June preview: One Full + 2 Ultra!

I have been minding myself when running. Going on feeling for the last month or so. Running when it felt right, for the distances that felt right at the speed that felt right.

And as some of you are aware, I have ditched my watch for some of the runs too.

The result is peaceful, nearly meditative running. It is becoming more of a joy and less of a race. It is timeless fun! And it is so good for the soul to do it this way.

We are also in the part of the year were I get a 'dip' in performance. You see, I'm an Autumn and Winter runner and prefer cold and wet days to what we get served now. And getting rid of the watch for some of the runs has eased the need for running at 'winter' speeds. And made it easier.

Still managed 2 Full Marathons in May. And enjoyed both. One at 'home' in Limerick and one in the beautiful Killarney National Park.

We are now entering the Summer Months and I have decided to run more races than last year but at my own pace without the watch.

June has 3 races in store. 2 I see as warm up races to the 'big one' on June 25th. First up is one of my favourites, Cork City Marathon next Monday the 6th! regular readers will know my love for that city and it's Marathon is like an annual lap of fun for me.

Then 5 days later on Saturday 11th I head for my second visit to the Forest Marathon in gorgeous Portumna Forest. Last year I ran the Marathon, this year I run my 2nd ever Ultra marathon in a 50K run.

All this to prepare for my longest race to date, the Tralee 40 Miler on Saturday 25th. I like going to Tralee. A bit like Cork it has something I like. I don't know what exactly and don't need to know. It's just there.

Run the Kingdom 40 Mile Ultra-Marathon

So that's June. yesterday I went for a no watch run, planning on a 10K or so and ended up doing 13.3 miles or just over Half Marathon distance. Peace of mind and joy. And it felt great!

Have a great week, miles with smiles.

Patte xxx

Lakes of Killarney Race Report - Running Naked.

On a Friday in Summer the route to Killarney takes a bit longer to travel. Came across massive tailbacks through Adare, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. It added 45 minutes to the journey.

There is a reason for that, Kerry is a beautiful place and in Summer it shines even more brightly. And lots and lots of people know this and travel there on Summer weekends. I was one of the Kerry bound people this weekend. And it certainly was a Summer weekend. 20+ degrees for the 3 days.

Feeling privileged to be able to enter and take part in the Lakes of Killarney Marathon 2016 just 2 weeks after the Great Limerick Run Marathon, I headed for Killarney with the anticipation of meeting many friends and running a couple of miles with a few of them as well as contributing whenever and wherever I can to make it as joyful a sport for others as it is for me.

Registration on Friday in the Castlerosse Hotel was smooth and efficient and done with a smile. In fact fair dues goes to Alan Ryan, Hardman Events and all the wonderful, friendly, obliging marshalls and volunteers. Without them we have no Marathon. Without the volunteers at the water stations many would not have finished. The Focus was very much on the athletes and their wellbeing and Alan's personal touch adds a sense of togetherness to the event. I'll be back. Thanks again to all involved.

Having a Chat after the Race with organiser Alan Ryan, Brian O Se and 1st time marathoner Simon Hallissey.

Race Day itself then. Both the Full and Half Marathon start at 9am. At 2 different locations in the Park. Logistics nightmare? Nope. All seemed to go fine. Met with lots of MCI buddies before the race and the craic and camaraderie always takes the edge of the start of a race.

Running with MCI buddies is the best! Here with Derek Mackessy, David Wrenne, Adolfo Garcia, Catherine Guthrie, Julie Byrne-Hilliard and Siobhan Dowling.

 

The second thing that has taken the edge of races and turned them into runs has been that I have started running naked recently. It is so liberating. You can run on feeling rather than the restrictive way I was running previously.

Oops, I should maybe mention to you that running naked in Marathon terms means running without a watch. In case you form disturbing mental images. ;)

Look, no watch, I'm running naked again and it is so much fun!

