A weekend in Budapest...

This is a great city! My only other visit here, a few years ago, was a little rushed and we didn't have a lot of time to explore; then we were heading into the depths of winter and the temperature had plummeted to close to zero Centigrade, not ideal for wandering the streets. This time couldn't have been more different; we were heading for the height of summer and the average temperature was 32 degrees Centigrade; much more conducive for tourist wanderings and we had time to do it!

We stayed for five days (four nights), staying in a Hilton for the first two nights and then a much more agreeable apartment hotel for the last two; the latter had less fuss and more stuff, and it had a terrific pool which I made full use of.

On Saturday evening I decided that I had to get running so we made a plan to get up really early and walk the mile to Margaret Island where I would run two circuits (about 6.7 miles) which would give herself enough time to get in one walking circuit. Getting up really early meant no alcohol the night before which was ridiculous when on holiday so the 6am became 8am which is still early, we're just leaving off the really bit.

We walk along the Danube to Margaret Island, passing the poignant Shoes on the Danube Promenade, a memorial to the people who fell victim to the Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest and depicts their shoes left behind on the bank when they fell into the river after having been shot during World War II.

The island is on the Danube (or should that be in the Danube?) and is accessed from Elizabeth Bridge. When I got down to the bank of the island I was surprised to find that there was a proper running track that appeared to stretch the entire circumference of the island. Running on that track was like running on air, if only I could run on this every day but it's a hell of a commute.

There were plenty of people out and it didn't take long before I came across someone running just out of my comfort zone so I decided to try to stick with her. The first half of the island was easy enough even though the temperature was a lot higher than expected. We were running at a fast pace and I was starting to feel the strain. We briefly left the track as we ran around the end of island and onto the northern edge where we picked up the track again. The sun was beating down and felt like it was sucking the energy out of me. I managed to keep up with my pace maker for another half a mile or so until she slowly slipped away as my energy levels plummeted. Half way along this side of the island I passed several swimming pools where a large digital thermometer read 32 degrees centigrade; that I could believe.

It wasn't long before I passed the starting point and I was on lap 2. The second lap was tough but I knew what to expect, and somewhere along the first half my reserves kicked in with a welcome boost. On the second half I could feel a dull pain my left knee, not enough to stop me but from experience I knew that once I stop running it will hurt!

I'm not often right but this time I was spot on; as I completed the second lap I stopped the clock, slowed to a walk and instantly the pain shot through my knee. I limped up the hill to the main access road where rested and stretched to try to relieve the pain.

After a little while we were ready to get back to the hotel and breakfast! As we started to make our way back I took a few moments to log my time and distance; 6.67 miles in 58:31, that's an impressive pace of 8:46. The walk back was less brisk than earlier but the combination rest & stretching did the trick and we were making good time.

Time, as it turned out, was not on our side. We somehow managed to slip back into Irish time and thought we were an hour earlier. When we arrived at the hotel we thought we had plenty of time to shower and change but as the concierge pointed out breakfast was just about to end. It was an easy decision; miss breakfast for a shower and fresh clothes or slip into the breakfast room, hoping that nobody notices our soggy attire. We opted for the latter of course and, for the price of a few raised eyebrows, tucked into a well deserved feast.

After breakfast, a very long shower and a potter around the locality we made for the hotel's excellent swimming pool for a pre-lunch swim. Happy days!!

Swimming lesson #12

The final lesson of the summer. I'm sorry to see them come to an end and shall look forward to their resumption in the autumn. Tonight we revised all 3 strokes (front crawl, breast stroke and back stroke) and spent a little time in the deep end.

Tonight's takeaways:

• Keep moving when treading water.
• If you panic when deep under water you'll stay there.

I have joined my local gym, who conveniently have a branch next to my office as well, so that I can swim whenever I choose. All I need to do is get in there!

Belgium; the land of chocolate and beer...

... but it doesn't stop there! It turns out that there is a lot more to that little country than gastronomic delights! But while we're talking about food, my favourite Belgian dish has to be Stoemp & Wild Boar sausages; haute cuisine it may not be but it has a farm fresh, healthy, traditional, mature, local, good feel to it... a little like haggis in Scotland or Oysters in Galway; it may not be the best thing for you but it feels right when you're there!

