Archive for May, 2024

Around The Park, Around The Clock 2024

Friday, May 31st, 2024 | Sport

Four years ago, Toby came up with the idea of running three laps of Woodhouse Moor (approximately 5k), every hour, for twelve hours. Some said he was crazy. Others said it was too easye because in a real backyard ultra, you would have to run 6.7k. Neither group were listened to.

2024 arrives and we’re doing it for the fourth time. Last year was glorious sunshine. This year was back to the rain-soaked day of 2021, and possibly the wettest it has ever been.

It’s a lovely format because you can change your pace and running partner on different laps which is great for catching up and having a chat. Thanks so much to Cat, Naomi, Robyn, Louise, Susie, Steve, Kevin, Kay and everyone else who provided some good banter on the way around. I’m sure Toby and Rich would have some good banter too but they’re in a different league. And a big thank you to Andy for looking after our stuff, providing insightful political commentary and buying ice lollies from Tesco.

I haven’t done any long runs since February, except for making it half way through Westport marathon, so I wasn’t sure how my ankle would hold up. The answer is that it held up fine: but I did get a pain in my hip after 10k. It was the same pain that forced me to retire at Endure24 2020 so I was concerned. I foam rolled between every lap and that got me through, but it was pretty sore for the rest of the week.

Early on, I felt quite a bit of panic, despite lapping a park I knew really well and being surrounded by friends. That was frustrating and scary. But I pushed on and made it through and I am glad I did because once I got onto the Red Bull for the final two hours, I felt great. By 8pm I was exhausted and keen to get home to check on Venla who was poorly at the time, so ended up skipping the pub.

It was absolutely lovely running with you all and I will see you soon! Thanks to Toby, Laura, Robyn and Andy for the photos.

Ice hockey world championships 2024

Thursday, May 30th, 2024 | Sport

Not the best year. Britain is back in the top division. Alas, we lost all of our games are relaged. But we were in the though group: Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Czechia were all in the same group.

Finland also had a really difficult tournament. They only just made the knockout stage, coming 4th out of 8 in the group and then were immediately knocked out by Sweden.

The four good teams are Canada, Finland, Sweden and Russia. Russia are banned, but none of the other teams made the final with Czechia ultimately beating Switzerland to take the gold. Sweden bested Canada for the bronze.

Giro d’Italia 2024

Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 | Distractions

Tadej Poga?ar Others also cycled.

I almost managed to catch Bogdan in the fantasy league. I had Pogačar and Martínez but alas, wasted all of my sprinter points on Jakobsen.

Championship play-offs final 2024

Monday, May 27th, 2024 | Distractions

Didn’t want to be in the Premiership anyway.

The Graveyard Book

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 | Books

The Graveyard Book is a fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman. It’s apparently written for young adults but I’m not sure I would have really noticed. It’s perfectly readable and entertaining for adults. Similar to Stardust and not-as-dark but otherwise similar to Netherwhere.

It follows the adventures of a boy who grows up in a graveyard with supernatural parents after his family are murdered. Well worth a read.

Eurovision 2024

Friday, May 17th, 2024 | Distractions

Well-earned victory by Switzerland. It was a good song. Croatia I was a bit more surprised at. Also that France scored so many jury points even that Graham Norton said his voice broke for the jury final. How can these scores be accurate when the technical quality was notably low?

Disappointing night for the UK. After 2022, we known people will vote for us. We just need a good song and it just wasn’t a banger. The staging was very innovative. But it was also in a toilet an I don’t want to look at a toilet for three minutes.

It was odd that Israel were allowed to compete with Russia have been excluded from the competition when both countries are accused of committing war crimes. People have expressed surprise about Israel getting so much of the public vote but I think it is the nature of voting. Israel’s actions are highly polarising. 66% of people think they should stop committting genocide, according to YouGov, but 13% think they should continue. That’s ten million people in the UK. That’s a lot of votes. And you can’t unvote Israel, not really tactically vote against them given countries give points to ten or so countries and there were 23 options to choose from.

Ironically, Eden Golan lives in Russia. Also ironic that Graham Norton commented on our Loreen is such a good performer and then she sat on a chair the whole time.

Good to see Finland in the final, and Ireland not only in the final but coming 6th. I’ll finish by allowing Nemo to sing us out.

Ardgillan Castle

Thursday, May 16th, 2024 | Photos, Travel

Ardgillan parkrun

Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 | Sport

Beautiful parkrun. Located at Ardgillan Castle, the stately home overlooks large grounds that trail down to the sea. Meaning you get beautiful architecture, country grounds and a sea view all in one. It’s hilly, though. Not quite as bad as Temple Newsam but then very few courses are.

I got a lovely welcome from the parkrun team and there was a nice cafe for refreshments after the run. Recommended!

This was the final parkrun I needed to complete my set of County Dublin so pretty chuffed to have achieved that.

Sandyford 5k

Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 | Sport

Sandyford 5k is an evening race that loops around the Sandyford business district. I wasn’t pushing too hard given my ankle is still a problem so was happy to get home in 25:30. Cabinteely enters a bunch of teams, though, and they picked up prizes in both the mixed and ladies teams!

Blackrock 5k

Monday, May 13th, 2024 | Sport

Too hot! But under 24 minutes. Got a bit caught up from taking it easy. I did turn up with some homemade biscuits and they all got eaten so I’m taking that as a victory. Thanks to all of the volunteers and Rob for directing.