Am I going left or right? – part 2

Eating gingerbread

Next morning… No breakfast in hotel. Reception open from 8 Am. Same with breakfast. That was too late for me. So, cool coffee and banana had to do. But that was enough for whole marathon. Had one more pretzel before the run. Food covered then. Now to run. All pacers were meeting at 8 o’clock. Meeting point CEP booth in expo. I knew that my ‘Compress Sport’ gear won’t be a big hit there. I was correct. As soon as I have started to get in my gear CEP employee came by saying that I cannot run in that gear cause that is their direct competitor. So, calves sleeves gone and running bottoms as well. But we were provided with whole pacing gear. CEP provided us with compress socks, compress bottoms and technical shirt. Unfortunately no head band. And what to do if you are running always with one, and one you have is Compress Sport? Not great but they have allowed to wear mine as long as no one could see the logo. Gear sorted, flag on my back. As a pacer we were given access to VIP area where we could get coffee or tee and something to eat as well before run. And after, separate changing rooms with showers and proper lunch. And that was very nice. Read more

Back 2 back try out

Eating Monaghan

First b2b during crisis. Definitely not finishing time I was expecting but… Yeah, what time I was really expecting. Previous day I was pacing in Galway – 4 hours. And now, day after I’m on the starting line again. Knowing that fitness is still not there I haven’t got much expectations. Wanted just to finish. Was trying to get 3:45 time if possible. But… hills of Monaghan town. I know these well having run there last year. Year ago I got 3:25. Was aiming for 3:45 as well but legs were ok, was running with my watch but haven’t got the idea that in the vast part of the route (forest / park) GPS signal is really bad. Watch was showing pace which would allow me to finish marathon in 3:35 – 3:40. Ended up 10 minutes faster. But back then I was running with TomTom multisport watch. Great watch but I think was loosing signal quite fast during that marathon (I think that TomTom was short by 2 km almost). This year was much better. With Suunto I was just off by less than 350 meters (that says something about quality of the watch). Don’t get me wrong. Liked and still like TomTom watches but I think that Suunto is THE BEST in business when comes to GPS watches. But love for TomTom is still there. Now just shifted towards Bandit Action camera. Great videos taken during Szczecin where I had infamously missed my 4 hours mark as a pacer (thigh was tight). Ok, shifting little bit from the main topic now. Plan – slowly finish, if possible in 3:45. If not in that time just enjoy the run and first b2b in ages.
This year there was two marathons taking place in Monaghan. Saturday and Sunday – back to back during Monaghan Festival of running. For obvious reasons I couldn’t run the Saturday race. For me was Sunday booked. Saturday route was exactly same as the one last year. 5 loops mostly in the forest. Sunday run was slightly different. First loop was in the town and over the canal. This year supporters could cheer for us not just on the road where the loop was starting and finishing. Now they were gathering as well in the town. And despite very cold weather (started race when it was about 3 – 4 Celsius degrees) and no sun in the morning there was quite a crowd there. Of course there was much more runners now cause of two days festival but as well cause of new distance added. Last year it was marathon and all marathon distances, this year 10 km was added to that. There was another important reason for people to show up that Sunday morning. Leslie Crawford, race director, was running his marathon number 100. Cause Leslie is such a nice guy I think that everyone wanted to make his day special. Big crowds, nice cake at the end of the race, cheers from fellow runners and wishes to get another 100 in the bag soon… Back to run. Knew already forest part, knew that it is not flat. Some ups and downs, some quite demanding and four loops of that. New was that first loop in the town. This year, cause coming from Galway, we weren’t driving through Monaghan and I couldn’t remember if town itself is flat or not. I was just imagining that it’s not flat at all. And guess what… I was right. I think actually that this loop had more incline that loop in the forest (need to double check the watch for details). Ups, downs, town, end of first loop. Official watch was showing over 45 minutes already. More less loop in the town was same length as the one in forest. So, means that I was running slower than anticipated. 45 minutes for each loop was giving total time of 3:45. Being behind on the first one I was wondering if I will be able to finish in predicted time cause probably I will get tired on some stage and the pace will go down definitely. But now I was doing loops which I knew. Maybe haven’t remembered all the turns and ups and downs but idea of that loop was in my head. And with each next turn I was remembering more and more. And in the middle of forest loop I knew all the turns and inclines. It is actually nice to know the route not just from GPS profile but actually know it cause you run it or walk it. At the end of first forest loop (second all together) got 2 minutes to spare. So, maybe the town loop was little bit longer than forest one. Read more

