Siobhan & Aine O'Loughlins Reports

03 December, 2024 - Elizabeth Wheeler

By SIOBHAN O’LOUGHLIN
I really enjoyed my time in Palencia for the u18 World Mountain Running Youth Cup.
We were all a little disappointed on arrival in Bilbao when it was raining - not the sunny warm weather we had expected! However spirits were still high on the 3 hour bus journey. We entertained ourselves with a very enthusiastic sing-song. We arrived at Kyomu Resort late that evening. The staff had a delicious meal prepared for us which included some octopus legs. Needless to say I did not try one!
The next morning we recced the course. We were all pleasantly surprised, the course wasn't as tough as we were expecting. The wooded path underfoot and the muck suited us as it was similar to crosscountry courses in Ireland. Afterwards we had lunch with the teams from the other countries and got to know them better making many new friends in the process!
When we got back to the hostel we prepared for the race and tried our best to get an early night. An early start ensured we got breakfast, hair, ribbons and face paint all sorted before the bus departed. The bus journey was quieter than usual as we were all very nervous for the race.
As expected my race got out fast but by the 1st km I had settled in. Overall I was happy with my performance and although I enjoyed the race we were all glad to be finished and to be able to relax and enjoy the rest of our trip. After the closing ceremony we went on a few rides at the funfair and then the 'dj party' began. We had a ball - it was great fun and we were all disappointed when we had to return to our bus but the party continued when we got back! We all only managed a couple of hours sleep before we rose bright and early for our recovery run. It was lovely to get to see the beautiful Spanish countryside.
Unfortunately all goods things come to an end and we were all sad to have to say goodbye when we arrived back at Dublin airport. I had a great time and really enjoyed the trip! Huge thanks to Elizabeth and Owen, our team managers. I hope that their ears have recovered from our many sing songs on the bus ( I think they know every word of 'Freed from Desire' at this stage).


By AINE O’LOUGHLIN
I really enjoyed my time in Spain for the Under 18s World Youth Mountain Running Cup. My mam, dad and I came to Spain to support my sister, Siobhán, who was running on the girls' team for Ireland. I also ran the open race.

We arrived in Spain on Friday evening. The race was on Saturday morning. Thankfully, the place where we were staying was only a short drive away from the race start, a football field in the town of Barruelo de Santullán. It was a rainy, wet day, meaning there were a few puddles on the course. I was surprised by the weather, which was very different to the hot, sunny expectations I had for Spain!
The open race began an hour before the official races. There were not many participants in my race, and I was quite nervous. After the gun went off to signal the beginning of the race, we were off! I was quite happy with my position as the first girl as we got into the race. As I ran, I noticed that the course was very similar to the ones I have run in Ireland. It was a challenging race, but not as difficult as I expected. Unfortunately, around half way through my race I missed a few flags marking my way and went wrong! It took me a little while to realize my mistake, after which I had been passed by several people. I managed to pass out one person on my way to the finish of the race, and ended up as the third girl! Overall, I was happy with my result and I have definitely learned a lesson for the future. I need to be more aware of my surroundings!
My sister's race began shortly after my race finished. Everyone was waiting in anticipation at the finish line to see who would come first. Ireland did not place overall but the first scorer on the Irish team was my sister so I was thrilled for her!
After the boys' race, my mam, dad and I left to make the most of our time in Spain. We planned to visit a nearby street market! However, after we had driven away, we received several calls and texts urgently telling us to return to the race start because I had to receive a medal for my race! It had not even crossed my mind that I would be given a medal! Unfortunately, we could not return in time for me to take my place on the podium, so my sister thankfully stepped in!

My mam, dad and I spent the rest of the day in the nearby town of Aguilar de Campoo, which also happened to be the location of the opening and closing ceremonies. We attended the closing ceremony and then left to return to the place we were staying.

The following day we returned to Ireland.