me running…
That feeling day before race – mix of anxiety and excitement. Especially when it is your first in ages. Like a small kid and on the race day it’s getting even crazier. I was really excited and kind of stressed but Bozena was ok. I supposed to run half marathon and Bozena was running 10 K. And she was calm as cucumber…
During registration I have checked map of the run. It was really complicated. Sometimes same part of the road run one direction sometimes other way. There was very short but still part where you were running 3 times during same loop. Confusing? Yep. Especially if you haven’t run that marathon before. After start we had to run small loop. I wanted to keep my steady pace. GPS signal as we were informed wasn’t great there so I wanted to run listening to my guts. There was no sub 3 runners so from beginning I was in the front and… and had to stop three times on the small loop (1 mile distance) cause haven;t got a clue where to run. Lost probably 30 seconds. Small loop was really bad marked and marshals not very helpful. It just made me angry. Angry run… Grumpy rest of the race. Was trying to keep my pace. Little bit slower on the inclines and faster on the declines. Actually, I think that run went so well cause I was little bit angry and wasn’t running with GPS. My only checkpoint was an end of each lap where was watch and distance which I should have covered at this stage. Each loop was starting with downhill on the longer stretch followed by small incline and relatively flat 1.5 km part. After that longer part of incline on the tarmac with route turning back into forest down the hill. Another stretch in the dense forest slowly up to road which leads steep down and then steep up. Some flat in the forest again, followed by downhill and short steep up. And again steep up… Flat, up and flat to loop finish. After disappointment of the small lap the rest of distance – 5 loops of big ones – weren’t too bad. That part was marked ok. Saturday was for me little bit lonely day. I was in the lead from the beginning till the end of the race. I was little bit surprised when I saw my time. Just over 3:17. Besides track marathon that was my best time this year. How? No watch and my angry mood. Had to wait for Cezary little bit. He has finished well below 4 hours. Didn’t know that he had car keys in the bag left on the finishing line and was waiting and waiting for him. I was getting cold. Was happy to finish in such a time. And have planned to go slowly next day. Relax and enjoy my 50th marathon…
I wasn’t planning to do big fuss about my 50th marathon Not many people knew about that. Probably just a dozen of them. That day I was running alone. Cezary with family went back home. Same time of start so it was again early start to the day. Even that it looks that Wicklow is quite close to our house but still couple minutes of travel. So, I was there. Waiting for the start of my another back to back mararthon. I was waiting for my 50th marathon. Couple new runners on Sunday. Some of them run day before in Portalington, some of them just came to run that one marathon. And still many runners came back for the 4th run. I think that Sunday was that day were number of runners was the highest. This time I was prepared , I knew the route and was hoping that I won’t get lost or need to ask for directions. Just to let you know I made it without getting lost during the run. As I was mentioning before I didn’t want to race and started run in the group of three chatting away. During that talk I got that my two companions are trying to get actually great times. First one was treating that marathon as a preparation for Longford marathon, which he was planning to run in 3 hours. With my times I’m not even close to that result so knew that it doesn’t make sense to race against that guy. Second runner was trying to finish in 3:20 – 3:30. He was looking for someone who could pace him for that time. After 2.5 km I just let them go. Decided not to increase my pace just to catch them. I wanted to keep same pace throughout whole run. And must admit that I did that. On the laps number 1, 2 and 3 I could see that gap between leading two and me was getting bigger. I was happy that I wasn’t trying to catch them, that I was keeping my pace and was running my race. I felt great, wasn’t expected that on this back to back. Day before I was running quite fast on the course which had so many hills. Forth lap was a different story. Everyone was tired already. Have felt that my legs are tired. Especially when running up the hill. But have noticed that distance to two in front of me is getting smaller. I was tired as well but it looks that I was in much better shape compared to them. On the last hill of 4th lap I have passed both runners and comfortably continue my race. Energy levels were high. So last lap was a pleasure for me. Again I wasn’t running with my watch and again was really, really surprised when saw the clock at the finishing line. At first I thought that it has to be a mistake. But have check my watch on the wrist and it was showing same time – 3:14:28. Nice surprise. That was my best time this year. Better even than one I got during track marathon… 50th maraton, good time. Got couple taps on the back. I think I deserved these. Said thank you and went to the car. Was thinking about putting the results into spreadsheet. Excited? Yes. Ready for the next week chaleenge? Wasn’t sure about that. But you won’t know until you try…
