So it appears that this blog is destined to be updated on a 6 monthly basis. Since the start of the year I've been training on and off, probably more off than on to be honest, largely as a result of those 'real world issues'.
Recently, things have begun to settle down so I'm once again on the road to a comeback.... don't hold your breath I've been here before!
Today I took part in my first track and field meet since 1993 or there abouts....it's been a while! The event was the County Masters Championships so I'm also now officially part of the "old man club". Apart from the intrigue of seeing just how slow I am now at 43 compared to me at 21 today was a demonstration for my children that I'm also prepared to run races on the track - just like them!
It was also probably the first time in a long number of years (if ever) that our Club entered an 'adult' event. Up until recently only juvenile members competed in events and that adults coached so, I suppose, if we expect our kids to compete then I suppose we should lead by example.
Today I entered the 400m, 800m and Shot Putt - the same events that I would typically have entered as a schoolboy when competing at the County Champs. It was nice to be back on the track - my only concern was that by running fast I might do some damage and further delay my 'comeback'. But the risk was worth it!
My first event was the 400m - after a warmup routine I checked in and collected my starting blocks (could I remember how to set them up I wonder!) and once allocated lane 6 I got set up and waited for the start. From the gun I went out like a bat out of hell mainly because I knew that my biggest competition would be coming from the lanes inside of me and I had no idea about what pace to run! So by the 200m mark I was in the lead and going well - too well! By 250-300m I wanted the race to be over - QUICKLY! Lactic Acid was filling every pore of my body and my body was reacting by seizing up! I was running in treacle and getting slower with every stride. Coming into the home straight at the end of the stagger I was in 3rd and fighting to hang on. Finally I crossed the line in 63.5sec - 3rd in the race and 2nd in my category (O-40). The following photos show the aftermath.....
Next up it was the 800m (after approx. 1 hour of me trying my hardest to regain control of my legs and arms). After the gun I settled into 3rd position - trying hard not to make the same mistake twice in one day by going off too fast. I soon realised that the leader was going to be too far ahead for me to challenge today so I focused on the leading female (directly ahead of me) and not getting passed from behind. With 250m to go I made my move and moved into 2nd position. I could hear that I was being chased down from behind so 150m to go I moved up a gear (obviously I was running too slowly as I still had another gear!). I crossed the line in 2:28.51....2nd again. The race in pictures .....
Finally, I ran straight from the 800m finish line across the infield to the Shot Putt circle, took 2 quick practice throws (with the wrong weight shot putt!), and I was straight in. My lack of practice (ever) with a 16lb shot showed with a 1st round foul (putted out side of the sector). I took a more conservative style for the second round a got a mark. Third round I pushed the boat out as far as I could and putted 7.27m. 2nd again! My style in pics....
So it's onwards and upwards .... I wonder what event I should specialise in??? There is also a possible marathon in Dingle at the end of August.... Let's see what happens..
