Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Ö TILL Ö Race Report 2010
Almost two years have passed since first stumbling across a website that offered some sketchy details about a race that was very much still in its infancy, the race was called the Ö TILL Ö (pronounced uh–till-uh). According to the website, the race was described as ‘ a unique race in a unique environment. Teams of two race together from island to island (Ö till Ö). The teams swim between the islands and run on them. The total distance is 64 kilometres of which 10 km are swimming and 54 km are running’.
This was a challenge that I couldn’t resist and since it was a team event, I had to find a race partner. There really never was a doubt as to who would make the journey with me – I had to find someone who could swim and run and also have the same streak of stubbornness as myself. I casually sent an email to my brother Declan with a link to the race website, a few minutes later I got the response I knew I would get. One word said it all. ‘Savage’. When I read his one word response, I knew that we were on our way. It was October 2008 and I sent an email to the race organisers asking if we could enter for the 2009 race and the response was that he would guarantee an entry for us.
A few weeks before Christmas, my wife Eileen gave me some brilliant news – we would be expecting our second baby in July! Ö TILL Ö would have to wait for now. There was an almost nerdish countdown to February 1st, the day to enter for Ö TILL Ö 2010. Entry form filled out and confirmation of entry received, now all that was left to do was prepare for the race.
In the beginning training was very fragmented, a few days here and there, some swimming at lunch or after work. This pattern continued until March when we both joined the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown. We tried to swim Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings before work and then to get a couple of runs in during the week or at weekends. With two little children at home, it was difficult to get out as much as I probably should have but my wife Eileen was brilliant, training times were never an issue, she always told me to do what I needed to do. In fact, I think that she might have even enjoyed me being out of the house for so long! As time passed by, week by week and month by month, we were gradually getting fitter and with a couple of open water swims thrown into the mix, we gained the much needed experience of swimming in open water. Throughout all of the training, we never doubted that we would finish this race, however after we did a 3.8km Ironman swim in Dunmore East, both of us realised that it was a turning point in our preparation. We knew that our swim training was paying off and that it was time to get the run in order. We used a number of venues to train for our long runs, Fairyhouse Racecourse, Phoenix Park, Carton House Maynooth, The Royal Canal and St. Patricks College Maynooth.
From reading about the race and also watching video clips on YouTube, we had to decide on what equipment would be the most suitable for race day. Previous entrants to Ö TILL Ö had used fins on their feet, hand paddles, back packs, water hydration packs, bum bags, snorkels and full size swimming diving masks. Some mandatory equipment that you must carry throughout the race includes a waterproof map holder, compass, two whistles, pressure bandages, first aid, GPS transmitter and a mobile phone. Our job now was to find the best way possible to carry this equipment plus any specific nutrition we would need.
Evenings were spent going through websites about water hydration systems, light weight back packs and compass sets. In the end, we decided that after trying out a few different systems that we would go with what we knew best. A simple bum bag to carry the mandatory gear, a compass from a Christmas cracker, a plastic zip seal bag for the maps and two kid size Tipperary water (250ml) bottles in case of emergency - so much for the hours of research!
Donabate strand was the location for our simulation training. In reality this meant jumping into the sea, swimming for 15 – 30 minutes, get out and go straight into a run for between 15 and 45 minutes. This lasted up to five hours and was repeated each Sunday a month before the race. We had quite a few strange glances from the locals and also the families playing on the beach. You can be certain there were plenty of children asking their parents ‘Why are those men running in and out of the sea?’ or ‘Why are those men swimming with their shoes on?’
We now had all our equipment finalised for the race – both of us would wear our triathlon wetsuits to keep the body warm as the water temperature is forecasted to be about 10C-12C and air temperature about 15C. I had chosen Inov8 x-talon 212 as footwear, fancy words for a lightweight shoe with a grippy sole, but I guess the marketing people might prefer the fancy terminology. Declan would wear the Vibram Five Finger KSO Treks – these are shoes designed to offer the same feeling as barefoot running except with protection on the sole against stone bruising and rough terrain. Correct footwear is crucial for Ö TILL Ö since we would be on our feet for about 13 hours and also would be swimming with them.
Other teams had been keeping blogs and we were reading these with great interest for any hints or clues on how to improve our own preparations. Confident in the knowledge that we had built up about the course, the conditions, equipment needed and the necessary level of fitness to complete Ö TILL Ö, we left Dublin airport for Stockholm on Friday 4th September. We would have a day to relax and enjoy the sights of the old town of Gamla Stan before getting the ferry to Sandhamn where the race we have been looking forward to for almost two years would begin. The race briefing began and the common theme running through was to keep moving, at all times in order to finish this race you must keep moving. That would become our mantra for the race – ‘Moving- Keep on Moving’. Seeing all the other teams on the evening before the race made it real. We were finally about to take on one of the toughest one day races in the world. This was our first ever venture into a race that most definitely had an international flavour - teams were from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, UK, France, USA, South Africa, Australia, Germany and Ireland. Race briefing over, dinner eaten and back to the room for some rest. We went over the fine details of our plans making sure we were as prepared as we could be. Into the cot and lights out by 9.30pm.. still awake at 10pm.... 11pm and still looking at the ceiling .. next I heard was the alarm going off at 04:00 hours. Up and on with the tunes, Declan had a selection to get us pumped for the day and when I heard some of them I wondered if he realised what race he was about to do! Down for breakfast, a mad scramble affair with people literally stuffing as much food as possible into them, one team seemed to have an entire side of smoked salmon on a plate with another plate of eggs, bread, cereals, yoghurt, and fruit. We went for what we knew best, as big a bowl of Flahavan’s porridge as we could manage and a few slices of fresh bread – nothing that would cause the stomach too much bother.
