Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: August 2021

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Some 5k parkruns can return on the 11th of September 2021


parkrun Ireland is the parent body for 5k parkruns in Ireland and in the last few days, they announced that some parkruns can return on the 11th of September.

"With current government guidelines in Ireland allowing for gatherings of up to 500 people in open spaces such as parks, we are delighted to be able to announce that some 5k events in Ireland will restart from Saturday 11 September."

They are currently in contact with the local organising teams of 48 5k events around the country about restarting. More 5k parkruns are likely to restart in the weeks that follow.

They also announced that all children aged 11-14 will be able to record a walk, jog or run at all junior parkrun events in Ireland from Sunday 12 September.

At the moment, it looks as if the 5k parkruns in Macroom and Mallow will be restarting on the 11th of September.

The 5k parkruns in Waterford City (nature reserve), Tralee and Clonmel are also restarting on that date.

Update: I am told that the Glen River and Ballincollig 5k parkruns will return as well.

Results of the Castleisland 5k - Fri 27th Aug 2021


This 5k race organised by An RΓ­ocht AC was held in Castleisland, Kerry on Friday the 27th of August 2021. This was the 1st of 3 in an Autumn series of 5k race with a modest entry fee of €10.

A number of runners made the trip west including Sharon Woods who was the 3rd woman home.

Full results and photos HERE

Monday, August 30, 2021

Results of the Mooreabbey Milers 10-mile road race - Sun 29th Aug 2021

A respectable 172 runners turned out for the inaugural Mooreabbey Milers 10-mile road race in the village of Galbally, Co.Limerick on Sunday the 29th of August 2021. Looking through the results, there was a large number of runners from Cork taking part.

The men's race was won by Conor McCauley from Leevale AC in Cork in a time of 52m 27s.


The first woman was Angela McCann from Clonmel AC in a time of 61m 37s. Angela is a former winners of the Cork City Marathon.



Top 5 men & women...

1 Conor McCauley Leevale AC SM     52:27     52:27
2 John Kinsella Bilboa AC SM     52:52     52:52
3 Pat Hennessy West Waterford AC SM     53:16     53:16
4 John Shine Leevale AC SM     54:26     54:26
5 Michael McMahon North Cork AC M40     54:45     54:45
27 Angela McCann Clonmel AC SF   1:01:37
33 Jennifer Montague Leevale AC SF   1:03:46
36 Becky Coughlan Ennis Track AC SF   1:04:38
49 Linda O Connor Carrigaline AC F40   1:07:31
50 Linda Grogan Dundrum AC SF   1:08:03


The full results can be seen below.

Photos...
1) Mooreabbey Milers AC have two galleries... Album 1 and Album 2

Mooreabbey Milers 10 Mile Road Race

Place Athletes name Club Category Gun Time Chip Time
1 Conor McCauley Leevale AC SM     52:27     52:27
2 John Kinsella Bilboa AC SM     52:52     52:52
3 Pat Hennessy West Waterford AC SM     53:16     53:16
4 John Shine Leevale AC SM     54:26     54:26
5 Michael McMahon North Cork AC M40     54:45     54:45
6 Jeremy O Donovan St Finbarrs AC M40     54:50     54:49
7 Michael Morgan St Finbarrs AC M40     54:58     54:57
8 Ian O Halloran Derg AC SM     55:35     55:33
9 Donal Coakley Leevale AC SM     57:52     57:52
10 Fergus Nugent Eagle AC M40     58:10     58:08

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Guest Post: A Training Week... by Pat Walsh

 ** A Training week **
Many thanks for the interest in last week’s post. I do know from feedback and private messages that a few of you have discovered your running shoes again… super. πŸ‘πŸ‘

I’ve been asked about a training week and what is should consist of.
To be honest, to improve and stay injury free then hitting the balance between under and over training is the key. PWR Rules (purely my own, built up over time)

This is for people running regularly and not anyone who has recently started running for the first time or has just come back to the sport.
1 session a week you are going backwards
2 sessions a week will hold current levels for a while and act as a recovery
3 sessions a week are needed to see some improvement
😎

