Still Crazy After All These Years

 Yep, that's definitely me - Crazy.  

Any cursory glance here will see that I seem to only post once a year. That's mainly due to the fact that there has been little to write about regarding any ramblings about running. Those who know me, are well aware of the issues surrounding my health over the past few years - Thankfully, although carrying a few minor side effects, my health is pretty good for someone on a pension, having managed a full working life (no snide comments about work please!) - So, that's not really been an excuse I can continue with.

What has been the real reason for my lack of "real" running, or comments thereon, over the last year or so? Being brutally honest, it's a combination of laziness and when I do run, frustration at my inability to run anywhere near as fast as I was running before 2018 - generally struggling even to run 1km under 6 minutes, and I don't mean in a 5K or 10K race, I mean just 1Km - Mentally it has had me struggling and feeling embarrassed, with myself, at how slow I am - that plodder on the pavement - Totally irrational I know, but after a few runs with little improvement, I have returned to the Couch, "5K to Couch" rather than the other way around!

Well, as they say, or did many years ago in Music Halls, a "Funny Thing Happened To Me On The Way to the Forum",  or rather heading back from my 2Km run this morning, I had a Flash of Self-Belief. I realised that while my head still thinks of me as being in my 30's, my body has come to terms, and sent a message to my brain, that it's now 67, nearly 68, and showing it, so don't go out feeling crap that you can't run sub 5 minute pace, just go out there and say "Thank Goodness You Can Still Run At All" - many of my age, with my health record or without, can't run at all. So here I am, back posting here, at least for now, and with plenty of running, even slowly, still in my legs, and NOW in my head too.

Part of this change in process came about, as ever, when cheering on friends and my son, Liam Og, in the Dublin Marathon a few weeks ago, and then sitting at the computer and entering the lottery for next years event - And then actually obtaining a place for October 2026....   Given my longest run in 2025 has been 5Km, and not many of those, a steep hill to climb. So what to do about it.....

Given I'm retired these days, it's easy to spend more time away from home, and with my better half Paula able to work anywhere with an Internet connection, few problems on location come about. With Paula being originally from Argentina, and with us having an apartment there, (or here as I am writing this from Crucecita where we are presently), it makes sense to spend the summer in the Southern Hemisphere, escaping an Irish Winter (and spring too!), and using the far more runner friendly climate to my advantage, I have started on the first steps to DCM26 - So far only two runs of 2Km this week, but today's run felt the same as the first on Monday, but some 16 seconds quicker without noticing! 

Now I don't expect that having the sun on my back, short sleeves and shorts throughout January and February, and carrying on until returning home in May, will have me back running sub 5 minute Kms before long, that realistic Brain Defrost still hopes I can be running happily under 6 minutes per km for far more than 2Kms by the time I get home - Time will tell - Laziness may kick in from time to time, but No More Excuses, No More Embarressment in my Head - Yes, I still feel I'm 35 at times, at least mentally, but I'm probably more determined now at 67 than back then - I have ALWAYS been a Little Crazy, and now I'll prove it, by setting my target for DCM26 as close to 4 hours as I can, hopefully 3:59:59 - Yep, Still Crazy After All These Years........

Parkrun Number 100....

Yep, it took a while, but I made it today - 

Today was my 100th parkrun. Having had a hamstring strain for the past few weeks, with limited running, today was all about completing the 100 with friends and family, with the time being irrelevant. Took a walk break up the hill on this course, along with a couple of other breather breaks, but kicked to the finish line, perhaps unwisely with the hamstring, but had to be done. and grateful to my friends for the Cake and the lovely wine that they presented to me to celebrate. 

The Cake that my friends presented to celebrate. 

The road to parkrun 100

Following my post on FB regarding my impending 100th parkrun - doesn't sound particularly interesting, but overall, once you know the reasons why it's taken so long to hit 100, given 20 years of parkrun, it may be of interest. parkrun Ireland asked me to elaborate, and I have written this for them, but in order to save it all, I post it here to remind me, and others, of the journey so far....  

I was living in Argentina when parkrun started, and listened to Tom Williams and Martin Yelling extolling the news of this wonderful new addition to the running scene. I had been a relatively serious club runner for 25 plus years, but naturally, as age progresses, speed tends to leave the legs, and running had become more for fun and exercise, than competition. Upon my return to Ireland, I signed up and ran my first parkrun at Wallace Park in Lisburn in August 2013, and really enjoyed the buzz. The following year, back in Dublin, I built on that love affair with parkrun, and started to become a regular attender, either running or volunteering when other commitments allowed. This continued and by February 2017 I had racked up my 50 and a red t-shirt was proudly being worn. 