Start time was due for 05.45am and as a helicopter hovered overhead, all teams were under the starter banner. All of a sudden it was here, the starting pistol was fired into the air and we were away! All teams were instructed to stay behind a quad bike until they reached the first swim which was about a mile away. Foolishly we presumed that it would be a nice comfortable pace to get familiar with the terrain and so that you would at least make it to the first swim! Like the clappers they were gone – after about 600m, two groups had formed – we were leading the second group which were about 50m adrift of the lead pack. On arrival at the water edge it seemed like pandemonium! Teams were putting on fins, hand paddles, getting their backpacks sorted while we literally pulled up the goggles, threw some water over our faces, looked at each other and simply said, “Lets GO!”. During this first swim it was very encouraging to feel that the water was not as cold as predicted, it was about 14C and in our minds it was just like Donabate! Getting to grips with a sensible rhythm was the key to maintaining comfortable breathing and so keep our heart rates down. We did not want to overheat early or else it would be disaster. Onto the first island, Vindalso, a short 700m hop and then a quick 300m splash across to Skarp-Rumaro where we had 3km over land.
It is difficult to describe exactly what the run sections were like but if we tell you that it took almost 10 minutes to cover the 700m and more than 25 minutes to cover the 3km, you might get an idea of what it was like. We crossed over solid rock, loose stones and crevices covered with moss, swamp, through rushes, forest trail, woodland without trail, sand paths and the occasional cliff face to scale – all the time looking for small strands of ribbon that hung from the branches of trees or simply left over grass every 50m or so. On at least three occasions we had to double back on ourselves and retrace our steps to look for our markers. This was the pattern that continued for five hours until we reached the first cut-off. Any teams that did not make the cut off by 12.00pm would not be allowed continue. The next cut-off was 14.30pm and we made this with about an hour to spare. Still on track we got as much energy drink into us at the feed stations along with the odd sausage roll and a few packets of jelly beans for good measure! Moving... Keep on Moving, our mantra was keeping us going.
The next important time scale for us for the 4.00pm cut-off on the island of Kymmendo, just before a short 300m swim to the island of Orno. We were going now for over nine hours and we checked in at 3.15pm. At this check point we saw a number of teams who did not make the first two cut-offs along with a few teams that had to stop for either injuries or other reasons. While we were keeping each other going all along the route, something clicked with me when I saw these teams. The only image in my mind was Eileen and my two children Mae and Charlie. This was mentally very difficult for me. I started to crack. Tears had filled my eyes and I wasn’t able to swallow the energy drinks or take the gels. Declan came over to me and really got me back on track along with a member from the race crew. After two or three minutes I was alright and Declan lined up three cups of energy drink – down in three gulps the three of them and we were away again. We were straight into a short 300m swim and during this swim I got a lot stronger and was ready for the biggest challenge of the day. The run along the island of Orno, 17km with another check point at 11km. This would be the final checkpoint. We had 90 minutes to cover the 11km. No problem on an ordinary day, but this was an extraordinary day and an extraordinary course. Off we go and we managed a good pace, the only problem was that it was through forest and the terrain was not good. None of the course had distance markers and so it was very difficult to know how much you had covered or how much you had to go. After about 15 minutes we got onto a good trail and were able to get our race pace going again. A few nice gentle hills to sap the remaining energy out of the legs went by followed by some long straights through meadows. Moving.. Keep on Moving we kept saying anytime the pace dropped, time was ticking by 4.30pm .. 4.40pm.. still no sign of the checkpoint .. Declan pushed on and I couldn’t stay with him. We were catching a team in front of us. I could see Declan pass this team and push on again. He was about 100m ahead and I was struggling big time. Head down, small steps and get the arms going again. Push, push, I couldn’t let Declan down at this stage, not after what we have come through so far. Then I saw the checkpoint and Declan had made it. 4.52pm and I was almost there. One last effort and I made it. We checked in and were greeted by another five teams who had made it there also and who were all physically shattered but mentally overwhelmed at making the final cut-off! Another team, the San Diego Lifeguards came over the brow of the hill with two minutes to go and then just as the cut-off was being removed, team number 72 came thundering down the hill to make it with 20 seconds to go! They were in. Everybody was thrilled for each other. Now all that was left was about 11km of running and about 1km of swimming. Away we went walking at first and then shuffling and then more walking for the remaining 6km of Orno. A few short islands and a couple of short swims followed and then the sun had started to relax for the day. We still had a little bit more to do. The last swim was greeted with a thank you to the sea for keeping us safe and also for delivering us to our final run. Just 2500m remained - if we had to we would carry each other over the line. Nothing was going to stop us from making the finishing line. The San Diego Lifeguards passed us with about 1km to go and we applauded their guts. A few minutes later team number 72, the team that just made the last checkpoint came and passed us - all we wanted was to see the finish line! Then we could hear the sounds coming from the finish and all of a sudden we could hear our crew – Eileen, Kate and Carmel were there to meet us! Only a short hill to go. Up the hill we ran and across the line. We made it - this great race made us crack and beat us up and made us feel pain in ways we never knew before. It has taught us what we can achieve when we really want it badly enough. We both had some dark moments on the course but we pulled each other through and we can now say that we are proud finishers of Ö TILL Ö. Over 84 teams entered and just 51 managed to make it to the finish. We were 50th team to finish in 14 hours 31 minutes! We met some terrific people, Team Diversify, we wish you all the best in this race next year, and you were so close. To everyone who helped us reach our goal we say thank you. To everyone who sponsored us for our charity, St Josephs Centre for the visually impaired, thank you for your more than generous contributions.
Details on the race along with some photos and video can be found on www.otillo.se
This was a challenge that I couldn’t resist and since it was a team event, I had to find a race partner. There really never was a doubt as to who would make the journey with me – I had to find someone who could swim and run and also have the same streak of stubbornness as myself. I casually sent an email to my brother Declan with a link to the race website, a few minutes later I got the response I knew I would get. One word said it all. ‘Savage’. When I read his one word response, I knew that we were on our way. It was October 2008 and I sent an email to the race organisers asking if we could enter for the 2009 race and the response was that he would guarantee an entry for us.
A few weeks before Christmas, my wife Eileen gave me some brilliant news – we would be expecting our second baby in July! Ö TILL Ö would have to wait for now. There was an almost nerdish countdown to February 1st, the day to enter for Ö TILL Ö 2010. Entry form filled out and confirmation of entry received, now all that was left to do was prepare for the race.
