</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just before the start, I knocked back a
Redbull. I know! Absolutely disgraceful. I picked that habit up doing a
training run with Oliver Sinclair. In training, I knocked back a couple of tins
and was running around like a rabbit so thought it may help on the day. Can I
suggest that this is not a great idea for such a long event?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The
Race<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The race started at Porthleven and this is
where I met Stuart Mills and Neil Bryant. It was great to finally meet Neil who
only recently raced and won the 110 Hardmoors and is of course one of a few who
have completed the John o’ Groats to Land’s End challenge (and win it). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I try not to worry too much about who is
running and simply focus on my own challenge that lies ahead. As always I tend
to go out way too fast and pay for it later on. It seems to work for me and I
find it very difficult to play the game any other way. Perhaps this will come
with more experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A quick group photo and we were off. I started
at the back and then realized that the first section is very narrow so made the
decision to try and get out in the open and as far up front as possible. I
could see Neil ahead with a guy in front of him who looked like he was
competing in a 10k!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I ran in a group of 3 for a while myself,
Neil, and another guy who looked very fast. I wasn’t sure who the guy ahead of
us was so I decided to push on a bit, knowing that I would probably see Neil
and the other guy later on when I was shuffling along!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLJxVN5eFLwBYxqe5Xlac16yvtM_J0sDooyYL4moRAiO0_60sxPMEUzG5Rl9TuG6H9R-wWnLcuLAxXxexGIBdXckvJLq6Gy58aUMYg19Zk9bbx_p49pMzug_Ohe2fM3-Xz95Dqw1E3eM/s1600/porthleven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLJxVN5eFLwBYxqe5Xlac16yvtM_J0sDooyYL4moRAiO0_60sxPMEUzG5Rl9TuG6H9R-wWnLcuLAxXxexGIBdXckvJLq6Gy58aUMYg19Zk9bbx_p49pMzug_Ohe2fM3-Xz95Dqw1E3eM/s320/porthleven.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Porthleven</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After a couple of mile I caught up with the
guy who was knocking out an unbelievable pace only to be told he was running
the relay. Doh! Dan this is not how you should be running a 100 miler! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was about 7 miles in that I began to
feel a hot spot under my left foot. Shit, this was not a good sign. I had not
had enough time to properly break-in my trainers so this was to be expected. I
passed the relay team and pushed on once I hit a short road section which took
me neatly into CP1.</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just before I hit the CP there is a short
section which requires a run across a sandy beach. As soon as I hit this
section my shoes sucked up the sand with style that Mr. Henry would be proud
of. I reached CP1 threw off my shoes and socks emptied the sand and got to town
working on that hot spot. A quick shake, refresh of my bottle and one of those
fancy foot plasters and I was ready to crack on. The hot spot didn’t affect me
for the rest of the race. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the famous words of Michael Barrymore,
“What is a hot spot not”? Never could understand what the crowd shouted back…
ha ha.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The second stage was pretty uneventful. Oh
other than not seeing any pirates in Penzance, running past a massive fun fair,
watching a seal swim close into the harbor arm for a bit, and getting some
strange looks from guys and girls on the Friday night razz!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wanted to get the first half of this
section out of the way. It was mainly on road and I was not wearing the right
footwear for this. But also it presented a short opportunity to run at a
reasonable pace as things were about to get a lot slower and trickier
underfoot. It wasn’t long before I hit the trail which felt a lot better on the
feet heading towards CP2 at Lamorna.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unfortunately, CP2 had yet to be set up, so
I made sure some relay guys waiting for their team mates took down my number
and time and I cracked on. I was a little concerned that I would be
disqualified at this stage but later learnt that there was technical
difficulties and a few went by without dibbing their ‘dibber’. To be honest I
was a little grateful as it meant I could simply push on and had no excuse to
stop. I knew there were a couple of streams ahead that would provide water so I
topped up along the way. Next stop Land’s End!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9huFJ2JcSnXxhcdgSqFXdzSpKn10vTeCebARwAuFVgLdPEHc5LT9YX2ofELJw_QIht8BsGUw6h3O_-G_h_B5HwdNSt3gquDFWbaC2FOCsTo4PP_bIUuVEkOq4ktDvaD0Nrt3cgWKcSZU/s1600/phcw_utsw2012_099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9huFJ2JcSnXxhcdgSqFXdzSpKn10vTeCebARwAuFVgLdPEHc5LT9YX2ofELJw_QIht8BsGUw6h3O_-G_h_B5HwdNSt3gquDFWbaC2FOCsTo4PP_bIUuVEkOq4ktDvaD0Nrt3cgWKcSZU/s320/phcw_utsw2012_099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I held on as long as I could before
throwing on the headtorch - there were a
few parts which required running through a forest which made it overly dark, so
I threw on the headtorch and prepared myself for a bit of night running.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This section was beautiful (if you could
see it in the dark), it required runners to run through Portcurno, up and past
Minack Theatre (an open theatre carved into the rocks and cliff face). I had a
good view behind me so thought I would take a sneaky look at who was close by.
