“With our support crew of Ronan McKenna and Darlene Reilly and a carload of gear loaded, the kids left with Olive Reilly and Yvonne Reilly, and set off for Enniscrone on Friday.
At Registration and race briefing we got all the maps and rules for the next two days of racing.
The plan was set, go nice and easy and finish safely.
The race started at 6.30 on the beach with a 5km run in near perfect conditions, dry and bright with a fresh Westerly breeze. Then into the bikes for 107km across, Sligo, Roscommon, and finishing at the kayak transition at Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. Within a couple of Kms on the bike it was clear we were out to race and not just enjoy the scenery!
Average speed was over 31kph.
At the kayak transition our crew had everything ready and our two man kayak at the edge.
The kayak was 26.5km and included portaging at 3 lock gates, at the second one I got a nasty cramp in my left thigh. With a gel in and some expletives out I was good to go again. The toughest part of the paddle was crossing the Garadice lake which was choppy to say the least. Despite having 960acres to manoeuvre in we still managed to run straight into the only steel girder way marker in the lake!
After arriving in Ballinamore and feeling strong we cycled hard for the last 17km to the mid way point averaging 38kph for the last 5km.
Day one done we were fourth overall and first team home.
Our overnight was in Enniskillen and after a good feed and early night we were ready for day two.
Day two was two stages, 124km cycle and 36km run.
On the cycle the legs were tired and sore starting off and we still set a good pace with cold and wind taking its toll. The halfway coffee was a welcome relief and the fact we had got there after two hours gave us a great boost for hitting the hills around Armagh and Markethill and on into Newry. The 123km cycle was done at an average speed of just above 30kph with 720m of climbing.
The run transition was a full change into the run gear, some pasta and bovril (yes I know) then off into the trails and mountains. The first 10k was about finding the legs and getting a rhythm. Then it got a bit steeper and boggier up to Spelga Dam. A short road section, then into the mountains proper. The last 16km was hard going, up cols, through gaps and crags. The summit of Slieve Donard sapped the last of any energy in the legs. A quick photo then the last 5km descent into Newcastle to the finish. There was a great welcome at the end and the sense of achievement was a bit overwhelming.
This was a brilliant race and a weekend I'll never forget. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.”