So, it turns out that when you lose 32 pounds in weight, your body cannot tolerate the same amount of alcohol consumption that it once could, particularly if you have run two sub 1.35 half marathons over the previous three days. Which left me feeling pretty bad to say the least, last Monday morning.
The night before had been spent at a charity night for a very worthwhile cause, and catching up with some friends and acquaintances whom I hadn't see in some time. I spent quite a while listening to a few of them telling me how I had lost far too much weight, and it wasn't "healthy". This coming from guys who would likely be starting mile 3 as I finished a 10k. And it seems its perfectly acceptable to inform people when you consider that they have become too thin, but not correct to inform people when they are getting too fat!
Anyway, off we went to disney land paris on Tuesday, and the wife informs me that I am not allowed to go running for the four days, but I pack the gear anyway ( just in case ). As expected, disneyland is torture, the weather was up to 30 degrees C, and I eat ALOT of cake. I like to get my value from all you can eat buffets. Before I left I had a quick look to see if there were any races in the local area for the weekend I get back. I noticed a half marathon distance, which seemed to cover a senic route on the mourne coast. A quick call to my running buddy asking him to check it out when I am away as I likely won't have much chance for internet either.
Saturday morning, Glen rings and we agree a 11.30 set off for the half. I was up late, grabbed a quick bowl of cereal and a bar and an apple, and off I go. I throw a gel in the bag, although for half distance I usually wouldn't consume one. The race starts at 2, and I expect I won't eat before it. Myself and Glen have to travel up separately, so no pre-race chat. The start is from sign-on by bus, which I think is unusual. On the bus Glen says that we start up in the mountains and run back, which is pretty much as I expected. Sure, 7 min miles to take it easy I say, and he laughs, the winner last year was 1 hr 41. Ehhh, huhh? Its over some pretty diverse terrain he says, trail running I thought.
Anyway, off the bus, chatting and end up at the back of the start. Sure it's chipped so no big, but as we all know, trying to get around slower runners can cost valuable time. Off we go, on a lovely mountain road, in glorious sunshine. The first two miles are downhill, mile 1, 6.10, mile 2, 5.51 ! I can't believe it, my first sub 6 minute mile, and by a good margin. 1 hour 41 my arse, this is going to be quick! At the end of mile 2, suddenly we veer off the road and down a steep rocky embankment which requires careful footing. Up the next embankment and off across the mountains we go! Trail, not even a track!! Up sheer vertical climbs with very little footing and guys going down all around me, falling over rocks, shoes coming off in bogs, and a 12 minute mile! I should have picked up on the name I suppose, 26 extreme, and it was a qualifier over the ultra distance for the marathon de sable. After a few miles Glen catches, then passes me. Normally, straight line, flat run, I will be ahead of him every time, but over this terrain he is much stronger in the legs from his cycling and starts to pull away. My legs are like lead weights from the effort and my quads are burning, a mixture of running and walking for much of the way. The last 3 miles are only through forest trails to the finish and I manage to pick up to a 7.30 pace, crossing the line in 1.51. Exhausted, but happy on this beautiful day, medal and water well deserved! It was a good experience, but I don't see myself repeating it soon. The legs are the kind of sore today which I haven't felt in a long time!
Much respect to the marathon and ultra guys competing and finishing a really tough course.
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