Mountain Running race (Slieve Donard) 1:08:36 [4] 8.6 km (7:59 / km) +850m 5:20 / km
Slieve Donard & Belfast City Marathon aren't usually the same weekend but I wanted to run both & beat both of last years times especially as I wasn't intending to get the IOC (next year in Donegal maybe as an M35!).
I like the run up to the Glen river and across to the Blackstairs, but maybe too much as I seem to run it too hard. i wasn't aggresive enough on the climb and soon enough McCloy & Ciara were pulling away and I was being passed by folk who i know i can climb as strongly with. had my usual cautious descent and was passed by those who i knew would but could see folk below who i had a chance of catching. so once over the Glen river i picked up at least four places on the run in back into town.
A great day for the run for the runners and spectators & I was happy enough to take 4mins of last years time.
Slieve Bearnagh should be good, some good running, then a tough climb & descent of Bearnagh, a rocky climb up Meelmore then some good running to finish. I don't think I'll Hill & Dale this week.