unironedman

That whole ‘new year, new me’ stuff really gives me the ick. (On a temporal point of order, as someone I follow online quite rightly suggested, we should celebrate the Winter Solstice, not some arbitrary date like the 31st or the 25th, which is itself ripped off from a variety of religions and whatever you’re having yourself. Indeed, if you’re being unnecessarily (but topically) cruel, you could cogently argue that there’s more variety in Christianity and how it picks its landmarks than what gets stuffed up a turkey’s arse at Christmas. But I digress. As you do.)

So, the point, if indeed there was one, is that you should most definitely not start any new resolutions in the new year. Unless, that is, you want them to fail. And if you really must have some psychological bauble hanging off your own particular ‘tree’ to enthuse you in the cold months of early 2024, then try and at least add something positive. The biggest issue with failed resolutions is that they usually focus on the negative: I’m going to give up smoking. I’m going to give up eating sweets. Etcetera. Turn that idea around. I’m going to take up something. Something positive. And if that thing is running, and you are new to this blog, well, congratulations. You and I can be best friends. I don’t do running shoe or gear reviews. Nor do I offer great insights into training. But I am a dab hand at talking about all manner of nonsense, and occasionally there are some runs in there, and a few gems to be unearthed. If you like digging. Digging counts as exercise.

Since we last spoke, Lock Up The Year took place. It’s an annual event on the last day of the year, and always, happens along the Royal Canal. In the past, we have done it as a straight run back from a start point out west (depending on your chosen distance), but for simplicity reasons, the last few have been out and back. As one of the two on the organising committee, I can safely say this saves a lot of hassle with buses and money, but that said, Brendan (the other member) did say he missed the old days, as do I, so perhaps next year, all being well, we can revert to the original system, and perhaps reinstate the marathon too.

I managed the half with Mark, and it was a tough day at the office. The weather has been very poor these last few weeks, with lots of rain, and it all took its toll on the track. Some sections of the towpath between Leixlip and Maynooth are still old-school grass, and while I do prefer this, from a traditional point of view, I appreciate it makes for hard work if you are trying to run. With too many puddles to consider, the only smart thing to do was to plough straight on through. Trying to skirt them, or hurdle them, would only lead to strained groins and twisted ankles, neither of which clear up as quickly as a pair of wet socks.

As it happened, when we turned for home just after ten kilometres, the weather started to clear. And as a Christmas bonus, the very fresh wind was now at our backs. That said, both Mark and I were feeling the pinch, and our pace slowed, despite the assistance of the conditions. I am reviewing the stats on Garmin as we speak. Understandably, the cadence dropped. Starting out, it was around the low-to-mid 170s, but finished around 165. This would suggest tiredness was setting in. I am sure a coach would have things to say about this. If I had one. Here’s a link if you want to read a primer on cadence.

In other running news, as I mentioned in the previous blog, I have signed up for an ultra-run in Connemara. It is the classic ‘one-and-a-half’ distance ultra, and it takes place along with the more traditional half and full marathons. I am experiencing a slight twinge of buyer’s remorse, but I am putting that down to the thought of running 40 miles, and that thought will be eased once I get out running again more regularly. The second half of last year was a famine in comparison to the relative feast of the first half. This was due to the training and completion of the Wicklow Way, after which my enthusiasm for many things waned. And the gym took over.

But along with signing up for an ultra that I hadn’t really planned for, I also (accidentally!) signed up for one of those online challenges. This one means I have to run 100 miles in February. On the plus side, it’s a leap year, so I have an extra day. Glass half full, that’s me!

When I did my ambulance placement a few weeks back, we spent several days at the Mater, and transported several patients, some of whom would have had cardiac issues. As I go forward with my training, I hope one day to be teaching people how to perform CPR and other life-saving skills, so you could say it’s a subject close to my (don’t say it! ed.) heart…

It works out at about a marathon a week, and perhaps I hadn’t really given it enough consideration. But it’s the kick up the arse I need to get out running again consistently, and it gives me a focus for the ultra on the 21st of April. And then, that’s my springboard to take on a longer run in the middle of Summer.

Saoirse’s Christmas present was a voucher for a running store, so I have treated myself to a pair of Hoka Speedgoats. They are primarily a trail running shoe, but are one of the more cushioned offerings from that company. I nearly bought some last year but instead went for the Saucony Peregrines. Luxury problems. I still trot out in my Hoka Clifton 8s, and my Saucony Endorphins, even if both have seen a lot of miles. And I look forward to getting back up into the mountains for some training runs.

The gig was a bit of craic, despite being a little chesty (me, not the gig…). We are back in there again next week, so no rest for the wicked! And so to finish, here are a few assorted oddities…