Sixth year running around Killarney, I was surprised to end up on the podium in 3rd after 4 hours of racing. This is a story of familiar faces, glorious gaps, muddy mountains, lovely lakes, stupid sheep, continuous climbs, dangerous descents, several surprises, pilates poses and lots more. I’ve been going down to Killarney since 2013 … Continue reading Quest Killarney 2018: Did Do Better
5 days in West Cork & Kerry on the bike with the Microsoft Crew Day 1: Kinsale to Skibbereen 106 kilometres A long day - 2 days in 1 really, up at 5:20am with the alarm, to get on a bus to Cork. Seeing new faces and old friends. A quick pitstop change in Kinsale … Continue reading Wild Atlantic Way Cycle
In September 2018, I took part in a charity fundraiser with my colleagues at Microsoft Ireland. A team of 80 people fundraised over €110,000 for Ireland’s only children’s hospice, Laura Lynn. I wanted to share my thoughts on all the great things that I learnt by taking part, both from a personal and team point … Continue reading Charity Events at Work: What I Learnt
This year I’ve spent more time organising races than competing in them, so I’ve had lots of time to think about what goes into organising events. I was race director for 4 of Belpark Tri Clubs races, which took up a lot of time in the winter, spring and summer. Most races or events are … Continue reading Thoughts on race organisation
Recently I took up a new challenge, hill walking. I’ve ran in the mountains for years but never really gone for a long hike. You know the crowd, out with their poles, waterproofs, compasses, flasks, boots and those shoe cover things to keep your feet dry. Timing was good – I signed up over 6 … Continue reading Hiking in the Comeraghs
Last weekend, I spent a couple of days in Northern Ireland. My excuse was the Belfast Titanic Triathlon, so I stayed on and explored a new part of the province – East County Down & the Ards Peninsula. It was a really nice couple of days, staying in Portaferry and cycling a lap of Strangford … Continue reading Exploring Co. Down
My 7th year coming down to Dingle for an always memorable and happy weekend. This time was different. I was injured, so had to make a call the night before to drop down to the sport distance. My ankle has been sprained since a triathlon 2 weeks ago, so there’s no way I could run … Continue reading Dingle Adventure Race: 2018 Race Report
Rathfarnham AC Team Report By David Power, Team Captain One of the highlights of the IMRA calendar, a real celebration of team spirit, adventure and surprises. Rathfarnham AC was hoping to continue our proud history in the Wicklow Way Relay, an 8 person relay over 100 kilometers from Dublin to South Wicklow. In our way … Continue reading Wicklow Way Relay 2018
8th – 1h57m One of the excellent IMRA events, which I completed for the 4th time. Conditions were calm and mild, and a lot drier underfoot thank I’d expected. It’s nice waiting at the start in Ballinstoe. Watching the Ultra runners reach their halfway mark, just as we set off. Fair play to them all. … Continue reading Maurice Mullins Trail 2018
January 2018: After a week in Trump’s America, working, travelling and meeting people, here are some thoughts: Work Start early, finish early Face to face meetings are great Redmond, WA has so many job opportunities The drinks fridge is impressive Microsoft is full of white & Asian people The Reno office is really quiet People … Continue reading Thoughts on America
I was lucky enough to ski at Lake Tahoe in January 2018, while on a work trip to Reno, Nevada. It was very cold but beautiful and a great experience. It got me thinking - how does skiing in the USA compare to the European Alps? 20-Jan: Skiing at Heavenly Back in South Lake Tahoe … Continue reading Skiing in Tahoe, USA
I wrote this piece in 2017, after spending a week in Rotterdam. In September 2017, I was back in Rotterdam, 15 years after I first stepped off the plane in the Netherlands. First, I came to Maastricht on a university exchange in 2002. I loved it so much and it changed my world, that I … Continue reading Rotterdam Memories: 11 years later
Gran Canaria is a mecca for winter cycling, on the road and off-road MTB. For years I’ve spent a week around Christmas riding through the valleys and climbs on the southern coast, based out of Free Motion in Playa del Ingles. This year I explored the north of the island, based out of Las Palmas. … Continue reading Cycling in Gran Canaria: North vs South
Spanish football has been an interest of mine, ever since I first watched the Galacticos of Real Madrid back in the 1990s with Beckham, Raul, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos. Zidane's winning goal in Hampden Park, Glasgow in 1998 against Bayer Leverkusen stands out, even though it's 20 years ago. So it was nice to go … Continue reading The Spanish Football Podcast Live #TSFP
Route: 91km, +/-2855m, 5hrs, 20th Dec 2017 HC climb – for years I watched the Tour de France and didn’t really know what it meant. Hors Categorie – without categorisation. Climbs could be graded 1-4 depending on gradient and length. HC was invented for climbs off that scale – tougher than a Cat1. (In Ireland … Continue reading Gran Canaria Cycling: Pico de las Nieves from Las Palmas
