The Clare Burren Marathon Challenge

It was way back in 2013 that I last did a marathon. That was the "Run Clon" marathon and I had such a hard time that I swore that I would never do another one. Well...time dulls the memory and as I was back enjoying my running again I decided last January to enter the Clare Burren Marathon. I had last run this race in 2013. It is such a beautiful course, I thought that if I could enjoy any event, this would be it.
All was going well with my training until April 2nd when I managed to tear a calf muscle. I was just on the point of throwing in a few long training runs, when I was out of action for 5 weeks. I was afraid to do any long outings after that, in case I would aggravate the injury, so it is fair to say that I hadn't had the ideal preparation. As the race date neared, (May 25th), I had more or less decided that I would give it a miss, but at the last minute, I decided to head northwest, and basically, just see what happened. I drove up the evening before, and this time, instead of camping above the sea near Fanore, I went from Lisdoonvarna towards Ballyvaughan, and about half way there, I turned onto a little lane, in the hope of finding a quiet spot for my tent. Lo and behold, after a few kilometres, I happened upon a green road which was part of the marathon route, and I had found a perfect spot. I set up my tent, and set about cooking my dinner. I sat and enjoyed the open views and the sound of cuckoos calling. At least I enjoyed it for a little while, until the midges found me very much to their liking, and set about their own repast with some vigour. They were the worst I have encountered, since I was last in Scotland in the summer time. A quick retreat into my tent made for an early night. It started to rain and continued into the night.


It was still drizzling in the morning, and the cloud hung low over the hills. A stiff breeze had long since put paid to the midges, so I was able to breakfast in peace (the rain had also ceased by now). I decamped and drove the 10 kilometres to the pretty village of Ballyvaughan, where I collected my race number and loosed out and chilled, until the start time of 9 am. A nice atmosphere was building as the numbers increased, and soon it was time for the off.
Nice and easy does it, was pretty much all that was in my head, as I trundled along the first few miles. I was feeling pretty good, but I was determined to listen to my body, and not overexert myself. Next, we went off road, and very gradually, rose onto the wild rugged landscape of the Burren. This is a beautiful wild place, with its limestone crags and pavements, where Arctic and Mediterranean flora mingle. Normally the views to the sea and the Connemara mountains are also divine...but not today. Today cloud and mist dominated, but at times this is no harm, as the underfoot conditions can require come care. After mile 7 the going eases, and the next mile loses some height, before you reach a narrow lane (the one I camped by), and a gentle descent eases you to the 11 mile mark. Now comes the steepest part of the route, and most everybody walks most of the next mile, as you climb on a green road to the top of a broad hill. A long undulating stretch follows before you reach another road where you descend for over two miles into the village of Fanore at the 16 mile mark.
Now it starts to get real.
Now nearly a mile follows on the main road, before you turn off and run alongside the stunning Fanore beach on a stony little trail, that makes it difficult to maintain a good rhythm. Back up to the road (briefly), before a run and walk up a steep lane, and you once again go off road, and follow a trail that rises high into the hillside, and contours around Black Head. This is an amazing section. On a good weather day, the scenery helps to take the mind off the increasing fatigue, (and the fatigue was most definitely increasing), and it takes you all the way past mile 22. You then drop down to the road again, and follow this for the final few miles back to the finish line. In every marathon I have ever done, I have had to break into a walk, on occasions, over the final few miles, but today I somehow managed to keep running the whole way. It was certainly not easy, but it was not dreadful either. I was still exhausted well before the end arrived. I had hoped that I would break the 4 hour mark, but it wasn't to be, as I crossed in 4 hours 28 seconds. As I sat and recovered, I was nonetheless very proud to have completed another marathon. I have already started looking at possible new ones in the future.

