The Happiness of the Long Distance Runner

BELFAST MARATHON 2012

The months before...
The training began in the depths of winter at the start of January and the plan was to follow one of Hal Higdon's (www.halhigdon.com) advanced Marathon training schedules. I decided early on that I would forgo one of the midweek runs and concentrate on 2 sessions at Dromore AC and 2 weekend runs, with my long run taking place on a Sunday. Thankfully, this year, January and February were fairly mild so I didn't have to contend with sub-zero temperatures, ice and snow like I did last year. As we headed into March the training was going to plan, the sessions at Dromore AC were a good mix of tempo's and quicker runs, the Sunday runs were creeping ever closer to 20 miles and I had the Larne Half Marathon to look forward to. There was a period of bizarre weather towards the end of March where temperatures rose to 20 degrees C and on the day of the Larne Half it was glorious sunshine from start to finish. I got a PB at Larne of 1-46-23 which filled me with confidence going forward. Early April and as a precaution I took a week's rest as I was beginning to get a small niggle in my left shin; this may have been a little over cautious but I just didn't want a repeat of last year where I got cellulitis in my lower left leg. The 20 milers were coming every other Sunday and all 3 were completed in just under 3 hours which put me on target for 9 minute miles and a 4 hour marathon. Then as if the last 16 weeks hadn't happened, I was on the taper, the mileage was reduced and all the doubts and worries of running a marathon plagued my mind. What did I have to worry about, the training had gone well, I was confident but still...last year's marathon and my dodgy right knee were at the forefront of my mind. I was getting great support from fellow club members and I knew deep down that I had the ability to complete the marathon in around 4 hours.

The weekend before...
All I had to do now was collect my race pack, get my kit sorted, plan a playlist for my iPod and eat plenty of carbs. I wrote out a comprehensive check-list of what I needed and top of this list was the strap that was going to keep my right knee together. For motivation, I sat down and watched "Chariots of Fire" and "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" - both films, despite numerous viewings, I never tire of. I printed off a 4 hour pace-band from the Runners' World web-site, which gave me a breakdown of my mile splits and using this as a guide, I created a playlist that placed certain songs at (hopefully) points I would find myself during the race. On the Sunday I was a nervous wreck, checking and double checking my kit-bag but finally I was happy that I had everything and all I could do now was relax and get an early night.
Don't forget the vaseline....