Am I happy again?

Back to happy

Drive to Galway… In my head – 4 hours pacer and the big question – can I do it?. The whole 3 hours were like that. Talking to my Wife, listening to music but head was occupied with something else. I was really afraid. Got to Galway late at night, so we only got time for ‘visit’ to local shop to get cash for B&B. Prepared myself for run. Next day I had to be there 8 AM to pick up my number. Very limited free parking spaces. Plenty pay and display ones. Parked there, went to pick up number, collected my balloon. First time in a long time I was in the right place and time for MCI photo. Hectic morning. We weren’t even running yet and I was ‘running’ here and back like headless chicken. Ok… calm down. Get in your running gear and prepare yourself for run. Toilet, balloon, starting line, chat with Gary… ready…
Start… Not very confident about pacing, about running altogether. But I was there and had to do it. Weather wasn’t great. Grey, no sun, breeze from ocean, temperature about 10 – 11 degrees. Nice weather to run, not great for sightseeing (or pacing). Oh, well, 4 hours run in front of me. Nice crowd gathered next to me and Norman. We knew that most of them will eventually drop out but we were counting for brining some of the runners with us to the finish line. First marathon, besides 4:30 in Waterford. With a chance of bringing people with me in 4 hours. Proven wrong again. Me and Norman brought just one runner with us in 4 hours. Some runners were quicker than our pace and finished ahead of us. But from initial group we had none, yet again. Norman had one runner who started stronger but became weaker and weaker with every mile. But he supported him and both finished under 4 hours. For the most of the race I had two, maybe three runners following me. One of them – Marek – was running strong up to 31st km (just little bit more than 2 loops to go). He dropped then and finished in 4:03, PB for him. I have ended up without any groupies but noticed one of early starters – Catherine. First lady home in Connemara 100 this year. She started 30 minutes ahead of us, so her time would be 4:30 if she finished with me. She did great and finished probably around 4:27. Maybe little bit less. I was enjoying that run. No stress, checking my watch constantly for pace and heart rate. Both were in norm. I was feeling comfortable. Weather was getting slightly worse. Little bit colder and breeze picked up as well slightly towards end of the run. Probably I would be feeling even better if I wasn’t talking the whole time. That is something I’m not doing regularly. Usually running alone in silence listening to my steps and breath. 2000 participants on different distances – 10 km, half marathon, full marathon. Big groups of runners running together. Sometimes was hard to overtake people in that crowd. Support was brilliant. You can clearly see that town was prepared to cheer up for runners. Marathon organised well. As usual when Ray is the race director. Must say that head was in the right place when I was running that marathon. Still legs needed to follow but it was good. For the first time in the past 4 – 5 weeks I was actually enjoying race. No DNF ideas. And just before finishing line, when I have already pushed Catherine towards her sub 4:30 I stopped and rooted for rest of finishing runners. Shouting words of encouragement, clapping. Spent there maybe 30 seconds and cruised towards finish line in the ‘plane style’. Again, for the first time in ages.
Some of my Friends asked about the race. If I was enjoying it and how I feeling afterwards. They were concerned about me. But they could see straight away that I was in right place. Joking at the end of the race. That means something. Great race to run. Will be back there next year to enjoy again. What was left to do that day? Hmmm… get into the car and drive to Monaghan for next marathon. But first lunch in Tai restaurant. First b2b in long time. It was just to check how legs will behave running marathons in two consecutive days. Plan for next day was 3:45 – 4 hours. Just to get through hilly woodlands of Monaghan Town.
I think head is ok. Lets wait for legs. See that marathon in pictures… Read more

