A sudden rush of blood to the head and I entered a half marathon in Cavan with friends, then added a few more. I was recovering from a calf injury and hadn't run many miles in the preceding month. But nothing like challenging yourself!
HM 1: Cavan:We got lost on the way there, and rushed to lift our race bibs, then headed out. No time to warm up. The run started on a hill...
I took it easy on the first mile, while watching my friend (who is well used to mountain running), take off like a rocket. This was one hilly route. And it as raining 🌧 ...a lot. But through the rain, the scenery was amazing, out on quiet country roads and plenty of time to settle into the run. My friend won the race in 1hr42m. took my time and came in at 2:35, soaking wet and glad to see the finish line!
Next up Kilkenny: We arrived the night before,(late). Got lost in the dark of the city trying to locate the bib collection point. Found it: a tent by the river, with the organisers working by torchlight. Probably one of the most unusual pick up arrangements! The following morning was cool and bright as we set off, with a beautiful run around the city, before heading out on a looong hill. Not steep, but it went on for over two miles. Then another downhill, and back up again before the return leg. The route turned out to be Irish miles as there were 14.5miles. Still, it was a beautiful and scenic run,and I completed the (Irish ) miles 😊 in 2hr.32.
Half marathon 3: Galway. We arrived that morning in the pouring rain. Just as we were at the start line,a warning went off on my insulin pump to say the battery needed replacing. Arrrgh! As the route was along the bay,I reckoned I'd find a shop. Three miles in, spotted a shop and dived in. Only to find myself behind someone who seemed to be buying the deeds of the place, it was taking so long! Purchase made, I rejoined the run, and began to overtake the runners I had passed on miles 1&2. Finished in 2hr 40, including the 15 min shopping trip. Oh, and the sun came out. I got sunburn - in October
If you ever want a scenic HM, head to Galway. Its a stunning place and the atmosphere is amazing!
Half Marathon 4: Roscommon. High winds, rain, hills, it had it all. I was on tired legs and took it easy, glad to see the finish line. A lady came in behind me and said she had followed me for 3 miles but couldn't catch me. She was 15 years my junior!
Half Marathon 5: a local run that is flat and easy on the legs. The weather beautiful and scenery stunning.a fitting finale, and an easy pace got me in at 2h.30 with plenty left in the tank.
A summary of race descriptions:
Undulating = hills and more hills 😉
Scenic = Hills that will seem like mountains😬
Challenging = A brutal route that starts on a hill, and grinds on for miles. 😨
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Amazing to experience, and to challenge myself. 😊
Pic below: Galway
Running is bad for you!! My half marathon experience.
Thinking of entering my local 10km
Half Marathon ?
My first Half Marathon race
Completed my 1st Half Marathon 