RACE DAY
The weather forecast for the day was for heavy rain and a temperature of around 7 degrees C, so I dressed accordingly in running tights, long sleeved top, gloves and cap - this meant the chicken hat that I had worn during my last 2 marathons didn't make an appearance this year. I arrived at City Hall with 45 mins to spare, plenty of time to drop off my kit-bag and do some gentle warming up. I decided this year to start right at the back, thus avoiding all the crowding in the main pen and this would mean I would set off at a more sedate pace. The start of the Belfast marathon, can be a bit of a lottery as not only are you starting with other marathon runners, but there are also relay runners and a stray walker or two. Before the gun set us off on our way, I reminded myself of my goals which, in order were: 1 - to finish in one piece 2 - the beat my previous best time of 4-35 3 - to finish in 4 hours.
9am and we were off, well it took me nearly 5 minutes to cross the start but I was soon running at a steady pace, weaving in and out of some of the slower runners and heading out towards East Belfast. I hit the first mile around the 9 and a half minute mark and kept at this pace for the next couple of miles. Things were going well as we headed past City Airport and on towards the first relay changeover at 6 miles. I needed to be here around the 55 minute mark and this I did with a few seconds to spare. The next few miles took us through the city centre and out into West Belfast, where the crowds were out in force despite the cold and rain. My next target was to reach relay point 2 in 1 hour and 20 minutes and although I was a couple of minutes outside this time, I was still very happy with my pace. My playlist was working its magic and keeping me motivated and then ironically as Duran Duran's "Hold Back the Rain" came on, the heavens opened!! This rain didn't relent and stayed with us for the next 2-3 hours. Just before reaching the Antrim Road, I caught a glimpse of Judith a fellow Dromore AC runner who was part of a relay team and as I passed her, I gave her a few words of encouragement. Little did I know at this point, she continued running to the end despite having completed her leg of the relay...that was around 20 miles without any real training. WELL DONE JUDITH. The steady climb up to the zoo and this is the halfway point, I was looking at a time of 2 hours for 13.1 miles and I crossed halfway in 2 hours and 9 seconds. I was chuffed to bits on how well my pacing was going but the next few miles were going to be tricky as there was the downhill stretch where my knee gave way last year to overcome. I reached the Shore Road without incident and I had by now caught up with two of the 4 hour pacers. Now, all I had to do was keep in touch with them and a 4 hour marathon was achievable. My pace though took me beyond them and as I got to relay point 3, I caught up with a third 4 hour pacer. I knew my mile splits were accurate and I was hitting 9 minute miles, so why were the 4 hour pacers not all running together? I needed to concentrate on my own pace and not worry about the pacers and I certainly needed all my concentration as the couple of miles along the coast were dreadful. Gales were blowing the rain across us from left to right and it was difficult to keep any momentum going, there was even hail at one point. Up to mile 19 and a few bushes and trees gave us a bit of shelter before we ran through the dullest part of the course, the dreaded industrial estate. Once through here, there was a final relay point and around 5 miles to go. At this point, I was still close to one of the 4 hour pacers who I overheard say to one of the runners, that they were 5 minutes ahead of schedule! 21.9 miles is the final relay point and I collided with a number of runners just wandering about aimlessly waiting for their handover, thankfully no lasting damage but this is one area that needs looking at. Not long to go now, the tow path, Ormeau Road and then the final stretch down the Ravenhill Road. I was trying to stay focused but by this point the tops of my legs were beginning to ache, the knees were a little sore and I was soaked through. My confidence was still high though as I was still hitting 9 minute miles. The jelly beans were a welcome distraction too and gave me that last bit of energy that I needed to get me home. With around 2 miles to go Rossini's "William Tell" overture started playing and the rousing finale caused me to dig a little deeper and push on and as I hit the 25 mile marker, I knew that unless a major disaster was to befall me, I was going to finish in under 4 hours. I turned the corner into the O-Zone and saw a few hundred metres away the blue arch of the finish line, the official clock was on 3-59-50 and I crossed the line as the time hit 4 hours exactly. Now that's what I call precise pacing!! I was over the moon but my elation was soon crushed as the finishing area was a complete shambles. There was nobody handing out medals, you had to fight through crowds to get to a solitary table where you were expected just to help yourself. Oh, you did get a bottle of water and 2 bags of crisps - nothing of nutritional value though. As for collecting your kit from the leisure centre, well you queued in the rain for half an hour and then once you'd got your kit, finding the changing rooms became another task you didn't really need after a 4 hour marathon. Sorry, enough of the moaning but as for my official chip-time...this came in at 3-56-23 which was a PB by 40 minutes and an improvement on last year by 85 minutes. I was really, really pleased and happy that everything had gone to plan during the race. Yes, I was little sore and some elements of the organisation left a bit to be desired but there's every possibility that I'll be back in 2013. As I have no official race photo to share, here I am a few days later, proudly wearing my medal.

