Back in Oct 2017, I ran my third marathon down in Monaghan. I'd forgotten how demanding the forest park gets particularly on the 4th lap. The really bad weather stayed away; actually the light rain and cool conditions were almost perfect BUT the wind picked up gradually and there were sections out on the roads where the headwind almost brought you to a standstill. Not a negative split course; the steady climbs and inclines become like mini-mountains on the 3rd and 4th laps. So, it was 5.5 miles on the road, 4 loops in the forest (approx 19/20 miles) with a road section linking you back to the forest. PB's and 8.30 pace were left at the start and I just ran steady and soaked everything up. Persuaded a marshall at mile 5 to have a selfie with Mr Chicken!
Scared a few runners when it dawned on them they were being passed by a man in a chicken hat. The forest smelt divine, all damp leaves and pine. Swans on the lakes; donkeys in fields and bird song. Felt pleased with how I executed this marathon as I knew it would only get tougher as the miles ticked by. I probably lost 5 mins per lap and was running close to 10.00 pace at the end. Conditions did get worse with the very strong wind and I didn't have any sort of kick at the end but still very pleased with the run. Hats off to those who ran back-back marathons over the Sat and Sun. Only downside some chafing at the tops of my legs; a little soreness the following day but nothing unexpected. Hope to be back in 2018 - maybe for the back-back!. Some great pics on course...
OMAGH HM 7th April 2018
Not a great lead up to the race this year as I had tweaked my knee and the weather had been particularly awful through March. However, got to the start line and there were no mishaps this year - I didn't get locked in the portaloo - good start to the morning! Over the moon with my time and the way I executed the race especially with my niggly knee. It was a little sore during the warm-up and over the first 2 miles BUT then all pain was gone and I had no issues for the remainder of the race. I still held back a little as I didn't want to risk any lasting damage.I hit mile 8 in an hour but the hills and mild conditions held me back a little over the last 5 miles and just missed a sub 1.40 finish - 1.40.34. Loved wearing my SpongeBob vest and getting a few cheers along the way (the tutu helped too). At mile 9 I almost swallowed a fly - not good for a vegetarian! Finished strongly and finished 399th overall, 354th male and and 31st in my age category. Not bad eh??
A few race day pics -
