Don Hannon

28 May, 2013

Donna McLoughlin Wicklow Way Solo 2013 129km Dublin to Carlow

A friend of mine said the last Race Report was a bit of an Ultra Read but I think that within this kind of race a lot happens or maybe I am just a waffler.
So this is the short version especially for you David Sheil.

Are you really sure Donna????

This was the question I was asking Donna on the phone two days before the race.
She was starting to have doubts, it was her final year and final week in college so there was a lot of external normal life stuff to deal with apart from this race. I was trying to explain that this is not the type of race you want to head into with doubts in your mind. I had no doubt about her ability to finish this race. I told her as much but she had to believe in herself if she was going to take on this race.
We chatted for a good while more and she decided that it was the time to take it on. Amazing!!

I have been Coaching Donna and her sister Caroline for eight months now. In that time they have ran a massive amount of training miles and also competed in and completed an amazing list of Races. Sixmilebridge 50km, Art O’Neill 50km, Donadea 50km, Wicklow Way Ultra 50km, Connemara Ultra 63km, Kintyre Way Ultra 112km. Not a bad for a few month’s work. Caroline said she didn’t think she was ready to take on the Wicklow Way yet and would wait until next year.

Only two women have ever managed to complete the Wicklow Way so I could understand both of their fears about this race. No other females had signed up to take it on which gives you an indication of the challenge. In 2008 the record for running the Wicklow Way was 18 Hours and 25 Minutes.

Friday morning up at seven, should have been sleeping but I was buzzing with anticipation. The race was kicking off at 12 midnight in Marlay Park, I planned to get in a power nap before then but of course I couldn’t sleep. This meant heading into thirty odd hours with no sleep!!

Drop bags ready and gear checked, Donna and I headed down at eleven.
Here we go again, only 14 days since the last race. We got down to Marlay Park registered and got our heads together for what we were about to take on.
This is the first time there has been an Official Wicklow Way Race. There were talks of 15 runners but in the end 8 men and 1 woman stood at the Plaque in Marlay Park ready to make history.
Have to admit I was very proud to be standing there for the first official Wicklow Way Race. A few pics were taken and at the stroke of midnight off we went into the rolling hills of Wicklow.

Marlay Park to Crone Woods- 22km

Four took off fast but we settled into an easy pace, no point in rushing tonight. A few hundred metres in and we both had the same thought, wish Caroline was here with us. We chatted with the other lads for a while but once we got out of the park and started into the hills they pulled ahead. I had met a Veteran of the Wicklow Mountains Martin Francis a few days before at a race and his advice was simple, take it real easy until Djouce and you will be alright!! It was a perfect night for running, full moon, warm, slight breeze and more importantly no rain!!
We would have four hours of running in the dark until the sun started to come up but it was so bright it really was a pleasure. Donna was the only female competitor so all she had to do was finish and she was assured the Trophy of the first ever Wicklow Way Race.
We took the advice of Martin and took it easy on the first section making sure to reel in the urge to fly down the hills. As we were heading across from Fairy Castle on a really technical section Donna stubbed her big toe and landed flat on her face. Nothing damaged badly except a big toe and some pride. Close one!!! She shook it off and we moved on. We chatted about the times we hoped to get to each checkpoint, the goodies we had waiting in our drop bags and also the possibility of breaking the female record set by Caroline Reid. Donna mentioned her legs were feeling quite heavy but I assured her they would warm up soon enough. She also mentioned that her new runners were digging into her big toes (especially the one she stubbed). She had left her spare runners back in Marlay Park in the car (OH OH). We arrived into checkpoint 1 about one minute behind the three lads.
We grabbed our drop bags had a quick chat with the lads, Jeff the race Director was there to greet us and some lad named Robbie (a complete legend) who we had never met before. We would not see Jeff again for a long long time. The three lads headed off just before us, we finished our sambo and off we went again towards Glendalough.

