plenty of news this week from as the 2020 season begins.
Kilmacrennan 10K
The first 10k of the year saw a huge proportion of club members post a 2020 season’s best – all the more impressive given how early in the year they came about!!!
On a crisp & bright January Sunday morning over 170 took on the new course layout, all under the watchful eye of sometimes-triathlete and Race Director, Gerard McGranaghan.
The club turned out in force with the club’s distinctive blue, black and green gear complimenting the many January-racing-red member’s faces on show also!
An uphill start and rolling first 4k was fallowed by a fast home-leg after the turn, all of which was eaten up in an sublime 34:16 time by Gavin Crawford who on top of first club man home was also 5th overall. Peter O’Donnell was running on familiar ground but it was all his own hard work that saw him blast across the line in an immense 35:48. Terence Diver, a man in the throws of a heavy
training schedule for events later in the spring, showed no signs of fatigue as he flew to a 40:31 – eyeing another PB before too long. David Harvey was only a shadow’s length behind Diver, smashing a superb 40:44.
Though initially an obvious mix-up with the kit bag saw come confusion, next past the post for 24/7 was Pat Brady – 43:40 a commanding performance from a man who seems to cross every finish line only needing a mouthful of water before setting sail for the next training session. Flying; hard work paying off. Joined on the day by daughter Caroline debuting with a fine run also.
Johnny Duffy took to the start line with his old adversary/shadow, Stephen Sweeney, near at hand as always. Duffy was not to be outdone on the day though. Sweeney later cited (‘too much sneaky secret training’) as the reason for Johnny’s powerful run of 44:13. Sweeney also seemed at pains to remind all present that no team ever won a major title in January!
Announcing his arrival to the club, new member Pierce Curtin – a man establishing himself as indeed a highly dedicated trainer – zipped around his first 10k race in a mighty 44:23; an honorary Donegal man in the making if his rate of improvement keeps up.
Aidan McFadden has been a regular in the season’s early races, with this race no different in terms of strong showing. ‘Timber’ was booting around familiar territory as he clipped past ‘work’ a mile from home and finishing in a great time of 45:34.
Conor McLaughlin, another man of fine sporting pedigree, somehow managed to get a break from a busy work and put it to good use. A superb 46:38 showing signs of good promise for the year ahead. Great stuff.
Stephen ‘long grass’ Sweeney was next in 47:07 seeing off the challenge of several big names from our neighbours in the Aura. Never beaten and always thinking ahead, there’s more to come here – be sure of it. Sandra Devine was the first 247 woman across the line holding off a chasing pack to post a brilliant 50:42.
Next came controversy: with the exact same time, Anne Robinson and Karol Harvey both crossed in 51:33. A stewards’ inquiry was later held in Mac’s Deli, headed by Herbie McDaid of Northwest Chip Timing, to determine whether alphabetical order should be done on the first or surname basis!!! Sensibly a draw was declared.
Eunan Russell was well inside his stated target for the day with a 53:20 breathing down the neck of another PB – all powered by an early morning bacon sandwich. More good running to come here too for sure. Patrick Patton’s winter training schedule continues to pay dividends as he nailed on a very strong 55:03. The next two club member’s will no doubt be eying all this running and conditioning as excellent preparation for the club’s Super Sprint race on April 26th. Martina O’Donnell (57:18) and Niamh McDaid (59:14) both had very good runs and over the longer 10k distance. Bodes well.
Compliments to Gerard and his team of marshals and organisers on a superbly well-run race.
New Club Gear
The new official club kit is proving to be in great demand.
The ‘most technologically advanced tri-suit on the market’ as well as cycling, running and the fantastic new range of Pactimo club gear are all available through the online shop (until 12am Jan 24th). Instructions on ordering are available through the club Viber group or through any committee member.
Be Safe, Be Seen
Club Safety Officer Adrian Wasson took time out of his busy week this week to ask that all club members ensure maximise visibility of themselves when training, especially this time of year. High-vis vests & jackets, as well as lighting – especially on bikes – all keep us that bit safer. He also asked that all members be ‘gently reminded’ (as you’d expect) that high-vis gear is compulsory for all club group activities on open roads.
Training Sessions
Ciaran Duck O’Donnell is packing them in on Monday’s at the track. Catering for all – those faster & those improving, and with a special interest in those seemingly able ‘to have the breath to keep chatting’. The attendance at Monday’s track sessions has been consistently high. All welcome.
Similarly, and a new offering recently, the Tuesday club turbo has gotten off to a flyer and seeing very strong attendance. Remember to be ready to set-up from 7 for kick-off at 7.15 (Speer Performance, Newmills).
Last Wednesday’s swim was almost packed out with the 12-week pre-season programme seemingly tempting those clinging onto Christmas back into the water! Now is the time to get back in the pool.
Monday: Track – Aura Leisure Centre. Warm-up 6.30 (foyer), on the track 6.45pm sharp.
Tuesday: Group Turbo (Speer Performance), set-up at 7, kick-off 7.15 sharp.
Wednesday: Swim session- Novice 7-8pm, Intermediate/Advanced 8-9pm.
Additional Lane for 14-16-year-old in place at 7pm sessions.
Thursday: Long run Thursdays leaving from Aura 6.30pm. Everyone welcome – mixed distance/pace. (Run route posted on club Viber on Thursday afternoon.)
Saturday: Club cycle from Aura at 9am – All members must have front and rear lights to take part.
2020 Membership
The club is open to new members this year with registration completed through the Triathlon Ireland website (or contact a committee member). Membership is open also to those not yet looking to race but who want to train with the club.
Anyone considering taking out membership ‘but just not sure’ yet should consider trying out a session for free. Contact us through the FB page for more details.
All existing members are reminded that your 2020 Club membership is now due!! www.triathlonireland.com
Results/Notes
As the year gets busier make sure to contact club PROs Karol Harvey & Eunan Russell if you’re competing in events want to be included in club notes.
It’s great to see so many members racing each week so please submit your results 0873744228 (karolharvey@gmail.com) or 0860867478.
