The Glenmalure War Adventure Race in Wicklow was very tough. At the start I had made my mind up to pace myself. The run to the top of Kirikee Mountain was a real challenge, getting to the summit I realised again why so many people take on these races the view for miles and miles around. A quick water break and then I ran back down the forest trails to the transition area for the bike stage. A quick top up of gummy bears off and I headed - little did I know what was ahead of me!
A mountain climb on the bike this time, pure hell on my legs. I wanted to stop so many times and take a break but I knew if I did it would’ve been harder to start off on the hill again. Getting near to the top all I could think about is the very fast downhill part we had been warned about at our briefing. Just as I topped the hill the rain came, it just poured down. I started to descend fast and both brakes held just about. With poor visibility I see a bike in front of me slide across the road, the rider shouted he was ok. I kept going, getting to the bottom and on to a flat section where I checked my speed - 69kmph. Coming down the hill I smiled and thought how I’d love to see how fast I could go in the dry!
My final transition was the river run, a short run and one leap later I was chest deep in water with the finish not too far away. A bouncy castle jump later and I crossed the line at 2hr28mins.
Thanks for your support and see you at race 3!
Liam
PS - Don't forget you can join me on any race, I'd love to have you on board!