Am I going left or right? – part 1

Munich food

…and no. Vincent I wasn’t lost again when running. There was little bit confusion when was trying to get to VIP area to pick up my bag and get quiet and hot shower. On the finishing line me and Volker (other pacemaker) went right to queue in the line for medal. Got it and start to ask question where is VIP area. Got couple mixed answers. Some were sending us up the stairs and then down, some saying that we should just go there (pointing in random directions). Eventually, after running stadium steps up and down twice, crossing marathon route we got to our VIP shower. That was nice. Hot shower after cold run. Then little bit snack in VIP lounge… Ok, but start from the beginning. Read more

For love of God – STOP

Tired with medal

I think I have reached the point where I have to say I overdid it. I’m over-trained, my body is shutting down on me… At this stage I’m able to run for about 45 – 50 minutes and not even at my fast pace. But then legs just… they just stop. Fatigue kicks in, cannot lift legs, strides are very short. Maybe the amount of strides is same but… being so short means covering less distance. Same distance but more time needed to finish run…
I think I’m done. Still have maybe 5 runs booked till the end of the year and that will be it. No more until the end of the season. Low, low, low…
Haven’t felt that in ages… honestly. Haven’t felt this way ever. Even at the beginning of the year when I thought that I was in a bad shape I wasn’t. Now I know that. Back then I was miserable or just little bit down. Now I’m really bad. Overtrained, overweight… Can’t run marathon even in 3:30… What the hell happened?
But, as you all know already, when there is marathon I follow. And here I was Saturday morning in Longwood. First time for me there. First time, so couldn’t miss it. Was that wise? Probably, definitely not. Should have given my legs a rest. Should stop running 20 km a day without bigger breakes. But again I have ignored my head and body. Yeeea, what could go wrong? Flat course… relatively. Or at least that’s what I thought. Was proven wrong at the end of the run. Maybe I wouldn’t have seen those humps if my fitness was OK but for now it wasn’t flat for me. Lately I have noticed that I’m starting run at full swing and after 10 – 16 km my fuel is gone and remaining distance is a constant struggle or even fight with tired body. For the last 3-4 marathons (including this one) I had so many thoughts about DNF. Was feeling really bad, that idea of stopping, jumping into car and just driving away was very tempting. Haven’t done that but so many times I was rally close to ‘throwing the towel ‘. This run wasn’t different.
Before the race I was feeling OK (unfortunately usual gut feeling bad race will be good, feeling good race will be bad wasn’t working any more). All thoughts focused on the run to finish in 3:30. Should be easy. Week before in Szczecin got small injury and ended up over 4 hours as a pacer but wasn’t counting that time. Previous runs on hilly courses in Dingle, Tyrone were ones were I was getting around 3:30. So, I couldn’t imagine that on a flatter course I would be struggling. But at the end of the day that was the case. But, lest’s start from the beginning. Sunny day, high number of runners. All because of couple distances you could run that morning. 10 km, half marathon, 20 miles and full marathon. I heard that it was biggest crowd to date recorded on the EOI marathon. After inspiring briefing talk by Rory Mooney and kind of ‘Fergie dryer’ from Ger we gathered at the starting line. Plan? Not really. Wanted to get 3:30. Started in pace 4:35 – 4:45 first 10 km. I know that for most of you that is probably jog but for me, especially now it is ‘light speed’. What happened after? You are guessing correctly. Fuel cut off. Not even fumes left. Run with strong will not legs – literally just moving 2 mm above the ground. No speed in them. Why I run again so fast at beginning of the race? Don’t know. All I know is that I had to pay for that stupid idea by feeling big, big, big pain. Really I had to look bad if Andrew offered to give me bottle of Lucozade when passing me by. On each of the 6 loops remaining after initial first 13 km I was just thinking about how slow I’m running and how easy would be to just walk away from that race. Haven’t done that. Maybe my head is stronger than I thought initially. On lap number 7 I even walked, was really exhausted. Seamus helped me with small Mars bar and Redbull. Sugar into blood. That did the trick but just for about 10 minutes. Anyways, have finished my jog in 3:47. Mentally struggled. So, just packed my assignment into car and drove back home.
Why it is going from bad to worst for me? Weight, heavy legs, no rest, head… These were my thoughts on the way back home. Couldn’t relax knowing that following weekend I was suppose to pace Galway Bay marathon. Will I last, will I keep my pace… steady pace? Questions, questions, questions. Just relax… That is what I need now. Read more

