Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: December 2023

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Results of the Togher AC 5k road race - Sun 31st Dec 2023

First place finish for Lizzie Lee of Leevale AC

Despite the wind and rain, a total of 663 runners turned out for this years Togher AC 5k road race, a jump of 17% on the figure for 2022.

Top 5 men & women...
Place Athletes Name Club Time Category Bib
1 John Durcan Togher AC  15:21 MS 176
2 Heywood Richardson Leevale AC 15:24 MS 645
3 Daniel Buckley Leevale AC 15:26 MJ 31
4 Gavin Kenny Bandon AC  15:26 MS 331
5 Gavin Sweeney Togher AC  15:38 M40 769
25 Lizzie Lee Leevale AC  17:19 FS 343
39 Amy Pollman Daamen An Riocht AC 17:57 FS 752
46 Carol Finn Leevale AC 18:03 FS 780
51 Nicole Dinan Leevale AC  18:09 FS 749
57 Meadhbh Moynihan Leevale AC 18:17 FS 425

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Derek Costello has a gallery HERE









Saturday, December 30, 2023

Results of the Shandrum AC 5k road race - Sat 30th Dec 2023


This 5k road race in north Cork attracted a field of 126 runners which is up 22% on last year and just one more than the 125 of Jan 2022.

Top 3 men & women...
 Place Athletes Name Club Time Division Bib
1 Anthony Mannix Cork Track Club AC     15:54 MS 123
2 Tadhg O Sullivan Bweeng Trail Blazers AC     16:16 MS 165
3 Thomas Mc Carthy Emerald AC     16:23 MS 125
11 Michelle Kenny Leevale AC     17:47 FS 190
17 Emma Flynn North Cork AC     19:18 FS 84
29 Michaela Flynn North Cork AC     20:57 FS 82

Full results HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 30th Dec 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 30th Dec 2023. Approximately 584 runners and walkers took part in the 8 events in Co Cork.

Report... All of the recent rain had an impact on at least two parkruns this weekend with Ballincollig and Glengarriff being cancelled. The heavy rain overnight was slow to clear so that no doubt had an impact this week on the numbers taking part.

Glen River... Well done to Ken Bishop who completed his 100th 5k parkrun in the Glen today! Ken has done parkruns in 9 different locations with 46 at the Glen and 43 in Ballincollig. Ken's first 5k parkrun was at Tramore Valley Park on the 3rd of October 2015.

Pobalscoil na Tríonóide... Well done to John Kissane who did his 250th 5k parkrun at the event in Youghal! Of the 250 parkruns, 99 were in Ballincollig, 39 were at the Glen River, 17 were at Tramore Valley Park, 11 in Killarney and the rest at a multitude of other events.



If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 320 this week, 227 last week. Long term average 284

First 3 men & women... CANCELLED
Ballincollig results... 

Tramore Valley Park: 259 this week, 228 last week. The long term average is 170.

First 3 men & women...
1 Fintan KERINS Male SM30-34 16:07
2 Eoghan O'CONNOR Male JM15-17 Belgooly AC 16:16
3 Ryan MULROY Male SM25-29 St Finbarrs AC 17:37
12 Teresa MURPHY Female VW45-49 Kent AC 19:50
24 Anne O'DONOVAN Female SW30-34 21:18 
25 Siobhan WALSH Female VW40-44 Carraig na bhFear AC 21:24


Glen River: 55 this week, 83 last week. The long term average is 73.

First 3 men & women...
1 Kieran RUBY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:52
2 Neil MURPHY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 21:34
3 Johnny HURLEY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 22:10
11 Deborah O Female VW45-49 25:31
22 Claire LYNCH Female VW45-49 28:34
24 Caoimhe WEBB-BROWNE Female JW10 29:25


Mallow Castle: 75 finishers this week, 72 last week. The long term average is 62.

First 3 men & women...
1 Sean LEAHY Male JM11-14 Croydon Harriers 17:31
2 Dominick BRANIGAN Male VM40-44 19:30
3 Daniel MORROGH Male VM40-44 19:43
10 Claire O HANLON Female JW15-17 22:29
18 Elaine O'CALLAGHAN Female VW35-39 23:26
26 Mary MURPHY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 26:35


Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 55 this week, 94 last week. The long term average is 57.

First 3 men & women...
1 Fergal SARGENT Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 17:58
2 Ruby DEVEREAUX Male JM11-14 19:02
3 Padraig MAHONY Male VM45-49 19:11
6 Chloe MCCARTHY Female JW11-14 Midleton AC 20:33
9 Maire MAHONY Female VW50-54 21:40
10 Éadaoin COLEMAN Female VW40-44 21:49


Macroom Castle Demense: 37 this week, 52 last week. Long term average is 51.

First 3 men & women...
1 Finn YORE Male JM15-17 West Muskerry A.C. 17:16
2 Aidan MC SWINEY Male VM35-39 17:19
3 Simon DUGGAN Male VM35-39 18:55
15 Isla YORE Female JW11-14 25:52
16 Louise MURPHY Female VW40-44 25:56
17 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 26:08


Clonakilty: 33 this week, 39 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...
1 Neil WILSON Male VM55-59 20:52
2 Colm O'SULLIVAN Male VM55-59 Bishopstown Orienteering Club 22:39
3 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 22:53
10 Donna MARTIN Female VW55-59 26:17
12 Susan STEELE Female VW45-49 26:37
17 Kayla MCCOMBE Female SW30-34 27:45


Glengarriff Woods: 63 this week, 61 last week. The long term average is 60.

Top 3 men & women...CANCELLED
Glengarriff results... 

Bere Island: 40 this week, 36 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:53
3 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 25:09
5 Laoise Ann O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 27:29
2 Garry HILLIARD Male VM50-54 24:06
4 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 26:05
7 Luke MCNEILL Male JM11-14 28:01


Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 30 finishers this week, 19 last week. Long term average 28.

First 3 women & men...
1 John CRONIN Male VM35-39 Galway City Harriers 21:05
2 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:32
3 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 Ranelagh Harriers 22:41
11 Deirdre O'BRIEN Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 28:41
14 Jessica GARNETT Female VW45-49 28:51
17 Patricia MOYNIHAN Female VW55-59 31:16


For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Friday, December 29, 2023

Ballincollig 5k parkrun cancelled - Sat 30th Dec 2023

 


Please note that the Ballincollig 5k parkrun on Saturday 30th Dec 2023 has been cancelled. As can be seen from the photo above, parts of the course are flooded.