At every opportunity on Social Media I praised parkrun, and wrote a regular Saturday morning motivational scribble on a Running Groups FB page (The Runners Support Page), getting many people to get out of bed and get to their local parkrun, and exercise. Things were going along nicely, and I was working my way towards 100 runs and 25 volunteer when a Bombshell occurred! A regular health check up offered by my GP, including a colonoscopy, given my impending 60th birthday showed that I had "acquired" a cancerous tumour in my colon, that needed dealing with. Obviously this was tough to here, and surgery was the course of action in this case, and in January 2018 I had surgery to remove the tumour, and 15cm of my colon, resulting in a stoma & "temporary" ileostomy bag being fitted. I was determined to recover from this, and with World Cancer Day taking place on Feb 3rd 2018, I returned to parkrun as the Volunteer Tailwalker that day, supported by many friends, at Poolbeg parkrun in Dublin, just 4 weeks after the surgery. It was a little longer before I was able to run again, but later that year I returned to parkrun and started to get nearer to that 100 run mark. Then, another Bombshell - When they "temporary" bag was removed in April 2019, I found it very difficult to adjust and was unable to run at all, with weight increasing and fitness levels at an all time low. Then COVID happened, and we all know that meant parkrun was suspended, and time moved on.

As the COVID issues were lifted by the summer of 2022, I had managed to start running again without problems arising, and was looking forward to getting back into some form of shape to be able to go running again, and then BOMBSHELL #2 - A slight tickle in my throat saw a visit to the doctor, who sent me to a consultant, and after examination by camera etc., a Stage 4, thankfully static and small, tumour was located at the base of the tongue, top of the throat. This was hard to take on board, totally unrelated to my previous Cancer, and in many ways more serious. The course of action here was Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, and in November 2022 I commenced the treatment. Suffice to say, as others who have gone through similar will appreciate, this was very unpleasant, albeit necessary, and very painful. I was on a liquid only diet for over 3 months, lost 30% of my body weight, from 100Kgs down to 70Kgs (I don't recommend the diet), with muscle atrophy making me feel, and look, even worse. All through the harrowing process, I was determined to win the battle, and made a pledge that I would get back to running and get back to parkrun and beyond. 

2023 was a year of recovery, and gradually getting back to a level of fitness to enable me to start running again, slowly, very slowly, and in April this year, I returned to Poolbeg and completed my 93rd run, some 5 years plus since my 92nd. I never lost sight of my goal to return to running, and to parkrun specifically. It was always the light at the end of the tunnel, and the goal of reaching 100 parkrun will be achieved on September 14th at Poolbeg again. Thankfully, as I write this, I am Showing Clear of Both Cancers, and although I will continue with regular checks for a few years yet, I really hope there is nothing else lurking in my body, and that the road to 200 will be a lot easier, and quicker. 

Irish Runner 5K

First actual "race" of the year, after my parkrun last month. In between I have had a chest infection which excluded me from running for four weeks, so I ran today with little expectation, and a hope that I would be under 32:30 (6:30 pace). Started well, and managed to stay under that 6:30 average for my splits for the first 3K - Nice hill between 3 and 4 slowed me down, along with a couple of walk breaks, but still managed to come home over a minute inside my "hope" time - So happy with that, and plenty of scope for improvement over the summer. 

Run In The Dark 5K - The First Back

 

Was it nerves, was it anxiety? I don't know for sure, but Tuesday night, I was trembling as I walked from home down to Dublin Dockland. This was it - My first time back as, loosely, a runner - a racer! yes, it was to be an actual Race Event - The Dublin Run In The Dark 5k - A great charity event, and one I have taken part in, in years gone by. But, for me, it's been a while. I won't bore readers with my history, but my last "Race" was the Raheny Shamrock 5m in January 2019, and a heck of a lot of water had travelled down the Liffey and under many bridges since then - But here we were - I was walking down to the Gathering, and was about to re-enter the world of Taking Part - Yes, I was nervous, yes I was anxious, and boy was I trembling.

OK - Let me be honest, I had no conception of what I could do on the night. My limited re-training, has been just that - limited. In my head, I wanted to run 25 minutes- Yeh! - Why not? - That's what I was running back in 2016/17 - I can do that - Can't I? - Well, that was my head, the bit of my head that lives in dream world. Thankfully, these days, I'm realistic about what I am able for - I was looking at somewhere between 33 and 35 minutes - Times that would have seemed pedestrian to me, only a few short years ago, but today, seemed just attainable, if things went well. My fingers, and toes were crossed.

I met up with a few friends from my Rin & Beers Running Group before the race, and despite the name of the Group, they are all good runners, with their own goals, all superior to mine, with the one exception, we all wanted to do well. There were a lot of people milling around the start line at the Point (3 arena), and I said goodbye to my friends as I lined up near the back of the starting pens - I knew my limitations...  It was chilly, people were chatting with their pals - My nerves were getting to me - Why? I have raced so many times over nearly 40 years - why was I so tense as we waited?

