Paddle4Play

Paddle4Play: December 2012

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Peaceful weekend

So with the busy festive period upon us, two months of christmas purchases, sales and general madness, I took advantage of the last late Sunday start and a Monday off work to get out in the marathon boat. A somewhat excessive purchase to purely fit in with the club at Salmon Leap but has grown to be one of my favourite boats in my mightly armada. Being alone out on the lake is somewhat pleasing not having to show or prove anything, no rulebook or score sheet to tick just me and my boat eating up the Km's.

The marathon boat offers some great fitness training much in the same way a road bike allows you to pedal with minimul drag the K1 efortlessly glides through the water, with the power button pushed the boat lifts and accelerates swallowing the water and leaving it for dust. The speed, the grace, the hard work so many reasons to be out in the boat. But for me the peace and tranquility of glass like water the quiet hum of the distant traffic and the knowing its just me and the water.

Sunday 2 December 2012

How green was their wave,





This week in store we hosted the book launch for How Green Was Their Wave by Kevin Cavey a book giving insight and stories to the history of Irish surfing, with local heroes and Irish legends all in attendance. 

The night really gave food for thought with so many of the original group still in contact as friends like brothers still after 40 plus years these guys had something special a bond which could not be broken at the time they were pioneers, the cool kids bringing surfers to Irish waters. Now they are friends enjoying their sport and seeing what they have created. With numerous titles and champions instore the room was alive so many exceptional personalitys all brought together by a single book, words and images printed on paper remembering and reviewing what these guys have done and where they had been. True gents to the world, never losing touch with their calling from the sea.
The evening was an excellent occasion held on the first floor of the great outdoors main store with smiles and laughter all round.
If you enjoy surfing pop instore and grab a copy of the book a great piece for the collection and a perfect addition to any Christmas stocking

Available in the great outdoors. Click here to check it out on our web store.



See you on the water
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Sunday 25 November 2012