Ideally, a Speedy Session, a Long Run and a recovery Easy Run. Each is important and has a purpose.
.
You must do some Speed Work if you want improvement. Your legs will not automatically get faster and your lungs will not adapt to the required race levels if you do not put in some speed work in training.
.
The Long Run is a staple for most of us and the one we most look forward to. Get a crew and just drift along, chatting, encouraging, clearing the mind and hopefully a cuppa afterwards. This is the social run that keeps our sanity. (or what is left of it)
.
Easy Run is good for the legs to just a have a nice handy run to work out lactic acid and let the body recover. It is also a good way of building the weekly total if you are training towards a distance race.
πŸƒ

People training for Marathons or winning short races will obviously do more than this per week, but the 3 sessions can help build a decent base before you decide on anything more.
The key is consistency and trying always to get the 3 runs done. Missing a week or 2 isn’t major harm but don’t overcompensate by trying to cram in the missed runs.
Steady weeks, steady monthly totals and slowly building the weekly effort is the way to improve.
3 sessions also allows recovery days and time maybe for a strength or flexibility class.
πŸƒ


Maybe this sounds too simple to be effective. Maybe there is not enough variety in my approach.
But that is possible to rectify. 
The speed session can be varied over different distances each week and sometimes maybe a tempo run.
The Long run can be added to once you are comfortable and maybe a focus on the pace that you are running at.
The Easy run can be made longer every few weeks to help the total.
Change the venues, change around your partners. There is plenty to give us variety while we improve.
😘

Yes you can do more and improve in a short space of time, but when the injury comes and you will miss a few weeks to clear up the inevitable injury and your fitness will go backwards. 
Maybe the slow steady approach will still be the best way.
Running and training need to be part of your life and built into the weekly schedule. Too much is unsustainable and too little you are going nowhere. Look to develop a running Lifestyle.
πŸ…πŸ…

Best of luck to all the Paralympians in action in Japan. You are all super and inspirational. Congrats Ellen Keane on your Gold medal. Go that girl and hopefully many more medals for the team to follow.

#pwr #keeponrunning

Friday, August 27, 2021

12-week training programme for the Clonakilty Half-Marathon on 27th Nov 2021


The Clonakilty Waterfront Half-Marathon is scheduled to go ahead this year on Saturday the 27th of November 2021. Website HERE

I am currently coaching a few runners who are getting ready for this and I can add a few more if anyone is interested. This would suit anyone who is getting ready for it and wants to optimize their training.

The 12-week programme costs €69 and involves following a weekly programme tailored for each individual. Weekly feedback by email is required.

The programme starts on the 4th of September which is 12-weeks out. It can start sooner if anyone wants to get going asap.

If interested, send an email to johndesmondrunning AT gmail DOT com

At the time of writing this post, the Clonakilty Half-Marathon is scheduled to go ahead as planned at the end of November. If it's deferred then the training won't go to waste as the improved fitness level should result in faster times in other distances from 5k up.

Friday Jigsaw: Catriona Jennings winning the national 100k title


For the week that's in it, this week online jigsaw is of Caitriona Jennings winning the national 100k championship.

You can find the 165-piece jigsaw HERE

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Free Couch to 5k programme in Blarney - Starts 7th Sept 2021

The Happy Feet Walking & Running Group in Blarney are walking up from their long slumber and restarting their free Couch to 5k programmes in Blarney. 

The start date is the 7th of September 2021.

The programme is 8-weeks long and is held at 6:45pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

This would be suitable for complete beginners who live in the Blarney / Tower area and can commit to going to the training sessions every week.

If interested, go to their Facebook page HERE

Ballinameela 5k open to all runners on Thurs 26th Aug 2021...


The Ballinameela 5k in Co.Waterford takes place on Sunday September 5th 2021 at 10am. Limited to 200 runners and ONLINE ENTRY ONLY. STRICTLY NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY.

Up to now, entries were restricted to West Waterford AC member but from the 26th of August, entries are open to everyone.

Event Description: "We are holding our first road race of 2021 in Ballinameela, a fast flat course very popular with all past participants. No transferring of entries.  Please note due to Covid there will be no changing facilities. 

Prizes for first 5 male and female finishers with plenty of spots for the rest of the field.

Come along and enjoy the run and the chance to test yourself over this super course once again. We appeal to runners  not to congregate in groups at the finish line  and to leave the venue as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your co-operation."

Entry link... https://eventmaster.ie/event/mMv3CyVFM8

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Charleville Half-Marathon now open to sub 75 men and sub 90 women

The organisers of the 2021 Chaleville Half-Marathon have just opened up entries to those who have completed the following times recently for a half-marathon... sub 75 mins for men and sub 90 mins for women.