I was as tired as this picture shows..It doesn't get any easier

The Dungarvan 10 Mile Run and A Swift Hike on Caherbarnagh

On Sunday February 10th I headed east to try my hand at running the Dungarvan 10 mile run. This is one of the most popular races in Ireland and this year 2500 souls ran the route. Now it's fair to say that I wouldn't be bothering any of the front runners but I was keen to try my hand at pushing myself for a long distance and since I have entered the Burren Marathon at the end of May this would give a reasonable indication of my current fitness levels.
I got the opportunity to get a race number (this race sells out in minutes) from a member of the running club (and yes I have joined a club) so for one day only "me name" Mike 😊.
The race starts at the very convenient time of 13.30 so I had plenty of time to relax in the morning before heading on the 90 minute drive to the start. I arrived about 40 minutes before the off and I easily found a spot to park in the town centre. It was a superb day for a run, dry and a pleasant 8 or 9 degrees with little breeze to help or hinder. I set off for the start about a kilometre away and warmed up with a gentle jog along the waterfront. More and more fellow runners materialised and by the time I got close to the start the size of the crowds was obvious. There was a great atmosphere building which both increased my anticipation and nerves. Soon the allotted time arrived and I found myself in the huge throng close behind the 70 minute pacers and ready for the off. Such was the noise I couldn't hear the starting gun and it was the slow shuffle forward of the crowd that indicated that the race had started.

I of course wanted to do a decent time but I also wanted to enjoy the experience so I determined that I would listen to the body as I went along and let it tell me what pace I should set. It took a kilometre or so for things to loosen out and I was able to set my own pace. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with the 70 minute guys but I used them as a guide for the first few miles and sort of kept them in a diminishing view. I knew nothing of the course but it was fairly flat with no big hills and it leaves the town and runs along a fairly narrow country road that rises gently as you head inland. I kept a good pace and felt reasonably good throughout. You are always surrounded by other runners but it was interesting and had a good atmosphere for the full route. Eventually we turned back towards the town and finally the home stretch arrived. It is fair to say I was glad when this arrived and the pain was eased when I saw that I had easily beaten the 75 minute mark and my official time was 72 minutes 52 secs. I was well pleased and enjoyed the whole experience. I might return ( if I could secure an entry).

On Sunday Feb 10th I had intended on getting in a good hillwalk but the forecast was for 60 kilometre winds to arrive late morning so I thought it would be a bit iffy to head to the mountains. Instead I enjoyed a lie in and just chilled at home. It was clear that the weather was better than promised so I eventually decided to head back to Caherbarnagh for a short excursion. I had been for a hilly 17 kilometre run the previous evening so this would loosen the legs nicely. I parked where the Duhallow Way enters the mountainside after its diversion along the road and I headed for the steep spur that descends from the NE top. I tried to maintain a stiff pace and it wasn't too long before I was standing on the broad boggy top. It was a cold breezy day and the frequent showers  were mostly of sleet and hail. Some snow dusted the higher slopes and it was invigorating to be out. The tops were under the clouds so the views were extensive, most especially towards the north. A short walk and I arrived at the main summit at 681 metres. Next up came the easy couple of kilometres as I crossed to Gortaveghy where the view to Claragh and towards home was lovely. I retraced my steps a little and then dropped easily back towards the car. As I said it is a short outing and is only around 7 kilometres and took me just 1 hour 40 minutes. Still, it filled the lungs with mountain air and loosened out the legs.

The spur is a bit steeper that shown here

To the west

The car is down by the houses

Icy fence and heading towards Gortaveghy

Towards Claragh and home

Showers were frequent but fleeting. Lovely

A Run Along Killary Harbour and Gorgeous Mayo

Once again, taking advantage of my long weekend off work, I headed to one of my all time favourite places...Mayo.

Sunday January 27th;