Blog Country

14th April 2012 and something I thought I'd never witness again,is happening right before my eyes. One of my all-time favourite bands BIG COUNTRY are charging about the Mandela Hall stage in the heart of Belfast. OK, it's not quite the Big Country of old as Stuart Adamson (RIP) is no longer with us, Mike Peters has taken over as lead vocalist and Bruce Watson's son Jamie is on guitar. This gig is part of the band's 30th Anniversary tour and an opportunity to see "The Crossing" performed in it's entirety. My relationship with the band goes back to 1983 when I got blown away hearing "Fields of Fire" and from that moment on I became a devoted fan. My first BC purchase was the 12" version of "Fields of Fire" (bought on the same day as "Change" 12" by Tears for Fears - strange what you remember!) and over the next few years, my record collection expanded with rare Japanese 7" singles, LP's, cassettes, limited edition 12" versions and 7" double-packs. I never got to see them "live" until December 1984 when they were promoting the "Steeltown" album - this was also my first ever gig. Myself and fellow BC obsessive Dale Martin, made the journey down to Wembley Arena where we saw pre-fame The Cult rock the arena for half an hour before the main event. Although, I don't remember too much about the BC performance, I just recall being overwhelmed with the atmosphere, the music and the singing along. If I had to pick out a track that reminds of this December night, it would have to be "Steeltown". Another BC highlight would have to be getting free tickets to a Whistle Test gig at the Hexagon in Reading. This took place on 14th April 1986 (26 years to the day from the Mandela Hall gig!) and what a night this turned out to be. The band were just beginning to promote "The Seer" so the set-list featured the likes of "Remembrance Day" and "I Walk the Hill" and they fitted right alongside classics like "Chance". It was a brilliant concert and afterwards, I was lucky enough to catch the band getting on the tour bus and managed to get their autographs. A few months later the concert was broadcast on BBC2 and I still have a copy on video. "Peace in our Time" was the last BC album that I bought and felt any attachment to and post 1990, BC drifted in and out of my life. The band were no longer selling bucket loads of albums and they could no longer sell out the likes of Wembley Arena, it was inevitable that the band would finally split. I did get one final opportunity to see them "live" and strangely enough on the same bill was The Alarm (another favourite band of mine) fronted by Mike Peters. I went to the gig with a heavy heart, as I thought this might be the last time I see 2 of the bands that had meant so much to me over the last 15 years. The fact the concert was taking place in a sports hall in the local leisure centre (Stantonbury Campus) showed how far both bands had fallen. Although, I enjoyed the concert, I couldn't help feeling that this was the end and the ignominy of playing a sports hall must have been a low-point in BC's career. December 2001 and the news filtered through that Stuart had committed suicide. This came as a total shock and this was the first time a real hero of mine had died. Of course, I did all the usual things, dusted down BC records, watched BC videos, listened to concerts I had recorded off the radio and just remembered all the great songs that Stuart had written with not just BC but also The Skids. Over time, the 3 original BC members got back together and in the last few years having recruited Mike Peters and Jamie Watson have been recording and touring. So, that leads us up to Saturday 14th April 2012 and a hot and sweaty night at Mandela Hall. The BC fan-base doesn't seem to have changed much over the last 30 years, an 80-20 split in favour of men...oh and most of the male fans seem to have a lost an awful lot of hair and gained a few inches around the middle!! The warm-up music before BC took the stage was predictably a mixture of late 70's punk/new wave and as XTC's "Making Plans for Nigel" was being played, the lights went down and the band strode onto the stage. OK at first it was a bit odd seeing Mike Peters up there rather than Stuart but as they started with 2 of my all-time faves - "Angle Park" and "East of Eden" - I soon embraced the new-look BC. One of their most recent songs "Another Country" was next up and was soon followed by the rarely played track "Balcony"...now, if only they had played "Flag of Nations (Swimming)" that would have been the first 2 'B' sides performed within half an hour! "Restless Natives" and the awesome track "The Crossing" followed before the opening bars of "In a Big Country" leapt out of the speakers, the crowd screamed and oldish men jumped about. This was the beginning of "The Crossing" and over the next 45 minutes we were treated to Mike entering the crowd and singing along with the crowd to "Chance", an atmospheric "The Storm", a barn-storming "Harvest Home", lots of singing along to "Lost Patrol" and a rousing finale of "Porroh Man". Then they were gone, well for a few minutes at least, we clapped and cheered and not surprisingly BC returned and performed 4 encores. Jamie introduced "Tracks of my Tears" as one of Stuart's all-time fave songs, "Look Away" and "Wonderland" kept the crowd rocking and as a finale, there was a cover of "Rockin' in the Free World". It was a great evening and the references to Stuart were kept to a minimum but were well received. OK it was never going to be my best ever BC gig but it certainly exceeded my expectations. I did miss Bruce and Stuart charging around the stage during the climax of "Harvest Home" and Mike will never have the same presence as Stuart but these are only small gripes. Maybe they'll be back in 2014 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Steeltown"? If they do return, I'll be snapping up a ticket. STAY ALIVE

