Running in Ireland!

Posted on August 12, 2014 by beawesomerunner

I decided my first run in Ireland should be an ambitious run along the Cliffs of Moher. It would be a great way to start the day with expansive views of the cliffs and the Atlantic below.  I figured it had to be safe given the “official” hiking path along the route.  I was partially right!

The views were amazing and the path well maintained and fairly runnable.  It was extremely picturesque and I planned on taking many photos, but my iPhone died after the very first one!  Luckily, it captures the experience well!

From my run along the Ciffs of Moher

From my run along the Ciffs of Moher

The only danger… on my return trip I tripped over a rock and would have plummeted over the edge had it not been for a small wire fence that allowed me to get my balance and bounce back on the trail.  These fences were rare along the run so I consider it a mini miracle – it is Ireland after all!

Here’s to safer runs tomorrow!

Run Details:

  • Garmin Link:  http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/556554064
  • Strava Link: http://www.strava.com/activities/176483387

 

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Rest at last

Posted on August 12, 2014 by beawesomerunner

After an action packed day, it was nice to relax and unwind a bit in the costal town of Doolin.  After checking in at the Dunroman House (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g214506-d1105827-Reviews-Dunroman_House-Doolin_The_Burren_County_Clare.html) it was off to explore the town of Doolin, buy ferry tickets to Aran Islands, and find a place for food and entertainment.

We ended up at McGann’s Pub and enjoyed our first authentic meal.  I ordered the traditional beef stew, which was delicious, but not necessarily what I was expecting…

Something delicious!

Something delicious!

More of beef, mashed potatoes, and veggies with a beef based gravy poured over them.  It was delicious!

After dinner we walked up the street for beer and traditional Irish music at McDermott’s Pub.  The band was great and it was interesting to see how family oriented the Irish pub scene is.  Everyone was welcome – adults, children, drinkers, and non-drinkers.  It was a really great environment.

The video below is a brief sample of the local music.

We also met Dianne Lynch (http://www.dailytownsman.com/breaking_news/222388981.html) there who it turns out is a bit of a celebrity in the IRONMAN circuit. She was the first woman to compete and win the IRONMAN in Canada in its inaugural year, 1983.

Dianne Lynch (second from left) with Sister Madonna, her partner in endurance sports crime

Dianne Lynch (second from left) with Sister Madonna, her partner in endurance sports crime

Dianne was super down to earth and interested in my running too.  She is passing through Doolin while writing her book – sounds like her plan is to rent a cabin on the Aran Islands for the next 3 months to finish her writing in a nice quiet setting.  I can’t wait to read it!

Tomorrow is another busy day for us with a bike tour of the Aran Islands in the morning and then a trip north to Co. Galway to see Dunguaire Castle and The Fahy’s Travellers Inn.

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Dysert O’Dea

Posted on August 10, 2014 by beawesomerunner

Under Dennis and Daniel’s guidance, we took a brief detour on our way to the B&B to see a restored ruin where the battle for Irish independence took place several hundred years ago.

Dysert O'Dea

Dysert O’Dea

The battle of Dysert O’Dea was fought 1318 when several proud Irish clans, including the O’Meehan’s, united to fight off English invaders looking to rule over them.  Their success sent a message to foreign would be conquerers and the area remained sovereign for over 200 years.  Nice job, Meehans! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Dysert_O’Dea)

A Meehan honoring the O'Meehan's

A Meehan honoring the O’Meehans

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Cliffs of Moher

Posted on August 10, 2014 by beawesomerunner

The #CliffsOfMoher (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliffs_of_Moher) are the perfect way to welcome someone to #Ireland.  While a little rainy at times – every 20 mins or so – they are magnificent to see in person.  The pictures just won’t do them justice.

Cliff of Moher on a typical rainy day in Ireland

Cliff of Moher on a typical rainy day in Ireland

View of the cliffs

View of the cliffs

View of the cliffs!

View of the cliffs!