Crone Woods to Glendalough 29km

The climb out of crone is slow and gradual until you meet the bridge at the base of Djouce then it is a hard climb until you reach the boardwalk. Donna mentioned again that her legs were feeling like lead. Not what I wanted to hear but I reassured her she would be fine. We caught up with a fellow runner Rory (also from Achill Island). Donna and Rory chatted for a while and I set the pace out front. I thought chatting with Rory for a while might get her to forget about the lead legs. From training with someone you get to know when they are on form or not, I suspected Donna was struggling and I could see the gravity of what was ahead was starting to play on her mind. Nearing the top of the climb Rory said goodbye and we continued on.

My suspicion was right because ten minutes later Donna and I were having the conversation I dreaded. Over the months on a few occasions since I have been training Donna she has had a few how would you say?? BRAT MOMENTS!! “This is too much, no one trains this hard! My ankles hurt, my knees hurt”. All of this said while standing in three feet of snow mind you. If you want the results you have to put in the hard work with proper Nutrition and Rest. After months of hard training Donna doesn’t have those pains anymore. Your body adapts to the training and you get stronger and tougher. This is the road to becoming an Ultra Runner.

We were nearly four hours in and we had a serious problem.
We stood near the top of Djouce Mountain with the sun rising behind us and I had to remind Donna of all the reasons why she should go on!! She tried to convince me of all the reasons she shouldn’t. Stubbed Toe, Wrong Runners, College, Lack of Sleep etc.
In the end my belief in her to complete the Race was far stronger than her fears of going forward.

So on we went and as the sun came up over the Sugarloaf and we headed down towards Lough Tay. Running down through this landscape was really spectacular in the early morning light. Donnas pace started to quicken. She was back and we were now moving very well towards checkpoint two. We came down to a road section nearing Laragh and there was Robbie waiting, he had decided to set up a mini checkpoint in between (first of many) the main checkpoints. He had sweets, cakes, drinks and all kinds of goodies. He had made rice cakes with Almond butter, honey and banana. We dropped off a few clothes cos it was really warming up. We chatted about how we were getting on and he was really encouraging.
Robbie told us the current record holder Eoin Keith was flying and would probably break his own record. A few miles later coming into Laragh we caught up with Pol another competitor, we chatted for a short while then blasted on. We were really moving well. We had passed Pol and caught up with Rory and Juraj at the checkpoint. Ju Ju was the Marshall at Glendalough and as always had a big smile to greet us gave us our times. Amazing how people will go out of their way to help other athletes. Ju Ju was there before the sun came up, he said it was worth it to see the lovely sunrise and send us on our way. I am sure he will be running next year.

Glendalough to Iron Bridge 28km

Fuelled up and ready for more we took off at a nice steady pace minding not to go too hard. Rory and Juraj headed off in the distance. It’s a long climb to the top of Mullacor from the car park but we knew once we got to the top we had a lovely downhill section all the way to Glenmalure to the halfway point.
We took it nice and steady and before long we were flying down the fire roads to the halfway point. I was so impressed at Donnas pace at this stage we were really motoring now and any signs of the lead legs had left and as her coach I had a real sense of pride seeing her after 60km of running power along as a strong athlete and watch her try achieve another goal. We got to the halfway point and Robbie was there again with a mini checkpoint except this time he had company. Ivan one of the other competitors had pulled out due to injury and was now also giving us all support.
I had stopped for a toilet break so Donna had headed up the hill already. A quick coffee and a chat with the lads and off we went again. I caught up with Donna and we started the climb up to Drumgoff and Carrickshane Mountain. We were now past halfway and things were looking very good. We were well on target to break the female record. On the way up to Drumgoff Donna said her new runners were beginning to cut into her big toes badly. She had thick socks on so I suggested taking off the socks. I had been training with no socks for the last while with no problems and she had the same make of runner (more on this later).
We met Robbie and Ivan on the road at Drumgoff and he said they lost Rory and Juraj and did not know if they were ahead or behind. We made it to the top of Carrickshane with no major problems and started down to Iron Bridge and Checkpoint 3.
We were met by Tim Chapmann and a couple of lads at checkpoint 3 with more encouragement, drinks and sandwiches. They said to Donna to just take it easy now and you are assured of making it in the time limit. We thanked the lads for their advice and encouragement and set off again.

