My Running Year 2014 by Conor Cusack

You're right Ted. I used to be happy enough with me old bike, I used to get a big buzz out of just going down to the shops on it, you know? But after a while it just wasn't enough. I started going for bigger and bigger thrills, but I could give it up! Any time I wanted! (Fr. Dougal McGuire)

Where to start? Ironically enough, late 2013 is probably the best place, August 2013 to be exact... I had just completed the Rose of Tralee 10K, my first competitive run at that distance, having joined the Born to Run Novice Group in June to train for the Rose race, that was now in the bag. Was I going to take the next logical step up to the Half Marathon or Marathon....?

Well us Cusacks never do things by halves, so Marathon it was going to be.. We started training a few weeks later, and right up to Christmas. I did a few 10K races in this period including in the UK with my sister Kate (who encouraged me into running in the first place) and Los Angeles while on holiday. The Christmas 2013 period proved to be very stormy, but my first significant milestone was reached at this time when I ran 13.1 miles for the first time in the great company of Mr. Brian Ó Sé.

Ultra Training Selfie

Official training had been cancelled, but we took a punt during a clear spell and got the run in, dodging around fallen debris along the way. Around this time I also temporarily took leave of my senses and signed up for the Tralee Marathon and inaugural 100K Ultra Marathon... Crazy stuff, but under the astute guidance of Marcus Howlett and Jim McNeice, as well as a really close knit training group it seemed a natural logical step.

I made many friends in Born to Run around this time. A special tip of the hat at this stage must go to Gretta and Catherine, hosts of the legendary Dashboard Diner. On many early weekend mornings and weekday evenings the hot coffee and home baking was a saviour.... It put body and soul back together, and was a great way of getting to know more of the group. Maureen Kennan was a tonic on many a morning with her banter :-)

Valentines Race February 2014

Many of you will be aware of my passionate support of the work of Kerry Hospice Foundation. I decided to set a target of 5 marathons, Tralee, Limerick, Cork, Ultra and Dublin to raise much needed funds... That seemed ambitious for my first full year, and well we all know how things panned out! By the time I ran the Valentines 10 miler in February with Kate, my first marathon was only a month away... Nerves seriously kicking in...

My Marathon  Debut: March 16th 2014 Tralee International Marathon

Actually, to say I was nervous is an understatement. The day of my first marathon had arrived in the blink of an eye. We gathered at the Wetlands around 8 am. I mingled a bit just to take my mind off the task ahead. Gathering at the start line, time to get this done!!! I set off initially with Mazza, Caroline and Carrie-Anne. We reached mile 6 at Ardfert with no dramas, I knew the infamous “Mound of Opportunity” that is Barrow Hill was literally around the corner and that was in the back of my mind.

We reached it, climbed it, but it was on the way back down that the game changed. Caroline was in obvious discomfort so I encouraged the others to go on and I would stay back to run with her... It was my first marathon, time was unimportant to me. In Born to Run, no-one gets left behind. Caroline and I slowly made our way to the Fenit switchback on the pier to find another casualty Tommy Leahy in serious pain running past the West End... By the look of him I didn’t fancy his chances of finishing...

Coming through Mounthawk on the Tralee International Marathon

On and on we went, through the Spa, my home area of the Kerries and up Caherslee. More walking than running, but getting the job done. The Skinny Mile was torture, but Caroline singing Timber by Pitbull on a loop kept me smiling. What followed was uplifting. Rounding the corner of Pembroke Street my brother Paul and niece Ciara were there... My body was broken at that stage, but seeing them gave me huge encouragement. 

The run to the finish on Denny Street will live long in the memory, crossing the line with Caroline to complete my first marathon was thrilling. Tommy arrived shortly after and finished, legend stuff! We partied the night away in the Abbey. The first of 5 marathons for me... Or so I thought!

