Back racing up mountains: Lug na Coille

20 July, 2020 - David Power

3rd place in 59 minutes over 10.5km and +700m of climbing after 4 months without racing
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Writing a race report while sitting on a camping chair in the middle of the Glen of Imaal artillery firing range may sound dangerous. It's Sunday afternoon, so judging by the silence, I reckon the army are having a rest day. They left it to the mountain runners and hikers to enjoy the stunning scenery in this part of Southwest Wicklow.

Today marked a return to racing after four months of virtual runs, #2kmfromhome runs, exploring new parts of our neighborhoods. The freedom to be back on an open mountain. The highest peak in Leinster at 925 meters.

The IMRA (volunteer) committee have worked hard to put in place procedures to allow for a safe return to racing. Numbers were limited 100. Online registration only. Face coverings were worn around registration, the start area and the first 200 meters. No prize giving or chats in the pub afterwards (and Fenton’s pub is a lovely country pub for a pint and a platter of sandwiches).

Anyway, a sunny day presented itself. Friendly faces and new names await in the car park. Lillian the race director warns me that “the Nordie, Brian and Conroy are on the list.” The North has so many talented runners, I wonder does she mean Luke or someone else has made the trip down? Turns out it's Zak Hanna, so he’ll set the pace.

It’s a simple route on a clear day. 5km up, turn around and back down 5km. The only problem is you’ve to climb two steep mountains: Camara Hill from the off to get to 500 meters, then it flattens (relatively speaking) until you reach the western face of Lugnaquilla, for another steep climb to the plateau at the top.

The ground is nice and firm, too steep to run in a few spots. I settle into 3rd after things shake out, Zak away in the distance and Luke off chasing him. Newcastle 1st and 2nd, Rathfarnham in 3rd and 4th, as Brian Furey is on my tail. We push each other, I get to the cairn ahead of him. A quick hi to summit marshal Mick Hanney. The views are panoramic, I wish I had time to sit and have a picnic. The many hikers, of all ages, offer kind words of encouragement as we pass.

Up in 36 minutes, I know Brian is a better descender than me, so I do my best on the really steep descent. I get off Lug and don't hear heavy breathing, so decide not to look back and push on. The views ahead into the glen are wonderful – hard to capture in a still photo or describe in words. The warm sun, the green colors of the hills, the wispy clouds in the sky, the light wind, the specks of tiny hikers up ahead.

Lactic acid is building in my legs, so I try keep them spinning and avoid catching a rock with a lazy toe or heel, which could make me fall. Nearly there now at the gate. Looking back Brian isn't far behind. I storm down the lane, delighted to finish 3rd. Zak was just off the course record at 49 minutes, chasing the time set by one Johnny Lenihan.

You know what? The craic after may not be the same, but it's such a great feeling to be back in the hills racing. Seeing one man arrive back off the mountain with only a sock on one foot, makes you realise you can lose not just the race, but also your footwear! I’m sure he’d still agree it was the best €7 I spent in months. Can we get to do it over again next week?