Iron Bridge to Dying Cow 21km

We were nearing the end of our second marathon now. Sleep deprivation, heat and mileage were about to start taking it’s toll. We kept moving forward now Donna started to hit a major wall. Her feet were beginning to hurt so much now that downhill running was a real pain and she said she was happy now to go uphill rather than down. I tried to humour her as much as I could but the pain was really frustrating her because she was still feeling very strong but couldn’t take advantage of the downhill sections to make up time. The next 15km or so was very rough!! Again like some beacon of hope little Robbie sticks his head out of the side of a road near Tinahealy. He and Ivan had set up again 5km before the next checkpoint. They sat us down, shoes were taken off, Vaseline was applied to Donnas aching feet and a new pair of socks. This lad allowed for every scenario. He had ham and cheese rolls, electrolyte drinks, coke, creamed rice and so much encouragement.
5km to Dying Cow.
Off we went feeling a lot better about life, we had only got about 500 mts and we bumped into James Cahill. We had arranged to meet him earlier but thought we missed him, I had told him to bring some strong coffee and nice stuff. It was great to see him, he said we both looked really fresh and were doing great. He really lifted our spirits. It’s nice to see a friendly face when you have had a rough couple of hours. While we had a quick coffee and some choccy, Pol caught up to us and had some also.
Pol was moving a bit faster so he went ahead. Donna said she was feeling really bloated all of a sudden, (James is in big trouble) the coffee mixed with everything else was causing an explosion. We pushed on through and just before Dying Cow we met up with Stephen Perry who gave us water and encouragement in the form of Jaffa Cakes and the offer of a bottle of beer. Pol was sitting at a table contemplating how far we had left to run. I ate a load of Jaffa cakes and Donna thought some yoghourt might settle her stomach (bad mistake).

Dying Cow to Raheenakin 11km

This is were the wheels well and truly fell off the cart. The next 11km plus were a mixture of Donna getting sick on the side of the road and trying to run/walk. As she said herself Dying Cow seems very apt now. Pol passed us again at some stage in between the two checkpoints. There were more road sections now so we saw more of Robbie and Ivan. About 2km before the last checkpoint was the steepest hill you could imagine, just what we needed right now!! We were halfway up this beast and Donna turned to me and said “you know there is no way I am not finishing this” made from different stuff I tell ya. Imagine running nearly 3 marathons with no sleep and roasting sun and being sick for the last section. Donna was looking very shaky now and in my head I was thinking we might have to call it a day at the next checkpoint. Robbie was waiting at the last checkpoint again with Ivan and now Aoibheann. My idea of no socks had also taken a toll on my feet (no socks alright over 20k but no further) Aoibheen and Robbie supplied plasters, cream and a pair of socks. Donna chatted to Ivan while I was getting pampered and she seemed to be feeling a bit better. Last section to go!!!!
Raheenakin to Clonegal 16km
So here we are on the last section and heading towards the finish line. The next couple of hours were a mixture of real highs and some very low lows. At one stage Donna fell asleep while walking. Kinda funny at the time, we got a good giggle out of it anyways. As you get nearer and nearer the end you seem to find energy from somewhere. The irony of this whole race was that in perfect conditions Donna had such a bad race. Two weeks previous to this in terrible conditions she had an amazing race.
She said just before we finished that this must be what Caroline went through in Scotland. She had promised to run the last 20 miles for her sister and was now running this section for Caroline.
We came out of the last off-road section through a forest and there was our friend Robbie Williams, he had run up into the forest to meet us and run for a while. He told us only 5km to go now. We got onto the road and he left us at the last intersection to make sure we didn’t take the wrong road. We had 3km to go now and this journey to become the third woman to complete the Wicklow Way and the First woman to race it was over.
There was a lot of emotion over those last few footsteps but in the end Donna McLoughlin a lady who set out to run all those miles from Dublin to Carlow achieved her goal.
Donna finished in 19 Hours and 48 Mins.
A True Fighter and Athlete.