The event will go ahead this year on Sunday the 26th of September with a limited elite field. The entry fee is €40.

From the organiers..." We have a number of Elite and Sub-elite entries available for Sub-75 min men and sub 90 min women - for those who qualify and are interested in receiving an entry, please click on the link on the attached page http://www.charlevillehalf.com/elite-athletes/ "

No Cork BHAA races likely in 2021

The Cork Business Athletics Association (BHAA) announced this week that there are unlikely to be any races on the calendar for the rest of 2021.

In 2019, their races would often attract well in excess of 400 runners which is a sign of just how popular they were.

In a statement, the Cork BHAA said..." I hope all our members and runners in Cork and beyond have been keeping safe and well during these times. The ongoing restrictions have affected all parts of society and while some elements are re-opening we are not in a position to do so yet. Our last race was at CIT on March 1 2020 and in the absence of government guidelines on resuming athletic events we cannot resume our racing calendar.

It is unlikely that we will see Cork BHAA races in 2021 but any changes will be communicated through CorkBHAA.com and on our Facebook and Twitter pages.  The health and safety of all runners, volunteers and committee is our primary concern and we will return to racing when safe to do so."

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Notice: Ballycotton Virtual Run - 5m & 10m - Sept 2021


Even though there is a trickle of real races to choose from, there are still some virtual events on the calendar. A new one from Ballycotton Development is for a virtual 5-mile and 10-mile run from the 6th to the 26th of September 2021.

Details...
Ballycotton Virtual Run
6 September 2021 - 26 September 2021
Open to input results from September 6th to 26th
Prizes:
First 3 men
First 3 women
First man O/40, O/50 & O60
First woman O/40, O/50 & O/60
Entry fee:
2 x distances = 15euro (+ fees = €16.30)
1 x distance = 10euro (+ fees = €11.05)
Option to purchase event t-shirt inc postage during registration (€15)

Entries HERE

Monday, August 23, 2021

Irish women's team win the Anglo Celtic 100km plate for the first time


For the first time in it's 26 year history, Ireland's women's team won the 100km Anglo Celtic Plate.

Women’s Teams
1. Ireland 
2. Scotland 
3. Northern Ireland

Olympian Caitriona Jennings of Letterkenny AC led the Ireland Women’s Team won the event with a record breaking time of 7:43:01 beating the previous Irish record of 7:52:45 set by Helena Crossan in 2007.



Team Ireland Women.
Caitriona Jennings – Letterkenny AC
Sorcha Loughnanne – Donore Harriers
Patricia McLoughlin – Le Cheile AC
Lorraine McMahon – Wexford Marathon Club
Sinead Kane – Le Cheile AC


In the men's race, Ireland finished in second place.
Men’s Teams
1. Scotland 
2. Ireland
3. Northern Ireland

National Championships: The Donadea 50k & 100k also doubled up as the Irish National 50k & 100km championships...

100K National Championship Results
Women
Caitriona Jennings - 7:43.01 (Letterkenny AC)
Karla Borland - 8:30.41 (Team NI)
Deirdre Martin - 8:44.15 (Carrick Aces)
 
Men
Gareth King - 7:12.30 (Team NI)
Stephen Connon - 7:45.03 (Bros Pearse
Dave O’Keeffe - 7:48.39 (Togher AC)

National Bronze medal for Dave O'Keefe from Cork in the 100k Photo: Stephen O'Sullivan

 
50K National Championship Results
Men
Sean Hehir - 2:54:07 (Metro St Brigid’s AC)
Johnny O’Sullivan - 3:31.59 (Galtee Runners AC)
Liam Ryan - 3:34.46 (Carrick Aces)
 
Women
Deirdre Lynn - 3:56.33 (Marathon Club of Ireland)
Catherine O’Sullivan - 4:15.37 (Galtee Runners AC)
Laura Byrnes - 4:35.21 (Clane AC)

National Silver medals for Catherine O'Sullivan & Johnny O'Sullivan in the 50k



Links...

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Results of the Bweeng 5k - Sun 22nd Aug 2021

This years Bweeng 5k was held on Sunday the 22nd of August with two waves.