Finally - We were off - A mass crowd strung out across the narrow road before we hit the Riverside, and a little bit of space. I knew I needed to keep the pace easy - I tagged onto "The Pony" - an old trait from Marathon days years ago - Catch someone running a similar pace, latch on behind, focus on them rather than yourself, and follow that Pony (For those still not comprehending, it's a Pony Tail of a runner ahead, 95% of the time female, and it helps to follow a swishing tail, taking the focus of yourself - probably not woke in 2023, but give me a break, it''s been a while!).

I stayed with "My Pony" through a tough first Km, - almost 7 minutes! Oh No! - The second Km was more productive, still with my fellow runner, and this time, the rhythm had set in, and I was feeling more comfortable, faster - 6.29 - Easing in...

We crossed the river, back into territory well known to me, having lived in this part of the City between 2006 and 2009 - on towards The Ferryman. my old local, and a HUGE shout-out for Jane, one of our Running Group, spectating their - It certainly gave me a HUGE boost, 3 km next up, 6.13 - I was feeling good - Keep it going - The long drag down John Rogerson Quay - The Sharp Turnabout Hairpin, back along the River - and 4 km - YES! 6.07 - I was heading for under 33 - And now, into unchartered territory - Post 4km outside... Would I survive?

I have (had) a tendency during the later stretch of a long training run, or even a marathon, to count out the strides, knowing how many strides constitute 50m, 100m, am I getting near the finish - Not something I can recall using in a 5Km Race, but I was doing it now! - And it worked - it took my mind off the fact that my legs were starting to feel the run - As I said at the start - It's been a while - But, I dug in... I can do this - I really can - I was nearly in tears as I turned off the quays - the finish line in sight, although why wasn't it getting nearer? It seemed an age, and my ancient (and under-trained) legs couldn't kick any faster, but after what seemed an age, the Finish Gantry was there _ I had done it - I had finished ! - My first Finish Line in 58 months - It was complete. - 

Officially, my time was 32:04 - that last Km on my watch was 6:01 - I finished 1093 out of 2105, but I don't really care, where, or even when - I finished - Thank you body for not giving up on me - Fingers, and toes, crossed, the first of many more to come - 

Base Run

 Every time I have been out of the game for a while, upon my return, I like to run a short base test to gauge where I am starting from, and use this from time to time to see what progress, or lack thereof, I am making. For the past 8 years or so, this has been a lap around the block, across from my home in Rathmines. Its a square block of 1.12kms, starting off with a gentle incline for the first 300m before levelling out for 100m, with another small rise, before turning into the third section which is a slight downhill, reversing the gain in the early stage, and finally turning for home, with a dip in the last 25m to the finish.

This morning I ran this in 6:44, a pace a shade over 6m per Km., and surprisingly when I look back, this is the best "Initial" gauge run in recent years. I didn't feel as if I was overstraining, or pushing things at all. I actually felt very comfortable at this pace, which is somewhat surprising, given the lack of sustained running since my ills. 

I won't be taking anything for granted, but pleased with this mornings effort, and here's to a bright future. My entry to the lottery for next year's Dublin Marathon has been made, I'll know by the end of this month, fingers crossed (I think!). I will plan races through 2024 at varying intervals, not going mad, but the one target that will always take precedence will be the Marthon and that Sub 4 hour run. A long way to go from here, but as a certain Chines Proverb paraphrased to - "The journey of 42.195km starts here" 

Remember Me ?

I'm sure that nobody is reading this, but that's not the point of me writing today, but if you are, I hope you stay for the journey, at least to the end of this post. 

 Today, November 1st 2023, marks the 1st Anniversary of my Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy commencing as I fought against Cancer for the 2nd time in the last 6 years, and a time to reflect, and strike out, going forward. The first "issue" being bowel cancer back in 2017/18, already well documented, but when I was diagnosed with the Tongue/Throat Cancer in September 2022, it was a different kettle of fish. I could understand an operation, cutting the tumour out, along with 15cm of the bowel, and while it wasn't easy, the effects on my lifestyle were relatively minimal. The Chemo and Radiotherapy (35 sessions) were a totally different situation, and took a heck of a lot out of my body, and even my spirit. The sickness, the inability to eat solid food for three months, ending up in hospital on more than one occassion, were tough, on me and my family. In the end, I came through it, and after 5 long months, in March I was given the All Clear - No cancer was showing on the scans - I had come through it again. 

 This time, while I was clear, there were side effects, which are still lingering twelve months later. My taste buds have not fully recovered, although improving. I still suffer from an inability to create adequate saliva, resulting in dry mouth, which is extremely unpleasant, but I'm hoping that will clear up in the next twelve months or so. On the plus side, if you can have such a thing, I lost 25kgs in weight during my treatment, although I don't recommend the diet - Tiredness has been an issue too, although those effects are fading. 

