Farewell Strava

As I watch Facebook memories come past of me completing the Glendalough trail run last April, it is with a twinge of regret that I finally bid farewell to my good friend Strava.

We've had the best of times, we've had the worst of times.

On completion of the Glendalough race it became apparent that I have finally completely killed my IT band and that any further running would be detrimental to my health. not that it stopped me. I did indeed attempt to start running again,  but it was clear that the knee pain was not going anywhere, and that further exercise was just exacerbating the problem.

 So here we are one year later.

I have for the past couple of years been a subscriber to Strava, but due to the fact that I have not been using Strava for the last year that seems a little excessive. I therefore cancelled my subscription. And then, on a rainy and windy April morning, I finally deleted my Strava account.

I have downloaded all the data before committing to the final harikiri. Reading through the data does make for interesting bedtime stories. It seems that I took up running in 2015, and have completed a rather large amount of kilometers during the past nine years. Oh the memories.

So what now?

I think it is safe to say that my running days are now well behind me, and that I will have to find a new recreational activity. Luckily I live in Ireland. During the past couple of months I have slowly increased my hiking kilometers. There are oodles of hiking trails just outside Dublin in the Dublin mountains. Even ones’ that an ex Runner like myself can partake in. Yes, I am out of shape! 

So, onto the next adventure! 

Poolbeg Towers

So I previously posted on the little walk Narina and I took on the Dublin Harbour east pier. I took a photo that morning of the Poolbeg Towers, and everytime I look at it I think that it should be sketched. I am also interested these days in Pen and Wash sketches, so watch this space, it may get a facelift 😁. But for now you will have to live with the Pen Sketch as it is.

(I also noticed that I have dated it 2023.... new year syndrome!!)

Naas Harbour

 The wife and I drove out to Newbridge in search of a market. We found it, but was not impressed. We heard about a farmers market in Naas, and drove over there. Mheee. So we walked around and explored the area. 

Just off the main road there is an old harbour on the Grand Canal. An absolutely lovely little corner of Naas. I can definitely recommend a visit.

Grand Canal - Wilton Terrace

On my way from one meeting to the other I stopped for a bite to eat next to the Grand Canal at Wilton Terrace. There was an open bench. I had a book and pen, and an hour to kill.

Howth East Pier

Out and about last week and visited Howth, looking for Chocolates, of all things. Not a great sketch, but you get the idea.