In the beginning training was very fragmented, a few days here and there, some swimming at lunch or after work. This pattern continued until March when we both joined the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown. We tried to swim Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings before work and then to get a couple of runs in during the week or at weekends. With two little children at home, it was difficult to get out as much as I probably should have but my wife Eileen was brilliant, training times were never an issue, she always told me to do what I needed to do. In fact, I think that she might have even enjoyed me being out of the house for so long! As time passed by, week by week and month by month, we were gradually getting fitter and with a couple of open water swims thrown into the mix, we gained the much needed experience of swimming in open water. Throughout all of the training, we never doubted that we would finish this race, however after we did a 3.8km Ironman swim in Dunmore East, both of us realised that it was a turning point in our preparation. We knew that our swim training was paying off and that it was time to get the run in order. We used a number of venues to train for our long runs, Fairyhouse Racecourse, Phoenix Park, Carton House Maynooth, The Royal Canal and St. Patricks College Maynooth.
From reading about the race and also watching video clips on YouTube, we had to decide on what equipment would be the most suitable for race day. Previous entrants to Ö TILL Ö had used fins on their feet, hand paddles, back packs, water hydration packs, bum bags, snorkels and full size swimming diving masks. Some mandatory equipment that you must carry throughout the race includes a waterproof map holder, compass, two whistles, pressure bandages, first aid, GPS transmitter and a mobile phone. Our job now was to find the best way possible to carry this equipment plus any specific nutrition we would need.
Evenings were spent going through websites about water hydration systems, light weight back packs and compass sets. In the end, we decided that after trying out a few different systems that we would go with what we knew best. A simple bum bag to carry the mandatory gear, a compass from a Christmas cracker, a plastic zip seal bag for the maps and two kid size Tipperary water (250ml) bottles in case of emergency - so much for the hours of research!
Donabate strand was the location for our simulation training. In reality this meant jumping into the sea, swimming for 15 – 30 minutes, get out and go straight into a run for between 15 and 45 minutes. This lasted up to five hours and was repeated each Sunday a month before the race. We had quite a few strange glances from the locals and also the families playing on the beach. You can be certain there were plenty of children asking their parents ‘Why are those men running in and out of the sea?’ or ‘Why are those men swimming with their shoes on?’
We now had all our equipment finalised for the race – both of us would wear our triathlon wetsuits to keep the body warm as the water temperature is forecasted to be about 10C-12C and air temperature about 15C. I had chosen Inov8 x-talon 212 as footwear, fancy words for a lightweight shoe with a grippy sole, but I guess the marketing people might prefer the fancy terminology. Declan would wear the Vibram Five Finger KSO Treks – these are shoes designed to offer the same feeling as barefoot running except with protection on the sole against stone bruising and rough terrain. Correct footwear is crucial for Ö TILL Ö since we would be on our feet for about 13 hours and also would be swimming with them.
Other teams had been keeping blogs and we were reading these with great interest for any hints or clues on how to improve our own preparations. Confident in the knowledge that we had built up about the course, the conditions, equipment needed and the necessary level of fitness to complete Ö TILL Ö, we left Dublin airport for Stockholm on Friday 4th September. We would have a day to relax and enjoy the sights of the old town of Gamla Stan before getting the ferry to Sandhamn where the race we have been looking forward to for almost two years would begin. The race briefing began and the common theme running through was to keep moving, at all times in order to finish this race you must keep moving. That would become our mantra for the race – ‘Moving- Keep on Moving’. Seeing all the other teams on the evening before the race made it real. We were finally about to take on one of the toughest one day races in the world. This was our first ever venture into a race that most definitely had an international flavour - teams were from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, UK, France, USA, South Africa, Australia, Germany and Ireland. Race briefing over, dinner eaten and back to the room for some rest. We went over the fine details of our plans making sure we were as prepared as we could be. Into the cot and lights out by 9.30pm.. still awake at 10pm.... 11pm and still looking at the ceiling .. next I heard was the alarm going off at 04:00 hours. Up and on with the tunes, Declan had a selection to get us pumped for the day and when I heard some of them I wondered if he realised what race he was about to do! Down for breakfast, a mad scramble affair with people literally stuffing as much food as possible into them, one team seemed to have an entire side of smoked salmon on a plate with another plate of eggs, bread, cereals, yoghurt, and fruit. We went for what we knew best, as big a bowl of Flahavan’s porridge as we could manage and a few slices of fresh bread – nothing that would cause the stomach too much bother.
Start time was due for 05.45am and as a helicopter hovered overhead, all teams were under the starter banner. All of a sudden it was here, the starting pistol was fired into the air and we were away! All teams were instructed to stay behind a quad bike until they reached the first swim which was about a mile away. Foolishly we presumed that it would be a nice comfortable pace to get familiar with the terrain and so that you would at least make it to the first swim! Like the clappers they were gone – after about 600m, two groups had formed – we were leading the second group which were about 50m adrift of the lead pack. On arrival at the water edge it seemed like pandemonium! Teams were putting on fins, hand paddles, getting their backpacks sorted while we literally pulled up the goggles, threw some water over our faces, looked at each other and simply said, “Lets GO!”. During this first swim it was very encouraging to feel that the water was not as cold as predicted, it was about 14C and in our minds it was just like Donabate! Getting to grips with a sensible rhythm was the key to maintaining comfortable breathing and so keep our heart rates down. We did not want to overheat early or else it would be disaster. Onto the first island, Vindalso, a short 700m hop and then a quick 300m splash across to Skarp-Rumaro where we had 3km over land.
