Miguel PdL

This is a tough one the Carers Association 10k Run Clonmel 2012, there’s a hill in the middle of this course that just seems to go on forever. I knew it this year though, and I think I broke it in the end.

The start line of the 2012 Clonmel Cares Association 10km

On my watch I finished at 45:46 and off the official timing sheet [xls] it was 45:50 on the clock but 45:46 off the tag. I placed 43rd out of 378 runners/joggers/walkers.

Overall I’m really happy with the run, and it was 1:39 quicker than last year.

An undulating course greeted me for the Danesdord 10km run. I was happy at the half way stage but by km 6 & 7 I faded away and even with a sprint in the final km only managed 43:45 (watch) with an official time of 43:46. Ok not my best time of the year, but then again not too far off my best of 43:30 from back in May. I placed 23rd out of 189 runners, walkers and strollers.

On a better note it was great to see Deirdre Uí Dhubhda there for her run which she completed with Meadbh (her dog) in tow.

Deirdre Uí Dhubhda running with Meabdh

I must say that was no mean feat !

Kilsheelan 10km, a photo by miguelpdl on Flickr.

Had a great run this morning in Kilsheelan (Tipperary, Ireland). Measured 43:12 on my watch and the time keeper shouted 43:13 as I crossed the line. Shaved 17 secs off my PB and I’m really happy with the event. I was hoping to break the 43 min barrier, but what the hell this was the best run of the year so far. Made a decision not to us the GPS tracker on this run, and I didn’t find it had too much of an effect as each KM was well marked along the route.

Having all the kiddos cheering at the end was fantastic too. Must say the after care in the town hall was just brillant as well.

After a great summer, were I kept up the training even in the searing heat of Spain, I’m back to race in the Piltown 10km. I was looking forward to this one as I lived for sometime in Piltown, and I even train on the bog road from time to time, so this was really a home town race.

Ok I must admit I was looking to even top my most recent result from my Stoneyford 10k, however as the race drew nearer, it was clear that that afternoon I would have to return directly from Belfast, and the 4.5 hour drive didn’t do much for my legs that’s for sure.

I made it to the start line in Kildalton College, it poured rain, but still there was a decent crowd there, and I think everyone just wanted the race to start and when it did, boy did everyone go for it, damn the first 2km was fast, too fast in fact I hit a small hill and blew a cylinder, from there on in I just couldn’t get into my stride.In fact looking at the charts the 6 km mark was my worst point.

I tried to up the tempo once I got onto the Bog road, but a few people caught me and even their encouragement didn’t move up my tempo.

Adidas miCoach track of the Piltown 10km

On the watch I clocked a time of 45:04 (although the GPS on the phone was a pain as it kept dropping out), and on the official timing sheets I was given a time of 44:47 and placed 80th out of 192.

I must say I left the race feeling disappointed I wanted to at least hit a personal best after all the training put in over the summer break, but on this occasion it wasn’t to be. However on reflection it was clear that this was a race, a real race as in there were very few walkers, joggers, hence the quick pace at the start, I shall learn from this. Onwards and upwards towards the race in Kilkenny in September., it’s obvious that some constant training is needed in the next few weeks.

Back to race pace again and this time in Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny and the Stoneyford 10km run.

The finish line at the Stoneyford 10km run

The first 2.5km was a bit funny as we ran up the street and then round some bails and down the street again and the crowd was a little too bunched to get around those bails, but once we hit that first hill the groups of people really got stretched out.

Nice course, well in fact it felt more down hill than up. The watch had me at 43:30 and from the results sheet [pdf] I had an official time of 43:35. Wow thats a personal best and some! I’m proud of that.

Adidas miCoach track of the Stoneyford 10km

I placed 39th out of 335 runners/walkers/strollers. Kate also helped with the counting of the finishers at the end.

The only sour note was in the final 2km spotting a chap being picked up by an ambulance. He was panned out on the road, completely out of breath.