First 3 men and women...
1 Tim O'DONOGHUE East Cork AC M MS 7 (14:29) 14:29
2 Paul HARTNETT East Cork AC M MS 171 (14:48) 14:48
3 Denis HEGARTY Watergrasshill AC M MS 9 (14:50) 14:50
1  Lizzie LEE Leevale AC F FS 185 (16:00) 16:00
2 Niamh MOORE Leevale AC F FS 43 (17:02) 17:02
3 Ciara O'NEILL Clonmel AC F FS 187 (17:09) 17:09

The results can be found HERE


Notice: Mooreabbey 10-mile road race - Sun 29th Aug 2021


This might be of interest to anyone looking for a 10-mile race to do. The inaugural Mooreabbey 10-mile road race takes place in the village of Galbally on Sunday the 29th of August 2021.

This is about an hours drive from Cork City... up the M8, turn off for Mitchelstown and then follow the R662 for Galbally. The race start in Co. Tipperary with most of the route in Co. Limerick.

Note that there is a special mug for all finishers.

From the organisers...

 **THE MOOREABBEY INAUGURAL 10 MILE**

The Mooreabbey inaugural 10 mile will take place on Sunday the 29th of August at 11am amist the foothills of the Galtee mountains. 

Our little cracker will start on the Tipperary side of the village at the infamous ruins of the Mooreabbey before meandering it's way over the border to Limerick to complete the course. 

Prizes for the top 3 men and women and 1st male and female O/40, O/50, O/60, O/70. 
Number collection will be in the community field on the morning of race from 9am to 10.30am. 
Entries are selling fast so this is your last chance to grab that most coveted entry. All for only €25.

Entry on https://www.njuko.net/mooreabbey-10-mile

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Guest Post: Two types of runners ...by Pat Walsh

** 2 types of runners **

And both have different issues.
Number 1 is the person who trained away last 18 months and now the races are happening again. What to concentrate on is a decision, whether long or short or else go for broke and run everything.
What can I say. 

Number 1 you are super. You have trained and you are not burnt out, as there was no races so it really is a time to shine. Be careful of over-racing and continue to train and stretch and recover and hit those good times in your chosen preferred race.
πŸƒπŸƒ

Number 2 is the runner who disappeared and now regrets it. They see the races happening and are in no condition to take part in them.
πŸ₯°

So, I am writing this to encourage you and not be annoying or shaming you. It was a tough time and we had so many physical and mental distractions that for some it was impossible to continue to train.
It is time to start again, don't waste another day.
You did it once you can go again.
Find a buddy or a group as this will help.
Don't go mad and build it back slowly.
Try to train at least 3 times a week but slowly increasing the workload.
Late August into September and October is one of the nicest times of the Year to train.
Keep it simple. Walk / run and slowly increase the length of your runs and training duration. Don't forget to stretch afterwards.
Run very slow until you get used to running again. Forget what pace you used to do.
πŸ€ͺ

Week 1: walk 2mins / jog 1 min. repeat x 5 and go 3 sessions per week
Week 2 walk 2mins / jog 2 mins. repeat x 5 and go 3 sessions per week
Week 3 walk 2mins / jog 3 mins. repeat x 5 and go 3 sessions per week
Continue in the way up to Week 8 adding a minute to the run portion each week. 
At this stage you will be training for 50mins in a session 
Walk 2 / jog 8 repeat x 5
and ready to take the next step forward.
This may seem to be a slow build up but it is a sustainable way to start again and stay injury free.
I look forward to some feedback and to see you back in action again.
πŸ‹️‍♀️🀸‍♂️

I leave with a final word that maybe is lost in the whole narrative that is being fed to us from on high.
Look after yourself physically and mentally. 
The better your aerobic function and physical strength are, can be a big help in determining your future. 
Going for a run in nature can be great to clear the mind and clear the body of stress 
Running helps both. πŸƒ

Of course there are no guarantees or certainties, curve balls and exceptions will be thrown at us but at least give yourself a sporting chance. πŸ‘πŸ™Œ

#PWR #NiceWeekend #keeponrunning #RebelsAbu


Friday, August 20, 2021

Results of the Churchtown 5-mile - 20th Aug 2021


This 5 mile road race in N Cork was organised by Churchtown road runners. The full results can be found on their Facebook page, just scroll forwards.

Friday Jigsaw: Blackwater 10 mile - May 2018


For this weeks online jigsaw, we go back to May 2018 and the Blackwater 10-mile road race. This photo was taken just after the start of the race as the field began to thin out.

