Galway 5K series 2008

Hi lads!!!

Ireland is well known for it´s crazy abuse of alcohol, and I´m witness of this every single day (not to mention the weekends). However there is another face of Ireland, less know, but far more interesting though. There are lots of runners in Ireland.

In the Galway area several clubs can be found. 6 of those, the Athenry Atletics Club, Tuam AC, ,Craughwell Athletic Club, Clare River Harriers, Loughrea AC, Galway City Harriers, organize every year the "Galway 5K series". A series of 6 5k races, that take place in cities nearby Galway, and in Galway itself the final one.

This year more than 380 runner signed for the series, and amazing number for such an small country, and with such bad habits.

If we talk about me I have to tell that I´m quite happy with my performance:

• 1st race (Athenry): 21:06, 66th place
• 2nd race (Tuam): 21:10, 65th place
• 3rd race (Craughwell) 20:37, 62nd place

Today I felt terrific, and I could have pushed some more. Anyway next week will probably be my last race of the series, since I´m moving to The Netherlands, and i´ve heard that is the fastest route, this means that I´ll have the extra motivation of knowing that is my last race, and a little help from the route.

Update 22nd May 2008

• 4rd race (Claregalway) 20:17, 56th place

Amazing race with to "funny" uphills, and more tha 2k in "free falling", that made most runners improve their marks.

I want to thank you all the people involved in the organization, and of course all runners and walkers that create an amazing atmosfear, really, really enjoyable.

Update 04th June 2008

Following a line a constant improvement these are my results in the last two legs:

• 5th race (Loughrea) 20:14, 46th place
• 6th race (Galway) 19:55, 36th place

Loughrea was in my opinion the toughest race. Most of the route was uphill, and seriously steep. Thanks to a woman that keep the pace during the ascension I was able to beat my best time, again :).

Galway was a day to enjoy but also the last oportunity to make a Best Personal, and the route was really favorable for this, since there were no major uphills. A combination of grass and stones made the running sometimes difficult, but really really enjoyable.

Now that the series is over a felling of emptiness is filling our harts. These last 6 weeks have been a thrilling experience, a great opportunity to meet people with the same interests, and in general kind people.

Now there are a couple of 10k races as well as some half marathons, all in preparation of the great event, Dublin Marathon.


See you.

P.S. Thank you to all the people involved in the organization, as well as to all the runners. Thank you also to the ones that have visited this blog, I hope they liked it, and that nobody felt dissapointed for my opinios.