 The most important thing is I want, I might even say NEED, to get back running again. It should be easy, given I'm so much lighter than a few years ago. And this is why I am posting this, and aiming to get back in the saddle - I was always one to set ambitious goals - Aiming for the stars - And why not - It's better to try and fail, rather than wonder what if? So, here we are, a few days after once again spectating at the Dublin Marathon, feeling the buzz of the crowd, the agony and ecstasy of the runners, the joy of seeing old friends out on the road, not to mention even the joy of getting soaked cheering strangers on. 

So what are the goals. 

  Short Term: Back out running with my Wednesday Night "Run & Beers" Group - That starts TONIGHT 

  Medium Term: Parkrun, to get back to taking part on Saturday mornings in the 5Km Parkruns - Slightly more complicated as I now work on Saturday's, but I will overcome that, no excuses. I'm also giving myself a Target of running 25 minutes by next summer, if not before, we shall see. I also have the little matter of the Run In The Dark on Nov 14th which I entered a few weeks back, but that will be treated more as a fun evening, as I will not be 10K ready by then. 

  2024 Goals: Well, I have my entry already in for the Dingle Half Marathon on September 7th next year, and come Thursday I will be putting my name in the "hat" for the Dublin City Marathon 2024 - And those Stars I am aiming for, well, my goal is to run this in under 4 hours - I said I was ambitious. My first aim for 2024 will be the Raheny 5 in the New Year, and I'm sure there will be a few other stepping stones on the way. 

The journey back starts here. 

No better day to set off than that 1st anniversary - A year I can write off as a blip, and move forward, with new strength, new life, and a new purpose - Hope you come along for the ride if you are reading this - Otherwise, this will simply be my personal chronicle of the journey, that's OK - It has always helped me to write about life, the good and the bad - let's hope that in the next twelve months it's more of the former.

End of the Year Scribble - Here's hoping 2020 is Way Better

OK, it's not Saturday morning, but, as it's the end of the year, I thought I do a Scribble anyway. It's a time to reflect on the year gone by, and look forward to the year ahead, planning what we hope for.

Personally it's been a very mixed year. My own running has been virtually non existant, due to my surgery in April, and the lengthy recovery process. On the plus side, despite the time involved, after two years of worry, I'm Cancer Free, and can look forward to 2020 in a positive way, and aim to be back on the running scene in January, having signed up for the Lord Mayors Challenge to restart.

One of the things I have loved during the year has been seeing the posts from folk on here as their running lives have developed. I won't embarrass anyone by naming names, but it is a joy to see how fellow runners, friends, have enjoyed their running, improved and become more confident in their own abilities. Continue on into 2020 and beyond.

Having been sidelined all year myself, I empathise with those still struggling to recover from injury, illness, or, as in my case too, the onset of older age catching up with us. Here's hoping we can all get back to what we love to do over the next 366 days, Yes We Can.

Sadly the last week of the year saw the news that a friend, and local runner lost her life tragically, and a dear friend of mine on the other side of the world in Argentina, also a runner, died after a short illness on Saturday past. The world will be worse off for both losses.

Finally, let me sign off by wishing everyone here a Happy New Year. If you're running on New Years Day, it's still OK to raise a glass to the turn of the year tonight. Never forget that we do this for fun, no need to head to bed at 10 o'clock and miss the festivities, running should be part of our lives, not all consuming.

I'm still on holiday for a few more days, enduring the heat (38C) in Buenos Aires, but looking forward to joining you all on the roads and trails of an Irish January next week and beyond. I look forward to catching up with old friends, and New, in 2020 at races, parkruns and even on the streets of Dublin. Have a great time tonight, and an even better 2020, and quite simply, whatever your goals for the New Year, go for them, and of course...... ENJOY!

Scribble Time - Saturday 9th November 2019

Good morning all, Happy #parkrunday. Yes, these Saturdays come around quickly don't they? The DCM40 is now in the dim and distant past, and hopefully those that ran the streets od Dublin are now fully recovered from their neck pains, having worn their medal for these past two weeks 😂... With pride of course..

So, getting back to normal, and thoughts turned to what's next. Maybe it's time to just relax a bit, enjoy a non specific training block of running, take in a #parkrun or two over the next few weeks and simply run for fun. With Christmas around the corner, and all that brings with it, don't just hang up your runners until the New Year, but equally, no need to be overdoing things either. Just enjoy your running, with no pressure for a few weeks.

One thing I'd like to mention this week is aimed at new runners, as well as those of us who have been around a while. From time to time, we see posts asking as to which pair of runners is best? Or, something along the lines of, "I'm getting a niggle with the new version of xyz runners, which companies new shoe should I change to?"..... Along come the answers, based on individual preferences, all well intentioned, but can be the worst possible information for someone else. We are all different, our feet, our style of running, our weight, even our age. What works for one, can be a disaster for others...