Nothing. I expected to see Neil and the other chap close on my tail (or at
least the relay teams) but there was just darkness. Not a headlight to be seen.
I later learnt that Neil had a bad episode with a dog and hurt his foot quite
badly which caused him to pull early on in the race.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had been running for about 5 hrs when I
hit CP3 at Land’s End. This was the first kit drop and I was pleasantly met by
Oliver who ushered me into a nice warm room that had loads of food, chairs, hot
soup, lots of people to talk to and my kit bag with loads of goodies in. Places
like this can really add to your time, so I ripped open the drop bag re-stocked
on nutrition and pushed on. It’s just too easy to sit down in these places so
getting out quick was key for me. I must mention at this stage that on saying
goodbye to everyone at the CP, I tripped over the door step and nearly ended my
race!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRmMZsCZFIqrvmEOAoTTtXsbfrRaUVxePF8-5w4C2GTJbC812DKw8wB3j889X5c5vJcpAy4fGa5xFI3V9T4y36XhlNwz62QTNmv4Sl66i_vDw2uJa2nVROEFLmPaEtbyKIFtYFFoHyFo/s1600/phcw_utsw2012_181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRmMZsCZFIqrvmEOAoTTtXsbfrRaUVxePF8-5w4C2GTJbC812DKw8wB3j889X5c5vJcpAy4fGa5xFI3V9T4y36XhlNwz62QTNmv4Sl66i_vDw2uJa2nVROEFLmPaEtbyKIFtYFFoHyFo/s320/phcw_utsw2012_181.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Coming out of LE</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The section between Land’s End to Pendeen
Watch felt long. In fact I ended up getting lost twice at this stage and in the
same place as I got lost in training with Oliver. This was evident when I
noticed I was very close to the cliff edge and there was a barbed wire fence to
my right. I jumped over the fence and kept running in land (up and over large
hills with gorse bushes to tackle) until some kind of distinctive path showed
up. This certainly cost me some time!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3H-EaqDzSiE4P0fEbl4Tju57quXvd7th5pqJugErIqs02SnD-j2LyPpDmHnvtcDwFJYvJvoR-M9xRJ-PtFou-ahGkHtxAfUoJ6kq84guCQQsRUbLh6VIxZPRtPRGNPUYBPu-IsjrDSY/s1600/coastpath_landsend_chris_ba_470x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3H-EaqDzSiE4P0fEbl4Tju57quXvd7th5pqJugErIqs02SnD-j2LyPpDmHnvtcDwFJYvJvoR-M9xRJ-PtFou-ahGkHtxAfUoJ6kq84guCQQsRUbLh6VIxZPRtPRGNPUYBPu-IsjrDSY/s320/coastpath_landsend_chris_ba_470x350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Land's End</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The race manual described the next stage
leading to Zennor Head as difficult. That just doesn’t cut it. It was
horrendous, made worst by a lazy and stupid omission that cost me a lot of time
and very nearly my life!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">By now my head torch was starting to lose
its light/power and was screaming out for some fresh batteries. At this stage I
should have spent a couple of minutes changing my battery but failed to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The coastal path is quite faint through
this stage with a lot of rocks on the path itself (requiring a lot of hopping,
skipping and jumping) and sharp turns. In addition, there are a lot of descents
on boggle wet grass with boulders randomly sticking out and in places the path
seems to completely disappear. At night, this was really quite challenging.
