The Ramada Lambada

Paul Dunne was dancing once again as he showed good early season form to take the first Duathlon Race held at the Ramada Hotel, Ballina.

The forecast for the weekend was for storm force winds, the worst so far this year according to the Met office in Dublin! Well if you waited for a fine day in Mayo you might get a day or two's training in... In July, that is if you were prepared to go out between the showers. Anyway 18 lunatics turned out on what started out as fine Sunday morning, nothing strange there, well 17 and 3/4 as Brian Flannery didn't do the first run as he had to nip back to the pool for his bike and helmet, true to form as it was Brian's first time on the bike this year, prepare to see him on it next time at Mullaghmore.

So, to the action, a gentle warm up was led by yours truly to get the heart rate up and warm the muscles slightly, I didn't want any muscle strains this early on in the season (don't mention it guys) and then they were off.

The format was 4k-15k-4k over a fairly flat fast course, Kieran Heron sped away like lightening hot on the heels to catch our very own Michael Johnson Leonard (you know who you are) and entered T1 in a superb time of 15min 40secs. Kieran is a Veteran Ironman finisher from Knockmore, Ballina and recently defected from the Galway Tri Club, we are thrilled that he has joined Liquid Motion. However, I think Kieran was in Ironman mode during the transition as he allowed Paul Dunne to make up over a minute on him in T1 with them almost coming out together onto the bike leg. This was Kieran's downfall as this is by far Paul's specialty, having broke the hour for 25 miles in 2007, Paul tore up the tarmac on the first of the two lap course before easing up to stroll home on the second run leg in a comfortable time of 57mins 18 secs and he wasn't even riding his new bike.

For the rest of the gang they were also working hard, everyone was showing good form, Bernard McGuiness got on the podium with a third place, or should I say someone masquerading as Bernard in a 12 and 1/2 stone body suit, Bernard is going so well this year, I wish him all the very best as he is training like a demon and deserves every success in 2008.

It was nice to see a few new members racing, Paul Casey gave my wife, Celene a good race and were inseparable on the first run then the bike but I think Paul was not prepared physically or mentally for the onslaught of the second run, although I am sure he will be better prepared next time, watch out Celene, and Bernard for that matter. Mark Loftus from Crossmolina was the other new face and again did very well for his first time and looked fairly whacked crossing the finish line.

It was also nice to see a Niamh, Grace, Pauline, Patricia, Celene and Mary braving the Mayo weather.

True to form the hailstones did arrive and unfortunately caught everyone out on the second run, except for me who was dry and warm in Paul's campervan but spirits were not dampened and everyone finished safe and fairly tired out.

Paul and Mary had arranged with the Ramada Hotel for anyone wanting to use the Tranquillity Spa facilities for a jacuzzi, swim or shower and a few made use of this generous offer from the Hotel which was a welcome relief from the elements.

Hope to see you all and more at the next Duathlon, check the calender on this website for up-and-coming events.

Slán. 

Lost & Found

1 Glove, red and black. Contact David on 0860618271. 

March 9, 2008 21:37

David