Die, die, die My Darling

Homemade food

‘Die, die, die my darling
Don’t utter a single word
Die, die, die my darling
Just shut your pretty eyes
I’ll be seeing you again
Yeah, I’ll be seeing you, in hell’

…and again Misfits/Metallica song, so adequate to situation which happened during the Szczecin marathon…
History in the making. First marathon in my home town, last large city in Poland without race of 26.2 miles, sorry 42.2 km. We are on the continent:) My first marathon in Poland. Strangely enough there was never occasion to run in any of the Polish marathons. Now, I know that will be back on the home soil again to run more races. Reasons later.
Friday was a very long day. Started at 2:30am and finished 11pm. During that time: flight to Szczecin, car collection, got to Szczecin (airport 60 km from city), visited expo, had lunch, back at expo for pacers meeting, meet with family. Oh jeez, busy. Anyway, I was happy to be a day before run in Szczecin. Bad form but that didn’t matter, I was in city where I was born and I was about to run first ever marathon here. Nice. Saturday 8:30am pacers supposed to pick up their balloons with times written on them. Would be ideal to just wake up after 7 (starting line is just 5 minutes drive from my Parents house) but not so easy. My Friends Michal (was pacing with me in Prague and again we were together in Szczecin) and his girlfriend Natalia arrived at 6 Am. It was nice to see them again. They arrived by train. Just after saying hallo we went to the car. On the way back I noticed one lad looking like a runner (still not sure why I thought so). I have asked him if he is here for the marathon. Answer was ‘yes’, so offered lift to starting line. He was quite surprised, same as Natalia and Michal. And I don’t know why… Later, when we were heading to my Parents house for breakfast they have explained that it’s not common to help strangers in Poland (still, unfortunately not much has changed since we left). You can say – cultural differences. Yes… So, breakfast. And then quickly to marathon headquarters to pick up our balloons. I have decided that it should be easy to spot as a pacer and went for very, very bright colour gear. Just for fun. Looking like a light bulb with two balloons strapped to my camera belt. Oh, yes. Forgot to mention, I was running with my TomTom bandit cam, won in their competition. Little bit heavy, ended up running with camera in my hand most of the time. Full gear on, looked little bit silly. But at least runners could easily spot me and that was the point. Although I was running in my home town I couldn’t recognise anyone. There was one friend from primary school, one from secondary school, boss from my very first place of work (photolaboratory when I was a student) the rest… unknown. At the starting line I have noticed my  uncle. Familiar face, family actually 😉 His son was running as well. Haven’t seen him during run. Atmosphere was buzzing, everyone excited. Runners couldn’t stand waiting and supporters wanted to see the race and scream their lungs out…
Start… Slow, trying to get into rhythm. Almost fell when checking pace on my watch and got my foot into small hole in the road (remember, same happened in Prague – caught the cone while checking my pace). Pacing is very dangerous. Found my rhythm. And both, me and Michal started to entertain our groupies. Looked like everyone was excited about the run but at the same time little bit concerned with drag hill on the 34th km. Hill, 2 km drag, which costs many ‘lifes’ during that race (including me, there for the first time I felt pinch in my hamstring followed by quad). But for now, we have started. Everyone happy, chatty. Talking about running experiences, asking quite a lot of questions. Discussing tactics and laughing. Nice bunch of people. At the beginning we were running on the longest street in Szczecin for some time and taking turn towards city hall buildings and Blonia Park. Passing by newest mall addition and heading for castle. Before castle turn, slightly downhill and on the right Cathedral. Left it behind as we were making our way over the bridge to right side of the Odra bank and towards, as we call that part of the city, ‘Right bank’. When we were running through city you could see supporters along the way. Not as many as I would expect but still some. Not to loud but noticeable. Couple of bands and DJs on the way. But that has unfortunately changed on the right side of Odra. Last big group of supporters was on the 8 km mark. Young kids from evangelical school were shouting encouraging ‘made up poems’ at us. But after that, long straight, no turns for next 10 km (until turning point) and no support besides some people waiting at the tram stop or some on the bridges over the road we were running. But most of them haven’t got the idea what we were doing. That was a shame. So, 10 km up, 10.5 back without almost any support (there was DJ on the half way mark, covering two sides of the road). That part of the route wasn’t very exciting. I know that some of the runners actually started to feel fatigue while running that stretch. No support, long boring straight and couple of ups