With plenty of rain on the way, I wouldn't be too hopeful for the event on New Year's Day either.

Glengarriff... Please note that this one has been cancelled as well.

Friday Jigsaw: Glen River 5k parkrun - Sat 25th Dec 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo taken by Mick Dooley at the Glen River 5k parkrun on Christmas Day.

You can find the 216-piece jigsaw HERE

2024 Dungarvan 10-mile sold out...

The 2024 John Treacy Dungarvan 10-mile road race is coming up on Sunday the 4th of February and it has now sold out.

Anyone could enter as of the 8th of December and it took just under 3-weeks to sell all 3,750 places. It took about 3-weeks as well last year to sell out so demand seems as high as ever.

It's an amazing number of entries for what is a 10-mile race in a town in west Waterford at the start of February. There are plenty of other races on the calendar but this one really stands out.

The race is 5-weeks from next Sunday.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Cork runners on the podium at the Clonmel 4-mile race on St Stephens Day - Tues 26th Dec 2023


One of the big races in Munster over the Christmas period was the Clonmel 4-mile road race on St Stephens Day. A total of 424 crossed the finish line, up 47% on last year.

In the men's race, Sean Tobin of Clonmel AC missed out on the course record of 17:45 he set in 2019 by just one second, recording a time of 17:46. Peter Lynch (KCH), last year's winner, was 38 seconds faster on this occasion when finishing second 17:59. Paul Hartnett of East Cork AC was third in a time of 18:51.

In the women's race, the first three all broke the previous course record! All three are pictured above at the start line.

Shona Heaslip (An Riocht AC - 88) and Ann-Marie McGlynn (Letterkenny AC - 330) both bettered the course record when both finished in a time of 20:46.

The previous course record of 21:32 was set back in 2017 by Lizzie Lee (Leevale AC - 118). Lizzie returned this year and broke her own record to finish in 3rd place in a time of 21:25.

Top 3 men & women...
Place Athletes Name Club Division Gun Chip Bib  
1 Sean Tobin Clonmel AC MS     17:46 246
2 Peter Lynch Kilkenny City Harriers MS  17:59 376
3 Paul Hartnett East Cork AC MS 18:51 86
19 Shona Heaslip An Riocht AC FS 20:46 88 Course Record
21 Annmarie McGlynn Letterkenny AC FS 20:46 330
28 Lizzie Lee Leevale AC FS 21:25 118

Results & photos... https://munsterrunning.blogspot.com/2023/12/results-photos-of-clonmel-4-mile-road.html

Sean Owens of sponsors MSD presenting the 3rd place prize to Paul Hartnett of East Cork AC 

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Notice: Togher 5k road race in Cork City - Sun 31st Dec 2023


The annual Togher AC 5k is coming up over the Christmas period on Sunday the 31st of December 2023 at 11am. 

This is always a popular race and is one of the biggest in Cork over Christmas. As 5k courses go, this one is pretty fast and it's mostly around quiet housing estates.

Entries...The online entry fee is €15 and you can enter online HERE

Note that online entries close on the 28th of Dec.

From Togher AC... Every year, our annual Togher AC 5K Road Race brings both competitive and casual runners together for a tour through the neighbourhoods and streets of Togher. The race is open for everyone to partake in and takes place at the end of December.

WHERE: At Ryan’s Supervalu, Togher.
WHEN: Sunday 31st of December, 11am.
HOW MUCH: €15.
HOW TO REGISTER: https://eventmaster.ie/event/BvPYH23c8j

Monday, December 25, 2023

Results of the Christmas Day 5k parkruns in Cork - Mon 25th Dec 2023

Four out of the ten 5k parkruns held an extra run on Christmas Day.

Ballincollig... There was a big turnout for this with a whopping 392 taking part.

Well done to David O'Connor who completed his 100th 5k parkrun on Christmas Day! Out of the 100 parkuns, 49 were in Mallow and 33 were up in Galway. This was just David's 3rd visit to Ballincollig. Daithi's first 5k parkrun was at Wormwood Scrubs in the UK back in August of 2016.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Sean TWOHIG Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 17:46
2 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:55
3 Jason NICHOL Male VM40-44 17:59
30 Jane OCONNOR Female  SW20-24 20:40
46 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:28
51 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 21:33


Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/307/

Glen River... 65 runners & walkers turned out for the 5k parkrun in the Glen.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Donal COLLINS Male VM45-49 Bweeng Trail Blazers 19:09
2 James GRUFFERTY Male VM40-44 Leevale AC 20:10
3 Kieran RUBY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:42
4 Michelle KENNY Female VW40-44 Leevale AC 20:50
13 Mags HASSETT Female VW45-49 Douglas Meet and Train 24:49
14 Sadhbh KELLEHER Female SW25-29 25:05

Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/187/

Glengarriff... There was a small crew of 31 out in West Cork for this one.

1 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:35
2 Callum MCELHINNEY Male SM18-19 Bantry Athletic Club 20:35
3 Ciaran MCELHINNEY Male SM25-29 21:01
5 Niamh COTTER Female SW25-29 21:28
13 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 25:49
16 Deirdre O'BRIEN Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 28:06



Clonakilty... There were 27 finishers for the Christmas 5k parkrun in Clon.

1 Jerry MCCARTHY Male JM15-17 19:26
2 Timothy O DONNELL Male VM45-49 Crusaders Athletic Club 20:07
3 Bill OLDEN Male SM30-34 22:26
4 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 22:47
6 Caroline CROWLEY Female SW25-29 23:35
10 Eileen DUFF Female VW35-39 Cork Track Club 24:45

Guest Post: The Christmas Post ...by Pat Walsh

 * The Christmas Post *

Greeting to all who visit my page and may you have a lovely Christmas Season.

It is indeed a time to be grateful for the privilege of being able to run. Not everyone is so lucky and when we are injured we get a glimpse of what it would be like to be denied a head clearing social run.

I have long since given up that competitive edge and quite content now to just be out there. It is a balance between keeping yourself going and not doing too much or chasing the watch too hard. Never take your eye off of your birth certificate.

It is a time to be thankful to those who work to facilitate our running. Race organisers, our own friends who organise training runs, the photographers who turn up to capture the best and worst of us. Also be thankful for everyone who shared the road with you whether in training or a race. We are a Community of our own and it is important to be respectful to all who run, regardless of pace.

Next week or 2 don’t be too hard on yourself. Get out when you can for a run but go easy and not too far. That way it is possible to get out a few times and knock off the previous day’s excesses while creating room for more. Hard to do a long run on a bellyful of chocolate and a few glasses of alcohol. 

