Kayathlon.ie - July 18 by Greg Dillon

Kayathlon.ie ISSUE #4

JULY 2018

Your Home of Adventure Racing

Welcome to your July Adventure Racing Magazine

Your Monthly Round up YOUR ESSENTIAL ADVENTURE RACING GUIDE. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET YOU TO YOUR RACE STARTING LINE

COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT Moire O'Sullivan on page 48

Do You have the Moxie?

GEARR EVIEW

We took it on and boy it didn't disappoint! on page 28

The GoPro Hero 6. on page 40

A community race with a difference

Contents 002

WELCOME NOTES

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SHARE YOUR ADVENTURE

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EVENT GUIDE

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MOXIE ADVENTURE RACE

A few quick words from the boss chimp We want your adventure photos

Your guide to upcoming events and more

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY

Get the inside track

OUR LATEST ISSUE OF

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COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT

KAYATHLON.IE - YOUR

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KAYAKING

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RACE 2 GLORY

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FIRST TIME ADVENTURE RACER

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GAELFORCE WEST ULTRA RACE REVIEW

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GEAR REVIEW

Ladies National Adventure Racing Champion shares HOME OF ADVENTURE your stories on how she made it to the top. RACING MAGAZINE.

Dispell those urban myths We spoke to the organizers to give you the inside track Paul Kelly gives us his account as he steps We took on GaelForce West Ultra and boy it didn't disappoint We look at the GoPro Hero 6

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DOCUMENTARY OF THE MONTH

Find out whats in store for Kayathlon as we got in front of the lens into the world up bikes, trails and kayaks

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR US AT Y O U R N E X T R A C E !

36 27K

THE NUMBER OF RACES ON OUR CALENDAR

THE NUMBER OF RACE ENTRIES IN 2017

In total we featured 35 races in 2017 from all 4 corners of our lovely, awesome, jaw droppingly beautiful little country.

Races are on the up as are participant levels. A massive increase from last year...

letter from editor

Hi, Greg Dillon

Chief Adventure Officer

ello and welcome back to our latest issue of your Adventure Racing

H Magazine!

Since our June issue, we have been flat out making the most of the outdoors, enjoying the sun and hitting the trails at every given opportunity. In fact, this issue has been the hardest issue to put together for that very reason. Not that we are complaining but the weather has been soo good, trying to sit down in front of PC at times has been harder than scrambling up Croagh Patrick during Gaelforce West.

But we did it, and just like closing the finish line, the feeling of pride and joy, far outweighs what it took to get here. So we hope you enjoy it. If there is anything you would like to see in the upcoming monthly releases please let us know. Remember this magazine is for you...the Adventurer. Email us on info@kayathlon. ie with your suggestions and keep up to date by following our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We also have a free Strava Group with over a 100 fellow adventures. Join us!

6 Reasons to do an Aventure Race

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6 Reasons to do an Adventure Races

hare Your Adventures We don't even have to ask if you are enjoying the awesome weather...

1. HELP US CELEBRATE THIS COUNTRY

Let's face it. The last couple of years Ireland has been in the horrors and we have had little to celebrate. However we are hardened resiliant bunch and we have bounced back. We live in an amazing country that is now enjoying some of the warmest weather in decades. 2. LOCATION, LOCATION

We want your outdoorsyness photos. Instagram is awash with the most amazing shots of what Ireland has to offer. We are going to dedicate a section of the monthly magazine to the best of the photos that arrive in. Simply email them to us at: info@kayathlon.ie or hash tag us #multisportireland.

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AVA I L A B L E O N K AYAT H L O N . I E / S H O P Your Home of Adventure Racing

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ď Ł

Event Guide

There is a race for everyone no matter what level you are at... ...with 36 races to choose from, from all over the country, running from February all the way through to November Sign up today!

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t e

36 RACES IN

2018

One StopShop ...for all your race information ONE OF OUR most popular features on our site is the Event Calendar. In the couple of years, the adventure racing scene in Ireland has exploded seeing up to 35 events being run nationwide without over 27000 entries. And these numbers are growing.

country of ours. Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where you can keep informed about competitions and giveaways.

You will find a comprehensive & up to date listing of all your favorite races the moment they are announced along with course maps, wave breakdowns and also a new registration links too . To date we have given away dozens of free entries to races spanning the four corners of this awesome

Your Essential Guide to Irish Adventure Racing FULL LISTING

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Upcoming Events in July '18. Moxie - Blessington Date: July 7th Less than 45 mins from Dublin City Centre, based around the beautiful Blessington, this adventure racers favorite is back again. Like previous years it will sell out, so make sure you do not miss it. There is a distance for level here • Mini Moxie – 25Km • Moxie Duathlon – 34Km – For • Moxie – 36Km Those Who Don’t Want To Get • Moxie Pro – 54Km Their Feet Wet Race info...

Race 2 Glory Date: July 14th Race 2 Glory is an advnture race with a difference, this race will definitely bring out the inner adventurer in you. • 35K - Short • 74K - Long

Race info...

...lots more new events to be announced, to stay up to date with all the latest Even Kayathlon.ie | 10

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MAD - Adventure Race Donegal Date: Jul 21st The Milford and District Adventure Race Donegal also known as MAD, is an Adventure Race for all levels set in the heart of Donegal, just 10 minutes from Letterkenny. The event offers 2 courses to challenge all capabilities and expectations... • 59K - Full • 29K - Sprint

Race info...