Even more so, with little light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is a common pattern along the coastal
path. Each cliff section usually ends with a sharp descent, a short river /
stream crossing over a bridge, followed by a steep climb up on to the new cliff
section. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjwahXKrgYjzQkKyHyR7AR0BClZLYdxCMNkyvsGNGwEK0p0mORXdjdC-gJAJPZ4kFhNilc5iiuX6TKd8Jw-KrG8B3qnzo5zgcobuHcv06Y5vQ6WB12Kohn78ajv-lGVGnDNu_Xx0jhPo/s1600/Zennor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjwahXKrgYjzQkKyHyR7AR0BClZLYdxCMNkyvsGNGwEK0p0mORXdjdC-gJAJPZ4kFhNilc5iiuX6TKd8Jw-KrG8B3qnzo5zgcobuHcv06Y5vQ6WB12Kohn78ajv-lGVGnDNu_Xx0jhPo/s320/Zennor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zennor with random people</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, while running the Zennor section I
had come off the trail too far left. I stopped at the edge of the cliff and
looked over the edge, my head torch light simply disappeared into darkness. I
could hear the stream/river flowing some way down which indicated it was a
very, very long way down. I went to turn and find the bridge and as I did, the
mud bank gave way and I fell over the side of the cliff. I must have fallen
half my height, closed my eyes and expected to keep falling. Thankfully, the
muddy bank kept me up and I grabbed hold of two clumps of grass. I was stuck.
If the grass gave way, I was likely to fall. For some reason, I cried out “help”
and realized that it was about 3am with no one around. Perhaps I was hoping
some seals would team together and sort me out!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Realizing that I would be there for a very
long time, I dug my fingers deep into the mud and slowly climbed up and back
over the edge. I spent a couple of minutes to compose myself, had a sip of
water and changed my head torch battery! Close call… That said, it did give me
a wee adrenaline fix and proved that Redbull doesn’t give you wings!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66-_BWfqbRSzMnzld50xtN4Gi1avsvhBngJCItlQTN6yOnS5BDJ5eoaYETM24B6sk8jrwO5iQVgTbUfj6NrkOzgUT3b1_YNU6vRclvkbPUfEMoDpNV1ulJ5mr6rBMYbxuEfeb-UBf0pY/s1600/303570_320846874665667_1905140622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66-_BWfqbRSzMnzld50xtN4Gi1avsvhBngJCItlQTN6yOnS5BDJ5eoaYETM24B6sk8jrwO5iQVgTbUfj6NrkOzgUT3b1_YNU6vRclvkbPUfEMoDpNV1ulJ5mr6rBMYbxuEfeb-UBf0pY/s320/303570_320846874665667_1905140622_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Shortly after this episode not far off St
Ives, the first relay team passed me. We chatted for a short while and then for
some reason it must have been through early morning tiredness or a rock that
didn’t like the look of me, I tripped over a jagged part of the trail slicing
myself up across the knee, elbow and shoulder. I lay on the path for a while
thinking that the last 10-15 miles was not going so well for me! But hey, a few
more miles down the path and I’ll be at St. Ives. Winner…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The run into and through St. Ives was
pretty uneventful, so was Hayle. I also don’t want this report to go on for another
10 pages! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The difficulty of the last 35 miles of the
race is set at ‘moderate’ but I actually found them to be the most time
consuming. Of course, most runners will lose form 70 miles in but the true time
killer was the large sand dune sections that we had to tackle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The sand dunes after Hayle simply went on
as far as the eye could see and at some stages were higher than my house. At
times it was like being in a maze. The coastal path simply disappeared and I was
forced to focus on heading in the general direction of the other end. Trying to
run on very soft sand dunes for nearly a two mile stretch was energy sapping to
say the least. A truly savage obstacle to place 70 miles into a 100 miler.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClvghrYo4OzOb7zcOMrpAcAdBmJOezAHISfAtCymHaIAa-PfeHhavNLt0LUrrcXH06szmk-YH9_uit5ByHqqTBNyUxRTTymue-dHR-iSyiJofA8B4N2uD0HXmiXmrbiXam82mB8_ZGPI/s1600/Sand+Dune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClvghrYo4OzOb7zcOMrpAcAdBmJOezAHISfAtCymHaIAa-PfeHhavNLt0LUrrcXH06szmk-YH9_uit5ByHqqTBNyUxRTTymue-dHR-iSyiJofA8B4N2uD0HXmiXmrbiXam82mB8_ZGPI/s320/Sand+Dune.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sand Dune on Coastal Path</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Every time I passed through one of these
dunes, I had to take off the shoes and socks and empty a small desert from my
shoes and crack on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hit Perranporth (a two mile beach
section) when another person from a relay team caught up with me. We kept each
other company for a while up to the penultimate CP which would lead us into
Newquay. Nearly home! Yeee haaa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The final 6 miles or so into Watergate Bay
went on for far too long for me (probably because I was not far off a shuffle)
but as soon as I could see the hotel in the distance, I simply let everything
go and roll in. I took a cheeky look behind me to see if anyone was close (you
never know) it would be awful to lose the winning place 200 yds from the finish