It is difficult to describe exactly what the run sections were like but if we tell you that it took almost 10 minutes to cover the 700m and more than 25 minutes to cover the 3km, you might get an idea of what it was like. We crossed over solid rock, loose stones and crevices covered with moss, swamp, through rushes, forest trail, woodland without trail, sand paths and the occasional cliff face to scale – all the time looking for small strands of ribbon that hung from the branches of trees or simply left over grass every 50m or so. On at least three occasions we had to double back on ourselves and retrace our steps to look for our markers. This was the pattern that continued for five hours until we reached the first cut-off. Any teams that did not make the cut off by 12.00pm would not be allowed continue. The next cut-off was 14.30pm and we made this with about an hour to spare. Still on track we got as much energy drink into us at the feed stations along with the odd sausage roll and a few packets of jelly beans for good measure! Moving... Keep on Moving, our mantra was keeping us going.
The next important time scale for us for the 4.00pm cut-off on the island of Kymmendo, just before a short 300m swim to the island of Orno. We were going now for over nine hours and we checked in at 3.15pm. At this check point we saw a number of teams who did not make the first two cut-offs along with a few teams that had to stop for either injuries or other reasons. While we were keeping each other going all along the route, something clicked with me when I saw these teams. The only image in my mind was Eileen and my two children Mae and Charlie. This was mentally very difficult for me. I started to crack. Tears had filled my eyes and I wasn’t able to swallow the energy drinks or take the gels. Declan came over to me and really got me back on track along with a member from the race crew. After two or three minutes I was alright and Declan lined up three cups of energy drink – down in three gulps the three of them and we were away again. We were straight into a short 300m swim and during this swim I got a lot stronger and was ready for the biggest challenge of the day. The run along the island of Orno, 17km with another check point at 11km. This would be the final checkpoint. We had 90 minutes to cover the 11km. No problem on an ordinary day, but this was an extraordinary day and an extraordinary course. Off we go and we managed a good pace, the only problem was that it was through forest and the terrain was not good. None of the course had distance markers and so it was very difficult to know how much you had covered or how much you had to go. After about 15 minutes we got onto a good trail and were able to get our race pace going again. A few nice gentle hills to sap the remaining energy out of the legs went by followed by some long straights through meadows. Moving.. Keep on Moving we kept saying anytime the pace dropped, time was ticking by 4.30pm .. 4.40pm.. still no sign of the checkpoint .. Declan pushed on and I couldn’t stay with him. We were catching a team in front of us. I could see Declan pass this team and push on again. He was about 100m ahead and I was struggling big time. Head down, small steps and get the arms going again. Push, push, I couldn’t let Declan down at this stage, not after what we have come through so far. Then I saw the checkpoint and Declan had made it. 4.52pm and I was almost there. One last effort and I made it. We checked in and were greeted by another five teams who had made it there also and who were all physically shattered but mentally overwhelmed at making the final cut-off! Another team, the San Diego Lifeguards came over the brow of the hill with two minutes to go and then just as the cut-off was being removed, team number 72 came thundering down the hill to make it with 20 seconds to go! They were in. Everybody was thrilled for each other. Now all that was left was about 11km of running and about 1km of swimming. Away we went walking at first and then shuffling and then more walking for the remaining 6km of Orno. A few short islands and a couple of short swims followed and then the sun had started to relax for the day. We still had a little bit more to do. The last swim was greeted with a thank you to the sea for keeping us safe and also for delivering us to our final run. Just 2500m remained - if we had to we would carry each other over the line. Nothing was going to stop us from making the finishing line. The San Diego Lifeguards passed us with about 1km to go and we applauded their guts. A few minutes later team number 72, the team that just made the last checkpoint came and passed us - all we wanted was to see the finish line! Then we could hear the sounds coming from the finish and all of a sudden we could hear our crew – Eileen, Kate and Carmel were there to meet us! Only a short hill to go. Up the hill we ran and across the line. We made it - this great race made us crack and beat us up and made us feel pain in ways we never knew before. It has taught us what we can achieve when we really want it badly enough. We both had some dark moments on the course but we pulled each other through and we can now say that we are proud finishers of Ö TILL Ö. Over 84 teams entered and just 51 managed to make it to the finish. We were 50th team to finish in 14 hours 31 minutes! We met some terrific people, Team Diversify, we wish you all the best in this race next year, and you were so close. To everyone who helped us reach our goal we say thank you. To everyone who sponsored us for our charity, St Josephs Centre for the visually impaired, thank you for your more than generous contributions.
Details on the race along with some photos and video can be found on www.otillo.se
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Last Morning in the Big Pool
This morning was the last day in the big pool - for the past six months it's been great to be swimming in the same pool as some of best triathletes competing in Ireland - Each morning we would see athletes like Bjorn Ludick doing his swim routines and ask the question - how does he go so quick! Another who we have seen over the past few months include Colm O'Neill (a legend in open water swimming- he is the ONLY person ever to complete the North Channel Ireland - Scotland on his first attempt).
Another morning we had just got changed and were about to get into the pool when we noticed about 40 youngsters sitting poolside - many had USA, Canada, and Australia swim caps... Then we saw on the information screen that the USA junior swim team were in Ireland for a training camp. I can't help but wonder what they must have thought of us two in the same pool! After watching them for a few minutes we very quickly realised that just maybe there could be a young Michael Phelps or Ian Thorpe on the team! They were hugely impressive and they were so young. We also realised that if anyone says to you before a triathlon that they swam a little as a child then you need be afraid .. be very afraid!
We have enjoyed swimming in the National Aquatic Centre - it's a great experience and I would encourage anyone to get into a 50m pool, its such a different swimming experience. While it's a great to swim there nothing really can prepare you for the best place to swim of all and that is out in the open water. Out there with no black line down the middle to follow and feeling a wave crash over your head - Pure Class!
We can't wait for Monday.
Another morning we had just got changed and were about to get into the pool when we noticed about 40 youngsters sitting poolside - many had USA, Canada, and Australia swim caps... Then we saw on the information screen that the USA junior swim team were in Ireland for a training camp. I can't help but wonder what they must have thought of us two in the same pool! After watching them for a few minutes we very quickly realised that just maybe there could be a young Michael Phelps or Ian Thorpe on the team! They were hugely impressive and they were so young. We also realised that if anyone says to you before a triathlon that they swam a little as a child then you need be afraid .. be very afraid!