Liliput Legends Date: Jul 21st Kayak though the crannogs of King Malachy on Lough Ennell, Cycle through the splendour of the bog of Allen and run, stumble, hike, climb, over the extinct volcano that is Croghan Hill to one of Irelands greatest view points • 25K - Mini Ass • 45K - Bad Ass • 65k - Kiss Ass

Race info...

so make sure to follow us on Facebook nt announcements.... Your Home of Adventure Racing

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07.07.18 MINI MOXIE – 25KM MOXIE – 36KM MOXIE PRO – 54KM MOXIE DUATHLON – 34KM – FOR THOSE WHO DON’T WANT TO GET THEIR FEET WET

BEAUTIFUL BLESSINGTON A calendar favourite is back and the hordes will ascend once more upon the idyllic setting of Blessington for another adventure on Saturday 7th July.

ow in it's 8th year, the Moxie Adventure Race comes roaring back into town. Or Blessington to be exact. Located about 45 minutes from Dublin City Centre, this is a great event for athletes of all levels. While the shorter routes are great for those willing to try out this adventure racing lark, the longer routes are a great challenge as you will be put through your paces around the Lackan and surrounding areas. We are going to take a look at the Pro Route in more detail. With a total combined climb of just short of 900 meters, the majority of which is on the first run section (15k) as you have to traverse across two peaks, this will definitely test your inner mountain goat skills. You will be greeted by mountainside, furs, rocky roads and possibly boggy sections depending on the weather leading up to the event itself. But what goes up must come down. Over the next 4.5k you will descend some 400 meters, the first section being one of the craziest open descents

RATING

8.5/10

DO YOU HA you are likely encounter all year. A good pair of trail runners is recommended if you plan on tackling this head on at full kilter. You will cross farm yards, where eventually you will come down to a sandy shoreline at the lake. It's about 2k along the shoreline to the kayak section.

the dips in the road to your advantage to attack the next climb. Don't bolt out of the gate at the start of the cycle or you will feel the mountain section come back and attack those quads and calves. The average racer will complete this section in about 1 hour 20 minutes.

The kayak has been shortened this year to 2k. Still a sizeable section though where those with good techique will surely capatalize here. After you finish on the tranquil lake, it's a short run up to the bike transition.

For a preview of the Sport Route, check out Margaret Erwins write up from last year...plenty of good information in there to make the most of the event. https://kayathlon.ie/2017/07/12/ inside-track-moxie-adventure-race/

The next 37k will bring you and your trusty steed around the circumference of the lake on a set of rolling hills. Steady is the name game. Our advice is to space your remaining energy levels out. Use

If water is not your thing, then do not dispare, there is an option called the Moxie Duathlon where you are doing the middle distance route, just skipping the kayak section.

AVE THE MOXIE? If you are looking to brush up on your kayaking skills, the organisers of the event, Total Experience, run kayaking classes on Tuesday evenings on the very lake you will be racing on but prebooking is a requisite. Cost is Eur20 for roughly 2 hours. Bargain! Tell them Kayathlon sentcha! Also as part of your race entry fee, you will receive a race t-shirt which can be customized on the day of the race. For more information contact Brian on 087-8307214 If you prefer to bring your own kayak on the race day, that option is available too. Wondering how everyone got on last year, check results here... http://www.sportident.co.uk/results/2017/MoxieAR/index.html

Race Breakdown Mini Moxie 25k Stage 1: Run 1km Stage 2: Hill Run 2Km Stage 3: Cycle 20k

Moxie 36k Stage 1: Run 1km Stage 2: Hill Run 8Km Stage 3: Kayak 2km Stage 4: Cycle 25k

Moxie Duathlon 34k Stage 1: Run 1km Stage 2: Hill Run 8Km Stage 3: Cycle 25k

Moxie Pro 54k Stage 1: Run 1km Stage 2: Hill Run 14Km Stage 3: Kayak 2km Stage 4: Cycle 37k

COMPE

I SAW ZEBRAS IN THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS!

MOIRE O'SULLIVAN

ETITOR SPOTLIGHT One of the most popular sections we have on our blog is the competitor spotlight. We have been fortunate enough to meet and talk to participants of all levels, from beginners to race winners, hearing their stories, where they came from, what got them into Adventure Racing and what keeps them coming back for more...

uthor, mother, humanitarion & national racing champion. Moire O'Sullivan is literally top of her class. We were fortunate enough to shine the Competitor Spotlight on her amongst her busy schedule...Enjoy SPOTLIGHT TIME WHAT IS YOUR NAME: Moire O’Sullivan WHERE ARE YOU FROM: Originally from Derry, but now live in Rostrevor, Co. Down. OCCUPATION I am currently stay-at-home mum of two boys, Aran (4) and Cahal (2) as well as an author in my spare time. In my 20s and 30s, I was an overseas charity worker, having worked in places like Kenya, Cambodia and Nepal. I’m planning to train to become a Mountain Leader in the coming year. What got you into Adventure racing?? My first adventure race was a threeday event called ‘Gaelforce West 12’ back in 2006. At that time adventure racing was purely for mixed teams of four persons, and involved mountain running, mountain biking

Photo cour tesy of Valerie O' Sullivan

COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT

MOIRE O'SULLIV

AWARDS TIME Accepting third place prize at 2013 Westport Sea2Summit with fourmonth-old Aran in sling

and kayaking for several hours and/ or days. Courses were not marked, so the team had to self-navigate between points. There was always a shortage of women to join teams, and all teams had to have at least one – back then, women were known as ‘mandatory kit.’ I was persuaded to join an adventure racing team, which eventually entered the World Adventure Racing Championships in 2007 in Scotland. I soon realized that this type of adventure racing wasn’t for me – I simply couldn’t cope with the sleep deprivation. These four-person team formats eventually spawned the multi-sport races that we know as ‘one-day adventure races’ nowadays. HOW MANY RACES HAVE YOU DONE? I’ve lost count, but probably over twenty in the last five years.