At this stage I have competed 50 marathons or ultra runs. Run 50K, run 50 miles, run 100K. It’s time to face THE TIME not THE DISTANCE this time. Too much time in previous sentence but that what I will be facing next week. Am I crazy? No, I’m just ‘mad IT runner’…
Pictures taken by 7 marathons in 7 days challenge photographer:
This year there was more runners than last July. I think that success of the previous marathons organized by Cezary brought many more participants. Definitely Ballina marathon is regarded now as a great event. Runners coming to that town in Mayo from all over the Ireland to participate in the run. Hope that it will stay the same way for the next years. Recently I have looked at the pictures from last year. I was scared, overwhelmed by presents of MCI members. This year was different. I was ‘full right’ member of our club, confided of my running abilities. My only concern was marathon run day before in Curragh. My goal was to run around 3:35. Everything below that would be a bonus. I knew that this year I won’t be able to finish on the same place as last year. This time there was more stronger runners. Much stronger and faster than me. Plan was to finish, if possible in good time. Keep the pace and do not race. And that what I did. Kept the pace through out the whole route. Finished in 3:24, same time as day before. One minute faster than year before. But back then I wasn’t even thinking about running back to back. Then I was thinking that running 2 marathons is already something… How many things has changed since last July…
At the end of the run I was enjoying little chats with fellow runners. I have already run with Valerie Glavin but never had a chance to talk to her. Was really nice to hear her story. Probably would talk little bit longer but sometimes you can’t. There is so many other runners who you want to talk to. Another conversation. This time with Norman Hunter about crewing for me in Connemara. This will be a huge thing and it is not long to go and will run 100 miles… Plenty to talk about but not so much time.
Some pictures from the day…
Cezary was staying with us for a night. And both of us decided to go through the challenge of running midnight marathon on the track followed by trail marathon at 1 PM same day. As usual with new type of run I didn’t know how to adjust my tactics. I knew that track will be more bouncy to run than usual road race and cause of that probably much faster. And definitely I could feel that for the first couple of laps. Track is faster, that’s for sure. But because it is flat you need to work all the way. No downhills where you can rest. So, work hard, all the 95 laps. And that what I did. I went all the way trying to remember to stay relaxed as long as I can. Relaxed hands and arms. Arms going swinging just straight up and down (no Dino moves). I could feel that my pace was good. Below 2 minutes per lap. I knew that probably on some stage I will slow down. But at least on the beginning I wasn’t concerned with that. All I wanted to do was to run on my max. With loop being about 445 m I was passing runners all the time. I felt really strong. Was leading the pack for 35 laps. After that I was passed by three runners in the matter of two laps. Mind tricks at this stage. When three of them overtook me I started to loose focus. Slowed down waiting for next runners to get in front of me. At lap number 40 I could see that my pace wend down really bad. Each lap took me more than minutes. Quick calculations made and it was clear that I won’t be able to keep average 2 minutes per lap pace for whole distance. But I kept going. Still passing by runners and trying not to be passed. At some stage I could see Don, who was third, walking. I know that he is participating in 24 h race in Belfast and would like to go strong. That was reason for him going easy on that night run. Anyways, that has worked in my advantage that day. Stayed third. Still, both runners in front double me couple of times. Towards end I was tired but happy. When heard annoucment that I have just one suddenly strength came back. My last lap was really fast.
