Photo: Athenry's Golden Girls

Deirdre Hassett, Miriam Wall, Jane Anne Healy and Eimear Butler

A Race Report on The Craughwell 10 Miler

By Jane Anne Healy
 
 
The Craughwell 10 was for me, more than just a race. I haven’t raced since September 2009 due to a stress fracture and, after a disappointing Cork Marathon in June; you begin to ask yourself, “Why do I do this?”
 
In my job it is not easy to switch off from the running frame of mind. You have a constant reminder of the mileage people are doing and the progress they’re making and although I know I should be ‘ok’ with this, it’s still hard to stomach when all you want to do is to get out and run.
 
In January I decided I was going to put all of those demons from 2009 behind me and 2010 was going to be different. Craughwell is close to my home and so for me it was an ideal target. Before Sunday I had run the loop at least ten times and it’s funny how in training I never once noticed any hills, but on Sunday they just seemed to appear. Sheila I know the ones you were on about now!
 
Training has been going well of late, despite the odd stomach problem and iron problems; they’re nothing I can’t handle at this stage. I have been working on the ‘quality not quantity’ approach. My typical week was averaging about 55 miles although I will be honest and say there were two 65 mile weeks in there, but one 30 mile week as well. I am doing some research at the moment and although my results are not in yet, I have found a major link between pelvis/glut strength and running performance. With that in mind, I have incorporated 2-3 weight sessions a week into my training - not heavy stuff, just high reps with low weights - lunges, squats, the usual suspects.
 
And so I lined up for the 10 mile not knowing what to expect. I had the misfortune or the fortune (I’m not sure really) of going for a long run with Mick Rice back in mid February. What I thought was going to be a 12-13 mile run ended up being a 17.83-mile run. Mick was convinced I was getting fit. I was convinced I was dying. Word of note - never trust an ultra-marathon runner. I also did a few sharp tempo runs against my Garmin (and Mick again) and so I knew the 10-mile distance would be fine. However, the question everyone always asks is, “What time do you hope to do it in?” I did not have a clue.
 
Previously my PB was 66min 52sec in the Phoenix Park, so I guessed anything sub 67min30s and I’d be happy - as race fitness is very different from training fitness.
To my amazement I ran a PB - 65min 47sec. I found the return to racing invigorating and I was on a natural high after the race. I believe that so much of this running lark is psychological. I was determined that Sunday was going to be good and my positive frame of mind made a difference.
 
There were plenty of people along the way that cheered and to all of them “Thanks!” To the few men I was running with a big “Thanks!” too. However, there was one man who was either pacing off me or trying to make sure a girl didn’t pass him, and to him I say that next time I’ll have more energy and I’ll knock you into the ditch! I’m quite big you know, and, as a good few people will vouch for, quiet strong! J
 
To all in Craughwell, congratulations on a superb race: and to all the Athenry crew it is a pleasure to be back racing once again.