You can find the 240 piece jigsaw HERE

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Calendar update - Wed 18th August Sept


On Tuesday, I updated the running event calendar and there is a slow increase in the number of phyiscal events taking place. As well as some events in Cork, there is a 5k road race near Dungarvan in early September as well as a 5k road race series in Castleisland in Kerry in late August & early September.

You can view the calendar HERE

I also updated my list of half-marathons in Ireland yesterday on PATREON and I now count a total of 24 half-marathon events between now and the end of the year.

  • One was cancelled
  • Four are virtual
  • Seven have sold out
  • Many are still open
At the moment, there is a limit of 200 entries for outdoor events. Some organisers are doubling up on their capacity by starting in two waves i.e. 200 + 200 giving a max of 400 participants.

There are plenty of events out there if you're prepared to travel. You just need to plan ahead, pick your event and enter as early as possible.

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Update on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway - August 2021


It was announced some time back that there was going to be a new Greenway between the towns of Midleton and Youghal in East Cork. See this previous post.

Now that the restrictions have been lifted, they have been making great progress as can be seen from the photo below taken in August 2021...


The completion date for the whole 21km project from Midleton to Youghal is the Spring of 2023 although I'd expect it will open up in stages as they are completed. I suspect the Midleton to Mogeely section will be open first perhaps in the Spring or Summer of 2022?

This is what happened with the Waterford to Dungarvan Greenway. The section from Dungarvan to Kilmacthomas was open for a year or two before the rest was completed and what a goldmine that turned out to be.

Will we see a Midleton Marathon going from Midleton to Youghal and back? 

Will there be a East Cork Greenway Half-Marathon with runners being bussed from Midleton to Youghal and then running the 21.1kms on the Greenway back to Midleton?

The beauty of a Greenway is that it is open to everyone and it benefits walkers, runners and cyclists. We badly need to see more routes opening up.

Monday, August 16, 2021

Cork runner Michelle Kenny wins Kilgobnet 4 mile race in Kerry - Sun 15th Aug 2021


This 4 mile road race was organsied by Star of the Laune AC in Co. Kerry and attracted a small field of 69 runners.... 44 men and 35 women.

The first woman home was Michelle Kenny of Leevale AC in Cork.

Michelle Kenny 457 23.02 F40 Leevale
NΓ­amh O Mahony 439 24.49 FJ An RΓ­ocht
Niamh O'Sullivan 423 25.08 F55 An Riocht AC

OisΓ­n Spillane 445 20.07 MJ Tralee Harriers
John Meade 422 20.08 M40 St. Finbarr's AC
Kieran McKeown 437 21.00 M45 Watergrasshill AC

Full results


34 runners complete the 2021 Connemara 100-mile - 15th Aug 2021

The Connemara 100-mile is one of the most prestigious ultra running events in Ireland and this year it was held over the weekend of the 14th & 15th of August.

Start at dawn in Clifden for the Connemara 100-mile

This year was especially challenging with plenty of rain for most of the daylight hours of Saturday before easing off in the evening. Sunday morning was much drier.

A total of 34 runners completed the 100 mile course this year which is an incredible achievement.

Adrian McNamara was the first man home in 15h 56m 51s

Top 3-men...
Adrian McNamara - 15:56:51 
Gary Elbert 16:00:28
Fozzy foristall 16:46:25

Joanne Rice was the first woman home in a time of 19h 11m 36s


Top 3-women
Joanne Rice - 19:11:36
Irene O’Connor 23:25:45
Eilish Bell 23:35:10

The full results are HERE

It's easy to look at a distance of 100 miles and not realise just how far that actually is. Imagine starting a 100-mile race in the centre of Cork City and then having to run to the finish line out near the statue at Slea Head at the end of the Dingle peninsula! 

If a handful had finished this race, it would be good but to see 34 finish it is pretty amazing. 