Summer arrives early for Larne Half 2012

Larne hasn't always had the best of reputations - it used to be a town you would drive through to get onto the coast road; the graffiti "Welcome to Loyalist Larne" put a lot of people off but having run my 3rd Half Marathon through the town, I can safely say it's worth a visit. The people are very welcoming and friendly and the views across the Irish Sea and up to the Glens of Antrim are fantastic.
Sat March 24th:
This was my 3rd Larne Half and I was confident that I could achieve a course PB - my previous times were 2-01 (2010) and 1-49 (2011). My training had been going to plan, I was running twice a week with Dromore AC, a gentle Saturday run and a LSR on a Sunday. I was hopeful of a Half PB but with a weather forcast predicting bright sunshine and a temperature in the high teens, I didn't want to take anything for granted, particularly as most of my training had been done in temperatures no higher than 5 degrees.
Well, unfortunately the forecasters got it right and on the day the weather was gorgeous; if anything too nice for a Half Marathon. I arrived at registration in plenty of time as I wanted to get a closer look at the route as this year the first couple of miles was run through the town centre before heading out into the country.
Time to mentally prepare and get all my kit sorted - chip fastened, number pinned, vaseline applied, Nike+ programmed and belt attached. I headed out to the promenade for a warm-up where I met fellow Dromore runners, Aine and Mary. If I could run close to these two, I knew a time of around 1-45 was achievable.
I arrived at the start line in plenty of time as I wanted to get close to the back - a ploy I regularly use as it means I avoid setting off too quickly. The gun sounded at 11am and within a minute or so I had crossed the start line and was soon weaving in and out of some of the slower runners. After a mile or so, I was comfortable with my pace and knew that if was to get close to a 1-45 finish, I had to hit each mile in around 8 minutes. The couple of miles through the town centre weren't the best, quite a lot of bunching and a couple of side streets were very narrow, which caused my pace to slow. I was pleased to get out onto the main coast road and pick my pace up again. The only drawback being a lack of shade and with the sun beating down, it was very warm indeed - thankfully I had my water bottle with me and if all else failed I knew there were numerous water stations along the route.
Around mile 5, I spotted Tina (another Dromore runner) a little way ahead of me and I thought if I could keep pace with her, a PB was on the cards. Off the main coast road there's a steady climb of around a mile which isn't too much of a problem on a typical March day but today was a different matter, the heat was really beginning to have an effect and the climb seemed never ending. Thankfully, as with any climb, you have to at some point come back down and it was as we were heading back to the coast road that I overtook Tina. The last 5 miles are flat and usually I can pick my pace up a little and get into a really good rhythm but today faced with a head-wind and the heat, I couldn't find an extra gear. I was still hitting each mile around the 8 minute mark but I knew that I had find a little more to get that PB. I wasn't slowing as I headed onto the promenade but that final burst, the sprint finish just wasn't there but as I crossed the line and saw the clock at 1-47, there was a glimmer of hope that my chip-time would get me in around 1-46.
I gratefully accepted a bottle of water and as I began to stretch I saw Tina cross the line, soon followed by another Dromore runner - Julia. We headed off to the leisure centre where Larne AC laid on sandwiches, tea and biscuits and massage tables. Suitably refreshed we caught up with other Dromore runners and we shared our race stories and the one thing we all agreed on - it was too bloody hot!!
Finishing times were pinned up within the hour and I was pleased to see that my chip-time was 1-46-23 and I had run a negative split. Even though I didn't get under 1-45, this was a course PB by 3 mins and a Half PB by 30 secs, so I was very pleased.
So how does this Larne Half compare with the previous 2? Well, Larne AC do a fantastic job, it's the best organised Half in NI and the sandwiches at the end are a real bonus. The only negative thing, the run through the town centre didn't add anything, personally I preferred the previous route.
I'll be back in 2013 and hopefully, I'll get under 1-45. Note to self though - must remember to tape up my nipples for all future Half Marathon's!!

Seeley Cup 10k - to PB or not to PB?