St Patricks Day, post Tralee Marathon

Marathon # 2: May 4th 2014 Great Limerick Run

It’s fair to say that the body was fairly tired after Tralee, but I found the Ballybunion Half that I ran with Ann and Brian O’Shea on Easter weekend to be hugely beneficial in keeping my “race head” on. Limerick was fun. We started off a couple of hours before the Half Marathon, and I was delighted to be running alongside Jim and Brendan McNeice.What I liked about this course was that for the most part it stayed in and around the city, with a nice loop around the University of Limerick. My aim was to go Sub 5 Hour, and we tipped along at a decent pace ahead of the 5 Hour Pacer. It was great to see Ann and Brian, Den, Anne Kelliher and Michelle en route on the switchback. It gave me a lift at that stage.

Satisfied after Marathon Number 2 in Limerick

Pre Limerick Selfie with Ann & Brian

Around Mile 22 passing Thomond Park, I began to tire and the 5 Hour Pacer was like the Grim Reaper behind us... Jim McNeice, a veteran of 50+ Marathons was exceptional in keeping me going when the body was failing... Feck it, I’m gonna do this... I dug deep and as we headed for the Sarsfield Bridge for the last time, we had put some distance between ourselves and the Pacer. The welcome on O’Connell Street was amazing, we’d broken 5 hours, and Brendan had completed his first marathon. Good news day all around!!!! Bring on Cork...

Marathon # 3: June 2nd 2014 Cork City Marathon

Only a 4 week turnaround from Limerick, this wasn’t going to be easy and so it proved. Once again I had Jim and Brendan by my side, but the legs felt unusually heavy from the start. Race began on Patrick Street and looped around South Mall and Parnell Place towards Blackpool and out past Tivoli. I had let the lads go on a bit ahead and listened to my music to keep me moving. I caught up with them at the entrance to the Jack Lynch Tunnel. There was a nice pull up exiting the Tunnel all the way to Mahon and over to Blackrock Castle. Good crowd support at this stage.

The next few miles brought us along a walkway created from the route of an old railway line. This was tough as it was quite narrow and there were very few spectators. When we re-emerged at the Marina, passing Pairc Uí Chaoimh, I was delighted to meet my sister Mary and her husband with some much needed food and isotonic supplies. On we went up the South Link through Turners Cross, Ballyphehane and The Lough, some decent enough uphills that would put manners on you!

As we headed towards Model Farm Road I started to tire again and let Jim and Brendan go... I started to walk and was very disheartened to see the 5 Hour Pacer go past me... I tried running again but the legs weren’t responding. I was running on empty at Mile 21... The final Isotonic stop was on Inchagaggin Lane which connects Model farm Rd to the Carrigrohane Straight. I took some fuel on board and started a light jog. I felt myself getting a little stronger and before I knew it had reached County Hall at Victoria Cross. I took a 5 minute walk and as I entered the Mardyke, I looked at my watch and thought Feck it., I’ll give it a go...

Finish Line St Patrick Street, Cork

Ultra Training in Curraheen

Summoning energy from I don’t know where, Miles 25 and 26 were both around the 9 minute mark.... Emerging from the Mardyke and running up Popes Quay I could see the 5 Hour pacer in the distance. I ran all the faster and caught him on Patricks Bridge. The welcome back on Patrick Street was phenomenal and Jim looked stunned as I crossed the line... Another Sub 5!!!! Great to meet Ailish Hughes and Martin O’Sullivan at the finish line too. A magic BTR day by the Lee.

#4 My First Ultra, 36 miles, Keith Whyte Courtmacsherry July 19^th

All the while when I was doing my first few marathons August 2^nd and 100K was at the back of my mind... Training was progressing well on the Ultra route, including the Half on the Head, and the legs were feeling stronger. Still, I hadn’t progressed beyond 26.2 miles. That was about to change.

A good crowd of us from Born to Run arrived down to Courtmacsherry for the Keith Whyte Waterfront Ultra Marathon on 19^th July and it was my first time meeting that unstoppable bundle of enthusiasm and energy that is Bob Hilliard. He welcomed us as locals, and I could see from the start that this was a Class A event. A really humid day (upwards of 95%) made for really hard running conditions. A beautiful, scenic 18 mile roundtrip circuit was negotiated twice. Fantastic support provided by Geoffrey and my sister Mary on the day kept the legs moving. Gretta didn’t feel well but still soldiered through. That woman is made of pure steel!