We have enjoyed swimming in the National Aquatic Centre - it's a great experience and I would encourage anyone to get into a 50m pool, its such a different swimming experience. While it's a great to swim there nothing really can prepare you for the best place to swim of all and that is out in the open water. Out there with no black line down the middle to follow and feeling a wave crash over your head - Pure Class!
We can't wait for Monday.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Inov8 bag ..
Inov8 say ..
We say ..
We like THIS!
The Race Elite2 is a compact and functional waist pack. Being ergonomically formed and low profile with good secure pockets makes the Race Elite™ 2 ideal for storing accessories and ultra lightweight gear on runs, fast & light walks or travel.
We like THIS!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Brothers in Arms – Who we are, where we come from and what we like to do - Live for Today
Brothers in Arms – Pearse and Declan Fahy - Live for Today
As a team of brothers, we are proud to be the first representatives from Ireland to compete in Ö TILL Ö. Our team is made up of Pearse (the older brother aged 38) and Declan aged 29. We grew up like most Irish people, in the rural country side, just outside a small village called Dunshaughlin.
Growing up we played our National sports games of Gaelic football, hurling (one of the fastest ball sports in the world) and also cross country running. While never competing to the highest level, we represented our local school and club teams with pride and passion. Numerous injuries over the years for Pearse resulted in many untimely interruptions and he was unfortunate to have had four knee (ACL) reconstruction operations. Declan thankfully has enjoyed a relatively injury free sports career to date.
In recent years, the sport of triathlon has become the main sports pastime for the lads as their bodies have started to slow down! It must be said that the many triathlon events competed to date have always been memorable and thoroughly enjoyable. At these events, you will never just see Declan or Pearse competing by themselves - inevitably there will be their support crew to cheer them on. Pearse is married to Eileen and has two children Mae (aged 3) and Charlie (aged 1). Declan has a girlfriend Kate and they are well suited to each other … so perhaps there could be a need for the ladies in our families to start looking for a hat for a big day out!! No pressure there Declan or Kate! Our sister Carmel will also be on cheering duties for the first Monday in September, our date with Ö TILL Ö.
Having discovered Ö TILL Ö by chance over the internet in October 2008, it was put on the ‘Must Do’ list without hesitation. As the months went by and as we spoke to our friends and explained what this race is about, each time without fail we were met with very puzzling expressions and questions as to why we would want to swim 10km and run 55km across 20 islands ..in the Baltic Sea. But for us, that is exactly the reason! Experience Ö TILL Ö will be a once in a lifetime thrill for us. So far it has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Probably the biggest reason for entering the event is the unknown and conquering that same unknown. We look forward to finding out the answers to so many questions about ourselves and each other.
It is time to embrace Ö TILL Ö and live for today.
As a team of brothers, we are proud to be the first representatives from Ireland to compete in Ö TILL Ö. Our team is made up of Pearse (the older brother aged 38) and Declan aged 29. We grew up like most Irish people, in the rural country side, just outside a small village called Dunshaughlin.
Growing up we played our National sports games of Gaelic football, hurling (one of the fastest ball sports in the world) and also cross country running. While never competing to the highest level, we represented our local school and club teams with pride and passion. Numerous injuries over the years for Pearse resulted in many untimely interruptions and he was unfortunate to have had four knee (ACL) reconstruction operations. Declan thankfully has enjoyed a relatively injury free sports career to date.
In recent years, the sport of triathlon has become the main sports pastime for the lads as their bodies have started to slow down! It must be said that the many triathlon events competed to date have always been memorable and thoroughly enjoyable. At these events, you will never just see Declan or Pearse competing by themselves - inevitably there will be their support crew to cheer them on. Pearse is married to Eileen and has two children Mae (aged 3) and Charlie (aged 1). Declan has a girlfriend Kate and they are well suited to each other … so perhaps there could be a need for the ladies in our families to start looking for a hat for a big day out!! No pressure there Declan or Kate! Our sister Carmel will also be on cheering duties for the first Monday in September, our date with Ö TILL Ö.
Having discovered Ö TILL Ö by chance over the internet in October 2008, it was put on the ‘Must Do’ list without hesitation. As the months went by and as we spoke to our friends and explained what this race is about, each time without fail we were met with very puzzling expressions and questions as to why we would want to swim 10km and run 55km across 20 islands ..in the Baltic Sea. But for us, that is exactly the reason! Experience Ö TILL Ö will be a once in a lifetime thrill for us. So far it has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Probably the biggest reason for entering the event is the unknown and conquering that same unknown. We look forward to finding out the answers to so many questions about ourselves and each other.
It is time to embrace Ö TILL Ö and live for today.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Some bits that hopefully won't be needed!
..probably will
.. probably will ..
..hopefully not ..
.. and probably will ..
..PROBABLY..
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Plan Ahead....the clock is ticking...
Wednesday: Mid distance Run
Thursday: Swim 1.6km
Friday: Swim 2km & finalise equipment options
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Simulation training
Monday: Swim1.5km & short run
Tuesday: Short Run
Wednesday: Swim 1.5km
Thursday: Swim 1.5km & Short run
Friday: Leave for Sweden.....
Reggie
Monday, August 23, 2010
More than a little worthwhile -
We're soon facing a challenge right in the eye. This day two weeks time, Declan and I will have past half way in a challenge that will last for what might be up to 13 or 14 hours. We have trained hard, we have trained wisely we hope, but most of all, we have trained with one goal in mind - to complete Otillo. For almost two years we have been looking at this race and wondering what it is like, what does it take to be a part of this beast and what it would feel like to finish this race.
This challenge is only one day in our lives - there is a challenge that many many people face every day of their lives, this challenge is Blindness. In Ireland there is ONLY ONE SCHOOL for the education and training of blind and vision impaired children. Students come from all over Ireland to attend this school and avail of the marvellous work the teachers and staff do for every child. Declan and I would be very grateful if you could give a little or little extra towards this so worthwhile charity - a charity that helps young people face a challenge every day and win. Thank you for your time.
