FKT: David Barry - Dublin Mountains Way (Ireland) - 2021-04-23

Athletes
Route variation
out & back
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
7h 44m 24s
GPS track(s)
Photos
Report

I struck off from Shankill just before 6.  Thankfully this Friday morning was clear and bright so I couldn’t complain.  I’d need a better excuse than the weather if my attempt was unsuccessful.  I carried everything I thought I would need for the out and back effort conscious that I could get additional water at the public tap in Glencullen and the few streams that I would cross along the way.  I had recce’d the route over the previous couple of weeks and was glad that I did.  While it is very straightforward most of the time every now and then you can be left scratching your head wondering “did I miss a turn-off” so on the day I could switch off the route-finding part of my brain which was a comfort.  

I knew pacing was going to be the key.  Go out too fast and I would die a thousand deaths on the way back. So, with that in mind, what did i do…I went out too fast and I died a thousand deaths on the way back.  I only took the one photo on the day at the turnaround point in Tallaght.  When I removed my phone it was completely covered in Tailwind.  They really need to make their sachets a bit more robust.

I didn’t want to be left with anything in the tank at the end so as I inched ever closer to Shankhill I kept asking myself “should I be trying to run this hill?” to which my body’s response was a resounding “No!!"  The trail was getting busy at this stage so I was glad I had chosen a week day for the challenge because, with the good weather promised, I'm sure the trail will be much busier over the weekend.

Once I hit the high point in Barnaslingan on the way back I knew I was on track for a sub 8hour finish.  I just needed to keep it rolling.  The only nutrition I used on the day was Tailwind and Gu gels (not sponsored).  Being someone who often suffers from stomach issues after 35 miles or so I am happy to report that I had no such issues on the day…well, not much anyway.  The biggest area of concern for me was my footwear.  I knew going into the challenge my shoes weren’t ideal.  Who in their right mind uses a pair of Asics trail shoes?   Regardless, I didn’t have the patience to wait until I had bought and broken in a new pair of shoes so sure enough my feet got a bit mangled but not too bad.

Don’t forget to stop your watch….don’t forget to stop your watch…don’t forget to stop your watch.  I was completely done in when I finally hit the DMW sign in Shankhill.  Really delighted to bring it in under 8 hours.  All in all very happy with the day out.  Beats sitting on front of the computer….but oh, my poor feet.