The BTR Gang take over Courtmacsherry

I struggled a little from the last switchback to home, but on the last few miles I met up with Hazel, and William and we all finished together. A really well run event and a super medal depicting one of my all time heroes, Nelson Mandela. I’ll definitely be back in 2015.

Top of the Short Mountain Selfie, Michelle's first time reaching the summit!

                                   

#5 The Tralee International Ultra Marathon 100K, August 2^nd

And so to arguably the pinnacle of my running year, a 100K Ultra Marathon, this is what I had trained for, it was time to take care of business. Considering that I had only run 13 miles for the first time just over 8 months previously, it looked like a case for the men in the white coats. But as we lined up at the start line in the Wetlands at 6am, I was strangely at ease with myself.

100K Ultra, it all starts here.... 5.55am August 2nd

“Break it up into twelve 5 mile runs” Marcus had advised us, it proved a sound strategy on the day, don’t think too far ahead. Given the distance, I needed a good support crew. And in Den, Maura, Michelle, Sarah, as well as my sisters Mary and Kate I couldn’t have asked for better. Quite simply without their help, I couldn’t have done it.

My amazing Ultra Crew, legends the lot of ye!

The run to Ardfert, Ballyheigue (for the first time) and Causeway was slow and uneventful. The body felt good and Sarah and Maura were keeping me well fed and watered along the way. Around Kerryhead, and I stopped for a couple of minutes with Michelle who was looking after a water station before she took up duty as part of my crew. I reached halfway at Ballyheigue and felt good though with a little pain in my left knee. I lashed on the Wintergreen and one change of running gear later I was ready to roll for the second half. “Get up, don’t stay sitting” urged Mazza, and in fairness it was good advice. I had family in the shape of my brothers Ned and Paul waiting for me at Banna Cross and that gave me great encouragement.

Den had started running with me at this stage, and we were joined by Michelle and Kate. It was invaluable to have them during what is quite a lonely stretch to Barrow Cross with little crowd support. And then, Barrow Hill... Not that F***ing thing again, at 70K, you gotta be having a laugh here! Mind over matter got me through here and Churchill. Great support from the BTR Brigade at Barrow Cross helped big time... Onto Fenit, 80K, and the knee was in rag order at this stage.. More Wintergreen and Den somehow manipulated the muscle so it didn’t hurt as much.. Michelle and Kate ran with me towards the Spa, and at this stage my brain was fried from fatigue and I was talking some desperate gibberish altogether... No change there then.

We ran into the Kerries, my home ground. It never felt as steep or as hard as this when I was a kid though. Feck it, I’ve done this hundreds of times, can’t be that hard?! Mary met us before my house and we ran towards my front gate where a huge number of my family waited to cheer me on and give me a cup of tea. I was really running on empty at this stage and continually asked what time it was to make sure I beat the 15 hour cutoff.

Down Spa Road and towards Lohercannan to Blennerville, I could hardly walk, let alone run. Den and Kate kept giving encouraging words, I was so fatigued I just snapped back at them, something they totally understood but in hindsight something I felt really bad about. Sarah joined us for the lap around Tonevane and in the canal to the Marina. Michelle had joined us and followed us on her bike. Her knee was in agony, but she still wanted to be part of this, what a legend....

Mr Den McCarthy who pretty much ran a marathon with me on the Ultra

Best Buds do Ultras together

        

My wonderful crew followed me to halfway down James Street. This was the street where my Dad had grown up, how appropriate. Rounding the corner to the finish in front of the Brandon is something that will live with me forever. To cross the line and be met by the people I had trained with all year was emotional to say the least. My nephew Cillian, working with the Red Cross even did running repairs, keeping it in the family. By the end of the evening, our entire training group had finished, bodies broken yes, but unbowed... Big respect to Mazza who truly smashed it, Randall who took on the pain barrier and beat it, and how wonderful to see Gretta and David Quirke finish together! Couch to 100K in 12 months???? DONE!

