The Glen!

03 May, 2018 - Graham K. Bushe

Week 3 of the Trail League. In the past there have been 4 races, with the best 3 results counting towards the league table. This year, With James Cahill’s Altidore Race re-branded as the Grand Finale of the Leinster League, there are only 3 Trail Races – All results to count. The Glen is on my doorstep and I have a good history with this race. Despite the lack of James’s form guide and pre-final race commentary I was awaiting this with eager anticipation. Just in time for my event I received my new “Dynafit” running top and I’ve been out on the course (or part of it) nearly every day for the past week. Wednesday finally arrives, and after the usual traffic chaos I collect Kevin and head down to register. The edge is soon knocked off my enthusiasm as I see a host of super-fast runners hanging around the registration table. RD Caoimhín gives us our pre-race chat and we’re off. In a flash, a Kilcoole AC vest is sprinting ahead, like the burst to the first corner in a formula one race. The gauntlet has well and truly been thrown! The first climb is tough and we’re all pushing hard…OK, so I am pushing hard, and by the time we turn right into the woods a number of runners have easily cruised by, as if out for a casual jog. But, as with all of the IMRA races, before one has time to dwell on being overtaken, one usually sees a familiar face with whom the 'race within the race' will begin. Enter Mikey Fry. Passing at the perfect spot as we get onto the narrow trail and I slot in behind as we weave our way towards the old ruin. Somehow I manage to get along-side as we approach a runner ahead. Suddenly I spy a tiny gap and unashamedly I crouch down to almost my hands and knees and dart through; Mikey, being just a little bit taller is stuck. I try to make good my escape, but soon enough, with his long stride, he has reeled me in again. We exchange places a couple of times on the descent. I manage to get ahead just as we approach the right turn. I notice Peter dart left but all I can do, while trying to get my breath, is wave my arm to the right. This is obviously no use to Peter. Luckily Mikey is close on hand and with a good clear shout lets Peter (and anybody else between Bray and Greystones) know, that it is a RIGHT TURN! We all zip down the zig-zags and on down to the road. The windy track by the river can be a bit dodgy. This is where the legs can be a bit wobbly and the surface not great, a combination of which could see one take a plunge into the river. Through the carpark and ready for the next climb. Peter has already passed (again!) and so too does Darragh Flynn (Mr Kilcoole Vest) I begin to wonder how many of the front runners might have turned left. Feeling the effort, I ease off a bit and John Bell passes! “gotta keep going! – It’ll all be over soon”. At last I reach the top and turn for the long descent to the finish. Peter is a bit ahead and I try to close the gap. All the way through the woods there is no change, out onto the stone road, “Nearly there!” I risk a glance over my shoulder, all clear for a bit. “Phew!” but keep up the pace after Peter. About half way down, I hear footsteps behind, A more worried glance back to see a runner closing in about 80m off. “Should be OK” 50 more m and another terrified glance – the gap has halved! Aaagh! Run Forest RUN!! I made it in, but only just. It took a couple of minutes to realize that it was none other than Brian Flannely who was hot on my heels. What a great race! Quick grab of jacket and backpack, off out again, this time to demark the junior route.
Down to Plucks to get some lovely prizes M50 for the race and second in the league. Well done to Brian won the league, and while I somehow managed to get to the line before him tonight, I needed another 10 runners to finish between him and me. (Where were ye?) I went home with two lovely mugs (one for Kevin’s Junior Male League Prize)
Thanks to Caoimhín and gang for another great race, and to all the runners and members who make IMRA the great organisation that it is.