It's hard to believe that the conditions for the 2011 Seeley Cup were so different to those faced in 2010. The race in 2010 was almost called off as we were in the depths of an almighty cold snap - ice, snow and a temperature of around minus 5. 12 months later and the temperature was in the region of a balmy 10 degrees, it was mild and dry, perfect conditions for a 10k race around Ormeau Park. My goal was sub-45 mins.
This road race is the last big 10k of the year here in NI and attracts a high class field and there's always a big turn-out from Dromore AC. As ever, I arrived with plenty of time to spare, after 3 years of serious running I still get very nervous before a race - all the adrenalin pumping through me can only be a good thing.
I meet up with a few regular faces (Mary, Janette, Ian B et al) for a gentle warm up and then there's the 5 minute call to the start line. I wanted to line up closer to the front so that I had the likes of Ernie, Aine and Mary just ahead of me - these fellow Dromore runners run 10k's around the 42 - 45 minute mark and if I was to get under 45 mins I knew I had to be on their tails.
The gun sounded and we were off along the Embankment. I kept my pace steady knowing that if I went off too quick I would suffer later. Having run last year, I knew that within the park, there would be a few bottlenecks so I was determined to get a clear run as we entered the park for the first time. I was making steady progress through the park, passing a number of Dromore runners as I did so. Back on the Embankment where it's flat and straight, I had a chance to review my position and grab a breather. My pace was quick but not lung-busting and I had the likes of Aine and Wendy in front of me, so I knew thngs were going to plan.
Could I hit half-way in 23 mins? Oh yes...all I had to do was run at the same pace over the next 4k and then really push hard over the last 1k and a sub-45 was mine.
The last lap through the park was tough but I was gradually picking off Dromore runners 1 by 1 but the elusive Mary was still ahead of me. She was now my target, if I could catch her then who knows what time I would get. I dug deep and I caught and passed Mary with around 1k to go but how was I going to keep it together with nobody ahead of me to chase? Well, I had the good fortune of running alongside 2 Letterkenny runners who pulled me through the last stretch and with one last sprint I crossed the line. My Nike+ said 44-48 which although pretty accurate could've been wrong. At this point I was over-joyed - this was a PB, it knocked 2 mins off last year's time, all that training had paid off. Grabbing a bottle of water, I cheered in fellow Dromore runners and most of the club got home in under 55 minutes.
But what of my chip-time (the official one us runners live and die by)? Well, it was 44-44
and I was ecstatic. This was a great way to end my 2011 particularly after the disaster that was the Belfast Marathon. The question is what will a realistic 10k goal be in 2012??? Another PB would be just grand.

