Masters Cross Country

This year is only 2 weeks old, yet I already have 3 medals. You might think GAA calendars are packed but in athletics it’s peak cross-country season. Especially if you’re of the mature vintage, or as athletes officially become known as “masters” when they hit 35. The species of runner who may still be young …

2 Marathons in 8 Days: What I’ve Learnt

I’ve already written 2 race reports on Frankfurt and New York City, so here I’m delving into what it was like to do 2 races within the space of a week. Not much recovery time and only the Atlantic Ocean between them. 1.    Google was right The first thing I did after decided to do …

New York City Marathon 2019: Race Report

2:46:45 – 3:56 pace – 444th place (3 November 2019) So, 2 marathons in just over a week? It's Monday night the day after New York City Marathon. I'm a bit broken. My head, throath, nose and legs all hurt. My system is a bit worn down and empty, but my mind is so happy. …

Frankfurt Marathon 2019: Race Report

2:38:04 – 3:45 pace – 181st place – 162 HR – PB by 8 minutes Life has ups and downs. You can plan, hope and try. Sometimes you can't predict the result. Yesterday's Frankfurt Marathon for me was one of those good days, where it felt really good to be alive. Doing what I love, …

Taking Stock of the Year

2019 has been a good year for me personally, professionally and sporting wise. I've had plenty of bad moments and challenges too. It's not all rosy, but in general life is good. My recent injury has forced me to stop - step back and reflect on the year so far. Sport and exercise takes energy …

Night Run 10km – a surprise win

28th April 2019 – 10km PB of 33m 56s This race report was written last month after an unusual Sunday night for me. Wow, I’m shocked, surprised, delighted, tired, buzzing, happy, motivated. I don’t know what to say. I won a 10km in 33:56 beating over 4,000 competitors. It doesn’t get much better – plus …

Wicklow Way Relay 2019

Race Report 2nd place, Rathfarnham AC in 7h14m This race really is the Grand National of Irish Hill running. A big field. A long attritional course. The potential for disaster. The form guides. The chopping and changing of runners and riders. The going of the ground. The risk of falling at the first (not arriving …

Quest Glendalough 2019 Report

3rd place, 3h21m, 60km, +1800m My third time out in Glendalough and it turned out well – 3rd place after 3+ hours of slogging up and down Wicklow’s finest hills. I really do love these events – the Quest team open up beautiful parts of our country, where we get to battle it out with …

Bohermeen Half Marathon: Smashed my PB

PB by 90 seconds – 75:41 (3:35 pace) – 19th of 1,200 competitors Country village races are just better The smaller the community the better the vent. All you need is a pub, a church, a school, a community centre or GAA pitch and a big field for a car park. Oh, and let’s not …

Quest Killarney 2018: Did Do Better

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 …