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I saw people in all sorts of shoes from carbon plate racers like Alphafly’s to a variety of trail shoes. You could pretty much run in anything with a flat bottom. What I mean by that is many plated shoes and most On-Running shoes have gaps/grooves in the base where gravel and small stones can get lodged. The North Face Vectiv Summit Pro that I ran in were perfect. A grippy outsole with medium lugs, not too heavy, ventilated, carbon plate, nice ride.

I did wonder about what would happen if more people were out on the tarmac. I guess we would all be on the secure side having checked in and it’s the only practical option…I wonder if they ever do fire drills? Seems unlikely

Glad you enjoyed it Martin…hopefully another one in 10 weeks after the Dingle Marathon

That’s it so. We will have to make more stories!

I am glad Ryanair exists as otherwise we could never afford to get off this island, but I just don't enjoy flying with them. I get so anxious that I have made some small error and won't be allowed fly...

Thanks Tolunay. This will not be our last rodeo!

Cheers Alan! Wasn't sure if I would even post this...glad I did

Thanks Patrick! Next stop Dingle in September...

Cheers Mark. Trip of a lifetime!

That's exactly it...such a memorable and enjoyable experience...

Thanks John! It was a joy from start to the finish...still buzzing after it...

I had such good fun Chris. And it has renewed my longing to run more marathons...started planning for the Dingle Marathon in September already... will also be thinking of another run with you...somewhere with cheaper pints!

BRAVO Chris for your impressive performances!!! It's been fascinating listening to you talk about your adventures and sharing this one with you through Barry!! All the best for your next great adventure!! AND if you're ever up for a marathon here in France, Barry has my email so don't hesitate to contact me!!

@bev9708 thanks Bev. I love France and speak passable French, so I'd love to run a road marathon or half in France. I'm open to any suggestions please 😀

@@Chris_Baily Tell me what time of year suits you Chris and I'll be happy to offer some suggestions!!! One that comes to mind is the flattest marathon in all of France , Marathon Seine-Eure!! It's in October, when this year I shall be running the Boffi Fifty at the Festival des Templiers. Maybe Barry will be happy to accompany you in 2025 for the very famous Marathon de Médoc at Bordeaux, early September, where fancy dress is obligatory and you are expected to indulge in 23 glasses of the famed vintages along route!!😂

@bev9708 any time of year is good for me. I've already got my A race booked for October 2024, so don't want to do anything that would get in the way of that (it's a rare race where I'm doing it purely to try to put down a time). 23 glasses of wine might kill me (😀), but I'd be looking for any race that's interesting or fun rather than just fast. I'll ask Barry for your details so we can take our chat offline if that's OK with you?

Best wishes for the 50k Bev! Maybe I will stop and have a pint during Dingle! Apparently that is a thing...It is in September and the first training is tonight...

@@OldManRunner 😂😂 Maybe you should come do the very famous Marathon du Médoc one year, Barry, at Bordeaux, where you are expected to indulge in 23 glasses of the famed vintages along route!!😂 The Marathon Grands Crus at Dijon and the Marathon du Cognac at Jarnac both offer tastings according to the local produce at each aid station😂

Same day as Dingle! Right, it's on the short list for 2025...

@@bev9708 I should try that one (Marathon du Médoc ) some day as it presents a special challenge beyond the marathon. I am not sure if I could run with 23 glasses of wine in the system. I would be hard for me to keep it straight but who knows. With so much alcohol it might have a turbo effect if one survives the dehydration.

@@bev9708 BTW, I saw you ran the 50K successfully. Congrats! 👏👏👏

Glad you enjoyed it!cI am just back from running the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø, Norway and wore the ultra Vest.It worked perfectly, no chafing or issues of any kind...

I don't have one and haven't seen one to hand, but I think I will get one. Frustratingly the weight for the cap is not listed. I asked On and got this from their Bot: It seems I don't have the specific weight details for the Zero Cap at the moment. However, I can assure you that it's designed to be incredibly lightweight, perfect for not slowing you down during your activities. If you need more precise details, feel free to reach out to our support team or check the product details on our website. Is there anything else you'd like to know about the Zero Cap or any other products? The wicking band looks about the same. The clasp is different and my guess is that they saved weight in the visor...will report back when I can get hold of one.

