tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242768262150943212024-03-05T10:26:09.143+00:00Keith Whyte Ultra marathon runnerKeith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-73310377965879874462015-01-07T22:49:00.000+00:002015-01-07T22:49:10.684+00:00FIRE AND ICE !!!<div>
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So the World Championships have come and gone. Noivember 22nd Doha,Qatar saw me toe the line with the best in the world in the World 100km. Like I had mentioned in facebook posts in the lead up a niggling groin injury brought me to the Galway clinic to get an MRI to investigate the extent of the injury. It was just a grade 1 strain but the MRI showed up a stresss fracture in my pelvis.<div>
I had a big call to make. Doctors said not to run,but I couldnt accept that all my hard training was going to be for nothing.</div>
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So what did I do ?? I took lots and lots of anti inflammatories and pain killers and numbed the pain and I ran.</div>
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All was going to plan til around 20km when I got severe stomach cramps and started vomitting...a lot!! The pain of the injuries was gone but too much pills started to mess up my insides.I could run ok when I didnt take any fluids or gels,but eventually I was gonna run out of steam and hit a wall.</div>
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I had 2 options.......</div>
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Option 1.... Throw in the towel and call it a day and feel sorry for myself for the next few weeks and months.</div>
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Option 2... Accept the fact that I could not kep down fluids and just tough it out til I collapsed.</div>
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It was easy. There was no way I was coming home with a DNF!</div>
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Long story short I battled on for the next 80km with the help and encouragement of my main man John Collins.</div>
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Job done albeit nowhere near as fast as I would have liked but it was a case of damage limitation.</div>
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There's always another day!</div>
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Little did I know that day was only around the corner !?!</div>
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Over the Christmas I received a call from the organisers of the Antarctic Ice Marathon 100km and have been invited over to run the race next week and all thanks to Global Running adventures and North Pole Marathon I will be jetting out to my base in Chile at the weekend before we arrive in Union Glacier camp on the 13/14th.</div>
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So from training for the searing heat of the middle eastern desert in November and trying to deal with racing in hot humid conditions to racing 100km on the frozen continent in -30c !!</div>
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This is what ultra running is all about...Just like my kit sponsors UVU (you versus you). Its your mental strength vs your physical capacity.</div>
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Do I know what to expect? Not a clue !! How many of you have raced 100km in Antarctica???</div>
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But it's challenges like this that I love. Testing your bodies limits in an extreme unforgiving environment and hopefully coming out on top.</div>
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Keep an eye on my Facebook page and also the Antarctic Ice Marathon Facebook page for updates</div>
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https://www.facebook.com/kwhyteultrarun</div>
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https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticIceMarathon</div>
Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-8514396517839141522014-11-13T21:20:00.001+00:002014-11-13T21:20:18.229+00:00MAKE OR BREAK..........LITERALLY!!!!!Anybody following my facebook posts over the past few months will have noticed that my training for next weeks World 100km Championships has been going very well.But over the last week or so I've become a little apprehensive about my chances of running well next week. Ive been looking back over my old training diaries and more specifically the lead up to when I ran 7.03 in Belgium last year.<div>
In the lead up to the Night of Flanders in Belgium last year I completed 24 hours of long runs in an 8 week phase averaging 7.20mm. This year in prep for Doha I have done a total of 32hours of long runs with an average pace of 6.28mm. Ive also done 3 times as much hill training and speed sessions.</div>
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This is all down to the expert guidance of my new coach Howard Nippert who has not just given more structure to my training but has always been there to offer wise word when things havent been going so well. His experience at both competing and coaching at this level has been invaluable to me and I have learned so much since we began working together earlier this year.</div>
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So technically on paper I am in better shape now than I was when I set the national 100k record last year.</div>
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So you might be asking yourself,what am I so worried about ???</div>
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Up until last week training was going great but after one of my Sunday long runs I felt a little sorer than usual. I thought nothing of it and continued as normal with my next few days training on Monday and Tuesday but by Wednesday I knew something wasnt right.</div>
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I made my way to A&E in Galway clinic and was sent for an MRI with pain in the hip flexor and groin/adductor on the right side. My worst fear was I had torn something.</div>
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Results of MRI showed a grade 1 strain to the right adductor which would explain the pain I was feeling. The doctor said intensive physio 'could' have me right in time for the worlds but unfortunately the MRI also showed that I suffered a stress fracture to my right iliac bone(back of the pelvis)!!</div>
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F**ck !!!!</div>
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I was told that I may be able to resolve the adductor strain in time but he could not recommend me racing 100km on a stress fracture. I left hospital feeling totally distraught and gutted. All the months of trying to overcome osteoporosis and finally getting back to running. Then 12 weeks of intense training only for my dreams to be crushed once again.</div>
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I'd worked too hard to just give up and take the doctors advice. The stress fracture was there alright but it wasn't causing me pain. My pain was coming from a strained adductor muscle. Obviously because of the stress fracture the surrounding muscles were working overtime to stabilise the joints.</div>
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I decided to meet with my physio Leon Raath and weigh up my options.</div>
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We agreed to do daily physio sessions to improve the hip flexor and adductor strain and also apply ultra sound to the site of the stress fracture. I've been able to continue with my training and I'm lucky that I am in taper mode so the training mileage has dropped significantly.</div>
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The last 10 days Leon has been doing dry needling,ultra sound,elecro-therapy and deep tissue massage.</div>
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So far no problem with the bones and the muscle strains seem to be improving also.</div>
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I fly out to Doha on Sunday and that is all because of the tireless work and expert hands of Leon Raath. Leon has got me back on the road again and I am now running relatively pain free again.</div>
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Whether or not my iliac bone stands up to the demands of racing 100k next Friday is another story,but I have the training done and I feel good.</div>
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A few months back my coach Howard said to me that "we were gonna get fit and ready for the World champs or get hurt trying".</div>
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I've been selected to represent my country at the highest level and opportunities like that don't come along everyday.</div>
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I have every confidence in my training and when I stand on that start line I will be ready to give 110% for the green vest.</div>
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Of course along the way I have received massive support from my sponsors.</div>
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Ozone Health and Fitness allow me the use of their top class facilities which have been very beneficial for heat training. Kinetica fuel all my workouts and aid recovery with their excellent range of sports nutrition. UVU my kit sponsors and Skechers both keep me kitted out in the best of gear and footwear. Leon Raath from Physiozone is the reason I get to run in a World Championships next week. Without the continued support of these guys and of course my family and close friends things would have been alot more difficult for me so I am greatly appreciative for they're support and genorosity.</div>
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Seven months ago I remember lying in bed for 3 days,unable to walk,crippled by the pain of osteoporosis.In the weeks and months after I doubted I would ever run again.If you want something bad enough you will move heaven and earth to make your dreams become reality.</div>
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Next Friday I get to represent my country in the sport I love and race against the the greatest ultra runners in the world.</div>
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It's an opportunity I intend to grasp with both hands and do Ireland proud !</div>
Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-53524056132578180912014-08-20T22:56:00.000+01:002014-08-20T23:07:11.766+01:00The road to Doha!Since I last posted a few weeks ago I had done a few runs and was feeling ok but not fully right! I pushed through the pain barrier until I got to the stage where I had to stop all exercise completely. Even walking became painful. I knew there was something else going on.....not another injury to add to my already disabling condition !?<br />
I was due a 2 week break from work which would be an ideal opportunity to get to the bottom of this injury. Little did I know it would take separate visits to 4 different hospitals around the country.<br />
First stop was the limerick clinic for an MRI of the hip / pelvis. This revealed 'intense osteitis pubis'.<br />
Bone marrow odema or in other words inflammation around the pubic bone.<br />
According to the radiologists report this would be greatly improved by a cortisone injection into the pubic symphysis.....only the problem with this is steroid injections,while they sort the inflammation they also weaken the bones.<br />