Got my best result this year 3:14. Was glad. Was supprised that running in circles on the track wasn’t so bad. Hamster yes, but cause it was dark during run I haven’t got the feeling that I have been passing the same place 95 times. Good preparation for 12 hours run in Belfast… After run little bit rest. Wait for Cezary, small chat will rest of the runners. Drive home 4.5 hours sleep and back on the running path with 1 PM trail marathon on the canal.
Pictures by Cezary and Mary Toomney. Last one is mine.
Started slow focusing on the challenge run and wondering where Cezary disappeared. After 4 km I was able to catch Cezary ask him the question about his suaicide pace. Reply was: ‘I know what lays ahead. I won’t be able to make up on the down hills later.’ Strange that he asked me not to do that and then went himself… Anyways, I kept my pace and focus. First small incline on the road… not bad. And then trail and uphill. That where the group was split. Straight away you could see who is a trail runner, who is quite strong. That was the place where some runners overtook me. My first trip… Slippy, windy, foggy. Getting higher. Tired but wanted to stay strong or at least not to show that I’m not that comfortable. From the top of the hill downhill on trail. Couldn’t ggo to fast, need to watch where I was stepping. Watch for the stone, ouch… Hopefully tarmack was close. Downhill on the road. Was able to catch some runners. Was trying to take advantage on my faster pace on the tarmack. After that incline and decline I was scared little bit. That was just 12th km and still plenty of time or distance to get another hills. And the first one was hard already. Rested on the road and then 18 km came… trail up. Huge incline in the mid distance. This one was even harder. You could see cleary where you were heading, how far and high is the top. Twice I almost went to walking pace but still was detirmine not to allow anyone to overtake me.
That hasn’t happened. I was happy. On the top of the hill felt relief. Now down… where is tarmack? Eventually black ribbon of the road started to appear on my eyes. Down again. This time on my terms, faster. Road followed to ‘Wild Atlantic Way’. Really nice views. Fog cleared, you could enjoy now the surrandings… On the road directions to Ballyvaughan 13 km. But wait… GPS showing still 15 km to go. Where is the catch? Question was quick anwsered. Back to beach, almost on the sand. Add 1 km and back on the road. Was happy at this stage but that hasn’t lasted. Back on the trail. Forgot to mentioned one lad overtook me on the beach but I was able to close the gap on the tarmac. And on the last water/food station decided to grab one small bar, water and flee leaving him behind. That was good move. Have finished in front of him. On the last 3 miles we were back on the road and started to overtake walkers. Usually that was easy but sometimes walker were gather in groups not paying attention to other runners/walker and traffic…
So, strugle and happines same time. Last straight on the pier. Through the finishing line. Plane finish… Delighted. I was still in good shape. Could run b2b next day. But unfortunatelly mixed the days for Newry marathon. On the MCI site date was for Monday not Sunday… Damn it. B2B next time…
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.