and downs. Morale wasn’t high at this point and some started to remind themselves that we have still that killer of a hill in front of us. Wasn’t great but I think that everyone was back to normal as soon as we passed the bridge and got onto left bank. More support, louder, more was happening, more distractions which were taking your mind off the run in that high temperature. Ohhh, almost forgot. During marathon I would say that easily temperature was about 25 degrees Celsius and not one cloud in the sky (I think that was one of factors which killed me). Left bank. More people, Bozena and Natalia cheering there, more interesting buildings,  more history. Passing by Wały Chrobrego, Odra’s boulevards and heading to famous Szczecin Shipyard. Famous from it’s role during Solidarnosc strikes back in 1980’s. Now, unfortunately not very tempting and interesting (especially for younger generation, but that’s just my opinion). Still huge piece of Szczecin history. Most of the run through shipyard there was no tarmac on the ground so runners had to watch out where to put their feet. Just before shipyard we run via water wall which cooled us down just for couple of minutes. After shipyard same again. This time it suppose to be help before hard incline starting just around the corner. Hill, and not even one. When you saw something which looked like a top of the hill you were so happy but when got there you realised that there is small bend, 50 meters flat and up, up and away again. I think there were three nasty surprises like that. And when you were on the top top of the hill you thought that there should be sharp downhill but nothing like that. Slightly down, not much. Where the hell is that downhill? Climbing for so long and getting that tiny way down. I think that most of the runners were thinking that we will get that downhill eventually but little they knew. As soon I we have passed hospital that was it, whole slide down. Little bit flat and again up. From hospital to finish was about 3 km. At this stage my quad was already acting up. I was trying to keep my composure but knew that if I will make it without walking it will exact 4 hours or just over. I have asked all runners who were still following to speed up little bit and try to get to Michal, who was about 150 meters in front of us. Told them that he will get them on time and there is risk that we won’t make it if they stick with me. Some of them were able to speed up but most were already so exhausted that they stuck with me and no words of encouragement could force them to run faster… And then it has happened 2 km before the finish with 11:30 minutes to 4 hours (actually was a good chance to be there in time) I had to start walking. Quad hurts quite a bit. Had to limp a little bit. Took down my balloons (no point of having these when you won’t make it). When started to walk funny thing had happened. I felt tired and quite hot. During whole run haven’t felt that. I think that body wasn’t actually taking that into account focusing on the run until I  started to walk. Tried to force other struggling runners to give it the final push to the finishing line while limping towards 4:05.
I was very disappointed with my run, with what has happened. Glad that is was over. Crap run but for the first time on the finishing line there was more people than usual cheering for me. My Wife, always there for me. She was already very concerned about me when she saw 4 hours on the clock but not me on the finishing line. My Sister, who was responsible for promotion and media contact for marathon, gave me huge hug right after I passed finishing line. Younger niece, surprised me with a hug and words of ‘I’m so proud of you Uncle’. And my Mum, confused about what just happened. Why I was angry with myself cause I have finished, right? There was as well Michal and Natalia asking if I’m ok.
What can I say? Disappointed with pacing, haven’t managed running in high temperature. Fourth week running hilly marathon is kind of killing me now. On the bright side. Marathon was organised quite good. It was the first attempt, never will be perfect. Nice race pack (value for money, but apparently it is norm in Poland), atmosphere great, little bit disappointed with police behaviour when maintaining the marathon route. Sometimes runners were actually running through the cars. One more strange thing – bikes. Supporting crew riding the whole time with runners and with water and Powerride supplies. Very disturbing for other runners and dangerous when traffic was passing us and somehow at this time bikes were outside running cones, directly on the street. Bright side again. Now all runners know that Szczecin Marathon is a tough one and nobody will just come here to tick the box . You need to have it in you to finish this one (there was quite a few DNF including elite runners – that says something). Will be back again defo and hope to bring more Friends from Ireland. Theresa you are in already, Michelle you have skipped this one (not sure if your excuse was enough but ok), Cezary counting on you… So, let’s meet in Szczecin next year, this time probably in June. Who’s with me??? Read more