WINNERS ENCLOSURE Picture here picking up top honors at Quest Wales

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WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST RACE? Donegal on the Inishowen Peninsula. It was organized by Extreme North events and called Rugged Peaks, taking in a cycle up and over the infamously steep Mamore Gap. Unfortunately it isn’t held any more.

FAVORITE RACE? I’ve always had a soft spot for Quest Killarney (formerly known as Killarney Adventure Race). Back in 2012, I watched Channel 4 cover the race (the programme is available on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9eUB6YYI7Yk) and all I wanted to do was enter it. Unfortunately I was pregnant when I saw the programme, so had to wait to give birth before I could enter it in 2014. I particularly enjoy the challenge of the twenty-kilometre run section that makes you scale Mangerton Mountain right towards the end. DREAM RACE? This may come as a surprise to many, but I’m not a huge fan of racing. I actually find it quite stressful. My dream event is to do the mountain-running Rounds in the UK, which are challenges of over 100 kilometres with several thousand metres of climb taking in anything between twenty to forty summits that must be completed within twenty-four hours. You can try these Rounds whenever you like, with whoever you want. There is no Your Home of Adventure Racing

VAN start time or race number. I’ve already completed the two Rounds in Ireland, namely the Denis Rankin Round in the Mournes and the Wicklow Round. The Bob Graham Round is the obvious one in the Lake District, but I’m definitely drawn to the Charlie Ramsey Round in Scotland due to the impressive mountains that you must climb. . WHAT INSPIRES YOU? For a long time, what motivated me to compete was simply the need to prove myself, to other athletes as well as to myself. In fact, self-belief is something I’ve often struggled with. When I saw how long a race was, or the type of elite athletes who had registered, I often told myself that I wasn’t good enough to participate. I was very lucky, however, in that I have friends who at critical junctures told me to stop being ridiculous and encouraged me to at least have a go. Of course, there were times I crashed and burned, but I learned a lot from turning up and giving it my best. So what

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inspires me now is seeing people who, though they have their own set of doubts and worries, make a decision to set them to one side and try to do what they believe is not possible. And when they succeed, it is really an amazing sight to see. WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR THE UPCOMING CALENDAR YEAR?? I’ve just completed the Denis Rankin Round, a challenge to summit thirty-nine peaks in the Mourne Mountains. I finished it in a new female course record of 21 hours 24 minutes. Next up is Quest 24 Adventure Race, and then I’ll do the two-day Mourne Mountain Marathon in September. SO, YOU HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO WRITE THE ODD BOOK, TELL US ABOUT THAT MORE ABOUT THAT? I wrote my first book ‘Mud, Sweat and Tears – An Irish Woman’s Journey of Self-Discovery’ back in 2009, straight after completing the Wicklow Round

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COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT

MOIRE O'SULLIV (https://www.imra.ie/wicklowround/). I attempted the Round in 2008 but only managed twenty-four of the twenty-six summits before collapsing on the Military Road around midnight after twenty-two hours of running. I then went back out the next year to become the first person to complete the challenge. I learned so much about mountain running and about myself during my preparation and attempts that I decided to write down my experiences to inspire others to give it a go.

Sea2Summit, Gaelforce West, Dingle Adventure Race, and Quest Glendalough.

Fast forward nearly a decade on, and I’ve just released my second book, ‘Bump, Bike and Baby – Mummy’s Gone Adventure Racing.’ It charts my journey from happy, carefree mountain runner to reluctant, stay-at-home mother of two. During that time, I set my sights on winning Ireland’s National Adventure Racing Series. This goal helped me maintain my post-natal sanity, and allowed me the space and time to learn to become a loving and occasionally functioning mum. The book is really a wartsand-all account of trying to balance motherhood with training and racing. It also brings readers to some of the best adventure races around Ireland, including Westport

BIKE OF CHOICE? I have a woman-specific Liv Giant road bike, bought from a good friend and fellow adventure racer, Peter Cromie, who owns Roe Valley Cycles in Limavady. I decided on a Giant as their components are widely available in Asia. That means that, if I have to travel back there for work, I can always bring my bike and have it repaired there if needs be. I had a LaPierre out in Cambodia at one stage, and the mechanics had no idea what to do with it.