So, please, if you feel your tried and tested shoe has changed, and you are thinking of something new, go to a running shop. Get yourself checked, talk to the experts, explain what type of athlete you are, what you are aiming for. Don't risk injury by simply taking "advice" from a friend on here who swears by the new jkl23 shoe. Not only that, runners aren't cheap, buy a pair that you can't run in after a week and you're out of pocket by a tidy sum, and you still need to go back and buy another pair.

Anyway, enough of my rant. Good running this weekend, with the Remembrance Run taking centre stage in Dublin, a good way to remember friends and family no longer with us along the road. Wherever you may be running this week, long or short, always remember to smile, say Hi to a fellow runner you pass and always, always, have fun out there, ENJOY...

357 Days to #DCM2020 - Yes, I'm back - My Saturday Scribble - Nov 2nd 2019...

Well, it's Saturday, and by now, those 35,000 odd legs that travelled around Dublin last Sunday, should be getting back to normal. With all the hype about the lottery and entry for next years #DCM2020 that's been going on this week, we can easily forget that there are a lot of other races, runs, trails, cross country and #parkruns that take place all year round, not just on the Bank Holiday Weekend every October. So, why not think positively about them, aim in the short term, look at the obvious, #parkrun, they are a lot easier to run than a marathon, and can be just as much fun (without the threat of not being able to get down stairs the next day!).

But I know, that many will have already forked out there entry fee for #DCM2020, myself included, and it's only 358 days to the start - So, should we be thinking that far ahead? The simple answer is NO. Of course, having paid your 93 euro, it's a;ready in the back (or front) of your mind, but first and foremost, if you ran last weekend, is getting back gently into running. A rest is a good thing after a marathon, especially if it was your first, but that doesn't have to mean feet up until Xmas, and think about starting again once the New Year arrives, and those extra kilos of turkey and ham will fall off .... No, it means easy running, gentle, maybe a parkrun or two, possibly one of the many races coming up in November, and in the run up to Xmas.

Time to refocus, think off priorities, be they family, be they a spring marathon, or something simpler. there is plenty of time to think about DCM2020 come Easter. one BIG advantage for 2020 is that you get ONE extra Day to prepare, could make all the difference, yes, next year has a Feb 29th - so, no excuses of not enough time, you get a whole extra 24 hours :)...

It was an absolute delight for me to see so many of you on route last Sunday - Hugs a plenty, along with Hi Fives and Shout Outs as you passed me with just 1Km to go. That was my fifth year there in the past six (I ran DCM in 2016), but next year, come hell or high water, I will have to leave a cardboard cut-out of myself at that spot, as I will be running the event. You all know why I haven't been able to do so in the last couple of years, but, that is almost all behind me, and while I wrote above about not looking so far ahead for #DCM2020 just yet, I'm not listening to my own advice, as it is my focus for the next 357 days, 22 hours, 29 minutes and 30 seconds (as I type this) - Yes, I'm sad, I have a Countdown Clock set up already.......

But there will be a lot of steps along the way, and I hope you can join me on some, and I am so looking forward to getting back to races, catching up with old friends and making new ones along the way - One thing is for sure, I'm going to be out there, smiling, and you know what, I'm going to do with every step, ENJOY!!!

Saturday Scribble - Oct 26th 2019 - The Dublin City Marathon #40

Well, this is it! The weekend of DCM40. For many, the culmination of many months of early morning run, family sacrifices, black toes, weekends being planned around long runs, and hard work. And all for a trot around the City of Dublin for a piece of metal, and a t shirt.... But of course, it's far more than that.....

We all have our different reasons for signing up, training, and taking part. Whatever yours was, whether it's your first time, or your 101st, the hard work is all over, and by Monday, you will be back to normal, well, apart from the sore legs, and the inability to get down the stairs 😂.

With 24 hours left before the big day the nerves kick in, so how should you spend these hours of nervous energy? If you have to go the expo today, don't spend hours there walking around. Get in, get your number, yes, take a look at the stands, pick up a few freebies, but today is not the day to be on your feet, leave that for tomorrow. Not the best day to go sightseeing if Dublin is unfamiliar to you, best to save that for another time. You'll see quite a lot of the City tomorrow......

No, today is about taking it easy. Personally, I like to put on my runners the day before the big one, get out, and JOG, a very easy couple of miles, just to ease the nerves, release some of that nervous energy, it's always helped me. By late afternoon, early evening, it's time to eat your last meal, the pre marathon gourge.. WAIT, NO, don't gourge, eat normally. Yes, it's a good idea to take on carbs, pasta was my fave, but don't eat anything new to the system, stick to tried and tested foods. Don't over do it.

Try and get to bed at a normal time. You won't sleep too well, rare that anyone does the night before. Remember the clocks go back, so you get an extra hour to be restless 😁. Lay out your kit before hitting the sack, be prepared, no last minute glitches, and set the alarm to make sure you're not rushing in the morning.