​@@OldManRunner thanks! I reached out to ON to ask about how much each cap weighed since the website didn't list them. They just said the Zero Cap is lighter, although for all I know, it could be very close. As for which one is better for sweat absorption and ventilation, it's unclear, so maybe they're relatively the same. Exact response I got: "Thank you for reaching out to On with your inquiries about the Lightweight Cap and the Zero Cap. I'd be happy to provide you with the information you're seeking. Weight Comparison: Lightweight Cap: This cap is designed to be featherlight, providing excellent protection without adding extra weight. Zero Cap: As the name suggests, this cap is extremely light, offering a weightless, barely-there feel, making it the lighter of the two options. Ventilation and Sweat Absorption: Lightweight Cap: This cap features laser-cut ventilation to help you keep a cool head, making it an excellent choice for both ventilation and sweat absorption. The cap is made from tear-proof, fast-drying fabrics that provide high-performance protection in a breathable, quick-drying frame. Zero Cap: Constructed from recycled polyester, the Zero Cap is designed for sweat-wicking performance. It efficiently wicks away sweat to keep you dry from start to finish, making it ideal for intense activities where sweat management is crucial. Its lightweight construction ensures it won't slow you down. For low-key style and versatile use, the Lightweight Cap stands out with its advanced technology and breathable design. For a race-ready option that prioritizes sweat-wicking and minimal weight, the Zero Cap is the better choice."

@@MgytlFwY I will order one when I get home. I have the Lightweight Cap in Black and love it. Will report back when I get it

Thanks Tolunay. We are both in good form and we head off in 6 hours and 6 minutes from now. All is pointing towards an unforgettable experience...

Thanks! My only worry is letting him down, but have put the work in so it should be grand…and I know we will have a great time.

@@OldManRunner of course those thoughts came into my mind too but trust your training. negotiate a strategy that works for you both so you can concentrate on the enviroment without too much mental stress and its an enjoyable experience for you both an adapt if necessary. You've both done plenty of marathons so you know whats coming.

Chris is still alive after our morning shakedown run, so I take that as a good sign. Weather looks perfect for tomorrow so looking forward to the off!

Cheers Chris. See you in Trømso in a few hours

Glad you enjoyed it John. Started making the next one...heading off to meet Chris now!

Cheers Tony...am well through filming the start of the follow up one. Greetings from Trømso!

Ha! Greetings from sunny Trømso Bev. I am picking Chris up later at the airport and the weather is lovely this morning and looking good for the race...Will be challenging Chris to the worst pun of the weekend competition...we won't have any trouble keeping ourselves amused...

@@OldManRunner 🤣SO Irish!!! One of my dad's favourite past-times, I'm sure a sign of his part-Irish roots!

@@OldManRunner And Don’t accept any invites from the Haarga while you’re up there!!😂😂 (If you haven’t seen the movie Midsommar , definitely check it out, it’s quite brilliant !!!)

Glad you enjoyed it!

The side pockets are not connected to the deep front pockets in front of the water flasks. This works well for me. They measure c. 150mm x 90mm, 6 inches x 3.5 inches and have a stretchy fabric outer and there is a pull cord to tighten them down. I think the Salomon has been on sale for a long time so deals are available online in various places so it is possible to get it for less money than the ON depending on what part of the world you are in. The zip on the credit card/key pocket is the only thing that let the ON vest down for me. But I will only be using the zipped pocket at the start of a run to put valuable in. The zip on the rear stuff sack has a robust zip with a fabric pull cord. Hope this helps...

That's the plan! I have arrived in Trømso and it looks really beautiful this morning

Cheers Troy. Amazing to be in the Arctic Circle, looking forward to the off on Saturday night.

Rajkumar. the 10L comes with the removable stash pocket. I would use it for putting a rain jacket in or something like that. The trash pocket is really quite small and will only take a few gel wrappers. The zip pocket takes a credit card and keys

@@OldManRunnerMuch thanks!!!

