Relationship In Business - Piaras MacDonnell

The race is done, the pains forgotten but the memories are forever.

I am wrapping up this blog on my preparation and successful completion of the Gael Force West 2009 challenge. It served it's purpose very well.

Thank you for reading, I hope it was of help to you if you were preparing for GFW or a similar adventure.

Thank you all for your support, it was a huge help, I don't think I could have done it without you

Until the next "Rookie" challenge

Piaras

€500 raised for Cancer Research.

Thank you all who supported my efforts in Gael Force West 2009

The Gael Force West 2009 Race in words and pictures continued

Once across the fjord it was more bog running for 1 KM and then some nice flat road running for a further 4KM

The views on the run to Delphi are inspiring. This river shot brought me back to my youth when we would fish the river in my grandads on a flood

At Delphi we transitioned to the bikes. Chance to grab some food and change to a cycling shirt. After the run you are sweaty and the change is vital if you are not to get cold.

The 30+ KM cycle was a welcome relief as you could take it at your own pace and refuel as you went. There were some steep hills (like the one in the picture) but in general you didn't have to be a pro.

To be honest I really enjoyed the cycle which was just as well considering the next transition.

The road up to Croke Patrick is steep and there is a time check at the bottom but the clock still runs. The box of infamous biscuits are also here. There's a water spot where I refilled and loos. Take a moment, the next hour is tough!

The ascent up Croke Patrick starts with a boggy run, as you can see from picture. You are then presented with a delema: go left with the crowd or go straight up (zig-zag). What will decide it is how strong your legs are. I went straight up and it was faster but took a lot out of me.

No picture or words can describe the pain of this ascent. It feels like it goes on forever.

My only advice, just put one foot on front of the other until you run out of mountain

Upon reaching the summit you get your coloured band to prove you made it and I took a moment to enjoy the view. An aside, if you face the lakes you get mobile phone signal.After that ordeal you'll want to tell someone!

You would think the ascent would be easier but it is the most dangerous part of the race. Your are tired, there are people in your way and the terrain is slippy. It will also be cold and wet. The trick is to avoid the stones as the will slip and stick to the edge where there's grip.

Once you are at the bottom it's onto the bike for 5 KM into Westport. 2KM of this is off road and if it's wet you'll be carrying your bike for this bit. A word.
Warning, even where there is tar road it's in poor condition, several bikes failed at this point.

The finish at Westport House is a great buzz with the crowds out to meet us. It was great for some of my family to be there

Happy to be finished.

Gael Force West 2009, what an experience.

It all started at the car park at Westport house, 6.30am. Waiting around for your bus to the start.

On the road,what a beautiful morning.

Some "relief" before the start. Look to the right you'll see 50 blokes doing what blokes do after drinking a litre of water on the bus

The Start on the beach

The first 5 KM is on road. The buzz is good, jokes & chat. All ahead of us.

Then we go off road and up a steep slippy hill and on to a bog track

Bog road for 3-4 KM. Very wet.

Transition to Kayak. The clock is stopped so time for a bite to eat, refill water and rest.

After Kayak which was relatively easy it's 5 KM to bike transition. More great views. See next post for more