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28 November, 2009

From years of doing Wednesday night hill races I maintain that it usually pours rain on Wednesday afternoon so I wasn?t to be disappointed. I had to endure the usual pitying glances of my colleagues and the offers to have me certified as I cheerfully headed off a bit early (they remain in awe of my affinity to mud and the risk I run of suffering rising damp so they willingly let me out early on a Wednesday). I told myself to remain upbeat, that nine times out of ten it clears up and we have glorious sunshine (albeit a bit of mud thrown in too!)
Once again we had excellent parking facilities and I resolved to preserve my energy and not run all the way up to the start despite the gentlemanly offer from Diarmuid who cheerfully commenced jogging to the start holding up an umbrella over me. Strangely enough he laughed when I suggested he accompany me around the course holding the umbrella over me ? I wonder why?
It was five years since I had raced the on the old Scalp route so I was delighted with the course. A quick chat with those around me (an essential part of my warm-up) and off we set. The rain had eased and the evening sun was aglow with a mirage of glorious hues (wow, never knew I could be moved to such eloquence). The initial running was fast but soon the climbing started and the panting all around grew louder. There was plenty of twists and turns in the trees, enough to keep the concentration and then we had our ascent --- to my delight I passed my friend and foe Niamh Ni Cholmain as we threw caution and ladylikeness (is there such a word) to the wind and scrambled up the heather and rock passing those who were treading carefully in the footsteps of the person in front. A nice bit of trail running and a quick glance around at the competition kept me happy for the next while. My joy of course was short-lived as I knew my dreaded descending skills were even more rusty and being an old hat at this knew what lay ahead before the finish. Naturally Niamh flew by me (having the grace to say ?well done Eva, you will catch me on the flat?) Hmmmmh I thought as I tree hugged and tottered down like an old dear/deer. I am ashamed to say that I lost over 10 places in this short space to Niamh and vowed revenge would be mine!
Congratulations to all the winners in all the categories but a special well done to Aisling on her placing considering her weekend little jaunt!

<b>Team Results</b>

Rathfarnham had a double-success in the team competition. Laura Flynn and Zoe Melling supported by Miriam McCormack had a good win over last week?s winners Crusaders. Sli Cualann ran consistently for third team.

The contest was closer in the men?s with Rathfarnham holding off UCD, and a strong Crusaders performance led by Alan O?Keeffe. Newcomers Unwilling Wanderers packed tightly for 4th position.

Women?s teams
1. Rathfarnham 170 (Laura Flynn 33, Zoe Melling 37, Miriam McCormack 100)
2. Crusaders 227 (Aoife Joyce 61, Martina O?Kearney 73, Niamh NiCholmain93)
3. Sli Cualann 258 (Liz Ryan 74, Jean Bader 86, Maria O?Rourke 98) 4. Setanta 347 (Hazel Thompson 64, Margaret McCarthy 132, Caitlin Bent 151)

Men?s teams
1. Rathfarnham 22 (Barry Minnock 3, Peter O?Farrell 5, Mike Long 14)
2. UCD 36 (John Biddle 8, Tim Grummell 13, Eoin Syron 15)
3. Crusaders 55 (Alan O?Keeffe 6, Shane O?Rourke 11, Paul Kelly 38)
4. Unwilling wanderers 64 (Padraig Flynn 17, Richard Healy 21, Matthew Kenny 26)
5. Sli Cualann 80 (Colm Mullen 2, Jimmy Synott 12, Brendan Lawlor 66)
6. GEN 150 (Paul Nolan 4, Gavan Doherty 24, Brendan Doherty 122)
7. Ajax 291 (Justin Rea 48, Brendan O?Connor 114, Justin Keatinge 129)