Be kind to yourself. Walking in the fresh air is OK too.

Look back on the highs, ignore and forget the lows and know that you have added another year to your running career. What will next Year bring? 

I have no idea and we can discuss that in due course in a future post.

I'm not singing for the future
I'm not dreaming of the past
I'm not talking of the first times
I never think about the last….
’ Shane

For various reasons it may not be the happiest season of the year for some people due to personal circumstances. We all need to mind and help these people. Be kind to all and be a positive influence on those around you. Share kindness and just be nice.

I do hope Santa will bring you the fancy Garmin, the rechargeable headlight, the Nike Zoom Flys and shorts or leggings with go faster stripes on the side of them. If he could give a present of a good set of knees or cures for a bad back they would also be most welcome.

#pwr #AndweRun #HappyChristmas

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Ciara Mageean runs new 5k parkrun record of 15m 13s


Top Irish international athlete Ciara Mageean took part in her very first 5k parkrun on Saturday 23rd Dec 2023 and promptly set a new world record time for a woman! 

Ciara's time at the Belfast Victoria event was 15 mins 13 secs which is about 3:03/km or 4:54/mile pace.

East Down YouTube have an interview above and a short reel about the run HERE

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 23rd Dec 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 23rd Dec 2023. Approximately 1009 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... Conditions were pretty much perfect for this weeks 5k parkruns in Co Cork with the thermometer reading 9 deg at Cork Airport and dry weather. There was a brisk westerly breeze which probably made things feel a bit cooler than they actually were but a big improvement on the cold snap a few weeks ago. The milder weather seems to have brought out a lot more runners this week.

It's also worth noting that the number of participants in the 10 parkruns in Cork broke the 1000 mark this week! The last time it went over 1000 was back on the 29th of July 2023.

Ballincollig... Well done to Siobhan Holland who reached the 100 mark at the Ballincollig 5k parkrun this morning! 74 of the 100 parkruns were at the Ballincollig event with 9 in Macroom and 6 in Tramore Valley Park. The remaining 11 were at parkruns around Cork and Kerry. Siobhan's first 5k parkrun was in Clonakilty back on the 4th of Oct 2014.

Well done to Mick O'Callaghan who also hit the 100 mark in Ballincollig. Mick has completed 89 of the 100 parkruns in Ballincollig with 6 at Tramore Valley and the balance spread across 4 other events. Mick's first 5k parkrun was in Ballincollig back on the 8th of Jun 2019.

Well done to Seán O'Brien who completed his 200th 5k parkrun! 152 of those were at Ballincollig.

Glen River... Another runner hitting the 100 mark this week was Julie O'Leary. Julie has completed 5k parkruns at 35 different locations with the largest number (38) at the Glen River. Julie's first 5k parkrun was in Ballincollig back on the 29th of Apr 2017.

Glengarriff... Down in west Cork, local runner Ruth Oliver completed her 100th parkrun! Ruth hasn't ventured too far for the parkruns with all 100 in Glengarriff. Ruth's first 5k parkrun in Glengarriff was on the 9th of January 2016.

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 320 this week, 227 last week. Long term average 284

First 3 men & women...
1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Magnolia RR 17:27
2 Justin RYAN Male SM30-34 17:48
3 Martin WHITE Male VM40-44 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 18:31
37 Pamella LOPES Female SW30-34 21:46
38 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 21:52
43 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 21:58


Tramore Valley Park: 228 this week, 147 last week. The long term average is 170.

First 3 men & women...
1 Timmy HAWKINS Male SM18-19 Carraig na bhFear AC 16:41
2 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 16:45
3 Sean TWOHIG Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 16:57
7 Michelle KENNY Female VW40-44 Leevale AC 17:53
17 Teresa MURPHY Female VW45-49 Kent AC 19:41
30 Gene DWYER Female VW40-44 20:57


Glen River: 83 this week, 72 last week. The long term average is 73.

First 3 men & women...
1 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 18:59
2 James GRUFFERTY Male VM40-44 Leevale AC 20:10
3 Kieran RUBY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:45
8 Anita LOCKE Female VW35-39 St Finbarrs AC 21:43
12 Derval DEVANEY Female VW45-49 Belpark Triathlon Club 22:26
19 Ailsa BERKELEY Female VW40-44 Blackrock AC 24:18


Mallow Castle: 75 finishers this week, 73 last week. The long term average is 62.

First 3 men & women...
1 Sean LEAHY Male JM11-14 Croydon Harriers 18:25
3 Kieran TWOMEY Male VM55-59 19:14
4 Matt COUGHLAN Male VM40-44 Piranha TC 19:22
2 Rebecca MC EVOY Female SW30-34 St Finbarrs AC 19:08
11 Niamh MC DAID Female SW25-29 Sportsworld 21:02
16 Edel BUCKLEY Female VW35-39 Bweeng Trail Blazers 21:48


Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 94 this week, 53 last week. The long term average is 56.

First 3 men & women...
1 Frank O'BRIEN Male SM20-24 16:09
2 Donal GILTINAN Male VM40-44 17:21
3 Stephen O'BRIEN Male VM40-44 17:30
18 Aimee KEARNEY Female JW11-14 20:33
19 Jen PRESTON Female SW30-34 Liffey Valley AC 20:56
22 Maire MAHONY Female VW50-54 21:31


Macroom Castle Demense: 52 this week, 33 last week. Long term average is 51.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:16
2 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 19:06
3 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 20:58
9 Noreen STEWART Female VW40-44 24:50
11 Sarah CUDDIHY Female JW15-17 25:11
13 Claire CURTIN Female VW35-39 25:21


Clonakilty: 39 this week, 25 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...
1 Jerry MCCARTHY Male JM15-17 19:19
2 Daniel DOLLARD Male JM15-17 19:31
3 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 Ranelagh Harriers 20:31
6 Maura REGAN Female VW45-49 22:36
11 Eileen MCCARTHY Female VW55-59 Galway City Harriers 24:12
16 Susan STEELE Female VW45-49 25:56


Glengarriff Woods: 63 this week, 61 last week. The long term average is 60.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Hannah STEEDS Female SW30-34 Bristol and West AC 18:38
10 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 23:23
19 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 26:00
2 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM11-14 20:02
3 Ciaran MCELHINNEY Male SM25-29 20:24
4 Trevor MCGUIRK Male VM40-44 20:33


Bere Island: 36 this week, 23 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 Kenmare Athletics Club 19:43
2 Vincent O SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 19:54
3 Cian TWOMEY Male JM10 20:12
4 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:30
5 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:39
8 Leahanne SULLIVAN Female SW25-29 28:29


Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 19 finishers this week, 17 last week. Long term average 28.