So do I take the injection to become pain free,while risking to further weaken my bones and worsen my osteoporosis ??<br />
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Next stop was euromedic clinic in dundrum,Dublin for an emergency consultation with professor O Brien(my treating consultant for the osteoporosis). I received a phone call the previous evening from the professor informing me to attend the clinic to discuss an irregularity in my blood tests.<br />
When I arrived in dundrum fasting from the previous day I was then sent to St Vincent's hospital for urgent bloods.<br />
On my return to see the professor I asked her whether it would be advisable for me to get a steroid injection to clear up my injury and the ramifications it could have on the osteoporosis. Steroid injections are one of the main causes of osteoporosis so for her to give her consent to something like this would go against everything she stands for!<br />
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I needed to weigh up the pros and cons and consulted various specialists in the area. The overwhelming response I got was that the inflammation I had in the pubic symphysis needed to be reduced and steroid injection was the best method. One injection would do very minimal damage to the bones and the advantages of the injection would by far outweigh the possible side effects to the bones.<br />
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I thought long and hard and finally came to the decision to get the injection.<br />
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Next stop was the Galway clinic....<br />
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My instructions after the injection where to rest for one week. After that when I was pain free it would be time to strengthen the core area while beginning to resume light training.<br />
It's now over a month since the injection and I'm back running 4 weeks and the pain in my pubic bone is completely gone!<br />
Along with the training I'm supplementing with a lot of core work thanks to my Physio Leon Raath who has guided me through a thorough rehab plan.<br />
Weekly treatments from Leon are giving me great relief and the core exercises are adding a lot of strength to previously weakened muscles.<br />
My coach Howard Nippert has also been a great help and has steadily re introduced me to training again. One of the advantages of having a coach is being able to bounce ideas and questions off. After the injection it would have been very tempting for me to go back training again gung-ho but Howard has very carefully managed my condition and ensured that my return to sport has been gradual but smooth. Howard himself who knows full well the torment of facing career threatening injuries has first hand experience of coming out the other side and achieving great things,none less than his fifth place finish at the world 100k and multiple American national titles,so that gives me great hope and<br />
motivation to win my own battle and come out the other end even stronger.<br />
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It's just less than 14 weeks to the World 100k in Doha and I am fit and ready to begin my training plan specific to this race.<br />
I have the qualifying time in the bag so it's just a matter of waiting to see if I will be selected??<br />
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<br />Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-43478850330776265942014-06-21T00:00:00.000+01:002014-06-21T00:00:57.660+01:00THE ROAD TO DOHA !Since being diagnosed with Osteoporosis last month I have received amazing support from family,friends and fellow athletes alike,which has helped me tremendously to come to terms with something so unexpected.<br />
Because of this I have decided that I will post weekly updates on my progress back to competition.If this helps others out there going through the same situation it will be worth sharing my good days and bad days here as I do everything that I need to do to get fit and healthy again.<br />
Having already achieved the World 100km qualifying time last June in Belgium my target is to get back to full fitness and get selected on the Irish team.<br />
So D-Day is November 21st in Doha,Qatar and the first steps on this road are....... walking!!<br />
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Week 1 of Rehab<br />
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After being referred to physiotherapist Richard Shortall by IOS (Irish osteoporosis society) he devised a route back to exercise for me which involved walking for at least 1 hour per day provided I was pain free in doing so. Weight bearing activities are a great way of strengthening bones and increasing bone density. Running long distances is a great way of keeping bones strong and healthy,but unfortunately mine are very weak and running these distances will only increase the risk of fractures to the hip and spine which are the worst affected areas. Skipping and star jumps were also part of my daily routine along with a gluten free diet.The first few days were pretty sore but it eventually eased and after around a week I was now walking 1-1.5 hours comfortably.<br />
I continued this for a couple more weeks,and as the weeks progressed I became more anxious to get back running.<br />
Now was the time to be sensible and be patient.It will take time and cannot be rushed. Thats what the doctors and physios kept saying.<br />
I was out for a walk last Sunday week and I managed 10km which was somewhat of a milestone for me,but all I could think about was how pathetic that was! This time 12 months ago I was setting a national record for running 100km and now all I could manage was a pathetic 10 km walk. WTF !!!<br />
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I persisted with the walking til last weekend I asked the physiotherapist if I could try some running.<br />
He agreed to allow me to introduce 10 minute segments of running during my walks,and provided I was achieving this pain free I could add 10 minutes per day.<br />
Today I ran for 50 minutes and the only pain I experienced was embarassment from being so unfit !!<br />
But I gotta start somewhere.At the moment I'm managing to run short distances slowly without any great pain,but at the same time I don't feel strong. I need to remind myself that structurally I am not as solid as I once was,and it will take time to rebuild.<br />
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The running/walking will continue for another few weeks when hopefully I will be able to get back to doing something which resembles 'training'.<br />
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So thats my story so far. I'm a long way from where I want to be but I'm on the right road.<br />
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Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-42501728874915247412014-05-31T20:48:00.001+01:002014-05-31T20:48:21.475+01:00LONG TIME NO BLOG !!!!So it's been a while since my last blog post,I said I would give you all a little insight in to what I have been up to.......<br />
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After pulling from the Euro's at the 45 mile mark due to injury I recovered pretty quickly and focused my attention on another 100km,which was to be the 'Night of Flanders 100km in Torhout Belgium.<br />
I knew I was in good shape for the Euro's and injury prevented me from achieving my goal.This is why I sought out this particular race only 8 weeks later as my 'Irish Record Attempt' at 100km.<br />
Richard Donovan made it all possible along with the ever reliable John Collins on support duties.<br />
Long story short I just had one of those days that you only ever dream of. Hard training,good luck and very intelligent support crew made for the best 7 hours 3 minutes and 53 seconds of my sporting life !!<br />
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After this I took a nice family break with the missus and kids and then a week later it was off to the beautiful West Cork village of Courtmacsherry for a very scenic 36 miler. I managed to get the win and got one of the best welcomes you will ever get anywhere.I have since met many great friends in West Cork,which I now call my second home.Without naming too many names I do feel I have to mention one particular individual for his genorosity,friendship and support........ Thank you Bob Hilliard<br />
This year Bob has named the event after me!!! To say I am honoured is a complete understatement.<br />
This years event on July 19th will also have a 10k and 18 miler along with the 36 mile ultra,and I would highly recommend it (obviously!!).<br />
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So what have I been doing since last July I hear you ask ??<br />
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Short answer is not alot !!<br />
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Over the past year I have been having alot of trouble with various injuries. I would get a couple of months of decent training in and then breakdown with another injury,and then another and another and so on.<br />
It all finally came to a head in early march when I put a joint in my back out for no apparent reason. I was unable to walk for days and when I finally did manage to get about it was with great pain.Once this subsided after a couple of months it was the turn of my pelvis.<br />
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I knew something wasn't right! There was more going on with my body than I knew. I couldn't run a mile without having to turn back with a crippling pain!<br />
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Over the last fortnight after tests and scans I have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Anybody who is unfamiliar with this condition,osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease which decreases bone mass density. In other words your bones become more 'honeycomb' and more prone to fracturing very easily.I always associated osteoporosis with elderly women and was in shock when I got the news.In truth it is more common in women over the age of 50 although it can occur at any age. There are a lot of varying factors which contribute to its developement,such as age,diet,exercise etc.....<br />
A simple DEXA bone scan will determine whether you have it or not and also your risk of developing the condition. I would highly recommend fellow athletes to get themselves checked. I've found mine before it got too serious. Even though we all like to think because we can run long distances we are invincible to these sort of conditions,it's not always so straight forward.<br />
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On a personal note I will be out of action for a while and my sole aim at the moment is to get myself healthy again.When I have achieved this my sole purpose will be to get back competing against the best ultra runners in the world again.<br />
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Have a read of this if you get a chance<br />
