Having being bitten early in the year with the jog in the bog and Gaelforce adventure races I decided to finish the year with the Sea 2 summit in Westport which is quickly establishing itself as the home of adventure racing. The event was organised by Padraig Marrey winner of Gaelforce and Achill roar 2010 and supported by the Castlecourt Hotel. There was an entry field of 600 that could compete in two race formats the Supreme and Spirit. The Supreme consisted of a 4.5k run 8k cycle to Croagh Patrick completing the full 3k pilgrimage route, 35k cycle, obstacle course and 4.5k run to the finish. The Spirit race seen competitors complete the same format except the Croagh Patrick climb was halved and the 35k cycle not included.

My race plan was simple go out fast on the initial run to give myself some clearance from my fellow competitors and also avoid the rush at the first timing point where you had to dip (put you timer into a slot to record your splits. This system was also used in Gaelforce and allows you to get an instant printout of your split times when you finish. Most of the initial run starting from the Castlecourt Hotel was downhill with one or two steep but quick hills so the run was quiet fast and meant I was along with some fast cyclists leaving the Quay for the leg to Croagh Patrick. At Croagh Patrick I settled into the long climb, I had ambitions of at least running to the statue the less said about that the better. Having climbed the route a number of times this year I decided to stick to what has worked for me and that was a steady pace with no stops to admire the scenery getting to the top in around 50mins. It may be only 1.5k to the top but it certainly feels 10 times that when you trying to climb at a steady pace. At the top there were some small pockets of snow but nothing that would cause any problems a small run to the dip station at the church and then it was on to the downhill.

Descending Croagh Patrick at speed is a skill and one which I still have not got to terms with watching guys surf the loose stone while running at speed is amazing others might say crazy either way Colm Staunton (Overall Winner) descended in 18min followed by Robbie Byrson a National hill climb and Irish road race cycling champion. My descent was a little longer and took a lot out of my legs especially at the lower section where you spend most of the time holding yourself back which certainly works the thighs. Getting on the bike I knew it would take a few miles to get the stiffness out. I sat in with a group for a few miles trying to loosen up, it certainly took longer than I thought and my time suffered accordingly. We turned off the Louisburg road and on to the Maum to be greeted by a series of steep hills one after the other. While the up hills are steep the down hills are scary especially when you have to pass people crossing the stony middle section of a country road. The hills are a killer nothing like it certainly in Galway 25% gradient one after another for once being small and light gives you a small advantage on the hill sections not having to get of the bike saves a lot of time.

Another dip station at the top of the climb gives you a chance to catch your breath you will need it as the next section is a fast downhill 37-40mph thankfully I had a clear road ahead of me as brakes where not an option. A group had formed at the bottom of the hill and I decided to push what was left in my legs to keep with the pack. A number of miles later it was down to just three of us and we were making great time. I tried to do my bit at the front but local knowledge is a great thing as it seemed every attempt I made at the front was a hill section to the delight of my fellow cyclists as they tucked in.

Back to the Quay at Westport where we racked the bikes I experienced a serious dose of cramp. I need to review what I take for drinks as it clearly not working for me. I spent 5-10 minutes on my back in trying to loosen my legs which were in agony I eventually managed to get to my feet and started to walk it off. The obstacle course brought back another dose of cramp climbing into tyres and under cargo nets did not help at this stage. By the time of the 4.5k run back it had eased but I was wrecked what should have been an easy run back turned into a slog. Crossing the line in 4:15 I was disappointed not to come in under the 4hr mark I felt I had it in me cramps aside, lesson learned salt for breakfast anymore.