Dublin City Marathon 2014

Dublin City Marathon 2014

27th October 2014 will live long in the memory for many, especially the members of Born To Run  and The Runners Support Page.  For some it was their first time running 26.2 freakin' miles. For more, it was aiming to get a PB, but for all of us, it was a chance to challenge ourselves and step outside our comfort zone.

Well, most of the month of October is taken up with 'Taper Time' where miles are reduced but not the intensity.  It is also the time where fear of injury and sickness comes into all our minds, where phantom injuries appear from everywhere ... and I am no different. 

I, honestly, do not mind tapering because it is very necessary and has to be done.  The change of routine is good and helps me focus in on the big one.  I was knocked out with the flu before the Tralee marathon in March and had no choice but to take it easy.  This time wasn't as bad, but I still managed to catch a cold and cough. The weekend of the 12 mile run, I was in no humour for running but I would have to make an effort and decided to have one last run up Tonevane.  No problems getting there, but I was tired before I got back to Blennerville.  I managed to do 7.5 miles.  The rest of my training runs were good and I felt strong. The closer we got to the 27th, the more aches I appeared to be picking up - my calves, my hip, both heels (plantar fasciitis entered my mind) and my toes.

A chance meeting with a seasoned marathon runner caused me to take my eye off the ball and make a decision that would case me problems on the big day.  He advised me to cover my feet in Vaseline to prevent blisters as I had told him I suffer greatly from them. I was a bit wary of doing something new on marathon day so I decided to apply it the day before to see how I coped.  Not convinced, I decided I would do as I normally do and tape my feet.

I was able to avoid the expo and having to spend extra time on my feet as my brother collected my race pack on Saturday.  So, I set off for Dublin on Sunday afternoon, after a dinner diversion in Tipperary, taking with me extra cooked pasta (for my last meal of the day). I ordered a small pizza on arrival just to make sure I was fully 'carb' loaded.  I did some stretching and foam rolling before hitting the hay as my legs felt as if they had already run a marathon.


Marathon day was finally here.  I was up at 5.30am and I felt good.  Breakfast consisted of porridge with chia seeds and honey, some brown bread and 500ml of veggie juice (Carrots, apples, beetroot, red pepper and ginger). I also had another 500ml Chia Fresca (Water, chia seeds, lemon juice, honey and salt) to sip on the way to the start.

After months of hard work on the hills, in the heat, through niggles, injuries and worries, I had arrived at the start of the biggest race of the year - without a pain or an ache in my legs. I was not nervous or worried in the slightest, but, boy, can your mind play tricks on you!

After wishing my brother the best, as he headed off to the 3.30 pacers, I waited in front of the 3.40 pacers, focused and knowing what had to be done or not as the case may be - don't go off too fast!!

9.00am - Bang.  We're off.  The Elites set off after the wheelchair athletes who started five minutes before them. Wave 1 is beginning to move.  After a quick prayer and thoughts of my fellow BTR runners who were unable to run, I was up and running. Incredible noise and support from the sidelines.  It was tricky enough to pick a running line, given the large numbers and people wanting get going. I remained on the left hand side to avoid any potential slow down as the right turn on to Leeson street is quite sharp.  Moving along by Stephens Green and down Kevin Street, all the while staying close to the pacers, we covered the first mile in 8.21. 

2014 Marathon Start

I found it difficult to concentrate on my race even though I had my metronome app beeping in my ear, but there was so much going all around, with runners and supporters.  It is the job of the pacers to keep us going at a steady pace, so this takes away any decisions to kick on or ease up. It's just a matter of sticking with them.  Unfortunately, the pacers are like magnets and there is always a large group surrounding them.  With a stray elbow pausing my Garmin, I decided it was time to run in front of the pacers. The second and third miles along Thomas Street, by Christchurch and along the Quays were both under 8 minute miles.