RUNNER OF CHOICE? I’ve always run in Inov-8s. I like the women’s roclites as they do not have too much cushioning and have sufficient grip for the trails on one-day adventure races. If I were running in the Mournes, however, I wouldn’t leave the house without my aggressive mudclaws

WEEK BEFORE A RACE...WHAT DO YOU DO? I would do a fairly meticulous gear check early on in the

FLAT OUT Head of the field

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VAN week, making sure I had my mandatory gear and my preferring racing clothes all packed, and that my bike had no mechanical issues. In terms of training, it would be a very easy taper week, with nothing more than an hour of biking or running, with just a few efforts to keep me fresh. I would also have a rest day two days before the actual race. MORNING OF A RACE...WHAT DO YOU DO? Try not to stress out! I really do get nervous before a race, so I just follow a tried and tested routine of getting kit on, having porridge and coffee, and arriving at the race start good and early to get a warm-up done and bike racked if needs be. ANY RACE SUPERSTITIONS? None at all. I’m not the superstitious type. Whatever happens happens. All I can do is try my best. ANY EMBARRASSING MOMENTS YOU WISH TO SHARE? Most women who’ve gone through pregnancy suffer from weak pelvic floors. The pelvic floor is basically a sling of muscles that supports the organs in your pelvis, including your bladder. If your pelvic floor is weak, activities like running, jumping, even laughing or sneezing, can make your bladder leak. It is called stress incontinence and affects millions of women who are often too embarrassed to speak about it. A year after giving birth, I competed in Dingle Adventure Race. I had completed most of the race, and had just finished the tenkilometre road run section before arriving at the kayak section. The hour’s worth of pounding on the road must have caused too much stress because as soon as I stopped, I couldn’t control my bladder due to my weak pelvic floor. All I could feel was urine gushing down my inner leg. I was so shocked that I shouted out in distress. My husband was standing there spectating and he thought I had cramp or had pulled a muscle. I didn’t have time to tell him that I had wet myself. I was chasing the race leader, so I had no choice but to jump in the kayak and hope that the person who got in the boat after me didn’t have to sit in my puddle of pee. IDEAL DISTANCE? I don’t have a preferred distance, but I do enjoy races with lots of climb over rough terrain. I prefer courses that take over four hours to complete, hence why I like Quest Killarney and Gaelforce West. POST RACE...DO YOU SPOIL YOURSELF? A bottle of cold beer is about the height of it. I drink so little alcohol these days that one beer can make me quite tipsy. I’m a very cheap date! STRANGEST THING YOU HAVE SEEN AT A RACE? The strangest things I’ve seen while racing have been when I’ve done non-stop events that involve running through the night. Sleep-deprivation, tiredness and darkness combine to cause the Your Home of Adventure Racing

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COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT

MOIRE O'SULLIVAN amazing hallucinations. I saw zebras in the Wicklow Mountains when attempting the Wicklow Round for the first time. I saw lighthouses in a forest when pushing my bike up some remote Scottish hills after two nights without sleep. Fortunately, one-day adventure races are too short to make me see such strange sights. MOST BEAUTIFUL RACE SCENERY? One of the disadvantages of racing hard, of going for the win, is that you often don’t have the time or energy to stop and enjoy the views. It is literally head down and eyeballs out. I often only appreciate the incredible scenery once I see the race photos posted up online. The one place I do get to have a look around while on a race is on the kayak section, when I’m sitting down. The most beautiful water section on the adventure-racing scene is the kayak on Quest Glendalough’s Upper Lake. This kayak is made all the more special as the race organisers get special permission to use the lake for the race, as normally boats are strictly prohibited. HYDRATION/GELS...DO YOU USE THEM? On a typical three to four hour race, I’d have two seven-hundred milliliter bottles on my bike with Hammer Heed electrolytes in them. That amount of water is enough for me not to waste time refilling on the course. I’d also have two or three gels in the back pocket of my cycle jersey for when I’m on the run. My stomach can take pretty much anything, but I tend to like the Black Cherry Yoghurt Torq ones. SPORTING HERO? I really admire Carol Morgan, an Irish ultrarunner who lives over in the UK. She has a phenomenal list of wins to her name, including the three-hundred kilometer Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race in Wales and the four-hundred kilometer Cape Wrath Ultra in Scotland. She has also won twice the Montane Spine Race that is held in the depths of winter where competitors run over four-hundred kilometres non-stop along the Pennine Way. She is made of hardy stuff but remarkably humble about it all. ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS? You won’t know if like adventure racing until you try. So, if you’ve even the slightest inkling, sign up. If you don’t enjoy it, it’s no big loss. But if you do, then you’ve entered into a world where new and exciting adventures await.

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14.07.18 SPRINT: 20KM CHALLENGE: 40KM

RACE 2 GLORY Ok, so there are no kayaks, but you will be waist high running through the waterways of Kiltimagh, scrambling under cargo nets, climbing moutains and pedalling like a mad man. That'll do nicely.

ace2Glory takes place on July 14th at 10am in Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo. There are two options available: a 40km race including a 10km mountain run, 23km cycle and 7km run or a 20km sprint race including a 3km run, 10km cycle and 7km run.

