I only ran 5 easy miles on Monday and Tuesday, Monday was fine, but for some unfathomable reason the legs felt like concrete pillars on Tuesday. I have no idea why. I thought about running once more this morning, just for the head, but eventually decided against it. Training is done.
I still managed to sleep soundly last night, 3 days before the race, which is already an improvement to Dingle two years ago when I ran the race after 3 night of practically no sleep (well, about 7 or 8 hours combined over 3 nights).
The field assembled for the race is astounding at the pointy end. Reigning champion John O'Regan (213 km / 132 miles in last year's race) will be there to defend his title. Irish record holder Eoin Keith (235.91 km / 146.59 miles) will give him a good run for his money, as will Eddie Gallen who has come second the last two years. All of them have run for Ireland in the recent past.
On the ladies side, reigning champion Deirdre Finn will have her work cut out to defend her title against formidable opposition in the form of Sharon Gayter whose personal best stands at 226 km (140.43 miles) and who just set a record for the run from Malin head to Mizen head.
There's a short article on the NI athletics website about the race as well. This is really going to happen!
- 2 Jul
- 5 miles, 40:02, 8:00 pace, HR 135
- 3 Jul
- 5 miles, 40:20, 8:04 pace, HR 143
Very best of luck Thomas, some serious mental changes ahead as well as physical ones, we're rooting for you. Dig deep as you always do.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Keith.
Fair play Thomas, I'm hoping you beat Sharon Gayter!
ReplyDeleteserious stuff ahead of you there thomas - it will be the toughest thing you have done. u have come a long way since your last race up in Northern ireland. shame the "race" isn't nearer south as I woud have liked to pop up and watch it. anyway take care and enjoy it. hopefully there is some sort of tracker that one can follow.
ReplyDeletemake sure you don't get all racey for the first 12 hours ;-)
Enjoy the experience, Thomas!!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Thomas. Don't forget to wash down your pre-race carbo meal with a few Aussie beers. 226 ks is a helluva distance in a day!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Try and keep your report down to 24 lines ;)
so looking forward to hearing about this race. have a blast thomas and very best wishes. hope to catch-up in next week in ireland
ReplyDeleteVery best of luck Thomas!
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Thomas. We're looking for blog updates from you on the fly this time, eh?
ReplyDeleteAll the best Thomas! Will be thinking of you while away for my trail race this weekend. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck and have fun!!
ReplyDelete"Enjoy" .. if that's the right word! Have a great time and make the most of the experience. Rest well over the coming days and remember... no sightseeing walkabouts or extended shopping trips!
ReplyDeleteVery best of luck Thomas. Really looking forward to reading all about this one. Hope everything goes to plan.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy yourself. Mo
ReplyDeleteHave a good one Thomas, it should be an epic race!
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking about you and your race and looking forward to hearing all about it! Sure it'll be something special!
ReplyDeleteWow, 2nd place!!! Can't believe how well you've done!
ReplyDeleteGreat running Thomas. Unbelievable total of miles. Well done
ReplyDeletei saw that second and only 4 miles off the winner - a guy who has been a expert in the ultra running area in ireland for years. looking forward to the race report
ReplyDelete