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http://www.irishosteoporosis.ie/index.php/expert_views/osteoporosis_in_athletes/ Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-86685000635864514292013-04-22T20:15:00.000+01:002013-04-22T20:15:01.009+01:00<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/69076_10151865910319478_948900173_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/69076_10151865910319478_948900173_n.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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Well now that I got my first race of the season out of the way I could focus my attention on the Euro's.My last four to five months training have been specifically based on peaking for the Euro 100km this coming Saturday.<br />
Two weeks ago I ran the Connemara Ultra will the sole intention of using this as a race pace training run for the Euro's.The pre-race plan was to run at my goal 100km race pace for the first 26 miles and then take my foot off the gas for the final 13 miles and save whatever was left in the tank for France.<br />
Running a fast time or placing well didn't come into it....like I said it was all preparation for the 100km.<br />
I ran a nice comfortable pace going through the marathon in 2.50. Up until then I was in second place and it was at this point that I passed the leader who seemed to be struggling......possibly from taking it out a little too hard in the early miles ??<br />
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My pre race plan was working a treat.I was running the pace in which I had set out to run and had also found myself in the lead as well.It was now time to wind it down and start saving the legs for three weeks later......but I was leading.....was I going to take my foot of the gas and throw away a chance of winning ??<br />
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I kept it steady for a couple more miles than I had planned,but once we hit mile30 I knew that I had a decent lead and that I could now allow myself to ease back on the pace.<br />
It was at this point where the course gets difficult and also when we faced into a very strong headwind,and fortunately for me others behind me started to struggle with these very tough conditions.<br />
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So even though I won quite comfortably in the end I was also very conscious of the threat posed from those behind me.<br />
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On reflection I couldn't have asked for a better start to the season......<br />
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* A training run which worked to perfection<br />
*A very enjoyable win<br />
*Great preparation for the Euro 100k<br />
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So next up is the European Championships in Belves,France on Saturday.<br />
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Fingers crossed Dan and myself can put in a strong Irish performance on the day !!<br />
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<br />Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-67045197040234043082013-04-05T21:57:00.001+01:002013-04-05T21:57:33.054+01:00LET THE RACING BEGIN !!<div>
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<a href="http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=31366">http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=31366</a></div>
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Today I received confirmation from Athletics Ireland of my selection to the national team for the European 100k Championships,which will be held in Belves in France.It is always a privilege to get the opportunity to represent my country on the international stage and I am very honoured to be earning my 6th senior international vest in 2 years.The race will take place in 3 weeks time on the 27th of April.<div>
The team will comprise of Dan Doherty and myself.Dan recently won the ACP 100k,keeping up a winning tradition for Irish athletes after I won the same event last year.</div>
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I started training for this event last December with the hope of being selected and the last 4 months training have been fully geared towards this race.Most major ultra distance championship events are staged on a short course with multiple laps (eg. 10 x 10k ),however this particular race will be one big 100k lap.</div>
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The support team will play a vital role here given the logistics of the course and a lot of emphasis will be placed around adequate re-fuelling during the race and given temperatures will be somewhat warmer in the south of france this time of year than what we are used over in this part of the world,it will be very important to keep an eye on hydration levels throughout the race.</div>
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With John Collins,Kevin Belton and Jeff Fitzsimons keeping a watchful eye over us and keeping us fuelled throughout I'm very confident we'll be in very capable hands.</div>
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The rest is up to us............ </div>
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Before all that though I will be making my first outing of the year on Sunday when I take to the start-line in Maam Cross for the Connemara Ultra(39.3 miles).</div>
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This should be a good training run for the Euro's and give me an idea of what to expect in 3 weeks time.The Connemara course isn't the easiest of runs so it will provide me with a good test of speed endurance and also allow me to experiment with various pacing strategies and pratice taking on fuels and fluids in race conditions.</div>
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So it's all systems go from now on.Hopefully I will have some good race results to report back with over the coming weeks !!!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photo: Congratulations to my Irish team mate Dan Doherty on winning the Anglo Celtic Plate today . Come on Ireland !!" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p403x403/582262_488721834528230_24966022_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Doherty and myself after last years world champs</td></tr>
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Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-53665367940514336712013-04-01T16:26:00.002+01:002013-04-01T16:28:35.910+01:00SKECHERS TO SPONSOR IRISH INTERNATIONAL ULTRA MARATHONER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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" 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Skechers Performance Division is delighted to announce that they will be the official footwear sponsors for Irish international Ultra marathon athlete Keith Whyte. Keith will wear the Skechers GoRun2 in his first race of 2013 in the Connemara Ultra marthon in the west of Ireland this coming Sunday. He is then hoping to be selected for the Irish team which will compete in the European 100km Cahmpionships later this month in France. </div>
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Here is a list of Keith's achievements from 2012.......</div>
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Anglo CelticPlate 100km Champion </div>
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Longford Ultra marathon Winner</div>
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Dingle 50 mile Ultra marathon Winner</div>
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Represented Ireland in both European and World Championships</div>
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Finished top of the European rankings and 2nd in the World rankings over the 50 mile distance</div>
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<br />Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-64079381833681784202013-04-01T11:51:00.002+01:002013-04-01T11:51:18.445+01:00DOHERTY WINS ANGLO CELTIC PLATE 2013<br />
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I'm absolutely thrilled for my Irish team mate Dan Doherty who yesterday won the Anglo Celtic Plate in a personal best time of 7.05:24.<br />
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Dan was representing UltraRunning Ireland as an individual and won the race outright just as I did last year.It is a fantastic achievement for Irish athletes to win back to back titles especially against such stiff opposition.<br />
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Dan has been in flying form of late and won quite a few races in the lead up to the event,and well and truly delivered yesterday in Scotland.<br />
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Dan and myself are hoping to be selected for the European 100km Championships later this month in France.<br />
If there was ever a year in which Ireland can win it's first ever team medal at a major championships in ultra running this is that year.<br />
<br />Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-3476860739333038082012-12-27T21:34:00.000+00:002012-12-27T21:34:40.521+00:00IRISH ULTRA RUNNERS OF THE YEAR<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The members of the Irish 100km men's team are the Irish Ultra Runners of the Year for 2012.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The team - which comprised John Byrne, Michael Collins, Dan Doherty, Thomas Maguire, John O'Regan and Keith Whyte - finished a fantastic 6th in the World 100km Championships in April 2012.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Furthermore, individual members of the team performed brilliantly in other ultra events throughout the year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Among these performances, John Byrne finished 5th in the World 50km Trophy Final, an event he qualifed for after winning UltraRunning Ireland's national 50km title in Donadea. In second place on that occasion was Barry Minnock, who went on to run a 2:17 Olympic B standard marathon later in the year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Keith Whyte represented UltraRunning Ireland as an individual in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k and made history by becoming the first Irishman to win this Home Countries international .</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">John O'Regan took the Irish men's 24-Hour title and Dan Doherty won the Welsh Coastal Ultra 100k, the South West Coastal 100 miles (UK), and set a new course record in the Mooathon in Donegal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Michael Collins finished in the top 5 in the World Masters 100km Championships and Thomas Maguire, the Irish 100k and 24-Hour record holder, has been re-inventeing himself as an ultra runner in Australia.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">It should be noted that the Irish team, which was captained and led home by Dan Doherty, also set a new Irish team record of 21:49:48 hrs at the World Championships</span></span></div>
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Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-74620902789353958512012-09-14T22:22:00.002+01:002012-09-14T22:22:26.797+01:00<br />
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Like I said in my last post I was contemplating running the Longford Ultra and the Dingle Ultra.Longford because I wanted to defend my title which I won last year,and Dingle because I have never run it before and the thought of racing long distance through such picturesque scenery really appealed to me.<br />
So what was the problem? Well,there was only 6 days between both races and the fact that I was still in recovery mode from July's ACP 100k,meant it was going to be a tough ask to be competitive in both races.<br />