Click here to sponsor
http://www.mycharity.ie/event/brothersinarms2010
This challenge is only one day in our lives - there is a challenge that many many people face every day of their lives, this challenge is Blindness. In Ireland there is ONLY ONE SCHOOL for the education and training of blind and vision impaired children. Students come from all over Ireland to attend this school and avail of the marvellous work the teachers and staff do for every child. Declan and I would be very grateful if you could give a little or little extra towards this so worthwhile charity - a charity that helps young people face a challenge every day and win. Thank you for your time.
Click here to sponsor
http://www.mycharity.ie/event/brothersinarms2010
Jelly Fish ruin everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday both Pearse and I arrived at Donabate beach to simulate the 2nd half of the Otillo. The weather was great 18'C and rising. It was 9am by the time we set off on our first run of 3,500 and then into the water for 1000m swim. It was the first time we both wore our new Blue Seventy Skull caps and we are very pleased with them. The water was colder than last week but still pleasent enough. Pearse had his new inov8's and he seems to be delighted with them. We also wore a back pack which was our first time to do so and we have learnt a lot about what it takes out of you in the water. Decisions on this still need to be made. After getting out of the water for our second run along the beach we noticed that we had been swimming towards a bloom of jellyfish as there were as many as 50 left on the shore as the tide was going back out. They were the brown ones thats sting (pictured below) so this meant that we had a decision to make whether to get back in the water and continue on or risk getting stung and possibly ruining our training for the next week ahead. We decided against getting back in the water and opted for another long run instead.
Monday 23rd
We were back in the pool again this morning for our usual mile before work. We hit it at a good pace and were both happy that any negitivity left in our heads from Sundays session was wiped away.
Today we are working on our plan for the next 14 days and what we need to do and whats organising needs to be finalised. It is hard to think of anything else but the Otillo right now with it being just around the corner.
Monday 23rd
We were back in the pool again this morning for our usual mile before work. We hit it at a good pace and were both happy that any negitivity left in our heads from Sundays session was wiped away.
Today we are working on our plan for the next 14 days and what we need to do and whats organising needs to be finalised. It is hard to think of anything else but the Otillo right now with it being just around the corner.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
New Shoes!
Got my new claws! Inov-8 X-Talon 212
Looking forward to giving them a good testing on Sunday morning.
Looking forward to giving them a good testing on Sunday morning.
A mile a morning
With 17 days to go its just one more week of hard training before we taper down for the Otillo. We are currently swimming a mile in the morning before our work day starts 3 mornings a week and keeping the running for the evenings when we have time. One more simulation of part 2 of the course this Sunday and then its just a matter of keeping the heart rate going all through next week. Really watching the diet at this stage just 4lbs to lose in two weeks.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Nothing to do with Otillo ..
Here's a little something that has nothing to do with Otillo but is pure classic cinema ..
"It's a chopper baby"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ue996GQMC8&feature=related
"It's a chopper baby"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ue996GQMC8&feature=related
Swim Caps
Tomorrow I'll be buy the swimming caps for otillo, we have decided to wear the blue seventy skull caps.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Yesterday - Sunday 15th
When you wake up on your day off with the sun peeping through a small gap in the curtains, and no alarm clock has gone off, then you just know for sure that its going to be a good day. I woke up at 07.40 and was thinking of what we had planned for training today. Then I could hear a little boy wake up, Charlie is one year old and was doing his version of what sounded like a repeat race commentary that he must have heard while watching Eurosport the previous evening with me. I listened and laughed and then decided it was time to get out and meet the day. Eat, pack car, put Charlie into his seat and select music for the short drive to collect Declan before dropping Charlie off at my parents who were going to look after him for the day. Then is was off to the beach (Donabate) to do a race simulation.
Today it was going to be a race trial as far as the first cut off point on Namdo.
Water conditions were ideal - we're not sure how it will be in race day but today it felt good! Air temperature was about 19C when we began and then increased to about 23C during the runs. Wearing the wetsuit on the runs was not a problem and we don't think that it will be any warmer than this in September.
Fluid and nutrition - We used 6 bottles (6x500ml) lucozade energy drink, 2 mars bars, 2 energy gels and water (4x250ml). No sickness or feeling thirsty so again, it was a positive result.
Declan wore the vibram trek KSO's which he was very pleased with and I wore a pair of Brooks Racer ST3 (lightweight running flat). There were fine to wear in the water, hardly any drag and did not hold water and as a result were not heavy when exiting the water. Ony slight problem was the grip is not to great when going over rocks so I need to address this issue.
A good days training - no real problems and so looking forward to the last big session next Sunday before we experience OtillO.
Today it was going to be a race trial as far as the first cut off point on Namdo.
Fluid and nutrition - We used 6 bottles (6x500ml) lucozade energy drink, 2 mars bars, 2 energy gels and water (4x250ml). No sickness or feeling thirsty so again, it was a positive result.
Declan wore the vibram trek KSO's which he was very pleased with and I wore a pair of Brooks Racer ST3 (lightweight running flat). There were fine to wear in the water, hardly any drag and did not hold water and as a result were not heavy when exiting the water. Ony slight problem was the grip is not to great when going over rocks so I need to address this issue.
A good days training - no real problems and so looking forward to the last big session next Sunday before we experience OtillO.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Time to buy some gadgets
Tomorrow we go to the shops to buy some gadgets for OtillO, Back Pack, Compass, First aid compression bandages, waterproof map holder, whistles and race fuel. Should be interesting...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
My New Magic Shoes :)
Swam 1.8km this morning and 1.6km on Monday. Watching diet now as I’ve got 6lbs to lose in 4 weeks to get to race weight.
Short - Sharp - Shift
A short sharp shift this morning - 8km trail run through Carton Demense in Maynooth, a few nice testing hills along sand / gravel paths with a few low branches to keep the concentration up followed by a quick 500m in the pool and a cool down. All went well.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Four weeks to go
With under 4 weeks left of preparation it really is fast becoming a reality of what is required to complete the Otillo. Another race under both of our belts with the Clogherhead triathlon on Saturday 7th which is our last of the year. Now all focus is on training and equipment. Early to bed, diet, keeping the body free from injury and talking tactics. Today we will examine the cut off points and what is required speed wise to reach the cut off on Orno at 17.00.