A big thanks to all involved in this race. A fantastic experience.

Rory Campbell

27 May, 2013

I think Ultramarathons are the Wet Paint sign of running. I’d read some running books, watched some youtube clips, decided that was insane and not for me.

So I was surprised to find myself on a cold clear midnight in a Dublin Park with a group of ultra runners - some experienced and some newbies.
The geographical extremes of Europe were there in force. Almost 20% of the field (2) was Slovakian. Almost 10% (1) was from Achill. Even Termonfeckin was fully represented.

In the park it wasn't the childhood feeling of terror/joy coming down the stairs Christmas morning. But it wasn't far off.

It was superb to get going through the dark tunnel of trees in Marley. Settled into two groups of runners.

Up around Fairy Castle. Dublin sparkling in the background. It was so bright we hardly bothered with the head torches. Mind you, no sign of a Fairy. Nor of a Castle.

Then familiar Glencullen, Curtlestown, Knockrea, Crone. Trail was bone dry. Yellow men were peeping out reliably at each junction.

Two non-yellow men met us at Crone. One dressed as a duvet. Thanks Jeff and Robbie. Nice boost.

Sharp silhouette of Djouce with the super full moon in perfect position. You wouldn't believe it if it was a painting.

Looking back, Dublin still sparkling, sky now a deep red. At 3:30am! You had to be there.

Surrounded by panorama of hills. Birdsong starting to audibly erupt sounding like a rainforest. (do they have cuckoos in rainforests?)

Along the boardwalk at a hypnotic lope. George (a.k.a. Juraj) yelping for joy at the Lough Tay view point. Pol and I had to agree.

Countryside turning impossible yellows and greens.

Amused by the pink spectacle of a house that marks the right run after Oldbridge.

Trot down to Glendalough. Aggh, a tall locked gate we had to climb. Post-climb noticed the little hook to open it! Consoled by the Glendalough postcard.

Don and Donna join George and me for a breakfast meeting in Glendalough car park. Thanks to JuJu, our host.

Predictably long haul over Mullacor. Could Ireland really be this hot at 7:30am?

Glenmalure showing off. As always. Down then inevitably up.

Some time later, in perfect Wicklow sunshine, met the Angel of Wicklow. She was with her assistant and Dad (Tim). Thanks to both! Tim said he was jealous.
That was a striking reminder how lucky we were to be experiencing this.

Flagged a little on the grassy bothairin a little later. Remembered to don the sun hat and glasses - felt much better and looked cool too.

George then started eating Mangan's Wood. So they eat beech leaves in Slovakia! Hmmm, not bad at all. A tomato and a hard-boiled egg and you might get a Slovak-Irish salad thing going.

Both of us tired (maybe) at this point (despite eating the tree parts). Tinahealy unoffical checkpoint saves the day! A warm cup of coke, a warm cup of electrolyte in water (Thanks Robbie). Stomach instantly freed up enough space to accommodate half a ham roll. Magic how the salt allows water absorption again. I mean you read about these things......

George offers some Gojo berry/nut/coconut mix. Would be great in the right circumstances. I stick to a sachet of warm liquid plasticine. Mango flavour? I don't think so. George taking all kinds of fruit out of his bag. I'm expecting him to produce a watermelon or at least a cantoloupe.

Next part can be summarized as road trail road trail trail nice-view road trail road road trail road road trail nice-view road road trail road etc. etc.

