Running race 27:29 [5] 3.36 km (8:12 / km) +296m 5:41 / km
shoes: Saucony Peregrine Trail
Garmin Mourne Skyline Granite Trail Race (I think that's its full title ok).
Fabulous race, the NI Running team are such unsung heroes. 2 mile uphill only run up to Donard quarry. They had a big floodlight up there - looked very cool from the start on the promenade (a really nice touch, starting out there where you can see where you're going).
On paper I should have had a terrible race. No speedwork or hillwork, 90 minute walk last night and > 1 hour run the day before, very little sleep, stressful workday (actually ridiculously busy 2 months), no rest beforehand (motorway shut caused massive traffic delays), terrible diet (carbs and more carbs) and only a banana for the 5 hours prior to the race. Should have been a recipe for disaster. I felt great!! Yes the granite trail is tough, but I kept a small jog going the whole time, and then powered up the final hillside bit and overtook people, yay :) I think (no, I hope) I was well ahead of Joanne. Hazel must've been way ahead.
There were maybe 40 runners - it's a mystery to me why the entry list isn't full to bursting point. Glo-sticks, headtorches, cowbells and AC/DC up the final bit to the finish line. Love it.