 

We set of at 9am and within a couple of miles I had the pleasure of running in a group with Catherine Guthrie, Shane Dunphy and David Wrenne. As they are all established marathon runners and the weather was fantastic (not my weather at all, but this is not about me :) ), the mood was one of jolly. At one stage a visitor to the National Park remarked she was taking up running if it was as much fun as we seemed to be having. We laughed so much it hurt.

Running with Catherine, Shane and David was so much fun! (And look at the scenery behind us!)

 

I was able to stay with them until about mile 15 when the knee issue from Connemara popped up again. It took about 3 miles of mind over matter to get rid of it. The good news is it did abate. At Mile 19 I found a fellow runner in need of assistance. The heat combined with tiredness had turned their legs into jelly and the person was threatening to fall asleep. I stayed with them and asked another runner to stay with us. We tried to walk and make sure they got the right nutrients in. At mile 20 we made the decision to go look for help so I ran ahead to find the Medics. They were 3/4 mile away so I upped the pace a bit. My training as a First Responder helped as I informed the medics best I could of the symptoms and location of the runner. Philip Delanty, you are a champion in my eyes for staying with the person in need while I ran ahead.

When I got back from the loop around Ross the person was safely in the care of Medics and was at the Finish line later in fine form again. I actually heard another story later that typifies MCI and Marathon running in general. Paul Comerford came across a fellow runner who was struggling a bit. Paul had just completed a 2 mile loop the other runner was starting. Giving up his own time Paul did the loop again to keep the other runner company and they finished together. Paul, you are a champion too.

Another champion is Mary Mockett who keeps taking the most wonderful pictures making my blog even more appealing to read! Thanks Mary!

More champions came in the form of Jerry Forde, Team Noah & Team Murphy! Well done all. Congrats to the winners of the Full (don't know who won the Half sorry): Dolores Duffy and Alex O'Shea. 2 wonderful athletes part of a group of 400 wonderful athletes who took part. Also congrats to Michael McEnery on receiving his Marathon Club Ireland 25th Marathon medal from his neighbour Cathy Quilter.

Michael McEnery getting his 25th medal from Cathy Quilter.

 

Having ran naked I can't tell you as yet what time I ran. Nor does it matter. I had a great time. The course was littered with stunning vista's and plentiful with great people. It was an absolute joy running this and all going well I will be back for this. This was number 43 for me in total and number 10 this year.

And I'll continue my naked running in 3 weeks time at the Cork City Marathon on Monday June 6th. Followers of this blog might know I'm a big fan of Cork as a City and it's Marathon is a must on my calendar.

Have a great day and as always it's miles with smiles,

Patte xxxxx

Race weekend. Or is it?

It's race weekend! Although race is a big word. When looking back I realise I have actually ran my last 3 events without a stopwatch and the Lakes of Killarney Marathon tomorrow morning will be number 4 in that series!

That means I'm really enjoying my running right now. It is not just about sport or times anymore, it is a lifestyle choice. It is about meeting like minded people who share our love of running. I feel privileged to have the ability of running multiple marathons in a year. Killarney will be number 10 this year and 43 in total. And I'm grateful for that.

As I have never ran this event there is a sense of anticipation heightened by the fact that I am travelling this afternoon and spending 2 nights in a B&B in the beautiful surrounds of Killarney National Park. We run 3 loops over Knockreer Hill to Ross Castle and Ross Island in the Park. I love that area!!!

I know lots of my MCI buddies are going and that makes it even more special. Here's to our 26.2 (and longer) lifestyle.

See yiz in Killarney or on this blog with a race report on Monday!!

Miles with Smiles,

Patte xxxxx

Great Limerick Run race report - One for the Club.

I'll keep the 'me' part simple. I ran my 42nd Marathon, number 9 of 2016 in 4h19m at the Great Limerick Run Marathon. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. And that was due to 2 things. 1- My love for running. 2- My friends in the large family that is Marathon Club Ireland.