We were met by Aoibheann and Phil at the Dying Cow. 27Km she said while pointing up the road at a 45 degree angle. The others just 20 minutes behind. No chance of a pint then.

Met Phil at the top of Raheenakit mountain (that ascent seems to be understated on the map).

Small navigational issue lost us a few minutes. We’d just missed our little yellow friend. Back a bit and picked up the trail again.

Amazingly we could still run. Both of us had only ever run ~52Km before. We had been breaking our distance records fairly consistently since breakfast.

Small (or any sized) talk was at a minimum at this point. One last trail. One last uphill. I don't care, said George (I think he did).

The 5Km sign was nice to see. We ran it and it was supreme.

But felt the full meaning of the Welcome to Clonegall sign.

Touched down just short of the 17 hours. A mere half-day behind the race leader. Our adventure was over.

WW2013


Epilogue

The lady in the shop in Clonegall decided not to take up ultrarunning. Perhaps because she'd seen the human debris (us) come in. Even the wonderful momento of the run wouldn't make her take up the sport.

Post-race nutrition: Choc ice and a single of chips. Thanks Robbie.

Thanks to Ivan for recovery advice. Under no circumstances should any housework be attempted for 4 to 6 weeks!

Sadly George (my co-survivor and brand new best friend) is moving to Canada. I wish him and his family the best of luck.

So would I recommend this run? Well if you want to see if the paint is wet or dry....

Pól Ó Murchú

27 May, 2013

Wicklow way Solo
So just over 48 hours since I finished the Wicklow Way Race/ Wiclow Way Solo I thought I'd take a few mins to write a race report. The last couple of days were nowhere near as bad as I had expected. A little sore in the legs but honestly I've felt worse after some marathons. I had imagined the worst, wondered whether I'd be able to walk at all after running that distance over that length of time, I had visions of hobbling round for days even weeks on end but thankfully that's not the case. Yesterday I was up early today to support my wife who was doing the strawberry half-marathon in Enniscorthy and even managed to run alongside her for the last bit and today just another day in work. Business as usual.

It all started back in November where a post from Richard Nunan announced plans to add a solo race to the calendar and/or modify the route of the relay to follow the entire Wicklow Way. Some discussion followed about the pros and cons on both options - I was interested where do I sign up... It had been on my to do list for a couple of years having completed legs 1-5 of the relay over various years and having covered the entire way in both directions over a 5 day period in 2011. The thought of being able to do it in an organised race type environment with support and official recognition excited me. I was up for it. I had officially joined the crazy club for people who think its perfectly normal to run 130km or more in one go.

In terms of preparation I can't say it was perfect - far from it in fact. I'm not great at training and rarely stick to training plans and I don't like running when it's cold or wet so you can see my problem. I barely ran at all over the winter, following a minor operation in December I was advised not to run for at least 6 weeks although managed to get in a couple of the winter league races which left me feeling rather unfit. I began running races, lots of races, Bhaa races, 10k's, half marathons, and a few marathons sometimes even two races a week. Some weeks brought great times missing pb's by seconds and others not so good. It got me out and made it easier to run. As the weather got better I might run out along the coast to skerries and back (21km) or run home from work (25.5km). But still no real structure to my training.

It was only around the end of March that I more or less decided I would definitely do the race. But was hoping for an early start. With a cut off time of 21 hours I was worried I might not make it. It was made clear that no early starts would be allowed so I decided I'd give it a shot anyway. If I failed I'd have learnt a lesson or two for future events.

Flash forward about two months and the day had arrived. Unable to get the day off work I rushed home as early as I could grabbed something to eat and tried to get a few hours sleep. Unable to sleep I managed about two hours before I had to get up again about 10 O'clock. Bag packed, car loaded I was ready to go. Arrived in Marley Park about 11:20. Checked in with Jeff and Robbie and loaded drop bags into the different drop bags. There was a small bunch of people about with just 9 running the race and a few people supporting but a nice relaxed atmosphere about as people stood around chatting and getting ready.