10k to 10 miles in 6 weeks

Thought it best that I return to all things running and review two late summer/early autumn races that I competed in.
First up and 7 weeks after the Cookstown Half, I was lining up for the Laganside 10k in Belfast. I first entered in 2009 and completed in 55 mins and then last year, I registered a time of just under 48 mins. This however, was my first competitive 10k of 2011, so although quietely confident I wasn't sure if I would get under 45 mins.
The training had gone well, with regular sessions at Dromore AC, some hill work and longish runs of around 10 miles. This 10k is a very popular one as the course is pretty flat throughout and it is run in the heart of Belfast. As ever the start is always congested but with the race being chipped, I started near the back in the hope that I wouldn't set off too quick and burn myself out after a mile. A number of other Dromore runners were lining up too and I was keen to keep an eye on the likes of Aine and Mary who were both more than capable of a time around 45 mins.
The gun sounded and we were on our way, I had no problems weaving through the pack and was soon on the heels of Jonathan(fellow Dromore runner) who I knew was capable of a 45 mins time. My pace was steady and I knew that if I kept Jonathon in sight, I would get a good time. Just before half-way we crossed the Ormeau Bridge and here there were a number of Dromore supporters urging us on. I hit half-way in around 23 mins and this gave me a lift as I knew that by keeping at this pace, 45 mins was a possibilty.
Between mile 4 & 5 things nearly went wrong as turning up past Cental Railway Station I had to take evasive action as a number of pedestrians were heading our way, the only place I could go was onto the road and thankfully there was no oncoming traffic. A few expletives came out of my mouth (why were marshalls not keeping the paths clear?) but I regained my composure and made my way along the tow-path knowing I had less that 2 miles to go. By this point I had passed Jonathon and could see in the distance a number of Dromore vests. Reaching the Ormeau Bridge for a second time, Diane from the club who was supporting not running, was pointing furiously in the distance at a Dromore vest - it was Aine. Could I catch her? The last half a mile or so is flat so I dug deep and quickened my pace slightly, all the time closing in on Aine and with 10 yards to go I passed her. I was over the moon, kanckered but over the moon. I knew I hadn't quite got under 45 mins but my time was going to be a PB. I picked up my bottle of water and headed for the Up & Running stall. This year the organisers gave all entrants a voucher for Up & Running rather than a T-shirt, which I felt was a much better idea. I stocked up on energy bars/gels which will come in useful in 2012 during my marathon training. And what of my official time? 45-58, which knocked over 2 mins off last year's time and another PB.
October 9th and 6 weeks on from the Laganside 10k and I'm down at the Navan Centre in Armagh waiting for the start of the Armagh 10 mile road race. In 2010, I completed the race in 1 hr 22 mins but I was hopeful of getting under 1 hr 20 mins particularly as there had been a lot of speedwork in my recent training. Although this event is well publicised and attracts a lot of entrants, the organisation leaves a little to be desired. This year's race wasn't chipped, no changing facilities on-site and the cotton T-shirt is exactly the same as last year's. Oh and the other thing is the "fun run" starts at the same time as the main race, so you spend the first mile dodging youngsters, walkers and pram-pushers!!
What of the race? Well, I set off way to quickly, hitting 2 miles in 15 mins...this was a pace I wasn't going to be able keep up, so I took stock and eased back slightly. The route is through quiet country roads and has a few hills so makes for a challenging run. I knew at half-way a pace of 8 minute miles would get me close to a 1hr 20 mins finish, I was feeling really positive and was able to push hard over the last couple of miles and finished in a time of 1 hr 17 mins 42 secs. Really pleased and happy to see most other Dromore runners finish in under 1hr 25 mins.
Will I run the race again in 2012? Not sure, the course is great and there aren't many 10 mile races but the organisers will need to up their game.

1 major race left in 2011, the Seeley Cup 10k at the end of November. Will I get that sub 45 time???

Adam Ant - Vicar St, Dublin, Nov 25th 2011

This is a post with a difference, in that there is no mention of running or how my training is going. Instead, I'm going to review the Adam Ant gig that I attended on November 25th.
Before I start, just a bit of background into my 31 year obsession with all things Adam Ant. It was in 1980, that I first saw Adam & the Ants on TOTP performing (miming) "Dog Eat Dog" and from that moment I was hooked. Later that year, I bought the "Kings of the Wild Frontier" LP in Central Milton Keynes' long-gone Virgin Megastore. I wasn't allowed to go and see the "Prince Charming Revue" in 1982, apparantly I was too young at 14 to go to London,on my own! So, I had to wait until 1995 before I saw my hero in concert at the Shepherds Bush Empire, London as part of the "Wonderful" tour.
I only found out that I had a ticket for the Vicar St gig, 20 days before the event. How come? The ticket was a birthday present from my lovely wife, Louise who had apparantly booked it 6 weeks before. I was over the moon as I thought the chance of seeing Adam in concert again had passed me by.
November 25th finally came around and before I left the hotel, I 'put on a little make-up,make-up'and headed into Dublin city centre. Vicar St was only 15 minutes walk away and at 8pm I found myself jostling with lots of Antpeople at the merchandise stall. The venue itself is small and intimate and has a capacity of around 800, so the chances of getting a good spot amongst the crowd was pretty high.
Around 8.20pm, the support band Georgie Girl and Her Poussez Posse took to the stage. 4 girls with attitude all playing their own instruments, a great sight in these days of The Saturdays and other indenti-kit girl groups. The band reminded me a little of Kenickie and they seem to have the same sense of humour when they stormed through a version of "Addicted to Love". 30 minutes later they left the stage to great applause...Georgie would be back later as one of Adam's backing singers.
The next 15 minutes seemed to go on forever and with the venue nearing capacity, I positioned myself to the right of the stage and waited...
The lights went down and the first few bars of "Plastic Surgery" caused mayhem in the crowd and this was before Adam had even appeared. A minute or so later, there he was no more than a few yards in front me, jumping around the stage...I was ecstatic. I love "Plastic Surgery" so this was a great start and this song, over 30 years old is more relevant now than it ever was...the way it ridicules those who mess around with their looks..."clean your face with Mr Sheen"
Adam and the band didn't stop for breath as singles, 'B' sides and album tracks were performed with gusto including "Beat My Guest" (all time fave 'B' side), "Zerox" and "Ants Invasion". The backing singers appeared just as "Stand & Deliver" started up, following soon after, a real surprise as "Puss 'n Boots" was given a rockier edge, during which there was a bit of banter between Adam and the two backing singers.
Adam seemed to be having so much fun and was really enjoying himself. He seemed quite humble when he introduced "Kings of the Wild Frontier", the crowd felt this and gave the song a rapturous reception. In the next 30 minutes, a few early songs were performed - "Whip in my Valise", "Never Trust a Man with Egg on his Face" and "Cleopatra", oh and a new song "Vince Taylor" was squeezed in.
Hour and a half in and there was no sign of Adam wanting to stop and 4 classic punk 'B' sides blew the roof off - "Christian D'Or", "Lady", Fall In" and "Red Scab"...BUT then it was all over, or was it? Surely, there would be an encore? We all shouted Adam's name, clapped, stamped our feet and then he returned to give a punk edge to Marc Bolan's "Get It On" and "20th Century Boy". There was still time for one more song and it had to be "Physical (You're So)"...the song that seems to have ended all Adam's gigs from the year dot.
This had been one of the greatest nights of my life, it was everything that I hoped it would be and more. Can't wait for the new album in 2012 and I will jump at the chance to do this all over again in an instant.