Going in to Longford I was unsure what to expect because I had done very little quality training since the ACP.I knew that I would be nowhere near my winning time from last year,but I went out at a similiar pace and said I would try and keep that going for as long as I could and then just hang on!<br />
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As it turned out I was feeling pretty comfortable until around the 30 mile mark and then I started to tire.I had been leading the race from the gun and I didn't know how much my lead was but I knew that the second place guy was only a couple of minutes behind.With nine miles to go I figured my lead was somewhere between one and two minutes.My pace had slowed in the latter stages but if I could maintain this pace for the remainder I knew I should have just enough to get the win.<br />
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My mind then turned to Dingle.I maintained a steady pace towards the end of the race without having to over exert myself.I used the last few miles as a "cooldown",whilst at the same time I was conscious of my slim lead.Luckily for me I was able to ease back on the pace and start my recovery for Dingle in 6 days and retain my title to make it 2 in a row in Longford.<br />
Even though I was 12 minutes slower than my winning time last year,a win is a win and I'll take it,especially given the fact that second place Maurice Looby ran a fantastic race finishing just one minute behind me.<br />
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So...one down,one to go !!<br />
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" 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No post race celebrations from Longford.It was time to maximise my powers of recovery.After the 2 hour drive home it was straight into the ice bath for the next few days and drinking lots of high anti oxidant rich fluids for muscle recovery.<br />
During the week it was all about recovering from Longford and being in as best shape I could be for Saturday's race.<br />
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I finished work at 6pm on Friday evening and then made the journey for Dingle.I was staying in a hostel 6 miles west of Dingle and arrived shortly after 10pm and was greeted by the owner who offered me a cup of tea.I politely declined explaining I would try get some sleep as I was running in the morning.The woman seemed amazed to hear that I was running the Ultra!She continued to state that I didn't look like a runner,nevermind an ultra runner!!I didn't know if I was supposed to be offended or flattered by this remark.When she asked how I expected to do..I told her I would win!She laughed and said good night!<br />
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The Ultra start was an early one.The race itself didn't start til 7am,but I was up at 4.30am for breakfast.As usual there was no problem getting up at that hour because I never sleep the night before a race.<br />
In Dingle town the ultra runners were bused to the ultra start line 24 miles away.<br />
There was a real sense of nervous excitement amongst the runners.We all knew it was gonna be a tough day out but everyone seemed to embrace the challenge.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsVtJruR2akQkkWaENwxYita8HjCyZbWoDMXeVg12wWAksNxw3abMszw-qEwa1-EsEFr4W7id_IOOw4Cux-v3ECRT8IZGMNiW5t9uMLuoqSKnst-yln7lTYpmK_lhctP5sxJnvo52Azo/s400/start.jpg" /><br />
As soon as the gun went I found myself in second place for the first 6 miles.When I finally caught up with the leader Ray Lanigan,we introduced ourselves to one another and over the next few miles chatted about all things ultrarunning.Ray explained that his pre race plan was to run the first 5-6 miles hard and then ease in to a steady pace.After the 10 mile mark he said he would be dropping back and I then pushed the pace slightly and we said our goodbye's and wished each other luck.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43FJbFycUF0Itlc-fbMt7o5ALiMGfDI-ZisGmT7946YK3q2ROoKyIBjOlpPwpqQbp4-wGdGAWwWRhHvRCZjiTUfWRAzlJleZ4AKimOJsDtt5PkG1wZRfr__CCMH2KQEMlHN3GpNkWiK4/s1600/Conor+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43FJbFycUF0Itlc-fbMt7o5ALiMGfDI-ZisGmT7946YK3q2ROoKyIBjOlpPwpqQbp4-wGdGAWwWRhHvRCZjiTUfWRAzlJleZ4AKimOJsDtt5PkG1wZRfr__CCMH2KQEMlHN3GpNkWiK4/s320/Conor+Pass.jpg" /></a><br />
Seventeen miles in and I was feeling good despite the driving headwind.<br />
Enter the Connor Pass....<br />
This was the section of the race which I knew was going to knock the stuffing out of me!<br />
A 3 mile climb up Ireland's highest mountain pass.<br />
The pace slowed dramatically and at times I felt that I might have been quicker walking given the severity of the inclines and the gale force winds!<br />
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Eventually we reached the summit and it was down hill in to Dingle where we would meet up with the marathoners and half marathoners.<br />
Twenty four miles done(and a tough 24 miles I might add),and a marathon to go!<br />
I had been running on my own at the front since mile ten and now once I reached Dingle town and headed west along the marathon route and found myself having to weave my way through the thousands of marathon and half marathon runners.<br />
I was no longer running alone.As I worked my way through the field of marathon runners it made the latter stages of the race feel somewhat easier and as the race continued I seemed to be getting stronger and stronger.<br />
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With 13 miles to go and nearly all the climbs out of the way I did a time check and reckoned if I could push the pace slightly I was on for a sub 6 hour finish.<br />
With 4 miles to go we had our last climb to overcome and then it was a straight 3 mile road in to Dingle.A quick time check....I needed to run the last 3 miles under 20 minutes to achieve the sub 6.<br />
Running in to the finish line to a massive supporting crowd was unbelievable.Winning in a sub 6 hour time(5.59:25) even better,and smashing the course record by 23 minutes topped off a fantastic day and remarkable week for me.<br />
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7924756442_1af944eeae_o.jpg" width="427" /><br />
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So mission accomplished......two ultras in 6 days,two wins and a European No.1 ranking over 50 miles.<br />
Not a bad weeks work!<br />
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Since Dingle training has been going very well and I feel I'm in good shape.I've also gained a lot of confidence from my last 3 races and am keen to continue my winning streak.<br />
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I have plans to run another race before the year is out.Maybe a 100km or maybe a long distance track race.I haven't decided on anything just yet but while I am in good shape and injury free I don't feel the need to end my season so early.I think I have one big one left in me.<br />
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Watch this space....Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-41371676480812888532012-08-12T23:16:00.000+01:002012-08-12T23:16:12.616+01:00Race,recover,adapt and........RACE AGAIN ?? <img alt="Anglo Celtic Plate start" src="http://www.welshathletics.org/media/406301/redwick%20start_435x256.jpg" /><br />
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Well it's been a busy few weeks,even if I have been on holidays since the ACP.Plenty of celebrating with family and friends and a break from the the demands of ultra distance training.<br />
However this week I returned to the day job in the garage,and with that came a return to the daily grind of training as well.<br />
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I scheduled my holidays to fit in around the ACP to allow for enough recovery.I pulled my calf muscle during the ACP and this needed time to heal.I thought I would be out for a few weeks,but thanks to Leon's healing powers and a certain set of needles I was back in action again after 5 days!Leon also gave me a foam roller for self massage,which I had never used before but now that I have started using this I cannot recommend it highly enough!It is a must for anybody looking to increase recovery time from workouts and so easy to use.And because it is so compact it can be brought anywhere.For more details check out Leon's website <a href="http://www.physiozone.com/">http://www.physiozone.com/</a><br />
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My return to training this week has been somewhat painful to say the least!Two 100k races in 3 months have taken there toll and my recovery is slower than usual.This week I got in 2 long runs,a speed session(10x1k) and a hill session,but it was the long runs which I found the more difficult for a change!<br />
But in saying that I am happy with the quality of my sessions this week in my first week back :)<br />
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Today was my first long run since the ACP and also my first opportunity to try out Craft's range of heat training gear.Even though the sun has been absent of late it has been extremely hot and humid.<br />
So with a 3 hour run ahead of me with temperatures in the high 20's it was on with the Craft Ventilation tee and my arm coolers.What a difference wearing the right clothing can make to performance.When you are running in hot temperatures for a long period of time it is crucial that you are wearing the right clothing,so that your race performance or training session is not deteriorated in any way.Craft's Ventilation range not only look good but they are extremely effective in hot temperatures.<br />
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As for the next few weeks....There are a couple of road ultras coming up at the end of the month(a 40 miler and a 50 miler),which I have not decided on yet.I will see how my body responds over the coming weeks before I make a decision.It would be very soon to run two more races especially with them being only 6 days apart,but we'll see :)<br />
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The overwhelming responses which I have received from family and friends since the ACP has kept me in a positive frame of mind and will hopefully drive me on to continue working hard and become a better athlete.<br />
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So in the meantime it's continue training hard and work towards the next big day out.<br />
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<br />Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-31378562323326870552012-07-24T20:42:00.000+01:002012-07-24T20:42:43.679+01:00ANGLO CELTIC PLATE CHAMPION 2012 <img height="640" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/488061_10150994110673859_1844518729_n.jpg" width="480" /> <div>
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I'll keep this short because it's been a hectic few days.I will have a more detailed race report later in the week,but for now I will give a brief summary of my weekend in Wales.</div>
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Firstly I think the guys from Welsh Athletics and the local organising committee deserve an awful lot of credit for putting on a fantastic event.They even arranged the fine weather...even if they did overcook that one !!</div>