Group photo and we were ready to go. Straight away the group was split with 4(Eoin Keith, Rob Costello, John Cronin and Ivan) looking like they meant business and knew what they were at and another 5(Juraj Karca, Rory Cambell, Don Hannon, Donna mcLoughlin and myself) who stayed together through the park and on up the lane towards Kilmashogue. As we went up the fire road the group split in two with George (Juraj), Rory and I running together and Don and Donna running a little behind. The four in front were probably miles ahead by now. We continued along like this for most of the time reaching checkpoint one (Crone Wood) at 02:42. 22km down! We stopped a few minutes here to top up water and supplies and then we were off again.

The night was lovely as we ran along chatting, it was so bright we managed most of it without head torches except for perhaps the more technical bits around Three Rock/Tibradden and around Djouce. The moon was full and clear which made it a little cold at times but nothing too bad. As we made our way up Djouce the sun started to make an appearance. Approx 3:30 am... Much earlier than expected with hints of yellow, orange, blue and purple in the sky behind us, an amazing sight as the moon rested over the other side of Djouce in front of us. Incredible - if you saw a photo you'd think it was photoshopped! A picture I will keep in my head for life. Absolutely beautiful. It was clear it was going to be a hot day. At least it would be dry.

We trooped on revitalised by the new day and over leg 3 and 4 of the relay route. Around by paddock hill the two lads pulled on ahead of me and shortly after Don and Donna sped by on the downhill shortly afterwards. I was now last but for me it wasn't really a race it was more about finishing. Arriving in Glendalough after 6 hours 41 minutes with 51 km down I was feeling good. Stopped a bit to top up water refuel, fill my bag and spent probably close to 20 minutes just chatting away to Juju who was helping out there. This was a bit longer than I would have planned but I was one hour inside the cut off and not too worried about my time. I ploughed on up the fire road, a long drag up to where the boardwalk runs over between lugduff and mullacor. Usually I find this part of the way quite tough but I took my time running, walking, running, walking and before I knew it I was trotting down hill all the way to the crossroads in Drumgoff. Just past here I met Robbie in the support car along with Ivan who had dropped out. They also advised that Rob Costello had dropped out following a nav error around Glendalough which resulted in a 10k diversion to get back on course. Not what you want on a race that's already long enough and tough enough. I left them and as I slipped into the forest I could see the Half way marker up ahead. Wow only half way there.

The next section of the way goes up through the forest in drumgoff along fire roads and up what is usually a very muddy bank but today was fairly dry. It then continues along the side of Slieve Mann but a temporary diversion forced us out onto the road for about 2km. All uphill. Ouch! It then heads back into the forest around carrickashane before heading down to Iron Bridge. A nice downhill bit.

Here I was greeted by Tim Chapman and Family who offered me a seat for a few minutes while I topped up on supplies. I forget what time I got here but I think at this stage I was about 1:3O - 2 hours ahead of the cut off. A few relay runners arrived ready to go and waiting for their handover and it was clear they wouldn't be too far behind me. Again I probably spent too long here but when you're running alone its nice to be able to talk to someone other than yourself now and again. Off I went again expecting to see some relay runners behind me fairly soon but it was actually quite some time before they caught me.

The next checkpoint was the dying cow although when I reached the bottom of the lane where the leg 7 start is I was met by Robbie again. What a surprise I hadn't expected this. At this point my bag was heaving with all the food I kept piling in at each checkpoint but not eating. Somehow I thought that sure if its in the bag it's the same as having eaten it right? And surely I'd eat it at some point! Eh no...It was time to stop kidding myself and leave the weeks supply of food in the car! That done I was feeling a lot lighter. Just grabbed a small bag I had and a bottle from Robbie. At this point I could hardly eat anything but the coke and warm red bull was going down well. Robbie advised the others were just about 3 - 5 minutes ahead. Hmm I thought this time less talking and I might catch them. On up the wee lane I went passing a number of relayers waiting for their handover. A few cheers and words of encouragement pushed me on a bit. Next I spotted Donna and Don stopped chatting away to James who offered me some coffee...sure why not. What else would I be doing on this fine summer day! Off they went and I followed passing them a short time after not long before Id see them again though.