I'm dedicating this one to the Club. It's all the small things we do for each other that makes the most difference.

We run in packs for mutual support.
We give each other lifts to start lines.
We share our life stories and everyone listens.
We collect numbers for each other when others have far to travel.
We offer free rooms in our house for people who have to travel far.
We hug the love and great spirit into each other.
We make cupcakes, soup and energy bars for each other.
We travel to far flung places like Killeigh, Craughwell and Tullaroan together.
We share pictures online.
We share hostel/hotel rooms.
We support each other when injury hits.
We offer up our own runs to get others over the line when needed.
We promote #inclusion for wheelchair assisted running families.
We achieve together!!

That list could be so much longer and exhaustive. My life changed when I joined Marathon Club Ireland. I found a family of people who will do all the above for one another in the blink of an eye.

Congrats this weekend to Paula Wright and Desmond Broaders on their 25th Marathon celebrations.
Thanks to Paula, Cathy, Michelle and Aiden for the company on race day.
Congrats to Sheila Masterson and Paula Bowes on huge PB's.
Thanks to Paula, Cathy, Michelle, Joe, Maura, Kasia, Mary, Maryse, Derek and Vincent for a great night out after the race.
Congrats and thanks to Angela Ross Ines for a speedy last 1.5 miles.
Congrats to Team Kerr, Team Noah and Team Murphy on successful races!!

 Paula's Angels with Lead vocalist Aiden!

 What a solid bunch to spend a Sunday morning running with!!

Paula Wright receiving her 25th Medal from Vincent Guthrie.

As I said, this one is for the Club. It's a privilege to be able to do all those small things together. Because all those small things together make us great Marathoners and even greater friends.

Miles with Smiles,

Patte xxxxx

Fatigue means time to reflect without blame.

It's been 2 weeks since the Ultra. And the body is still not fully recovered. I ran 10K on Monday, 8.5 miles on Wednesday, 7.2 miles on Friday evening followed Saturday morning by a 10.61 mile run. I could not get out for a run yesterday Sunday. My knee and groin strains are still there and my breathing during running was a tad heavier than normal.

Saying that the pace was still my usual training 8.30-8.45 min/mile. It's just that it seemed a little less easy. I also realised looking at my calendar I have just gone for 8 runs so far in April in 25 days. 2 of these runs were a Full Marathon and the 39.3 mile Ultra.

I reflected on this yesterday in the office as I am preparing for 5 races in May and June, 3 Full Marathons and 2 Ultra's.

First of all I accepted that nothing went wrong and I didn't need fixing. This is often people's starting point for reflection. Fix what is wrong. Play the blame game. I knew nothing had gone wrong as I completed both races I set out to do in April.

So what did I need to change? Doing less running is not an option. :) Doing more running is my preferred option. So what got me tired? Well the ultra was energy sapping because of the weather conditions. I had to literally empty the tank 2 weeks ago to just finish.

Then I looked at my diary for the last 2 weeks. Immediately upon my return from Connemara I had a day full of client meetings. Then I had 3 full days of giving training. That's standing up in a training room and walking around all day. On Saturday I spoke in Thomond Park, standing around all day and on Sunday I attended a Mental Health fair in Limerick Milk Market, standing all day.

Ideal recovery?? :)

Anyway this will happen again so I can't stop doing that either.

What can I control? Nutrition, sleep patterns and adding a full recovery day off my feet after a race.

That's it. It's that simple. It took a review however rather than a blaming exercise.

So that's the lesson. Regardless of what you do. Review without blame and take simple actions to make things better.

Better Nutrition, 8 hours sleep/day and 1 full day recovery sessions planned after each race.

Next up in 6 days is the Barrington's Hospital Great Limerick Run Marathon. Marathon or Ultra Race number 9 this year, number 42 in total. #50at50 I'm taking it easy running this as a training run.

Miles with smiles,

Patte xxxxx

Phase 1 complete, Phase 2 initiate!

'But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!'

