Bad start/good finish

Here goes:

Mon - Rest (travelling)

Tue - Claregalway 14.8km recovery run 1:00:18 (4:04's). Evening easy 2.1kms with Tuam AC

Wed - 2km up, 13km threshold run 46:16 (3:34's), 1.1km down. All up 16.1kms

Thu - Claregalway 9.5km recovery run 37:07 (3:54's). Evening easy 3.2kms with Mayo AC 

Fri -  2km up, 5km threshold run 17:54 (3:35's), 2.5km down. All up 9.5kms

Sat - 2km up, 10km threshold run 34:23 (3:26's), 1.9km down. All up 13.9kms

Sun - 5km up, 10km threshold run 35:05 (3:30's), 1.9km down. All up 16.9kms

Total for week 86.0kms

A nice run with Fintan on Tuesday who furnished me with a nice birthday cake (44 now)....

A threshold run on Wednesday and legs still not quite right. On Friday I tried again but gave up after 5km as I felt knackered. Then bounced back and ran a bit better on Saturday and Sunday. Not a great week but I'm focused now on getting the head down for some big November targets (10km and half marathon). It would be nice to finish off the year with a couple of PB's!

Double race week

A busy week of racing:

Mon - 2km up, 13km threshold run 45:31 (3:30's), 1.1km down. All up 16.1kms

Tue - Claregalway 9.5km recovery run 36:11 (3:49's)

Wed - Club Vitae 5km 15:51. All up 12.6kms

Thu am - Claregalway 11.1km recovery run 42:34 (3:50's)

Thu pm - Mayo AC easy 4.4kms

Fri -  Rest

Sat - Round Norfolk Relay 28.8kms in 1:40:54 (3:30's)

Sun - Sprowston 6.9km recovery run 31:09 (4:31's)

Total for the week 89.4kms

I ran a 5km race in Wednesday in Oranmore. An out and back course and quite windy for the first half and was struggling somewhat. Then after turning I was flying and I ran the last 2km in 6 minutes flat. I think the course was slightly short but nice to have a good hard hit-out and see if there is any speed there (there wasn't.....). A good win nonetheless.

I then travelled to Norwich on Friday for the Round Norfolk Relay. I was to run stage 9 from Horsey to Fritton which was just under 18 miles. I was running at around 8pm and conditions were spot on. I locked into 3:30.km pace and just held that for the entire run - I felt fairly comfortable throughout and I finished strong and it left me thinking about another marathon......it's only another 8 miles!

Here's a photo of me receiving the baton:

Our team won the masters category and I also posted the quickest time for my stage. I must say I really enjoyed the event and it was good to put in a good team performance as a tribute to our team-mate who lost his life in the race last year.

My legs were in bits on Sunday so I turned them over with a very easy run. Felt okay after. Then out with the old man and a mate in the evening for a few real ales. Lovely.

Only 6 days

Another week:

Mon - 2km up, 13km threshold run 45:28 (3:30's), 1.1km down. All up 16.1kms

Tue - Claregalway 11.1km recovery run 43:21 (3:54's)

Wed - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold run 32:04 (3:12's), 2.0km down. All up 14.0kms

Thu am - Claregalway 9.5km recovery run 39:56 (4:12's)

Thu pm - Mayo AC easy 6.5kms

Fri -  2km up, 10km treadmill threshold run 31:56 (3:12's), 2.0km down. All up 14.0kms

Sat - Claregalway 11.9km recovery run 50:03 (4:12's)

Sun - Rest

Total for week 83.1kms

Three threshold runs but two of them on the treadmill. But they are getting quicker so I think I'm making some progress. No run on Sunday as I was on a coaching course on the weekend so basically no time to fit it in. Nice to have a break mind.

Another good week

This week:

Mon - Treadmill 10km recovery run 35:56 (3;36's)

Tue - 2km up, 12km threshold run 42:11 (3:31's), 2.1km down. All up 16.1kms

Wed - Claregalway 11.1km recovery run 42:39 (3:51's)

Thu am - 2km up, 13km threshold run 45:17 (3:29's), 1.1km down. All up 16.1kms

Thu pm - Mayo AC easy 2.7kms

Fri -  Claregalway 11.1km recovery run 41:54 (3:46's)

Sat - 2km up, 11km threshold run 37:50 (3:26's), 1.4km down. All up 14.4kms

Sun - Claregalway 9.5km recovery run 38:30 (4:03's)

Total for week 91.0kms.

Three good outside threshold runs so definitely making progress. I ran the Saturday one late at night and felt really good - cruising along nicely at sub 3:30/km pace.

I was on an Athletics Ireland coaching course Saturday and Sunday. Quite interesting and the highlight was having Brother Colm O'Connell there for the second morning and he was very good to listen to getting an insight into how the Kenyans train,

Back to the grindstone

Time to get off that treadmill - from Thursday onwards:

Mon - Claregalway 9.5km recovery run 35:52 (3:47's)

Tue - 2km up, Treadmill 10km threshold 32:22 (3:14's), 1.6km down

Wed - Treadmill 10km recovery run 36:15 (3:38's)

Thu - am: 2km up, Claregalway 12km threshold 42:02 (3:30's), 2.1km down, pm: Mayo AC easy 4.7kms

Fri - Claregalway 9.5km recovery run 37:29 (3:57's)

Sat - Claregalway to Tuam 22.8kms 1:43:33 (4:32's)

Sun - 2km up, Claregalway 14.4km threshold 50:04 (3:29's), 0.9km down

Total 103.5kms for the week

A couple of outdoor threshold runs in the second half of the week. Good to be back. I felt good on the Sunday run and the watch was playing up so I suspect the pace was a bit quicker than shown. A couple more weeks like this and I'll be flying.

Claregalway 10km

Here's another week:

Mon - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold 32:15 (3:14's), 2km down. All up 14.0kms.

Tue - Am - 10km treadmill recovery run 36:36 (3:40's), Pm - Easy 6.8kms Tuam AC

Wed - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold 32:17 (3:14's), 2km down. All up 14.0kms.

Thu - Mayo AC cruise intervals (threshold) - all up 12.6kms

Fri - Claregalway easy 7.0kms in 31:08 (4:27's)

Sat - Claregalway 10km 1st in 32:24 (3:14's). All up 15.1kms.

Sun - Claregalway recovery run 14.8kms in 56:04 (3:47's)

Still not a great week - too much treadmill running but no other option with the kids being off school. A total of 94.3kms.

Perfect conditions for the Claregalway 10km, I took it out quick and felt great up until half-way (under 16 minutes). Then I struggled all the way home (with Jason not far behind keeping me very honest as you can see below). I'd say that time is a fair representation of where I'm at currently - hard work now required to get back under 32 minutes.

 

Holiday in Donegal - training suffered!

I have this to report:

Mon - Treadmill recovery run 10.0kms in 36:42 (3:40's)

Tue - Tuam AC easy running 12.3kms

Wed - Gortahork recovery run 13.3kms in 54:22 (4:05's)

Thu - am: Marble Hill easy beach run 4.4kms, pm: Gortahork recovery run 10.0kms in 39:34 (3:57's)

Fri -  Gortahork recovery run 11.5kms in 45:33 (3:58's)

Sat - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold run in 32:24 (3:14's)

Sun - Claregalway recovery run 14.8kms in 56:50 (3:50's)

Total for the week 90.3kms

Another crap week so time to get back into it. We had a great time in Donegal and the weather was good. Some fantastic scenery but very hilly for running. Arrived back in Galway on Saturday and decided to do my first threshold run in 3 weeks. It was tough but I survived. The pace wasn't great so I've definitely gone backwards but that's to be expected.

Next week I'll be back proper training. There is the Claregalway 10km on Saturday evening so I'll use that to see where I'm at.

The Streets of Galway 2015

The week that was in a nutshell:

Mon - Claregalway recovery run 11.1kms in 44:05 (3:58's)

Tue - Tuam AC easy running 8.6kms

Wed - Treadmill recovery run 10.0kms in 37:42 (3:46's)

Thu - Mayo AC easy running 10.9kms

Fri - Claregalway easy running 9.5kms in 38:20 (4:02's)

Sat - Streets of Galway 8km 25:25 (3:11's). All up 14.0kms.

Sun - Rest day

Total for the week 64.1kms

It's fair to say I had a pretty easy week leading into the Streets of Galway! The legs weren't right after the half so a few easy days were certainly called for. The weather on the drive in to the city didn't look good - very wet and windy and not what you'd want. Still that didn't put people off with well over 2,000 people lining up for the start.

I had another one of my shocking starts (not paying attention) but soon got into my running with a quick first km (3:01). The second km is a bit tougher as you climb up to Eyre Square and at this point I was in 4th position with the top 3 disappearing up the road in front of me. Running around the Cathedral I was joined by 2 other runners - one from Finn Valley (Gerard Gallagher) and a fellow GCH athlete (Mike O'Connor). A good second km also (3:10) and then it seemed to get a bit tougher - maybe the wind was a factor?