Breakfast should be arranged. Again, don't take anything unfamiliar, you should know what you need, and what you can eat before a long run by now, so don't go mad. For me, it was a bagel, yoghurt and banana, for many, it's porridge, but don't overdo it. Most importantly, hydrate. Bríng a bottle of water with you to the start line, sip as you wait, nice, easy sips, and once the race starts, always take on a small amount of water at each feed station. Remember, if you start to feel thirsty, it's too late.

One last thing to remember.. Stick to your plan. Hardest thing is to run slow, the buzz of the crowd, your fellow runners etc., will make the first few miles seem very easy, but keep a close eye on your pace, keep it steady, you have a long way to go.

Friends, family, and total strangers will cheer you, carry you along. When you get to see me, it's the home straight, 1 km to go, you really are Nearly There... I'll be trying to give everyone a shout out, a Hi 5, a hug if needed, but sadly, no donkey backs, those final meters are yours to ENJOY.... Good Luck to everyone... You've got this......

#DCM40 minus One week - Saturday thoughts

The time is fast approaching - Where has the last six months gone? Yes, just a week left for all who have been training, preparing, agonising, but, its the last weekend before the big day.... Sunday 27th October - The day the clocks go back..

Oh yes, something else is happening next Sunday, the little matter of a run around Dublin for many friends here on #RSP. So, aside from biting nails, staying away from any members of the family with even the slightest sniffle, wrapping yourself up in bubble warp to avoid any chance of an injury, what should you do in the last week prior to the big race?

My advice, just go about life normally. Of course you should be on taper mode, which doesn't mean doing nothing, just don't do anything too intensively. All the hard work has been done, or at least should have been. You are not going to make up for any lost training in the last seven days, don't panic - YOU will be fine... A few easy runs this week to keep the legs ticking over - Get your plans in place for the weekend, pack your kit bag - Arrange where to meet your loved ones after the race - (May I suggest McGrattans Pub for refreshment after the run) -

One thing I used to do the week before a Marathon, was to go for a short run, maybe a race over 5 or 10K, and run it faster than marathon pace, NOT flat out at 5K pace. The idea is to get the legs feeling that they can turn over at a faster pace. Marathon pace training can get the body used to running relatively slowly, and muscle memory is important in running, so a faster than marathon pace run will remind those muscles that you can run quicker (don't go sprinting here!), so when you run the marathon next week, the leg speed will feel easier.

So, if you are running #DCM40 next week, have a quiet, easy week, just a normal one. Don't eat anything off the wall, stick to your normal routine, and DON'T PANIC - You've done the hard work, look forward to it, tingle with excitement, and think about how you will feel when you reach Merrion Square next Sunday -

For those not doing the Marathon this year, or any year come to think of it, hope you have a great weekend too, maybe a #parkrun, maybe an easy run with friends, or maybe like me, you are sat in front of the box watching the rugby, still sidelined from injury or illness. Whatever you do this weekend, always remember, running is fun, or at least should be, and when we run, we should smile, say hello to fellow runners, and always, always ENJOY!

Saturday 21st September - And it's Saturday Scribble Time

Good morning everyone - Up bright and early today, for my other love - the Rugby, and Australia v Fiji to start the day. I'm sure I'm not the only one up this early today, but for many of you that are up, it's more likely you are getting ready for the Dublin Half Marathon this morning. Over the years I've run this one four times, usually in preparation for an autumn marathon, and I'm sure many of the sell out crowd will be using this as an indicator for DCM40 in just five weeks - Gulp! Yep, only 5 Weeks left.

I've said it before, but if you are targetting the 42 K next month, remember this is a stepping stone race, a warm up. Run to a plan today, get used to running in a large pack, get your hydration right, and don't over do things. Of course, many will have this race as their target, and have no thoughts of running the marathon, at least not this year. In that case, have a perfect run today, again, keep to your plan, don't set off too fast and blow up half way round, it's easy to get carried away with the crowd - remember this is your race, your target - run YOUR race...

Of course, the Dublin Half is not the only race this weekend, with the Belfast Half tomorrow (personally, not sure that's the best scheduling with the two capitals of our island having their premier halves the same weekend!), so if you are heading up North tomorrow, have a great one there. I also know a few intrepid travellers have headed over to France for the Run Disney Run with Mickey la Souris (leaving cert French was a long time ago!), and others have headed to Scotland for the Glasgow Half, so best of luck to all on the road.

Of course, not everyone reading this wants to be running long distances, and naturally enough, there are plenty of #parkrunie up and down the country to get you going, so if you are heading out to run, or volunteer this morning, have fun on this last Saturday of summer - Monday is the equinox and the official start of autumn.

