Horror of a course

I have already run that course. Before, I thought it was hard. And with every time on the same route you would expect to be more comfortable. But Howth is not like that. There is plenty additional things which can make your marathon to go wrong or be ok. Weather, food eaten, things in your head. I know that all these factors would disturb or help you during any marathon but Howth with its Summit climb is one of the hardest one. Each of that elements is intensify during that run. Wrong food, no energy? You will suffer. Water station on the start of each loop and on the top of the Summit. Worrying to much about something won’t help you when you will be fighting when climbing the hill of Howth 4 times. Weather? Wind in your face and not only when climbing. Like during that run it was against you when you were running downhill or on the flat part. Parts where you wanted just to rest after hell of a climb or restore little bit time lost before. Hard enough, now add little bit sun and you are getting the whole picture…

And that was one of these days for me… Food was ok, head was ok but weather was against, not just me but all runners. Saying head was ok, I meant when I have started. With every lap there was bell sounding in my head – ‘Why you are doing it?’. Usually it is going away after couple of kilometrs into the race. But that not the case of Howth. Through out whole race you know that in front of you there is that Summit. 4 times, 3 times, 2 times, last incline. Weather and incline did the damage for me. Even that I have finished 5th, with my best in Howth I think that I could do better there…

For now 3:22 needs to do. And waiting for next horror.