Face-planting isn't all it's made out to be!

09 April, 2018 - Conor O'Farrell

Warning: This report is long and arduous, much ling the climb up Annagh Hill! So, in the same vein, congratulations if you manage to get through it!

After a last minute decision on Friday I decided to sign up for Annagh Hill, upon the recommendation on a number of fellow runners. I was told that it was tough, but ultimately one of the best short races in the calendar. Having left Meath good and early, little did I know how long the day was going to be. There were a couple of showers on the way down, which had me worried, but I’d been out running in worse so it didn’t put me off. Upon arriving at The Gap Pub, the weather was good and dry, with decent visibility as far as the snow-capped Lugnaquilla.

The usual pre-race chat and banter ensued, with plenty of concerned glances towards the hill across the road. I must say, I thought that people had been blowing this out of proportion a bit, but I soon realised that I was having a Fr. Dougal “close/far-away” moment. After trotting up the road to the start line then spending way too much time chatting, I found myself standing in the 2nd row when the race begun. This is never somewhere that I would look to be, but I was here now so had to run at the pace of the more ambitious/competitive types. After around 500 metres, the ascent began, and I was feeling pretty proud of myself at the point, I must have been in the top 15 or so. 100 metres later, this was not the case anymore. I was already feeling the burn in my chest and I was looking up, slowly realising that this climb was around 600-700metres(this meant nothing to me at the time, all I knew was that I could not see the top. Around this time, I looked around me and realised that there was a line of people behind me, but a decent gap opening up ahead of me, so I took a line closer to the wall so that the faster people could pass. Most of those who passed me and were keeping a good continuous pace, and it would have been unfair for me not to move aside.

As I was nearing the top, I could only see a few people ahead of me. The main group was out of sight a good 5 minutes previously. Once at the top, I was hoping the running legs would come in with some decent runnable track. Unfortunately for me, my interpretation of “runnable” was different to Paul’s at the briefing, so that took a little longer than I expected. I could see Renata Rogic and Howard Triggs (I think) up ahead trading places once or twice, They seemed to be having the odd bit of trouble avoiding the lakes in the road, but traffic wasn’t an issue for me yet, so I didn’t need to go the direct route and managed to stay dry for a little longer. I was getting into it now and was much more comfortable, even as the track got muddier and more technical. I finally managed to pass Renata and Howard (who gave me some words of encouragement)shortly before the gap in the wall, manned by Patsy and Nora.

Having negotiated the fast track through the high part of the forest, next up was the famous downhill. I had to stop myself at the top as I had to double-check that it was not a cliff. Nonetheless, I went at it and managed to get through the first half very quickly and overtook one lady, but the hill was still going down, so I remained composed as I could now see Andy Hanney at the bottom with the camera. This part was particularly tricky but I managed to make a nice controlled descent on my chest and face. I would have smiled at the camera, but there was probably some leaves in my teeth. Andy offered some kind words of encouragement, my response was probably less than polite.

I now had Imogen McGuinness just ahead of me and I was keeping a steady pace behind her along the fire road until the next climb. There was a few off us trading places up this torturous wall-climb so we had a good chat one the way up when we could catch our breath, I’m sure I must have been losing it at this point. At the top myself, Imogen and Roisin Hickey were all together now keeping a steady pace until the fire road started to open up and we could see across the countryside again. My heart sank as I saw the long drag up the hill for that final climb. At this point I noticed that both my laces were undone, so I had to stop and dig through a foot of muck to try to tie them. I was tough to get moving again, but Imogen had pulled away here, so I had to dig deep on the uphill and we traded places a few times.

Turning off the fire road, to that final descent, I was feeling pretty good. I could see someone up ahead of me, about 100m or, maybe I could catch them. I could also hear Imogen very close behind, so it was important not to do anything stupid (for those who know me, that’s normally inevitable) I knew (thought) there a decent bit of fire road before the end, so I paced myself carefully on this tricky/slippy downhill and waited for my moment. It never came. We got down to the last piece of fire-road and as I started to sprint up the finish line appeared out of nowhere. Imogen came in a few seconds behind me, and once I got my choice language(directed at myself and Annagh Hill), we congratulated each other. We were obviously a long way behind the winners, as normally there are plenty of people around at the end and there were very few left. The it was back to The Gap Pub to reflect on a hard day’s work and some banter and congrats with the IMRA friends.