WIT Arena, Waterford, 17th December 2017 44th in 21:37 (3:45 pace over a muddy & hilly 6km course) Pure racing. Raw sport. No bells or whistles. Cross country needs a muddy field, a car park, tape to mark the course and start/finish line. Bring along 2,000 runners of all ages and let them at it. … Continue reading Novice XC Champs 2017
This week I got to use some cool technology which really impressed me. Imagine if the National Emergency Coordination Committee could use this technology to collaborate on the response to natural disasters like Ex-Hurricane Ophelia which hit Ireland this week? Ok, I work for a tech company who makes cool stuff like Xbox, Windows, Azure, … Continue reading Virtual workshops using Surface Hub
September 2017 Overall thoughts After 5 days of cycling around the Netherlands, there are a few great things I noticed and appreciated, which makes cycling safe, enjoyable and easy. Touring on a bike is such a great way to see the countryside. You discover so much more than going by car or train. It’s a … Continue reading Cycling around the Netherlands
Race report from Rotterdam Triathlon - ITU World Championships 2017
One of the best things about racing aboard is the World Cup of nations you met and get to race a against. The Mexicans had the best gear, hands down, inspired with their Aztec floral design on every piece of kit – from arm warmers to bras (so I was told!). With over 100 nations … Continue reading Rotterdam: Name the Triathlete
On Tuesday 5th September, I'm taking on a 3 day charity cycle with 40 work colleagues at Microsoft in support of Laura Lynn Children's Hospice. Training began in June with many first time cyclists but it's great to see everyone out and ready. We have a big fundraising target of €50,000. Please donate online here … Continue reading Charity Cycle for Laura Lynn
John left this world 12 years ago, back in 2005. To be honest, I didn’t realise til I had a chat with my dad this evening. I’ve tried to remember him each year, as I’m sure lots of people miss him and think of him regularly. The post below is something I wrote back in … Continue reading Remembering John
13th August 2017 One of my goals every year, when I sit down in January, is to try something new. For 2017 I wanted to improve my swimming – I love getting out in the sea. My plan was to swim every month in the sea – starting in freezing cold January waters. The perfect … Continue reading Race Report: Dun Laoghaire Harbour Swim
I can’t remember who Achilles was but he’s got a tendon named after him. So, I’m assuming he knows how I feel, with a bit of Achilles Tendinopathy. It’s a mouthful but a month into physio, rehab and no running I know a bit more. Being told I can’t run and need to rest is … Continue reading Achilles Injury: The Positives
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jancek/34842408953/in/album-72157682945422153/ Jailbreak - who wouldn’t like to swim away from an island back to the mainland? If they can do it in Alcatraz, Cork won’t be outdone. After years of going to Kinsale, for a great race and weekend at King of the Hill, I decided to give Cobh a go, mainly due to the … Continue reading Race Report: Jailbreak Cobh Triathlon
16th June 2017 The last time I swam competitively was over 20 years ago when I took part in the Community Games in Mosney. I’m no fish, but I did the backstroke in the 4x25m medley relay. I diverge. Last Friday I took part in the Leinster Open Sea Swim event in Wicklow Town. They … Continue reading Leinster Open Water Swim: Wicklow
Result: 6th in 2hr 54m “Rachaimíd ar nós na gaoithe” was my thought at the start line on the Marina in Dingle. I was buzzing after hearing the living legend Micheál O’Muircheartaigh, who started the race with a countdown “o deich a haon.” This was my 7th year doing DAR – I’ve finished 4th twice, … Continue reading DAR 2017: Race Report
I’ve been working with a personal coach over recent months. He doesn’t tell me about heart rates, mile paces or recovery. He doesn’t blow a whistle or wear a tracksuit. Nope this coach is helping me with my career. I’m lucky to get the opportunity to avail of some pro-bono coaching. Coaching - Personal Development … Continue reading Coaching & 360 Feedback
My Health Matters – Seán Kinnane (April 2017) Things clicked again today. I got refocused on making sporting goals this year and believing that I have a lot more potential to run faster. The catalyst was a VO2 test. It took 20 mins running on a treadmill and 20 mins to explain the results. An … Continue reading VO2 Max Test
This is a race report with a difference. For a race I didn't even take part in. The Phoenix Park Duathlon took place on 22nd April 2017 with over 200 competitors. I was one of the 40 Belpark Tri Club volunteers who made it happen. Here's my report from the race director's (RD) eyes. Where … Continue reading Duathlon Race Report – RD view
Race report from the Maurice Mullins Trail race on the Wicklow Way. Organised by IMRA in March 2017 over 26km.
Book review on Run Wild by Boff Whalley - musician & runner.