The sprint option is ideal for beginners. It begins with a nice flat 3km run. Expect a few small hills in the cycle route but nothing you cannot get over! The final 7km run is the same as the 40km course with a 100m dash through the River Glore. This is great for refreshing the legs to get you through the last few kilometres. Don’t worry there will be someone there to help you through it on the day!! If you are up for a challenge why not try out the 40km course or you can also enter a relay for this course. The first 10km run brings you up the mighty Spankers hill. Expect a tough climb for about 300m but, what goes up must come down so you can look forward to a great decent the other side of the mountain. Across the mountain you will make your way through some boggy land for about 200m. The cycle is another hilly course with the delightful Craggagh hill. This will take you up the mountain once again and don’t forget to take in the beautiful scenery along the route. The final 7km is the same as the sprint race and don’t forget to smile for the camera along the way. There are plenty of obstacles throughout the course just to make it a little more exciting. The entry fee is quite reasonable at €49 and is available through the website www. race2glory.com. This year the total prize money is €1500 so don’t miss out. You will also receive a goody bag, race medal and race top for completing the event. The BBQ and post race massages once you come through the finish line on the main street in Kiltimagh. The highlight of the event is always the fantastic community spirit in Kiltimagh. The wonderful locals will cheer you on throughout the course and get you right to the finish line Kiltimagh.

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1st Time Multisport Adventure Racer We caught up with Paul Kelly, a first time adventure racer and asked him about his experience

For the past few years, I have been running road and trail, taking part in many race events from Derry & Dublin City Marathons to the Mourne Mountain Marathon. I am not exactly the type of person I would regard as an athlete, I have never won anything at any of these events only the admiration of my family, and I would probably fit the bracket of a weekend warrior at best. I train regularly for distance running and enjoy the challenges it brings. After a busy year last year with training and charity work, I decided I wanted something different this year for me. Multisport adventure racing was the way to go as it looked both challenging and fun. I know a few people who take part in it and thought sure why not go that road. Well 2018 started and nothing booked except the routine start to the year with the Dune Half Marathon and the local DKIT10k. As time moved on I doubted my ability to transition. With a bit of encouragement I booked Glendalough just in time. The only spaces available were in Wave 1 Expert and Wave 3 Sport, the other waves where sold out! This spiked my doubt even moreâ&#x20AC;Śwhat did everyone else know that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t! Committed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wave 3 Sport

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THE TRAINING I set about my training plan as at this stage I had only six weeks to prepare. I figured as a newbie to cycling that my main focus would be there, I have kayaked for a number of years, just not in the last 18 months and I have a decent enough base in running, so no kayaking and enough running just to stay in touch. Training started well with as many rides as I could fit in, ranging from one to 2hr stints. I increased the number of core and HIIT classes whilst trying to fit it all in around busy shift work. I found it tough on the endurance side going straight out on a ride to the mountain after a fitness class so I had to rethink this one as the nutrition was not sustaining the level of intensity involved. By the beginning of week two, I was on a 44km ride with some low-level mountain climbs and out the next day on a 46km ride with a friend who cycles with a local club. My only stipulation was it had to include plenty of hills and hills he gave me from the outset. We navigated country roads North and South of the border and slowly powered up a long steep grind of 11% gradient! This was new to me and figured if I could get up this, I am sorted (ha Foolish thought!!). A days rest and out to challenge myself under

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PAUL KELLY

loose race conditions, I set off on my bike to the mountains, 21km cycle and parked the bike at a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house at the foot of Slieve Foye Mtn and set off on a 10km trail run taking in two summits in pretty windy and cold conditions with the last of the snow lingering on the ground in places then back on the bike for 21km to home. A good effort and guide of what I needed to do looking forward. The next day was rest day and the plan was to clock up another good bike ride the day after, that was until the flu got into the house and took me down for nearly two weeks. With the training plan out the window and my prep up in the air, it was now two weeks to race day. So back to what I know and weekly training with

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<< F I R S T T I M E R

local marathon club. I figured the lungs have been knocked out of me so back intervals and speed sessions to give me a half-decent chance of finishing. RACE DAY Wednesday I cleaned and serviced my bike, then headed off to my last run training session before Saturday. This was a good session and it settled my nerves a bit, I felt confident my running would carry me on the day, although I was still not feeling strong. Race morning and my wave was setting off at 09:00hrs, having stayed the night before with

MY INSTINCTIVE THOUGHT WAS TO GIVE IT A LASH AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS

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<< R A C E N O V I C E

friends in Dublin I set off Saturday morning a bit tight on time but making it to the car park at 08:40 and to the starting pen at 08:47. Having passed many guys on the way to the start line who were at their cars & vans tinkering at their bikes getting them ready I felt I was sinking before I had even started. Not even, a warm-up done breaking all the rules for prerace prep I just whipped the bike out of the boot of the car and dibbed in. My instinctive thought was to just give it a lash and see what happens. Safety brief done and off we went. I managed to resist lashing into the cycle and to pace it as the evening before I had driven the first hill and had a fair idea of the grit it was going to take to get me up it. It took me about a good 1.5km on the trail before I could settle into a run after the gruelling 6km bike climb. Trail run done and I figured the next bike section couldn’t be any worse than the Shay Elliot climb, my first time on fast downhills I managed to stay on and enjoy it with only being overtaken by one other, this boosted my confidence and I had a strong ride thinking this is class, I’m on a winner here! How wrong was I! Breezing through some ups and downs, the road turns right and then I’m looking straight up the steepest hill I’ve ever seen anybody struggle up. I attacked the bottom of the hill I was quickly going down the gears until I had no more… and stop! With no pacing, my heart was nearly out of my chest, as I leaned over my handle bars quickly trying to catch my breath and questioning how anyone gets up this hill, I was then passed by a group of 5 slugging it out and we were still near the bottom! At the risk of being passed by a lot more I could not stay still so I started to walk for a bit. I managed to get going on the bike only to give in again near the top as I had no energy to give in the legs, another short walk and away I went again - 3km of brutality! The next run section was a painful struggle with a welcome cooling off on the kayak and a horrible run to the finish. However crossing the finish line confirmed adventure racing was for me. It was brutal, painful but thoroughly enjoyable all at the same time. With temperatures in the early 20’s and the most amazing scenery on Irelands Ancient East, I couldn’t think of a better event to take the plunge into multisport adventure racing. THE CONCLUSION I placed 289 out of 894 in the Sport 41km Category in a finish time of 3:05:17. I am happy with that all things considered. Still reeling from the adrenaline high, a week later I was back looking for the next race to tackle and having a better idea what I’m in for, I’ll be preparing better for it! I want to extend a huge thank you to the Quest team of staff, volunteers and stakeholders for an amazing experience and a seriously well run event. If I can offer anyone advice to anyone looking for a new adventure to challenge themselves then look no further than the variety of multisport race events happening around the country. There is something for everyone out there and I promise you will not be disappointed! #multisportireland #couragetotalk #Run4Hope #IrelandsAncientEast