Good that we were so lucky to have place to stay. Daria and Cezary with kids are great hosts. We felt like home. Food, warmth and atmosphere. So, that side of the whole trip was sorted and what just left was to prepare myself for hell of a running…
First marathon – 7 AM on Saturday morning. Route – same as last year in Summer, one small 2.5 loop and 5 almost 8 km loops. That was just second marathon starting so early (Malta was the first one). From last Summer I remembered ‘the hill’. 35 meters incline on the 500 meter stretch. And I was really suprised that now it was just a hill. Nothing scary, nothing too though to run (even 5 times). Maybe that was caused by my pace then and now. Last year I was trying to get best result and this time I had to remember that there are another 2 marathons to run in next 28 hours. This time I was running my comfortable pace. Not too fast, not too slow. Just what I wanted. Finished in 3:37 not even tired. Or so I tought. I wasn’t tired but you cannot cheat your body. Legs felt that run as usual. 42.2 km clocked. I was happy, just needed shower and maybe quick nap. Both things happened for me. But at this stage I don’t know if nap hasn’t cause my legs to be more stiff than they should be? Anyways, 3 PM and next run. Same route, just this time opposite direction. Shouldn’t be a huge difference. Shouldn’t but… weather has changed everything. 2.5 km in the forest – that was weather resistant, but getting on the open road… that was a huge task to ask. Less than 5.5 km on the road but at least 3.5 km from that run against really strong wind. I have finished this one in 4:52 but how I get there was quite interesting. 1st big loop was quite fast, 2nd ok, but on the 3rd wind was strongest and rain heavy. Pace went down to 6:30 minutes per kilometer. That wasn’t even a jog. After 3rd loop I had to stop on the water station to dring some coke and get some jellies. Was really tired and not convinced that I can continue. In Polish I had replied to Cezary what was just a chain of cursing words. But apparently I said in the way that everybody who was there was able to understand that 😉 Coke and jellies worked. I had at least some energy back. I started to getting faster and at the end I was even second (only reason for that was – Aiden having stomach problems, Deepak wanted to avoid injury and Maciej starting too fast). So, it wasn’t so bad… But wait. There is still another one to go. Sunday 9 AM. This time 8 loops of 5.3 km and whole route in the forest. 2.1 km slow incline and after that what is called ‘the hills’ by members of Ballina AC. Constant ups and downs run on the forest path. That day we were spoiled with choice. We could run half-marathon (11 AM start), marathon (9 AM start or 8 AM if you opted for early start) or 53 km ultra run (start at 8 AM). And must say that I was tempted to do ultra but at the end of the day decided that one more hour of sleep do me better. And I was right. Didn’t know the route, so haven’t got the clue how challenging it will be. And it was really hard. On some stage I just wanted just to get to water station and DNF. Head wasn’t right between 4-6 loop. Was hard to get around idea of running so many loops. But after 6th loop I saw my Wife, supporting. And the hope was back. Probably Seamus screaming behind me ‘I will kick your ass if you DNF’ had something to do with that as well. Finished again, first from group which run at 9 AM. And I was very happy. Barely walking, glad that it was over and suddenly very chatty. Talked to all runners – Ruthann, Aiden, Maciej, Deepak… We were all in bits but still confident if someone would tell us that there is run with 3 PM start at least 10 of us would be there on the starting line 😉 After cup of tea, some sandwiches we drove to Cezary’s house to take shower before heading home. Left some groceries as a small ‘thank you’ for having us and for nice even. Said ‘goodbye’ and headed home… Three hours in the car, driving, with legs in pain. Stiff, heavy, barely walking. Funny walk last for next 30 hours. Reminds me early days of marathon running.
Really tought events but will try that again… but need some time now. Will come back there next year.
Some pictures and gif animations…
OMG. That will be horrible horrible run for me in Donadea next Saturday. I know that I will be able to finish. No problem with that, but I know that it will cost me much more than if I would run that 6 months ago. As I was saying in one of the previous post, do not slip. And I did. I’m weak mentaly and physically. I know that I will eventually bounce back. But for now, I’m in bad place… Even during training sessions I’m not focussed on my goal, on ultra runs. In stead of slowly to finish line, keeping strenghts during whole run I’m trying to do a speed session from each training run. And why? Just because I can? Or maybe cause I’m not thinking. Need somebody to think for me? Hard to find positives now.