A Summer Sunday in Co Tyrone

So here we are, 1 month on from the Lisburn Half, it's the middle of July and the sun is blazing down...unfortunately not in Cookstown, Co Tyrone where the rain is lashing and the wind is howling.
It was all very quiet at the start area, with most runners sheltering in cars or in the changing rooms. The chance of a decent warm-up was remote but 5 minutes before the start, I braved the elements and managed a few strides.
Although,the race was chipped, the start was a bit of a lottery as the organisers didn't have a chip mat, so everyone jostled to get as close to the "start" as possible. The horn sounded and we were off, I gave myself a few strides before I set my Nike+ off. I had programmed a time of 1hr 50mins, knowing I should get under this quite easily.
As always,it took a mile or so for the runners to sort themselves out but soon I was hitting a steady pace and avoiding the stragglers. If anything,it was the rain and wind that was causing me the most problems. Thankfully, I was wearing contacts, so could see clearly in front of me but that didn't stop raindrops falling across my face and soaking me right through and this was before halfway!!
The bulk of the route was country roads and there was little in the way of human support. We got some strange looks from cows and sheep who were probably wondering why so many 2 legged creatures were running around in the wind and rain. Bizarre sight at halfway when a herd of sheep and a couple of donkeys came bounding over to the edge of a field as we all passed by. Such distractions were welcome as by this point the conditions were getting worse, huge puddles were forming across the roads and feet were beginning to squelch. Despite this, I hit halfway at around 55 mins, so was on target for a sub 1-50 time.
Miles 9 - 11, were quite tough as there's a steady climb along a dual carriageway into Cookstown town centre but at least here there's a small crowd and the claps and cheers lift the spirit. As you leave the town centre, there's reprieve as the route goes slightly downhill and you know there's less than 2 miles to go. These 2 miles seemed to go on forever but head down, I knew a PB was within grasp. The entrance to the sports arena was in sight but there was still the steep climb to the finish to overcome. As I glanced up, I could see the clock ticking towards 1-47, so I pushed on and crossed the line in 1-46-55. FANTASTIC, a PB and I had knocked 5 mins off last year's time.
I was actually quite shocked that I had run so well in the dreadful conditions, maybe I should run all my races in the pouring rain!! I'll have to add "Happy When It Rains" - Jesus & Mary Chain and "Only Happy When It Rains" - Garbage to my next playlist.
So, that's 4 Half Marathon's in 2011 and all under 1-50, times got quicker as the year progressed, so who knows a sub 1-45 could be on the cards in 2012.
Next up, the Laganside 10k.