Our group stuck together until around 4km where we took a right hand turn up to Devon Park. A tough climb and that left me and Gerard to fight it out for 4th position. My plan was to hang on until we got down on the prom and then I'd look to push for home with a quick final 2km.

The pace had slowed and I was pretty much running 3:15's for kms 3 to 6 but upon hitting the prom the pace lifted with the benefit of a strong breeze on the back. Still running side-by-side with Gerard and I tried a few token surges which were quickly covered off. Upon reaching the 7km mark (3:06) I then tried to lift the pace but I was on the limit and there was nothing in the legs. By 7.5km I was toast and I had to sit-back and watch Gerard work a gap of a few metres. That last stretch seemed to last forever and I kicked for the line to finish in 25:25 (a 3:03 last km) to end up in 5th place.

A PB of 11 seconds but to be honest that was soft as I've run quicker than that at the 8km mark of a 10km race. But I'll take it! I'd say there is more there on fresher legs and maybe in better conditions - next year! That said I really enjoyed that and it was great fun to be racing properly and pushing yourself to the limit. I checked the heart rate data and that's the highest I've put my heart rate in any race before - maxing out at 159.

I received fantastic support on the course and I'd just like to thank everyone who gave me a cheer - it certainly makes a difference! Here's a photo of me looking a little worse for wear before the race!

The week of the National Half Marathon

Well it wasn't the week I was after but you only get out what you put in!

Here goes:

Mon - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms in 36:48 (3:52's)

Tue - 2.5km up - 20 x 30 secs at 10km pace, 2.2km down. All up 8.0kms.

Wed - Treadmill recovery run 10.0kms in 35:53 (3:35's)

Thu - Easy 8.3kms with Mayo AC

Fri - Easy treadmill run 6.8kms in 30:00 (4:25')

Sat - Rest

Sun - National Half Marathon 12th overall and 1st in Age Cat 1:10:45

I knew I'd gone off the boil a little the last couple of weeks - too busy with work and Dad was over so there were a fair few visits to the pub for some darts and fun. Plus the Galway races on the Friday - not ideal preparation! I lined up for the race and felt good - conditions were calm and there was a good crowd. Settled into my running and felt great the first couple of kms. Then we turned off the quay and a short-sharp hill really knocked me and I seemed to struggle a bit thereafter. That was pretty much the pattern of the race - a good couple of kms and then struggling for a while. Very patchy and I just couldn't settle into a rhythm. The course wasn't great but I was still going well at 10km (32:50) and I was running solo by this stage. There was a horrible straight section as we worked towards the Phoenix Park and I just couldn't get going - this continued as I entered the Park and I was struggling to run 3:30's on a narrow path. Then we took a left turn and I managed to lift the pace for a good couple of kms. With 2 miles to go I knew I still had a chance to break 1hr 10 but it just wasn't happening and it was back to struggle street. Very strange as there was no middle ground - some good, some crap. I crossed the line in 1:10:45 which was still a good run but I know I can do so much better than that. In speaking with others it seemed that most people struggled and not many were pleased with their times. Maybe the humidity was a factor? Plus a tough course? Who knows but I must say I won't be rushing back if I was chasing a time. Still another National title and I only missed my PB by 15 seconds so when you look at it like that it wasn't all bad.

Me outside a pub. Pretty much sums it up:

Only 64.7kms for the week. I'll take it easy next week and see if I can pull something out of the bag for the much loved Streets of Galway 8km.

Lots of fun Sunday lunchtime onwards as me and the old man hit the pubs of Dublin. I was certainly hitting my straps on the drinking front....

Crap training and the Balla 10k

Here goes:

Mon - Treadmill recovery run 10kms in 36:00 (3:36's)

Tue - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold run in 31:53 (3:11's), 2km down. All up 14kms

Wed - Treadmill recovery run 10kms in 35:53 (3:35's)

Thu - am - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold run in 31:48 (3:11's), 1km down. All up 13kms

Thu - pm - Mayo AC easy 7.3kms

Fri - Claregalway 9.5kms easy in 44:06 (4:39's)!!!

Sat - Balla 10km 1st in 33:42. All up 14.5kms

Sun - Claregalway recovery run 11.1kms in 42:06 (3:48's)

All up 89.4kms for the week.

Another win in Balla. A very tough course and took the lead from the gun and nobody went with me so settled into threshold mode. I didn't feel great though and struggled to find any rhythm on the rolling hills. I added an extra 2km threshold at the end and then stopped as I was knackered. Not a great confidence booster with the half only a week away.

My other training was crap. Lots of treadmill running which was enforced with the kids being on summer hols. My treadmill pace is getting better with 2 sub 32 threshold runs but not proper training as it's all about getting out on the roads....

Poor week

Very busy with testing this week so the training suffered a fair bit:

Mon - Claregalway recovery run 9.5km in 36:25 (3:50's)

Tue - 2km up, Treadmill threshold run 10km in 32:07 (3:13's), 2km down. All up 14.0kms

Wed - Claregalway recovery run 9.5km in 36:21 (3:50's)

Thu - 2km up, Treadmill threshold run 10km in 33:30 (3:21's). All up 11.0kms.

Fri - Treadmill recovery run 10km in 36:35 (3:40's)

Sat - 2km up, Treadmill threshold run 10km in 32:01 (3:12's), 2km down. All up 14.0kms

Sun - Rest day

Total for the week 68.0kms.....

Lots of lactate threshold testing so that was good fun. But the weather has been poor and I have the kids also so it was difficult to get outdoors. So on the treadmill a fair bit which is better than no run. Certainly my pace on the treadmill is getting a bit quicker so that's a good sign. But my run on Thursday I felt terrible so I pulled back on the pace and didn't bother with a warm-down. But I bounced back well on Friday and Saturday so I'd say I was just knackered.

Only 2 weeks now until the National Half so I need to find a decent week next week and then I'll pull back.

Building volume and the Martin Egan 10km

Another week under the belt:

Mon - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms in 38:06 (4:01's) - was feeling tired

Tue - 2km up, Treadmill threshold 10km 32:19 (3:14's), 1.6km down. All up 13.6kms

Wed - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms in 36:06 (3:48's)

Thu - AM - 2km up, Claregalway 14km threshold 49:00 (3:30's), 0.5km down. All up 16.5kms

Thu - PM - Mayo AC easy 6.4kms

Fri - Treadmill recovery run 10.0kms in 36:47 (3:41's)

Sat - Treadmill easy run 8kms in 35:00 (4:23's)

Sun - Martin Egan 10km 1st in 33:13. All up 20.7kms

I raced on Sunday again using a local race as a threshold run. Had a good duel over the first 3km with a young lad and then he dropped off and I was back running by myself. The course was good - a few drags and bumps and the wind wasn't too bad and I felt like I was cruising. I won in 33:13 and then carried on adding an additional 8km at threshold intensity and I went through 10 miles in just over 54 minutes and 18km in 61 minutes. Happy with that as I didn't have to push the pace at all.

That's another good week - a total of 94.2kms with 3 good threshold runs. My pattern over the last 3 weeks continues and if I can keep it going for 3 more weeks I should have a strong run in Dublin.

Another week and the Headford 8km

Mon - Claregalway recovery run 11.1kms 43:19 (3:54's)

Tue - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold run 32:13 (3:13's), 2km down. All up 14.0kms.

Wed - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms in 36:30 (3:51's)

Thu - 2km up, 12.0km Claregalway threshold run 42:34 (3:33'a), 2.1km down. All up 16.1kms.

Fri - Treadmill easy 9.3kms in 40:07 (4:19's)

Sat - Headford 8km first in 26:27. All up 19.5kms.

Sun - Claregalway recovery run 14.8kms in 56:25 (3:49's)

Total for week 94.3kms

I was expecting a good hit-out at Headford but after the gun had sounded I was well in control within the first 500m. So I decided to pull back and run at threshold intensity. I crossed the line for the win in 26:27 and kept going - running another lap to end up with a 15.8km threshold run at an average pace of 3:21/km. Very happy with that as conditions were wet and windy and heart rate was middle of the zone all the way. A few more runs like this as the build-up for the half marathon continues.

The guts of the training are still the threshold runs. I'm settling on 3 per week - one treadmill and two outdoors. The treadmill run is top of the zone, the race environment sees me middle of zone and the remaining outdoor run is lower zone. If I can get around 40km a week in at threshold for the next few weeks I will be in good form for the half.

Here are a few photos from Headford:

The week that was and Irishtown 8km

Mon - Claregalway recovery run 9.5km in 36:19 (3:49's)

Tue - Claregalway recovery run 11.1km in 43:14 (3:54's)

Wed - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold run 32:24 (3:14's), 1.6km down

Thu - Am- Claregalway recovery run 9.5km in 37:03 (3:54's), Pm - Mayo AC Easy 4.6km

Fri - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold run 32:17 (3:14's), 2.0km down

Sat - Claremorris easy 7.4kms

Sun - Irishtown 8km in 27:29. All up 18.0km.

