I wrote this for my Facebook Running Group, #RSP, the Runners Support Page, posting it here to save for posterity.
An up and down day, emotionally. I didnt want to post my experience last night, as I wasnt sure how I felt. This morning, having slept on it, had a pint too 😎 , its easier to reflect. ...... Id stated my aims clearly, seeking that Boston Qualifying Time, under 3:55, so a hostage to fortune.... Thanks to the one way system to get to Merrion Sq., I missed the RSP photo shoot, and nearly missed the damn start, due to loo queues. ....... The run itself started so well, keeping myself in check, all the way to 7km, all fine, all on target, felt great..... Then, the hamstring decided to tweak, pull, whatever the expression is, mine was more like, CRAP!.... I kept going, out of the Park, back in, but soon realised that with 30k to go, it would be a long day. My old friend from Athenry, Peter Lowney joined me with his blisters, and we exchanged was wounds, on and off, for a few miles. I met a guy from Newcastle, Co. Down, and we walked and talked for a mile or two., then Janet from Mallusk in Belfast was crying along the way, so she got a hug. ...... Wearing the RSP top brought cheers to help, friends Rory & Cat at Dolphins Barn encouraged me along, seeing Michelle from my Wednesday night Run With Beers gang, sorry about the sweaty hug, Julie from Waterstown parkrun, all helped with the crushing disappointment of the hamstring. ..... After 30k, it was only a wee trot home, and I dug in and despite the pain, I ran most of the way home, up Roebuck Hill, with Christine in great form there, then on towards the end, with Rachel, Denise, Trina & Aoife, not mention Stuart at cheerleader central, and most importantly, my better half Paula 50 yards on, with a big hug.... Now I could finish.... Head down, smile on face, and crossing the line, and raising a smile to Joe looking down on me.... Ok, 4.49 was an hour away from what I wanted. Sure, I was disappointed, but, the support, the cameradi, the fun out there is second to none. And then, onto McGrattans, and seeing every smiling face, made it all worthwhile. Yep, my time was nowhere near what I wanted, but the day itself was awesome. If Carlsberg did Marathons, it would be Dublin................. A heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who were involved, running, cheering, watching on from afar...... Far too many names to mention, but I appreciate it all.... To the two lasses from Roscommon who told Trina that I was their inspiration, I pass the baton back, everone I have met, in person or on line here at #RSP had inspired me........ Who cares about finishing times, or even finishing lines, its about friendship....... You cant pay for that...... Thanks....
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