First proper run in 5 hours...

[Conor74]

Have done a marathon and a good few half marathons, but first competitive off road run in 5 hours, over the wonderful Old Kenmare Road for 13 miles through Killarney National Park. Looking forward to it. More trail than fell, couple of miles of tar, but fantastic setting...


http://www.outdoorsireland.com/blog/...-kenmare-road/


Initial climb from sea level to about 330m should make the first 25 minutes interesting, after that it's a case of enjoying the scenery, just one other tough climb of a mile or so. Fingers crossed. We might even meet the local cyclists attempting it in wrong gear (contains lots of swearing in strong Kerry accents)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_YzlHxCDyE

[Stolly]

Is that a race Conor? It just looks a fantastic place to just hack off into by yourself

[Conor74]

Yeah, but not an official Irish Mountain Running Assoc one, private venture. Think it'll get 50-100. It is a great place, but I live at one end of it and walk it a lot, so I'm completely biased! Plan is to run it one way...and walk back home!

It looks across the Lakes of Killarney to Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest peak and most famous mountain run...maybe this summer...just maybe...

[DrPatrickBarry]

do you have. some details for the carauntoohill race

[stevefoster]

Love the accent, 'Your in too hard a gear, is it?' Irish are craickers, love em:thumbup:

[Conor74]

do you have. some details for the carauntoohill race

Only the general IMRA info, but does have some detail. Have climbed it a good few times, the thought of running it is a little scary!http://www.imra.ie/events/view/tab/details/id/939/

Love the accent, 'Your in too hard a gear, is it?' Irish are craickers, love em:thumbup:

He has the real Kerry drawl. I'm not sure mine is nearly as strong, but I hope to nail it with practice!

[DrPatrickBarry]

It just looks a fantastic place to just hack off into by yourself

The mountians of Kerry would be on a par with the lake district. The main ridge the Macgillycuddy Reeks outside Killarney has seven 3000 ft tops including two aretes and the highest summit in the country Carrauntoohil at 1,038 m (3,406 ft). To do the whole of that ridge from Kate Kearney's Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe would be a fair challange.

Plus, with the tiny population in Ireland, the mountains are not well walked so it can be a real widerness over there.

[Conor74]

The mountians of Kerry would be on a par with the lake district.

Ahem...higher...;-)

2.04. Not sure where that puts me yet, no results up,was hoping for top third. 240 or so runners. Great day for it. Was disappointed with my ascending, as a hill climber thought I'd be better able for them, but surprised with descents, was pushing harder than most. Walked back home the same route...extreme warming down...

[DrPatrickBarry]

Ahem...higher...;-)

I was more referring to the number of mountains in the area

2.04. Not sure where that puts me yet,

That is a pretty decent time for a hilly trail 1/2 marathon. Three year ago I done a road 1/2 marathon with 490m of accent in 1:49 but I would guess that yours is harder.