Running (Road)16:07 3.03 km (5:19 / km) +9m5:15 / km ahr:139 max:152 shoes: Asics Gel Noosa FF2 Pink (Sept
Chilly warm-up. Catching up with Deric and the gang
Running (XC) race 25:39 8.02 km (3:12 / km) +32m3:08 / km ahr:177 max:190 shoes: Nike Zoom Rival MD8
Defence Forces Cross Country Championship 2019 & CISM Selection Race - The Curragh - 1st - 25:39
(2km lap splits - 6:26 / 6:28 / 6:21 / 6:20)
Good day for Cross Country, bit of wind and some rain (got done before the worst of it blew in). 8km course (4*2km laps - splits above) on The Curragh plains for a shot at the DF National title. Found out about an hour before the race that one of the favourites wouldnt be running so changed my tactics a little with that info.
Started off fast on the long straight with Gav Sweeney in tow (he got me by a few seconds in the 10km last month and ran 24:55 for 5miles in August). After the first km I had a bit of a look around and realised myself and Gav were away from the field and it was going to be a head to head. He was tight to me until a small gap appeared at 5km, it wasnt in the plan to go that early but there was an opening so I tried to crank up the pace a bit on the hill (the km was 5sec faster than the previous and 7sec faster than the first). Backed it up with a 3:07 down the long straight and had another look, the elastic hadn't broken yet so I had to keep the foot down. Didn't want him to get past me near the end like he did in the 10km. Over the finish line for the win, dont think I even smiled or raised my arms. I think it is only my second ever race win and my first ever on the country. Relieved to have hung on and get the job done, had maybe 15sec or so to spare in the end at a guess, could be less. I backed myself and my body responded to the call.
Delighted to take the win and the DF XC title for the year. Possibility of an International XC in Belgium in December (depending on dates etc) and hopefully CISM Cross Country in Portugal next March is a goer.
1 PM
Running (Road)16:03 3.05 km (5:16 / km) +83m4:38 / km ahr:170 max:178 shoes: Asics Gel Noosa FF2 Pink (Sept
Time for a shower, prize giving and some grub!
7 PM
Running (Road)1:05:28 12.2 km (5:22 / km) +72m5:13 / km ahr:142 max:186 shoes: Asics Gel Noosa FF2 Pink (Sept
With the Waterstown Gang. Perfect pace to loosen out after the race earlier and a good chat with the lads! Now for cake to “celebrate” the win, that’s how it works right?