Legs in bits at the start of the week so a couple of days recovery.Then a couple of midweek threshold runs on the treadmill. I then raced on Sunday in Irishtown which was the third race in the Move to Improve series. I took it handy on a tough hilly windy day and ran 27:29 to win comfortably. I was threshold zone all the way so decided to run the loop a second time at the same heart rate - this time around a minute slower. A nice 10 mile trot all nicely in the middle of the zone.

That's 87.7kms for the week. I need to get a few more hour long threshold runs completed as I've agreed to run the National Half on August 2nd in Dublin. Looking forward to that.

Here's a photo from Irishtown (credit Tom Hunt):

Another week and Annaghdown 10km

This week went something like this:

Mon - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms 37:20 (3:56's)

Tue - AM - 2km up, treadmill 10km threshold run 32;18 (3:14's), 1.6km down. Total 13.6kms.

Tue - PM - easy 6.5kms Tuam AC

Wed - Claregalway recovery run 10.3kms including strides 43:38

Thu - 2km up, Claregalway 10km threshold run 33:50 (3:23's), 1.5km down. Total 13.5kms.

Fri - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms 36:03 (3:48's)

Sat - Claremorris easy 5.8kms including strides

Sun - Annaghdown 10km 31:58. All up 14.9kms with up/down.

Total for the week 83.6kms

I felt good on my outdoor threshold run on Thursday dipping under 34 for 10km at the bottom of my zone. That was a good confidence booster heading into the race on Sunday, Conditions were very breezy throughout the day and the 7pm start made  for something different for a Sunday race. My plan was to take it out hard using the benefit of the wind the first 4kms. Then hang on. That's basically what happened - I took the lead from the gun and ran hard clocking low 3 minute kms for the first 4 kms. Through 4km in 12:20 so I knew I had put some time in the bank in attempting to break the course record of 32:31.

After a left turn at 4km things got a lot tougher and the wind was always a factor. I broke it down into 1km sections and kept focused on my cadence which I know drops off when I start to struggle. Through 5km in 15:40 and some quick mental arithmetic and I knew if I could hold sub 3:20 pace I'd be there or thereabouts. Each km passed under target and by the time I got to 7km I knew barring a disaster I had it in the bag. Still some tough sections in the last 3km including a nasty climb up to the cemetery around 9km. I pushed hard the last km crossing the line in 31:58 for the win.

Delighted with that as it was a tough day and the course although predominantly flat certainly has you working hard in spots. I feel that was a better run than my PB of 31:42 (on a flatter course and in better conditions). My target now has to be a crack at sub 31:30 but I'll need some company to help pull that off.

That's my 4th sub 32 now so I'm very consistent. I just need to take it up a notch and I know it's there. 

Here are a few photos from the day courtesy of Outback Jacks - the start and the finish:

More of the same

Back into things in Ireland:

Mon - attempted threshold run but turned into recovery run 16.4kms in 1:01:59 (3:47's)

Tue - Am - Claregalway recovery run 11.1kms in 43:00 (3:55's), PM - easy 6.5kms with Tuam AC

Wed - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold 32:24 (3:14's), 2km down. All up 14.0kms

Thu - Am - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms in 36:08 (3:48's), PM - easy 5.1kms with Mayo AC

Fri - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold 32:26 (3:15's), 1.6km down. All up 13.6kms

Sat - Claregalway recovery run 11.1kms in 42:26 (3:49's)

Sun - 2km up, Claregalway threshold run 14.0kms in 49:00 (3:30's), 1.5km down. All up 17.5kms

Total 104.2kms

I think I was knackered on Monday - I was pushing hard to try and get into my threshold zone but I was nowhere near it. About halfway through the session I backed off and settled into a recovery run. Three more threshold runs later in the week including a long outdoor run on Sunday.

Looking to race next week (Sunday in Annnaghdown at 10km). Will see how I go.

Tough going but ticking over

The holiday in Portugal continues:

Mon - Vilamoura 13.2kms out of zone 57:06 (4:20's)

Tue - 6 x 1.34kms threshold reps plus up/down - all up 14.2kms

Wed - Rest (went to the theme park)

Thu - 6 x 1.34kms threshold reps plus up/down - all up 14.9kms

Fri - 6 x 1.34kms threshold reps plus up/down - all up 14.9kms

Sat - Vilamoura 11.6kms out of zone 50:02 (4:19's)

Sun - Treadmill recovery run 10km 35:52 (3:35's)

78.8kms for the week

Too hot for proper training in Portugal. Was going through the motions to be honest. Hitting the zones out there just about impossible for me - some token threshold reps so hopefully I've at least maintained my fitness. Beer consumption was the real winner...

Start of holiday

This week went something like this:

Mon - Claregalway 11.1km recovery run 42:12 (3:48's)

Tue - 2km up, 13km threshold 46:33 (3:35's), 2km down (felt tired - not recovered from race)

Wed - Treadmill 10km recovery run 36:17 (3;38's)

Thu - Treadmill 9km recovery run (am), Mayo AC recovery session 9.4km (pm)

Fri - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold 32:23 (3:14's)

Sat - Vilamoura 12.2kms out of zone 52:31 (4:18's)

Sun - Vilamoura - 6 x 1.34km threshold reps plus up/down - all up 15kms

Total 97.2kms for the week

Travelled to Portugal Friday evening. Tried a run there on Saturday and it was bloody hard going in over 30 degree heat. Did some threshold reps on Sunday to finish off the week - about 4 mins 30 seconds each effort and well up into that threshold zone (pace around 3:20 ish/km). Again it was very hot and this was running at around 6pm...

The Mayfly Week

Another week:

Mon - Treadmill 10km recovery run 36:09 (3:37's)

Tue - 2km up. 13km threshold 45:31 (3:30's), 2km down

Wed - Claregalway 9.5km out of zone (to test twisted knee) 39:55 (4:12's)

Thu - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold 31:59 (3:12's), 2km down

Fri - Claregalway 11.1km recovery run 41:50 (3:46's)

Sat - Claregalway 9.5km out of zone plus strides

Sun - Mayfly 10km 32:56 - all up 14.5kms

Total 85.9kms

I managed to twist my knee somehow mid-week so the Wednesday run was to see if I could run. That went okay. The race on Sunday was a good one. A very tough course with a big climb between 2 and 4 kms. I had already opened up a decent lead and after 4km I got into a nice rhythm and ran the last 6km at 3;10/km pace. Very happy to break 33 on that course and the heart rate was as high as I can recall it going (max 157). Another win by a shade over 4 minutes!

Solid and feeling good

Another good week in the bank. No racing but might look to change that next week:

Mon - 2km up, 10km threshold treadmill 32:19 (3:14's), 2km down

Tue - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms 35:45 (3:46's)

Wed - 2km up, 13km threshold Claregalway 45:32 (3:30's), 1.5km down

Thu - Mayo AC relaxed intervals on the track - all up 10.6kms

Fri - 2km up, 10km threshold treadmill 32:30 (3:15's), 2km down

Sat - Claregalway recovery run 12.8kms 48:14 (3:46's)

Sun - 2km up, 13km threshold Claregalway 45:00 (3:28's), 1.5km down

Weekly total 93.9kms.

So 4 good threshold runs - 2 inside, 2 outside. Feeling super strong at the end of the week and it felt like I was jogging on Saturday and I ran the first half of the run at sub 3:40/km pace. A good threshold run today to finish the week in very windy conditions (good for toughening you up). All good at the moment - knee behaving nicely and I seem to be able to push the training a bit more at the moment. That could be due to the iron supplement or it may just be placebo.

88.8

Treadmill recovery run to finish up the week. All up 10.0kms in 35:59 (3:36's).

That's 88.8kms for the week.

Getting it done

A late outdoor threshold run after licking my wounds early doors. The same run as Thursday - this time 10 seconds slower for the 12.5km which was strange as I felt a lot stronger today. All up 16.5kms.

A few beers in the evening just to feel normal again.

Darts Final

Treadmill recovery run 10kms in 36:29 (3:39's).

The long awaited darts final in the evening. Having not played in yonks I got down the pub early for some practice and was throwing okay. Overall we lost 5-4 after leading 4-3 so a bit disappointing - especially after we had gone all season unbeaten. I lost my pairs match 3-2 with the other team taking out double top with their last dart whilst we were sitting on double top....then in my singles I won 3-1 after losing the first leg hitting two 180's. But that wasn't enough. Needless to say a big night on the sauce and didn't get home until 3am....

Outdoor zone 2

A nice still day today so outside. A 2km warm-up, then 12.5kms threshold in 43:33 (3:29's), then a 2.5km warm-down. All of that in a shade over an hour so decent running.

Weather poor

A reluctant treadmill run. A 2km warm-up, then 10km in 32:49 (3:17's), then 2km warm-down. All up 14.0kms.

