National Indoors Weekend Report
Date: 26/1/08
Togher athletes had another busy weekend competing in the National Senior Indoor T&F championships in Belfast and at the Lottocross Cup International Cross-Country event in Belgium.
The indoor championships were held at the wonderful facility in Odyssey Arena Belfas over two dayst. First athlete into action for the club was Robert Heffernan in the 5km walk. Robert produced his finest ever indoor performance recording a new personal best and national record to win the title. His time of 18.51 was a superb achievement considering he raced alone for the 25 laps. Robert is in great shape at present and hopes to continue along that path as far as the Olympic Games in August. Robert said after the race “Over 5k, I knew there would be no room for error,” he said. “I only got it by a second and a half — it is very fast. I have never come close to it in recent times.
“The closest I came to it over the last six years is 20 seconds but I was confident this time around. I knew I was in the shape to do it and I was confident I could do it.
“I lapped the whole field at least twice and that helped my concentration — just roping fellows in — feeling stronger and stronger all the time.
“I knew coming up here that if I did not break the record it would have to be because of a mental problem — coping with a higher standard.”
He added: “I had a race in Spain in December and I exceeded all my expectations. I have 18 months unbroken training now so my minimum base level is higher. Spain in December — if I had to do that race now this week, and I got the same result, I would be looking at a disaster, while back then it was brilliant.
“So that is another indicator. December was better than a year ago. This is better than this time last year. If I need to walk 79 minutes for 20k, I have to be able to walk 18 minutes for 5k. You have to have the wheels.
“I am home for a week. Then I am going back to semi-altitude with Paco in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is at 1,200m so I come home and I’m getting an altitude tent for 10 days.
“I like coming home because I am very happy and very settled at home. I have two weeks away, I come home for 10 days and then I go to Mexico for 10 days and I’ll be home again for 10 days. Then my longest stint away will be altitude for a month.
“I am happy with the way things are going. Aidan Logan from the Viscount Bar covered my camp to Spain and paid for this weekend in Belfast as well. So I came up here without a worry. I am able to relax because it is expensive. I am on schedule for Beijing.”
He added: “Every time I put my foot on the line I am inside the Olympic standard. If was only going to the Olympics for the sake of being there, I would not go because I have been to two of them.
“The surprise factor is gone. I have to be able to compete. Osaka gave me a huge lift. In Spain a couple of weeks ago the lads were telling me I was very strong — thought I might be doing it too early — but I got on to Robert (Korzenowski) and he said ‘Robbie you were sixth best walker in the world last year, this is normal for you. Don’t listen to anyone — just keep doing what your are doing’.”
Also in action in Belfast was Marian Andrews competing in the 400m. Marian has been in great form of late and showed this with a superb silver medal running 56.35. This was a fantastic achievement for her and there’s a lot more to come in the future. Our mens 400m runners also took part in the Odyssey and here Kevin Walsh proved to be the fastest with a time of 51.30 in his heat. Ronan Foolkes continued his rich vein of form recording yet another indoor personal best with 51.63 in his heat. Kieran Ware ran his fastest time this winter with 51.98 and Liam O’ Brien running 52.14. In the 200 metres Eoin Joyce came in at 23.62.
Tim Healy also impressed in the mens 5km walk with a superb new personal best of 24.40 finishing in 8th place. In the mens 3,000m Kieran Ryan ran his best indoor race to date with a solid 9.02 effort, which was good enough for 11th place. All in all a very successful weekend for the clubs athletes in Belfast.
Also in action for the club this weekend was Craig Murphy. He traveled to Belgium with coach Steven Macklin to compete in an international cross-country race in Belgium. The event was held in Hannut on a flat and fast course with some sharp bends. Craig competed over 6,500m and had a superb run to finish in 3rd place just 7 seconds behind the winner. The pace was quick from the start with Craig pushing the pace until half way. Just past the half way point two Belgian athletes made a significant move and opened up a 100m lead over Craig. He showed true determination over the last 2km and eventually caught the leaders. Craig led with 500m to go but unfortunately lost out in the home straight. This however, was a superb run and keeps him on course for his two main races of the season in early March.