line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGvOhMRJP6LkdhFO8q3hgoLJfCgZ8dmPkNJsz3EnkUEbbGu9WKhoSRDK02pDWLBvxeVPQ8hIXBL45REbyQ_FrsK7wJg8wSBPRuMAvQvkh-gl-arvnd-t-POV3t_awxSlLggVUoUUJ17Y/s1600/watergate-bay-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGvOhMRJP6LkdhFO8q3hgoLJfCgZ8dmPkNJsz3EnkUEbbGu9WKhoSRDK02pDWLBvxeVPQ8hIXBL45REbyQ_FrsK7wJg8wSBPRuMAvQvkh-gl-arvnd-t-POV3t_awxSlLggVUoUUJ17Y/s320/watergate-bay-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Watergate Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was a great atmosphere at the finish
line to be greeted by the team and the locals. I gave the family a hug and the
first thing I could think of was “burger. Feed me now!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Till next time </span><span lang="EN-US">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27xigh3V1WD5XKBZg5UTa-OUPue76phgQU3xLAoHcjd75R0x7wcv_L8BDCjNxRuE97quTD0QTrYNbf1JnMLPb_qLZOpM6EAVyNlvHPt3HsjVRpZMS2eUxEbkytuKcFgLkLS7Booa-GxQ/s1600/phcw_utsw2012_524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27xigh3V1WD5XKBZg5UTa-OUPue76phgQU3xLAoHcjd75R0x7wcv_L8BDCjNxRuE97quTD0QTrYNbf1JnMLPb_qLZOpM6EAVyNlvHPt3HsjVRpZMS2eUxEbkytuKcFgLkLS7Booa-GxQ/s320/phcw_utsw2012_524.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Coming into finish line at 19 hrs and 31 mins</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-34960447050511518992012-06-07T14:40:00.000-07:002012-06-07T14:40:02.216-07:00Welsh Coastal Ultra - 100k<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last weekend I decided to use a race as a training run along the Welsh coastal path. This was to be my final long run (over 40 miles) in preparation for the Ultra Tour South West on June 22nd. The key for this race was not to taper but to incorporate it into my weekly training schedule - i.e. running on tired legs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before I get tucked in to my race report I thought I would mention some tea that I have found to be a great aid for my training.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Recently I attended a course at work which gave away a variety of teas during the break which offered immense flavours. There was a variety of teas available including peppermint tea, green tea, fruit teas, and the like. They are called Teapigs. Seriously, check them out here http://www.teapigs.co.uk/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Messing about on their website I came across a selection of green teas - I like to include green tea in my diet (and try and replace it with coffee as much as possible). In particular, I found this little chestnut:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81XA6FaGD1odl7U8NrtEszpTE4Zc19kbOLyZHKdWXeJ-KQwsZ_7Bau5CTRiGUBD6fh2HxEKcYwetN3ePtkUU2W6b9TruSsAAJYQ_YQg3IGWiLJvB6Vg9sk_mVYWhk6lI0QXxMPRLUrf4/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81XA6FaGD1odl7U8NrtEszpTE4Zc19kbOLyZHKdWXeJ-KQwsZ_7Bau5CTRiGUBD6fh2HxEKcYwetN3ePtkUU2W6b9TruSsAAJYQ_YQg3IGWiLJvB6Vg9sk_mVYWhk6lI0QXxMPRLUrf4/s400/IMG_1086.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Teapig Matcha Tea</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This stuff is called "matcha" tea. It's organic and it boasts some amazing stats. I have taken a few of these stats from Teapigs' website. 1/4 of a teaspoon provides:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">137 time the antioxidants of standard green tea;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9 times the beta carotene of spinach; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">70 times the antioxidants of orange juice.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's great about this tea is that its 100% natural and can be added to most of your drinks (juice, protein shakes, add it to milk or simply drink it neat). Teapigs provides a hand whisk to help remove any lumps and mix it up. Anyhow, take a look at its benefits, recipes and other useful information here: http://www.teapigs.co.uk/customer/matcha</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Personally, I have only been using this for a short while but I have noticed a difference. I have been taking a shot of green tea in the morning just before training and another in the afternoon before my afternoon session and I really do feel that my energy levels have increased. It's entirely natural and can be thrown into any protein shake so it's also very convenient to take. If you don't like the taste then throwing it in some juice may also help (although the taste is not bad at all!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I try and keep my nutrition as natural as possible and this certainly will be a key ingredient in my diet moving forward. I even added it to my pre race drink at the Welsh Ultra. Although it didn't help with my navigation (yup I got lost again) it certainly gave me the confidence and energy boost that I felt I needed first thing in the morning before a long day ahead on the coastal path! I can see this being a real hit with endurance athletes because if its obvious benefits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have only been using this for a couple of weeks now so I will keep you posted on how I am getting on with this tea, especially leading up to the UTSW and UTMB. It will also be interesting to see if it provides the boosts I need when I focus on speed training for the Anglo Celtic Plate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Coastal Path 100k North Anglesey, Wales </i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Welsh ultra is organised by Adventurehub (<a href="http://www.adventurehub.com/Home.html">http://www.adventurehub.com/Home.html</a>) who put together a few events across the UK.