Clontarf Half Marathon - 2021

Back in Ireland following the DNF in Ironman 70.3 Cervia, I struggled to keep the training at pre-Italy levels. Good weeks were followed by bad as I tried to salvage something from the year. I took part in Quest Glendalough. It went better than the last time I done it, but didn’t fill me with any real sense of satisfaction. Some solace came in late November when I took part in the Clontarf Half Marathon.

The Saturday before the race I was having post-swim breakfast in 'Swans' and overheard that Paul from the tri-club was unable to take part in the Clontarf Half. Without giving it much thought I sent him a quick text asking if I could take his spot, he agreed and a week later I toed the startline. I had a rough plan in my head, hold 04:30 pace for as long as possible and see where that left me. The plan went well initially, I was able to hold the pace with only a slight drop while running the two kilometres along the beach. At the halfway point, where the course loops back on itself, I first felt my body try to slow. I pushed through, fighting to keep at the 04:30 per km pace. When back on the sand and with only 4 kilometres left my pace started to slow ever so slightly. I was finding it hard and the impact of the concrete as we turned off the beach sent waves of pain through my body. With two kilometres to go I saw Karen walking towards me, she looked surprised and slightly confused, as if she was expecting me to stop and chat. I ran on determined to not let my pace slip any further. As I crossed the finish line I stopped my watch and was amazed to see it read 01:36:06. A new PB. I was given a banana, a bottle of water and a medal. I made my way through the crowded finish line and sat on the wall overlooking the Irish Sea. Progress.