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On a personal note this race had a different feel to it than other international races.Probably because I was the only Irish representative.</div>
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For various reasons unfortunately Ireland were unable to field a team in this years Plate.</div>
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The rest of the field was comprised of the cream of Britain's ultrarunners and I think it was fair to say that there was no way I was expecting to win.</div>
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My pre race goal was to run a sub 7,but unfortunately the very hot conditions made for somewhat slow times.</div>
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In these tough conditions the importance of the support crew is pivotal to performance,and thats where the ever-reliable John Collins comes in.</div>
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I can safely say that if it were not for John things would have been much more difficult for me to sustain a strong effort til the end.When my mind starts to wander after hours of running thats when John does the thinking for me.I was also kindly assisted by the Scottish team who were also a great help to me and I think the support they offered me is typical of the ultrarunning community.</div>
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Winning the Anglo Celtic Plate has been my greatest athletic achievement to date.I have won my first international competition after just 18 months on the Ultra running scene and hopefully I can gain a lot of confidence from this and go on to even better things in the future.</div>
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It's day's like this that makes all the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.</div>
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Anyway I said I would keep this short for the time being but there is one person in particular who if it was not for I would not have been running this race.</div>
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Richard Donovan of UltraRunningIreland not only kept faith in my ability,but also financially funded the whole thing in sending John Collins and myself over.</div>
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My winning this event is nothing compared to the hard work,dedication and money which Richard has put in to the sport in Ireland.</div>
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Also as usual a big thanks to all my sponsors</div>
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<a href="http://www.craft.se/">http://www.craft.se/</a>
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<a href="http://www.kineticasports.com/">http://www.kineticasports.com/</a>
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<a href="http://www.ozonegym.com/">http://www.ozonegym.com/</a>
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<a href="http://www.physiozone.com/">http://www.physiozone.com/</a>
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Pat Foudy Tyre Centre</div>
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<a href="http://www.woodstockennis.com/">http://www.woodstockennis.com/</a>
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</div>Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-86122489398238516952012-06-13T22:44:00.003+01:002012-06-13T22:48:09.071+01:00CRAFT SPONSORSHIP<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde4rVhVVGZvt1sA5lcwizsZF08EHKW0Auwg0JiuOZNvqUYDswAUNOr0RzHDqgS7ud35_yKE0EgHXjhPFhYFgASoVZtqqjcmJBD7lLVaUuoh2dgaXq6JdSxbWERzv6nkNoPA7BFH-FG_DF/s1600/100_1683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde4rVhVVGZvt1sA5lcwizsZF08EHKW0Auwg0JiuOZNvqUYDswAUNOr0RzHDqgS7ud35_yKE0EgHXjhPFhYFgASoVZtqqjcmJBD7lLVaUuoh2dgaXq6JdSxbWERzv6nkNoPA7BFH-FG_DF/s400/100_1683.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new summer running collection from Craft</td></tr>
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I'm delighted to announce that Craft will now be kitting me out in the very best of running gear,and they have very kindly sent me on the latest gear from they're summer collection.<br />
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Can't wait to test all this stuff !! Looks great :-)<br />
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Check out <a href="http://www.craft.se/">http://www.craft.se/</a>Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-57611580064568679462012-05-17T13:57:00.002+01:002012-05-17T13:57:37.463+01:00<span class="page_heading blog_single_header no_margin_top" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.ozonegym.com/wp-content/themes/Broadcast/images/h1_bg.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; float: left; font-family: Arial, 'Microsoft Sans Serif', 'Lucida Sans Unicode'; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 30px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 960px;"></span><br />
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Clare 10k Info Evening</h1>
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<a href="http://www.ozonegym.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/10k_ozone.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-2019" height="1024" src="http://www.ozonegym.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/10k_ozone-802x1024.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(238, 238, 238) 0px 0px 5px; border-bottom-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; display: inline; float: left; height: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 24px; margin-top: 4px; max-width: 100%; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" title="10k_ozone" width="802" /></a></div>
</div>Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-43983480849379274762012-05-05T20:48:00.000+01:002012-05-05T20:48:38.468+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/380187_10150719263888876_600778875_9641716_1310603019_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/380187_10150719263888876_600778875_9641716_1310603019_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> 100KM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012 RACE REPORT </b><br />
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<b>This years World championships was held in Seregno,Italy with record entries and 37 countries competing against one another for both World and European titles.Being part of Ireland's strongest Ultrarunning team to date to compete at global level was an exciting prospect,and I was determined to make up for last year's disappointment.</b><br />
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<b>The general feeling amongst the team was a very positive one and we all felt that if we were all on our game then we could achieve a very high team finish.</b><br />
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<b>In a race as long as 100km it is rare that you will run the perfect race,but even when you run well you will experience a lot of bad patches.It is how you deal with these bad spells that determine the outcome of your race.Ultrarunning can be very rewarding but also very cruel.During my so far very short Ultra running career I have experienced lots of highs and lows,but like any sport it's all part of the game and I'm sure it will continue to be a rollercoaster ride for some time to come hopefully.</b><br />
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<b>Usually I would be giving an in depth review of the whole race and every emotion I felt before,during and after the race,but then I came across a report on the race that my good friend Pat Bogue posted on the Clare Crusader's running webpage and decided for a change it would be nice to read a report from a supporter's view and get a feel for the whole event from a completely different angle.</b><br />
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<b>So here is Pat Bogue's race report on the World 100k Championships 2012........</b><br />
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<a class="blog-link" href="http://clarecrusadersrunning.weebly.com/2/post/2012/05/seregno-10o-km-world-championships-pat-bogue.html" id="blog-title-link" style="color: #880111; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Seregno – 10O km World Championships - Pat Bogue</a><span id="blog-date" style="float: left; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">05/02/2012</span></div>
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Another 2.30 am trip to Dublin airport, Colm Daly co-pilot in the passenger seat, déjà vu or what? This time, the destination is Seregno, Italy and Keith is doing the running. All going well until we boarded the Ryanair express and it was engulfed by school-touring teenagers and Carlo (aka the class clown, comedian and general source of all noise) was seated in front of me. At least Carlo said something, unlike the Milan Centrale Station staff who just grunted as we tried to find our way to Como San Giovanni, so eventually we figured out it involved a change at Monza (home of the Italian Grand Prix) and then the Chiasso train to Como. Much to Colm’s annoyance the hotel was not quite up to the ‘Riding School’ standard we were used to but at least they had managed to provide the twin-beds!!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />We set off to find Seregno for the opening ceremony with the Supporting Whytes (John, Sarah-Jane & Fran). Turns out it was a handy 30 min train trip with regular connections (should be perfect for race morning). The Irish team was captained by Daniel Doherty and included Keith of course, John Byrne, Thomas Maguire, Michael Collins, John O’Regan, Jim McCormick and Helen Lavin. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The opening ceremony consists of a flag-bearing event with local children, the local brass band, dance troupe, politicians etc.. eventually followed in procession by the competing teams. On reaching the first square, the Irish team received a taste of what was to come over the weekend in terms of their ‘<em "mso-bidi-font-style:="" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">embarrassing supporters</em>’. The procession seemed to meander through every street in Seregno, the Irish supporters ended up gate-crashing the parade on a number of occasions and mortifying Keith in the process. Well someone had to compete with the bell-ringing, cheering viva Mehico! viva Mehico! (and no I have got the spelling wrong). <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></div>
