I went for a run on Sunday, a 1/2 marathon in Connemara (the Connemarathon).  13.1 miles (21 Kilometres, though the race is run in Imperial) up and down some pretty hills.

I have some notes on the run:

Some people, especially ladies have a crazy gait.  I saw more than one lady keep their upper leg locked to the knee, and then have their lower leg swing out in a 180 degree arc to run.  I cannot imagine running 500m like that, never mind 21k, without my knees falling off.  I am no expert, but I think this is bad.

Some really fat people run the race.  Kudos to them.  Except the guy who collapsed on the bus on the way home.  I can't preach about not doing enough training without sounding like a complete hypocrite, but 18st + 21k + a really hot day will finish you off if you are not careful.

To the fellow with cancer and the new hip, well done to you.  A genuine inspiration.

To the ultra-marathoners, especially the guy who did 39.3m in 4:41:07.  WTF? Are you aliens?

A lot of people make sex noises when running. Sinead was running beside one gent making over the top sex noises and I was running beside a lady who really, really seemed to be enjoying what she was doing. If only fate could've had them running side-by-side. An aural live show for everyone, I am sure I even heard some baa-ing at one point.

To the fellow who we met at breakfast who had run the marathon route the day before he ran the marathon.  Words fail me.  No, wait they don't.  You really bored the pants off me and I wish you had left me alone to eat my toast.  I know that sounds unfriendly, I'm sorry.  I'm really gald you didn't introduce me to those guys that ran 10 marathons in 10 days though.  They looked and sounded like they should be in an asylum.  On the upside, all that running probably keeps you and them out of the newspapers.

To my wife, well done, every minute gained is a success.  To me, fantastic job buddy! A personal triumph.

To the guy with the muscled legs unknowingly pacemaking for my wife, you did a good job.  To the lady with the rugby top unknowingly pacemaking for me, you also did a tremendously good job.  Nice legs and lovely bottoms on pacemakers are two of the unbreakable tenets of running, and quite possibly the only thing that makes it fun.  I hope one day either my legs or bottom can provide some pleasure to someone else.

To the last mile.  You are pure hell.  I hate you.

My chip time was 01:59:05

Splits:

Mile 1: 9.36
Mile 2: 8.52
Mile 3: 7.44
Mile 4: 7.55
Mile 5: 8.41
Mile 6: 9.32
Mile 7: 8.51
Mile 8: 9.04
Mile 9: 8.54
Mile 10: 10.10
Mile 11: 10.34
Mile 12 & 13: 19.19

N.B. Ended up with sore calves and quads after the race.  I had a swim today and it ironed me right out.  Go on the swimming.