I’m fairly new to IMRA, having joined last year. But I love the variety of the terrain that we get to race on a weekly basis. What amazes me more is that there are people out there that discover these gems, and then put so much time into organising race events and send people up to direct us and to make sure we are safe and well. I have to congratulate Paul and his team of volunteers on hosting a great race. It really takes in everything that mountain/hill running has to offer. It is by far the toughest of the short races I’ve had the pleasure to run.

I'd also like to thanks Andy Hanney, for finally finding the focus ring on the camera. It really made my face-plant moment all the more rewarding. :)

Notes from the middle of the field

02 April, 2018 - James H Cahill

Not having run much over the preceding four weeks and suffering initially from a touch of flu (which in man terms translates to double pneumonia compounded by pneumonic plague) which was followed by a severe bout of "lack of motivationitis" my decision to travel to Annagh was delayed until 9am on the morning of the race

Quickly looking at the website I saw that Richard Leahy would be passing my way and grabbed the chance for a carpool and chat on the way down.

A pleasant journey down following the GPS led us beautifully and efficiently to the back gates of Annaghgap Farm. A quick reprogram led us in a circular fashion to the front gates. Looks like a grand farm but not where we wanted to be.

The Gap Pub however was a more successful entry into the GPS and 1.5 km later we were in the car park.

Quick, well organised registration left us with 30 minutes to inspect the first “wall climb” and watch Nora Lalor’s, who was marshaling, progress up along it.

The start line is about 500m from the pub, and after a slow jog up with Liam Vines, we arrived just in time to hear the Words of Wisdom from Race Director Paul Joyce. There was a time cut off along the upper flat section and those not making the gap in the wall within 50 minutes would be required to take a short course option. Given my lack of running that possibility loomed large in my mind.

The course was an altered route and the ups would be downs and the downs would be ups. Given it was Easter Weekend I pondered whether Mathew 20:16 ("So the last will be first, and the first will be last.") would also apply - that might just work well for me. No such announcement or luck and after a short countdown we were off.

500 m of fireroad led to the base of the first climb, and up, up and up some more we went. The single track made passing difficult, as any deviation led into dead-fall branches and other general disaster. Reaching the top I joined Niamh O'Gorman and we ran together along the upper muddy track. Our way was shortly blocked by a deep looking puddle and a small queue skirting its right edge. Having had enough of queuing on the first climb I went straight through the middle. Normally in life balls deep is a good thing, but when it comes to icy puddles on top of Annagh Hill I can say with certainty it isn't! However, I ploughed ahead regardless. Niamh was not put off by my high pitched squeals and followed. Instead of wading through she chose to dive straight in - a brave move. Maybe I should have warned her about the depth of the water and more importantly the deep mud beneath.


Too late for that, through the puddle and on we went.

Niamh’s puddle dip led to hypothermia and a slowing of her pace, and in gentlemanly fashion I left her behind and to her own devices. All subsequent puddles were carefully skirted by me as I hoped that my testicles might descend from my throat where they were seeking warmth but were interfering with my breathing!

Managed to catch and pass some others along the upper track and before long I passed Nora Lalor marshaling the 50 min short course cut off.

I had now latched on to the back of a group consisting Derek Livingstone, Maura Mathews, Liam Cannon, and Shane Colgan. There was some passing and repassing (which mainly consisted us catching Maura on the downhills, and then Maura powering away on the flats and uphills).

Reaching 5km we started the dreaded Beech descent. Steep doesn’t do the descent justice, and Andrew Hanney’s photos and video give some insight into the steepness. Our little group headed downhill and were caught by the indomitable Joe Lalor, for whom steep descents hold no fear. As our rag tag group approached Andy’s location at the end of the hill the photographic evidence shows that Derek chose to hide in the trees, Shane and Liam choose to fling themselves on the ground, Maura and I tiptoed down whilst Joe powered through.

The delights of our groups enjoyment of the beech tree descent can be seen here: https://www.imra.ie/photos/view/id/137028/

Down to an ascending fireroad and some more passing and re-passing until we reach Syl Ivers marshaling the bottom of the next steep climb. As I approached, Syl announced that “my moment and the bit I was waiting for had come”. I am not sure what moment he was referring to but if he was referring to 6 minutes of excruciating agony he was right. Joe passed me once more on the climb, and at the top I passed Shane. Derek had dropped off the group and this left myself, Joe, Maura and Liam in our now depleted and rather dilapidated group.