Roberts Burns certainly had a way with words when he wrote his 'Tae a Moose' poem in 1785. And yes, he was right. Of all the plans made by all the people in the world, most don't end up working out as expected. Even though they don't necessarily all end in grief and pain!

There was no Phase 1, 2 & 3 for my running in 2016. But it ended up that way. Connemara Ultra was supposed to be my 5th race of 2016, it became my 8th.

I have mentioned before I'm getting quite good at listening to my body and getting the mind to control it better. I knew deep down I was ready for the Ultra despite some professional advice to the contrary. And despite the weather system's best efforts I made it through the race faster than expected.

I knew I needed a break now, so I took one. Full week without running. What made it easier was that I was really, really busy last week. That helps. Doing one thing I truly love doing doesn't allow time for missing the other thing I love doing so much. Went back to training last night. Lovely.

The intention and direction haven't changed, just my reaction to events and adapting to whatever happens in the moment. So Phase 1 was closed off with 8 Races completed. 7 Marathons (including a first Back to Back) and 1 Ultra.

Time for Phase 2 which as it stands runs until September 4th. (Hols for 2 weeks on the 5th). Though I love running year round, Summer is my lower preference season. I prefer hilly runs in rain and colder weather.

Anyway between now and the end of May I have 'just' 2 Marathons booked. The Great Limerick Run Marathon on May 1st and the Lakes of Killarney Marathon on May 14th. Nice and easy start to the Phase getting me to 10 races for 2016 and 43 overall.

 

Next UP!!! On May 1st, on Home Turf!!

 

 

These plans can be fluid as I live in the moment more consciously now. This in the Now living is responsible for the extra 3 races in Phase 1. So with apologies to Mr. Burns, I'm Living in the Now and I'm hooked :)

Miles with Smiles

Patte xxxx

Connemarathon Ultra Race report.

Connemara was my 2nd Marathon ever in 2010 after Dublin 2008. Dublin Marathon don't have an Ultra option so it had to be Connemara. Also because of the breath-taking scenery which seen on foot is even more spectacular. And I had ran 40 Marathons previous to this so an added challenge would spice things up nicely. And 39.3 miles sounds like a real Ultra challenge :)

Collected the number in Galway on Saturday Lunchtime and had an 'unhealthy' Lunch of chips, beans and sausages. I know what works for me. Headed of to the B&B I used the last 2 years for the Connemarathon Full. Waterfall Lodge just outside Oughterard is a gem of a B&B. And Oughterard has been Connemarathon race central for me for all 5 races there to date. (1 Half, 3 Full and now 1 Ultra).

Nice meal in the Boat Inn and then to the leaba for a 6am rise. Breakfast at 6.30am as the B&B owners got up specially for it!! Left at 7am to get on the bus at Oughterard GAA pitch at 7.30am. Met Francy, Marie and Kevin from MCI on the bus and had a nice chat with Francy all the way to Maam Cross for bag drop, briefing and transport to race start.

Connemarathon allows the Ultra runners to drop 3 bags with their own food at any of the water stations. I chose 19, 29 & 35 miles for my bags stuffed with Jaffa Cakes, bottles of flat Coke, Bananas, salted crisps and Bounty bars. I also wore a Flipbelt (get one if you run long distance they are super) with sweets and a nutrition bar.

Race briefing at 8.15am. Roads are open for first 26 miles so run on left. And Enjoy!! (Didn't hear the rest as the mind was racing).

At the Race briefing with R to L Marie Chapman, Francy McManus and Mirko Warnke. (Picture Marie Chapman)

 

We were bussed 1 mile or so back up the Hell of the West for our start. When getting off the bus the cold and wind hit us. Hoy!! That wasn't in the plan :) We started at 9. Settled into a slow rhythm and got a nice surprise seeing so many MCI members at Peacock's Hotel after 1 mile shouting encouragements. Thanks to you all!