Plenty happening this weekend, and as I write this, it's a beautiful sunrise, augurs well for your runs, and Fiji are leading at half time too! So, whether you are running in the Phoenix Park, or further afield, have a great weekend, and as ever, run with a smile, and ENJOY!

Saturday Scribble - August 31st, 2019 - The last days of Summer

Yep, it's the last day of August - Where has the year gone? And as summer comes to an end (Did we have one this year?), the clock starts to speed up its countdown to the Big Prize for many - DCM. Only 8 weeks away now, and the training should all be about getting fine tuned for the Bank Holiday Weekend on the East Coast.

You should be feeling worn out every day, at least, if you've been getting in the miles over July & August. If you haven't been able to stick to your plans, don't go mad and start trying to play catch up - Work away gradually over the next 7 weeks (note I say 7, the last week is for tapering), try and build up by no more than 10%, do NOT jump from, say, your longest run of 10 miles, to suddenly try and do a 20 miler, it will hurt, and will not benefit you come October.

Don't worry about that feeling of tiredness, keep with your plan, get those long runs in, but ensure you run them at the right speed - Don't leave your best Marathon on the streets of Drogheda, or Sandymount Strand, keep your Long Runs slow and steady, slower pace than you plan to run on Marathon Day, and believe in yourself - That's the most important part of running a Marathon, especially if its your first - Belief... You can do it.

I appreciate that not everyone is aiming for a Marathon, we are all at different stages of our running journeys. After my long lay off (and still missing in action, or inaction!), my target is to regain some fitness to be able to run a #parkrun, with my long run to be 3 km! We all have our own targets, so don't get put off by all the fantastic marathon posts, we all started somewhere, and for many the Marathon has never been a goal, the target can be any distance - Remember, its your Target.

I'll love you and leave you to go out running now, be it a training run, your local #parkrunie , a race around the island, or maybe a rest day today with a long run tomorrow. Wherever you may be in your running life, have fun, smile when you run, say hi as you pass a fellow runner on your trails, and remember, ENJOY!

Saturday Scribble - August 24th 2019

Better late than never today. Had a wee lie on this morning, and have a few things to get done today, none of which include running unfortunately. Little matter of the Ireland / England match this afternoon to fit in too - I know it's only a warm up game, but its Ireland v England, so always an edge to these games, even with nothing at stake.

I'll keep this weeks scribble short and sweet, and thoroughly recommend a read of my good friend Orna's post from yesterday an excellent piece of writing, and a wonderful insight into what you can achieve, rather than feel you are not able - Read it and go for it..

"Long Long Post: For what it's worth! I've noticed a few posts lately with an underlying if not obvious tone, of runners starting to doubt their ability to run their 1st of a distance. Everyone to their own but for what it's worth I started running in my 40s and never really put myself under pressure to rush into a race/time but I always knew I found it a bit easier than some others to reach said goals. That's not showing off, that's, I'm small/slim, some might say thin and it wasn't what some of you amazing runners have had to go through to get results. In saying that, I trained, if nothing else I'm very consistent and I'm sometimes a go for it kinda gal. My first race was a 5km in 2011 and my 1st official half was Dublin in 2015. The plan for the half was a sub 1:50...fast to some, not for many others, the point is, I don't think it was conservative for MY 1st.. Ppl will always suggest you enjoy your first of any distance and don't race, well I get it but if you prepare, if you think you can, I say go for it, it's still one of my proudest races (Thank you James forever for helping me get there) Same with my first marathon, train, believe in your plan and I can't emphasize enough believe in yourself, some guy/gal wrote the plan but your feckin' running it! Again I went for it and my first marathon is still my PB (not sure what that says 🤔) The reason I'm telling you my experiences is because it's confidence and self belief that for me got me results. I'm not the most dedicated runner and some times I'll go all gut busting out but lately I pace, it's rewarding in another way (and also a bit of a cop out) but it is what I'm enjoying right now with my running. On an end note: Fact: Training doesn't always go to plan, but plans are built to accommodate that Fact: We ALL have doubts but equally we ALL have each others corner. Fact: I for one am inspired by each and every post. Fact: #runnersareawesome x "


I was out on calls yesterday, and around the Dun Laoghaire area, and noted all the signs for road closures tomorrow due to the Ironman taking place. As someone who can't swim, (just never learned!- I know, terrible, but it is what it is), I've never aspired to moving onto the triathlon, running is tough enough without drowning and torture of a bike saddle, but I admire those that do, so best of luck to anyone taking part tomorrow, or setting their sights on taking up the challenges - Again, go for it....

So, a brief note this week, normal service will be resumed next week. Wherever you may be running, be it on road, treadmill, grass or mountainside, have fun out there, run with a smile, and as always ENJOY!

