Review of 2014
I look back with gratitude on 2014, an amazing year with plenty miles on the road, some tough days and others, effortless; plenty laughs and the majority of it spent in the company of some wonderful people.
In January we had the weather and many a tough training run but I think it was the making of us for the year ahead.
February had a wonderful Valentines run and a great BTR night out. A couple of tough 21 milers with a great buzz building in readiness for the Marathon.
Early March saw me laid low with the flu so - taper time with a difference - but Marathon day was such a real high. A wonderful day with great friends and despite hitting a great big wall, I finished my first marathon. A day I will never forget and the pride in pulling on the tech top with 26.2 on it.
April was recovery and efforts to get the ankles sorted for Limerick full on the May Bank
Holiday.
It ended up being the Limerick Half which was a blessing as it started a period of strong running for me. It was also the first time doing the short mountain route and that was a great sense of satisfaction.
June was a great running month with the Solstice 10k and the Camp Trail 10 miler. With great weather and great friends.
Early July saw me run the Coillte 10k in my home village of Dundrum, Co Tipperary. It was the start of Dublin Marathon training and more trips up the mountain. The Ultra group were hitting their stride as their big day loomed. The chance of getting the Nelson Mandela medal at the Keith Whyte Ultra in Courtmacsherry was grabbed with both hands. This was such a great event, despite the humidity, we had an amazing day. Great fun and banter. A day that guaranteed the Born to Run gang would return to West Cork in force in December. The DUBs made an impressive showing this month too. That's Den's Ultra Biscwits to those of you that don't know me :)
Roll on the Tralee Ultra 100k at the start of August. I was so delighted to be able to support Conor Cusack in his efforts but for all of us involved with Born to Run this was the highlight of the year. A couple of weeks later we had the Rose of Tralee 10k - with a twist. I was convinced by Mazza to run it even though I was struggling with tendonitis in the ankles again, but it would have to be in fancy dress. To my fellow Escorts and Roses - take a bow. I have never run a 10k so slow and had so much fun.
It was also the month for Ice bucket challenges and a free entry to the Dingle Marathon in September.
I ran my second marathon at the start of September in Dingle. What a beautifully scenic route but I treated this as a training run for Dublin as the feet were still acting up. Another great day with Born to Run with a fantastic tech top and lovely medal. Out of the Dingle run came big pressure for a Blog - and here we are a few months later :)
September brought mixed emotions on the GAA front with Kerry winning but Tipp losing. I am so thankful to Marcus for organising a talk by Tony Mangan on this run around the world. If ever you needed inspiration, there it was standing in front of us.
I struggled on my first long run for Dublin but after a trip to the Tralee Physiotherapy clinic and a few small changes, I was ready to tackle the world.
Well maybe not, but October saw me break 1:40 at the Galway Bay Half and maintain the same pace the following day in the Red Cross 10k. I was absolutely thrilled and ready to face Dublin.
October 27th Dublin City Marathon was another great day for Born to Run and I was thrilled to break 4 hours.
After a few weeks recovery (from the DCM blister-fest), I had a very proud run at the Movember 5k in the Phoenix Park running with my Dad, my son and my brother. The added bonus in November was having my entry to the Berlin 2015 Marathon chosen. I am really going to have to mind myself next July and August.
December brings a wind down to the running year but not before the annual trip to Clonakilty. With Team Hoyt represented on the medal this year, nothing was going to stop me from getting there. It was another highlight of my running year and a wonderful day with the Clon crew and Born to Run.
And finally, at our Christmas night out, being presented with the Club Member of the Year award was so special and humbling. Thank you Marcus and Born to Run.
In short, I can have no complaints, roll on 2015
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That's a pretty damn good year, Den. Well done.
ReplyDeleteNow on to even better things :)
Thank you Thomas. I will follow your running and blogging endeavours over the coming year and take inspiration from them. I wish you the very best of luck for 2015, especially in the World Championships.
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