Thursday 31 January 2013

Survived another lap of the Cavey...

Namaste All.
Survived another lap of the Cavey... perhaps RK coffee shop training is the way forward.

A delayed start gave Ralph and RG time to sort US gun laws, world debt, Ralph’s next motor and we’re just about to tackle the flegs when Andrew saved us. Head torches on and a candle strapped to Andrews beanie.

100yrds in and my heart rate was well in the red zone whilst the young guns were having a perfectly civilized chat. As usual R+A tramped out a steady pace stopping to check I hadn't actually wheezed up my right lung. A final push up to the stile... inappropriate word considering Andrews green shorts. Better viz tonight and the track was not covered in 18" of snow. Slithered past the prevailing tree, rounded the bush and made it safely to the gorse cross track. R+A again took 50yrds out of RG to the summit. Windy on top and out the back of Ralph.

Swapped Andrews candle for spare head torch before descending the black run past the caves...great call Ralph.

Another heanous climb back to McArts fort... RG was akin to Patrick Moore by the way he was moving and some blurb about the plough and the north star. Andrew was just pleased to be able to see beyond his big toe.


Butcher's dog Ralph led us down the red route including the near death compression. Tricky but exhilarating descent with RG in the bushes twice. No sign of Cavehills wild horses tonight... they have more sense. Good wee pace home with RG down to 20watts needing to keep Andrews pins in view.


A good recovery from R after a high tariff launch from side of the track. Good buzz. Enjoy the weekends skiing Ralph... ne pas dans le hopital en France sil vous plait.

Kindest regards

RG

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Stand up for the Ultramen





It seemed like a good idea as we strategically booked our 2012 training events. Mourne Way marathon would give Ralph his first 26mile trail marathon (left).The seven7s is just a brute of a hill challenge. Finishing our year with the Causeway Coast Ultra.

Mourne Way Marathon highlights
A superb 4hr45min debut in the Mournes by Ralph was trumped by his wife Karen participation in the Guiness world record... longest game of tag rugby 31hrs !!
RG enjoyed / endured a communal post race ice bath / cold mucky trough with Dawson Stellfox...first Irishman to summit Everest

Seven7s
RG 6h29mins survives another year as Ralph got lost on Binian while contesting the race lead.
Richard Ross 6hr46mins Ralph+RG 6hr48mins



Causeway Ultra
Having trained up to 28miles the race held a lot of unknowns. A strong westerly breeze helped us to Carrick a rede rope bridge. Support from Karen and a few brufen got Ralph over a dodgy knee at 20miles.
Survived the half marathon stampede lead by Richard Ross and the Topping brothers...what are they thinking? A landslip at Dunseverick required a mucky detour adding 1.5miles to the route.

Much appreciated encouagement from the 10k starters including Auldnutter and local yeti Monty gave Ralph and RG the lift needed to finish in 7hr55mins (right).

Reward for joining the ultra club was a big hug from Hannah Shields NI first lady and dentist to summit Everest.

Andrew Topping joins the team Sept 12 (below)
Ralph unable to travel for the Everest Marathon...he's going to be a daddy...Karen due on raceday 29.05.13



If you'd like the full details of their challenge and how to support their project you can find it on the Stand by Me website

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Meet the team...

 
We are a team of four ordinary guys with a trainer, who have decided to push ourselves with the challenge of the Highest Marathon in the World – The Mount Everest Marathon in May 2013, as the first ever Stand by Me Team Ireland to enter the race!. L-R Andrew Topping, Robert Kennedy, Richard McBride, Andy McMullan (trainer) and Ralph Mercer. We thought we’d share, in a lighthearted manner, the highs and lows of our preparation and training for this event. We’re taking this challenge on to raise funds for Stand by Me – a charity who rescues and cares for kids around the world – in this case kids in Hetauda, Nepal (www.standby.me).