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5smQq9uDCKzXtVyRdv8z1tgWTlBFZnAB8npNqM8kacjt4zD34m7f6bCG0ZbjSFaVdAY78SD3qFtYDtqk8SwHYOeOaJOe8nDhtuUIz05OrJcV8woTsfl9Y8E6UkOrG9iw7z3R2kReOM9c/s1600/Anglesey+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5smQq9uDCKzXtVyRdv8z1tgWTlBFZnAB8npNqM8kacjt4zD34m7f6bCG0ZbjSFaVdAY78SD3qFtYDtqk8SwHYOeOaJOe8nDhtuUIz05OrJcV8woTsfl9Y8E6UkOrG9iw7z3R2kReOM9c/s400/Anglesey+Logo.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I knocked off at work at 4.30pm and drove for 5 hours up to Anglesey taking in the beautiful views of the sun setting off the Snowdonia mountain range. I eventually reached the start location and decided to pull up on the side of the road and kip in the car until the start of the race the next morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mistake. It was an extremely uncomfortable night and I was still wide awake at 2am watching the short film about Marshall Ulrich's Trans-American run on the iPad. Inspiring stuff.I eventually got off to sleep only for the sun to pop up turning night into day very quickly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pre-race nutrition consisted of some home made fruity porridge and a shake (with a touch of Matcha green tea) followed by a very strong coffee!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A short drive to the start line and I was ready to rock n' roll. It was a really friendly atmosphere. I favour coastal runs for two reasons. Firstly, the terrain is varied with some good runnable climbs and secondly it's easy to navigate. Right? Wrong!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6LalMQAzJqFQslBUZlt6EHcVSPzsC0IhWOIq1HCwSmjAO_r22s9mnyCjegZHH_fiCi6OdgKoCydZl9dLBpgVLp6Wi0UtomL4dbXd3j8csjxqSFtwQvJIeesgLt1elCdluEBKCHoasnw/s1600/269233_4080693735709_661448656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6LalMQAzJqFQslBUZlt6EHcVSPzsC0IhWOIq1HCwSmjAO_r22s9mnyCjegZHH_fiCi6OdgKoCydZl9dLBpgVLp6Wi0UtomL4dbXd3j8csjxqSFtwQvJIeesgLt1elCdluEBKCHoasnw/s400/269233_4080693735709_661448656_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm in the white cap ;)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The organisers have painstakingly taken steps to ensure ease of navigation including a pre race powerpoint step by step guide over the map, the route cards provided at the start and the fact that the course was marked at difficult navigational points (this was in addition to the coastal path marking which was every few hundred metres). Despite all this I got lost. Ha Ha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The route is 100k and is an out and back. Starting at Penrhyn following the coast to Lligwy Bay. Check points were at roughly mile 9, 13 (because of the marathon), 21, 31 and back. Ultra runners ran out to the 31 mile point - turning around and heading back home. The terrain is superb. It's not as aggressive as the South West Coastal Path but it does offer challenging trail, some ascent, requiring runners to pass, road, sand, beach, pebbles, coastal rock, fields and the like.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi7U_n3bp6Jdbwk0b7XcbBMT8kk5UIOPG0ZXxUj4UzZPCoRgTzYYMBmbESxTyTn5CsQHyeBKLJba5TWCj4TnCIbTB1cS717gLjoHSjfZ7PgEpnuhtaK0XDg_MfATPQonZ-hCTXAlcKHE/s1600/380240_4063075495264_1233520107_33780519_414000219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi7U_n3bp6Jdbwk0b7XcbBMT8kk5UIOPG0ZXxUj4UzZPCoRgTzYYMBmbESxTyTn5CsQHyeBKLJba5TWCj4TnCIbTB1cS717gLjoHSjfZ7PgEpnuhtaK0XDg_MfATPQonZ-hCTXAlcKHE/s400/380240_4063075495264_1233520107_33780519_414000219_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Out and back may seem 'boring' but I can assure you that the views and technical variance is there. Of course, unless you look back when you are running you will have missed some great views. Not so in this case. In addition, it's also nice to recognise key markings to get bearings on where you are and how far you need to go. Finally, it's also very nice to see your fellow runners and sound off some words of encouragement.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-9-lIwhF3Im8bf2kCVPzJgjc4QPfwcMD0MkIfmnKGqazP7fQ3jbSnjm4xBf4sladEbnVhXLTno9h-D89DDKJ_4jIXmYs2dzJaABZOSWd0HU2BovT4uWRDp0ACUzZXE9IHzd3EecBLQs/s1600/537560_4063074855248_1031022875_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-9-lIwhF3Im8bf2kCVPzJgjc4QPfwcMD0MkIfmnKGqazP7fQ3jbSnjm4xBf4sladEbnVhXLTno9h-D89DDKJ_4jIXmYs2dzJaABZOSWd0HU2BovT4uWRDp0ACUzZXE9IHzd3EecBLQs/s400/537560_4063074855248_1031022875_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In summary the course was challenging but not so aggressive or technical to rule out those who want to try out a 100k for the first time. For some reason I managed to get lost twice and in the same place! I managed to get lost about 8 miles in as I was too far north of the two sisters (chimneys) despite the route card specifically advising that runners pass below both chimneys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I ignored this and ended up on another public right of way only to be faced with farmland. Totally lost. After wandering around for about 5 minutes I decided to knock on the farmer's door to get directions. He kindly allowed me to run through his land and pick up the coastal path again! By this time 6 runners had passed me. I picked up the pace and managed to get to the front pack a couple of miles down the line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The checkpoints were great and very friendly. I had my own nutrition but also took bananas and 9bars as additional nutrition. 