Thanks for the heads up Tolunay. I had a look at their website, lots of interesting running gear, and not expensive. I think my running partner will be wearing one...think he mentions in next weeks very long video...that I am finally finishing filming this morning...

I am a bit on the stocky side. And yes the XL in the vest is a good idea. Was thinking the loops will wear first. Luckily there are some spare ones. I can always cannibalise some other vests I have around… if only I could pinch the zips with the strings attached…

I have an older Salomon 12L, but it is heavy. I bought a T-Shirt with some storage capacity from Compresssport last year. I liked it but it was so small I had to send it back. It seems like any companies who make gear for cycling/triathlons have completely different sizing. Even in XXL I struggle to get into cycling clothing and I am an M in other running companies clothing...Also have a stunning Castelli top in 2XL that I can only really squeeze into...

Well it was either Plan A, this. Or Plan B, stick my hydration bladder on the back of another runner and have a very long hose...!

@@OldManRunner I'm glad I'm not the other runner in plan B 😂

Ha, thought you might think that! I also have a Plan C...

Ha! I now have four...oh hang on I have another lying around somewhere. This one and the Salonon Sense Pro 5 are the best so far...

Cheers Bartek! Cracking point about extracting the air...will give it a whirl. Preview video for the next marathon goes live in a week. It will be rather long...recording the last piece tomorrow and I think it is already 90 minutes or so long...

@@OldManRunner already looking forward to it 💪💪💪 ... love the extra length, podcast like, pre / post event @OldManRunner vlogs 🫶

Funnily enough it really is like a podcast, particularly in the second half...anyway all will be revealed next week. Hope you enjoy it!

I keep promising myself that I will run an Ultra of some description...this will be the vest I bring...

@@OldManRunner nice

I use 1litre per hour of water on a long run. The marathon will be at a stable temperature and not too warm c.11C/59F. I am a light sipper usually, apart from this years Boston! I will use a maximum of 2 litres and there are water points along the way if needs be. I will put the gels in a fridge if I can find one in the hotel, but keep the water at room temperature. It will heat up on my back I guess. Will report back in a review video in a couple of weeks..

⁠@@OldManRunner Best of Lucks!!! Thanks much for the tips on water & gel. Not know if you still looking for the kit to go with the On vest. Maybe Soar’s new trail race top could be possibility. There is also a new cap in light blue or sky blue that might be great. Can’t wait for your pre-race video. Thanks!!!!

Rajkumar, I will be running in one of my Soar t-Shirts, a yellow one I have form years ago that I love. I have a few Soar running Caps. they are too small for my big fat head!

@@OldManRunnerCan’t wait for the preview video. Thanks!!!

@@rajkumarraosinhji1397 I’m filming the last section in 15 minutes… it is very long! Hopefully you will like it… it should go live at the usual time next week

I’m running a 10 mile race in them later in the year and really looking forward to it!

I always buy the same size in shoes. I think I have a wide foot and am more sensitive to with than length. The Alphafly 3 is tight around the ankle and takes some wriggling to get into. Once on it is great. Funnily enough the Streakfly is the easiest shoe I’ve ever tried to put on…

@@OldManRunner thanks for fast reply back. Too reading that moving up in only 1/2 size can add much more weight than one really thinks about. So for fast times much better in the smaller size. Common sense but sometimes i forgot this so overlook this in sizing.

It is really difficult to narrow down the variables. There is a lot of wind in Dublin as it is beside the sea and there was a headwind on one straight on the track and then a tailwind on the other. I find it easier to run to a pace rather than a power in that situation. I was hoping for a little more with the Duo. Oddly the metrics don't indicate the stride length. A bigger issue for me is the tiny size of the map makes it really difficult to segment out the metrics for bends v straights...nearly bought a standing desk lst year, still on the to do list...

That would be the right track! Irishtown Stadium. €5.50 for a session.

@@OldManRunner Might have to join you for a run there at some stage uncle

@@jacksheehan8014 Excellent Plan!