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Race start was due at 8 am in Seregno, so a 6.20 train would get us to the start line in ample time. Colm and myself were at the station at just after 6. Tickets in hand, we bumped into the blue and gold clad Fran (I suppose being from Tipp, it was a good opportunity to get to wear the colours once in 2012 ). A quick glance at the station screens showed that all trains had the letters SPO after them. I never did find out what SPO stood for but it resulted in a right pain in the ass for the next 17 hours or so. All trains and public transport were on strike, that’s what I quickly deciphered from the locals. Ah well, with 5 of us we would just jump into a taxi and travel the 20 or so miles to Seregno. An hour and a half later, we eventually secure a taxi. Shortly into the journey, Keith calls to say that the race start is delayed as the American team have been delayed due to snow on the mountains, we could still make the start. After a few towns, a u-turn was taken and we were heading back to where we came. Ah here, enough of this craic, we have a race to get to, so Pat-Nav kicked into action, and with no Italian, no map and rapidly decreasing patience, the Taxi driver was soon guided to Seregno and we jumped out at the first corner. We chanced a left turn and followed the route in reverse and met the race leaders as they reached the first km. A bit little Padraig O’Sullivan when there is a camera around, Keith led the Irish team on lap one. Impressed by our rapturous support for the ‘<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">boys & girl in green</em>’, the local TV crew asked us to do an encore for the cameras, no bother, happy to oblige. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The route for the 100 km was a 20 km circuit of the town with a mind-boggling 1 km snake-like stretch through a park near the end (picture one of those snaking queues in the airport and multiply by a kilometre). The race was open to teams competing in world and European championships, individuals in the same event, 50 km race and a half marathon. Aid stations for teams were located at 5 km intervals. With the team on the road, time for first update to Bernadette (Whyte). Time for breakfast, easier said than done but after a few kms walk, we found a race-side restaurant which tickled our fancy – well to be honest, we figured out it served tea, coffee and toast. With the assistance of Francesca, we realised that not only was toast on offer but croissants, breakfast panini’s (a more cultured breakfast roll) and a number of local delicacies. From the experience learned at the 2011 World Championships, food (carb or any other type) loading is an essential on days like this. With perfect timing, as breakfast was almost finished the 100 km runners reached our town-centre location on lap 2 and Speedy Whyte getting a rapturous response from the Italians after a little prompting from us, well he did go easy on the World Champion Georgio Calcaterra in Connemara a few weeks ago... quick memo to supporters, the locals are on our side so no mention of Ray Houghton or Giants Stadium, 18th June 1994!!! Ok, that’s the Italians on our side, next up get the Germans on our side.... all going well until they approached, come on lads, give a cheer but then one of our crew (who shall remain nameless but hails from Tipp), roars, come on Holland ‘<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">talk about not mentioning the war</em>!!!’. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />To maximise the support effort, the ‘<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">Supporting Whytes</em>’ hit for the 10 km aid station and Colm and myself headed for the 15 km station. En-route we met all the Irish team as the completed lap 2. The weather was playing a little game of deception, going from blazing sunshine to clouds and a few drops of rain. It soon became clear that the locals were no true-blue Dubs when it came to supporting, a few die-hards here and there but not a Miltown-mob in place and as for the Nassua Street home straight, there would be more excitement after first mass on a January morning. The 15 km aid station was being manned by ‘<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">middling marathon runner</em>’ John Collins. Sounds good, we might fit in here, however I soon find out that the average runner has done a sub-3 hour marathon!!! These 100 km races and ultra-runners really are at another level. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></div>
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We have some excellent water-people in the crusaders but even the <em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">Hydrator Melissa </em>and <em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">John Finn Snr</em> (two of our most competent water supporters) could not but be impressed by these aid stations. Each runner with their own supplies, labelled for each stage and a few spares (water, isotonic, liquid gel, regular gels, energy bars, carb drinks, jellies, digestive biscuits, coke, you name it). John was also keeping tabs on each runners time and pace. To say that spending a few hours on the aid-station was an experience was an under-statement. During the day, John was also joined by team-manager Richard (7 marathons in 7 continents record holder, arctic and antarctic marathon organiser), Tony and physio John whose magic spray and healing hands were in demand from time to time. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />By lap 3 (55 km completed as they passed us) the race up front was starting to take shape with the world champion Georgio showing why he held the title, with the challenge coming from Canada and Spain. Dan was getting into his stride and maintaining a consistent pace, Keith and John Byrne were following close behind him. John O’Reagan was finding the going a bit tough while Thomas and Jim felt the day going against them. Michael remained consistent while the star of the team in terms of smiling composure was Helen. The duty of the support crew is to remain positive and motivating for the runners but despite our outward signs, the messages and phone-calls between the aid stations increased as the concern increased for how the team were bearing up. However, the American team calls to their support team kept us all entertained ‘<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">USA, 2 gels; USA one water, one coke</em>’ still rings in the ears. Text to the crusaders, ‘<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">through 55 and doing well’</em>....<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></div>
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At 75 kms, it seemed as if the world champion was getting into his stride, a bit like Frank Landy at mile 10 of a 20 mile run, he was just about breaking a sweat while pulling away from the opposition. Dan maintained his consistency, John was sticking to his pace.... where was Keith? Has he lost time, is he alright? .... That’s him lads! no i don’t think so, it’s him, I would recognise that run anywhere.... quick sprint to meet him before the station... ‘<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;">good stuff Keith, keep it going, looking good</em>’.... Well lads, what do ye think? little bit of doubt from the lads, he has lost a minute or two, looking a little tired... but I was having none of it, not a chance lads, he nodded and smiled.... I had seen the look of defeat in Keith’s eyes before and this was not one of those days. Quick text to the crusaders... 75 done and all is well... call to Bernadette....<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />By this stage, it was already after 3 pm.... Dan was well into his last lap, time to hit for the finish. John did a quick top-up on all stocks before we left him. As we walked back towards the finish, we experienced the true determination of those competing... aches, pain, cramps and agony and for many they still had another 45 km to go. As we passed the 2 km sign, Dan came surging up the road, give me that flag he beckoned, so taking a short-cut we made it to the home straight. Roaring at the top of our voices, we let the locals know that the first Irish man had crossed the line (7.07). Tactics again came into play and the odd roar for the Italians as they passed ensured a wild response for our Irish Lads. John soon followed to finish in 7.16. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />By our reckoning, Keith was still on for a PB..... as the minutes passed, we anxiously strained our eyes to the corner.... where the hell was he? Come on Keith the clock is ticking, in my own head, I reckoned he had about 5 mins left for a PB... and then around the bend was the Whyte Swagger, engulfed by a massive Irish Flag... better ring Bernadette... so hanging onto the barrier with one hand, phone in the other with Bernadette hanging on, Crusader Keith roars past us and a new PB and third Irish finisher. The Irish team set a new record, 5th in Europe and 6th in the World.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Keith sitting there looking as if he had just run a hard 10 km... but wait, is that a monster blister from the run? Ah no, just a nasty infection which he had the week before but told no one. To say that the 100 km world championships is an amazing experience does not even start to do it justice: it was a mix of ultimate human endeavour, achievement, determination and of course fitness. To watch the world champion conquer the miles at his ease was mind-blowing. But to have the opportunity to support one of your friends wearing the green shirt and completing a world championship in record time was something special. Well done again to Keith and the Irish team and thanks for a great day out. Next year, it is Korea, will I be there? A bit like the Limerick marathon, I have not made up my mind yet!!!!</div>
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<b><br /></b>Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-86972409842619706352012-04-25T19:18:00.001+01:002012-04-25T19:22:13.356+01:00<br />
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<h2>
World Class Irish Team Result</h2>
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<img src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/2012-JBWorld100k.JPG" /><br />
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The Irish men's team finished a magnificent 6th in the World 100km Championships in Seregno, Italy on 22nd April 2012.<br />
In perhaps the most competitive championships to date, the UltraRunning Ireland athletes also set a new Irish team record in the process.<br />
Team captain, Dan Doherty, was the leading finisher among the Irish when posting a new personal best time of 7:07:26 hrs for a top 25 placing.<br />
John Byrne and Keith Whyte were close behind, registering times of 7:16:27 and 7:25:56, respectively.<br />
The cumulative times of the top three finishers establish team rankings and the new Irish team record of 21:49:48 hrs ensured 6th position overall. It was the highest global placing by any Irish athletics team in many years.<br />
The winning team was Italy, with the USA finishing second and France third.<br />
Michael Collins posted a very competitive 7:43:14 hrs to finish in the top 5 in the men's 45 category, but John O'Regan, Thomas Maguire and Jim McCormick encountered various problems and injuries during the race.<br />
In the women's race, Ireland's sole competitor was Helen Lavin and she ran strongly to finish in a time of 8:54:38 hrs.<br />
It was a remarkable weeked for the Irish delegation as UltraRuning Ireland chairman Richard Donovan was also elected Director of the International Association of Ultra Runners, the world governing body for the sport.<br />
In the past few years, UltraRunning Ireland has achieved the highest standards on the international stage, including continental medals, top global placings and numerous Irish records. An Order of Merit was also awarded to Richard and Paul Donovan for the staging of the IAU Trail World Championships in Connemara last year, which was broadcast globally to 200 million households.<br />