I seem to have lost a bit of pace in my threshold zone since the end of last year (both on the treadmill and on the road). Hopefully I'll get it back again soon.

Snooker in the evening. Hit a few decent breaks - the highest being 36 where I managed to miss a straight black off the spot.....same old same old.

Iron

Treadmill recovery run of 10.0kms in 36:29 (3:39's).

Knee still great and has given me a new lease of life. I've started taking an iron supplement also as I often feel tired and not able to push the runs properly so hopefully this will help.

Bingham

There was a local 5km charity fun run in Claregalway so I decided to run that as the proceeds were for a great cause. I fronted up and it was all walkers and only a handful of runners. The siren sounded and I planned to take it handy but that plan soon went out of the window when a young lad took up the running......we were side-by-side for the first 500m until we hit the big 600m hill and to my relief I started to open up a bit of a gap. I was well into my threshold zone by this stage so decided to keep up the effort level up and stay in that zone.

The kms clocked by on a very familiar route to me and before long I was crossing the line in 16:11 for a comfortable victory. Good fun and well organised and tea and biscuits after. Lovely.

Well the good news is that I've finally made some real progress with my left knee. After at least 18 months of constant patella pain when I'm running I've started doing some abductor stretches and the difference is incredible. I'm not quite pain-free but I'm 1 out of 10 on the pain scale whereas I'm normally around a 3. I'll keep stretching away and hope that it stays like this...

And a brilliant win for Bingham in the snooker. Thoroughly deserved. Really enjoyed watching that.

I missed a sitter pink on 56....

Here we go - another week done and dusted:

Mon - Claregalway recovery run 11.1kms 42:30 (3:50's)

Tue - Treadmill recovery run 10kms 36:05 (3:36's)

Wed - 2km up, 10km treadmill threshold 32:46 (3:17's), 2km down

Thu - Treadmill recovery run 10kms 36:10 (3:37's) plus 5.3kms easy with Mayo AC

Fri - 2km up, 12.5km outdoor threshold 44:11 (3:32's), 2km down

Sat - Claregalway recovery run 9.5kms 37:33 (3:57's)

Sun - Belclare 10km 32:46 - all up 16.9kms

Total for the week 93.3kms

A busy week. Out on Wednesday (snooker - highest break 56), Thursday (concert in Galway - The Twlight Sad) and Friday (concert in Dublin - the Charlatans). Training suffered a bit made worse as I was stuck at home so was on the treadmill....

I raced on Sunday and was using it as a good threshold hit-out. Quite windy and after a good first 3kms I hit the wind and drags and I backed off a bit. I finished up running 32:46 for another win but the course was a little short so that time flatters me.

Happy enough with the week. Time to pick a target event and work towards that as I lack a bit of focus.

Tough week and a good race

Another week done and dusted. A tough week but worth it:

Mon - Claregalway 11.1km recovery run 42:22 (3:49's)

Tue - 2km up, 12km threshold 41:42 (3:29's), 2.5km down. Plus 4kms easy with Tuam AC

Wed - 2km up, 12.5km threshold 43:22 (3:28's), 2km down

Thu - 2km up, 12km threshold 42:06 (3:30's), 2.5km down

Fri - Treadmill 10km recovery run 36:30 (3:39's)

Sat - Claregalway 7.2km gentle run 30:04 (4:11's)

Sun - Run for Boylo 10km 31:53. All up 14.4kms with up/down.

So I decided to put a big focus on the threshold runs this week. Three outdoor threshold runs on the spin in glorious hot conditions (top off). Pace wasn't flash and by the 3rd day I was knackered but then after freshening up Fri/Sat I then had a good race on Sunday....

Conditions were a little breezy but it was really cold which I like. The first km was into the wind and I took it out feeling good with John Byrne for company. Through the first km in 3:04 and then I started to open up a bit of a gap and it was all about staying focused and keeping the effort level up. The course was predominantly flat but there were plenty of twists and turns and the surface wasn't great in places. But I felt good and by the time I reached halfway in around 15:58 I wanted to try and go for the sub 32 as I was thinking there would be an easier run home with the course and wind.

I wound up the pace and felt good at 8km and really pushed the last 2 clicks finishing in 31;53 for the win. Really pleased with that and I think that proves that the outdoor threshold runs really help to bring you on. A few photos from the day:

That's 96.2kms for the week. More of the same I'd say for next week.

Catch-up time

The week that was:

Mon - Claregalway 11.1kms recovery run 43:53 (3:57's)

Tue - 2km up, 10km threshold run treadmill 32:05 (3:12's), 2km down

Wed - 2km up, strides, 5 x 3.5 mins, 1 x 4 mins, 2.3km down  (treadmill 2% incline, 3:00/km pace)

Thu - Claregalway 11.1kms recovery run 44:42 (4:02's)

Fri - Claregalway 6.9kms 30:05 (4:22's)

Sat - Labane 10km 33:22 (1st place). All up 14.9kms.

Sun - Claregalway 14.8kms recovery run 56:02 (3:47's)

Total for the week 83.8kms.

A really tough week - just not been happening. Feeling very tired and heavy legged. Good enough sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday but really struggled after that and had nothing for the rest of the week.

I managed to win the 10km in Labane - I ran well enough until 5km in around 16:05 and then hit the wind and hills and took the easy option of coasting home.

Might take a few rest days to freshen up.,,,

Killimordaly 5km

A short warm-up before the race. The course was a lollipop - a nice downhill start, then a loop, then an uphill finish. I took it out hard and ran a quick first km in 3 flat and then each subsequent km seemed to get tougher and tougher. I had a decent lead and even though I was running hard, there was nothing in the legs. Expected really given my lead in.

I crossed the line in 16:21 for the win. Not my greatest work but a good hit-out. Enjoyed the event and good to see a decent local turn-out for the race.

Another lap of the course as a warm-down. That second lap was quite quick and I arrived back at the finish with the clock still reading 37 something. That's 12.0kms for the day.

All up 107.7kms for the week. More of that please.

Contrast

I was back on the hamster wheel and not sure what I'd do. Felt good in my 2km warm-up so decided to do another threshold run. Well I felt great from the start - and what a contrast to the run less than 24 hours before. Heart rate all good and through 5km in 16:20 and then ran the second half in 16 flat for 32:20 all up (3:14;s). How that can happen is beyond me. Another 14km run.

Already up to 95km for the week with a day to go. I may try a race tomorrow on tired legs as I feel like I'm coming into some form. A couple of local 5km options. Ummmm. Best make this beer I'm having my last.....

Struggle Street

I must have overdone it yesterday. All the running and a late night is too much for this 43 year old body. I did my threshold run on the treadmill late doors and boy was it a struggle. I had to use every trick in the book to keep going. I was firmly parked at the bottom of my threshold zone and every time my heart rate started to rise I would counter by lowering the speed. I covered the 10km in 32:41 (3;16's) which is still quick but it felt like I'd run a marathon. All up 14kms with the uppity up and downity down.

A few beers in the evening to help the legs recover.

Another double

A treadmill recovery run today of 36:02 for 10kms (3:36's). For the first time since Craughwell I felt great and it seemed very easy. Heart rate back to normal.

In the evening I was in Claremorris to take the Mayo AC track session. It's nice to join in with the efforts for the various groups and I ended up running another 9.3kms with a mixture of 800m, 400m and 200m efforts. Not pushing it but it's more running than I am used to!

The old 1km efforts

Another treadmill jobby. A 2km warm-up, then 4 x 30 second strides, then 5 x 1km efforts off 90 seconds in 3 minutes on an incline of 2%. These are tough but just about manageable. I show-boated on the 6th effort running for 3:30. I plan to keep this session going and will step up to 4 minute efforts next week. Finishing up with a 2km warm-down. All up 11 clicks.

Double days

Treadmill threshold run in the morning. A 2km warm-up, then 10km at threshold in 32:26 (3:!5's), finishing with a 2km warm-down.

Out in the evening to take the Tuam AC session. I joined in for some efforts and ended up running another 6.4km easy. The left knee feels really good at the moment and I put that down to more stretching post run.

Determined

I wanted to ramp up the training this week but it was going to be tricky as it was school holidays so I was on child minding duties. That meant more treadmill running....

But today being a holiday meant I could get outside. I ran my Thursday route as a recovery run and added on a bit to get some volume in. All up 17.0kms in 1:04:45 (3:49's). I haven't felt right for the last 2 weeks now and my pace in my recovery zone isn't what it was - still something a little awry. I'll keep plugging away though....

Getting back on track

A full week of training completed. Still not feeling quite right but got all my runs in and had a decent hit-out on Saturday in Kilmovee.

Here's the week:

Mon - 10km recovery run (treadmill) 36:05

Tue - 2km up, 10km threshold 32:49, 2km down (treadmill)

Wed - 2km up, strides, 6 x 3 mins at 2% incline off 90 secs, 2.3km down (treadmill)

Thu - 10km recovery run (treadmill) 35:59

Fri - easy 4.8km 20:58 out of zone

Sat - Kilmovee 10km 32:16 (all up 15.4kms with up/down)

Sun - Claregalway 14.8km recovery run 57:31 (3:54's)

Total for the week 80.0kms.