Timing is everything

Tired selfie in Ryanair

Wanted to be in my best shape this season in late September and October. Won’t happen. I think I already got my pick for this year and it was in July. I was able to pull off b2b on the hilly course in 3:17 and 3:14. And after that it was slippery slope for me. I know that I just let myself to do things I shouldn’t. Ate too much, ate crap food. Haven’t been working on my core muscle enough. Basically I just let additional kilos to stick to my body and muscle were substituted by bad, bad fat. I never was very skinny but last year was able to put so much work that actually weight went down quite a bit and the ‘belly tire’ was gone. That cost me a lot of work but was able to do that. So, seems that now I’m just lazy and cannot force myself to do the same.
In my case weight has a huge impact on my running abilities. Every additional kilo is slowing me down. Lack of core muscle adding up to fast tiredness during the race. I never loved running. Even now I’m not very convinced that I like it (especially when results are not as I would expect). I enjoying very much when running ok race. Hate when making mistakes on the course. I’m not very talented runner. I think that all I have achieved till now was a result of work I have put into training. So, now, when training (running and diet) not going as suppose I suffer. I again need to find my Zen… Should stop complain and start ‘doing’. Last week I have tried a fruit and veg diet, with some addition of sushi. Was actually doing OK till couple of days later we started to be very busy in work. No time for lunch break (running or proper food) and I was trying just to grab whatever I could just to kill hunger. I was even able to do 24 hours fasting day. Didn’t have that in ages. But it was just 24 hours and after that I just everything what was in the fridge.
I hope that sharing with all of you will somehow motivate me to get back on track again. I know that support is very important. Thanks Theresa. Sorry, slipped a little bit with my diet but will start again and hopefully for good this time. And if food will be sorted fat will disappear as well. And when fat will disappear muscles should start to grow again. And that should give me good platform to get good times again.
So, my chain would be:
diet –> fat ⬇ –> weight ⬇ –> muscle ⤴ –> health ⤴ –> speed ⤴ –> times ⬇ –> Alan ?
And happy Alan is the ultimate goal. Of course if that would bring as well sub 3 marathon then that’s class. Read more