Sunday, August 15, 2021

Guest Post: Dream, Make a Goal, Plan... by Pat Walsh

 ** Dream, Make a goal, Plan **

After the heroics of the last few weeks watching the Olympics it is back to ourselves to be inspired and active.
Well done to everyone who wore the Green Singlet and to all athletes from around the world who entertained and amazed us.
That this was done with huge uncertainty about the Games having been postponed would they actually taking place. To adapt and continue with Years of dedication and preparation with that cloud hanging over each of them was amazing..☘☘
πŸƒ

What has that got to do with you and I, you might well ask. It has a lot to do in its own way if you think about it.
It is time to move on again. We need to Dream and Set a Goal that is achievable. 
It may change or move but we must set our sights on something.
The Dream can be something you want to do.
The Goal can be a specific date and place to perform it but that can change.
πŸƒ

If you have disappeared from running, then maybe a 5km in 3 months.
At the other end is next Year the Year you raise the Mileage and go for a Marathon.
Many other goals and dreams in between those 2 levels.
So many things we can do, only we need to get going and Plan towards them.
Running is a sport that you only get out what you put in.
You won’t get a 10mile PB on the couch.
If you haven’t run in months then past glories are just that, in the past, and you need to get moving again. You have done it once why can’t you get back there.
πŸƒ

Our Olympians showed there is Years of dedication to achieve anything worthwhile, so why do we think we can do something great in a short period of time.
So whatever your goal is: whether running a 5km again or finishing Mizen to Malin you need to a long term plan with a few intermediate goals that can be ticked off along the way.
πŸ˜€

Dare to dream. Life can be boring otherwise.
πŸƒ



I love a good story.
In an effort to increase my weekly mileage I went for an easy early morning pre-work run this week. At our meet point before we STARTED, my buddy and myself met Billy who was FINISHING his run at the same spot. Usual smiles and pleasantries were passed, as it is always a delight to meet him.
One question he asked me was “Will we be back racing soon?”
To which I replied “I hope so, please God”
Billy is 83 years young . 
Now remind me, what is your excuse for not running today?….
πŸƒ

“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?' 
But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?'”
– George Bernard Shaw

#pwr #keeponrunning

Saturday, August 14, 2021

50th anniversary of Donie Walsh setting Irish 10,000m record

On the 10th of August 1971, Donie Walsh of Leevale AC set a new Irish record of 28m 52.6s in the European 10,000m championships.

John Walsh has an article in the Evening Echo last Tuesday about it. 

The link is HERE

Notice: Atlantia Food Clinical Trials Athletic Study - Autumn 2021


Atlantia Food Clinical Trials in Cork are looking for local runners to take part in a study and successful applicants will be paid €900 for their time.

Details below....

* * *

The inclusion criteria for this study include;

Male/female aged 25-45

Running 15-20km/week

1 to 4h of training per week, with maximum 1h of lower body heavy-load or resistance training

Willing to limit caffeine, smoking, and alcohol consumption during the entire study period with no more than 5 cigarettes per day and 1.5 or 2 drinks respectively for women and men. Also, alcohol consumption will not be allowed 24 hours prior to exercise-induced muscular damage.

Willing to refrain from training for 3 days before the first test, 5 days before each damage-inducing exercise and during each supplementation phase, including active recovery exercises such as swimming, cycling at low intensity, unusual distance walking (however such should be encouraged during the 14 days wash-out).

Willing to refrain the use of anti-inflammatory/pain reliever drugs such as paracetamol, NSAIDs, etc., during each supplementation phase, from 24 hours prior to 72 hours following the exercise induced muscular damage

Willing to refrain from 'recovery' treatments over the 72 hours following the damage inducing exercise such as: - Hydrotherapy - cold water immersion, hot water immersion, or contrast therapy (as well as Jacuzzis, Steam baths, or Saunas) - Massage - self, foam rolling, etc. - Stretching - Compression garments - Topical applications - Tiger Balm, Deep Heat etc.

The exclusion criteria for this trial;

Using omega-3-fatty acid, probiotic supplements, vitamins, minerals, or any dietary supplements (including botanicals), especially to maintain joint health 4 weeks prior to screening and during the entire study. Potential supplements include but are not limited to Beta-alanine, Creatine, HMB, Carnosine, Taurine, androstenedione, DHEA, Whey protein, or a pre-workout supplement. (thus, if participant is willing to stop taking these until the end of the study, they will be considered for the trial, given they are eligible).

Following any specific diet such as high-protein, vegetarian, vegan, etc

History of surgery or significant injury in joints or in the lower limb in the last six months prior to study enrolment, or an anticipated need for surgical or invasive procedure that will be performed during the study.

Participants near or in the peak of training for an athletic race (half or marathon, cycling tour or triathlon).

Please see below the details of each visit.


On completion of the study, participants will be reimbursed with €900.