A great turn out in Kilmovee for the 10km with about 600 lining up at the start. I hit the front and ran a quick first km to open up a lead over John Byrne and then it was all about staying strong whilst in time trial mode. Conditions were nice and still and quite warm and by the time I reached 5km in 15:48 I was just about done. The second half was a real struggle but i was determined to keep pushing on as I wanted to break the course record and going into the last km I knew it was going to be touch and go as there is a very nasty hill to negotiate. At the top of the hill I put in a huge effort and managed to cross the line in 32:17 for a 3 second course record and another win. I really enjoyed the day but knew from how I was feeling and my high HR that the body still isn't quite right. But to run my 3rd quickest 10km ever when not on top of my game isn't half bad! Much kudos to the organisers of this race - it's a real cracker with just about everyone in the local community is involved.

Here's a photo of me crossing the line:

Sick week

Didn't feel right as of Monday. Gradually deteriorated throughout the week and by Friday I was in full rest mode. Did a return run on Sunday just for sanity's sake. Here's the summary:

Mon - Claregalway 11.1km 43:16 (legs heavy)

Tue - Claregalway 11.1km 42:00

Wed - 2km up, 8km threshold 25:53, 2km down

Thu - Claregalway 9.5km 39:05

Fri/Sat - Rest

Sun - Treadmill 10km 38:39

The Wednesday run was a sure fire sign I wasn't feeling well. The heart rate was much higher than normal (pace slower) and 8km into my threshold run I was toast. So a week with no real sessions in there but these things happen. Hoping to get back into it next week.

Total for the week 53.7kms...

Craughwell 10 miler

This was my 5th time of running the C10. I ran my 10 mile PB here back in 2011 where I had a ding-dong battle with Paul Buckley. That was probably my favourite 'race' of all time as we swapped the lead many times but he got away from me in the last 2 miles. I ended up running 53:20. Since then I've ran 53:33 in 2012, 55:14 in 2013 and 54:02 last year. Pretty consistent times but was hoping that I could have a big race today and maybe dip under 53....

Traning-wise I was happy though a little underdone. I knew I'd be good until around 8 miles, and then the last couple were going to hurt. My plan was to run the first 10km in 32:45 and then hang on. My best times on this course were all negative splits and the way the breeze was blowing today it was going to be a tough first few miles, with a friendlier run home. That worked well for me.

A few kms warm-up and then lined up for the start. Mick Clohisey was the stand-out runner - with a big group of Raheny green and whites for company. The race started (one of the weirdest starts I can recall - we all looked at each other as if to say "was that the start?"). And we were off...

Mick hit the lead and I went straight into second. Nobody went with me so within 400m and I was in no-mans land. It was going to be a 10 mile time trial. I felt good from the start and despite running into the breeze you get a nice downhill to get the revs up. My watch was set to 1km auto-lap so I had the updates from the watch each km, and I was manually keeping an eye on my mile splits by making a note of the time as I passed each mile marker,

After the first mile it was starting to get a bit tougher and you could certainly notice the breeze. Mick was already a good way up the road and I'd opened up a decent gap. I knew if I could run a solid first few miles it was going to get easier. The course is tough but fair - a few drags here and there where I really focused on keeping my cadence high and I knew from my km splits that my time was okay.

At around 3 and a half miles we took a right turn and it got a lot easier - I could feel my pace lift straight away. It was all about keeping focused and ticking off the miles. On reaching half way I looked at the watch and I was around 26:30 and I knew I could run the second half quicker. Just had to do it. After another right turn it got easier again and I really started to motor. My km splits were well under target time but in the back of my mind was the nagging doubt of the wheels coming off at some point. Through 6 miles and still felt great and then crossed the 10km point in 32:41 so I had a bit of time on my side....

It was a shade over 6kms to go and I knew if I could hold 3:20/km pace I had a new PB. That's pretty much what happened - I was on the km countdown and my splits were all good. If I ran a slow one the next one would bounce back to get me back on track. Just before 8 miles we took another right turn and this is the twisty part of the course - a small country lane. No support whatsoever down there and I was glad to take a left hand turn back onto the main road and I got a good lift from the supporters on that last mile and a half stretch back up to the finish. I was still feeling okay and I really attacked and lifted the pace and felt very strong right up to the finish line where I recorded a new PB of 52:41 for second place. That's 5:16/mile pace or 3:16/km pace so a very solid race.

Well done to Mick who won in classy 49:29 (on tired marathon training legs). He'll have a super run in Rotterdam in 3 weeks time when he freshens up. The Raheny lads then filled up the next 4 spots and then a few more familiar local faces started to filter through the finish. All in all a great day and I was delighted how I ran as I felt in control the whole way.

Here are the km splits:

3:04 / 3:19 / 3:25 / 3:18 / 3:19 / 3:26 / 3:13 / 3:18 (8km in 26:22) / 3:09 / 3:10 (10km in 32:41) / 3:22 / 3:14 / 3:14 / 3:17 / 3:24 / 3:08 (16km in 52:19 - second 8km in 25:57) / 0:22. Finish 52:41.

That's 87.9kms for the week. According to McMillan that's my best ever run - any distance so that's extra pleasing. It still doesn't give me the sub 70 minute half though (70:16) but I'm sure it's there or thereabouts....

Mon to Sat

Here's the first 6 days of the week:

Mon - Treadmill 10km recovery run 35:59 (3:36's)

Tue - 2.0km up, 12km threshold 39:51 (3:19's), 2.3km down (outdoors)

Wed - Claregalway 11.1km recovery run 40:34 (3:39's)

Thu - 2.0km up, strides, 6 x 1km at 3:00/km pace (2% incline - recovery 90 secs), 2.3km down

Fri - Claregalway 12.6km recovery run (3:46's)

Sat - Claregalway 5.0km out of zone 21:17 (4:15's)

A good couple of sessions there - a very encouraging outdoor threshold run on St Patrick's day in perfect running weather. That's 51 seconds quicker than the previous week. So much more benefit getting the runs completed outside as compared to the treadmill - I feel a lot stronger as a result.

A repeat of my speed session on Thursday from last week. I was at the top of my threshold zone and dipped into the tempo zone towards the end of the session. Felt much more comfortable this week so I think I'll keep doing this session but lengthen the reps slightly.

Hitting my zones and found it much easier to get into the zones this week - you won't hear me saying that very often. I think that 3,000m lifted my heart rate to new levels and anything below that suddenly seems a lot more manageable.

Left knee still giving me some grief. Lots of stretching and foam rolling and all that - if I could only get it fixed once and for all I'd really put in a good block of training....

Craughwell 10 tomorrow. If I can maintain the pace from the run on Tuesday for another 4.1kms I'll be in with a PB shout....

Masters gold medal

Another week to report:

Mon - Treadmill 10km recovery in 36:13 (3:37's)

Tue - 2km up, 12km threshold in 40:42 (3:24's), 2km down

Wed - 2km up, strides, 6 x 3 mins at 3:00/km pace/2% incline, 2km down

Thu -  Treadmill 10km recovery in 36:12 (3:37's)

Fri - Claregalway recovery run 14.8km in 54:39 (3:42's)

Sat - Claregalway 9.5km in 38:58 out of zone (4:06's)

Sun - Masters indoors 3,000m gold in 8:56 (all up 6.6kms)

Total for the week 78.0kms.

A good outdoor threshold run on Tuesday but died a bit the last 4km. A speed session on the treadmill running 1km reps in 3:00 on 2% incline off 90 seconds recovery the next day. Then the indoors on Sunday. I went out to the front and ran the first km in 2:58. Started to feel it towards the end of the second km (2;59) and was overtaken by a V35 runner who I couldn't respond to. Managed to hold the pace until the finish but had no zip to finish really strong (last km 2;59), A good run and nice to win this the V40 category for the third year on the trot, Great to run on the indoor track as well and really enjoyed it.

Craughwell 10 miler next week.....

Just not happening

Here's another week:

Mon - 9.5kms recovery run in 36:21 (3:50's)

Tue - 2km up, 10km threshold 32:15, 2km down

Wed - 2km up, 4 x 30 sec strides, 6 x 3 mins tempo, 2km down

Thu - treadmill recovery run 10km 36:10 (3:37's)

Fri - gentle 20 mins out of zone plus strides

Sat - Kinvara 10km 2nd in 33:19

Sun - 14.8km recovery run in 55:53 (3:47's)

I ran some 3 minute efforts on the treadmill on Wednesday. I started out at 3:00/km pace at 1.5% incline and got quicker each rep. A tough workout but the heart rate just not getting high enough...