The weather in Belgium this weekend was fantastic, regularly tiptoeing around 28 degrees Celsius and race day was no different... it was a hot! The race was in the small village of Ogy, near Lessines, about 50KM South West of Brussels. The drive to Ogy was lovely; the countryside was beautiful and we had a running commentary of the view by my 3 year old niece. It turns out there are a lots of cows in Belgium!

We found the village without any difficulty and arrived at the starting area with plenty of time to spare, so much that we had a prime parking space in the village centre. Ogy is a small, quiet, friendly village tucked away off the main road. We found the registration hall (that would double up as a bar after the race) to enter the race. Once the princely sum of €3 had changed hands we were issued our race numbers and 1 safety pin each. After some negotiation we secured a second safety pin each.

Outside the hall some local vendors were setting up their stalls; a creperie, juice stall, fast food stall and yet another bar. We made our way out to the market square where the race MC was chatting to a transient crowd. He had a list of all registered runners and as we had registered on the day we were not on his list. He called us over and asked for my name but unfortunately his question stretched my French vocabulary of 5 words beyond it's limit and I couldn't make out what he was talking about; he quickly figured out I wasn't a local and Alain stepping to translate. He was trilled to have a foreign participant and as soon as we had been added to his list he switched on his microphone to announce my arrival.

We had a little time so we jogged first kilometer of the route to warm up although I didn't expect such an extreme warm! The temperature has risen to 28 degrees centigrade even though we had left noon far behind us.

By the time we got back to the village it was almost time to get going again. A line was forming behind the start barrier and as we slipped into place the entire crowd was hushed to silence and held it for about a minute. I wasn't sure if this was a tradition before races in Belgium but I decided to go with the flow and waited patiently, holding back a sneeze that was slowly building up. I'm sure that if there is a God he's got a cruel sense of humour, but at least he's got one. After the race I found out they were observing a minutes silence as a mark of respect for a runner that had recently died. Sometimes it's good to go with the flow!

A few seconds later the starting gun rang out and we were off! We ran up the narrow street we started on, past the makeshift bars and into the village square; past the church and the village war memorial on the right and soon we were out into the open countryside. The pace was a lot faster than I had expected or was used to but I felt good and kept up. The first few kilometers were fast but very enjoyable; we were running through the heart of the Belgian countryside, way off the beaten track.

The temperature was high, somewhere around 28 degrees centigrade, and as we passed kilometer 4 I really started to feel the heat. The first water stop didn't come a moment too soon and provided instant, if short lived, relief to the heat. The next few kilometers were undulating and quite challenging. I knew my pace was ebbing away as a quick glance at my watch confirmed. I could feel the sun sucking energy out of me and the water stop at kilometer 8 was most welcome. The next 3 kilometers were very tough; I was tired fought hard to keep going. The final kilometer was uphill and a real struggle but my running partner Alain kept me going until we reached the top of the hill. From there we could see the finish line.

As we passed the church the race MC spotted our approach and called out our names as we crossed the line, what a thrill!

We crossed the line in 1.06.27; a pretty good time for such a tough course in that heat.

OMG that hurt...

Very tough run this morning, it was only a 3 miler but it took a lot out of me. I'm putting it down to a combination of a fast paced 5 miler yesterday morning and 3 hours of wind surfing, kayaking and topper sailing last night! Still, a pretty decent pace of 8:43 (finishing in just over 24 minutes).

It was my first time wind surfing and won't be the last; even though I could only sail in one direction, fell in about 20 times and had to be towed back to shore I really enjoyed it. Kayaking was a lot of fun too, a lot drier than wind surfing and a lot more control but you provide all the power. Topper sailing was great, I have done it before and sailed in larger boats so it wasn't completely new.

Amazing Pace...

...when feet move around! (sung to the tune of Amazing Grace it's mildly amusing)

For this morning's run I had a Garmin Forerunner 201 that I borrowed for one of my colleagues... and I love it, I've gotta get one. We ran exactly 5 miles at a fantastic pace of 8.25 (finishing in 42:06). 3 miles of fartleks tomorrow morning and then off the Brussels for the weekend! Happy days!!