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Race Report

GaelForceWes KILLARY FJORD | CROAGH PATRICK | WESTPORT

aelforce West Ultra is a brand new event in the adventure racing calendar and hopefully it is here to stay!!! Those good folks at Gaelforce don’t mess around, this was never going to be a walk in the park and

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with an expected finish rate of less than 50% those brave enough to take it on were going to be in for an unreal challenge and sufferfest especially in this awesome summer we are having! ‘TIME STANDS STILL FOR NO MAN’

A very early start this year… with the bus leaving Mill Street at 4am this resulted in getting up at 3am and driving the 30 minutes in to Westport and finding parking…probably left time a bit too tight and it was a bit panicky to make the bus. The bus trip out to Glassiluan beach can be the Your Home of Adventure Racing

estUltra Feel theforce >>> 1. GAELFORCE WEST Widely regarded as one of the hardest but most rewarding races on the calendar. One of the originals still going strong.

2. GAELFORCE NORTH Set up on the northern shores of Donegal, this race will test every last muscle in your body.

3. GAELFORCE DUBLIN

hardest part of the day…trying to fight the nauseous feeling, to get a bit of shut eye but trying to not fall asleep and be too groggy getting off the bus. Nutrition plans at this point was decent breakfast and 1.5 litres of water/tailwind and cliff bar to get me through to transition 1. About 7 weeks before this I had been mountain biking down in Wicklow when the bike hit a rock and stopped… and I didn’t….so ended up with 1 fractured collar bone and 1 dislocated collar bone…this put a halt on any training for about 4 weeks. When I eagerly returned training I went back a little too

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hard first day out and ended up with an inflamed Achilles tendon. With a good base from early in the year I figured the best thing I could do was rest and that the latent fitness and a good dose of thickness would get me through so I went in to the event with a 7 week taper. We gathered on the beach at the start line and after a nice brief update from Shane the countdown was over and we were off. The first km or 2 on this run is a toughie, a good drag up hill on cold legs, the heart rate quickly getting up there. A group of 10 or so hardy runners very quickly began to put a bit of distance in to us mere mortals

If you think Dublin is flat and made up of primarily concrete, think again. This racing season opener will get your heart rate right up!

4. GAELFORCE ULTRA So Gaelforce West is one tough course...Well double that and you have Gaelforce Ultra. The 145k course takes some of GFW and throws on a another 80 plus kms that will push you to your limits

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GaelForceWestUltra KILLARY FJORD | CROAGH PATRICK | WESTPORT

so by the time we turned off the road after 3-4 km on to the Famine Greenway they had disappeared from view. Settled in to a nice handy pace and tried to maintain a steady hr, I knew this part of the route from previous Gaelforce West so figured that any energy spared here would be useful later. After 7-8 km the twangs of pain I had been fearing began to appear, every step caused a little dart of pain on the Achilles and with every step I feared that my day was going to be finished as soon as I got near to the Kilary adventure centre which we’d pass at 10km point. A bit of chatting with fellow competitor Finbarr helped pass the time and by the time we got to the 10k mark and turned off

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towards the mountain the pain had subsided a good bit and I decided to keep going and see if I could at least get around the first run. And so we headed towards the Mamturks….this should be grand right? So to back up a bit….I was

familiar with the first 10km of the run from previous years, I had made the trip west a few months earlier to check out the bike route so knew what that involved, I’ve been up Croagh Patrick numerous time so really the only part of the course I was unfamiliar

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KillaryFjord 8:30am 22oC Your Home of Adventure Racing