First 3 women & men...
1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 20:58
2 John O'MAHONY Male SM25-29 22:38
3 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44 23:37
8 Emer COURTNEY Female VW40-44 26:47
10 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 27:19
11 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 29:41


For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Update on the proposed Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway - Dec 2023

Cork and Waterford County Councils have just released this press statement on the proposed Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway. Needless to say, this is going to be a long drawn out affair.



Here are a few of the previous posts about the project...

What's the Possibilty of a Greenway from Mallow to Dungarvan? - Jun 2017

Government announces €160,000 grant to investigate new Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway - Jul 2020

A closer look at the new proposed Greenway from Dungarvan to Ballyduff - Aug 2020

Green light given for Greenway between Waterford and Cork - Oct 2022

Friday Jigsaw: Cork BHAA Turkey Trot 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from last weekends Cork BHAA 5k Turkey Trot in Mahon.

You can find the 260-piece jigsaw HERE

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Guest Post: Heart Rate Pt 2 ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Heart Rate Part 2 **

Follow on from last weeks post. 

Now that you have figured out your HR max and what your own zones are, then how do you best use this knowledge to your advantage.

When you train or race know what zone you should be in for the run at any given time. Know your own zones, don't worry about anyone else.

Get used to flicking to the HR setting from time to time to see where you are.

If a run goes well then look at HR and use that figure for future runs.

If a run goes poorly, then were you too high too soon in a run and that effort could not be maintained. Except for very short (5K) races, then always best to start low and then let HR climb during the run.

Try to train across all zones. ALL zones have a place in your training regime. 

Training Tip

When you do interval training (800M or longer) you will move through a few zones and that is fantastic training. You could start in LIGHT after a previous interval break. The effort will then move through MODERATE and HARD and if long enough you may well finish in the MAX zone.

Rest and let body and HR recover and then go again.This is the beauty of interval training and one of the best ways of improving your overall fitness and pace. The repeated hard / easy effort will over time improve the size and efficiency of the entire cardio system. 

Do Tempo runs where you get the HR up to near HR hard limit and hold it for a few miles. Good way to teach the body the race effort it might need.

Easy runs are Easy runs and make sure your HR reflects this. One of the biggest mistakes most runners make is doing their easy miles too hard so negating the original intention of the run. 

At the end of every week look at your runs and judge how many were easy or hard miles. A Balance is required here.Too many easy then going nowhere.

Too many hard and heading for injury, illness and breakdown.

Fitness tip If you repeat some training / racing run a couple of weeks apart and the time is same but HR effort is lower then Happy Days. You are getting fitter and less effort for same result. PB on the way

Racing Tip.  

On a 10 mile race my HR will start low and over first 2 – 3 miles come up to 140. This is my in between figure of Hard and almost into Max 88 - 92%.

I then settle knowing this is tough, but manageable and I can maintain this effort. I didn’t say Pace, I said EFFORT. I accept then whatever pace my watch is giving and run on through the miles.

If I come to a hill my HR goes up so I wait for downhill and recovery before I push on. Last mile you can “have a rattle” as you will get home.

I have often ran a race with the HR as the main setting on the watch and left the pace to the unknown until I was finished. I have always been pleasantly surprised with the time and usually feel very good afterwards as the effort was so even. “Cruise control on your car”.

To clarify that is my way. It may not suit everyone but is worth a try.

For Marathon you cannot afford to go so high in HR and should be settling mid-way through your HARD limit. This will allow your body to breathe and process energy. It doesn’t matter how much you eat or drink if you are running too fast to let the body supply this to the muscles.

Health Tip 💞💞

Get used to your training / racing runs and what the expected HR is for some runs you do repeatedly.

If someday the HR comes in higher than normal by maybe 5 – 10BPM, then maybe ask yourself a few questions. Am I tired?  Am I lacking in energy? Am I coming down with some illness?

Don’t ignore it. Let it be an indicator your Heart had to do more effort for same result so something is wrong... 

Please Note: In very hot weather your HR will be higher to keep the body cooler so learn to accept slower times. Nothing you can do about it.

 Have a lovely weekend

#pwr #AndweRun

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

5k parkruns in Cork over the Christmas period... Dec 2023


While the usual 5k parkrun in Co Cork will go ahead on Sat 23rd & 30th of December, there are some additional 5k parkuns on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. They're shown above but here is a summary...

  • Tramore Valley Park, Macroom, Mallow and Youghal will have parkruns just on the Saturdays.
  • Bere Island and Castlehaven will have an additional parkrun on New Year's Day.
  • Ballincollig, Glen River, Clonakilty and Glengarriff will have additional parkruns on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
A few days ago, I updated the calendar with a load of GOAL mile events and there are some runs as well in Whitechurch, Rathcormac & Kealkill.

See the calendar HERE

Addendum: Some of the Kerry parkruns...

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Cork BHAA increase their annual registration fee to €15


The Cork BHAA committee have recently decided to increase the cost of annual registration per runner from €10 to €15. While this could be seen as a 50% increase in price, it should be seen in the overall picture of low BHAA entry fees.

Registered runners pay €5 per year as opposed to €10 for non-registered and that now means that you just need to do 3 races per year as opposed to 2 races before to break even. The Cork BHAA have 19 races on their 2024 calendar so there are plenty to choose from.

If we look at say members of an athletics club, they save €2 per club race because of the 'one-day licence' and with club membership costing €30 to €50 or more, there isn't the same incentive there. People might join athletic clubs for other reasons but saving money because of reduced entry fees isn't one of them.

There is also a Dublin branch of the BHAA and their annual registration fee is also €15 so the new price change just brings the two BHAA organisations in line with each other.

What would be of more concern would be if the Cork BHAA increased their race entry fee. At the moment, the €5 per registered runner is very good value and and about a third of many club races.

Some might argue that the Cork BHAA could increase their entry fee but there is always the fear that many will just opt for free 5k parkruns instead.

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA Turkey Trot 5k - Sun 17th Dec 2023


The annual Cork BHAA Turkey Trot 5k was held this year on Sunday 17th Dec 2023 and there were 351 finishers which as can be seen from the updated chart below is back to the numbers they were getting back in the 2013-2016 time period. 

This race was a bit unusual in that no watches were allowed and participants had to try and guess their finish time in advance.