9bars are a great source of natural energy and are the sponsors of the event. Check out their website here: <a href="http://www.9-bar.co.uk/">http://www.9-bar.co.uk/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not tapering and overdoing the x trainer in the gym (1 hour x trainer session followed by 30 mins core session and 10 mile trail run for afternoon workout) put some strain on my ITB. This led to an inflamed ITB about 35miles in to the race. Not bad enough to stop me from running but still quite painful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The race was quite steady for the rest of the race until I hit the same place as I got lost last time. For some reason I hit the same footpath I got lost on on the way out. In fact, I got so lost I started to get a little worried that other runners probably had passed me while I stood on the path scratching my head. I had no choice but to scramble up to the top of the coastal rocks to get a better look of the course. I could actually see the coastal path half a mile south (for some reason I had been running away from the sea!). I had to climb down off the rock, over a couple of barbed wire fences and back on the path. It felt good to be back on the path! At this stage, I did not know whether any runner had passed me (the top few looked very strong passing them on the way back in!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thankfully, the race went smoothly following the second navigational mishap until I happily crossed the finish line. The organisers had kindly rushed to finish line expecting me to come in a lot sooner, however due to my poor navigation skills, I left them waiting a little longer. Sorry!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the end, my GPS told me I had ran 66 miles instead of the 61! These things are not entirely accurate but I reckon I got a few more miles for my money ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All in all a very well organised event on a reasonably challenging course. Personally, I was disappointed with my time which was around 10hrs 40 as my expectations were around the 9 hrs mark (I spent a bit of time standing around looking lost!). That said a really enjoyable day and only 5 hr car drive on the way back! Well worth it though</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Results can be found here</span> <a href="http://www.adventurehub.com/Results.html">http://www.adventurehub.com/Results.html</a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-89210151745396008012012-05-06T14:34:00.000-07:002012-05-06T14:34:57.176-07:00Pics of 100K World Championships 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm not going to write a lengthy blog this time on the World Champs. I was extremely disappointed with my time which I think was due to a very bad patch on the 4th lap, but hey ho there is always next time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That said, we did well as a team coming in 6th place for the World Championships, and here is a few pics of the team at the event...</span><br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/d4wfET0_z5Y/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d4wfET0_z5Y&fs=1&source=uds" />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-72304217126481833052012-04-25T12:23:00.003-07:002012-04-25T12:23:54.541-07:00World Class Irish Team Result<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="238" src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/2012-JBWorld100k.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">John Byrne at the 2012 World 100km Championships in Seregno, Italy</span><br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: normal; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Irish men's team finished a magnificent 6th in the World 100km Championships in Seregno, Italy on 22nd April 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In perhaps the most competitive championships to date, the UltraRunning Ireland athletes also set a new Irish team record in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Team captain, Dan Doherty, was the leading finisher among the Irish when posting new personal best time of 7:07:26 hrs for a top 25 placing.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Dan Doherty</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John Byrne and Keith Whyte were close behind, registering times of 7:16:27 and 7:25:56, respectively.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The cumulative times of the top three finishers establish team rankings and the new Irish team record of 21:49:48 hrs ensured 6th position overall. It was the highest global placing by any Irish athletics team in many years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The winning team was Italy, with the USA finishing second and France third.