Photos from Belgium
Togher athletes had another busy weekend competing in the National Senior Indoor T&F championships in Belfast and at the Lottocross Cup International Cross-Country event in Belgium.
The indoor championships were held at the wonderful facility in Odyssey Arena Belfas over two dayst. First athlete into action for the club was Robert Heffernan in the 5km walk. Robert produced his finest ever indoor performance recording a new personal best and national record to win the title. His time of 18.51 was a superb achievement considering he raced alone for the 25 laps. Robert is in great shape at present and hopes to continue along that path as far as the Olympic Games in August. Robert said after the race “Over 5k, I knew there would be no room for error,” he said. “I only got it by a second and a half — it is very fast. I have never come close to it in recent times.
“The closest I came to it over the last six years is 20 seconds but I was confident this time around. I knew I was in the shape to do it and I was confident I could do it.
“I lapped the whole field at least twice and that helped my concentration — just roping fellows in — feeling stronger and stronger all the time.
“I knew coming up here that if I did not break the record it would have to be because of a mental problem — coping with a higher standard.”
He added: “I had a race in Spain in December and I exceeded all my expectations. I have 18 months unbroken training now so my minimum base level is higher. Spain in December — if I had to do that race now this week, and I got the same result, I would be looking at a disaster, while back then it was brilliant.
“So that is another indicator. December was better than a year ago. This is better than this time last year. If I need to walk 79 minutes for 20k, I have to be able to walk 18 minutes for 5k. You have to have the wheels.
“I am home for a week. Then I am going back to semi-altitude with Paco in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is at 1,200m so I come home and I’m getting an altitude tent for 10 days.
“I like coming home because I am very happy and very settled at home. I have two weeks away, I come home for 10 days and then I go to Mexico for 10 days and I’ll be home again for 10 days. Then my longest stint away will be altitude for a month.
“I am happy with the way things are going. Aidan Logan from the Viscount Bar covered my camp to Spain and paid for this weekend in Belfast as well. So I came up here without a worry. I am able to relax because it is expensive. I am on schedule for Beijing.”
He added: “Every time I put my foot on the line I am inside the Olympic standard. If was only going to the Olympics for the sake of being there, I would not go because I have been to two of them.
“The surprise factor is gone. I have to be able to compete. Osaka gave me a huge lift. In Spain a couple of weeks ago the lads were telling me I was very strong — thought I might be doing it too early — but I got on to Robert (Korzenowski) and he said ‘Robbie you were sixth best walker in the world last year, this is normal for you. Don’t listen to anyone — just keep doing what your are doing’.”
Also in action in Belfast was Marian Andrews competing in the 400m. Marian has been in great form of late and showed this with a superb silver medal running 56.35. This was a fantastic achievement for her and there’s a lot more to come in the future. Our mens 400m runners also took part in the Odyssey and here Kevin Walsh proved to be the fastest with a time of 51.30 in his heat. Ronan Foolkes continued his rich vein of form recording yet another indoor personal best with 51.63 in his heat. Kieran Ware ran his fastest time this winter with 51.98 and Liam O’ Brien running 52.14. In the 200 metres Eoin Joyce came in at 23.62.
Tim Healy also impressed in the mens 5km walk with a superb new personal best of 24.40 finishing in 8th place. In the mens 3,000m Kieran Ryan ran his best indoor race to date with a solid 9.02 effort, which was good enough for 11th place. All in all a very successful weekend for the clubs athletes in Belfast.
Also in action for the club this weekend was Craig Murphy. He traveled to Belgium with coach Steven Macklin to compete in an international cross-country race in Belgium. The event was held in Hannut on a flat and fast course with some sharp bends. Craig competed over 6,500m and had a superb run to finish in 3rd place just 7 seconds behind the winner. The pace was quick from the start with Craig pushing the pace until half way. Just past the half way point two Belgian athletes made a significant move and opened up a 100m lead over Craig. He showed true determination over the last 2km and eventually caught the leaders. Craig led with 500m to go but unfortunately lost out in the home straight. This however, was a superb run and keeps him on course for his two main races of the season in early March.
Photos from Belgium