A twisting downhill led us back to a long gradually elevating fireroad. Liam and Maura sprinted ahead whilst Joe and I chose a more sedate pace suited to our seniority. Just before the top I managed to get ahead and then we were onto the final descent - a mix of technical sections, muddy patches, puddles and branches meant that disaster loomed at every step. Disaster and the possibility that a fast descending Joe would shortly re-pass me!

Liam and Maura had put significant distance on me but I could see one runner a few hundred meters ahead and I managed to chase him down and got on his shoulder just before we reached the final fireroad.

It turned out Hugh Irving had a little more left in him than I had left in me, and a lung busting sprint to the finish line gave him the place. Well done Hugh.

Back to The Gap pub for re-hydration, chats and then the prize giving. Congratulations to Tom Hogan and Becky Quinn and all the other prize winners.

Annagh Hill is an outstanding route and the variation of route this year added even more fun into the mix. Thank you Paul Joyce and all of your marshals and volunteers for a great day in the hills. Especially thanks for all the hard work and time that went into rescheduling the race after the Beast From East’s untimely arrival caused its initial cancellation.

Annagh, Winter League, 2018

31 March, 2018 - Mick Hanney

Annagh Hill Mark 6, after 2011, 12, 13, 16 and 17. Similar route to last year, but slightly shorter and no less tortuous or fun, if that isn’t a contradiction.

A rearranged race this after the snows of recent weeks caused cancellation earlier in the month. Today, the course was clear, runnable, if very wet in places. The weather was dry and mild and a bit windy but good running conditions.

Young runner Luke McMullan led the way to the top of the hill. First time we have run on the right side of the wall. Same gradient as the other side of the wall, but probably better running as its drier. Strava says Luke beat the previous segment set by Des Kennedy which was a high bar! So Luke, be warned, Des probably got an email to say his segment was beaten. Lol.

I was very happy to run today. Paul Joyce took over as race director and master of ceremonies and did a great job. Only other race directors can appreciate the work that has to get done in advance, with many visits to the route and work behind the scenes. Especially when a race has to get arranged, cancelled and rearranged.

Started the race fast but reduced to a shuffle up along the wall. Felt like I was standing still when Becky Quinn jogged by despite the steepness.

The ridgeline was puddlier than ever. Runnable lines on the right-hand but messy nonetheless and concentration needed to avoid a crash landing. I still managed to slip and fall on one occasion. My inov8s struggling for grip on a wet rock, but no harm done.

Lost a place on the ridge but was gaining on Becky and managed to pass on the single track downhill on the end of the ridge. Thus set the tone for the day. Lots of to and fro.

Fun downhill on Connahill next and managed to do it without a slip and slip like other competitors. Thanks to Andy for the great photos and videos which rival the ones he took on the uphill on the same hill last year.

For the record Luke McMullan has the fastest downhill segment on strava today. Some others have the fastest slip on the backside and fastest walking backwards - if they are measured.

Waving hi to the brother I turned on Connahill to start the grassy, mucky, wet trail that would bring us towards the next evil climb. Along here I felt like I was standing still but I made progress to gain on a couple of lads. We in turn were passed by Becky (again!) who was having a stormer on the climbs.

Closing stages and last fireroad ascent. Managing to hang onto Becky on this climb. The views would have been lovely had one had time to appreciate Lugnacoille and the Wicklow hills out west. Approaching the final kilometre I saw an opportunity to pass Becky on the last messy downhill but no sooner I did this, I was passed by 2 fast descending lads you splish splashed through the big puddles while I took the dry side option.

Onto the fireroad and a short sprint to the finish. 9th overall. Helped by a couple of lads who had unfortunately taken an inadvertent turn onto the short course when ahead of me, but thems the breaks.

Congrats Tom Hogan for the win and Luke for the fine 2nd. Bernard, a twice winner of variations of this race was 3rd. Becky was first lady with Dena Hogan second and Ann Horan 3rd. Well done to junior Aran Joyce. His first IMRA Run I think, but hopefully the first of many. He'll be beating his dad in no time ;-)

The Gap pub played a blinder before and after the race and are always appreciate of IMRA having events in the area.

Thanks to Paul and his team for staging a great race. Kudos to Patsy who goes beyond the call of duty to volunteer at events far away from home.

With luck we’ll be back here again next year for more fun and torture.