After the intensity of last weekend’s adventures in Tollymore and elsewhere, perhaps it was inevitable that this week should see a less hectic schedule for East Down’s athletes, with the most effort being devoted to a bout of wound licking and watching others suffer. Certainly there was no East Down representation in Bangor on Saturday for the North Down Festival of Cross Country Relays and just three made the trip to Gosford for the latest in the Run Forest Run series of 10Ks. Niamh Kellett 41.34 was an excellent 3rd placed Lady while Michael McKeown and Clare Carson finished in 45.34 and 53.22 respectively.
DUATHLON
On Sunday while several of the East Down juniors were preparing for cross country battle in Santry at All Ireland Even Age Group Championships, Gavin Hynds opted for the Duathlon challenge in the Victoria Park/Airport Road area of Belfast and finished in a superb 17th place overall, breaking the hour for the 14 miles plus distance. I’m never quite sure what to make of this event, as when I’m running I’m wishing I was on the bike and vice versa. Either way it didn’t make any difference to my performance as I completed the course in 1.22.04 in 64th place. But I have a cunning plan. I reckon if I can improve my running speed, go a little faster on the bike and stop hanging about in the transition area I could soon duck below 80 minutes. Next time perhaps?
ALL IRELAND EVEN AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Meanwhile the aforementioned Juniors were finding things mighty tough in the rough and tumble of cross country running, not improved any by large fields and lackadaisical organisation. However, it’s all part of the learning process and all those who took part can be proud of their efforts knowing they did their best on the day. Aoife Cochrane suffered in the chaos at the start of the Under 16 Girls race but used her experience to good effect, working her way through the field to take a splendid 71st place with Laura Green 101st and Ella Carroll 106th, both probably reckoning from early on it was not going to be their day.
Hopes were high for Edie Carroll in the Under 14 Girls race but again were dashed when she suffered a severe stitch after battling into contention position at the end of lap one and dropped back quickly, though in typical fashion, she battled through to finish. Hannah Gilliland though took up the challenge and finished an excellent 45th in the 160 runner field. Well Done to both for battling it out.
Daniel Atkinson was the only East Down runner in the Under 16 Boys race and finished just outside the top 100 in the near 150 runner field. Laura Gardiner finished 27th in the Under 18 Girls race but was clearly not in top form as several whom she had beaten easily two weeks ago in Stranorlar finished well ahead on Sunday.
But this is not to disparage any of the performances. Experienced runners know that there are days when it just doesn’t go right for whatever reason and the only thing to do is put it down to experience, dust yourself off and try to put it right next time.
COMING SOON
Next week it’s the Seeley Cup 10K in Ormeau Park and with entries closed over 2 weeks ago it retains its popularity with the top road runners. A big turnout of East Down runners is expected – and then the following week it’s on to the delights of the Griddle. This race has been revamped this year and with additional prize money and T- shirts for the first 200 entries a record turnout is anticipated. Online entries are open at www.athleticsni.org and entries will be taken on the day at increased cost.
Joe Quinn