Anyways… Yesterday for the first time I have run marathon in Killeigh. Almost 6 laps of 4.5 miles each. Two major right turns (one on the T-junction) and just follow the road there. Can’t get lost, even me (and some will tell you that I’m really good at it – Ger Donohue) but don’t be fulled. Route isn’t easy. Couple of hills which become almost maountains till you hit the last lap. But my plan was not to run it fast, run it like I would need to run extra couple of miles at the end. Spare my strenghts. Run to get time 3:45. Got 3:44:46. Spot on. But my running plan was different to the one which was put in place during race. My plan was to run steady 5:13 minutes per km pace whole way. Cezary’s plan was to run slowely first 30 km (about 5:30 min/km) and last 12 km just lash out (aroung 4:45 min/km). My plan against Cezary’s… Hmmm. He won, I forgot my watch. Damn again. But I really wanted to run with somebody yesterday to get my mind off raceing. Pure joynment of run and running with Cezary, Ger, talking to them was allowing to get my mind of slower pace. Plan: 1. lap – slow, 2. lap – slow, 3. lap – slow, 4. lap – slow, 5. lap – slow first half after that fast, 6. lap – fast. Reality: 1. lap – slow, 2. lap – slow, 3. lap – pit-stop and fast, 4. lap – 1/3 fast rest slow (was able to carch Cezary again), 5. lap – faster, 6. lap – fast. Timewise plan worked anyway, but would do that differently with watch…
Marathon no 24. Just one more to go. If everything will be ok with me for next couple of days… Donadea will be my 25th. Never crossed my mind that I will have 25 under my belt… never thought that I will be able to run even one… that has happened and now I just continue. Thank you for your support.
More pictures, cause biggest supporter was with me again. There are two pictures taken by Stephen Mooney as well.
P.S. Cezary Got his new PB – 3:28. Good job my friend.
Last week Cezary, friend from Balina, who we have met when I have run marathon there called me asking if he can stay with us when he will be running marathons on Friday and Saturday. Of course there was no problem with that. He was comming to us on Friday evening after running marathon and on Saturday after both of us run another marathon we should pick up his Wife – Daria, with kids. That sounds like a plan so we had to put that into action…
On Friday we just went to work knowing that Cezary will be starting Howth marathon very soon, at 9AM. Ohhh, we couldn’t be more wrong. GPS has took Cezary to ‘Bike Hub’ in deed, but the one in Dun Liri not in Howth. So, after correcting the mistake Cezary has arrived at starting line almost 1.5 hours after the run has started. But even that delay hasn’t stopped him from running. Though course (told him that) but he has finished the run in good time. Anyway, we should meet at our house aboout 6PM but we haven’t made it – traffic (three accidents on the streach of 4 km). We were delayed but eventually we had arrived and short after us Cezary as well. After that we started to talk and tried to catch up with all the news. Both of us, Cezary and me, wanted to run marathon next day in Clontarf and knew that we should go to bed early to be rested before run. Of course that hasn’t worked out. End up in beds at 1 in the morning with a prospect of run at 8 AM. Was really hard but it was a must. We had to be at train station at 1PM to pick up rest of Cezary’s family. For me that was marathon no 10, for Cezary 26th (he thinks). My plan was again to make sure that I will keep my pace steady. This time was 5:30 minutes per kilometer. And must admit I made it without being overstretch. Cezary, after running marathon day before decided to stay with me till about 28 km. So, I went like that till kilometer no 41 and after that decided that I will check how much reserves I still have in me. Last 1.2 km I have run with pace of 4:25 min/km. Couple of minutes later Cezary finished as well. After small refreshment and recovery we hed up to Heuston Station to pick up Daria with boys. And that is when the family weekend has begun. We have spent nice evening with them, eating japaneese food, shoppinig for new shoes (Old Hitakami Mizuno but in new colour) and talking. One of the young lads was very found of Kulka and was playing with her whole day. And again day has commenced near midnight. Everybody was very tired. But still we had one more day…
I just woke up before everybody to walk a dog and then to get couple of miles into my legs. Ended up doing half marathon. I know, not to clever to run such a distance with regular pace (should be just recovery pace and the shorter distance). By the time I have end up my training everybody was awake. We had our breakfast together and went for a long walk into the park. Have showed kids for the first time chestnut… We had great time and it was shame that they had to leave so early today. Never mind, we will see each other sooner or later. If not all together than definatelly on the next marathon run somewhere in Ireland…
Thank you Daria and Cezary… it is really great to call you Friends. Plenty in common we have 😉