Meet the Bloggers

Ideally, after running a tough race, you take it easy for at least a day or two. Not just when running, but generally. However, when I got an email from Mike a couple of weeks ago telling me about his trip across the Atlantic, I had to follow his invitation and drive up to Galway on Monday. Meeting a fellow running blogger you have been in contact with for a couple of years? This was too good an opportunity to miss.

I didn't know if I would be able to run later that day, so I ran easily on Monday morning, just over 8 miles. I felt a bit stiff, which was to be expected after Sunday's race. I was perfectly content to plod along for an hour, but cut the originally planned distance of 9 miles short. I didn't want to be late for work, especially as I was only going in for half a day.

At lunchtime I set off heading northwards. Traffic was heavier than expected, and I didn't arrive in Galway until 5pm. I was sitting in the hotel lobby answering a phone call when a familiar face turned up. I didn't have to ask twice - I recognised Mike immediately.

After a bit of a chat we set off for a run. At one stage Mike was worried that the pace was too slow for me, but I felt fine. In fact, anything faster would have been uncomfortable, with the race and the long drive leaving some effect on the legs. This was the first time I ever did a few miles with a running buddy. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and Mike was excellent company. The hour flew by in no time at all. The only drawback was that I apparently make funny faces while trying to run and taking self-portraits at the same time.

After a meal and some Guinness it was already time to hit the hay. I left very early on Tuesday morning to be back in Kerry at 9 o'clock, but managed to say good-bye to Mike (sorry for waking you - I intended to write short note, but you woke up instead). It's amazing how quickly you can cover the distance on empty roads - it only took me about 2-and-a-half hours to reach Killorglin. The trip yesterday had taken almost 4 hours. I was so early that I had time to drive home, have a shower and cycle into work. Niamh was grateful to have use of the car, and the kids were excited to see their daddy earlier than anticipated (it's great when they're still young enough to idolise their dad!).

Since I did not run in the morning (even I have limits to the wake-up time), I ran when I came home from work. I was undecided if I should take it easy or attempt this week's speed workout, but my legs turned to jelly after cycling home, and easy it was. I'll adapt this week's schedule accordingly.

25 Aug

am: 8.5 miles, 1:11:49, 8:27 pace, HR 140
pm: 8.3 miles, 1:08:33, 8:17 pace, HR 144

26 Aug

7 miles, 55:28, 7:55 pace, HR 145