Galway 5K Series: Race 2 - Loughrea

I'm starting to think the skies know when I am about to go for a run these days as yet again, after looking out the office window at clear skies all day, We headed to Loughrea for the 2nd run of the Galway 5K series in the rain. 

<insert inspirational quote about not having rainbows without the rain>

Myself and Aisling arrived in Loughrea before 7:30 and after a few minutes warm-up, we made our way to the Start Line where we met up with the usual suspects :) Last night was a lot more relaxed than Athenry last week as everyone had their timing chips and the rain had subsided which lead to a few nice chats before we were rounded up like a herd behind the starting mat - The mat was shorter than the road so after a tight squeeze, we took off at 8 on the button.

Myself, Brad and Paula before the Start

This years Loughrea route was different to previous years - two loops of the town which lead to a flatter, nicer course. I'm still not sure how I feel about passing the finish line half way through a race but anyway... We ran though the rain & wind and I don't know if it was because of that or the fact I'd forgotten my earphones but the run definitely felt more laboured - listening to other people gasp for air certainly isn't music to my ears and made the run feel longer. I missed the input of fizzy pop music right into my ears - I usually judge distances while running in terms of number of songs e.g "this is the last song, so make it count".

My first and last km were 4:15/km with the kilometres in the middle coming in around 4:30/km bringing me across the finish line at 22:24 - three seconds slower than last week which actually isn't bad at all at all considering the Half Marathon at the weekend. Sub 22 is my next mini-goal, I've my eyes on the prize - just need to step it up a gear... Next stop: Craughwell.

Myself, Elaine & Marie making up last nights YesEquality brigade :)