Referral fees are given, and this will be a reimbursement of €20.

Interested individuals can apply via the following email – studies AT atlantiatrials DOT com

Link...

1) Atlantia Clinical Trials - Cork

Friday, August 13, 2021

Friday Jigsaw: Fionnuala McCormack in the Olympic Marathon


 For this weeks online jigsaw, we go back to last weekend with Fionnuala McCormack finishing the Olympic Marathon in a time of 2:34.

This one is short and sweet with only 70-pieces. Click HERE

Thursday, August 12, 2021

2021 National Marathon Championships are to be held in Belfast in October


Athletics Ireland announced today that the 2021 National Marathon Championships will be held in Belfast this year on the 3rd of October. 

Normally it is part of the Dublin City Marathon but that event had to be cancelled this year.

In a news release, Athletics Ireland said... 

"We are delighted to be working with Athletics Northern Ireland and the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon in hosting the 2021 National Senior Marathon Championships on Sunday October 3rd.

There will be 100 male and 100 female National Championship entries available, and expressions of interest is now sought from athletes who have acquired suitable times over the last 3 years.

The form must be completed by Thursday 19th August 2021.

Runners already entered in the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon will have the opportunity to be included in the National Championships at a later date.

The price of registration is £63."

See link... https://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/2021-national-marathon-championships/

Is the 'Barkley Marathons' the hardest race in the world???


The Barkley Marathons is an ultramarathon trail race held in Tennessee in late March or early April of each year. The full course is five x 20 mile loops though woods and hills which often has thick undergrowth and few trails. There is one map at the start line for runners to copy, and no GPS technology or course markings are available for runners. 

If runners complete 60 miles, this is known as a "fun run." The full course is about 100 miles and attracts about 40 participants every year. The full race is limited to a 60-hour cut-off while the “Fun Run” is three laps within 40 hours.

The total elevation gain for the five loops is in the region of 60,000 feet (~11kms) which is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest twice.


Only 15 individuals have finished the full 5 loop course in under 60 hours.

Barkley Finishers: Mark Williams (1995), David Horton (2001), Blake Wood (2001), Ted Kaiser (2003), Mike Tilden (2004), Jim Nelson (2004), Brian Robinson (2008), Andrew Thompson (2009), Jonathan Basham (2010), Brett Maune (2011, 2012), John Fegyveresi (2012), Jared Campbell (2012, 2014, 2016), Nick Hollon (2013), Travis Wildeboer (2013), John Kelly (2017)

As the list shows, no-one has completed the course since 2017!

This video gives a taste of what must be one of the worlds toughest races.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

The slow return of road races - Aug 2021


Slowly but surely, there is a trickle of road races reappearing on the calendar. They are still pretty thin on the ground but there are events if you are prepared to travel.

I was updating my list of half-marathons in Ireland yesterday and I counted a total of 17 half events.

  • One was cancelled
  • Two were virtual
  • Six had sold out
  • Many were still open
At the moment, there is a limit of 200 entries for outdoor events. Some organisers are doubling up on their capacity by starting in two waves i.e. 200 + 200 giving a max of 400 participants.

It seems as if that will be the trend for the foreseeable future until the outdoor numbers are relaxed. If the numbers went up from 200 to say 500 then that would ease things a lot.

The thing about running events now is that they can have a lot of overheads to cover. If the numbers aren't large enough then the event would be run at a loss. For some, 200 runners participating is just too small.

There are also a few small local races reappearing in Cork, I updated the calendar with these if they're of interest.

So the take home message is that it's not all gloom and doom. There are plenty of events out there if you're prepared to travel. With the M8 motorway, you can get up from Cork City to the outskirts of Dublin in the same time it takes to drive to some locations in West Cork or Kerry.

You just need to plan ahead, pick your event and enter as early as possible.

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Top 3 finish for Cork runners at the Kilbeggan 10 mile last Sunday - 8th Aug 2021

The annual Kilbeggan 10-mile road race in Co Westmeath was held on the 8th of August 2021 and attracted a field of 381 runners split over two waves.

Some of the top 10-mile runners in the country took part with two from Cork in the top three.

In the men's race, Ryan Creech of Leevale AC finished first in a time of 48:50. As can be seen from the results, four of the top five men finished under 50 minutes.

