It took me little longer to sit down and write that post. Don’t know really why. I think I had to digest the whole experience of Dublin City Marathon. That event was totally different from these which I have already participated in. Almost 15 000 runners from all over the world, huge crowd of supporters and buzzing atmosphere of something special. You could feel excitement of each and every runner before the race. When passing by people preparing themselves for run you could overhear the on versatile about running tactics or just how fun it would be to run in Dublin Marathon. I think all runners where aware that we will have the honour to run with Tony Managan, who was just finishing his 4 years running journey around the world. Tony started in Dublin and run over 50 000 km to finish his run in place where everything has started. Me, Bozena and Cezary were able to talk to Tony for couple of minutes and congratulate him his accomplishment. At the end of the conversation he just smiled, said thank you and went back to TV stand give interview to Irish National TV station. Looking at Tony I was reminded that running is and always should be a pleasure and fun. You don’t need to try out get your PB everything you run. You don’t need fancy, special gear. Worn shoes, t-shirt, shorts would do…
Our friend Cezary was staying with us, so three of us headed to Dublin in the morning of the race. Just in case (and because I’m overreacting) we were in City Centre just after 7:30, with still 1.5 hours to start of the race. we went to starting line and that was when I have realised that I have forgotten my GPS watch. That was bad, really bad. I have promised to Mandy, Finton and Cezary that I will try to pace them for time of 3:30. Each of them would like to get their new PB. At the end all of them got their best results, not necessarily the ones they were aiming for but always. No watch, so I decided that we will stick to 3:30 pacers and that should get us to finishing line in proper time. That was theory, which was quickly verify. Cezary went slightly faster but I know that he can do it so I haven’t got any doubts about him getting the result. Finton decided to stick to pacer for no matter what. And I was running with Mandy. Promised her that I will try to push her as much as I can to get good result. Goal – 3:30. But straight after start I have noticed that pace needed to get that result is to fast for her. I was trying to our Mandy but knew that our time would be closer to 4 hours mark. Anyway, promise was made and for me it wouldn’t matter if result will be 3:30 or 4 hours. I had to push her, which (I hope) I did. We were running together whole marathon. Time to time I was dropping back to check how far are the next pacers (at the end 3:40 and 3:50 overtook us) and than I was going back to Mandy to push her again. When running like that I was wondering how Finton is doing (Cezary was safe in my opinion).
On the half way mark I suppose to meet Bozena to get my regular banana and flat Coke. Cause, according to plan we supposed to pass 13.1 mile mark in 1:45 My Wife thought that she missed us and that I will need to go without my ‘regulars’. But we have met, got my banana, haven’t used Coke (I just wasn’t so tired that I needed extra sugar portion). Must say that our first half was much faster and with every mile the pace was getting slower but Mandy was very brave. No giving up, go on, pure determination. We have passed place on the route where she told me collapse last time she was running Dublin Marathon (pain in the leg). That was important moment for her. She was tired but still feeling ok. Than we have been greeted by her parents and friends. She was ecstatic. New strengths. And another busy when Don Hanson (running coach) decided to high-five us. With adrenaline lever much higher than couple of minutes ago we were heading to last couple of miles (probably around 22 mile mark) where we found Finton on the side of the road putting water on his tired legs. He went with 3:30 pacer but after half way mark his legs collapsed and he couldn’t continue to run with the same pace. Anyway, from there we were running together – three of us. Me and Mandy were trying to help Finton to finish race. We were picking up water bottles for ‘watering’ his legs, saying words of encouragement. And we made it. Holding hands, we went through finishing line together, as planned. Time was not important (still both of them got their PB). Important was that we were able to help each other and go all the way together.
I will write little bit but atmosphere during the run. There was plenty of supporters on the course. That was amazing, people giving you bust of confidence with their shout for you. Sharing their water, jelly beans or fruits. Telling you that you doing great and that there is just couple of miles to go. I applaud them now and I did that during the run (crowd responded very well). Fellow runners were helping each other, giving helping ‘arm’, picking up when on the ground. But sometimes that wasn’t enough and the medical team was needed. And they were brilliant. helping anybody who needs their help, even if that was just need of extra Vaseline or extra plaster (you know what I mean). I hope that all of runners who needed medical attention are OK now.
Different experience, huge event, home city, big crowd. Have I enjoy it? Yes. Do I prefer big runs over small events? I don’t think so, at least for now. Below pictures as usual. Will try to add more from Finisherpix service if I will get these in my hands.
First big one