Kendal Mountain Festival



Earlier this year Keen Europe approached me to ask what I thought about speaking at the Kendal Mountain Festival as part of the wild water night, at the time I thought it was a fantastic idea with a lot of potential.
As the summer drew on with European Championships and The International Liffey Descent then moving into the realms of a real job. The time was coming up fast. I had an idea, a theory, a topic. But physically nothing much more to show of it.
I took some time to start drafting a presentation checking theory and references with 9 revisions later I was ready to show the draft. With more and more ideas and fun my biggest problem was having too much content - not a normal issue for many people so I then set about the task of cutting it down. With final draft in hand on a mild Wednesday in November I boarded the ferry and set sail for Holyhead.
After a drive up to Kendal via Manchester having missed the M6 it was dark and finding the hotel was the order of the evening.
The following day came and after a trip to visit Mares UK at their Kendal base to see next years range, I set about exploring the town.
Kendal a quaint town on the edge of the Lake District big enough to be a town small enough to be the country but still green with rolling hills greens and brown of autumn leaves made the place clear and fresh.
Sometimes described as the outdoor Mecca of England had the same vibe as other places Betws Y Coed in Wales and Fort William in Scotland the subtle town with an influx of outdoor enthusiasts at every turn you can spot a mountain equipment, Haglofs, arcteryx jacket leaving North face to the big city fashion Icons this place was function over fashion!
The whole festival centres around a few locations in town, the adventure sports village in the Dojo (this was where my talk would be) and the Brewery Arts centre with plenty of drinking and socialising areas.
The opening ceremony was hosted in the main street with the street closed and the big screen up the event went live with Sir Chris Bonington opening the show to an audience of down jackets as far as the eye could see.
Photo: Great turn out in Kendal Town Center for opening night
That evening I was given my own personal show ambassador to show me the venues and introduce me to others I was lucky to meet James a really nice guy, a true gent we found ourselves taking advantage of the local knowledge and enjoying the local drinks from nearby brewers. James introduced me to some other lads including Big Sam who was driving for the night but truly legendary in my weekends experience as the evening drew in we were joined by Gillian from Keen UK team and Nol Marketing Manager from Keen Europe plus A few others Graham, Bruce, Rach and Timmy. From Haglofs and Cotswold.
A magic evening of chatting and catching up.... The calm before the storm!
Photo: Supporting the mountain rescue service in Kendal!
The next morning Gillie was at my door before the sun bringing with her an amazing personality an all round fun girl (slightly mad) but the best craic ever! We headed to pick up Mr Nol, and off we went on a whistle stop tour of the lakes visiting dealers and showrooms before breakfast then taking a coffee break to review my presentation and edit it again into what was the final cut which we were all super excited about.
At 1109 we were at the train station to say farewell to Nol who had another meeting to attend, Im sure next year he will be back to make a weekend of an awesome event!
That left me and Gillie to spend the day meeting some friends and set to work setting up the stand in the sports village.
Photo: Set to go.
The stand looked fab with fun and colour as well as turrets of shoes with a sprinkling of autumn leaves,
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We were joined by Adam from the Keen UK team who brought with him water guns ready for the evening.
I spent some time with the tech team checking the presentation looked ok on the big screen and making sure the videos played.
Photo: What a great night, talk went really well lots of super excited people. Can't wait for next time!
With the team happy the doors opened with 300 odd tickets sold the venue started filling with a whole range from children right through to seniors it was a great turnout on a difficult slot. The night kicked off with some films from around the world kayaking, surfing and sea kayaking. A short interval gave time for Gillie to muster up her magic with some fun games and activities for all with fishing for ducks and frisbees flying across the crowd keeping everyone entertained.
Next up was me, as always talking to people is one of my stronger points with a solid slideshow and videos upsetting a few people calling them old but generally everyone had a lot of fun, largely due to me breaking the clicker to change slides leading to great entertainment every time I attempted to get it working! The presentation was about the benifits of playtime and how palaytime and escapism could affect peoples daily lives, giving people the opportunity to get out of the nine till five, As I finished up my segment on the International Liffey Descent we ran a nice raffle to give away lots more Keen merchandise.
The keen evening was a great success with some nice videos and fun for everyone.
Over the weekend were 5 sessions with big speakers, Wild Water, Endurance (With the Brownlee Brothers), Bike Night, Ski Night (Andreas Fransson, Bjarne Sahlén, Mike Douglas) and Flight Night some awesome speakers and great videos.
http://www.mountainfest.co.uk/speakers.cfm
What followed during the course of the weekend can only be described as one of the best weekend events I've ever seen with literally thousands of like minded people all in one place chatting and meeting the craic was mighty and the banter of epic proportions. Meeting old friends and making new I would highly recommend anyone who loves the outdoors should add it to there calender next year. I was lucky enough to spend some time with the other pro athletes and some very entertaining people with a lot of experience but more importantly I had time to spend with friends.
Photo: The amazing haglofs ice bar at KMF!
Thanks to Nol and Muriel from Keen Europe as well as the UK team, Gillian, Tig Dog and Adam and to the lads from Haglofs Graham, Bruce and Timmy and Rachel. An amazing weekend cant wait to get back to Kendal for an Another Adventure.
Photo: Nice glasses!

New Role

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After an amazing summer of freelance work and paddling I have taken the opportunity to move into the realms of a real job, taking over as Manager of The Great Outdoors watersports shop in Dublin. An amazing opportunity in one of Irelands premiere watersports stores dealing in Kayaking, diving and sailing equipment from our city centre store.
The role offers a new challenge and an opportunity to promote paddlesports through a retail outlet.
Thanks to everyone in the store for helping me out over the first few weeks of the role and if your in Dublin spin in for a chat and say hello!

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Warmest jacket ever!

 

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So starting a new job and heading away to the Kendal Mountain festival I decided I needed a jacket to be taken seriously in so I trundled over to The Great Outdoors main Store on Chatham Street and upstairs to check out the range of jackets.

Knowing very little about outerware which isnt worn in a boat I sought the expert knowledge of the main store staff. My old prerequisite was I wanted the warmest jacket we stocked.