Lead group in the early stages... Photo courtesy of Peter Mooney

1 Ryan CREECH 00:48:50 00:48:50 3 M MS Leevale AC
2 John TRAVERS 00:49:12 00:49:12 792 M MS Donore Harriers
3 Jake O'REGAN 00:49:23 00:49:23 9306 M MS St. John's Ennis
4 Conor DUFFY 00:49:55 00:49:55 6 M MS Glaslough Harriers
5 Mick CLOHISEY 00:50:07 00:50:07 1 M MS Raheny Shamrock AC
20 Grace LYNCH 00:55:46 00:55:46 70 F FS Iveragh AC
35 Ciara HICKEY 00:57:41 00:57:41 71 F F40 Brothers Pearse AC
59 Claire MCCARTHY 00:59:38 00:59:38 27 F F40 Leevale AC
78 Niamh CLIFFORD 01:01:31 01:01:39 701 F FS
106 Mary WALSH 01:04:32 01:04:32 101 F F40 Raheny Shamrock AC

Claire McCarthy of Leevale AC took the 3rd position spot in the women's race with a time of 59:38.

Claire McCarthy on the approach to the finish... Photo courtesy of Peter Mooney

Quite a number of other runners from Cork also made the trip north.

The results of the first wave can be found on the MyRunResults website

Photos...
(You may need a Flickr account to view)

Monday, August 09, 2021

Guest Post: For Aoife... by Pat Walsh


** For Aoife ** πŸ₯°πŸ˜˜

The best of my friends have failed.

The very best have failed spectacularly.

All have got off their ar*e and tried again.

Not easy but we dream and go again.🀩🀩

If you never get off the couch of course you never fail

If you don't dare to dream you can never achieve f*ck all.πŸ‘Œ

Please read the message in the picture. It sums up every runner who has ever toed the line at the start of a race.

All of Cork is proud of Aoife Cooke and what she has achieved.

My friend the Olympian and happy to know her.


We will put the great Cork Comfort blanket around her and no doubt she will be back, faster and stronger than ever.

All of Ireland is proud of Aoife and Fionnuala Mc Cormack and her heroic 25th place

2 Countries  (Ireland and Australia) are proud of Sinead Diver, fine daughter of Belmullet for her 10th pace finish.

Lads drive on, do the best you can. Thankfully sport can lift us out of the mediocrity and give us a purpose.

"but who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

#pwr

Sunday, August 08, 2021

Kevin Seaward is the first Irish man home in the Olympic Marathon with a time of 2:21


Conditions were far from ideal for the Olympic men's marathon with the temperature up around 30 deg C and 85% humidity. There were 76 finishers with about 30 posting DNF's after dropping out.

The best of the Irish was Kevin Seaward who finished in 58th place in a time of 2h 21m 45s. Despite the the difficult conditions, he even picked up 30 places in the second half!

Paul Pollock was the second Irish man home in 71st place with a time of 2:27:48.

Unfortunately the third Irish competitor Stephen Scullion had to withdraw, leaving the race just after the 15km mark

Saturday, August 07, 2021

Fionnuala McCormack finishes 25th in Olympic Marathon in 2:34


It was a mixed day for the Irish at the women's Olympic marathon in Japan on Saturday. 

Fionnuala McCormack finished in a very respectable 25th place with a time of 2h 34m 09s, just under 7 minutes behind the winner in the 27 deg C heat. This was the fourth Olympic appearance for the former European cross country champion.

It was a tough day at the office for Cork's own Aoife Cooke who had to pull out of the race.


Aoife was just 28 seconds down on the leaders at the 10k mark but had to retire just before the halfway point. 

This will obviously be a huge disappointment for Aoife who ran a 2:28 qualifying marathon back in April

In an Instagram post, Aoife wrote..."Incredibly disappointed with having to pull out of the race today. Can't put my finger om what went wrong but the conditions really got to me, my body shut down and I couldn't really do anything about it"

The only other Irish runner in the race was Sinead Diver from Co. Mayo. She was representing Australia and finished in an impressive 10th place with a time of 2:31:14.

Friday, August 06, 2021

Friday Jigsaw: Glen River parkrun - Dec 2019


For this weeks online jigsaw, we go back to December 2019 and the Glen River parkrun. The jigsaw is of Silver Olympic medalist Sonia O'Sullivan with Mick Dooley and Seamus Cahill.

This one has 300 pieces so it's harder than usual, just the thing for a weekend.

The jigsaw can be found HERE