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Michael Collins posted a very competitive 7:43:14 hrs to finish in the top 5 in the men's 45 category, but John O'Regan, Thomas Maguire and Jim McCormick encountered various problems and injuries during the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the women's race, Ireland's sole competitor was Helen Lavin and she ran strongly to finish in a time of 8:54:38 hrs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was a remarkable weeked for the Irish delegation as UltraRuning Ireland chairman Richard Donovan was also elected to be Director of the International Association of Ultra Runners, the world governing body for the sport.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the past few years, UltraRunning Ireland has achieved the highest standards on the international stage, including continental medals, top global placings and numerous new Irish records. An Order of Merit was also awarded to Richard and Paul Donovan for the staging of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLUVVBUMALU" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #823b05; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">IAU Trail World Championships</a> in Connemara last year, which was broadcast globally to 200 million households.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, Athletics Ireland's CEO John Foley will now take responsibility for all aspects of the sport of ultra running in Ireland, including the funding of teams for international compeitition.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-8288027080403046322012-04-19T15:17:00.000-07:002012-04-19T15:17:33.810-07:00100k World Champs is around the corner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3XndXva2XotMxdUFrxRtCVHO2W-lrZ7gOwZj-OJrGFZjlW26wje0ErWz7TIGpepyptKzl8kauZrJxNP-WCI7zv4GVSJ_y7RnISL3AdOmgy5ew7aneIr46oR_f97_c7BruMuf_Ntv8_w/s1600/IMG_0786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3XndXva2XotMxdUFrxRtCVHO2W-lrZ7gOwZj-OJrGFZjlW26wje0ErWz7TIGpepyptKzl8kauZrJxNP-WCI7zv4GVSJ_y7RnISL3AdOmgy5ew7aneIr46oR_f97_c7BruMuf_Ntv8_w/s640/IMG_0786.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="s1">So it’s time to pack and get ready for the </span>European & World 100km Championships in Italy on 22nd April. It should prove to be a great race with some very talented athletes attending. Giorgio Calcaterra, Michael Wardian, Marina Zhalybina and Ellie Greenwood will be battling it out, amongst many others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From the Irish side of things, I have been given the honour of captaining the following team which will certainly start in a strong position:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>IRISH MEN'S TEAM<br />
</b>John Byrne<br />
Michael Collins<br />
Daniel Doherty<br />
Thomas Maguire<br />
John O'Regan<br />
Keith Whyte<br />
Jim McCormick</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>IRISH WOMEN'S TEAM<br />
</b>Helen Lavin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The cumulative time of the top three finishers for each nation decides the outcome of the team competition for both the Worlds and European events.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Preparation</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It has been quite tough to prepare from a training perspective for the Worlds as at the same time I am having to condition myself for some coastal path and mountain events in June-August with perhaps another 100k on tarmac thrown in between. That said, I believe a mix of trail, road and mountain will do no harm!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From my own experience 100k events on tarmac can prove to be one of the most difficult ultra running disciplines to master. This is for many reasons but in the main it's due to the high intensity run over such a long period, on unforgiving ground (tarmac).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unlike many trail or mountain ultras where there is plenty opportunity to compose yourself, vary your pace, hydrate and focus on nutrition (especially on the climbing parts and the like) 100k road usually requires a lot more focus with disciplined and calculated consumption of hydration and nutrition. Getting it wrong can be fatal to your time. In addition the tarmac is unforgiving and if your running gait is out of form you are going to know about it very quickly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many athletes on Sunday will be aiming to break the 7 hour mark. Allowing for fade (a negative split is truly amazing) you are looking at an average of 6:30 – 6:40 minute miles for 62 miles. That is no walking pace. This therefore places pressure on ensuring that hydration levels are kept up and nutrition is literally shoved down the throat! Ireland has an experienced and knowledgable support team which reduces the pressure a little especially later on in the game. Each athlete will pass 20 aid stations over the course of the 100k so there is a lot to think about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Essentially, I will have various things available to me including:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">a)<span class="s2"> </span>Elete Electrolyte add in concentrate and tablets</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">b)<span class="s2"> </span>Water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">c)<span class="s2"> </span>Clif shot blox</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">d)<span