Dunboyne 4 Mile Race

Another week, another race, this time in Dunboyne over 4 miles which was a distance I had never raced before. Training was light enough this week with 3 runs between 5/6 miles midweek with the legs pretty much ok after the race last Sunday. As is the norm now most of these runs were in horrible conditions but with good company.

Was out with Emma on Sat night for something to eat and had a few drinks, not good preparation but with a 3pm race plenty of time to recover. Travelled to Dunboyne with some of the gang and we eventually got there via Navan and nearly Cavan (don't ask). Registration was quick and we reluctantly took off a few layers and left it late enough to make our way to the start. It was still bloody freezing and windy. Far from ideal conditions.

I had no real plan but reckoned it would be a good test to try run 7 min pace. Started promptly and after passing the usual walkers that start at the front things settled down quick enough. Down through the town and seemed plenty of support around and then the only real slight uphill past Dunboyne castle. First mile was around here and went through in 6:54. Was just trying to maintain an even effort as we swung onto the dual carriageway which was quite exposed and a strong crosswind greeting us. Effort was getting more difficult along this long stretch and felt I slowed a lot along here. Was glad to reach the end of it and as we turned back into the town the second mile passed in 7:05. It felt slower but had definitely taken a lot out of me. 

We were now heading back into Dunboyne and into the wind mainly. Passed Brendan who was there supporting us and a slight loop before coming back into the square again. I glanced across at the finishing chute as I passed it and the winner of the race John Coughlan was just coming in to the finish in a little over 19 minutes.

By now I had given up a bit mentally but soon we turned a corner out of the wind and reached the 3 mile marker having taken 7:18 for the 3rd mile. So slowly but surely I was dying out on the course and cursing myself and everything else I could think of. Passed through a couple of housing estates and eventually appeared back where the race started. Got passed here by a fella with a Santa Claus type beard which summed it up really. Dug in as best I could to the finish and crossed the line in 28:34 chip time with the last mile covered in 7:11.

So while initially disappointed with the result you get out what you put in to these things and my preparation was far from ideal. Despite this I guess I wasn't too far off and comparing to Raheny my pace was slightly quicker overall although for a mile less. 

So time to knuckle down again and get the mileage back up. Looking forward to starting training with Gary O'Hanlon tomorrow night as he starts some coaching with Star of the Sea. No more shirking speed work :-( Also time to try and drop a few lbs before my next race, he says after just eating a snickers bar. Oops.