The October “Triple Crown"

The 100K Ultra Marathon had left me physically and emotionally drained, yet I still wanted to test myself with another challenge, what could I do??? How about running 3 full marathons in the space of 3 weeks? No, that’s just insane... So is 100K and you did that. Yerra right so I’ll give it a go. Men in white coats on standby again.... Honourable mention to another first for me around this time, running the entire Rose of Tralee 10K in a tuxedo... Of course it was Mazza’s idea, but tremendous fun all the same. It was significant too because it was the first anniversary of my first competitive run. How time flies.

# 6 Lisbon Rock n Roll October 4^th

I had continued to train through September and Lisbon came around quickly. I flew out on October 2^nd to take in the sights of this wonderful city. I’d have to say however that if you weren’t a runner you wouldn’t be aware that a big race was coming up on the following Sunday.. On the morning of the race I was up and about at 6am to get the train to Cascais where the race started. Public transport in the city was free for the day once you showed your race bib. Maybe something the Dublin organisers could take on board? The first 5 miles around Cascais and in towards Lisbon were on cobblestones, which was tough on the knees. The route itself was relatively flat along a beautiful coastal route. The humidity was quite high with a temperature of 20c, so conditions were testing.

Lisbon Bling in the bag

At one stage we ran past a group of volunteers who were waving various national flags for a stretch of about 1 mile. I looked in vain for a tricolour, disappointing to say the least as I had met some other Irish on the route who were drawn to my tricolour singlet. We arrived back into Lisbon about Mile 21 and they brought us on a 5 mile trip through what can only be described as pretty unremarkable roads to the finish line at Parque das Nações, site of the World Expo 1998. Another Sub 5 in testing conditions, and some Rock n Roll bling, so I couldn’t complain. Crowd support was good enough, but overall a 6.5/10 “Could Do Better” for the Lisbon organisers.

# 7 Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 19^th

I had decided to visit my good friend Dave Nieuwold and his wife Moe in Toronto at some stage this year. I climbed Kilimanjaro with Dave and his daughter Sam back in 2012, and we’ve remained friends ever since. When I saw the chance to check out the beautiful city of Toronto by running it, I jumped at the chance. I arrived in Canada on October 15^th and did a little sightseeing and chilled for a few days in Guelph where Dave lives, an easy 5 mile was done on the Friday as a loosener.

Dave and I at the start

 Race day, October 19^th, we left Guelph at about 6.45am, traffic on the freeway was light so we were parking up at about 7.45am. A couple of Tim Hortons coffees and Clif bars en route and I was at the start line about 8.20am. Chilly morning, dry and about 4c, perfect...

I started in the second wave about 9.10am, through the city streets and past the landmark CN Tower. I ran towards the shoreline of Lake Ontario with “Titanium” from David Guetta in my ears. Dave and Moe had taken off on their bikes with my supplies and would meet me en route. I first spotted them around Mile 5 and I was feeling fresh, there was superb crowd support. What I liked about this, similar to Limerick, is that they kept it pretty tight in around the city neighbourhoods. Glancing at my watch a few times, I knew I was on a good pace.

I next met my “crew” about halfway as I headed towards the Greek district of the city where the crowds were huge again and flags everywhere. Taking some fuel on board, I continued to run strongly and little did I know that my progress was being tracked 3,000 miles away at home in Tralee by my good friend Den McCarthy. A switchback brought us through the Greek district again on the loop home. Met Dave and Moe at Mile 21 again and took some last fuel on board, I knew I was on a PB pace here.

The last 5 miles were flat and just a constant wall of sound, so much so, I took off my headphones to soak it all in. I got a tricolour from Dave at 500m to go, and waved it frantically over my head. Screams of “Go Ireland!” rung in my ears. I didn’t want it to end, but end it did in a PB of 4:45... Part 2 of the Triple Crown in the bag.

Thrilled, I returned to Guelph for a well deserved soak in the hot tub and a couple of Steam Whistle Beers (Highly recommended!). I went for a celebratory meal with Dave, Moe and their family at Fionn McCool’s bar that evening. This year was just getting better and better.