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GaelForceWestUltra KILLARY FJORD | CROAGH PATRICK | WESTPORT

with was the last 20km of the first run… and while I know the Gaelforce folks like to make things good and tough, its couldn’t be that bad…..I actually had no clue what lay ahead. And so began possibly the toughest 20km I have ever run/walked/hiked…with 1,000metres of elevation gain!!! The first km or so was flatish and boggy, the plans to keep the same socks on for the whole event went out the window the first time I missed a solid piece of ground and sank to my knees in a boghole. The wet feet and trail runners soon became the least of my problems as the ground began to quickly rise. Follow the fence to the top the marshal had said…my heart sank as I saw that the fence snaked up an almost vertical wall in front of me, could just about make out a few tiny dots of the back markers in the front group heading over the top. The lack of training and aerobic fitness began to show as I put the head down and tried to get a rhythm going and progress was slow but steady. Just get to the top and I’ll be all downhill after that I told myself. Finally hit the top and the legs could get a break, a nice little bit of downhill now and stretch out the legs back to the bike transition I hoped. As soon as the downhill started the cramps began, both calves cramping and the soft boggy ground was making it worse. I broke out one of the magnesium shots I had in the vest and lay on the ground to try and massage the calf muscles which were now both in spasm. 5 minutes later the combination of the massage and the mag shot kicked in and the cramps had begun to subside and I could tip away again, slowly, having been passed by a few people who had offered support but were fighting their own battles. I was in about 15th place at this point, only thoughts were finishing out the run and see how the Achilles was and if I’d be able to go on. Soon met by another climb, I though the climbing had all been done but apparently not, a quick glance

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at the garmin showed only 14km done, out of 30km….so maybe I was a bit hasty thinking I was on the home straight. Repeat the process for climb number 2 and soon I was at the top and heading downwards again. Through the fence where another marshall was and shouted which way, and then the heart sank…..the climbing hadn’t even begun, looming in front of me was Leenane mountain…..which at this point appeared to be the biggest mountain I had ever seen. To make matters worse we had to drop down a few hundred feet before beginning the climb so off in to the Col of Despondency and then the long tough climb up to Leenane summit. Very glad of the decision to bring 1.5 L of water as every drop was needed. The sun was well in the sky at this stage and even though it was only just past 8 in the morning it was baking out there. The views were unreal, such clear skies and you could see for miles, if you had the time or energy to do so!! Touched the top in 14th Place after 2hrs and 46 minutes and then started out the sharp descent back to Leenane. I had teamed up with Finbarr and Pat on the descent and together we jogged back to the transition point at Kilary Adventure Centre. A final twist in the tale was the last 4 km from Leenane back to T1, passing Leenane hotel we went off road once more and the last 4 km was a tough uphill slog. Not knowing the run I has estimated that it would take about 3.5 hours for stage one but combination of heat, fitness, injury and the sheer toughness of the stage I came in to T1 in 3:58…and was happy with that! NO REST FOR THE WICKED! I decided that the injury wasn’t going to get worse and that the bike wasn’t going to aggravate it too much so I would keep going. I didn’t want to delay at T1 so quickly got the transition box out, got the cycling shoes

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Photos courtesy of Clearskiesahead.com

CroaghPatrick Alt. 764m 25oC Your Home of Adventure Racing

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GaelForceWestUltra KILLARY FJORD | CROAGH PATRICK | WESTPORT

and helmet on, checked the water bottles, drank half a bottle of coke, eat a cliff bar and headed off on the bike First few kms are lovely, downhill and cooled me down. I opted to stay in the same gear for the full event so was soaked in sweat getting on the bike and the cool breeze felt almost too cold on me but I knew that wouldn’t be long changing. Turning right in Leenane the climbing began. This wasn’t my first rodeo so take it nice and handy was going to be the order of the day, just keep the hr low and conserve the energy as best I could, keeping in mind there was a fairly strict cut off point later in the cycle so keeping inside that was the only target at this stage. Turning left in to Maamtrasna valley the fun really began and passing by Lough Nafooey and Lough Mask the scenery was spectacular…a few tough little climbs and some rolling road brought us to Tourmakeady. Refilled the water bottles here, was in 10th place by now, the eventual winner Drew was nearly an hour ahead at this stage but I was gaining ground quickly on the others in front of me. The toughest climb of the day on the bike is out of Tourmakeady, a steady slog for about 4-5 km. Dropping in to 34-28 gears I just spun it steady and eventually reached the top,

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the heat was getting fairly serious at this point and the water bottles getting a good hammering! Coming over the top here you can see Croagh Partick in the distance but a glance at the gamin showed only 45km done so another 65km to go before getting there! From here it was rolling road all the way to Aashleagh where the water bottles were filled again, then along the north side of the Fjord and into Delphi Valley. I knew I was well inside the cut off times at this stage so that little panic was over. The climbing wasn’t over, the Sheffrey Pass is always a good test of the legs and after about 7hours on the go at this stage the legs were feeling the strain. It was so hot going up there that the tar had melted and the tyres were picking up melted tar and stones which were getting jammed in the brake calipers and at the top of the forks, twice I had to dismount and clear the stones and tar before going on. More rolling road and turned off at Owenwee for the last bit of climbing on the bike, it’s a long way to the base of Croagh Patrick but at least those of us on the Ultra could stay on the road and not have to go the bog track like the regular Gaelforcers. I had been eating and hydrating well all day so by the time I go the transition point I had caught up with the front group. Happy enough with the bike time of 4:43.