Athletics Ireland's CEO John Foley will now take responsibility for all aspects of the sport of ultra running in Ireland, including the funding of teams for international compeitition.Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-24857556074974055072012-04-08T12:35:00.000+01:002012-04-08T12:35:28.457+01:00STRONG IRISH TEAM FOR WORLD 100K<img src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/DanDoherty-World100ka.jpg" /> <br />
Pictured: Dan Doherty, Irish 100km Team Captain<br />
Ireland will send a very strong team to the European & World 100km Championships in Italy on 22nd April.<br />
The men's team will be captained by Daniel Doherty, who finished 14th in the 2011 World Championships.<br />
Doherty, along with Irish 50km Champion John Byrne and Irish 100km record holder Thomas Maguire make up a trio of Irish runners with sub-7:10hr PBs.<br />
The team, which also includes Keith Whyte (sub 7:30hrs), Michael Collins (World veteran bronze medallist) and John O'Regan (Irish 24-Hour Champion) will be among the favourites to medal in Europe. The cumulative time of the top three finishers for each nation decides the outccome of the team competiion.<br />
In addition to the team, Jim McCormick will represent Ireland as an individual and should be among the top contenders in the vets competition (which is run concurrently).<br />
In the women's race, Ireland will be represented by Helen Lavin, who has recently posted some very good ultra performances in the USA.<br />
IRISH MEN'S TEAM<br />
John Byrne<br />
Michael Collins<br />
Daniel Doherty<br />
Thomas Maguire<br />
John O'Regan<br />
Keith Whyte<br />
Jim McCormick*<br />
IRISH WOMEN'S TEAM<br />
Helen Lavin*<br />
*Individual <br />
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</b></div>Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-6438624432536436822012-02-09T19:07:00.000+00:002012-02-09T19:07:42.942+00:00DONOVAN SETS NEW MARATHON WORLD RECORD<img src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/425933_328160940559901_319699144739414_967995_91881453_n.jpg" /> <br />
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Irish international ultra runner,Richard Donovan has set a new world record for running a marathon on each of the 7 continents in under 5 days.Donovan started his epic journey in Antarctica on February 1st at 09:53(GMT) and the aim was to finish his final marathon before 7pm in Sydney(local time).<br />
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In between Antarctica and Sydney,Donovan ran marathons in London,Cape Town,Orlando,Hong Kong and Sao Paolo completing this physical and logistical feat in a record-breaking 4 days 22 hours and 3 minutes.<br />
AMAZING STUFF!!<br />
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For more info check out <a href="http://www.worldmarathonchallenge.com/">http://www.worldmarathonchallenge.com/</a>Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-2986390613256105932012-02-05T20:33:00.000+00:002012-02-05T20:33:33.480+00:00<a href="http://physiozone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/new-logo-white5.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://physiozone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/new-logo-white5.png" /></a> <img src="http://physiozone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/leon-150x150.jpg" /><br />
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<br />
This past fortnight I have been on a little break from running with a few health problems.So my last 2 weeks looked like this...3 doctors visits,blood tests more tests,prescription painkillers and a week of vomiting and nausea.Oh and did I mention a crippling back pain in which I could hardly breathe!!<br />
So between all my Doctors visits and everything else I paid a trip to my trusty Physio,Leon Raath in <a href="http://physiozone.com/">http://physiozone.com/</a> .As soon as he started to examine my back he knew I was in trouble and came straight out and said "keith we're gonna have to stick some needles in there".So Leon got to work doing what he does best.My back was in so much spasm the needles started to bend!That will give you an idea of the kind of pain I was in.I went in to Leon doubled over in agony and after just one session I felt a massive improvement.The following 2 days he kindly fitted me in to his very busy schedule and after just 3 sessions with Leon I was back running again.<br />
<br />
Any sports person who puts themselves through the rigours of a tough training regime needs to look after there bodies through intelligent training,proper diet and also proper maintenance of the muscoskeletal system.This is where a physio comes in.A regular visit even when you are feeling fine will keep the body well serviced and ready to withstand the next block of training.<br />
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To think this time last week I could hardly sit down and breathe I was in such pain.Now I am back in training again and getting geared up for my next race.I may have lost a couple of weeks training but at least it was only a couple.And to that I owe a big thank you to my physio Leon,who continues to support me and play a major role in my running.Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-15404832967835391892011-12-31T20:58:00.001+00:002011-12-31T21:07:03.598+00:002011......WHAT A JOURNEY !!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/KeithWhyte-world100k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/KeithWhyte-world100k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/KeithWhyte-world100k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/ACP-StartLine.JPG" /></a><img border="0" src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/KeithWhyte-world100k.jpg" /><img src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/KeithWhyte-TWC.jpg" /> <a href="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/ultrarunning_sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ultrarunningireland.com/media/i/ultrarunning_sm.png" /></a></div>What a year it's been.This time last year I had just run a 2.38 marathon and began to look for a new challenge.Whilst browsing the web I came across ultra running Ireland.The idea of ultra running really appealed to me but I didn't want to say it too loud !! Working a six day week whilst trying to balance family life with a wife and two kids and a disciplined marathon training programme was hard enough.But I have a very competitive and addictive personality,and for me I prefer to go balls to the wall,or not go at all.So it was decided.....I would now focus my attention on Ultra Running.Contact was made with UltraRunningIreland.They really sold Ultra running to me and I became even more interested in the 100km event.Before I knew it I received the call on new years day that I would be selected on the Irish Team to run in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km.It was like all my dreams had come true.I would be running in an international competition wearing the green of Ireland.I had to pinch myself !!<br />
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In the lead up to that race I was invited to run the Donadea 50k.This was to be my first ultra race and I wanted to make an impression on those that selected me for the national team,and prove I was worthy to wear the green vest.Long story short I managed to win the race and this set me up nicely for the ACP in March.<br />
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March 27th Perth,Scotland,Anglo Celtic Plate 2011.....My Ireland debut :)<br />
It was a totally surreal experience for me to be kitted out in the Ireland gear and I was buzzing all weekend.<br />
The previous day I met my team-mates and crew for the first time.A really great down to earth bunch of lads,which I think calmed my nerves some bit.One thing I have noticed since I took up running 4 years ago is the camaraderie in the sport,but Ultra running takes this to another level altogether.I was the novice in the team with the other guys boasting a vast range of Ultra running credentials,but the support and advice these guys gave me was invaluable.<br />
Before the race all I had on my mind was running a sub 7.30 100km.This was the qualifying time for the World/European Championships.Of course I couldn't be content with running in the Irish colours or even finishing the race,I had to go one better and try to get the qualifying time at the first attempt !<br />
I did it...Just about...7.28:59.............Roll on the World Championships in September<br />
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In the lead up to the Championships I ran the Connemara marathon and placed 3rd.Next up was the Kildare Marathon which I finished in 1st place.Two weeks later I ran the Newry City Marathon and placed 3rd again.<br />
In July Ireland was to host the Trail World Championships and Ultra Running Ireland's Richard Donovan was an outstanding success as race director.From a personal point of view I had never ran a Trail race before,but because I was selected I decided to give it a crack.It was another international cap which I would have been foolish to turn down.On the day a lot of factors contributed to me suffering from dehydration and subsequently being forced to drop out of the race.<br />
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I was determined to put my first DNF behind me and my first race on the ultra scene was the Longford 39.3 mile Ultra which I placed 1st and restored some confidence before the big one in Holland.<br />
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So September finally arrived.World Championships were here.The whole atmosphere surrounding the event was fantastic.From the athletes village to the opening ceremony to the race itself was an experience.I was completely up for this race and had high hopes of putting in a good performance,but just like in the Trails things didn't go to plan once again.It was a big disappointment but I count myself very lucky to have represented my country at 2 word championships in one year.<br />
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October 31st I was a pacer for the Dublin City Marathon.I must say I got great satisfaction from helping fellow athletes accomplish there aims in attaining a sub 3 hour marathon.I still felt I had a decent race left in me before the year ended.I started working with coach William Sichel in early October in the hope to develop my ultra running potential.We selected some races which would be part of my training towards the World 100km 2012 in april(providing I would be selected that is)<br />
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First up was the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon.I knew this was going to be a tough race and not one for a fast time.What I wanted was a good work out.Afterall the bigger picture was Italy 2012.<br />
As it turns out I ran a strong race on a hilly course which was enough for me to take 1st place.So that was 2011 wrapped up,and when I look back on the year tonight I just realise what a rollercoaster ride it has been.Lots of ups and even more downs,but even more importantly valuable experience gained.So here's to taking what I've learned in 2011 and turning it in to something better for 2012.<br />
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List of races from 2011<br />
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Feb - Donadea 50km 1st place<br />
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March - Ireland debut ACP 100km 7.28<br />
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April - Connemara Marathon 3rd Place<br />