Dave, Moe and I at the finish, proud to be Irish

The obligatory photo with the CN Tower, Toronto

# 8 Dublin City Marathon October 27^th

When considering 3 marathons in 3 weeks, I knew that the mere 8 day turnaround between Toronto and Dublin was going to be a big ask, taking travel and other factors into account. But I thought if weather conditions were favourable it could be done without serious discomfort... No such luck as you will learn.

Dublin Marathon Superheroes

We had travelled up by train on the Sunday, booking into the Ripley Court Hotel, and headed straight for the Expo in the RDS. It was lovely to bump into the Clon Crew at their stand, a great welcome as always from Bob, Ia and Meadbh. A chilled evening and early to bed. We arrived at the start line in good time on Bank Holiday Monday.

Good crowds and a good buzz around the place and lots of BTR runners, including debutants Orla, Sarah and Poshey who I had trained with during the summer. Fierce excitement altogether. Off we went towards the Coombe, around the back of Christchurch onto the North Quays, Parkgate Street and into the Phoenix Park. Conditions, as feared, were very humid and like Cork the legs felt heavy early on. Nonetheless, my music kept me moving, nothing quite like listening to “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore as you pass Áras an Uachtaráin....

As we left the Park and arrived in Castleknock, I felt more comfortable, as I lived around this area and knew the roads. Down past Mount Sackville and then looped back into the Phoenix Park. Onwards to Chapilizod about Mile 10 where I came upon Carrie Anne who seemed to be in difficulty, and wasn't feeling well. I ran and walked with her for a while until about Mile 13/14 at Dolphins Barn. To be honest, I didn’t feel great myself, I was suffering big style.

Ready for the off

Carrie Anne had made a Lazarus like recovery, so I let her go. Lazarus was a great man, but he couldn't run a marathon like Carrie Anne Boylan :-) The next 5 miles through Rialto and Kimmage to Terenure were a massive struggle, I had no energy and was seriously thinking this would be my first DNF. The only highlight during these miles was meeting Collette “THE Legend” O’Hagan who was competing in Marathon 300. Jaysus I thought, this is only Number 8 for me... Let’s get moving here.

Coming through Inchicore I saw a few of my BTR Buddies running and on the sidelines, Colm and Caroline Lynch as well as Siobhan and Mark Cushen gave some very welcome support.

From there on was a bit of a blur, down through Clonskeagh onto Fosters Avenue where it was great to see BTR members Laura and Ita Daly cheering us on.

In the Stillorgan Dual Carrageway, through Mount Merrion, Ballsbridge and onto the finish in Merrion Square. The crowd support was good, and I needed every bit of it. I collapsed over the line in 5:15, Triple Crown completed.... But the tank was completely empty. A treat also to meet Collette just as she finished her 300^th. What an inspiration that lady is.

Carrie Anne aka "Lazarus"

BTR Dublin Runners at the Aquadome. Brilliant photbomb by Seanie Cleary :-)

An unexpected surprise awaited me at the post race drinks in the Blarney Bar. I was presented with a magnificent trophy to commemorate my hat trick of runs in October... What a classy and thoughtful thing to do from my friends in Born to Run. Despite a record number of dropouts, everyone in the club had finished. What an astonishing result for everyone. Special mention to my good buddy Brian Ó Sé who burned it up with a 4:07.. Serious running dude.

# 9&10 And now, the end is near...Clonakilty Back 2  Back Marathons December 5th & 6th

Originally Marathon Number 9 was to be Sixmilebridge on November 16^th, but due to a family commitment I couldn’t make that one. It looked like I was going to fall just short of my target of 10 for the year, not a disaster, family always will come first, but a disappointing prospect to come so close nonetheless.

Enter the aforementioned bundle of energy Mr. Bob Hilliard, who kindly invited me to do Back to Back Marathons on the Friday (Directors Run) and Saturday raceday. I had never done that before, so I was understandably apprehensive. It still only took 2 minutes to decide though.