With lots of tech talk I was handed the Mountain Equipment Citadel Jacket in a beautiful blue colour first time slipping the jacket on it just felt right with a good arm length for me and a comfy feel the synthetic fill was perfect for me spending time on the river and the water resistant outer definitely an advantage. With some hood arrangement from the fabulous Mary and some style help from John I was in love with the jacket.

After 2 weeks of use I think I may of told most people that it is actually the warmest jacket in the world, i don't think I've ever been so impressed by one piece of equipment having worn it in cold clear nights as well as in Dublin downpours the jacket is working amazingly in fact sometimes a little too warm! So if you want a new jacket this jacket is the Absolute Daddy of jackets to own and the advice from the guys in the Great Outdoors Main Store is second to none they were spot on with what i needed and put me in absolutely the best piece of kit!

Thanks guys

....... If you missed the bit... This is Definitely the warmest jacket ever!!!

 

Take a look at the specs online Here!!

Sunday 30 September 2012

International Liffey Descent Video

Thursday 16 August 2012

Outfitting a Kayak

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So after I spent some time with Muireann outfitting her boat I recieved a number of messages asking for input and help outfitting their boats

So heres a video guide to help outfit your boat

Boat Outfitting Video Guide

I used a Wavesport Project X and then shows The Jackson Rockstar at the end but most of the sections will cross over to most boats.

 

The most important thing is to be comfortable you will learn more and have better control if you you have good point of contact with the Seat, Backrest, hip pads, thigh braces and footrest. If you are missing any one of these you will move independantly of the boat and cause the wibbly wobblies!

Hope it helps

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Adrian

 

Paddle4life.eu

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Tuesday 31 July 2012

Video Update

So I havent updated much lately so heres a few videos from recent trips to Holland, European Championships in Lienz as well as some sluice Footage!

 

Sluice with Emily Jackson
Competition Rides
Cardboard Boat Race1
Cardboard Boat Race Gopro
Poor Muirreann Takes a spill
Isel Wave Austria Session
Trip to Holland
Sluice Mega Mix

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European Championships Lienz Austria 2012

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At the end of June we sent a 7 strong senior team away to the European Freestyle Championships in Lienz, Austria l. A location we had previously visited for the same event in 2010.
The team consisted of
Aisling Griffin
Muireann Lynch
Ronan o Brennan
Adrian Durrant
Thomas Dunphy
Colm Healy
John O Rourke
The team travelled out a few days early to make full use of the feature. Unfortunately the changing levels meant the feature was low, shallow in places and had a nasty pit on river left which was best to avoid.
The free practices stopped and the official slots started with a higher more suitable competition level. The feature was a river wide hole on the river Drau which was suitable for all kinds of links and combinations.
The team worked hard in training putting together good ride plans for the competition.
An unfortunate swim and slip on a rock had left Muireann with a gashed ankle and 6 stitches which was never going to help her squeeze into a small playboat none the less ladies were up first putting practice into competition leaving Muireann in 21st and Aisling in 15th. Next up was C1 with Orky putting down solid rides to place him in 7th place and into the Semi finals, last event of the day was men's squirt with Adrian in action putting together solid rides to place 7th and into the semi finals
The following day saw the Senior men's chance to hit the hole with ride plans and tactics out of the window in favour of big scoring moves and bonuses, the men paddled well in a tough competition finishing
Tom Dunphy 26th
Adrian Durrant 34th
Ronnie Brennan 35th
Colm Healy 40th
With a top senior field the cut was to 20 so all missed out.

The C1 semi final was up next with Orkys rides not going to plan leaving him down in 10th place.
Last up again was the squirt men with Adrian in the semi final, some good rides left him in 7th place overall.
The sun was out and spirits still high leading up to finals day with the pride and glory still to play for with the Teva Cardboard boat race where competitors build a boat out of card and tape to successfully navigate the hole!

Team Irelands appearance in this event two years previous was an entertaining one attempting to surf the hole on a giant cardboard ..........

This year we went for a more standard design of a Viking ship but decided to go for size over manoeuvrability and built by far the largest boat in the field.

