10 Things I Think About Running

10 Things I Think About The Mooreabbey Milers 10 Mile

1. Climate Change

I think that it was nice of the climate change to give us a chance to run in Galbally with sub 20 degree temperatures. Sunday was a more normal day in Galbally than last year with the mountains closer than normal which indicates the chance of a shower as far as I can remember.

2. Real John Meade

I think it was great that the real John Meade showed up in Galbally. The fake John Meade from a week or two ago must have gotten the road or perhaps retraining. Real John Meade was up to his usual tricks only appearing on the line with no open lines of communication up to the race. At least Michael McMahon will tell you he is turning up.

3. Mass

I think that the delayed start due to Mass was very nice. It was a very pleasant morning in Galbally and no one minded waiting a few minutes for the mass crowd to clear. It must have been a very quick mass as mass started at 1030 and the race started at 11. It only took a few minutes, so we stood in the sunshine underneath the Galtees and discussed mass and the increasing attendances at mass which I found surprising.

4. Draggy

I think that the main word that you could use to describe the course in Galbally is draggy. It is a remarkable 10 mile course as aside from the last two miles it offers the unique sensation of running almost completely uphill for 8 miles. It is relentless and much easier to run in a group. Thankfully unlike last year in the scorching heat I had the pleasure of being in the front group of three, myself, real John Meade and Michael McMahon.

5. George Ezra

I think that more races need a man in a van with a microphone, a Spotify playlist and a speaker. We had a quiet first few miles running along the uphill road towards Tipperary before turning off for Garryspillane. We were led by a nice fancy yellow jeep supplied by Hinchy’s but also followed by the louder more musical commentary van which was playing the floating role. The first tune we were treated to after about 4 miles was Shotgun which was rather apt as I was sitting right behind John Meade and Michael McMahon happy out.

6. Adidas vs Nike

I think that as races go this was one of the most enjoyable ones I’ve run. We took turns with the pace and apart from clipping Michael McMahon about 10 times due to his flailing Adidas Pro 2 shoes flicking my thigh we had no disagreements. The only real drama was when Michael took a left hand turn a bit too tight. He slipped but due to the Continental grip of his Adidas shoes and his fantastic trail running skills he stayed upright and we continued on our way.

7. Stop The World and Let Me Off (Remix)

I think that John Meade and Michael McMahon don't like country music. As we approached the 8 mile marker our friend in the musical van appeared behind us speakers blaring Declan Nearney’s classic Stop The World and Let Me Off. The Remix. There was a noticeable lull in the performance of the two lads possibly due to the tune so I took my chance and attempted to open a gap up the last of the inclines on the course. A gap was achieved by the time we reached the left turn back to Galbally. I wasn’t confident that it would be enough.

8. You’ll Never Walk Alone

I think that this was the first race where I have spent a portion of the race singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” while holding hands with John Meade. The man in the musical van possibly realizing that I was gaining an advantage turned up the adrenaline by changing tunes. It is a terrible pity that it wasn’t filmed as I’m sure it looked bizarre, three lads running along a country road to, You’ll Never Walk Alone. It certainly resulted in a quickening of the pace but it also restored the health of the two lads who were full of running again having looked weak on the hill.

9. Anaerobic Power

I think that I hadn’t a hope in the end. I got to just beyond 9 miles before the first attack occurred. It was launched by Michael McMahon and was particularly vicious. At this point the music van had disappeared up the road to get in position for finish line commentary. Michael got a small gap on myself and John but it was still catchable. Myself and John worked hard down that last hill. As we reached the speed bumps on the way into Galbally we were both gasping for air and it looked like Michael McMahon would just be out of reach. Then from nowhere and without oxygen John Meade launched after Michael McMahon leaving me in a firm definite third.

10. Podium

I think that it is a pity that John Meade didn’t catch Michael McMahon on the line. It was the most incredible sprint I have ever seen, it’s just a pity that it served no purpose other than making excellent photos and videos. After some famous Galbally ice, interviews, a warm down and excellent refreshments in the hall we were summoned outside to the real podium under the Galtees where unfortunately or fortunately there was no final rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.