… by Metallica was my song before the Vartry 50 miles race. Don’t know why really but on the walk with dog on Thursday I heard it in my headphones and that was it. Rhythm, music and lyrics somehow were accurate…
For whom the bell tolls…
Marshaling
Resting this weekend from running marathons but still involved in race. I’m a marshal in Donabate run.
When I have woke up today I was very happy that I won’t be running. Wind was so strong and it just started to rain. Could just imagine how bad it can be on the seaside. Now I know sitting on the cliff pointing runners in the right direction. But go to beginning. Got here with Karolina, Gary’s friend. She was starting early and I should be here as well as early as possible so we ended up being in Donabate very early. Need to stop writing runners are approaching counting on me to show them where to turn. First wave gone. They still look happy despite wind. Nice. Taking some photos now as well. It’s kinda strange feeling not to run and just watching others. But always nice to be able to help.
…and I’m still alive
First Ultra and I went literally extra mile during that run… Should be very tired and wrecked after race but I wasn’t. At least not as I was expecting and not as bad as sometimes after marathons with high incline. I was amazed myself. I knew that I won’t be able to run as strong as usual on tarmac and I knew that I will be as fast so decided that I will run just run where ever and whenever I will be able. Rest will spent looking at the tremendous views. Especially that weather was so nice…
Not as bad as expected
I think that was the first time when I was expecting route to be more hilly than it actually was. Nice surprise. Everything started with email with document I should sign and bring with me to expo. In the email there were as well links to half-marathon and marathon route. Both led to same GPX route. So, I have assumed that same route just two loops. One thing was was just bothering me. It was said that big hill which was daunting runners was taken out from marathon route and on the GPX for half one I could see really bad incline. So, I have prepared myself for two loops with one big incline on each. That expectations but still weren’t sure about the legs after Ballina. Couldn’t say if the legs were heavy or wobbly. Usually before start I can say how I feel. It’s either crap or I’m buzzing can’t wait to start the race. Last Sunday I felt nothing. Completely empty. That was very strange. Didn’t know what to expect. All I knew is that I want just to run my comfortable pace. Knowing that body probably still hasn’t recovered from previous weekend I wasn’t trying to push too hard.
And that was a real challenge 3 marathons in 2 days
It is hard to give it a right name… 3 in 2 challenge or ‘At least 3 ways to die in 2 days’ 😉
I knew it will be hard… but really wasn’t expecting that. I did already couple of back 2 back’s and each of these was tiring, energy draining and tough. And now I had to do same plus squeeze another marathon between two mornings.
All weather marathon
After Lusk b2b continues… this time route near University of Limerick…
Just before getting into the car I have asked Cezary what kind of shoes I will need for the run. Ansser was – ‘Road runners would be ok’. So, took my Hoka’s. But already on the way down I knew that there will be problem. Most of the route was along the canal, on the forest path (proper forest, not tarmac). But I had to ‘work’ with what was there… Anyways, arrived into Castletroy Park Hotel. Really nice but very busy. So, decided to eat in near by Chineese restaurant – Chungs Cuisine. Just to let you know – food not great, OK maybe and the stuff… not organized at all. And there wasn’t much guests in there…
First time in Lusk
There was so many marathons run on the Lusk East of Ireland Marathon series route. But there was always in the way. So, Lusk virgin, besides that suppose to be first part om my first back 2 back this year. Not really with the fitness levels where these suppose to be I knew that I could be for a challenge. A quite of challenge. But first things first…
Rolando has jinxed it…
If someone had asked me to describe Malta in one word ‘chaos’ would probably be the one. Starting with day to day activities to the marathon organization. But you have to experience it at least once in your life (Leo, suddenly marathon in Nice is looking much better)… Me and Bozena were looking forward to that marathon. Malta, nice weather, sun. We couldn’t be more wrong. Wind, rain, lack of sun. But Sliema itself is great and you can just imagine how nice it can be when the weather is great. When writing these few first words (internet is BAD) can see that shy sun is showing little bit from behind the clouds. Still windy though. Anyway back to Malta marathon experience…
Start… ok, ok but where is the Starting line?
Today I was seriously scared. I to tell you the truth I haven’t got the idea why. I had woke up couple of times during night, just to check how much more sleep I have left… Nervous about first Ultra run? Just 8 km more than marathon distans but still Ultra. New experience? Could that be the reason for insomnia?
I’m… not ready
Tomorrow… not as early as usual but still morning I will start my first official Ultra Marathon (that one in Sixmilebrodge where I got lost doesn’t count). 10AM it will start… and I’m not ready. I was sick for last coouple of days, couldn’t run. Was just walking, but it’s not the same. Apatate still same so my figure is suffering cause of that…