class="s2"> </span>GU gels</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">e)<span class="s2"> </span>Jelly Babies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At each CP I will have a 250ml bottle of water that will have Elete – this is a vital piece of kit for me. Essentially it means I can take in the relevant electrolytes with the simple taste of water without having to consume a vast amount of ‘flavoured sports drink’ which certainly makes me feel sick and sticky over the course 7 hours. Throw in gels and it’s a total nightmare especially on a hot day. Elete also offer tablets which are simply taken with water and provide for measured electrolyte intake. I will take a couple of these through the race. Check out Elete here: http://new.eletewater.com/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will therefore cellotape the nutrition to the bottle (so I don’t have to fumble around for the nutrition) and mix it up so that during one 5-10k period I will be eating something solid (Clif) and the next section I will go for a gel. I might throw in a banana or something else if needed. For the final section, I will consume whatever I can, for example a few jelly babies/banana to get me to the finish line. Of course the key here is not to consume something too sugary too early to avoid the crashing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyhow I thought I would share this with you, this is my plan but as with all ultras you never know what the day is going to throw at you which is what really makes this sport so exciting!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can get live updates of the race by visiting the IAU website here: http://www.iau-ultramarathon.org/</span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-71796130082357815012012-04-05T07:25:00.001-07:002012-04-05T07:25:28.651-07:00Irish Invasion of the Lake District<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here is a wee slideshow of me and the lads in the Lake District in April. Ultra runner's heaven!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-28396998338723327092012-04-04T14:06:00.005-07:002012-04-04T14:06:47.677-07:00Irish Squad for 100k World and European Champs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ultra Running Ireland has announced the squad for the 100km World & European Championships. It is an honour to be captain of such a strong team and with such talent! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ultra Running Ireland (ultrarunningireland.com) announcement:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ireland will send a very strong team to the European & World 100km Championships in Italy on 22nd April.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The men's team will be captained by Daniel Doherty, who finished 14th in the 2011 World Championships.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Doherty, along with Irish 50km Champion John Byrne and Irish 100km record holder Thomas Maguire make up a trio of Irish runners with sub-7:10hr PBs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The team, which also includes Keith Whyte (sub 7:30hrs), Michael Collins (World veteran bronze medallist) and John O'Regan (Irish 24-Hour Champion) will be among the favourites to medal in Europe. The cumulative time of the top three finishers for each nation decides the outccome of the team competition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In addition to the team, Jim McCormick will represent Ireland as an individual and should be among the top contenders in the vets competition (which is run concurrently).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the women's race, Ireland will be represented by Helen Lavin, who has recently posted some very good ultra performances in the USA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IRISH MEN'S TEAM</strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John Byrne</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Michael Collins</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Daniel Doherty</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thomas Maguire</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John O'Regan</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Keith Whyte</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jim McCormick*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IRISH WOMEN'S TEAM</strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Helen Lavin*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*Individuals</span><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5223097322049843893.post-75279041909206652352012-02-06T12:53:00.000-08:002012-02-06T12:53:06.091-08:00Donovan Sets New World Marathon Challenge Record<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Irishman Richard Donovan has recently set a new record for the fastest time to complete 7 marathons in 7 different continents. Richard completed the World Marathon Challenge in 4 days, 22 hours and 3 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Richard started in the Antartica followed by Cape Town, Sao Paulo, Orlando, London, Hong Kong finishing in Sydney. A great achievement and a great day for Irish ultra running! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well done Richard!</span><br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18347549919069189666noreply@blogger.com0