Northern Ireland Running - Page 15 - General running

Jackie Roberts

25/03/2005 at 17:09

I have been searching the forum for some kind folk who might give me advice on good spots to run while in Ireland.

I will be visiting in July, and will need to get in 4 training runs for a Marathon in the states.

I will be flying into Dublin, and staying in several different locations in Southern Ireland. Any suggestions?

seamus henry

25/03/2005 at 22:32

Jackie - The best place in Dublin would be around the Phoenix Park. There's lots of roadways through it and you can run on the grass as well. Its the most enjoyable part of the Dublin Marathon.

In the more rural areas of southern Ireland it would be safe enough to run on any of the roads. Regards, Seamus.

seamus henry

28/03/2005 at 00:58

Hi everybody - Just back from Connemara.

Did it in 4hrs 16 mins. I was aiming for under 4 hours but I need to train harder. I did Dublin in 4 hrs 4 mins but I now realise that Dublin is an easy circuit compared to the hills in Connemara. I did the first 13.1 miles in 1 hr 54 mins. I thought that I could take it easier in the second half. At mile 20 I was 3 hrs 3 mins running. That left me with 6 miles to do in 57 mins. I didn't manage it. It actually took me about72 mins to complete those last 6 miles.

Anyway I will be back and in the next few years I intend to do the Connemara Marathon in under 4 hours.

I'm going to start running up Glenshane to get prepared for those hills. Some people have told me that Connemara is as tough as Snowdownia Marathon.

How did you all fare in Omagh?. It was a beautiful day for running.

Regards, Seamus.

Kenneth Bacon

28/03/2005 at 11:06

Well done Seamus Connemara is not an easy marathon and 4:16 is a good time. Was this faster than last year? Training on the hills would help. Are you doing Belfast Seamus?
Omagh was a warm day. I ran the same time as Stranraer but it was hard work. I felt better at Stranraer. But I just trained as normal all week and didn't cut down before the race as my main target for the year is to complet Belfast. I would like to do 4 hours in Belfast but I don't thing I am in that shape at the moment.

seamus henry

28/03/2005 at 12:49

Hi Kenny - You did well in Omagh. It was a great day on Saturday.

I am entered for Belfast and am looking forward to it.

The good thing about running is that you always strive to improve upon times.

The best of luck with the future training.

seamus henry

28/03/2005 at 14:48

Yes Kenny - Last year I ran Connemara in 4 hrs 25 mins. I did Belfast a month later in exactly the same time of 4 hrs 25 mins.

I would like to beat 4hrs 16 mins in Belfast.

The last 6 miles in a marathon are very tiring.

Jackie Roberts

28/03/2005 at 21:02

Hi Seamus - Can I ask if you know of any shorter races 5k, 10k etc that you or your pals know of in the month of July.

I really want to made good use of the opportunity I will have to see the Ireland on foot while I am there in July.

You all or so very fortunate to have such beautiful areas to run each day.

Live to run - run to live!

By the way - you guys are all fast! based on your posts....hope I do as well in my first Marathon.

seamus henry

28/03/2005 at 23:34

Jackie - A useful website is www.niathletics.org

You'll get all the northern races on this site and if you browse the links you'll get a few more. I wouldn't consider myself fast but I really enjoy running. It keeps you fit and you meet wonderful people at the different events. I hope you enjoy your stay in Ireland Jackie and keep running, Regards, Seamus.

James Hislop

30/03/2005 at 11:06

Hi everyone,
back to work today after nice easter break.

Well done at Connemara Seamus, make sure you get plenty of rest for Belfast. I'm looking forward to meeting you.

Saturday was a great day for running and a even better day for the England football team :) 4-0

Indeed Jackie Ireland is a beautiful country, if you get a chance you must visit Glenariff's waterfalls in Antrim. I ran a X/country on new years day in the snow.

Looking forward to Larne this weekend, is anyone else going?

seamus henry

30/03/2005 at 11:46

Thanks James - I probably will see you in Larne. I'll use it as a training run. Sometimes the sea breeze is quite strong on the return journey. Its quite a flat course though.

Chris Capper

30/03/2005 at 14:42

i'm hoping to run Belfast this year for my first marathon - but I also work for the BBC in radio news and we've just been told the route of the marathon has been "tweaked" to take in Grosvenor Road/Lower Falls after complaints that the west of the city had been left out - we want to interview some runners about the Belfast route - too hilly in the past? Too dull? New route good/bad? No politics, just the runners' point of view. Any volunteers out there? Contact me at Good Morning Ulster at the BBC in Belfast 02890338664.

Also - it hurts after 19 miles - is 26.2 much worse?

James Hislop

30/03/2005 at 14:59

I'm really looking forward to it because thats were it all started, Larne 2004 was my first ever competitive race.
I finished 101st in a time of 1:39 so it will be good to see how far I have come since.

Where was your first race at?

James Hislop

30/03/2005 at 15:56

Hi Chris, I ran the Belfast marathon last year and it was my first marathon I have done and coming from London I didnt really know what to expect of Belfast.

Chris Capper

30/03/2005 at 15:58

James - did you think it was too hilly?

Cartman

30/03/2005 at 15:59

When is larne then ?

Chris Cappper - new route is complete toilet.
The old route was fantastic, and not hilly, just undulating. It took in all the best bits of the city (the falls, lisburn, malone, ormeau etc.). If you want "hilly", try Lochness, which incidentally is also a bloody great marathon (which sells out every year), except that you don't see them changing it to a dull as dish-water course, for the sake of a couple of minutes, and managing to p!ss of half the population of the city.

I'd love to do larne, its a bit close to FLM though.. Is it on Sunday ?

Chris Capper

30/03/2005 at 16:11

Hi Cartman - good trenchant views there - any chance of doing a quick interview for radio today/this evening?

James Hislop

30/03/2005 at 16:34

Larne is on Saturday at 2pm.

I didnt mind the route last year but I dont have anything to compare it against!

Chris Capper

30/03/2005 at 16:36

James - are there entries on the day for Larne? Is it an OK event for 4hr marathoners?

Cartman

30/03/2005 at 16:42

bugger... I'm away Friday and don't get back to after 6 on Sat.

James Hislop

30/03/2005 at 16:56

Larne is a good event and well organised, you can register on the day and you'll get a free t-shirt.