Overall the trip to Lienz was a successful one with some solid performances with the best European paddlers and some great results.

Coming up for Irish freestyle we have a Clifden Beach party competition and another famous Sluice Rodeo.

With the Liffey in a state of flood brings both Sluice and Palmerstown into play as exciting freestyle spots whether its learning to spin and front surf or attempting dynamic moves with big air the Liffey has something for everyone so get out, enjoy, and stay safe!

Adrian Durrant

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keen loop

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Friday 11 May 2012

Eye Feel Good Open Canoe Expedition

After a short 3 days to recover from the marathon I was back on the road, this time headed for Northern Ireland and the town of Antrim. I arrived Thursday afternoon to a clear view across lough Neagh. The sun was beginning to set as the familiar freelander rolled up to greeted by Sonya and Kevin to unload boats into the eye feel good container.
After a quick bite we then set off headed even further North to the Atlantic coast which would mark the end of our trip. with the shuttle done we hit the hay for a few hours sleep before setting off early Friday morning.
As the dawn broke we greeted the participants at the lake we packed up the boats with barrels and bags of all our needs for the next 3 days.

The trip was a charity fundraiser to paddle from Antrim across lough Neagh to Toome before heading onto the River Bann through Lough Begg and all the way to the Atlantic in Coleraine.
As the group gathered for pre trip photos and smiles the craft were launched with a selection of boats, mad river canoes, Legend, explorer and journeys in a selection of materials along with a fleet of Venture Prospectors made up the majority of the flotilla. 2 Dogs, 39 paddlers in 20 boats plus a small rescue rib made up our trip.
As we set off with the wind in our sails or umbrellas we made a good start heading around the Lough headed for Toome. As we hit the dog leg into Toome the wind decided to hit us with a nasty headwind slowing the hole group to a slow crawl. A few boat changes and we made the trip to Toome with no dramas. At Toome we hit the first of 5 locks we would descend as we paddled into the lock and the water started dropping the group disappeared into a lonely basin away from the wind above a moment of rest before emerging onto the River Bann and around into Lough Begg. As we pushed on the wind battered the boats creating small waves spilling into boats. The group pressed hard working to keep the boats straight and moving with the rafter Canadians struggling with the wind pushing harder to keep the extra weight moving. The safety boat really made its money worth, towing canoes back to the front of the group to stop them being left behind. As we turned at the end of the Lough the faces painted the picture grimacing and frustrated the group were battered but not beaten as we took to our first nights camping the sun withdrew from its cloud to give us a beautiful evening sun to set up camp and enjoy our first evening of camp food and tales.


The next morning we arose to the sound of sizzling sausages and boiling water. The morning broke with frost on the ground to give everyone a slight chill as we packed up camp and got set for the off knowing the hardest day was now behind us, all we could hope was that the wind would be good to us.
With a slight headwind we made our way along the Lower Bann headed for the promised land of Pub soup and sandwiches only 6km away. We wound our way along the meandering river with green fields and trees lining the banks with no other water users we were secluded calm gracefully paddling along our way.


As we reached the pub ahead of schedule everyone was looking in anticipation a warm pub filled with tea, coffee and a log fire lay behind the large wooden locked doors, as we waited patiently we looked at each other looking for expressions and signs of movement from within. As the clock struck 11 we heard the large metal bolt pull open and like the lock gates we all flooded in.
The warm food was just what the doctor ordered, with warm drinks and food to fill ourselves up ready for the next stage of our journey. As the group peeled themselves from the warmth of the pub for the cooler climate outside knowing we had plenty of miles ahead of us.
Back in the boats and with another change of crews to keep things social we paddled our way on. With the group making great progress the powerhouses of Ole and Elizabeth taking the lead pushing hard at a great pace leaving others in their wake
With Kevin excited by the game of Margery kept everyone in great humour and well motivated. With more locks to negotiate the feeling of achievement was starting to set in with half the trip already in the bag the group were running at a good pace and eating up the kilometres.