25 February 2017 – Athlone I.T.: I always saw a race director as a stressed looking individual busily moving around a race transition zone – clipboard in one hand, phone or walkie talkie in the other. Telling other people in hi-viz jackets where you can and can’t park your bike, or what time wave 3 … Continue reading TI Race Organisers Summit
Most people start a new year straight out of the blocks, eager to start that marathon or 5km training. I’ve listened to friends talking about the London Marathon in April, Manchester in March, duathlons in January and cross country on the unusually dry fields of Leinster. I’ve to watch from afar. The runner who can’t … Continue reading First run of 2017
My blog has been around for several years now, but it’s always interesting to check out this is there. I’d an active year in 2016 with over 30 posts. Most popular posts Two topics proved popular: travel and race reports followed by food and nutrition. My article from 2013 “Girona: a cyclists paradise” is most … Continue reading 2016 Blog Stats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXayKRZjhDs It’s great to see such positivity and comments about the Waterford Greenway. It’s not even finished or officially open yet, but 2016 was a breakthrough year. I hope 2017 bring lots of new people to the area to walk, cycle and explore the beautiful countryside. The Greenway is a 46 kilometre paved trail on … Continue reading Waterford Greenway
Everybody from Tramore, and probably anyone living within an hour’s drive, loves the beach in Tramore. At Christmas time, with so many people home, you release how special it is to have on our doorstep. I’ve been walking down the beach every day. It’s a great place to meet neighbours, friends, runners, dogs, horses, kitesurfers, … Continue reading Tramore’s Beach & Backstrand
This is a detailed blog post about running the Camino Portugues from Vigo to Santiago over 4 days in September 2016. Jump to these sections: Day 1: Vigo to Pontevedra – 33km Day 2: Pontevedra to Padron – 42km Day 3: Cambados to Pontecesures – 50km Day 4: Pontecesures to Santiago – 39km Gear: What … Continue reading Camino Portugues: 4 days running
1st place - 2h58m, 8th October 2016 / Sand Harbor, NV to Homewood, CA Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. So, when I heard they do a 3-day marathon weekend, I was in. I decided to do the Saturday marathon, the Cal-Neva which went across the northern side of the … Continue reading Cal-Neva Lake Tahoe Marathon
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmaiazyi The subtitle gives you the idea of what this book is about “the classic work on how to achieve happiness”. A bold claim, but given a recommendation by Enda McNulty, where her explained how powerful this thinking was, I wanted to read this book. It didn’t disappoint - everyone from student, … Continue reading Book Review: Flow
I've raced 28 times so far in 2016, more than 2 races a month. I've really enjoyed training & racing. Being part of two great clubs in Belpark Triathlon Club & Rathfarnham WSAF AC has really helped, as has training with a bunch of mates. Here's my thoughts on the year that was... Best races: National … Continue reading My 2016 Season Review
Irish people should be well aware that we’re not the same as our near neighbours across the water. No were not British. Yes, we speak English. No, we don’t have pounds. Yes, we do follow English football teams. No, we don’t all speak cockney. So, Portugal and Spain are kind of the same. Ear neighbours … Continue reading Portugal: It’s not Spain
Caminha, Portugal, 26 September 2016 This report is about running two mountain trail races in Portugal in less than 24 hours. I finished the main 33km race in 13th position after 3hrs 22mins of running over 33km. The night before I warmed up with a Sunset run over 17km. https://www.facebook.com/268751096494020/videos/1091588047543650/ I’m sitting in the … Continue reading Trail Running in Portugal: Grande Trail Serra D’Arga
Reading medical books for leisure isn’t one of my preferred hobbies. But I did just read a really insightful book called “The Body Electric: Electromagnetism And The Foundation Of Life” (see Amazon page). It was published over 30 years ago by a top researcher in the US, Robert Becker. You might think it’s dated or … Continue reading Book Review: The Body Electric
Since Caroline Kearney Triathlon 2 weeks ago, I’ve been training away but probably not as focused as (a) I feel fit and (b) the season has been long so motivation can be harder. While I get out most days, and enjoy doing so, I haven’t pushed myself as much (e.g. swim sets or run sets) … Continue reading Making progress on goals & training
DCT has a great reputation and I really was impressed. Piranha club volunteers do such a good job – super course, slick comms, top venue, food and atmosphere. For me the race went well, 17th in 2hr 20 m, although my place is a bit inflated as the depth of quality in the field was … Continue reading Dublin City Triathlon 2016 Race Review
We all had a great weekend down in Mullingar recently, where nearly 400 people took part in the Caroline Kearney Memorial Triathlon, hosted by Midland Tri Club. I was thinking on the way back – what makes a great race? For the weekend that was in it – we paid €55 for an Olympic distance … Continue reading What makes a good race?
Three weeks ago I wrote about some of the challenges I faced while adopting to a Keto/LCHF nutrition approach. Good news is I feel better writing this time around. The act of writing things down, getting thoughts out of your head, accepting them and making a plan to move on is very effective/cathartic. Quick progress … Continue reading Fat Adaptation Diary: Week 10
It’s nearly 2 months since early June when I made a commitment to improve my overall nutrition, with the goals of living a healthier life, feeling better and being able to perform better. I started well, as we all do, full of enthusiasm and bright ideas on changing the world. I shared 2 quick blog … Continue reading Fat Adaptation Diary: Week 7
Adventure racer, Mountain Runner, Author, Mum
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Un blog qui parle de course à pied, de voyages et qui s'adresse à tous ceux qui aiment jouer dehors.
All about cycling in the Netherlands
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