A total of €4,800 was raised for the Cork Simon charity.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Dermot Ryan 17:11 
2 Gearoid O'Flynn 17:18 
3 Jason O'Mahony 17:33
6 Hannah Steeds 18:24 
8 Michelle Kenny 18:35 
17 Emma Doyle 20:05

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Joe Murphy has a few galleries... Pre-race ... Race 1 ... Race 2 ... Race 3... Race 4...

2) Mick Dooley has a nice festive gallery HERE


Results of the Cloyne Commons 4k - Sun 17th Dec 2023

First place finish for John Spelman in the Cloyne Commons 4k

The second race in the Cloyne Commons 4k series was held on Sunday 17th Dec 2023 with 243 runners crossing the finish line. That's a reasonably good turnout considering that there was the Cork BHAA Turkey Trot 5k in Blackrock on the same morning.

Top 3 men & women...

1 1356 John Spelman East Cork AC M 12:57
2 1232 Peter Hanrahan Togher AC M30 13:07
3 1519 Keith Kelly Youghal AC M45 13:12
16 1539 Rebecca McEvoy St Finbarr's AC F 15:09
37 1380 Katie Hennessy Midleton AC FJ 16:26
38 1346 Abigail Duggan Midleton AC FJ 16:27

Full results...
Place Race NumberName Club Category Time
1 1356 John Spelman East Cork AC M 12:57
2 1232 Peter Hanrahan Togher AC M30 13:07
3 1519 Keith Kelly Youghal AC M45 13:12
4 1233 Andrew Hobbs Leevale M35 13:15
5 1546 Dinny McLean Midleton AC MJ 13:26
6 1227 Matthew Mahony Midleton AC MJ 13:39
7 1550 Seamus McSweeney St Nicholas AC M50 14:05
8 1594 John O' Donovan Ballymore Cobh M 14:10
9 1322 Alex Magner Unattached MJ 14:53
10 1321 John Magner Unattached M40 14:55
11 1505 Paul Hunt Cobh Tri Club M 14:57
12 1553 Henry Millard St Nicholas AC M 15:02
13 1229 Tim Mahony East Cork AC M45 15:03
14 1231 Kieran Beausang Unattached M35 15:07
15 1455 Mark Cronin Midleton AC M45 15:07
16 1539 Rebecca McEvoy St Finbarr's AC F 15:09
17 1446 John Connolly Aghada RC M40 15:18
18 448 Faolán O Sullivan Unattached MJ 15:26
19 1474 Declan Dorgan Midleton AC M45 15:31
20 584 Michael Corbett St Finbarr's AC M45 15:33
21 1622 Paudie O' Sullivan Unattached MJ 15:36
22 1351 Steven Collins St Catherine's AC M35 15:37
23 1226 Rod Scanlan Midleton AC M40 15:38
24 592 Eric Meade East Cork AC M55 15:42
25 1350 Cathal Doyle St Nicholas AC MJ 15:44
26 1228 Christian Mahony Midleton AC MJ 15:49
27 1326 Pat O'Connor Eagle AC M55 15:49
28 1494 Thomas Hennessy Midleton AC MJ 15:59
29 1383 Jack Kelleher Midleton AC MJ 16:00
30 1667 Dermot Woods St Finbarr's AC M45 16:04
31 1495 Tony Hennessy Midleton AC MJ 16:07
32 1602 Bill O' Keeffe St Catherine's AC M55 16:10
33 1573 Ed Nicholson Unattached M50 16:11
34 1542 Odhran McGonagle Unattached M 16:12
35 1589 Michael O' Connor Unattached M45 16:19
36 1540 Eamon McEvoy St Finbarr's AC M65 16:21
37 1380 Katie Hennessy Midleton AC FJ 16:26
38 1346 Abigail Duggan Midleton AC FJ 16:27
39 1521 Eileen Leahy Midleton AC F 16:30
40 1230 Sadhbh Cronin Midleton AC FJ 16:31
41 1606 Michael O' Mahony WalshSt Nicholas AC MJ 16:32
42 1370 Avril Crowley East Cork AC F50 16:34
43 1560 Kevin Mulcahy Unattached MJ 16:39
44 1460 Brendan Curtin Midleton AC M50 16:42
45 1411 Conor Bakx Unattached MJ 16:47
46 1328 James Barry Ballintotis Fit 4 Life M35 16:50
47 1513 Brendan Kearney Unattached M 16:52
48 1639 Marina Seymour Grange Fermoy F45 17:03
49 1234 Meabh Ferriter Unattached F 17:15
50 1534 Chris McCarthy Unattached M45 17:21
51 1459 Stephen Crowley Unattached M45 17:22
52 1558 Ed Mottes Unattached M40 17:23
53 1611 Bridget O' Regan Ballymore Cobh FJ 17:23
54 1386 Aisling Callanan Midleton AC FJ 17:26
55 1329 Robyn Ryan Midleton AC FJ 17:26
56 1562 Michael Murphy Unattached M45 17:27
57 1317 Margaret O'Regan Ballymore Cobh F45 17:34
58 1320 Ciara Magner Watergrasshill F40 17:39
59 1347 John O' Connor Unattached M40 17:42
60 1412 Liam Bakx Unattached M 17:45
61 1500 Barry Hogan Unattached M50 17:46
62 1333 Susan Dineen Youghal AC F40 17:47
63 1556 Luke Morrisson St Nicholas AC MJ 17:53
64 1601 Des O' Hallorhan Youghal AC M50 17:55
65 1578 Míchéal O' Brien Aghada RC M40 17:59
66 1633 Maurice Ring Midleton AC M40 18:06
67 1656 Michael Veale Aghada RC M50 18:12
68 1352 Dan Twohig Midleton AC M45 18:20
69 1632 Anne Marie Quirke St Nicholas AC F 18:23
70 1387 Ronan Callanan Midleton AC MJ 18:25
71 1391 David O' Callaghan Eagle AC M55 18:25
72 1612 Connor O' Reilly Aghada RC MJ 18:26
73 559 Saoirse O Sullivan Watergrasshill FJ 18:27
74 1467 Michael Daly Unattached M 18:29
75 1514 Kerri Kelleher Aghada RC F40 18:31
76 1236 Tom O'Riordan Watergrasshill M45 18:33
77 1360 JJ Ryan Unattached M60 18:33
78 1596 Olivia O' Donovan Midleton AC FJ 18:34
79 1438 Frank Cashman East Cork AC M75 18:34
80 1379 Donagh Collins Unattached MJ 18:35
81 1378 Jack Corkery Unattached MJ 18:35
82 1604 Aisling O' Leary Ballymore Cobh FJ 18:42
83 1613 Janet O' Reilly Aghada RC F40 18:44
84 1330 Colm Smiddy Unattached MJ 18:45
85 1515 Maggie Kelleher Unattached F45 18:52
86 1470 Sinead De Barra Ballymore Cobh F 18:53
87 1442 Dáire Collins Unattached MJ 18:53
88 1630 Peter Quinn Ballymore Cobh M60 18:54
89 1365 Aidan Barry Unattached M55 18:54
90 1536 Denis McCarthy East Cork AC M60 18:57
91 1501 Trevor Horgan Unattached M45 18:59
92 1480 Kate Fleming Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F 19:00
93 1433 George Bulman Youghal AC M65 19:01
94 1331 David Leahy Unattached M 19:03
95 1598 Leo O' Donovan Unattached M40 19:05
96 1647 Finlay Thatcher Midleton AC FJ 19:08
97 1364 Mark O' Callaghan Cobh Tri Club M45 19:10
98 1223 Liam Daly Aghada RC M40 19:12
99 1597 Summer O' Donovan Midleton AC FJ 19:13
100 1376 Zach Swords East Cork AC MJ 19:13
101 1338 Anna Preston Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F 19:15
102 1377 Graham Swords East Cork AC M40 19:16
103 1575 Sean Norris Aghada RC M45 19:20
104 1475 Eleanor Duggan Aghada RC F50 19:25
105 1526 Cathal Lehane Unattached MJ 19:33
106 1361 Shay Scanlon Unattached MJ 19:35
107 1499 Aidan Hickey Unattached M 19:37
108 1523 Natasha Leetch St Nicholas AC FJ 19:38
109 1557 Richard Morrisson St Nicholas AC M40 19:38
110 1335 Chloe Morrison Unattached FJ 19:41