Start of the Directors Run in Clonakilty, with the legend Jerry Forde

One of the songs on my running playlist is “On the Road Again” by Canned Heat. And considering my year so far, that seemed very appropriate as I set off to Kinsale on the Thursday evening and stayed with my sister Mary there for the night.

I arrived at the Quality Hotel in Clon at 8.15am on the Friday morning to be greeted like a long lost son by Bob. Jerry Forde was just about to start number 299, what an honour to travel the roads with this man. And so off we went, Meadbh was doing the 10K as she was on duty the next day. We ran together and had great banter and craic, she in fact did more than the 10K to keep me company on the first lap. The hill at the switchback in Inchadoney is a doozie and had to be negotiated 3 times.. Long story short, it was an incredibly scenic yet testing course. Day one, 5:15 marathon, 9 in the bag.

Meadbh of Complete Physical Therapy got working on the legs straight after the race and that helped a lot. Back to Kinsale, food sleep, repeat....

On the Saturday morning I arrived earlier to meet the BTR members who had arrived en masse. It was another nice day so I thought, grand, just do what you did yesterday. Sounds easy doesn’t it???? The previous day was taking its toll and I was doing more walking than planned. Bob of course was out on the course high fiveing. Den passed me in a blur, I had been running with Brian and Mazza for a while, but Mazza had to drop back when not feeling well. It was great to see all of the club members doing well, I gave Michelle a high five on the way past as she headed to a PB. Great to see her back to her best!

Look out Clon, here comes BTR with shiny new running tops

By lap 3 I am not exaggerating when I say that I was in bits... I was passing in the opposite direction to Brian on a couple of occasions and he gave great support. On the last switchback at the Quality, 4 miles to go, great encouragement from the Clon Crew again, but the legs didn’t seem willing. I met Brian on my way out the road again, he was 1 mile from home, I was 3, he shouted encouragement.... “Mr 300” Jerry Forde kept me focused too... What an athlete he is.

I walked mile 25 in its entirety and as I entered the last mile the body was about ready to give up. Enter Mazza, Ann O’Shea and Jim McNeice who had come out the road to meet me... Like the Tralee Ultra, my brain was mush by then but I do remember Jim telling me that he was threatened (in a nice way) if he didn’t come out to run with me. Wise choice to run Jim...

And so we entered the final straight, fantastic music and crowds and my Born to Run friends to greet me when I crossed the line. Once again, everyone in the club had finished, and Tom also had a Back 2 Back in the bag. To receive my medals depicting the inspirational Rick and Dick Hoyt and to carry their message around on my race bib left me very humbled. And to receive a third medal with Polar Explorer Patrick Keohane on it was just the icing on the cake of an amazing weekend.

And Meadbh once again worked her magic to get my very tired legs moving to the extent that I visited the local night club later... Clon, I will be back! Memory of the weekend?  Seeing Jerry Forde cross a marathon finish line for the 300^th time, in tears. The Clon Crew challenge you to "Find Yourself" in West Cork.. I did so more than I could ever have imagined.

Thrilled and honoured to bring the Team Hoyt message on my journey

This Back 2 Back Lark is a breeze....

Post Run Selfie in Clon with the BTR Angels

And that is it, my 2014 running year. What will 2015 bring? Who knows? I’m already committed to four marathons, including my first Major in Berlin with Den and Liam next September and probably more to come. It’s been quite a journey, in the most magnificent company. Thank you all who encouraged me when the will to do it was weakening....

It was amazing to train with fellas like Billy Lyons, Martin "The Machine" O'Sullivan and Tommy Horan who have seen and done it all at the very top level. I've met up with old school buddies like Eoin, Brendan and Danny. Thanks especially to my sister Kate for getting me running in the first place, and to Marcus and Jim for their fantastic support and advice through the year and always believing in us.... I would encourage anyone to come to Kerry and run with us on the numerous Run The Kingdom events.

The bling now hangs proudly from my Medal Mates holder, it might need an extension. Ashley and Mark, I'll be onto ye. No sporting home should be without one..

But now for rest, or maybe a sneaky 3 or 4 miler... Someone please hide my trainers. It’s kinda addictive you know...

Just some of the amazing people I have met through our wonderful club