How many loops did you do? Sixmilebridge Eddie Murphy Memorial.

After the inspirational night on Friday at the Galway Gorta Self Help Africa Gala Dinner it was fitting that I had a race within 48 hours. Still buzzing from the words by the amazing people from the charity all roads led to the village of Sixmilebridge in the Banner County for the next race in my preparation for the 12 Marathons in 12 months challenge in 2015!

BMOH AC, the local club were holding their annual Eddie Murphy Memorial race. Due to the tragic passing of Eddie Murphy in April 2011 , BMOH AC hold a multi marathon event each November in Sixmilebridge in Honor of him which takes place on a unique one mile loop. Eddie had completed45 Marathons himself.

Words of thanks first. The organisation was amazing, the Stewards brilliant, the MC with the mike very witty, the weather condusive to running. These women and men live and breathe running and it shows, I'll be back in 2015, hopefully for the 30 Mile. BMOH, be proud!

The 1 mile loop has a challenging enough hill that covers about a third of it. The distances available on Sunday were 52.4 Miles (Double Marathon), 30 Miles, 26.2 Miles (Marathon) or 13.1 Miles (Half Marathon). That means 52, 30, 26 or 13 times that hill :) Due to a continuing recovery from a calf injury I opted for the 13.1 mile distance. I started as usual slower than most and came through lap 1 (1.1 mile) in 10:30 and 23rd position. As you can see from my lap times I started to enjoy the race more and more and managed an excellent negative split with a final mile in 7:57, the injury seems history. Here' my lap times, I finished 13th in 1Hr54!

Lap 1 (1.1 Mile) 10:29
Lap 2 (2.1 Mile) 09:00
Lap 3 (3.1 Mile) 08:58
Lap 4 (4.1 Mile) 08:47
Lap 5 (5.1 Mile) 08:47
Lap 6 (6.1 Mile) 08:42
Lap 7 (7.1 Mile) 08:43
Lap 8 (8.1 Mile) 08:44
Lap 9 (9.1 Mile) 08:41
Lap 10 (10.1 Mile) 08:41
Lap 11 (11.1 Mile) 08:36
Lap 12 (12.1 Mile) 08:30
Lap 13 (13.1 Mile) 07:57

It's back to training this week with a 10K tonight and I've started bit by bit making nutritional improvements and have contacted the Yoga instructor with a view of strengthening my core, breathing and mental game. Next race on December 6th at the Waterford AC Half Marathon in The Déise County.

Happy running and remember to smile every mile!!