ALTITUDE TRAINING news.asp
Many of you will have been bored to tears over recent months listening to my never ending saga about my left foot. Well I've still got it so decided to take a leaf out of the experts book and try a little altitude training. Everyone who has tried it has come back singing its praises, invariably followed up by improved performances and PBs all round. So I booked a long weekend to Barcelona, figuring that cruising at 30,000 feet above the Pyrenees was as high as I could get without taking some illegal substance, and would enable me to make a comeback. Unfortunately though I read for a while and slept for even longer there has been no noticeable benefit from my time in the heavens.
Barcelona is however a great place to visit but I have to warn you that it is a “dry” city. This is no reflection on its ability to cater for those in need of liquid refreshment, quite the opposite actually. For having decided to walk the promenade in the warm, sunny Sunday afternoon it wasn't long before the effects of an earlier quenching of thirst began to manifest themselves, most noticeably in the audibly whispered international cry of desperation “Are there toilets about” But help was at hand – visibly displayed to all who would pass by, was a clear indicator that such facilities did indeed lie ahead.
By the time we got there matters were approaching the urgent category but luckily there was no queue – because the doors were securely padlocked! Yes 3.00pm on Sunday with half the population of Spain on the Barcelona boardwalk and the toilets are closed. Luckily another sign pointed the way forward towards another convenience – which also turned out to be padlocked. Desperate questions to 3 council workers collecting the rubbish revealed that they are closed all day and they suggested we try the bars! Apart from the fact that the bars and restaurants were full, they display signs with the message that toilets are for the use of patrons only.
I have to say that the oft used acronym BYO came to mind, only in the opposite sense to it's normal usage in that it would be an empty bottle brought with the intention of filling rater than emptying it. Don't the inhabitants of this large city require public conveniences on Sunday afternoons? The place was hiving with adults and children. Same thing on Monday in a different part of town, plenty of toilets but, with one welcome exception, invariably closed. Now I know what they mean when they talk about the continent of Europe!
SARAH FLIES THE FLAG
On Saturday Sarah Curran made the long journey to Galway to take part in the All Ireland Schools Cross Country championships and gave a good account of herself, coming 25th in a field of over 100 runners. On the sane day DeclanTeague freshened up for his long weekend run by clocking 18.48 in the Victoria Park 5K while Michael McKeown took part in the Water Works park Run across the city.
ADDICTION 10K
On Sunday Michael Cultra placed a splendid 11th in the Addiction 10K in Ormeau Park in 39.45 while Colm McNeill must be delighted with a PB clocking of 53.28 in the same event over the Seeley Cup course. http://www.athleticsni.org/Results
JIMMY'S TEN ENTRIES CLOSING
By the time you read this Postal entries for Jimmy's Ten will have closed and online entries will only be available until midnight tonight (Wednesday 14th). Any body wishing to enter after that will have to pay an increased fee of £20, if there are any places left, so this is the last chance to save yourself some money.
PACERS
As last year and uniquely for an event of this distance Pacers will again be provided for 40, 45, 48 50 and 60 minute runners so this is your chance to get that elusive target time.
SPECIAL GUEST
East Down AC are delighted that Who Dares Runs author and champion DecaIronman Gerry Duffy will be their special guest on Sunday and will have copies of his book with him. This is an opportunity to meet one of the most inspirational figures in Irish sport so if for no other reason come along on the day and run and chat with him. He says he's coming back to defend his 36th place title from last year!
Joe Quinn
12 March 2012
