I would never have heard of the Clonakilty Marathon but Clonakilty, near Cork in Ireland is my Father’s second home, he loves the place and visits at least twice a year, so it was him that told me about the marathon.
So I decided I was going to run this low key marathon for my Dad. I thought, great a small marathon that no one has heard of, it’s a hilly course so no chance of a pb – no pressure, should be fun. But Dad had told all his mates in Clonakilty that I’m going to win it, so I had to run well to do him proud.
It was freezing on the start line, but apart from being cold it was great conditions for running, sunny and just a light wind. We set off 5 minutes after the 700 half marathon runners, up until 9 miles when the route split there was lots of weaving around slower runners along the narrow country lanes. After the route had split it was quite a lonely run but I enjoyed the fantastic scenery and was feeling good.
I had set off at a comfortable pace, Nick had said take it easy until 16 miles then go for it. At 16 miles I pushed on a bit but the biggest hill on the course started at about 18 miles and went on until 21, luckily because of my conservative start I was still feeling strong and passing people (not that there were many people to pass, there were only 305 finishers).
It was lovely finishing and seeing my proud parents and friends who had come to support me.
I finished in 3-07-24, I hadn’t been aiming for a particular time, I just wanted to feel happy with my run, which I was.
I really enjoyed the Clonakilty Marathon, the course is fantastic, it was really well organised and everyone was so friendly.
The North Downs Run is a 30km trail race following a picturesque and challenging route along paths including the North Downs Way and the Weald Way. The North Downs Run is consistently voted as one of the top 10 UK races in the Runners World annual polls, it is also one of my top 10 races of all time! Not only is it a fantastic course, it is superbly organised with a lovely relaxed atmosphere.
Usually the North Downs Run is on the hottest day of the year with very dry ground conditions, this year there had been heavy rain the week before so the ground was soft with some muddy sections, on the day the sun was shining and a strong wind was blowing.
As always, I really enjoyed the race. It is organised by a local club and my club provides lots of the marshals, so I had loads of support on the course. I was pleased with my run, a bit slower than last year but I’ll blame the mud and the wind for that.
Someone who probably isn’t using a bit of mud and wind as excuses is the winner, 2-14 marathon runner, Huw Lobb who smashed the course record.
Hi, I’m Annabelle, welcome to my first blog! Sorry, but the title is very misleading, it’s Friday night and I’m home alone writing this blog……definitely not rock & roll!
I’ve been coached by Nick for nearly 2 years now, before that my running was very random, I didn’t know what threshold was and the thought of doing any type of speedwork was far too scary. Now I really enjoy the variety in my training and following a plan.
I am currently training for the London Marathon, where I am hoping for that elusive pb (it’s been 6 years now, so about time). Thanks to Nick, I believe a pb is possible and I am looking forward to the training, especially the warm weather in Portugal. Before London I am doing a few xc races, Bath Half Marathon and Hastings Half.
Tomorrow I am racing the Southern xc Champs at Parliament Hill, Ive never run there before but have been told it will be very muddy and hilly……which sounds good to me, bring it on!
I think that’s enough about running, time for sex and drugs ……..ok, what I’m actually going to do is put my 15mm spikes in and pack my bag for tomorrow.
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