Anna and Joseph

Anna and Joseph

Anna and Daniel

Dennis, Anna and Daniel

Lady Anna of County Clare

Lady Anna of County Clare

Since it wouldn’t be Ireland without some farm animals, here are a few of the livestock grazing along the cliffs.

Cows of the Cliffs

Majestic Cows of the Cliffs

Sheep of Ireland

Hipster Sheep of Ireland

And at the end of our journey along the cliffs I was awarded with digital viewing of my family crest in the visitor center.  Plus one more Meehan in County Clare!

Meehan Family Crest - Co. Clare

Meehan Family Crest – Co. Clare

And a few panoramic photos to wrap it up:

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We’re here!

Posted on August 10, 2014 by beawesomerunner

#Ireland!  We made it!

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The flight to #Shannon was uneventful and we both actually got a bit of rest.  Dennis and Daniel met us at the airport and we set up for our first site in this majestic land, the @CliffsOfMoher1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliffs_of_Moher).

We stopped for a quick bite at a pub called Dillon’s which we passed along the way.  The the Irish food would have to wait, however, since my first meal in Ireland was a chicken club and fries. Oh well, there will be plenty of Irish food ahead.  For now, it was nice to get food in my stomach and to relax with the family.

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After asking a few questions about the planned itinerary during lunch, I’m starting to think that Anna and I were supposed to do some planning for this part of the trip… Oh well, we’ll figure it out – it’s my homeland after all!

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Off to Ireland!

Posted on August 10, 2014 by beawesomerunner

We made it!  To the gate that is…

Our gate to Ireland

Our gate to Ireland

With months of lead time for our trip, we decided to wait until tonight to pack, find passports and arrange transportation to the airport.  We had some trouble locating one of our passports (this guy’s) and I once again learned that super secret hiding spots are only effective if the hider’s memory is reliable – Anna is forever more in charge of these things.  As a result of the passport hunt, the packing was a bit frantic but effective – we’ll discover what we forgot upon our arrival.  @Uber saved the day again getting us to the airport on time and in comfort.  The @Delta sky priority experience was wonderful.  Check-in and security took less than 10 mins and we enjoyed a beer (me) and a nap (Anna) in the lounge before taking off.  Next stop is Shannon, Ireland where we’ll meet up with Dennis and Daniel who have planned an action packed itinerary for our trip along the west coast of Ireland.

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Back to square one

Posted on May 18, 2014 by beawesomerunner

After a somewhat epic running year in 2013, this year has been anything but so far.

Fall of 2013 was intense finishing Berlin (26.2), Chicago (26.2), New York (26.2) and the NYC 60K (37.2) over the corse of 7 weeks. This year was supposed to be equally challenging with 4 more marathons, my first triathlon (half ironman), and the 60K in the fall to close it all out.

Unfortunately, my career had other plans. The first 5 months of the year have been epic, but for my team’s growth, new client wins, and perpetual 75+ hour weeks. While an exciting experience for me and the team, it has been devastating for my running and tri training. Just take a look below…

Los Angeles Marathon (3/9/14) – missed due to work
Pittsburgh Marathon (5/4/14) – missed due to work and lack of training
Brooklyn Half Marathon (5/17/14) – missed due to lack of training
Mont Tremblant Ironman 70.3 (6/22/14) – eliminated from field due to lack of participation/training with team
New York Marathon (11/2/14) – no way I’m missing this one.

My running dipped from 30-40 mile weeks down to 5 over last few months. My ratting didn’t! So I’ve pocked up a good 20 pounds. It’s been a pretty sad start to what I thought would be my breakout running year.

All that changes today. Over the next 2 months I am going to get myself back into prime running shape. My goal is to break 3:40 in NYC this year. I have a lot of work to do before then. This is where I’ll share my progress and all the fun and pain along the way.

Stay tuned…

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First Post

Posted on October 22, 2013 by beawesomerunner

So after over 1 year I’ve finally figured out how to actually post content to my site. Thank you WordPress!!!

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