Swimming lesson #11

OK, I think we're getting there... slight overall improvement this week and I'm finally getting this breathing lark! Towards the end of the lesson we had a chance to dive into the deep end, swim towards the shallow end and front crawl to the other end of the pool... that was FUN!

I keep thinking about the 1500m swim if I participate in the Dublin triathlon next year. So far my record is 20m, that's 1480m to go...

Last week next week and the courses will not resume until September, we may have to look at private tuition for the rest of the summer... 1480m and all that!


Tonight's takeaways:

• When diving tuck your head between your arms and enter the water hands first, not all at once 'cos that really hurts...
• 1/2 a lung full of water

Fartlek frolics...

Latest fartlek session, I'm getting into these and can feel them working! We add a few press-ups, sit ups, bench presses, etc. into the mix. We covered approximately 3 miles this morning in a little over 30 minutes.

Better out than in a man's eye...

Up and out early on a Saturday morning... well, not as early as I promised as a text message 10 minutes after hour I had arranged to meet testifies. Better late than never, or as my Granny used to say when she burped "better out than in a man's eye".... bless! We ran the 5 miles at a race pace in 43:21, that's an impressive pace of 08:40! The run time is almost a 3 minute improvement of the last 5 mile race pacer... happy days!!

Fartleks: rarely silent and often deadly...

Oh, this was fun... when I got past the pain. Fartleks; who came up with that word? It's actually German word and is defined as a form of punishment in which the punished must run around a track. The last person in the line sprints to the front, and then jogs; the newest caboose must then sprint, etc. etc. Great for building up speed... apparently. This morning we ran 3 miles, 3 long miles!

Swimming lesson #10

Hmmm, not much improvement this week. Have I plateaued? I've got to swim 1500m in a triathelon next year, talk about a challange!

Tonight's takeaways:

• Smaller arm swings and faster legs for the breast stroke
• 1/2 a lung full of water

Race pace in haste?

As part of the Dublin marathon training and to increase overall speed we'll be adding in a few race pace training runs, and later we'll build in some fartlek sessions (I'll explain later). This 5 miler was very tough, especially as it is only a week since the Cork marathon. We ran it in 46:42, that's a pace of 9.20 and considering we ran a marathon last weekend that not bad!

Easy runner...

The first run since the marathon and we took it nice & easy, finishing the 3 miles in 27:50; that's a pace of a little over 9.17.

Swimming lesson #9

While in Cork I made unbelievable progress. I breaststroked an entire length of the pool, vastly improved my front crawl and backstroked half a length. Tonight, however, normal service was resumed. I have a theory: the pool in Cork was a normal gym pool with normal pool water, etc. But the pool in Naas is a teaching pool with teaching pool water and I'm convinced that they add some secret ingredient to make the pool less buoyant and therefore harder to swim in, the logic being that you'll be a much stronger swimmer in normal water. Make sense?

Tonight's takeaways:

• 1/2 a lung full of water

Corked: Part 3 of 3

After a restless night I was up early and feeling good. I was really looking forward to this race, I believed I had prepared well and was looking forward to reaping the reward from all that hard training. The breakfast room was bustling when we arrived, full of aging French tourist and aspiring marathoners; we joined my running partner in the athletes corner. I ordered a bowl of porridge and tucked into a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt and herbal tea.

After breakfast it was time to shower and get ready for this epic run; having done this before I feel a little drama was justified. I had to choose my clothes carefully; any distance runner will tell you that one thing you must avoid is chafing... not wishing to go into too much detail I will say that the secret is the liberal application of Vaseline in strategic areas.

Suitably attired, and lubricated, I made my way to reception where Joe was waiting. After some last minute adjustments to gel packs and other accessories, and a brief word with running legend Sonia O Sullivan, we were on our way. Cork is built around the river Lee which cuts deep into the surrounding hills, the result is a fairly level city centre surrounded by steep hills. Our hotel was perched on one of these hills and as the start line was beside the river our first stretch of the day was all downhill.