The race on Saturday was another tough one. Very windy and the first 5.5km of the race was challenging. Then felt great for the run home with the help of the wind. A sponsored athlete was over from Wales and he won in a classy 31:17. He was a sub 30 minute guy (3:38 for 1500) and even he found it tough. I'd say I'm in a minute better shape than 33:19 but just not getting good conditions for quick times....

I'll keep plugging away. Masters indoors next weekend - I've entered the 3,000m and I also have the option to double up in the 1,500......

Just like that

The week just gone:

Mon - Treadmill recovery run 10km 36:41

Tue - 2km up, 10km threshold 32:29, 2km down

Wed - 2km up, 10km threshold 32:30, 2km down

Thu - Treadmill recovery run 10km 36:20

Fri - 2km up, 2 x 3km tempo 8:57 and 8:52, 2km down

Sat - Treadmill recovery run 10km 35:59

Sun - 2km up, 14km threshold 45:07, 2km down (went through 10km in 32:17...)

Total 86.0kms for the week.

A good week all in all. Three threshold runs and tried to up the pace a little and get a bit higher up my threshold zone. And my first tempo session in yonks (maybe since last November?), I was happy with that - both 3km efforts nicely under 9 minutes and was certainly working hard but that heart rate wasn't going as high as I'd like. But it was a start. I may try a sub 15 minute 5km next week for something different...

All the above were treadmill runs due to very poor weather. I need to get outdoors. The paces are very flattering and I reckon I'm 6 or 7 seconds per km quicker on the treadmill compared to perfect outdoor conditions.

Knee still not right ever since the XC. Going for a rub tomorrow. It's fine when running but aches a lot post run. Something I'm going to have to live with for a while I'd say.

Other than that very busy with the lactate testing. Plus I've started taking a track session in Claremorris on Thursday evenings which is great fun. Still playing snooker once a week and actually played okay on Wednesday for the first time in a while (high break of 36 but kept missing the key balls). Darts are also going well - doing a bit more practise and that's what it's all about. Beer intake steady but room for improvement....

Another week done....

Quick summary:

Mon - Treadmill 10km recovery 37:02

Tue - Treadmill 10km recovery 35:55

Wed - 2km up, 10km threshold 32:36, 2km down

Thu - 2km up, 10km threshold 32:36, 2km down

Fri - 2km up, 10km threshold 32:36, 2km down

Sat - Claregalway 9.5km easy run 37:42

Sun - Kilconeiron 5m road race. First in 27:22. All up 18.4kms with up/down.

Total 89.9kms for the week.

The race on Sunday was really tough. Very windy especially in the middle section of the course which was very exposed. I lost the will to live at one point and was grinding away going nowhere. This was on a course where I've ran 25:46 and I'm arguably in better shape now! Another win and a great charity event. Onwards and upwards - I'm getting slower each race I do at the moment which isn't a nice trend!

Gorgeous Gort 8km

This turned out to be an action replay of last year. In tougher conditions...

I warmed up with Owen and we made our way down to the start for the 1:30pm off. The race was soon underway and I was a little disappointed not to see any tractors parked on the high street this year as we made our way through town. A left turn and then it got a whole lot tougher as we were then running into a stiff breeze.

I'd opened up a bit of a lead and any thought of getting a bit of a drafting benefit of the lead van were quickly erased as said van was several hundred metres up the road. A couple of tough kilometres followed and then it got a bit easier as the course took another turn to the left. I didn't feel too great - maybe one too many beers the night before; a sore knee; or any other excuse you can think of.

The pace had at least picked up a bit and just before halfway it was time to make another left turn onto the main road just before the half way mark. Now the wind was on the back but that didn't seem to help me much. One of those days where I just felt a bit flat. At around 5km the course took a right turn and then it was time to welcome a lovely tough climb. Then a few more drags before a left turn where the course flattened out a bit.

At 7km there was another speed bump just to keep you honest. Then some welcome downhill back into town. I pushed on as best I could and crossed the line in 26:19 for the win. One year wiser and 15 seconds slower. Progress of the backwards variety!

A very enjoyable run and good to see the same top 3 as last year with my wingman Owen finishing in second place. Credit where it's due to South Galway AC who put on another great event and great to see so many marshals out on the course.

About 14.7kms for the day. And 71.7kms for the week. Pathetic volume but hopefully I can get back into it next week and get some threshold runs under the belt...

Mon to Sat

Here goes:

Mon - recovery run 12.6kms in 46:55 (3:43's). Left knee sore after XC - think I twisted it slightly...

Tue - 2km up, 13.8km threshold 45:10 (3:16's), 1.6km down. All up 17.4kms

Wed - rest. Previous days run was stupid and I was limping around as a result with a very sore knee.

Thu - 7km shuffle on the treadmill. Average HR 111. My zones start at 131 so they were junk miles.

Fri - 10km on treadmill in 37:13. Wound it up a bit and knee feeling a little stronger.

Sat - 10km treadmill in 36:36. In recovery zone and good to race tomorrow.

The week that was

Sorry for short updates....

Mon - 11.1km recovery run 41:37 (3:45's)

Tue - 2km up, 13.9km threshold run 45:06 (3:15), 1.6km down. All up 17.5kms

Wed - 11.1km recovery run 41:06 (3:42's)

Thu - 2km up, 10.0km threshold run 32:19 (3:14), 1.0km down. All up 13.0kms

Fri - 10.0km recovery run 35:58 (3:36's)

Sat - Rest

Sun - National Masters XC - 4km up, 7km race, no warm-down...

I had a very solid run in the XC. Conditions were perfect for me - nice and cold and fairly solid ground (not a mud bath). Lots of twists and turns and undulations and good fun to race on. One small lap of 1km and then 4 more laps of 1.5km. I settled into the lead group for the first couple of kms and was feeling great but lost a bit of ground in the middle of the race where I should have pushed on. I then finished the last couple of laps strongly and pegged back a few places to finish 10th overall and 3rd in the V40 category. Great to get a national medal at XC but looking back I think I could have done a bit better if I'd really pushed it in the middle section. Looking at the results I was only 16 seconds behind 3rd place and I committed the cardinal sin of falling off the back of the lead group. That wouldn't have happened on the road so I need to learn from it.

Here is a great snap:

That's 73.7kms for the week. Doing okay at the moment and building nicely towards some goal races in March.

Weekly Update

The week that was:

Mon - 11.1kms recovery run 42:00 (3:47/km)

Tue - 2km up, 13.7km threshold run 45:11 (3:18/km), 2km down, Total 17.7kms.

Wed - 10.0km treadmill recovery run 35:57 (3:36/km)

Thu - 2km up, 13.9km threshold run 45:06 (3:15/km), 1.6km down, Total 17.5kms.

Fri - 11.1kms recovery run 41:55 (3:47/km)

Sat - 10.0km  treadmill recovery run 36:31 (3:39/km)

Sun - 2km up, 14.0km threshold run 45:08 (3:13/km), 2.0km down, Total 18.0kms.

Total 95.4kms for the week.

Three good threshold runs in there (all treadmill). Pace getting quicker each time so that's a good sign. Happy with my progress.

Next week - more of the same with the National Masters XC in Tuam on the weekend.

Dad arrived Wednesday so a few visits to the pub to report.

Getting there

The week of the treadmill runs....another threshold. Pushed it for 10km (32:50) and then pulled back a bit and ended up running 13.7kms in 45:07 (3:18's). The last 9 minutes were getting tough - so I took the easy option and lowered the incline and pulled back the speed.

That's about what I was doing in the build up to the half last year so I think I'm getting back to where I was. That's 8 threshold runs completed now in the last 3 weeks and I guess I have to keep building them up until I get back to an hour.

88.4kms for the week.

Busy day

Busy with work and squeezed in another treadmill run in the evening. Pushed it a bit today but still well into the recovery zone. Time 35:57 for 10km (3:36's).

A few beers in the evening.

Yawn

The treadmill runs continue. 10km recovery in 37:09 (3:43's).

Getting it up there

2km up, 10km threshold, 1.6km down. All up 13.6kms on the treadmill.

Getting tougher to get into that threshold zone - a sure sign the fitness is coming back. 33:09 for the 10km.

Out

Outside recovery run 11.1kms in 42:53 (3:52's).

40 mins

A longer treadmill threshold run today. A total of 12kms in 39:47 (3:19's). I felt pretty good up until about 35 mins and then I was hanging on at the end. Heart rate getting up there also - a good bit higher than normal.

All up 16kms.

Back into training

Treadmill 10km recovery run of 37:11 (3:43's). Legs not too bad after the race but pace a bit down on normal so that shows I was perhaps a bit tired.

I had a look at my HR data from the race yesterday. Could do better. I didn't even get into my tempo zone. That's not good.

Tuam 8km

A good crowd for this and pretty good conditions. After a 3.1km warm-up it was time to line up for the start. The horn sounded and Gary Thornton took the lead, with another guy in quick pursuit leaving me back in third.