Rather than just do hillwalking on this trip I decided to start off with a run..and what a run. After perusing the maps I settled on a run along the shores of Killary Harbour. The decision to "just" go for a run today meant that I could enjoy a relaxing morning at home before setting off on the long drive to the west. Despite leaving at 10.30 it was still almost 13.45 when I finally parked the car just over a kilometre along the road that heads towards Lough Fee and Rinvyle. It had been a very nice weather morning all the way up until I passed beyond Oughterard. Then cloud settled on the mountain tops and a light rain began. I could see that it was falling as snow higher up, so it promised to be a bracing outing. I got changed and set off on my run in less than ideal conditions.
One of the advantages( or disadvantages) of starting where I did was that it was uphill for the first kilometre, but at least I would be spared this at the finish. The road is quiet, and the scenery wild and wonderful. I was immediately enthralled. Nice and gently does it, and soon I was on the main road (only for a few hundred metres) before I then turned onto the little road that winds its way towards the shores of Killary Harbour. To say this is wonderful is to do it a disservice. It is easy running and the views are stunning. Across the water the bulk of Mweelrea rose into the mist and looked impressive and beautiful. Below was a little wooded glen that reached down to the waters edge. Ahead, a long winding track, that stretched for another seven kilometres along the waters edge, was a tantalizing prospect.
For the next couple of kilometres the going is on a tarred surface, but then it becomes a rough farm/green road, before eventually it turns into a stony rocky trail. Some tricky footwork is required along here, as the chances are, you will be distracted by the views. Eventually the trail ends at a little pier and harbour, and here you rejoin a tarred lane that runs around the little bay before heading inland. A substantial steep hill awaits, and it was tough to just maintain a shuffle as I climbed the 90 metres. I had decided to head to the gorgeous beach at Glassilaun, where I had swam many times in the past, and this would add about three miles to the run. After the hill, came the reward, as I trundled downhill until I neared the shore. It was lovely to revisit this magic spot, but I must confess that I was beginning to feel fatigued and I still had a long way to go to get back to the car. Out and back to the beach, and then I shortly thereafter, reached the "main " road. Easy running follows as you first run alongside Lough Muck, beyond which, the Bencoonas rise, and then you reach the shores of Lough Fee. The end was now in sight, and I wasn't sorry. The next three kilometres were tough but I got there and once I had changed and warmed up, I was delighted with my outing. Just shy of thirteen miles of invigorating scenery and weather, was a delight, and I was very pleased with the achievement ,and my choice to go for a run.

Roughly the start and first few kilometres

Second section..

Despite only being a few kilometres as the crow flies to the Delphi Resort, it was nearly a twenty kilometre drive to get there. I was fairly spent after the efforts of the day, and as I had booked into the newly opened Wild Atlantic Hostel for a couple of nights, I was looking forward to settling in and having a shower and a bite to eat. After checking in I discovered that the hostel was all locked up. I returned to reception and they decided to put me up (at no extra charge), in one of the hotel bedrooms instead. I wasn't overjoyed as it meant I would have to buy all my food instead of cooking the meat etc I had brought with me. Still the room was nice and the view from the capacious balcony was stunning. A soak in the bath went a long way to restoring me, and the rather superb fish and chip dinner was a lovely end to the day. A super quiet, peaceful night followed.

Monday January 28th;

Views from the room balcony

Today was forecast to be a cold day with showers of snow possible. I certainly dawned chilly, but mostly clear, and it was lovely to exit onto the balcony and soak up the view. With the belly bustin after an excellent breakfast I put on my outdoor gear and left the hotel. That is the beauty of staying here as you can literally start several hill walks direct from the hotel. The route of choice today was to climb Mweelrea and do a circuit around to Ben Lugmore and return to the hotel. This is one of the finest outings to be had anywhere in the country and I was really looking forward to it. The last time I had done this route I included the nearby top of Teevnabinnea, which although it doesn't quite reach 400 metres in height it is a rough tough pull up over very wet ground to it's long summit ridge so I left it for today. Instead I aimed to head to the col under Mweelrea's south east spur. There are a couple of forest roads that stretch into the long glen and needless to say I picked the one that ended at a dead end about two thirds through the woods. I then "enjoyed" 20 minutes of twist and turn in ditch and bog as I struggled through the trees until I made for the light and emerged onto the track I could and should have taken. It was relatively easy to then reach the bleak pass where Killary Harbour (and more) came once again into view.

