Streets of Galway 8K - August 7th 2004

Member

I know that you all love race reports - so, given I have not been racing for months, I hope you indulge me writing again.

Last Saturday morning I was packed and raring to go to take part in my first race since March, and the next step on my recovery from injury. It was a long drive from Dublin to Galway, and the evening start time of 7:30 for the Streets of Galway 8K Road Race. Dee and I had a leisurely drive across the country and were checking into our hotel by 2 o'clock with plenty of time to relax and prepare for the race. We had lunch, watched the Gaelic Football (mad losses by Armagh and Tyrone!) and after checking in with Mick Rice, it was off to meet the team and get stretched for the race.

Due to major reconstruction around Eyre Square, the race start had moved to The Claddagh, just outside the town centre and we gathered with some 45 minutes to go to renew old acquaintances and meet new friends. There were at least 14 of us from the club, Athenry AC, our for this event, and the craic was it's usual pre-race style. Injuries were compared, pre-race excuses all made, and everyone talking down their chances, while secretly hoping for a PR! Personally, having had three months out injured and only back training since the beginning of July, my own expectations were low. I had been gauging my training, and felt confident I could manage a sub 39 minute run, over what is generally a flat and fast course. However, the wind had whipped up across Galway Bay, and with at least 2 km run along the seafront, it would be a factor in times, and I was readjusting to ensure I would break 40.

Stretching & warm up jog completed, a final hug and a kiss of support from Dee, and I made my way to the start line, ensuring I got into the pack in an appropriate place for my expected pace. The start was a little shambolic, everyone having to move back as the throngs of entrants tried to squeeze onto the narrow road, and with well over a thousand taking part we were delayed some ten minutes whilst the organizers tried to cope.

When the gun went off, or more realistically when someone yelled Go!, we started to walk, and at that pace I was feeling great . It was hard to get any rhythm going as we ran past the finish line and towards town, and when I say run I may be just exaggerating a little, but eventually as we crossed the bridge, past Jury's Inn, I started to break into a rhythm, passing the 1 KM marker in 5:34 – Well outside my hoped times of 4:50, but given that it had taken so long to break into any real running, I was happy enough.

A climb into Eyre Square and the shops, passing evening crowds enthusiastically clapping us through , and I was beginning to feel comfortable at the pace I was at. 4:48 for the second KM and back on track was just the tonic I needed. The next two kilometers were quick, both in 4:33, and I had clawed back most of the lost time from the start, and half way saw my watch click at 19:28, almost the exact time I was originally hoping for, although I knew that the head wind would start to bite over the last two kilometers.

Keeping even was my goal, and I knuckled down and worked off other runners as the wind picked up, trying to shield myself, and clocking 4:47 and 4:42 to leave me well placed if I could hold on through the wind. When we reached Salthill and the on-shore breeze, it was almost wall like in its whipped fierceness. Not the most pleasant evening in Galway, but nor was it too overpowering, just frustrating to be fighting the breeze as well as tiredness. I was trying to stay with a fellow runner who I had been chatting to at the start, and along the prom we shared the pace, but as we reached 7Km (4:5 Cool

, with the wind taking its toll on me, he started to pull away from me, and as I was not going to be setting any world records today, I let him go, with the hope that he may have gone early and that I could catch him by the end. We turned off the prom, and thankfully the wind was now behind us, and with 500 meters to go, I tried to pick the pace up. I knew the finish line was a devious 100m past the start line, with a 90 degree right hand turn as we kicked for home, and to be fair, I felt tired – My legs were screaming at me "Hey it's my first race for a while – Go easy, I have rights!!!!".

My head wanted to kick as I hate being outsprinted, but fortunately my legs won the argument and I kept a strong pace, but didn't react when two runners came flying past me in the last 100. Normally I pride myself on my strength at the end, but today it was the finishing itself that was important, not the time. I crossed the line in 38:33 for 509th overall, 12th for Athenry, and FIRST Over 45 for the club - Not bad for three months inactivity. If I take off the wasted time at the start, I was probably around 38 minutes for the run, much better than I had hoped, and with the wind upsetting most others, I could be very well pleased with my first race at home this year.

Dee was waiting for me at the finish, with congratulations and a hug from her sweaty partner and we met up with the rest of the team. Good runs by many, especially James C and Bridget Anne in her first race for the club. Mick was in great form having come back from injury himself, breaking 30 minutes, and once the training has had time to develop he'll be back around the front end of the pack. We rejoined to the bar at Jury's for a pint and download of experiences, before Dee and I said farewell and headed for the shower and dinner.

I was very pleased with my run. Dee noted how fresh I looked at the end (thank goodness I didn't try that sprint!), and there is clearly a lot more to come. If I can stay injury free for a period longer than 3 months, I can certainly get the times down again. I was well inside my predicted time, and I had no niggles to report from Sunday.

Next step is the 10 Mile, Frank Duffy race in Phoenix Park in two weeks, followed by the National ½ Marathon Championships the following week. Again, stepping stones as I look forward to the fall and better running. It's good to be back….

Liam

Member

Wonderful race report! thumbs up

Someday I'd like to run in Ireland. Cool

Congrats on a great race! cheers

The Pinball

glad your return to running went so well.

i wish you the best liam; hope the good stuff continues. cheers

Member

Thanks guys,

I appreciate the support - makes it all worthwhile. As to running in Ireland, we will certainly have a welcome out for you when you get here. We have three or four great marathons a year, and plenty of local atmospheirc races like the Streets Race, so any time, let us know.

Liam

Streets of Galway 8K - August 7th 2004

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