That soon changed and midway through the first km I had moved up into second with Gary disappearing up the road. That's pretty much how it remained. I felt great for the first 4 kms and I was running sub 3:10 pace feeling like I could hold that for the full 8km. Then we took a few left hand turns and started running into quite a stiff breeze and I decided to slip into a pair of lead boots.

A very tough run home. Especially the long section on the main road. I finished in 25:53 after being 12:30 at 4km so a big positive split. The effort level was consistent but the breeze had me beat today. Still a good result finishing second to Gary who ran 24:34.

A 3.2km warm-down to give me 14.3kms for the day. That time is probably a fair reflection of where I'm at right now. More time needed in that threshold zone to get the strength and speed back up to where it was.

That's 75.3kms for the week. I love racing and really enjoyed that today. I think I need to race a bit more this year.

Well done to Shaun Murphy for winning the Masters. I didn't give him a hope against Robertson in the final and he won easily defeating the Aussie 10-2.

No zone today

Gentle 20 minute run on the treadmill (quite late in the evening). Only 4.4 kms and felt very slow. Tuam AC 8km run tomorrow.

Beer intake suffering due to work

Outside for a change for my usual 11.1km recovery loop in 42:26 (3:49's). Not much else happening - no darts this evening as a busy day of testing tomorrow. Just watching the snooker as you do.

Sub 33

Short of time bit squeezed in a 10km threshold in 32:56 (3:18's). Again a bit quicker and the first sub 33 threshold 10km for a while.

Only 12kms today in total with a short warm-up and down.

Treadmill 1, Bad weather 0

Treadmill recovery 10km in 36:25 (3:39's). Again getting quicker in that recovery zone.

Quicker pace at same effort level

Threshold 10km on the treadmill in 33:10 (3:19's). A bit quicker than last week so getting a bit fitter. Still a long way to go. All up 13kms.

Keep it going

Outside recovery run 11.1kms in 42:14 (3:48's).

Oh no he doesn't.....

Another 10km threshold run in 33:30, All up 13kms with the up/down.

That's 90.9km for the week. Four threshold runs done. I reckon it will be 6 weeks at least before I get back to where I was at the end of November....

Pizza and then the annual pantomime with the kids in the afternoon. Good fun.

Apologies

Treadmill 10km recovery run in 36:51 (3:41's).

Apologies about the infrequent blog updates - no coincidence that me getting busy at work is impacting my spare time!

Masters snooker starts today. Marco Fu hits a 147 to get things underway!

130

Another 10km threshold run today in 33:40 (3:22's). Slower today but felt really tired....

I had to turn out for the darts team as they were short of numbers. I won both my pairs and singles which was a miracle considering I've hardly picked up a dart in the last month. The highlight was a 130 checkout to win my singles finishing on the bull (20-60-50). The highest checkout of the league this season!

Pairs

Myself and Fintan - cold again but lovely for running once you got going. All up 14.8kms in 56:22 (3:49's).

I talked about threshold testing and Fintan couldn't talk...which is nice...

Pattern

Same run as Monday - this time threshold 10km in 33:23 (3:20's). A bit quicker but heart rate a bit higher.

I plan to run 3 or 4 of these a week for a couple of weeks and then start to up the volume (and get back outside on the road).

Chilly

Outside run of 11.1kms in 41:54 (3:46's). Cold but went well and legs didn't feel too bad.

Threshold return

My first threshold run since late November. Being a softy I eased myself back in on the treadmill.

Typical routine. A 2km warm-up, then 10kms at threshold (starting at 1.5% gradient and then lowering to 1% after around 6 or 7 minutes). Then 2km to finish with.

The threshold segment was completed in 33:30 (3:21's). They don't get any easier - but the thing I noticed was that I got in my zone a lot quicker today (around 5 mins). Normally it takes a lot longer so another sign I've gone backwards. But it's a start...

The Flying Scotsman

Outdoors today to finish off the week. A total of 14.8kms in 56:22 (3:49's). My pace has slowed to get into my recovery zone and that's a clear indication that my general fitness has gone backwards. Back into it starting tomorrow...

Watched the darts final in the evening. A great game and really pleased that my tip Gary Anderson won his first world crown. Super viewing.

A couple of three

A short treadmill run of 8kms. Was planning longer but felt very tired. Time 30:26 (3:48's).

No dry January for me this year. A few beers here and there just to keep the joints lubricated.

Last few days of being lazy

Treadmill recovery run of 10kms in 36:28 (3:39's). Legs felt good and didn't feel the race in them at all. Perhaps I didn't push myself enough!

Here are a photos from the slog yesterday (thanks Jane). The first one is just before 2km I'd say. the second photo is at the finish at the Spanish Arch. The third one is the podium. Keith a low 1:50 800m runner and Jamie a 15:04 5,000m runner so not too shabby! I like my race number (think darts).

Resolution Run 5km

Nasty conditions for this run. Wet and very windy. Did a bit of a warm-up and lined up at the start. Lots of young guns to chase so was looking forward to a decent hit-out. The race was soon underway and I found myself in the lead group of 4 running directly into the wind.

I didn't really know the course but that initial starting 800m was very tough. Then we took a left hand turn and then we had the benefit of the wind. I put in a bit of a surge to mix things up but that didn't do too much damage with the group still staying together.

Through 2km and we were running along by the canal. Wasn't feeling great here but wasn't losing any ground and then a few right turns round by the cathedral and the car park. Keith was doing most of the running by this stage and I was hanging on with Jamie also looking good. Perhaps the group was down to 3 by this stage and I know if it came down to a sprint finish I'd be in trouble!

Then the long climb up Shop St and a right turn at Eyre Square. Still not much between us all and I think I made another move around this point but as we passed 4km and took a right hand turn towards the docks. After rounding this corner I was hardly moving. A very tough head-wind and despite a big effort, being over 6ft tall and with wide shoulders I had the aerodynamics of a bus.

Keith took up the running again with Jamie in pursuit with me now in 3rd. Some traffic to deal with and we were single file down a narrow strip of road with cars queueing in traffic. A left hand turn and Keith kicked for home. Jamie went also and I was doing my best impression of a sail in third. Having resigned to finish third I rounded the last corner and detected that Jamie was slowing a bit. I put in one final sprint but Jamie responded straight away so I backed off again and wound down the last 100m to finish 3rd in 15:53. Keith took the win in 15:45 with Jamie in second in 15:49.

Great to have a race instead of a time trial and those times weren't bad going in what must have been close to gale force winds. Well done to Keith and Jamie. That gives me the kick up the behind to get back training now!

All up 10.5kms with warm-up and down.

2014 Yearly Review

A gentle 4.4kms today in 20:08. Race 5km tomorrow.

This year I've ran 4,743.2kms. That's 13kms per day or 91kms per week! That's my biggest every yearly volume (previous best 4,649.1kms in 2012) and certainly my best year performance-wise.

A total of 5 PB's this year - improving my 5km time from 15:33 down to 15:23. Lowering my 10km time 3 times from 32:23 to 32:20, and then down to 31:59 and finally down to 31:42. Plus a new half marathon PB of 1:10:31 - a 45 second improvement on my old best from 2011. After 2 years of no PB's it all started happening April after I started the lactate training!

This year I've ran 21 road races. A total of 16 wins, one second, two thirds, a fifth and a sixth. A total race volume of 208.3kms at a average pace of 3:20/km. Not bad.

I'll pick my 5 favourite races of the year and do a quick write-up. Just need to have a bit of a think first....

Happy New Year to all and hope that 2015 is a cracker! Cheers!

Beer/darts

Busy day of testing so only managed to squeeze in a short treadmill run - 8.1kms in 30:08 (3:43's).

Out in the evening for a few beers with Mike. Plus to watch the darts (brilliant BTW with 3 very close games). One of my tips Wade didn't show up the other day and is out. But Anderson looks very solid!

Sub 37

Another treadmill 10km in 36:58 (3:42's).

Long run with company

Out to Clarinbridge to run with Barry, Sean and Owen. Minus 3 degrees at the start and very slippery in patches but once we got going it wasn't too bad. All up 19.1kms in 1:16:17 (4:00/km).

Not in my recovery zone (strap wasn't working anyway) but nice to run and have a bit of a chat.

All up 76.9kms for the week.

Proper training to resume in the New Year.......

Please let the party season be over soon...

Treadmill 10kms in 37:26 (3:45's). A recovery run  - not to recover from yesterday's race but to recover from the rake of beers I had afterwards....

Fields of Athenry 10km

A bit of a stinker of a day. Cold, wet and miserable. Arrived and did a few miles warm-up but was still very cold. Lined up at the start and soon we were underway...

The plan was to run the first half in under 16 minutes and then hang on. We certainly had the benefit of the wind the first half of the race and whilst the 2 leaders (Mick Clohissey and Sean Hehir) disappeared up the road, to my surprise I was left alone in 3rd place with no company...

The kms were ticking by but I was still very cold and couldn't feel my hands. The pace was okay but it wasn't really happening. A left hand turn around 4km and then the run up to the halfway point. I passed the clock in around 16 minutes but the marker was a bit further down the road and I think at this point I lost my focus. Just get to the finish and back in the dry!