As we reached the Movanagh Fish Farm we knew we were finished paddling for day 2.
As we pitched camp we already had a gathering party collecting firewood ready for the cool evening ahead. The tents were pitched and the group fed as we sat around the campfire sharing stories and chatting till the early hours the tarot cards even made an appearance. This was the part of the trip which really pulls the group together motivating and relaxing. With future trips and ideas being planned even before this trip is finished.

As the group packed the kit into the boats for the final time knowing the distance to the finish line was ever closing we got underway after a slight delay as the Lock doesn't open until 10am we pushed on with the group refreshed and revitalised we caught up the time.
On the trip we had a couple of dogs bounding boat to boat exploring each persons craft except for the odd leap of faith into the water they were great company and happy to go with the flow.

As we approached the cuts we knew the finish line was in sight, with only a few kilometres to go.
On clearing the lock at the cuts the flotilla took to formation being led by flagship (a rafted Canadian with the eye feel good banner proudly waving in the wind.

As we passed the RNLI Atlantic lifeboat our goal was in sight the slipway at marina with parents, friends and family awaiting our arrival.

As we reached land their were hugs kisses and hand shakes all round their was a massive sense if achievement from everyone with the devastating headwind from the first day all but forgotten as the boats were pulled up and the final talk given from the expedition bosses Richard Fee and Mark Kennedy the trip was over.
Well done to everyone who took part paddled, supported or sponsored their was a great deal of support to make the trip possible.

Thank you to Richard Fee and Mark Kennedy for organising a very successful safe and professional trip for all.

Eye Feel Good is a charity foundation based in Northern Ireland. Our aim is to raise money through organised events donating to those living with cancer within the community.
Click the logo to find out what they are upto!

For anyone looking to do the trip their are a great series of open canoe trails which have been produced by CANI, this trip would be excellent for both sea and touring kayaks as well as open canoe.
They can also be found online

http://www.canoeni.com/

.Adrian

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Monday 30 April 2012

Nice Half Marathon

So after my minimal amount of training the weekend had finally arrived, as we set off for Nice in the heart of the French Riviera.

A short flight with Aer Lingus landed us at Nice airport and the gateway to southern France.

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As we drove along the spectacular promenade the first thing to strike you except for the heat was the beautiful turquoise coloured water lapping onto the pebble beach.

We found our hotel right on the seafront and close to the old area of Nice.

as we set about exploring the area you couldn't help but notice the mix of modern tourism with the old traditional French customs.

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As true athletes we set to work right away heading for a beach bar to purchase the most expensive drinks at 8e for a pint of local beer We savoured the single drink while relaxing on the fantastic Mediterranean beach with nothing but sea between us and Africa.

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The weekend took us throughout the city exploring and generally eating with a selection of breads chocolates and ice creams it could of been worse,

 

we took a trek up the overlooking hill to see the remains of a 18th century 'Chateaux' the over looking view some 92m above sea level left us in awe of the full glory of the coastline with a semi circular promenade leading to the spit of land which contained the airport, looking out the view was breath taking knowing the following day we would be running that route and again it would be breath taking!

So D Day was upon us with the run starting at 0930 we were up fed and trying to drink as much water as possible staying hydrated was going to be a mission especially in the heat. Luckily for us we awoke to rather different surroundings.... water falling from the sky - could this really be?, a gift from the Gods! As we set out to join the race start the rain had subsided to a slight drizzle enough to keep everyone cool and refreshed, As the gun went we were away, I had lost the girls i  the start as we ran around the first corner heading into the centre of Nice less than 2km into the race I could feel my calf's like daggers fighting not to go any further but I carried on being passed by Maia as she shot into a fast sub 2hour group i could only imagine how much that would hurt me so I continued catching Cathy soon after. As we ran together through the streets up and around the corner into the Port we could see the 10km and the high performance athletes already turning. We plodded on after a brief shower which soaked everyone the weather turned, with the sun poking out from the clouds we knew it was about to warm up and fast, as we closed in in the 10km mark we were making good time 1:02 we were going well. I was well up on my targets and my legs and lungs knew it, as I glanced at the watch I knew I had gone out to fast. As I reached for the water stop dropping off Cathy's shoulder I knew she would be out of reach. I continued following for another couple of KM knowing i would burn out if I tried to push on. As my pace slowed, she continued on at a great pace, we were now heading along the promenade towards the airport with my pace slowing I continued on both clockwatching and trying to calculate times and distances. All I longed for was the turn and to be on the home straight. As we eventually turned at the airport in the shadow of private jets of the rich and famous we could think of nothing but my legs exploding, the turn meant we were on the final leg unfortunately this was another 6km long as I grabbed an energy gel I had been handed at the 10km I ripped off the top and poured it into my mouth, as the taste hit me I though someone was having a laugh with me the sweet sugar filled gel was coffee flavoured definitely not what I was expecting as the next water stop drew closer it was a PowerAde stop at least it was something to wash coffee from my mouth.