111 1382 Marc O' Loughlin Midleton AC MJ 19:44
112 1381 Mary O' Loughlin Unattached F40 19:44
113 1389 Sean O' Neill Unattached MJ 19:45
114 1390 Pearse O' Neill Unattached M40 19:45
115 1334 Katie Cronin Youghal AC F 19:53
116 1428 Pat Bradley Cobh Tri Club M55 20:02
117 1341 Joanne O'Halloran Youghal AC F45 20:06
118 1636 Cian Ryan Cobh Tri Club M 20:09
119 1471 Mary De Barra Ballymore Cobh F50 20:10
120 1593 Donal O' Donoghue Watergrasshill M55 20:10
121 1355 Eibhin Healy Unattached F 20:15
122 1224 John Waterman Unattached M45 20:17
123 1522 Ollie Leahy Unattached M45 20:17
124 1528 Nell Marshall Ballymore Cobh FJ 20:18
125 1451 Noreen Cotter Unattached F40 20:20
126 1324 John Delaney Grange Fermoy M50 20:28
127 1509 Greg Jur Unattached M40 20:29
128 1456 Nessa Cronin Unattached FJ 20:31
129 1603 Proinnsias O' Keeffe Eagle AC M60 20:37
130 1443 Trevor Collins Unattached M45 20:37
131 1529 Maire Marshall Ballymore Cobh F45 20:38
132 1584 Ellen O' Connell Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F 20:40
133 1608 Pat O' Neill St Nicholas AC M50 20:46
134 1617 Marie O' Rourke Youghal AC F35 20:50
135 1477 Wayne Elmes Midleton AC M40 20:52
136 1634 Kate Ruane South Coast Tri Club F 20:56
137 1516 May Kelleher Midleton AC FJ 21:15
138 1238 Javier Gomez Midleton AC M45 21:21
139 1484 Jim Furlong Unattached M60 21:30
140 1614 Sean O' Reilly Aghada RC MJ 21:36
141 1652 Maurice Tobin Grange Fermoy M70 21:38
142 1473 Robert Dempsey Unattached M 21:38
143 1225 Ber Twomey Midleton AC F50 21:40
144 1538 Olive McCarthy Togher AC F50 21:48
145 1434 Brian Cahill Unattached M45 21:48
146 1427 Fynn Berry Unattached MJ 21:50
147 1339 Hugh Smiddy Unattached M50 21:53
148 607 Martha McNamara Midleton AC F60 21:53
149 1041 John Walshe Road Runners Club M70 21:55
150 1600 Alicia O' Hallorhan Youghal AC F 21:57
151 1496 Rebecca Hennessy Unattached FJ 22:02
152 1493 Martin Hennessy East Cork AC M50 22:03
153 1525 Aalaina Leetch St Nicholas AC FJ 22:16
154 1645 Niall Stone Unattached M50 22:16
155 1524 Jenna Leetch St Nicholas AC F40 22:18
156 1547 Michael McMahon Youghal AC M50 22:21
157 1548 Fiona McMahon Youghal AC F50 22:22
158 1661 Evan Walsh Unattached MJ 22:25
159 1640 Donal Sheehan Youghal AC M40 22:27
160 1235 Luke Nally Unattached MJ 22:31
161 1482 Mark Fuller Midleton AC M50 22:33
162 1388 Niamh Callanan Aghada RC F45 22:41
163 1565 Lucy Murphy Unattached FJ 22:46
164 1472 Oscar Delcastillo Unattached MJ 22:48
165 1627 Evelyn Power Unattached F35 22:51
166 1626 Joe Power Midleton AC M65 22:52
167 1373 Ali Aherne Unattached FJ 22:53
168 1372 Amy Aherne Unattached FJ 22:53
169 1371 Yvonne Fitzgerald Midleton AC F45 22:53
170 1348 Luke O' Gorman Unattached MJ 22:57
171 1349 Dara O' Gorman Unattached MJ 22:58
172 1439 Eibhlin Cleary East Cork AC F35 22:58
173 1318 Iarla Kelliher Midleton AC MJ 23:04
174 1452 Leah Cotter Unattached FJ 23:06
175 1453 James Cotter Unattached M40 23:07
176 1419 Tom Barry Unattached M 23:10
177 1544 Caitriona McGregor Unattached F60 23:17
178 1420 Hugh Barry Unattached MJ 23:22
179 1421 Robbie Barry Unattached MJ 23:23
180 1654 Frances Twomey Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F55 23:23
181 1599 Eoin O' Gorman Unattached M50 23:24
182 1510 Suzanna Jur Unattached FJ 23:25
183 1554 Mary Molloy Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F55 23:28
184 1323 Michael Pratt Grange Fermoy M60 23:29
185 1567 Joe Murphy Eagle AC M65 23:48
186 1332 Sarah McIlroy Midleton AC FJ 23:51
187 1586 Mícháel O' Connell Unattached MJ 23:52
188 1662 Rob Walsh Unattached M40 23:53
189 1319 Síomha Kelliher Midleton AC FJ 23:53
190 1518 Joanne Kelliher Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F40 23:57
191 1354 Ian Kohler Midleton AC M75 23:58
192 1464 Ryan Dalton Unattached MJ 23:58
193 1465 Marc Dalton Midleton AC M45 23:58
194 1345 Faye Kelleher Unattached FJ 24:00
195 1663 Lucy Walsh Unattached F50 24:00
196 1580 Killian O' Brien Unattached M 24:02
197 1517 Aidan Kelleher Unattached M45 24:03
198 1664 Una Webster Aghada RC F65 24:04
199 1343 Emily Costine Unattached FJ 24:07
200 1344 Abby Kelleher Unattached FJ 24:07
201 1481 Claire Forde Fota Island F40 24:08
202 1441 Diarmuid Collins East Cork AC M 24:09
203 1649 Chloe Thatcher Midleton AC FJ 24:10
204 1648 Noreen Thatcher Aghada RC F40 24:20
205 1566 Julie Murphy Unattached FJ 24:30
206 1327 Denis Barry Unattached M60 24:32
207 309 Mason Rowan Unattached MJ 24:32
208 364 Lucas Rowan Unattached MJ 24:36
209 1463 Helen Cusack Unattached F50 24:43
210 1368 Gavin Conway WTNA MJ 25:00
211 1369 Emma Fitzgerald Unattached FJ 25:07
212 374 Hugo Hovenden Unattached MJ 25:08
213 16 Rachael Rowan Unattached F 25:08
214 11 Shane Rowan Unattached M40 25:27
215 1469 Mervyn Daly Well Oiled Machines M50 25:29
216 1665 Oliver Williams Unattached M60 25:44
217 1342 Mark Ryan Unattached M55 25:45
218 1374 Catriona Keane Unattached F50 25:46
219 1325 Justin Ryan Unattached M50 26:16
220 1497 Donal Fennessy Unattached M55 26:22
221 1363 Meg Lehane Unattached FJ 26:23
222 1362 Aoibhinn Scanlon Unattached FJ 26:34
223 1458 Clara Crowley South Coast Tri Club FJ 26:37
224 1337 Colette Dinneen Unattached F 26:37
225 1336 Sharon Barry Aghada RC F 27:02
226 1353 Niamh Motherway Unattached F 27:12
227 1657 Heike Von Heyne Cobh Tri Club F45 28:09
228 1375 Kay Barry Unattached F55 28:19
229 1366 Anna Marie Kirby Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F40 28:26
230 1624 Ruth Phelan Ballymore Cobh F60 28:38
231 1549 Jim McMurty Midleton AC M75 29:00
232 1559 Jake Mulcahy Unattached MJ 29:01
233 1340 Anthony Coleman AKA Hammer Unattached M45 29:17
234 1643 Síle Stack WTNA F40 29:17
235 1367 Steven Conway WTNA M55 29:45
236 1644 Claire Stack O' Brien Unattached F45 29:46
237 1237 Annmarie Perry Unattached F50 29:55
238 1422 Margaret Barry Midleton AC F70 30:53
239 1385 Susan McAuliffe Aghada RC F40 30:54
240 1384 Paula McManus Aghada RC F40 31:10
241 1359 Luke Cronin Unattached MJ 31:11
242 1358 Melissa Cronin Unattached FJ 31:12
243 1357 Marian Cronin Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F40 31:13

