Back of the pack

09 April, 2018 - Anne-Marie Flaherty

Maurice Mullins Trail

I had a relatively early start to the day, Dad Taxi services dropped me at the Leopardstown racecourse car park for registration. I volunteered at the finish line at Glencullen GAA club last year, it was a glorious afternoon and all of the finishers seemed to have a fantastic day in the hills. I was determined that I would take part in 2018. The coveted Wicklow Way mugs were there for the first 100 to register on the day, so the surge to the registration table began as soon as Race Director Dermot arrived. Once everyone had signed in and race numbers were handed out, it was time for the fun to really begin!

There was a definite buzz in the car park and again on the shuttle bus to the start in Ballinastoe.

The queue for the portaloo was an interesting place to be, for an MM trail newbie like me. The different tactics being discussed, from choice of footwear to, backpacks to good places to answer a call of nature. I wondered if my little bag of dinosaur jellies would be enough and if I should have organised a change of shoes at Crone Wood, as others had. I figured as a regular back of the pack finisher these "marginal gains" were definitely not something I needed to worry about.

As we waited to start many of the Ultra participants were arriving, at what was their half-way mark, taking on board fuel and dropping, or collecting supplies for their return. This added to the nervous excitement I was feeling. (Did I have time to leg it to the portaloo again?)

My plan for the day involved enjoying it as much as possible and trying not to get lost!

It's amazing how much an event like this can ebb and flow, as you hike up one side of a hill and wonder if you'll be able to walk at the top, let alone try to run any more. Somehow your legs find a way and you just keep smiling and moving forward, (albeit slowly!) The rain started as we came down Djouce, it was still quite mild and I was chugging along nicely. It was great to have support at Crone Wood car park, and the nicest bananas ever. I was into unknown territory after this point, it was all part of the Wicklow Way I had never been on before. Really enjoyed trotting along by the river, while trying not to lose my footing on the by now muddy track. Brief chats with some of the Ultra runners as they passed me, or I passed them made the day, I'm in awe of how upbeat they can be, even when they're obviously hurting.

Curtlestown felt loooong, after passing the support at the entrance I was still enjoying it, but as people were able to jog by me on the way up I started to wonder if I was really moving at all. The sun came out as I reached the top of the rocks and as things flattened out again I knew I was close to home. Another lovely chat with John Shiels, (finally getting to put a face to all of the amazing photographs and events he's involved in). I was feeling great at this point so was able to run in from there. As we passed last year's finish at Glencullen GAA club, I wondered if anyone had been caught out and misjudged their run in. (I wouldn't have minded a downhill finish). Amazing support along the road from those who were already finished and heading home, as well as the last few metres along the road to the finish in the GAP. It's great to see so many finishers with smiles on their faces as the event post mortems began!

Massive thanks to Dermot Murphy for all of the organisation and work that went into the event, particularly with the last minute changes to car parking and shuttle bus. All of the volunteers and supporters who make these events possible and to the other runners for their company on the day.

For anyone unsure about taking part in an event like this, volunteering is a great way to get a feel for it, to see what's involved and chat to participants.

(And I didn't get lost!)

Maurice Mullins Trail 2018

08 April, 2018 - David Power

8th – 1h57m
One of the excellent IMRA events, which I completed for the 4th time. Conditions were calm and mild, and a lot drier underfoot thank I’d expected. It’s nice waiting at the start in Ballinstoe. Watching the Ultra runners reach their halfway mark, just as we set off. Fair play to them all.
I knew I’d have more completion than last year. From the off 3 guys took off, Des among them. I settled into 4th with Brian close behind. My legs were tired & sore all week from last weekend’s exploits in the Knockmealdowns. But I felt good on the climb along the boardwalk to Djouce. Passing lots of ultras and meeting many hikers on the way too. A lovely day to be out.
Brian’s descending skill/speed was apparent as he flew by me off Djouce. I wasn’t worried, as all I can control is my own mind. I knew I could make up ground on the climbs. Through Crone Woods, I was passed by a guy from Sligo and Turlough caught me, descending well.
That pushed me on, so I made up a gap climbing towards Curtelstown. I knew I’d need that buffer before the final descent past Prince William’s Seat. I could see Brian about 90 seconds ahead. He was within sights but not close enough.
I didn’t eat or drink – except for a dried fig and a few nuts. I knew if I could get to the bridge I should be ok. 2km to go – Brian in sight but too far ahead. I passed Adrian who was running well in the ultra.
Then a “Dave left” – 200m from the finish line! I mistook the tape for the bus stop as a marker, so went up a lane to bring me into Glencullen Adventure Park – the wrong way. I just got to the line as the 2 lads behind me had arrived. Damn. I felt like such an idiot – it’s ever over til...
I was impressed to see so many first times a well as regulars. The growing popularity of the ultra shows how people who do a 50km run at the weekend are not all superhuman or weirdos. A few of them definitely recovered in Johnny Foxes afterwards.
My recovery involved a lovely refreshing swim in Seapoint and well earned chowder & stout afterwards. Now the Masters golf to relax to. A good day out.