You're only as good as your last race, right? Well, after dropping out of the Barcelona 24 (for the second time) that philosophy was hanging over me like a dark cloud.
My confidence took a kicking, so I needed a race to go right. I'd PB-d at shorter road races, but it wasn't the same. I needed a race with a bit more meat on the bones. But is a 50k an ultra? That's debatable. Technically, yes, but I think it's really a marathon with a detour.
I have toyed with the idea of the Donadea 50k for a few years and have corresponded with race organiser Anto Lee a few times. So when we on a bus going to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, I received an email from Anto asking if I'd like to go over to Ireland for the race on February 14 I had a mini lightbulb moment. With the World 24 eight weeks after, a 50k might just be the thing. A tuner-upper, I'd say. Of course I managed to convince Sonic to do it too.
What better way to celebrate St Valentine's Day?
Donadea 50k is the Irish Championships and attracts a quality friend. The cut off time of five hours speaks volumes. But there's nowt worse than pot-hunting and it's good to put yourself among some great marathon runners. For me, it was never about position and all about the personal challenge. I'd never done a 50k before, so it was good get an official time.
On race day, the conditions were perfect. Fresh, still and a dry week meant the route around Donadea Forest was favourable for some fast running. The course is 10 x 4.968 km loops with a 0.32km run up to the start line to make it 50k. It's relatively flat, with some gentle incline and declines. Enough to shift the legs, but not enough to notice. Well until about the 8th lap. Then you notice!
It truly is one of the nicest and friendliest races I've ever done. The enthusiasm from the stewards supporters was amazing. And all the runners were so kind and supportive, whether you were the lapped or lapper. No idea what they were saying half the time, but the delivery was good ;-) It's got a nice family feel to it. Everybody knows everybody, but we were made to feel so welcome.
Credit: Peter Mooney |
Credit: Paul Daly |
My lap splits were 25:55, 24:36, 24:34, 24:35, 24:01, 24:02, 24:15, 24:28, 24:50, 24:17, so pretty even-pace. And I finished happy as 5th lady and 35th over
1st Mary Laverty 3:43 (20th)
2nd Dena Hogan 3:49 (22nd)
3rd Theresa Majeed 3:56 (25th)
4th Eilis Connery 4:04 (32rd)
5th Debbie Martin-Consani 4:05 (35th)
The men's field was pretty spectacular. The winner Gary O'Hanlon passed me as I set out on my third lap. Rumour has it the leaders were clocking 4:50 miles at the start. Although there was a 2.5 minute difference between his faster and last lap. Maybe I should have a chat to him about pacing ;-)
The men's field was pretty spectacular. The winner Gary O'Hanlon passed me as I set out on my third lap. Rumour has it the leaders were clocking 4:50 miles at the start. Although there was a 2.5 minute difference between his faster and last lap. Maybe I should have a chat to him about pacing ;-)
Marco, Anto and 3rd place Peter Mooney |
1st Gary O'Hanlon 2:57
2nd Tom Hogan 3:05
3rd Peter Mooney 3:14
4th Marco Consani 3:14
5th Mark Doyle 3:17
Full results and lap splits here.