We were both very excited about the run; this was Joe's first marathon and my first serious marathon, i.e. I had trained properly for this one! We had a mile or so to walk to the start line and the conversation was focused on the next 5 hours. We revised our strategy for pace, water and gels, and hoped I had enough Vaseline to last for 5 hours. Then it occurred to me that Vaseline is a petroleum jelly, and as we all know petrol is combustible, and running creates a lot of heat particularly in Vaseline coated corners... correct me if I'm wrong but petrol and heat in the same space tend to lead to fireworks. I can see it now, at around mile 10 random marathoners bursting into flames... let's hope there's a water station nearby!

We reached the starting area early and I had time to wrestle with my number as I pinned it to my shirt; it's hard to explain but I find it incredibly difficult to attach a square piece of paper onto the front of my shirt with 4 safety pins. Is it just me?

With numbers on, gels packed and strategy agreed we made our way to our designated area. The atmosphere was electric and the tension was beginning to build. We were just in sight of the start line and the line of athletes behind us continued to grow. The count down was on and

For the first 2 miles we wound around the streets of the city centre, crossing the Lee towards the Murphy's brewery, back along the north quays and eastwards along the river, past the railway station and out towards the Jack Lynch tunnel. The city centre streets were lined with people cheering us on, this was obviously a city that enjoyed hosting a marathon and it made all the difference. We had an unexpected cheer from our partners just after mile 3, sending us on our way out of the city.

As we passed the train station we left the spectators behind and started to really think about the miles ahead. We were feeling good and before we knew it we were approaching the 6 mile water station and our first gel stop. We grabbed a bottle of water each and continued to run until well clear of the water station before slowing to a fast walk to take on water and the all important gel pack. After a little over a minute we were off again.

At mile 7 we were approaching the Jack Lynch tunnel, an impressive 2 bore dual carriageway that forms one of the main entry points to the city; one bore was closed to traffic for the marathon so we had it to ourselves. I have run through a tunnel before, the Dublin Port Tunnel before it opened for traffic. It's a strange experience because, as you can imagine, a tunnel has no weather (no breeze, rain, sunshine, etc.) and the noise level increases the deeper you run into the tunnel as everything is echoed... everything from hundreds of pairs of trainers thumping the ground to countless conversations to screams of encouragement & desperation. There were a few other noises thrown into the mix but we ignored those.

Emerging from the tunnel was a spectacular sight; the sun was shining and a 6 piece percussion band were giving it serious wellie. We stayed on the dual carriageway for another mile before exiting where we ran though an industrial/retail area for half a mile before arriving in suburbia and a welcome water station.

We didn't stop there, we decided to carry on to the next water station before taking our next gel pack. After running along straight main roads it was nice to run though housing estates with plenty of twists and turns to break it up. There were plenty of spectators out, we were feeling the pain now and any encouragement really helped. Every so often a group of kids would stick out their hands for a high five, I gladly obliged and thanked them for another step towards the finish line.

The next water station was closer to mile 13, a little longer than I had in my head. The approach to this station was a long straight road along the sound bank of the Lee with lovely views of the river and northern hills. We stopped at this station for water and a gel pack, this stop was very welcome, we were both feeling a little tired but determined to carry on.

It took me another mile to get back into my stride and at mile 14 spirits were lifted as we clapped eyes on our partners cheering us on. The next mile was easy, it's amazing what you can find with a little encouragement!

The next 5 miles were through suburban areas as we made our way westward. Again the residents came our to help us along, the atmosphere was truly fantastic. The terrain was undulating but nothing dramatic, but the was about the change.

Just before mile 20 we started to leave suburbia behind and hit the first of many hills. We were expecting them but we also knew that we would be very tired and this section was going to test us to the core. Luckily the spectators stayed with us and on several occasions they pulled us uphill with their encouragement, I can't overstate how much of a difference that kind of support makes. Eventually we passed mile 21 and we were still going up hill and the will to carry on was ebbing away.

