[49] What Irish Eyes Are Reading

High School Track Star Cover Girl

I managed to snap up a copy of Irish Runner's July 2011 issue purely by chance when I stopped by a Newstand in Busáras Bus Station on my way to Enniscorthy for the Strawberry Half-Marathon Road Races. I was tickled pink when I found the race highlighted as "Strawberry Delights" and given the June spotlight in the "Fixtures" (summer months racing schedule).

Despite it's 30 year history, Irish Runner Magazine's web presence is non-existant aside from a registered domain name with under construction banner. It it linked to Athletics Ireland where one may pick up a subscription and keep up with everything related to Irish Runsport. I am hoping as they move toward 2012 Olympiad taking place next door in London, they will develop a greater web presence, like that RW:UK. As much as I would love a subscription, I doubt mailing the issues to the States would also be 25 Euro for six bi-monthly issues.

Disclaimer: This issue was the 30th Anniversary of IR, and there is extensive coverage of the evolution of Irish running over the years. However, it was difficult to to select a gem from the 16 pages worth of editorial content as it presented a fascinating look into how running has helped mold the Irish culture. I will cop out here and give it a gold star and a "best in show" ribbon as it fascinated the run geek within. The items selected resonated with me on a personal level, and I am certain that others from the IR readership may disagree with my choices.

"A Rose and Role Model" (pages 6-7): The reigning 2010 "Rose of Tralee",  Ms. Clare Kambamettu, is highlighted with regard to her involvement in the National Lottery Irish Runner 5-Mile Road Race on July 16. Also, a novice to running (starting only two years ago), she logs 8K five times weekly. Running as been incorporated into her charity work work scheme, and is scheduled to participate in four races over the next six months!

"New Frontier" (pages 8-9): Focuses on RTÉ travel presenter Kathryn Thomas who runs for charities like Respect, serves as an ambassador for the National Lottery Dublin Marathon (hoping to finish with a sub-three hour time), and discusses her running bucket list. Her most fascinating run? Rubbing between villages in Namibia while on location in 40C () heat!

"Unleash Your Potential" (pages 14-17): Of the six points outlined in the article, my interest was immediately drawn to items #2) Periodisation and #3) Time Trials. I have considered these menu items to be something to focus on in the future, once I start seriously training for the 2012 NYC Marathon or attempt to shatter some of my current PBs. However, devising a training schedule should not be something I commit to only when necessary. If I am to advance as an endurace athlete (saying it never gets old), I need to take a holistic approach to my training, and law down the law in my serfdom.

"Marathon Countdown" (pages 20-25): With the Dublin Marathon scheduled for Monday, October 31st, the IR staff consults with Coach Brendan O'Shea and presents five 16-week training plans for those intending on successfully completing 26.2. Schedules range from seasoned vets searching for sub 3-hour finish to those seeking to walk/jog it out in 5:30-8:00. As the NYC Marathon takes place a week later, I could theoretically apply this schedule now and possibly take one a marathon by early next year.

Irish Models, Jenny Lee Masterson & Michelle McGrath for the National Lotto

"Running Science" (pages 28-29): Five short pieces discussing the scientific side of running ranging from physiological to psychological, but explaining them relatively simple terms. Since taking up running, I have struggled to find articles which explain physiological limitations, recovery strategies, and injury prevention in layman's terminology (or explains all the fancy science-y words). Also, the piece on Usain Bolt reminded me that I need to write a piece about when I interpreted for the Jamaican National Track & Field Team in 2007.

"Discovering the Write Stuff" (page 46) by Ian O'Riordan: A personal story of how the sports writer developed his voice and love for the sport by following his father's footsteps. As the magazine is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, he reflects on how sports writing has involved in Ireland and how IR impacted his writing career. Best line from the article "There's no blood thicker than ink." I think I need to post that somewhere.

"Florida Pearl" (59-59; 61) by Malcolm McCausland: Irish Paralympic Athete, Jason Smyth, is currently training for his next set of medals in the sprinting category in Clermont, Florida. He's running alongside American Olympians such as Tyson Gay, one of the fastest men in the world, but holding his own. One of my former colleagues, Ness, was a Paralympic athlete, so reading Smyth's story reminded me of the magnitude of the human spirit. The article also touches upon Stargardt's Disease, the vision limiting disability which Smyth continues to triumph over to bring home gold for the Irish.

"The Next Generation" (pages 62-67): Covergirl, Amy O'Donoghue, is one of the twenty-two rising stars of Irish Track and Field. The article boasts the students' personal bests, events, athletic clubs affiliations, and even their secondary school designations. The photographs showcase their determination and celebration. Ireland's T&F future is shining pretty, darn bright.

Best Novelty Race Advert: World Championship 5K Dracula Cloak Race benefiting a research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the heritage of Bram Stoker.  

• Tag Line: "On the day Clontarf skyline will be raining vampires-- so watch your jugular!!!"
• Mandatory Apparel: "Everyone taking part must wear a cloak!" (Dude, a race with racing cloak wind?!)

I sincerely hope that Irish Runner develops their site, so I may follow the trends from the US. As I had a difficult time finding the magazine in Ireland, I am certain I will not be able to find it outside of Ireland (without paying through the nose for it).