Flat – ish

Eating late in the night

Hello newbie. How are you? We’re you fast on your first half? Enjoyed that? Do you think that you will last for rest of the race? What will be you pace little bit later?
Questions, questions… Most answers where, let’s call it, negative. Ver fast (for my standards) beginning of the race. Remembering route profile I was expecting longer drag from km 2.1 till 7.3. And that wasn’t as easy as that. There was plenty ups and downs, not just that one hill. Was checking all the time millage on my watch to see where that climb will be, but that was just before 7 km when proper uphill started. Wasn’t too bad. Of course pace went down but that was in plan. But there was no such a hard work on the beginning in the plan. Top of the hill and down hill. Expected longer run down but again down and up. Mostly down, but when I was picking up the pace another hill happen. And the whole way was like that. I know that I prefer steeper hills and good run down than constant ups and downs. My race in Tyrone was almost exactly same as Dingle week before. Fast, fast until I die. I know, not best. But funny enough I was able to repeat same crap performance twice in a row. That is something extraordinary. Not to be missed. Know that I’m in bad for and even worse shape but you should always find a funny side. Was missing that for a while. I should be more possitive. Know that my banner ‘Run Fatold, run’ is very adequate and I have missed with the Form by 2 months (too early) but it will end. I will bounce back and start to run faster.
Must say that marathon was organised quite well for such a small event. And according to organisers they had just 4 months to pull it off. If that’s true some of the bigger venues or ones which are there longer can learn a lot from them. Mary Anderson Foundation together with Rainbow Club were brilliant. For just 30 pounds we were getting race pack with shirt, bus drop to starting line, water stations every 4-5 km, professional photographer and medal at the end of the race. That is value for money even if marathon route is not for everyone. It is worth to try. And if you are not a marathon runner you can always try marathon relay. 4 runners running 42.2 km in total. I think there was no rules saying what distance needs to be covered by each runner. Only rule which heard (maybe was more) was that runner with bib starting with letter A needs to start race and one with bib starting with D needs to finish. Rest was up to the team and their tactic. Have noticed that when running in Northern Ireland there is plenty of runners which I don’t know. I’m assuming that location is not convenient for most of runners I know. I have noticed that as well in Achill and little bit in Dingle. But maybe these two are not as popular cause of the hills.
Forgot to mention that for the first time I have decided to drive same day as marathon run where journey took me more than 2 hours. Actually it was closer to 2.5 and it wasn’t the best expirience. Had to be in Carrickmore before 8 Am to pick up the racing pack and get the bus to starting line. As usual I wanted to have some spare time just in case. So, just in case was aiming to get there on 7:30. And to do that I had to wake up before 4 Am to be ready for departure at 5. That was last time I done something like that. 1.5 hour drive is tops what I can do without staying for a night before the race. I know that sometimes I will be somehow forced to do that but if not I will arrive day before. So, again it was a long, long day. Early morning, 2.5 hours drive, marathon run, 2.5 hours drive back. Was so wrecked that at 8 I was already in bed sleeping.
Tough? Yes. Would I run it again? Probably, just need to be prepare better.
Have found couple of pictures by CMCA IMAGES on Facebook so will put these here. Read more

Unpleasant reminder…

Food

Dingle Marathon was an unpleasant reminder of how far back I’m with my fitness. And as well as me not sticking to the plan. Not pushing to much on the first half and be comfortable on the second part of the run… And what I did? Run as hard as I could first 11 miles and paid for that later. Ok, but back to beginning… Read more

Three hills…

Medal

Start loop, conquer three hills, repeat… That in short is Achill marathon. In short but there is so much more to that run…

Achill Island itself is beautiful. That can’t be ruined even by Irish Summer (especially one we had this year). Of course with bad weather it is hard to enjoy views when you there but… you just enjoy being there… So, that what we did over that weekend. Weather wasn’t too bad. Kinda windy, little bit rainy (time to time) but that was expected. Running, walking, being amazed by views. This is Achill… But for all coming down there. Remember to have cash on you… Achill has just one ATM, which is located at the beginning of the island. Yep, that could be a small hiccup. Especially when you need to use cash to pay for B&B. But what will happen if only ATM is ‘OUT OF ORDER’? And that has happened that weekend. I you lucky and need just 100 euro or less you are going to garage. Trying to purchase products for 10 euro which will entitle you to cash back option up to 100 euro. But if you need more you will need to by for 10 euro amount couple of times… Kinda funny… but not when you need cash. Read more