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 16th Dec 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 16th Dec 2023. Approximately 731 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... The conditions were pretty mild for this weeks 5k parkrun in Co Cork with a temperature of about 10 deg C but that mild moist air coming in off the Atlantic resulted in dull and misty conditions. It was still perfect for running but it might have deterred some.

Ballincollig... Well done to Colette Ryan who completed her 300th 5k parkrun today! It takes at least two years to get to 100 so completing 300 is pretty special. I wonder if Collette has the most in Cork?



Colette has run in 14 different parkrun venues but a whopping 248 of them were in the Ballincollig Regional Park. Colette's first parkrun was at the Tramore Valley Park back on the 26th of September 2015.

Also well done to Eddy Higgins who reaches the 100 mark! Eddy has done 26 in Ballincollig, 19 at Tramore Valley Park and 17 at the Glen River with the balance at 25 other locations. Eddy's first parkrun was in Tralee back on the 25th of July 2015.

Another person hitting the 100 mark in Ballincollig was Garrett Whitford. Garrett has done 63 in Ballincollig with 31 at the Tramore Valley Park with the balance at four other locations. Garrett started in Ballincollig back on the 18th of January 2020.

Macroom... Well done to Matt Murphy who completed his 100th 5k parkrun! Matt who is in the M18-19 age category has done 98 of the 100 in Macroom with the remaining two in Killarney. Matt's first parkrun was back on the 1st of Feb 2020 when he would have been M15-16.

Clonakilty... Clonakilty is one of the smaller parkruns in Co Cork and this week, Sandra Walsh completed her 100th parkrun there. Sandra has done 53 at Clonakilty, 39 at Glen River and the balance of eight at five other locations. Sandra's first parkrun was in Clon on the 21st of June 2014.

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 227 this week, 250 last week. Long term average 283

First 3 men & women...
1 Paul KELLY Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 18:07
2 Unknown
3 Jer O SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 Lucan Harriers 18:20
6 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 19:03
14 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:25
33 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 23:16


Tramore Valley Park: 147 this week, 185 last week. The long term average is 171.

First 3 men & women...
1 Michael BYRNE Male VM40-44 17:38
2 Barry WALSH Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 18:07
3 Jim WHITE Male JM15-17 18:12
25 Lara BYRNE Female JW11-14 21:58
47 Gillian COTTER Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 23:50
48 Paula MULCAHY Female VW45-49 23:51


Glen River: 72 this week, 63 last week. The long term average is 73.

First 3 men & women...
1 Owen WILLIAMS Male JM15-17 Togher AC 17:33
2 Ken INCE Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 18:02
3 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:29
10 Lisa CROWLEY Female VW50-54 Watergrasshill AC 22:11
11 Aoife KILPATRICK Female VW40-44 Ranelagh Harriers 22:50
15 Emer DELANEY Female JW11-14 25:31


Mallow Castle: 73 finishers this week, 39 last week. The long term average is 62.