[46] British Invasion

Summer vacation is so close, I can taste it! What does that mean precisely? My trip to the UK & Ireland has finally arrived! Although my racing wish list took a hit or two, I am still really excited about being able to experience racing, not only in a different country, but in a completely different part of the world! Granted, the UK is another English speaking country (the Queen's English to be precise, as opposed to Queens Boro English which is a completely different story ;) ). In the last three months, my destination running plans have chagned a big, but I believe for the better.

[Revised Race Rundown]

• England: Marston Forest 5K: Scrapped from the travel list. I never received a reply from the race director which was disappointing, as I wanted to take a stab at trail racing.
• Scotland: Jog Scotty -> Race for Life Edinburgh (Holyrood Park; June 19th @ Noon): I grew antsy waiting for JS to update their summer schedule, so I sought out another avenue for racing. It worked out for the best because 1) I found a race date within my travel dates, and more importantly 2) I am running it with one of gal pals from when I lived in Japan. One of our colleagues, Nicole, lost her battle to cancer last year, so we are running the race together in her memory. I love that I can share running with another one of my long time friends, especially one who ran before I took it up! I already have my racing number (#16574), so now I just have to pack accordingly.
• Ireland: Strawberry Festival 5 Mile Road Race (Riverside Park Hotel Promenade; June 26th @11AM): This race I am a little nervous about as my Couch Surfing requests have not been answered as of yet. I am keeping my fingers crossed, but worst case scenario, I'll hope some racers will take pity upon the pitiful, lost American girl.
• No headphones: Will need to use Nike+ SportBand & HRM.
• Only 1 water station at 2 mile mark: Hmm... may need to invest in running bottle
• Timed race with running chip
• All Finishers receive: a finisher's medal, technical t-shirt, and free tea and sandwiches at the HQ hotel!
• In conjunction with the Strawberry Festival, so there will be things to do before and after the race!

[19] Destination Running - UK Edition

In June, I am planning a trip to the UK shortly after work lets out. After a little inspiration from lululemon and Running Times, I elected to modify my initial travel goals. Out of curiosity, I ran a search for races in the UK, specifically near London. I have friends from my time in Japan living in various locations throughout the British Isles, so this would be a fantastic way to keep fit while on vacation. When I was home over Christmas, it was a 'Train-cation', but this would be a 'destination race-cation'! Being a subscriber to Runner's World, I opted to sign up for access to the Runner's World UK website as I am certain they are the most accurate and informative running website across the pond.

After school lets out in June, I am anticipating jetting across the Atlantic around the 15th (provide everything falls into place), and returning home on the 30th. Surprisingly, running will be taking a back seat on this trip as I want to spend time with my friends and explore the cities! This is why I'm electing to select shorter distance races for the time being. Extra kilometers (gotta use the metric system in EU) will certainly be logged as I lose myself in the cities and subways. Accommodation is my primary concern, but I am very tempted to try Couch Surfing so as to save money during my travels. If I am lucky, maybe someone will be willing to put me up for the night here and there. 

Tackling 4 races in four countries two weeks? Can I earn my Union Jack?

{England: 'Yank'in' Their Chains}
Yeah, so I've been to EuroLand twice and I've never been to England. I have also never attempted a trail race, so I would like to try the Marston Forest 5K (in Marston Moretaine, Bedford; Cost: £10.00) on Friday, June 17th. An evening race (7:30PM) through the English forest? It's very Robin Hood meets Red Riding Hood. Perhaps, I could run with my own little red hood... Hmm... The event site is about an hour and change from London, so staying over would be helpful as I have yet to research public transport.

{Scotland: Annie Grab Your Kilt} 
As the crux of the races listed on RW:UK are for England (or clashed with travel dates), I contacted Jog Scotty, the mascot for Jog Scotland, asking if Yanks could gate crash their races. I received a positive response, so now I am just waiting for the run schedule to be posted. There aren't any events listed which I can participate at this time, but hopefully one will crop up soon. It was indicated that some 5Ks will be added soon. Ideally, I would like to travel up to Edinburgh between London and Dublin.

{Ireland: Kiss My Blarney}
On Sunday, June 26th, I want to run the 5 Mile Race at the Enniscorthy Strawberry Festival (about an hour south of Dublin, Ireland; Cost: €19.50). There is a 15K Walk and the Half-Marathon on the same day with varied starting times, but if I plan on actually enjoying my time on the Emerald Isle after the race, I don't think either is a particularly good idea. Depending on when the Scotland race falls, I may be able to leave for Wales after the race, or I may have to go back to Dublin for a little more Paddywhacking.

{Wales: Whatta About Us?!}
I am having difficulty finding Welsh races, so I am debating on cutting Wales from the schedule. If I could manage it, I'd like to drop by en route back to London prior to departure. If I cannot find a race, maybe I can just stop by ran run somewhere near Swansea. There is a ferry from Rosslare, Ireland (35 minutes south of Enniscorthy) to Pembroke, Wales (near Swansea; two hours by rail), so that is one option. The train haul back to London would be 5 hours, but I am sure I could sleep during that time.

I was very, very tempted to sign up for the The Midsummer Munro, but I found the branding of it as "Britain's Hardest Half" ridiculously daunting. Reading the thread discussion at Runner's World UK, I find it frightening as "the male equivalent of child birth", so again... not too stoked about this idea. If I plan on enjoying my vacation, I would like my legs to still be attached and functional by the time I get on the plane to fly home. Maybe one I tackle some more trail races, I may have the confidence to attempt something like this.