The day was sunny and warm, better weather than we have had most of the summer. People looked radiant in their lycra as they went through the stretches pre race. The announcer kept people entertained by slagging, encouraging and disparaging the entrants.
A few months ago, I had cajoled a friend of mine, Eoin Lynch to run the race series- and although I was in Clifden, he was true to his word and ran the 5 mile and 10 mile earlier in the summer. I was delighted to have a companion to run with- although he was aghast I had already run 16 miles in training!
My body felt fine, the only thing niggling at me was it was 10am. I got up at 8am which is an astounding feat all by itself. I had never ran in the morning before! Had cereal, actimel and sausages and was hungry for action.
The first 6 miles we spent chatting and joking at a fairly leisurely pace- we had joined the 3rd wave of runners at the start- those who expected to run in over 2 hours. There was a lot of bodies around us and the sun was beaming down.
Then, something strange happened. I started running faster. Eoin kept with me for a mile or so but i couldn't stop accelerating- I felt I was on my own special escalator which propelled me past everyone! I munched a vitamin tablet, stayed relaxed and kept up the pace- suddenly I started thinking about finishing within 2 hours - and by mile 12, my legs were feeling heavy as I was running at 10k pace then but I gritted my teeth and kept going. The crowd toward the end were fantastic and I managed a 100 metre sprint (felt like that) to go past the finish line, much to the amusement of the supporting mob. Not sure of the official time, but it was damn close to 2.00 hours. Eoin came in about 5 mins later, very very sore indeed! But he made it, and raised 500 yo yos for Aware.
Got my goody bag, refulled and ate, and made my way 2 miles back to my car. Definately on a high- my training plan is totally working. Had a cigarette in the car. Drinks tonight!!
My sister is simultaenously doing a 100k walk today, sheesus- they don't stop for the night- it will take over 24 hours and walking continuosly/eating in the dark. Crazy lady. For charity though..
EDIT: Official time and placing below- didn''t quite nail the 2 hours but a valiant effort as I decided to try and hit it with 6 miles to go- next time so !
Overall Placing Time
| 3578 | Rowland Smithers (No. 270) | Dublin | 02:01:31 |
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