The run home was certainly tougher. Into the wind and a few drags to contend with. Plus a few areas where you had to plough straight through some flooded sections of road. By the time I reached 9km I was done and I coasted home using the nice downhill trying to soak up the finish as much as possible.

I crossed the line in 32:46 for 3rd place with Mick taking the win and Sean in 2nd. My best finish in this race and my best time but in all honesty I had a poor run. I just didn't have the fight today. That said my preparation was far from perfect!

A few kms warm-down with Gerry to give me 17.2kms for the day. Back inside to change into warm clothes and for the presentation. I never seem to run well on this course but you can't help but really enjoy the event. Over 1,200 people turning out on a rough old day but that certainly didn't dampen the spirits. Well done to Athenry AC for hosting the most popular 10km in the West.

Here's me on the podium with 2 of the finest runners in Ireland - gotta be happy with that!

Happy Christmas!

No running!

Family day playing Lego and Nintendo. Eating and drinking plenty. Stopped drinking the beers at 7pm as I have a race tomorrow!

More outside

35:54 for 9.5kms (3:47's). More recovery.

A few too many beers in the evening...................

Outside

11.1kms in 40:18 (3;38's). Probably my best recovery run of the year. Felt great.

James or Gary

Ugly weather at the moment so more treadmill running. Time 37:16 for 10.0kms and having to get well under 3:40/km pace on 1% gradient just to get in my recovery zone.

Hopefully fitness can be maintained until the New Year when I'll have to pick a few more races to target. Top of the list will be another half marathon.

Loving the World Championship darts on the TV. I'm going for either James Wade or Gary Anderson.

Weekly catch-up

More recovery running this week. Just lost a bit of mojo and going through the motions. Difficult to keep it going this time of year - especially being party season.

Mon - 11.1kms in 42:29 (3:50's)
Tue - 10.0kms in 37:51 (3:47's) - treadmill
Wed - 14.8kms in 56:59 (3:51's) - with Fintan
Thu - 10.0kms in 37:27 (3:45's) - treadmill
Fri - 9.0kms in 33:38 (3:44's) - treadmill
Sat - 14.8kms in 58:41 (3:58's) - hungover
Sun - 10.7kms in 40:00 (3:44's) - hungover treadmill

Total 80.4kms

On the social front it was snooker Wednesday (highest break 39), Christmas Party Saturday and lads night out Sunday.

Ballinderreen 10km

Woke up and could hear the wind and rain outside. Initial thought was that it wasn't going to be a good day for running. How wrong.

By lunchtime the weather had cleared. Still quite breezy but no rain. Arrived at registration and did a warm-up with Mike and was looking forward to having a good hit-out. The plan was to try and run sub 16 for the first 5km. If that happened I'd go for it; if not I'd pull back.

The race started and I took the lead. It's a quick first km and nobody went with me and I felt great following the lead cyclist. The first km arrived and I left the watch on auto-lap and I got the beep with my split just as I passed the first marker in 2:57, Game on.

I settled into my running and it was all about focus. The road narrowed and I was concentrating on keeping the legs ticking over. The cyclist was doing a great job and would signal all the turns coming up - all I had to do was keep running hard, Another good split at 2km (3:09) and I was well under 32 pace so good to get some time in the bank.

The next few kms didn't seem to pass that quickly and I don't have much recollection of any details of the course. I knew by my splits though that I was still going well and at 4km I was 12:30 so barring a disaster the sub 16 goal for halfway was definitely on. Soon onto the main road and then a lovely downhill section on the cycle path that flattened out but was still quick. Halfway came and went in 15:41 so it was time to get down to business...

A tough section after turning left - maybe a short drag and a section into the wind and the thought of the wheels coming off. But another turn and then back into it and although the 6th km was slow (3;16), I knew I still had time in the bank and a good section of course to come.

Back firing through the next 2kms - nice and flat and the wind wasn't a factor and with a 3:10 and then a 3:11 it was all about hanging on. The 9th km has a bit of a drag and perhaps I was saving myself a bit for the run home but the split was still okay (3:15) and it was time to lift the pace for the run home.

You always seem to find something at the end and despite feeling the pinch, I started to wind it up as I spotted the bollards near the finish. That finishing chute seemed to last forever but I eventually crossed the line in 31:42 for the win and a 17 second PB. Job done.

Very happy with that - and certainly not what I expected. A great course and I don't think you'll find a quicker one in County Galway. Conditions were good but perhaps not ideal so with the right day and some company I reckon I can improve on that!

A warm-down with the lads and then back to the hall for the presentation. Some great performances by other Harriers today with lots of PB's! The perfect day! And Spurs won! Now beers!

All up 16.0kms for the day and 75.6kms for the week, I may keep this recovery running going now until the Fields of Athenry on Dec 26th!

Testing

Busy day of lactate threshold testing with 4 appointments so no time to run. Great fun putting people through their paces and some good quality on show today!

4 beers and lots of crisps. Ballinderreen 10km tomorrow!

The wingman and I

Run with Fintan. Back outside and a bit of a cold one but it was dry albeit a little breezy.

Total of 14.8kms in 55:51 (3:46's). A bit slower than last week but conditions weren't as good. Still throwing in plenty of sub 3:40's at the end.

Treadmill #3

Not feeling great - bit of a cold and generally not quite firing.

Still got into my zone but didn't push it at all today - 10km in 38:13 (3:49's).

Treadmill #2

10km in 37:39 (3:46's). Plus 5 lots of strides at the end (20 seconds each time).

Treadmill #1

The weather has turned so back on the treadmill. Gradually wound up the pace and into that recovery zone by around 4km. Total 10kms in 37:58 (3:48's).

Third week of RR

I think another week of recovery running is in order.....hopefully maintaining fitness without doing the killer threshold runs.

Legs felt good today. 14.8kms in 55:27 (3:45's).

Turkey Trot 5km

Very cold today and a stiff breeze. I did a few kms warm-up and then lined up at the start. We were into the wind for the first half of the race, and then had the benefit coming back.

A tough start - I hit the lead and pushed on but was struggling a little. Through the first km and then mid-way through the second km we turned left onto the Lydican Road and that was also tough going. Just through the second km it was a right hand turn and then it was a long uphill drag. At the top it got a lot easier and it was nice to hammer the downhill section passing through the third km.

Splits to this point were slow so I knew I'd have to lift the pace for the run home if I was to break 16 minutes. Even though the wind was now helping there were some small drags and I was going through the motions a bit. I ran the last km hard and managed to cross the finish line in 15:52 for the win. My quickest time on this course and a new course record but I was hoping I'd run 20 seconds quicker. Next time.

A bit of a warm-down and then back to the clubhouse for the presentation and a welcome hot drink. I do like this race and I haven't missed it since its inception in 2010. With around 200 participants it is going from strength to strength.

A few more beers in the evening. I'm not sure what to read into that performance - I don't think I've lost any fitness but I did feel a little flat today. I'll have another hit-out next weekend in the 10km as I think that will suit me more.

That's 77.4kms for the week.......splits for the race were 3:11 / 3:13 / 3:17 / 3:10 / 3:01. Total 15:52.

Snooker in the evening was great. Ronnie went 9-4 up only for Judd to peg it back to 9-9. Then in the deciding frame Ronnie lays a superb snooker and gets in to get the match winning break. A real nerve jangler but great viewing.

Gentle trot

Easy run on the treadmill just to turn the legs over - I'm going to race the Turkey Trot 5km tomorrow so nothing too taxing.

A few beers in the evening watching the snooker. A Ronnie v Judd final tomorrow.

Darts night

11.1kms in 40:57 (3:41's).

Darts in the evening. I won both my pairs and singles. I hit a 180 in the deciding leg of the singles to give me a bit of breathing space on the doubles. Overall we won 7-2. Just the 2am finish....

Ronnie 147

A short 9.5kms in 36:23 (3:50's).

Watched the snooker in the evening with Ronnie beating Matthew Selt 6-0 in the UK Champs. And in the last frame he hit his 13th 147 of his career. What a break it was. Playing with a broken ankle and nobody can touch him....

Wingman run

Another run with Fintan. Started slow but the pace soon picked up after the first 2km and we were ticking along very nicely at sub 3:40/km pace for the guts of the run.

All up 14.8kms in 55:24 (3:45's). Fintan sounded a lot healthier this week.

Snooker in the evening. Played well in patches - had lots of chances for a decent break but kept missing silly shots....

Boring

Still no session. Might just keep this recovery running going for another week as I still don't feel quite right.

Today back outside - 11.1kms in 43:34 (3:55's). That was a real struggle...

Come on Matt get motivated

Well after a week of great running weather it was raining so decided to turn the legs over on the treadmill.

Started slow and gradually wound up the pace to get up into that recovery zone for the second half. A total of 10.0kms in around 38:20.