Saturday Scribble - August 17th 2019

How did THAT happen! It's Saturday again - Is it me, or do weekends come around quicker these days? OK, before you say it, YES, I'm getting old, and we all know time moves faster when your get older.. My 5K's that used to take 20 minutes, now take nearer 30 - It's not that I'm getting slower, or put in less effort, it's simple science - Time moves faster the older we get - Problem solved - It's Not Me!!!

Talking of time, just checked the Countdown Clock to DCM40 - 10 Weeks tomorrow - Hopefully for everyone hopeful of a good run come October, the training is going well, and your long runs are starting to add up. The hard work now will reap the dividends on the Bank Holiday weekend. It's always tough as the miles increase, especially if you train alone - It can be boring, tiring, even painful, but believe me, it will be worth it in the end.

As you know, I have been off the scene for the last few months, unable to run. AT the back of mind has been the DCM race, and would it be possible to get some level of fitness to enable me to take part this year. Well, if you have seen my posts this last couple of weeks, that dream is clearly over. I'm struggling to get past 2.5km, and even if things improved dramatically in the next few weeks, there is no way I am going to attempt 42 Km, even walk/running, with such a short time to go. Yes, it's difficult to pull out of an event you have wanted to take part in, but if you have missed a large bulk of your training, been injured, ill, or just not been able to put in the effort for other reasons this summer - Think carefully of your own participation - There is always another race, another opportunity, don't put yourself at risk of injury that will have you sidelined for a long time. Frustrating ? - Yes! - But despite that time moving faster, there will always be another time, when everything clicks into place.

Well, that got that off my chest. Hopefully if you've got this far, you're fit and healthy, and maybe heading out to your #parkrun, or maybe a race somewhere around the country - If so, best of luck this weekend, and if its another long run weekend, stay hydrated, keep the pace steady, no heroics on a training run, and most of all, when you get out there, remember to have fun out there, and ENJOY!

Wednesday 14th August - Short and not too sweet..

Still working on my stamina and breathing. Feeling laboured on this run, but it was a little quicker again than previous runs. A long way to go, but it has to be done. Managed a 2 km run, in 11:19, up to Rathgar and back down to Kenilworth Road. Cut it short at 2 Km, rather than run all the way to home.

Sunday and another run out....

Having just got started again, I had to take a few days break, as I was working at the Dublin Horse Show, and actually walked around 15km everyday of the week, so was shattered by the time I got home. But I got out this morning, and ran a good 2.5km loop, including the drag up to Rathgar, which is always a tough start to a run, 1km up the incline, its not steep, but its a long gradual climb. On the plus side, the second half of the run is a gradual downhill, so it balances out.

Feels like the Big Brother House - Day 4.....

Day 4. Switched up the route today, for a one lap run, with an up slope first half, and a nice down stretch on the second half. These slopes are very gentle, but a good test as I gently build up.

Saturday Scribble - August 3rd 2019

Each week I write a Saturday Scribble for a Running Page on Facebook I've been active in for a number of years. Might as well add it to my blog each week as well, for posterity... Here is this weeks edition..

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Good morning all, and Happy Holiday Weekend everyone. Yep, it's August already, and by now many people will be racking up the miles in training as DCM40 starts to really get into focus.

No need to panic yet, still plenty of time to hone those muscles, build up the cardio, and be in top shape come the next Holiday Weekend in October. I trust everyone's training has been going well, although I know some will be feeling niggles, thinking everything is going wrong, you've not got enough miles in the legs, etc, etc..

Seriously, don't panic.. If you've missed a few sessions, had to sit out a few days with a sore calf, tight hamstring, don't rush back, don't over do it, definitely don't try and play catch up and make up the missing miles... You'll be fine, and you'll cross that finishing line come October feeling fantastic, and if it's your first Marathon, you'll shed a wee tear as you do..

I'm well aware, especially where I stand in my running renewal, that not everyone is focused on DCM. Like me, many of you may be coming back to running from an enforced layoff, it may be a case of regaining the mojo having become disillusioned with running, and for others, you may have just started your running road.

For us, the targets may be very different. Simply getting out for a run can be tough. This week, I restarted, and I confess it was a struggle. I set a very conservative goal of running 2km, and managed it, but it was tough, and I'll be out again today, and my new goal, 2.25km. Very soft you might say, but, when you are starting up, or over, don't overdo it. Be realistic in what you can achieve. Set yourself goals, short and medium.. Don't worry about that long term goal, stick to today and tomorrow, the future will come... I've set a medium target of being back at #parkrun on the 17th, two weeks away, but today, it's 2.25 km, nothing more.

One thing about being out of the sport for so long, is that I'm not as up to date with races taking place up and down the country. As it's a Holiday Weekend I know that there will be lots of people lining up on the start line somewhere, so, wherever you may be running, be it a race, a trail, a tough training session with friends, or a 2.25km run close to home as you start over, or even your first run to the corner, always remember, we do this for fun, and ENJOY!