crew – mad IT runner

August 21, 2015

The Long Drive

Some ideas straight from one of the member of my CREW – Norman Hunter.

‘These are just what I think was relevant to the event. Firstly I had my running gear under my jog pants and hooded, but knowing that you are an excellent solo runner I felt to run with you would have only caused you distraction and irritation. I did however spend a lot of my time focusing on your form to see if the head was dropping your gait getting sloppy. If these things had happened then yes I would have ran with you.They didn’t so you didn’t need my lumbering presence beside you. I won’t comment on your food or drinks, you know your body and what works for you we are all individual in that regard. The event itself was small and intimate which was in my view brilliant. I would have liked to see a sign at the turns in the early stages just to avoid confusion. I know we had maps but it still it would have been nice. You had a travelling aid station which could not be faulted in anyway. The weather I believe required at least an extra 10% effort on participants behalf. The final 3 loops of Clifden I know is now a tradition but one I feel that is unnecessary cruel ( something I mentioned to Ray) it would be better at the start, there is no need to further test people that have completed over 97 miles. Lastly in relation to the event I accept it was a small field but I there should have been a small token to distinguish 2 and 3 if only a mention on the presentation medal. On a personal note it was a pleasure to be a member of your crew and I enjoyed the company I shared that day. To your wife again offer my apologies for constantly forgetting the pronunciation of her name, even though I’m confident I can say it now. As a crew we had some laughs during the event which made it fun and enjoyable. If you decide to try and improve your time next year I’ll happily crew for you again if I’m around.’ Read more

August 16, 2015August 16, 2015

The Long Run

Remember that evening back in early February when I was shown my plan for ultra runs for 2015. I wasn’t convinced back then that I will be able to accomplish all runs – 50K, 50 miles, 100K, 12 h and 100 miles. In February it looked like distant future. Now, after the last of the runs that day when I saw ‘The PLAN’ almost fades away in my memory. Each longer race was preparing me for the Connemara 100 – Crown Jewel (at least for me and at least for now). I could say that my only preparation for that race was to make sure that I will have proper amount of miles in my legs. Second thing – make sure that I will have reliable crew. Mileage was down to me and it was going quite well. Crew was sorted out as well. So, everything was going according to the plan. Days and weeks were passing by. I was clocking miles, going into longer runs, running plenty marathons. Everything looked promising until event was moved forward by a week. Instead of 13th of August now it suppose to take place on the 8th. For me that one week wasn’t a big deal but some members of my crew had holiday plans for that time. I was already signed in and was missing full crew. Took me another couple of weeks to sort that out and at the end of the day I had three members of the crew: Bozena (my Wife) – knew me best and already was going through ultra experience with me as one man crew team, Norman Hunter – running buddy from MCI who I met last year in Ballina, where both of us were on the beginning of our marathon adventure and Lukasz Banasik – old friend from primary school who moved down here as well. So, between three of them there was ultra crewing experience, marathon and ultra running experience and huge enthusiasm. Explosive mixture which as it will prove during the race worked out really well. Mileage and crew was sorted out. Now I had to learn to listen to my body and control what I can eat and what shouldn’t I even try… Read more

June 21, 2015

Learning curve

Stick to the plan – FAILED,
Do not hydrate upfront – FAILED,
Do not rush anything – FAILED,
Have a great and helpful crew – CHECKED.
Have as much nutrition prepared, even of not needed – CHECKED,
Have couple of gear sets ready – CHECKED,
There is no reason to be angry, especially on your crew – TO BE REVISITED,
Trust your crew, they know better – CHECKED,
Good GPS watch – CHECKED.

That was the first ultra run which had three digits in the distance length, first 100 KM. Me and Bozena knew that this run will be a test for both of us. Me as a runner and for My Wife as a supporting crew. Portumna Forest Marathon was a great event to get us through the experience… Read more