First 3 men & women...
1 Liam AHERNE Male VM40-44 Mallow Tri Club 19:29
2 Kieran TWOMEY Male VM55-59 19:38
3 Billy LENIHAN Male VM55-59 20:20
5 Emily CRUSHER Female SW20-24 Giffnock North AAC 20:35
9 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 22:07
15 Gillian MURPHY Female VW35-39 Mt. Hillary AC 22:51


Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 53 this week, 59 last week. The long term average is 57.

First 3 men & women...
1 Padraig MAHONY Male VM45-49 17:36
2 Unknown  
3 Ronan O'SHEA Male VM55-59 18:57
13 Ailish BOURKE Female JW10 23:25
16 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 23:31
17 Josephine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 23:39


Macroom Castle Demense: 33 this week, 53 last week. Long term average is 51.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:16
2 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 19:06
3 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 20:58
9 Noreen STEWART Female VW40-44 24:50
11 Sarah CUDDIHY Female JW15-17 25:11
13 Claire CURTIN Female VW35-39 25:21


Clonakilty: 25 this week, 31 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...
1 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 Ranelagh Harriers 20:30
2 Mark BULMAN Male VM60-64 Donoughmore AC 20:42
3 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 21:46
10 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:47
12 Aoife MCCANN Female SW25-29 25:05
17 Katie HARTE Female SW30-34 27:09



Glengarriff Woods: 61 this week, 55 last week. The long term average is 60.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Peter LITTLE Male VM45-49 19:56
2 Michael MINEHANE Male VM45-49 Marathon Club Ireland 21:19
3 Danny MANNING Male VM45-49 22:11
13 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 25:47
16 Hilje LABUSCHAGNE Female VW35-39 26:08
17 Emma BURKE Female SW20-24 26:39


Bere Island: 23 this week, 14 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Ben MURPHY Male VM40-44 21:30
3 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 25:35
6 Mike FENTON Male JM10 29:32
2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:36
4 Laura WALSH Female SW18-19 28:01
5 Emma FENTON Female JW11-14 28:30


Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 17 finishers this week, 14 last week. Long term average 28.

First 3 women & men...
1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:23
2 Brendan CROWLEY Male VM40-44 22:36
3 Finbarr KELLEHER Male VM35-39 23:02
8 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 29:52
9 Sharon POULTER Female VW40-44 30:23
10 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 31:38


For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Friday Jigsaw: Glen River 4k parkrun - Dec 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a group photo from the Glen River 5k parkrun last Saturday 9th Dec 2023.

This one has 270-pieces and you can find it HERE

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Guest Post: Heart Rate - Part 1 ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Heart Rate ** Part 1

I was asked so I will make some attempt to explain this. Bit detailed so I split in 2 parts. An edit to a post I put up 4 years ago. The basics still apply. I will do my best to simplify but if my phrases and zones do not coincide with your current knowledge then I do apologise.

This will help you find your own HR max and then to understand the zones (efforts) based on this. Your future training and results will be better helped by understanding this. If you can learn to use and what your Heart is telling you, then you can become a better runner.

It is important first and foremost to find your own max. Book reading and college give a general rule of thumb as 220 minus your age. So a 40 year old will have a max of 180. (220 - 40 = 180). 

However in practice this is seldom accurate as many can get a figure above or below this. Best way to find yours. Check back at recent runs on your Garmin. Look for any short race 5K or 4mile where you put in a serious effort and was wrecked at the end line. The Max figure during that Km or Mile is usually a decent indicator of where you are..

Or else do you own test where you warm up well and then run a 2mile as quick as you can and then you will have some idea.

You can also pay money and get yourself tested in some performance lab and that will 100% accurate and take the guess work out of it.

PLEASE NOTE Before you put your body under that stress or if you know your HR Max already and that figure is far away from the 220 – age then please consult your Doctor to check that all is OK.


Now that you know your HR max then we can set some zones. I have made up a pic for you to set your own figures.

example user for 180 HR max.

Max 90 – 100% 162 – 180  Anaerobic Training Zone

Your heart, blood and respiratory system will be working at their max capacity. Lactic acid will build up in your blood and after a few minutes you won’t be able to continue at this intensity. You will NOT provide energy to the muscles at this pace. This is OK in the last few minutes of a short race and if you see this figure in a long run you are in trouble.

Hard 80 – 90% 144 – 162  Lactate Threshold Zone

This is where the going gets tough. You’ll be breathing hard and running aerobically. If you train at this intensity, you’ll improve your speed endurance. Your body will get better at using carbohydrates for energy and you’ll be able to withstand higher levels of lactic acid in your blood for longer. Most races you run will be in this zone. During tempo runs or longer intervals you might get here as well.


Moderate 70 - 80% 126 – 144  Aerobic training Zone

This is especially effective for improving the efficiency of blood circulation in the heart and skeletal muscles. This is the zone in which lactic acid starts building up in your bloodstream. Training in this HR zone will make moderate efforts easier and improve your efficiency. Most training long runs and maybe early miles of a long race.

Light 60 – 70% 108 – 126  Recovery Training Zone

This feels light and you should be able to go on for a long time at this intensity. This is the zone that improves your general endurance: your body will get better burning fat and your muscular fitness will increase along with your blood flow.Training in heart rate zone 2 is an essential part of every runner’s program.This is easy miles and are needed for recovery and improving. Not every mile every week can be hard.

Very light 50 – 60% 90 – 108 

We wont be here much unless walking or cycling or some general very easy recovery work. It can be useful to help get rid of lactic acid from the body the day after a hard effort.

Now that you know your zones check your own App / Web to see are you Heart rate zones set properly. Garmin and other types might give these different names and they also set them up based on your age and not your actual figures and performances.

So the 40 year old with max 180 but who actually has a max of 188 will see all zones wrong and it will show making a bigger effort and in a higher zone than has actually happened.

Find your Max and adjust the zones on your own page. We can talk more about this and how to train for it and use it. Make another cuppa. You deserve it. 

If boring writing was an Olympic sport then I would have a qualifying time after this.


I ran Waterford last week and went off HR. My own Max is 155 so 140 is my 90% mark. I aimed to keep it there as best I could. I averaged 138 for the entire run. There was Hills, up and down, flat sections. I kept the effort the same all through. I did better than I expected. Attached pic is my HR for the run

#pwr #andwerun