Just short of mile 22 we reached the highest point of the race and from this point on was downhill. The relief was instant and most welcome, it was as if a dark could had lifted and I knew we were going to make it. We were leaving the hills behind and returning to urban Cork. We continued downhill until after mile 22 when it levelled out and the road ahead was straight and long. It's harder to run when you're tired and you can see 2 miles of straight road ahead, but we kept going with a couple of mini breaks along that stretch. 2 miles later we were entering the west side of the city. Passing the mile 24 marker was hard, we could see the marker a mile off and it seemed to take us forever to reach it.

We were now back in the city and the streets began to twist and turn. We had one last water station just before mile 25 and we took the opportunity take a little walking break across a pedestrian bridge that crossed the Lee. We walked for about 2 minutes until a passing cyclist cheered us on with "there are only 2 kilometers to go", and we were off. We were almost there, less than 2K and we were home. We were running thought a park and emerged onto the North Mall quay. With less than a mile to go we were running fast, I have no idea where the energy came from but we were feeling great.

We crossed the Lee again and passed the 26 mile marker which meant a mere .2 miles to go. Just as we tuned the corner onto the last stretch we spotted our partners cheering us on. The finish line was in sight and we sprinted to that line, crossing it in 4 hours 47 minutes.

The next hour was a comedy hour. We knew we had to stretch but we were stuck in a running pose; it took me 5 minutes to sit down, and 10 to stand up again. After much slow, slow stretching we were ready move and find a cafe or pub to sit and eat. We we lucky to find a coffee shop with seats and good food, we made it our home for the next hour or so. Leaving was an effort; standing up required assistance and stepping down onto the street involved a series of careful side steps and the odd groan.

4.47 is a fantastic time, I'm absolutely thrilled and it's a step closer to the sub 4 hour time that I have in my sights. Looking forward to Dublin in October and hopefully a new PB; another step closer!

Corked: Part 2 of 3

We woke up fairly early on Sunday morning. As this was the day before the race I was feeling a little nervous but nothing serious enough to put me off my usual hotel treat... a full Irish breakfast!! In hindsight it was not the cleverest option for breakfast; I have been leading an extremely healthy lifestyle for the last few months and a plate full of greasy sausages, bacon and what could be described a scrambled eggs was a shock to the system. Having polished off the last strip of bacon I decided that I would never set eyes on such an unhealthy breakfast.

We had planned on visiting Kinsale for the day, we didn't plan the route which turned out to be a roller coaster ride through the hills of south Cork. We could have used the main road but in the spirit of adventure we opted for the magical mystery tour approach. There were several moments along the route when it looked like I may have to renege on that promise I made earlier.... I came perilously close to seeing that breakfast again...

Finally we made it... to the outskirts of Kinsale. Traffic was chaotic, it turns out it was race day and the usual beach bound throng was multiplied by punters and nag fanciers. I'm not entirely sure what a nag fancier is but I'm assured it's legal in this part of the world. Slowly we inched our way down hill towards the village, eyed peeled for a parking space. Lucky for us we were in the right place at the right time when the reverse lights on an ideally parked Ford Mondeo flickered on.

Safely, and conveniently, parked we made our way to a highly recommended fish restaurant whose name escapes me now. After a fantastic lunch it was back into traffic and slowly onto the beach. Traffic on the approach roads to the beech was chaotic, nothing was moving and we were painfully close to the sand dunes. My passengers did the sensible thing and abandoned the car in favour of a short walk to the beech. I, on the other hand, inched forward towards something that I hoped as a parking space. The frustration levels were high & getting higher and after much wailing and gnashing of teeth I finally happened upon a parking space.

After a lovely long seaside walk it was back into the the car and a surprising easy drive back to Cork city and the hotel. Time for a swim, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi before dinner.

During yet another top drawer Corkonian dinner our experienced marathon runner advised no alcohol the night before, drat! Later, back at the hotel the staff were very helpful and were preparing breakfast for 30 marathon participants the next morning. We ordered our breakfast porridge and retired for a good nights sleep.

Unfortunately, and typical the night before anything remotely exciting, I found it hard to sleep. I did have a weird dream... I was in a forest, there was a thick, heavy fog and it was dark, very scary, then my phone rings and I can barely see it through the fog and before I can answer it rings off... it was a mist call, oh well!