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Seeing the other Ultras leaving for Croagh Patrick as I got to T2 gave me a fresh burst of energy, a very quick change of footwear, ditched the helmet, grabbed a water bottle and I headed off up Croagh Patrick. Things were busy here now, loads of people from the normal GF and with the fine weather there were scores of tourists and day trippers. I hit the shoulder in pretty decent time, passing a few of the Ultras on the way to the shoulder and then negotiated my way up the cone through the throngs of day trippers. The sun was pounding down now and it was baking on the hot scree but again I tried to keep a slow steady rhythm and got to the top in good shape, ‘you’re in 6th place’ the marshal informed me so was happy but wanted to see if I could push things a bit further. Back down to the shoulder in about 9 minutes to the amusement and horror of everyone around me, not the fastest but not bad after nearly 10 hours on the go and then 9 minutes later I was back on the bike after another speedy transition and was now in 5th place. I had seen Sean Higgins as I was hitting the top of Croagh Patrick so I tried to set myself a target to catch him but he was long gone. I emptied the tank on the bike all the way back to Westport and crossed the line in 10hrs and 38 minutes in 5th place. Super event, one of the toughest things I’ve done. Great job by Bridget, Shane and all at Kilary Gaelforce. Stage 1: 30km run 1142m elev gain – Very very tough! Hard Terrain and climbing – Character Building!! Stage 2: 110km Cycle 1260m elev gain – A few tough climbs, lots of rolling road, a kicker at the end up to Croagh Patrick! Stage 3: Croagh Patrick 470m elev gain – Burns whats left of the legs but such a feeling when you dib at the top, the hard work is done!! Stage 4: 13km Cycle 35m elev gain– The home run, mostly downhill, empty the tank, beware the cramps!! Do yourself a favour...sign up for this next year...you won’t regret it! Your Home of Adventure Racing

Photos courtesy of Clearskiesahead.com

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Gear Review

GearReview:G EQUIPMENT | CAMERAS | ACTION SHOTS

RATING

8.5/10 his time round I’m taking a look at the GoPro Hero 6 Black. As a Hero 4 Silver owner, the lack of waterproofing without the dive casing and resulting poor sound quality with the case on had me very intrigued with the Hero 5 & 6 which offered waterproofing straight out of the box, no case needed!

waterproof housing, the Hero 6 wins the size battle. This leaves it much less cumbersome to stick into a pocket and means I actually use it far more. There are a number of other great features too like GPS for example enabling you to overlay speed, elevation etc to your videos which is a pretty nice feature although it doesn’t do the battery life any favours!

I’m not going to get into the technical details here, head over to Google if you want the low down on sensors, FPS etc. I’m basing this on real world experience, what the Hero 6 is like on the mountain bike, the road bike, my head, the kayak etc.

Speaking of which, if you want to get the most out of any GoPro you’re going to need to invest in few extra batteries. Runtime is somewhere in the region of an hour depending on the settings used. I’ve also gone a step further and picked up the dual battery charger paired with a 15,000mAh USB QuickCharge compatible power bank meaning I can charge batteries on the go and not have to worry about running out.

Straight up the Hero 6 is slightly bigger than the Hero 4 but once you stick that into its

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GoPro Hero 6

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GOPRO HERO 6

Gear Review

GoProReview TYRE REVIEW | SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 4 | LED LENSER HEAD LAMPS

The Hero 6 has built in stabilisation, this is a huge development in comparison to the older generations, Hero 4 and older. Mountain biking and mounted to a helmet, it produces some very smooth footage, it’s not gimbal smooth but it’s pretty close! Any mount on a road bike or kayak and its fantastic! I’ve even run with it and the footage coming out of it is impressive. In comparison the Hero 4 footage is pretty much unwatchable on anything other than buttery smooth road or the kayak. ould I recommend the GoPro Hero 6, in short yes. Is it worth the €430 price? Well that depends on what you want to get out of it. For me, I use my Hero 6 pretty much most days, my batteries are always charged

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and ready to go. The footage is captures is fantastic not to mention the quality of the still images it produces. I personally wouldn’t be without it. The waterproofing is a massive plus for me too, you can just get out there and use it regardless of the weather or location and not have to worry about it getting wet. In saying that though, if all you want to do is capture the odd adventure, a race here and there or family life, the 2018 GoPro Hero could be the way to go. At €220 and with the majority of the functionality, you lose GPS, Protune, Mic input and it has less advanced stabilisation, this could be the more budget friendly option for those looking to try out a GoPro without the Hero 6 overheads. If I manage to get my hands on a 2018 Hero I’ll do a comparison and report back.

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Lastly, I’ve yet come across an action camera that can equal the GoPro brand. Obviously I haven’t tried them all but what I have tried have been buggy, sluggish, poor image quality, poor firmware, the list goes on. With GoPro you get what you paid for, it just works! I’m willing to be proven wrong though, if there’s something else I should be looking at please let me know!

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Off The Beaten Track

DocumentaryoftheMonth

COMING

SOON

rom sweeping shorelines to marshy moorland, Ireland boasts a unique landscape which is known by many but explored by few. The Road Less Traveled aims to showcase the adventurers that reside among us and why they hold such a passion for Irish exploration. From climbing to biking and everything in between, The Road Less Traveled aims to provide a visual portrait of Irelands most adventurous. This short video series will provide an insight into the characters pushing

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the limits of adventure sports in Ireland. To be released over the coming months, episode one will feature Iain Miller, the Scottish master of sea-stack climbing along the rugged shores of Co.Donegal. Sea-stacks aside, Kayathlon was asked to in front of the lens and to shine a spotlight on our beloved Adventure Racing. Keep an eye on Kayathlon.ie for The Road Less Traveled over the coming month.

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A FINAL FEW WORDS

THANK YOU!!! We hope you enjoyed reading this as much as we did making it... Next issue...Aug '18 P.S. Please make sure to follow us on Facebook. Likes make all the hard work that little bit easier.

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