Next up was the Phoenix Park and the drag from Parkgate Street to Castleknock.  Prior advice was to ease back the pace.  I settled back in with the group surrounding the pacers so as not to be fried later in the run.  Also, as there was quite a cross wind, there was no point in fighting that as well.  The support was phenomenal through the park.  I took my first water drink around the 5 mile mark but not too much.

2014 Marathon Phoenix Park

 
I was through the 10km checkpoint in 52 minutes and feeling good.  There is  plenty downhill from Mile 7 to Chapelizod Gate but I maintained my pace at around 8 minutes per mile and just ahead of the pacers.  Around mile 8 was my first indication that the toes were beginning to blister - but not at the normal spots! However, I really enjoyed running in that section of the Park.

Into Chapelizod village where the support was incredible and if there were awards for the best supporters, they would get my vote.  It was great to see the runners applaud the crowd.
Coming up St Laurence Road, out of the village, I was passed by a barefooted runner - at speed!  Hmmm, maybe that what I should do to sort my blisters. To see Siobhan, Mark and family at Inchicore was just brilliant.  It gave me a great lift.  Thank you so much.

The Halfway Point

Keeping it nice and steady and taking my second water, I got to the half way point in 1.49.20. I was on target but my feet were beginning to complain.  I eased back slightly along the Crumlin Road, letting the pacers pass me out. Stuck in the following crowd, I came across Johnny Hanafin and Eoin O'Callaghan. How good was it to finally run with someone I knew! That kept me going for a few miles but by the time we'd reached the 17 mile marker, I knew I was in trouble and started drifting backwards.  I had a large blister under my big toe, where I never had them before. The Vaseline had softened my feet.  A very painful lesson learned here - "Do not make changes to your routine in the week leading up to a marathon".

I reached mile 18 in 2 hours 30 minutes - This was my target when running in Courtmacsherry in July. I didn't achieve it that day because I started way too quickly but it was good to reach it now. 

Heading for Home

 Miles 19 to 22 were tough and my pace dropped to 10 minute mile pace.  I missed a water station at mile 16 and with the temperature rising, dehydration was a factor as well.  Staying away from Energy gels, I had some dates at this point.  I wasn't lacking in energy but it was something to take my mind off my feet. 

The Wall Country

"A marathon begins at 20 miles" - How true is that statement?The 2,000 calories worth of glycogen that is stored in a runners body is burned.
Time to welcome the wall!! 

I didn't hit it - but at the pace I was moving, it wouldn't have made too much of a difference! Having to contend with people suddenly stopping in front of you kept you alert. (I was so tempted to say - kept you on your toes - but they were having their own fun and games).
The support from the crowd is so important at this point and to have a friendly face call your name is as good as an energy drink. Thank you Ava Kelliher. That was the boost I needed. 
Times varied between 9.30 and 10.30 along Roebuck Road and Fosters Avenue.  I didn't mind the run along the Stillorgan Road or Nutley Lane because, in my mind, I was nearly home.

The Home Stretch

The Merrion Road was tough and my slowest mile of all at 11 minutes but with the huge noise and energy from the crowds lining the roads, I was on the blue carpet and over the finish line before I knew it.

Thank you, thank you feet for bringing me home in under four hours. Thank you family, friends, fellow runners and strangers.  What a special day!

To start with the 3.40 pacers and finish at 3.56, was I disappointed?  No, how could I be?  To finish it is the goal - and everything else is a bonus.  I will have plenty more opportunities to aim for the 3.40 again.  It might take a few attempts, but I'll get there.  You learn something about yourself every time you step outside your comfort zone.
Did I make mistakes? Of course I did, but I live and learn.

Now Roll on Clon!

To all of you who finished your first 26.2 marathon, I offer huge congratulations. Well done.

Thank you to the organisers of Dublin City Marathon 2014 - a great day.  If there was one thing I would ask you to change is to have smaller numbers and bigger names on the bibs.
People cheer names not numbers and when you are fighting your demons and climbing your walls, there is nothing better than a personal cheer.

A wonderful day was topped off having dinner with the BTR gang in Brasserie Sixty6.
 
Till next time,
Run long, run strong,

Den