This was the annual post Christmas run around Portumna Forest Park. As usual it was hosted by MCI and on the small loop around the forest. This meant it was 16 laps for a marathon generally on good trails. RD Ray O'Connor just back from Peru ran today.I traveled up and down on the same day and decided to go for the early start which meant a 5:30am start to get to Galway in time. Similar to last year the 8am start was optimistic as it was delayed by 30 minutes to allow dawn to come. This led to some interesting toilet antics with torches pre-dawn as there was no lights.
The highlight of the day was presenting Theresa Grimes with her 52 in 52 cert and medal from Global Marathon challenges.
A big crowd went off at 8:30 and we started the loop. Starting downhill in the forest it followed the traditional route for around 1K. Then it turned right towards the lake (slightly different) and after a small incline came back on the normal 5K loop. A gentle uphill section opened up on good trail. Rather than goto the marina we turned left back to the start finish area. Electronic timing kept score of the laps and there was a small aid station setup.
I wasn't fully feeling it today and plodded around. I was also breaking in a new set of Hoka's and after about 6 laps I had to take an elongated break to change them back to Asics for the remainder. I guess I have some more work to do on these. Pleasantly Sarah and her dog just happened to be walking in the park and that was a welcome distraction near the end.
Similar to previous years the half marathoners and the quick guys managed to get some soup but It was gone by the time I got there. I must get quicker.
There were very few photos taken today and in general it was a very uneventful race.
Stats for today
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