At mile 1 with Fleur Forbes (Caption and picture Cathy Quilter)

Found myself running with Fleur Forbes, fellow MCI member and fellow first time Ultra runner. We shared our stories, encouragements and met with 2 other ladies from Kildare and 2 lads from Italy. The Italian boys ran for one of their friends who had won the Ultra twice and had developed cancer. They were going to stop for a pint in Leenane at Mile 26 to honour him. Nice story.

We chatted on and the first 10 miles were dry, pleasant, nearly effortless and with wind in the back. Then we turned right into the Inagh Valley and it was like being hit by a 40 ton truck. The wind was merciless and started to mix with driving rain and later sleet and hail. We got through this to Mile 13 where I lost track with Fleur after a water station. I remember saying 'you will catch up' as she had a food parcel there and I didn't want to stand still in the cold rain and wind. Thanks Fleur for the company on those 13 miles. It was pleasant conversation and made the miles disappear!

I'm going to keep it simple. From there on the weather got progressively worse all the way to Mile 33-34.

Because of my groin injury I had left my watch in the bag at the start and was running on feeling. There were 2 time cut offs at mile 13 (2.5 hours) & 26 (5.5 hours). Before the weather hit us I was pretty confident of making those so decided to run watch free and stop me fretting about times. This definitely worked. I love running without a watch and have ran some of my best races like that. I made Mile 13 in 2H12 and Mile 26 in 4H35 despite the conditions.

We turned up the Hill in Leenane at mile 26 and I was running fine even though the last 13 miles had been energy thieves. At around Mile 28 the conditions went apocalyptic. At least that's how it felt. We were running head into a gale force wind which for fun effect combined its force with combinations of ice cold rain, sleet and hailstones. The Brussels Marathon buff I wore in honour of those who died in the recent attacks was a lifesaver keeping my head protected.

I started shivering and shaking uncontrollably. I started getting muscle pains in my upper arms from shaking. I felt my energy flow out of my body and at the water stop at Mile 29 (the only unmanned one all day yet it would have been inhumane to let someone stand there), I could hardly open my food parcel as the table it was on blew over and flew 10 or so yards away against a pole. This was crazy stuff. I felt very low and thought briefly of quitting there and then out of pure self preservation. There were ambulances driving up and down the course at this stage.

Then the words came to me. Words I have said so often to myself. 3 Words. Words I got from Gerry Duffy in one of his books. 'Control the Controllables'. Right, what can I control? Not the weather, not the temperature, no change of clothes, no protection from the wind in an open valley.

I often say to clients that the answer is most times inside self. That came to me too. What inside you can you use for control? I was literally standing still in the middle of the road with my back turned to hail and wind, shaking like a leaf when these thoughts occurred.

Light bulb. My breath! I can control my breath. Move forward Patrick and concentrate all you are on your breathing. I started walking and breathing consciously. Within 5 minutes I started to breathe slower and slower and my body temperature seemed to regulate itself. The shaking and shivering disappeared and my mind cleared itself of the problems that were external factors. By mile 32 I was jogging again and jogged/walked all the way over the Hell of the West climb to the finish line at Maam Cross in 7H36M33S.

First Ultra done. Definitely up for more!

 

First Ultra done. In horrible weather conditions. I'm an ultra runner. 8 years ago my first run was 0.75 miles and I had to walk back home after that. This was my 41st race at Marathon distance or longer.

Because I can, because I love running, because it is fun, because I enjoy it, because my body allows me.

My feeling 24 hours later? Achievement, Self Pride and Hope I can do this more often!

Sincere thanks to the Organisation, Marshalls, Volunteers, Ambulance crews and Gardaí who kept us safe doing what we love most in horrendous weather conditions. I salute you all!

Next?? Great Limerick Run Marathon on May 1st for number 42. Oh and I'm booking my 2nd Ultra this week. Portumna 50K on June 11th. I'm hooked. Thanks Connemara!!

Miles with Smiles,

Patte xxx