‘O’ stands for Offaly

But this time that stands for ‘Ohh jeez, what a mess’. That suppose to be weekend with easy b2b. First in the long time. Weekend runs in Offaly. For the first time MCI has organized marathons there. Saturday in Rhode – two loops, almost half of that on trail. Sunday loops in wind farm in Mount Lucas. I was happy for that b2b. But as usual nothing is simple and easy for me. Almost died during first day and additionally had three pit-stops. And second day stomach started to acting up straight from the beginning… So, it was tough enough. Too bad cause both routes were new and would be nice to conquer both.

Anyways… Had a bad feeling about that weekend. Gut feel. Don’t know how and why. Just did. Maybe that long drive and search for the place. Finding it wasn’t easy. But eventually I have parked car in Rhode GAA club parking. Something wasn’t right. Maybe my pre-marathon routine. Needed to be amended cause of small amount of toilets. Just before 9 AM I was ready for a jog. Briefing was kinda scary. Something about broken leg… Route – twice hear and back with last part leg on trail. Expect all: gravel, grass or mud. Both days I supposed to go same pace and finish in 3:45. But that was theory. When you can see Brian or Gillian you want just to run to talk and enjoy. But of course they are much fitter, preparing themselves for Berlin 100 Wall Run or 24 h Championship. I stuck with them till first loop turn-around point. Took foot off the pedal. But knew at this stage that I have already burned out. And before half way mark stomach wanted to talk. Not too bad. Will wait till halfway. Toilet there and time to use Tailwind… and that was I think really bad idea. Stomach was kind of fragile already and any substance like gel or powder could just make it worse. And it did. Two more stops. Each time when I was trying to pick up the pace I was putting my stomach and colon under bigger pressure. So, had to slow down. Last 10 km was actually torture. Was trying to imagine where the water station is. And when eventually got there I just drunk way too much. Disaster in making. So, at the half way point I was well in 3:45 time frame. Toilet and I was out. With second part being so bad I was just praying to get into 4 h. Made it. Wasn’t happy with my effort and scared for next day. But all I needed to do is to sort out stomach. Shouldn’t be a problem, right?

Just needed to watch out for food intake that day and Sunday suppose to be sorted. Easy meal. Getting to Sunday’s marathon was much easier than day before. I have picked up Mark on the way and both went there. Wind farm is actually really nice to run. Don’t remember exactly how the route looked like. Some regular loops, some extras on the beginning. Weather wasn’t great. Rain, little bit later showers but manky all the way. Was little bit cold as well. Bad feeling about that one. But as usual after complaining a little bit I have picked the number and was ready for a run. Even that first three loops were different I was hoping that I won’t get lost. First loop was small, then bigger one with extra bit in the middle. And already on that big loop I knew that stomach is saying hello one again. Lost already time and I would need to work harder to get 3:45 this time. But I had tried. Probably shouldn’t have. Plan was 3:45 without pit stops. First big loop and I was already behind time anticipated. But went on the second big loop, this time without additional here and back in the middle. It was quite nice, despite the rain, to run in the windmill farm. Passing all these huge constructions knowing that these are helping to save our environment and giving so needed energy. Ok, but back to run. Pushing harder (sounds funny when I’m saying that, that pace was still slow for last years standards) and felt that it would finish in bad way. Could continue but was risking cramps and pit stops. Decided against running. Some people were amazed by that. I was little bit pissed off about myself but still… plenty runs to run. Not worth it to hurt myself. IBS still around a corner. I decided to wait for Mark. Went together going back as well. July… rain, cold. Typical Irish summer. Heating has to be switched on in the car… Mark has finished in over 4 hours. We just packed and went home…

First Offaly marathons well below par for me… Still long way to go for me.