Mary Mulchrones Gael Force 2009
GAELFORCE 6 ADVENTURE RACE 2009
Start Point: Tully Cross, Connemara
Stage 1: 12km Cross Country Run to Killary Adventure Centre
Stage 2: 1.5 km kayak across Killary harbour
Stage 3: 5km Cross Country Run to Delphi Adventure Centre
Stage 4: 30km Up Hill Cycle
Stage 5: Climb Croagh Patrick
Stage 6: 12km Cycle (3km off road)
Total Distance: ~ 65 Kilometers
After weeks of training race day begins with an early start of 5am. First up is a good breakfast to prepare for the task ahead as over 4000 calories will be required to get through the day.
We then made our way to Glassilaun beach, Tully Cross in Connemara a 1hour drive, where 2500 competitors had gathered, It was an amazing sight to see so many people gathered in such a beautiful remote location.
To spread the contestants out, we were split into 10 groups of 250 people, the first which I was part of set off at 7am. We were straight into the uphill section of the 12km cross country run which brought us around little Killary bay on minor roads, then along the shore of Killary Forde on dirt tracks to reach our first transition point at the Killary Adventure Centre.
Once here, the clock is stopped and a time out is allowed to stock up on more calories (lots of food & drink taken onboard). This is where everyone is asking each other “Have you done much Kayaking before ? “ as the next section involves paddling a 2 person Kayak 1.6 km across the deep grey waters of Killary harbour. It was important to use the break to meet up with an experienced Kayaker. Lifejackets on and off we go, all the time ensuring that we don’t end up going for a swim.
Back on terra firma, the third stage is another short run of 5k across open bog all the time avoiding large bog holes before reaching a track and then following the road to the Delphi Centre, to reach transition 2 for the bikes. At this point I was lying in 3rd place, and had found the running very tough but did not panic because I knew the cycling and the mountain climbing was my strong points.
Arriving at scenic Doolough, the Delphi adventure centre, where we changed from running to cycling gear and off we headed on the bikes. This 4th stage began with a gruelling cycle over the steep Shreffy mountain followed by a fast/dangerous descend down the far side to the village of Drumin. Then a bit of a break with some flat terrain which allowed a small amount of time to take on more food and water as extra energy was needed before I hit the tortuous climb up the country lane to the South side of Croagh Patrick.
Half way through the cycle I saw the woman that was in 2nd place ahead in the distance , if I was beginning to wane, this is what was needed to get me to refocus my attention and energy and get through the task in hand. As I approached the last difficult section of the cycle I had built up a good rhythm and was going well, this helped me to pass the lady that was in 1st position at that stage. By the time I reached transition point 3 at the base of Croagh Patrick I had extended the gap to a few minutes and welcomed a chance to have some well needed food and water.
Although I had climbed Croagh Patrick on many occasions as part of my training, this time was particularly tough after having used different muscle for the running and cycling sections. The start of the climb from the South side is very boggy and really saps the energy out of the legs and it is really hard to get into a rhythm, all you can do is focus on the path ahead, getting to the top of the reek as fast as you can. This was made all the more difficult seeing some of the experienced contestants in the men’s category running up the 500m slope.
By the time I got to the cone part of the reek (The steepest part with loose stones) my legs were screaming at me but I really had to dig deep and grit my teeth until I reached the summit. Normally I take time to admire the great view from the top but on this occasion time was of the essence so I just grabbed my tag (proof that I reached the summit) turned around and headed back down the steep mountain face as fast as possible.
Running down on the loose stones is a good buzz but really hard on the legs and feet. On the way down I had a look to see where my nearest rivals were, and was happy with my lead, by the time I got back down and onto my bike I knew I had a good chance …
The sixth stage and final leg of the race, back on to the bike again for a 3 kilometre off road technical down hill section, this is where the race could be won or lost because it is very easy to get a puncture on the rugged terrain. I took my time and got down through it intact, then on to the steep down hill road section where I was looking for the coast road back to Westport house.
The last few miles seemed to fly by, because I was peddling as fast as my legs would allow me, while all the time trying to keep my muscles from cramping.
Cycling through the gates of Westport house was a massive relief as I knew the finish was nearly in sight, I saw the bike rack ahead and threw my bike there and ran the last 100 meters to the finish line,
This was a fantastic feeling as nothing can match the adrenaline "rush" that surges through your body when you cross that finish line.
All the pain in forgotten, or at least temporary, until next the race I suppose….
Mary Mulchrone, Gealforce 6 Ladies Winner 2007, Runner up 2008, Winner 2009
CONNACHT CYCLING
