Week
ending 21st December
As
I write this I am finishing off a box of “Celebration “ sweets and watching a
TV programme where Ken Whitelaw and Gerry Duffy are talking about their 32
marathon epic in 2010. To be honest I know where I rather be at this moment.
I
ran my first proper race since Amsterdam- a 5k in Newmarket. I ran this 2 years
ago in a time of 20.48. This time I hoped to get close to a sub 20 but given
the fact I had only got back to speed training 2 weeks ago and I am not a fast
runner I was probably being optimistic. Anyway there was a good turnout from
the local clubs and it being near Christmas there was good craic and chat. I
ran the first mile in 6.24 and I was feeling very strong but by half way I was
feeling the pressure. The second mile passed in 6.40 but after that I was
getting passed by a fair few runners and must have lost 12-14 places for the
last mile. Tony and Paudie were having a fair old battle up ahead both pushing
each other on. I on the other hand was glad to turn into the home bend and
finish in a repeat time of 20.48!!!!
I
was happy to have finished reasonably well but a bit disappointed not to PB,
but then again 5k Pb’s aren’t achieved by having attended 4 speed sessions in 3
weeks.
In
terms of the bigger picture I am running on average 32 miles a week, 5 days a
week. The longest long run was last Friday a mere 11 miles. That is sufficient for
the moment. I only feel I am recovering from the different niggles and aches I
was undergoing in my failed attempt to run the Sixmilebridge marathon. The hip
problem and the issue with the calves seems to be a lot better. In terms of
upcoming races the immediate priority is the Dungarvan 10 on the 2nd
February. Ideally I would love a sub 70 but a improvement on last years time of
1.12.53 would be ok too. Dungarvan has a nasty habit of biting back on me so
lets just concentrate on getting some work done.
In
terms of marathons I have also ruled out the Manchester marathon on the 19th
April on simple economic grounds. Unfortunately there aren’t any fast marathon
courses in April in Ireland but plenty in the continent but again my funds are
limited so no chance of Vienna, Rotherdam or Paris. Limerick is on in May so
that might be a possibility but is a bit late in the year for my liking. Perhaps
Connemara again or maybe just concentrate on shorter distances until the
summer.
Anyway
that will be it for a while so happy Xmas and New Year.
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