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May - Kildare Marathon 1st Place<br />
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May - Newry City Marathon 3rd Place<br />
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July - Trail World Chapionships<br />
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August - Longford Ultra Marathon 39.3 miles 1st Place<br />
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September - World 100km Championships<br />
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October - Sub 3 Hour Pacer in the Dublin Marathon<br />
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December - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon 1st PlaceKeith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-62395603587135787402011-12-23T20:06:00.001+00:002011-12-23T20:07:46.941+00:00CLONAKILTY WATERFRONT MARATHON<div><img alt="photography cork ireland" src="http://www.dermotsullivan.com/coppermine/albums/Clon%20Marathon%20Last%20Files/146_Clon_Run_4hr_to_Finish__DSC1385.jpg" /> </div>My first race in over three months saw me make the long journey south to the west cork town of Clonakilty,for the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon.It was my first outing under the 'William Sichel regime'.Over the past couple of months training was going well and I could see noticeable improvements.The week before the race I ran a 5k PB in a training time trial so things were looking pretty good for this race.I knew beforehand that it was not going to be the easiest of courses and so I wasn't banking on beating my current PB of 2.38,and as the race went on I realised I wasn't going to get anywhere near it.<br />
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</div><div>The marathon started the same time as the 10k so I got a little caught up with the early pace running the first 3 miles with the chasing 10k group.As the race thinned out and the marathon and half marathon went there separate ways I was on my own running out country roads with lots and lots of hills to get over !! I have ran hilly races in my time,but I have never seen so many in one race !! I mean it was relentless !! It was hill after hill after hill after hill.The last 4 miles were flat but I think by the time I had got to mile 22 my legs were in a state of shock.I managed to cross the finish line in first place in 2.44:18. I did manage to get a good workout even if the time wasn't that impressive ! It's never easy racing a marathon on your own from start to finish,especially on a hilly course but all in all I'm very happy to have rounded off the year with another victory. <br />
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</div><div>For anybody looking for a scenic winter marathon on a challenging course this race has it all,and more ! Everything from race organisation to stewarding to aid stations to atmosphere(at the start and finish area) was top notch and I could not fault anything with my experience in Clonakilty.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I would also like to thank my sponsors Kinetica who were also one of the main race sponsors on the day as well.They provided runners with everything from energy gels during the race to recovery drinks after.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So that's my racing finished with for 2011.Next up is The Irish 50km Championships which will be held in Donadea in February 2012,and maybe a warm up in the Gloucester 50km in January,just to keep me on the straight and narrow over the festive period :)</div><div><br />
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</div><div><img src="http://www.runclon.ie/images/gallery/gal_3.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.runclon.ie/images/gallery/gal_9.jpg" /></div><div>(views of scenic west cork) </div>Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-55996256233763203962011-11-26T21:56:00.000+00:002011-11-26T21:56:38.498+00:00PLANNING AHEAD FOR A NEW SEASON<img src="http://aeiou.caras.pt/incoming/2011/11/20/13-william-sichel-com-charlene-e-alberto-do-monaco.jpg/ALTERNATES/w620h395/13+William+Sichel+com+Charlene+e+Alberto+do+M%C3%B3naco.jpg" /><br />
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(above William Sichel winning the 8 day "no finish line" race in Monaco earlier this week)<br />
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Well it's been a while since I last posted anything,and I've been getting subtle reminders as to when I was gonna update the blog,so i said I'd better string a few lines together and let you all know what I've been up to over the last few months.<br />
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Since September I have been looking at ways to try and improve my performances.First major thing that stood out was my diet,so I got on to my Irish team mate Barry Murray at <a href="http://www.optimumnutrition4sport.com/">http://www.optimumnutrition4sport.com/</a><br />
Barry put me to the top of his busy list of clients when he realised how shocking my diet was!!I was eating all the wrong things at the wrong times.Not getting in enough proteins or fats.I now know what to eat every day based upon the training sessions I am doing on a particular day and eating the right foods makes a massive difference to my energy levels.So that was the nutritional side of things sorted..........now it was time to look at my training and see what improvements could be made at that end.<br />
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Following a previous conversation earlier in the year with multiple word record holding ultra runner,William Sichel,I am delighted that he and his training coach Shaun Brassfield Thorpe have agreed to take me on.William and Shaun have a different approach to training,and have thrown in a mixture of new elements to compliment some of what I had already been doing.Before we started working together I agreed to do as they say and to stick to the plan.Check out Williams blog <a href="http://www.williamsichel.co.uk/blog/">http://www.williamsichel.co.uk/blog/</a><br />
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World 100k championships 2012 in Italy is my number 1 goal.Everything I do with these guys over the next 5 months will be geared towards that race.I now have more structure to my training and every session I do has a purpose and is specific to what I am doing.We have only been working together for 4 weeks but already I can see improvements in my training.<br />
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Next up for me as part of my training for world 100k,will be the Clonakilty marathon on December 10th.<br />
<a href="http://www.runclon.ie/">http://www.runclon.ie/</a><br />
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After that it will be the Gloucester 50k on January 22nd with possibly another 50k race in february.<br />
All going well that should leave me in good stead for AprilKeith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-24691363991918922722011-09-05T21:45:00.000+01:002011-09-05T21:45:55.996+01:00RACE WEEK PREPARATIONS<img alt="IAU : International Association of Ultra Runners" src="http://www.ultramarathonrunning.com/images/iau.gif" /> <img alt="IAAF : International Association of Athletics Federations" src="http://www.ultramarathonrunning.com/images/iaaf.gif" /><br />
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<b> IAU 100K WORLD CHAMPIONSIPS 2011</b><br />
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I can't believe we are only 5 days away from the world 100k championships!!It's in these days leading up to a big event that nerves,excitement and a whole range of pre race emotions start to kick in.Months of training has been done and it's come to the stage now where less is more as regards training.As I begin my second and final week of the taper it's time to go through the "checklist"........<br />
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Today monday was just a very easy 7 mile run(in the lashing rain as usual!!).Tomorrow will be another short run of 8 miles with a few miles at race pace thrown in,just to make sure the legs aren't getting too comfortable :)<br />
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Wednesday I am booked in with Leon in http://www.physiozone.com/ for my pre race massage.After Longford I didn't feel too sore except for slighty tight calf muscles and then the quads were starting to play up a little but Leon sorted them out.So basically the massage is just to make sure that everything is ok and to loosen out any tight spots.I couldn't recommend highly enough the benefits of a good rub a few days before a race.<br />
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Thursday we depart for the Netherlands...........<br />
I will probably do a light run on thursday and likewise friday.Nothing too strenuous :)<br />
Race start is saturday at 10am local time(9am irish time)........This is where the taper ends and the small matter of racing 100k begins !!!Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-724276826215094321.post-10079034034880887722011-08-30T21:55:00.000+01:002011-08-30T21:55:03.740+01:00LONGFORD ULTRA RACE REPORT<div> <img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/GcLk203ebdgOICrZv9mJbGpFu8eHfXMpTIdb841_CSrQVGIeuh0o1HhNwPVTR4sC4eAZ2IA=s170" /></div><div>This past month has all been about getting the disaster that was Connemara out of my head!Time to knuckle down and put in some quality workouts and get ready for the World 100 in September.I knew that physically I was in good shape,even in the lead up to the trails,so it was just a case of building on that.Training over the last few weeks has gone very well but I needed a race to really see proof that I was getting things right in training.Sunday saw Longford Marathon celebrate they're 10th anniversary and for the occasion they put on a 39.3 mile ultra marathon.I decided that I would give it a shot.</div><div>For the upcoming World 100 I have 2 specific goals....."Goal A",and"Goal B"</div><div>To see if these "goals" were in fact realistic and achievable and would use The Longford Ultra Marathon a testing ground.The aim was to run Longford at 80% effort.I wanted to feel like I could continue running at a similiar pace for another couple of hours after crossing the finishing line.Whether I finished the race in 1st place or 10th place was irrelevent.This was a training exercise with the bigger picture in mind.</div><div>Long story short......I completed the race comfortably in 6.30min\mile in a time of 4hrs 16mins.I was feeling fresh when crossing the finish line and without getting dragged in to a race I managed to place 1st!Even though I ran most of the race shoulder to shoulder with 2nd placed Vasilly Neumerzhitskiy it did not feel like a race as for me it was just another sunday long run,except this time with a bit of company!Feeling strong over the last couple of miles I opened a 2 minute gap and maintained it to the finish.</div><div>All in all it was a great days training and even better to get the win which will do my confidence the world of good leading up to Holland :)</div><div> <img alt="28 August 2011 10th Annual Longford Marathon Ultra marathon winners 1st Keith White 2nd Vasily Neumerzhitky" height="283" src="http://raydonlon.smugmug.com/2011/August/Longford-10th-Annual-Marathon/i-Wv5RQdd/0/M/28LM260811-M.jpg" width="400" /></div>Keith Whytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14414778034845907911noreply@blogger.com3