At this stage a few more relayers were passing by although still a relatively small number. Most offered words of encouragement. On and on I went before finally arriving at the dying cow. Met a relay runner asking had I seen a relay runner with a green t shirt. He'd passed me a good 20-30 minutes earlier...ooops there's always one that gets lost. Sat down at the dying cow. That about summed up how I felt - dying runner more like. A pint would have been amazing...more coke, energy gel, jelly babies, more people trying to feed me real food...agh the thought of having to chew. Next in Donna and Don again...just not going away. Still there chilling they headed off. I stayed a while. Ok gotta move. Off up the hill - big hill. Relay goes straight here so that was probably the last time I'd see any of them. Pity though would have been good to have some other runners around. Only 27 or so km to go. Oh look it's The Dons again. Stopped a while with them. Donna not feeling great after eating some warm yougart at the dying cow. Yuk the thought of it. Then off I went again. Even got a round of applause passing a church - that was quite random...I'm guessing there must have been a wedding or something going on surely I wasn't that famous already and I haven't even finished. I was amazed how much I was still running at this stage. Flying downhill and still managing a bit of a jog uphill. Slowed to walking on any steeper bits. That hill up to Raheenakit Forest sure showed me though... Another quick stop before the forest. All I could manage was an energy gel more red bull and more coke. Not doing a great job either as I awoke once or twice to find myself meandering into the middle of the road...doh gotta stay awake - who new you could sleep while running.

Nearly there I was told just about 16km. The last 5 of which are on the road into Clonegal and sure you're practically home then or so I told myself. Looking at the watch I thought maybe I could be done by 7pm. I even thought i might have caught the end of the Leinster game having given up a ticket to do this race would have liked to at least caught a few mins of it. On I go through the forest out the other end and down this small lane. More road and more road then into another forest...a really annoying trail that seems to go on forever meandering up and around Moylisha and Urelands Hills before finally releasing you again onto yet another road. This bit I don't mind I know this bit. Just 5km to the village...feels more like 10 at this stage though.

I break into a bit of a sprint only to be halted again by a small uphill. Still going well though 19:00 passes me by then 19:10 maybe 19:15...no ok new target set 19:20....nearly there finally finished 19:19...nice one and easy to remember too. My initial target I'd set myself was 20...no idea why but since the cut off was 21 and people kept asking what time I thought it would take or what my target was I decided I better have an answer or they won't take me seriously so 20 it was... At least then even if i finished in 20:59:59 i could always say oh eh 20 something or just a bit over 20...

Boom happy to be done. Sit on the bench. Best wait for the others now be kinda bad to just go now after all we'd been through. Seemed like an eternity although was really just a few minutes but the cold was starting to set in and then they were in. All finishers through the final line. Photos and prizes ensued and then home to bed. I'd have loved to have gone for pints but my lift was waiting...

What a day - what an experience - great people met from Rory with his funny story's of his children and why he left Germany and George with his homemade energy bars (aka horse burgers). Great fun and great atmosphere amongst everyone competing and volunteers. A massive thanks to Jeff, Robbie, Juju, Tim, Jeffs Girlfriend (sorry I forgot your name - put it down to the tiredness), anyone else who helped along the way and of course the Imra committee for making it possible. A big congrats to Eoin on his great time. And of course Donna on first female. Trophies are amazing, will treasure it and hope to add to it next year.

Thanks all.

Ps. I never intended this report to be so long but I guess it's difficult to summarise 19 hours 19 minutes into a few small paragraphs.