Final climb to Mweelrea

Next up came the 300 metre plus climb to climb to the summit of Mweelrea SE Top at just under 500 metres. As I gained height the views got more expansive. A near 100 metre drop follows before another near 400 metre climb brings you to Mweelrea summit (814 mtrs). Up here the wind was strong and winter held a firm grip. The spectacular drops had come into view as the cloud continued to lift. I was treated to fleeting summit views but it cleared completely as I set off towards the broad pass under Ben Bury. Here 200 metres below the summit there was no snow but the wind was very strong and I didn't delay before heading up the gentle but blessedly warming climb to the broad stony plateau like summit of Ben Bury (795mtrs). The views to the north and west were lovely and ranged from Clare Island across to Croagh Patrick and to the to the east the Sheefry Hills and Ben Creggan rose above Doo Lough. An easy stroll to the shallow col before setting off over the three tops of Ben Lugmore (803 mtrs) which form the rim of the massive and impressive coum that frames the landscape above Doo Lough. Airy in places and with amazing vistas along the entire length, it was with a little disappointment I reached the east top and started my descent. Normally I continue along the main ridge and drop to the exit of Doo Lough but today I continued easily along the southeast spur and near its end I dropped left towards the river in the valley floor. I followed the river out and across the boggy valley until I could head towards the hotel and I crossed the main river via a steel beam. A short stroll later I was back in my room and filling the bath. Just five hours to cover the 15 or so kilometres and 1200 metres of climbing..

Summit arrives

To infinity and beyond

Before starting up Ben Bury

Towards Croagh Patrick

Wonderful views into the Inagh Valley

Along the coum towards Ben Creggan

Down along the spur on the right and back to the hotel near the forestry..tomorrows walk on the top left

As a lovely finish to the day, when I went for a short stroll up the road from the hotel a little later I was delighted to see an eagle flying high in front of Ben Gorm and I watched it all the way until in landed about half way up Ben Creggan.

Tuesday January 29th;
It had rained quite heavily through the night but it was nice and clear, well a bit better, when I emerged this morning. The rain had fallen as snow higher up and things promised to be quite wintry on top, especially when the stiff wind was added into the mix. I was driving home today so I opted for a short outing and a circuit of Ben Creggan and Ben Gorm was the route I picked. Again I was able to walk directly from the hotel to the start of the route. Just a short walk up the road and I was able to enter the open mountainside. Now there followed a long steep 650 metre pull to the summit. The rain shower before I started had passed but more were likely and probably before too long. As I gained height the wind increased in strength and snow covered the ground. It was dry initially but I could see some weather coming from the northwest and it duly arrived shortly before I reached the 693 metre summit. I was engulfed by cloud and when you couple the wind..spindrift and cold I was in no doubt that I was enjoying a full on winter outing. It was exhilarating.

Snow to lower levels today

Straight up into the mist

Doo Lough showing the wind

Some weather coming but amazing views and light

I didn't delay on top and set off for the next top (Ben Creggan South Top 687 mtrs). A 90 metre drop is followed by an 80 metre climb and by now the squall had passed and I emerged into a wonderland. Even though I wasn't much above 2000ft winter had a firm grip all around. Thankfully the strong wind was to my back so it was a pleasure to make progress. Once I was over the south top it was straightforward walking down and up to the broad summit of Ben (Gorm 700mtrs), I had never been on these hills before and I found them a delight. As will come as no surprise, the views were stunning. Over towards the Twelve Bens was particularly beautiful but all around was a delight. Ben Gorm itself has some spectacular ground on its northern flanks. On reaching the summit I turned and made a direct descent towards the hotel. Some care is needed in places as it is fairly steep but it isn't too bad. Soon I was down at easier ground and again it was just a short walk back to the hotel and my car. Less that three hours all in and about 850 metres of climbing didn't make for a too taxing outing but it set me up for the journey home.

Doesn't really capture the ferocity of Ben Creggan summit

Easy walking ahead

Ben Gorm

Those Bens..wow

Above Leenaun

Yesterdays outing.

All told it had been a short but super enjoyable trip in one of my favourite places, It is also such a pleasure to reach somewhere and be able to let the car untouched for a few days. The Delphi Resort is certainly a great place to base yourself and world class walking starts right from the front door. I'm looking forward to returning before too long.