Friday, July 30, 2010
39 Days to go
Only 39 days to go now and counting. At this stage its just a matter of keeping up the regular sessions and continue our Weekend simulation training. I am running an average of 3 nights durinng the week covering 40km and swimmning three mornings a week covering 4.5km. I have lost 1 stone since March and just need another 1/2 stone to lose before September 6th. Big decisions need to be made regarding equipment. Footwear, I'm still undecided, waiting on the KSO treks to be delivered from the U.S before I make up my mind. I think Pearse will opt for a super lightweight runner. I swam this morning with Fins and I think that the time it takes to take them on and off will be made up by not using them at all and also it will cut out in carrying them for the runs too. Now its down to the Bag chioce. The Camelbak Hydration Packs range is massive so I think I will go for a 1.5l pack with a lttle space for gels, gps tracker, bars, compass, maps etc... Underneeth my wetsuit I will wear a one piece Tri Suit. Mirrored Goggles, Blue Seventy Skull Cap and a smile on my face. If anyboy has a checklist drawn up it would be much appreciated to share it.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday 25th July 2010
Time to get down to some nitty gritty - We decided to go for Donabate beach in North Co Dublin, about one hour from where we live. Its a long beach with a very gentle slope into the water so that you could be 100m from the shoreline and still be only in 1metre of water. The water was clear and easy to swim in, very calm.
Two goals today
1) How would we tolerate running while wearing the wetsuits?
Both of us are glad to report that there were no problems experienced by either of us.
2) How would we be with nutrition over this distance?
We kept nutrition to a minimum to see how we would react to the increase in intensity. No hunger pangs and no thirst either.
Overall it was a good day and so tomorrow will be a rest day. Tuesday is Charlie (my little boys) birthday, he will be one! What better reason to relax and enjoy the day.
Session
Run 500m Road
Swim 500m
Run 7,000m Road
Swim 200m
Run 3,500m Road
Swim 1,600m
Run 2,500m Sand Dunes
Swim 1,000m
Total Run 13,500m
Total Swim 3,300m
All is good.
Two goals today
1) How would we tolerate running while wearing the wetsuits?
Both of us are glad to report that there were no problems experienced by either of us.
2) How would we be with nutrition over this distance?
We kept nutrition to a minimum to see how we would react to the increase in intensity. No hunger pangs and no thirst either.
Overall it was a good day and so tomorrow will be a rest day. Tuesday is Charlie (my little boys) birthday, he will be one! What better reason to relax and enjoy the day.
Session
Run 500m Road
Swim 500m
Run 7,000m Road
Swim 200m
Run 3,500m Road
Swim 1,600m
Run 2,500m Sand Dunes
Swim 1,000m
Total Run 13,500m
Total Swim 3,300m
All is good.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday 21st July
Running early in the morning is the only time to run, and running barefoot on cool dampened grass is the best surface for running. Today was just under the hour and was enjoyable, no watch on the wrist to look at so it was just run till I heard the church bells hourly chime.
A quick splash in the pool of 250m to cool down. That'll do nicely.
That'll do nicely for today.
Pearse
A quick splash in the pool of 250m to cool down. That'll do nicely.
That'll do nicely for today.
Pearse
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday morning
Kris Kristoffersson wrote a song once about Sunday morning ..
Well I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad so I had one more for dessert
Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes and found my cleanest dirty shirt
An' I shaved my face and combed my hair an' stumbled out the door to meet the day
He kinda summed it up as to how I was feeling this morning, the long Sunday morning runs had to begin today and so I went to Reggies house and we starred at the rain falling outside for a second and without either of us saying anything to each other, pulled the door closed of the house and began our run. We ran to Fairyhouse Racecourse which was about 4.5km away and then did three laps, of the course, each lap is about 2.5km. The first two laps were run anticlockwise against a healthy breeze and a soft rain on the face. For the final lap we ran clockwise and picked up the pace and the chat stopped between us. I decided we should run this lap bare foot and it was so refreshing. I think I will increase my barefoot runs each week. We put our runners back on and ran back to the house, hot shower and a drink and then home for lunch. A good first longer run of about 18km. Job done.
Next weekend the target is 25km. I need to get a good route for this as I don;t like to be running around the same lap 20 times!!! Aarrrgghh .
A few swims this week and I'll be starting to do more stretching in the evenings. A good day today.
I had good fun at home this evening with Charlie (11 months), Mae (3 years) and my wife Eileen, painting and playing.
Pearse
Well I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad so I had one more for dessert
Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes and found my cleanest dirty shirt
An' I shaved my face and combed my hair an' stumbled out the door to meet the day
He kinda summed it up as to how I was feeling this morning, the long Sunday morning runs had to begin today and so I went to Reggies house and we starred at the rain falling outside for a second and without either of us saying anything to each other, pulled the door closed of the house and began our run. We ran to Fairyhouse Racecourse which was about 4.5km away and then did three laps, of the course, each lap is about 2.5km. The first two laps were run anticlockwise against a healthy breeze and a soft rain on the face. For the final lap we ran clockwise and picked up the pace and the chat stopped between us. I decided we should run this lap bare foot and it was so refreshing. I think I will increase my barefoot runs each week. We put our runners back on and ran back to the house, hot shower and a drink and then home for lunch. A good first longer run of about 18km. Job done.
Next weekend the target is 25km. I need to get a good route for this as I don;t like to be running around the same lap 20 times!!! Aarrrgghh .
A few swims this week and I'll be starting to do more stretching in the evenings. A good day today.
I had good fun at home this evening with Charlie (11 months), Mae (3 years) and my wife Eileen, painting and playing.
Pearse
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wednesday 7th July
40 mins run this morning - following by a quick splash in pool.
Ran through the grounds of St Patricks College Maynooth http://www.maynoothcollege.ie/ . I'm very lucky to be able to use these grounds along with Carton House http://www.cartonhouse.com/activities-trails.html for doing the runs.
