Note
Have been a sine wave the last week trying to decide if I'd go to Irish Champs, and the frequency has increased significantly in the last 24hrs.
Due to injuries, and more so an important exam on the bank holiday Monday I haven't been sure it's a great idea.
Initially realised though that my seeded start time for the Long distance was too late, and I'd need to start earlier if I was going to catch my flight to get back for the exam. Having e-mailed to try and sort it I was informed that I could have first start, but as I was starting outside of my seeded start-time I would have to be non-competitive, despite, if anything, clearly disadvantaging myself.
This was a bit frustrating, I felt it was a bit extreme and I kind of resigned myself to not attending then, there wasn't point just for a middle distance when I already had enough excuses not to go.
But, after some more e-mails and a minor palaver the decision was changed so that I could start competitively, however if a complaint was submitted it would be down to the jury.
(note: I have to say I think this was well handled by Harold, and in the end this was a fair enough outcome, and I also think the new start-time rules are a very positive addition).
At first I was still decided on not running, probably for the best anyway, with study and that. But now I could race again, I started hmm-ing and haw-ing.
In the end, I've decided it's best just to leave IOC this year. After weighing it up a bit it seems clear that there's not a lot to be gained from going, but potentially a good bit to lose. I don't need to race for selection, and attending would definitely hinder my exam preparations, while I should also probably be focussing on rehabilitaing my crocked body and coming back rather than racing on.
A shame because despite my injuries I know I'm not in too bad shape, I had roughly the same speed as Eoin and Conor at the JK (albeit not the endurance), so I know I would be up in the mix. But I could be in much better shape too, so hopefully that year will finally come soon.
Got to mull it over with an insightful group of guys after training tonight which was probably the final decision point.
At least I'll get to go to my first ever 10mila party - I'll get to the real thing some day.