Having been passed by both Cathy and Maia I knew I was behind and the only form of redemption was to finish! One thing I hate is quitters weather it be finishing a training session early or giving up that's not me I want to work hard and know I've put 110% into it. As I pushed on every inch if my hurt but I knew with every step the finish was ever closer visualising my training run with 4 km left I was at the water tower on the Celbridge road heading for Lucan the time didn't matter but I was going to finish. With 2km left I felt energy and will power pushing me on and knowing the girls would be now sitting at the end while I was still on my feet. I tried to save this energy not wanting to push to hard worried of blowing up. I held the pace running off the shoulder of another fella knowing il push it on in the final KM as the 20km sign stood up to meet me I lifted my head and pushed through. Working hard to keep a steady rhythm lengthening my stride and cruising counting down the metres, the finish was in sight!

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As I crossed the line totally exhausted I knew I had finished in approx. 2:14 knocking a good 30mins from last weeks practice time. I hobbled through to the checkpoint collecting my medal and removing my foot chip before drinking as many different cups on offer, water, coke, PowerAde I hobbled out of the athletes enclosure to a smug looking Maia having broken her Personal best coming in under 2 Hours approx. 1:53. As we caught up to Cathy she too had run her heart out producing a great time of 2:08 approx.

It was now time for a shower and to find the biggest best alcoholic drinks we could.

After showering and me hobbling much like John Wayne we headed for lunch finding traditional French bread, soft cheese, we had know bottle opener so had to deal with a bottle of champagne and large screw top bottle of Kronenbourg before sitting on the steps of the city courts of justice to savour the moment.

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As the sun was shining and were savouring the moment we headed for a French bar in the sun to continue our rehydration this time I got my 1Litre of beer "the size which dreams are made of!" And the girls of course French wine. The pricing this time was much more realistic only 11e for the litre.

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After an afternoon siesta we headed for dinner in the old town finding a small French restaurant serving traditional foods I headed for the stuffed veg while Maia the salad and Cathy a gorgeous fish pie. With one small moment the waiter told Cathy "their was no more red wine" the look on her face,

the mixed emotions not knowing weather to laugh or cry she tried asking a different waiter with the same response.

Luckily after a few minute the waiter returned with what they said was the last glass of red, the colour returned to her cheeks and the smile grew as she sipped the French Riviera's finest export.

After three days in sunny Nice our luck had well and truly run out awakening to the sound of heavy rain and this time it wasn't to subside as we darted between shops and market stands hiding from the weather, after a quick lunch it was time to head back to the airport where our journey began to catch our flight back to Dublin Terminal 2.

After completing the run I can honesty say I did enjoy it even though yes I was beaten by the girls and my knees, feet, toes, calf's, quads, ankles, hips, arms, neck, back and groin are all in quite a sore way, the experience of running in the crowds is a new experience and actually quite fun. Thank you to Keen Europe my A86`s proved their worth, light and nimble whilst being well ventilated and offering good support combined with Keen socks make a great runners option whether pushing mile on the road or out on the train they definitely helped me through.

So at about 17km I was thinking up my retirement speech from competitive running it was going to be an epic. But after reflection I want to train with the aim to do another half marathon in the future and maybe even some 10km races and adventure races.

 

See you on the river / road ;-)

.Adrian



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