Chocolate muffins are now banned at lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!
Ran through the grounds of St Patricks College Maynooth http://www.maynoothcollege.ie/ . I'm very lucky to be able to use these grounds along with Carton House http://www.cartonhouse.com/activities-trails.html for doing the runs.
Chocolate muffins are now banned at lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
First open water sea swim of the year
Saturday morning last - Dunmore East in Waterford was the location for my first open water sea swim of the year, my brother Declan had his first swim the previous week in Kilkee. The distance was 3.8km, over a two lap course. About 300m of the swim was in the relative shelter of the small bay and the remainder was out into the channel. After turning past the first boy the water had quite a swell and a good size chop to it. A drop in the sea temperature also was fun! On the second lap the sea got a bit more confusing to swim in because of the bigger waves and this made sighting the buoys a lot more difficult. Because the buoys were so small, it was difficult to see or even to see other swimmers around you. Eventually the swim back to the start was managed even though we were swimming through a tough cross current emphasizing the need for bilateral breathing. I still can only breathe to my left side! The swim had all the ingredients of a demanding open water event. A large temperature variation and large surface condition variation. Result - Pearse 1hr 22 mins Declan Reggie 1 hr 38 mins. Both of us very pleased with the swim and are looking forward to the next one.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Hell of the West
Last Sunday was my first time to compete in the Hell of the West Traiathlon. A 1.5km sea swim, 45 km hill cycle, 10 km hill run. Time completed in 2hr 54mins. Over 800 competitors took part in what was a super organised event. I will be back next year to try and better the time for sure.
This Saturday Pearse & I will do a 3.8km sea swim. This is an Ironman swim so very keen to see how we go.
Reggie
This Saturday Pearse & I will do a 3.8km sea swim. This is an Ironman swim so very keen to see how we go.
Reggie
Monday, June 21, 2010
A run in the sun
Yesterday we both ran with the local Dunshaughlin running club again. This time we ran the 10km race circut, the heat was in the mid twenties so a nice pace was needed. We strolled in under 50 minutes which we are happy not to push it too much. Starting to get focused on equipment now:
Wetsuit wise: Pearse - full Orca speedsuit / Reggie - Zoot Zenith
Runners: Still debating, looking for a stockist to try out the Vibram KSO Treks but cant find any in Ireland yet.
Headwear: Blue Seventy Skull Cap
I dont have any idea of what type of bag to bring, need to do a bit of research on this one.
Reggie
Wetsuit wise: Pearse - full Orca speedsuit / Reggie - Zoot Zenith
Runners: Still debating, looking for a stockist to try out the Vibram KSO Treks but cant find any in Ireland yet.
Headwear: Blue Seventy Skull Cap
I dont have any idea of what type of bag to bring, need to do a bit of research on this one.
Reggie
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday night swim
We went to the lake for a swim and met 8 others from the club - plan was to head out to the island and back. Into the water and away with us, after about 12 minutes we stopped to regroup and make sure everybody was feeling up for the remainder. All thumbs up and so out the rest of the way to the island. I got there and waded in to about 20m from the shore. Felt good and relaxed, I was there in just over 30 minutes and the rest of the group were there very soon after. A few minutes to catch breath and then it was back in one go the the slipway into the lake - Back in the same time so the full 3.6km in 61 minutes, Declan 'Reggie' was a few minutes after me in 69 and was happy with his swim also. He sighted well and arrived in a very straight line. Shore sighting was a good exercise and also judging the current which was very gentle. We did a short run on the road for about 10 minutes in the wetsuits, first run in the wetsuits and it went good. Afterwards we all had a good chat and enjoyed jaffa cakes and maderia cake, Tasty! Next swim is on Thursday so that should be another good excuse to try out a few runs and swim repeats.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday 15th
This weeks splash 'n' dash was again near Mullingar - 750m lake swim and then a 4km run, good to see another improvement - I did 31.40 and Declan 33.20. Water was warm, and the run was comfortable. Looking forward to Thursday nights lake swim.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Cardio Time
Got my cycling legs in action yesterday with a 100km spin up the Wicklow Mountains. 1500m climb, legs a little sore today but a good days rest should do no harm. Rest day today then our usual 750m swim and 4km run tomorrow night which is the last race in the series. Thinking of doing a 3.6km swim in one of the lakes on Thursday. Running wise. Need to do 50km this week.
Reggie
Reggie
Friday, June 11, 2010
Pool Work
Both of us back in the Pool again today just for an hour workout to keep us ticking over. Probably take a rest day tomorrow as I have a 100km cycle on Sunday through Wicklow Mountains and next week is a 50 km week running wise with a race on Tuesday.
Starting to think about gear now and what type of bag to carry gear in, what type of footwear etc.... Think it will just be the traditional runners for us to be honest.
If anyone has a checklist from last years race this would be very much appreciated.
Reggie
Starting to think about gear now and what type of bag to carry gear in, what type of footwear etc.... Think it will just be the traditional runners for us to be honest.
If anyone has a checklist from last years race this would be very much appreciated.
Reggie
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Splashin & dashin
We completed out 2nd 750 swim and 4km run last night in Lough Ennell. Pearse finished in 31 mins and me in 33mins.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
13 weeks to go (90 days)
This morning just went for a 1km swim to start the week. A quick splash n dash tomorrow night 750km swim & 4km run. And will try and get in a one hour run Thursday or Friday this week.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Sunday June 6th
Did 35 with the club this morning and then another 30 mins wishing I was able to stay with them as they ran away in the distance! I'll be closer next week!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Getting Closer
Well this week we started the 1st series of the Midland Tri Aquathon. 750 swim followed by a 4km run. Gave u both a shock of just how much work is required. Ive got to start running regularly if im going to be in any shape. I have committed to 4 evening a week running a minimum of 10km. Swimming minimum of 2km 3 mornings a week and one large cycle for cardio purposes.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Time to get the finger out
Flights have just been booked and the countdown has begun. 111 days until we are standing at the start of one of the toughest races in the world http://www.otillo.se/
C'mon Ireland...
C'mon Ireland...
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