PADRAIG, CLAIRE AND SARAH’S AMAZING RUNS
What a great atmosphere on Sunday. The run went off so well. Fair play to Eoin and all the volunteers that marshalled the roads – they were great.
I was thrilled my brother Séamus did the 10km in 49 minutes. That is some going for a guy who only took up training four months ago.
I did the half marathon in one hour, 46 minutes. I was happy enough with that. The last four kilometres slowed me down – they were tough.
I rang my Mam after the race to tell her how we got on. She told me she was thrilled with my brother’s time but said to me that she thought I’d be faster, but she supposed my time was okay considering my age. Thanks, Mam.
Well done to the other leaders, Claire and Sarah, as well. I really enjoyed the challenge and am already looking forward to next year’s run. Also thanks to the runner who felt sorry for me with 3km to go who gave me his bottle of water. It was much appreciated.
The last week I have been taking it easy. I went out running Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, rested Friday and went for a really short run just to stretch the legs on Saturday. My runs were all between 5k and 7k – I didnt really want to push myself too much so I could stay injury-free and enjoy the 10k.
Going into the run I was feeling confident that I would be able to run the 10k without too much of a problem. In my head I just said take my time and get across that finish line is all that mattered and that’s exactly what I did.
My friend Sinéad and myself ran the whole thing together which I think helped me along the route, plus it was great to cross the finish line with her – it was a very proud moment. A huge well done has to go to my eldest son Robbie, who absolutely smashed it and ran the 10km in 55 minutes – super proud of him.
Also, a huge congratulations goes to my brother Stephen and Mrs B, who ran the half marathon. They are just awesome.
It was great to see Sarah and Pádraig as well today. They both ran amazing runs I’m glad to have caught up with them.
I have loved this journey to my 10k and I’m sure this will only be the beginning for me. Thanks to all who have supported me along the way – you know who you are.
The day finally arrived and the nerves kicked in I felt so sick on the walk to collect my number. I knew I had done enough training but couldn’t help feel I wouldn’t finish it.
The atmosphere was amazing when I got down to the start line and the nerves faded away. Everyone was so lively, wishing each other well. I met with Claire and started off running with her. It was nice to talk to someone in the same position as myself, having never done a 10km run before.
Today I didn’t bring music or anything with me. I thought I would do better just soaking up the atmosphere.
My pacing was my biggest concern, because if I’m honest I had set myself a target to get it finished in under an hour. I never shared that in case I didn’t manage it. Normally when I’ve been running I’ve had company to pace it for me this time it was all down to me and I was sure I was going to start way too fast and then not finish, but I didn’t do too badly.
I had times set to pass each kilometre marker and knew if I hit them close to target I’d come in under the hour.
It was such a nice day for a run in the sunshine. It brought so many supporters out, which really helped.
The toughest part of the whole 10km for me was running up towards the turn around in the business park in Kerlogue. It felt neverending, but i just kept going. Running back into town wasn’t too bad because I’ve been training on that road a good bit so was used to it.
Crossing the line at 55 minutes, 10 seconds was one of the best feelings ever and was made nicer to hear people cheering me on.
I was never sure I would run a 10km but today I did and proved myself wrong and made myself very happy all in one day.