To begin, I went for a run with the group on Monday evening, we met, chatted, stretched and did a 4 mile run. Our last group run before the Half marathon. I started off the run chatting to Siobhan, she made a great observation, everyone congratulated her achievement on doing a half marathon they didn't follow it up with 'in what time?', I tried to keep that in my head this week. (And today!!) After my first mile I settled into my run and continued on, I did in fact enjoy it, I know who knew!!! As, I headed into the last mile, I was waning, when who should appear Bernie,she was followed by Caroline, on we went, we reached Doreen, ahead of us was Siobhan. As I my garmin hit 4 miles, I was delighted, in the run I had done and that it was done. If left to my own devices, I would have walked to the entrance to stretch but with the encouragement of these women I jogged on.
The support of a great running group should not to be underestimated!!
Doreen had an old injury give her problem and had doubts about the half marathon, I am delighted to report she crossed the finish line. After a chat, we all arranged to meet at 7am on Saturday morning at the Gleneagle Car park.
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| Best foot forward |
As, the alarm went off Saturday morning at 5 am, I felt OKish!! I wasn't overly nervous but there were a few butterflies flying around. Coffee, toast, banana consumed, washed, teeth & hair brushed, dressed, bags in car..And off I go!
Arriving at the Gleneagle Hotel I saw Bernie & Tina, I was quickly directed into a car space near to where Michelle & Anna were parked. Car locked, after wishing the girls good morning, I headed to the bathroom (not the last trip)! One by one we all arrived, the last bus was heading to the start at 7.30am, so a few more bathroom trips and a group photo, we headed on to the bus, Bernie and Tiffany were separated from us. But we all met again at the start.
As we headed to the start line, we chatted away Caroline was having a hectic weekend not only was she running the half marathon, she was opening a cafe on Sunday -'Cosies Cafe' in Caherciveen. Karen was beside me and as we chatted time passed and we were there. As commented, 'Other then staying on the bus to head back down it was time to get off and run, 13.1 miles.'
It's crazy, of that there is no doubt! 13.1 miles
As some headed to the toilets, the queue was a sight, nerves were abound! I didn't avail of the facilities which I would later regret. As we waited we ran into Aidan from last years group he was as usual smiling, it was great to catch up.
My first selfie at race start! Note to self try to smile!!
As we all wished each other good luck and said see you at the finish line. We set off. I kept my own pace, I was comfortable and steady. I tried to take in my surroundings, as I have often said we do live in a beautiful part of the country. At this stage I got a little stitch and the girls who passed said stretch to the other side, which I did but I kept my feet moving.
I was enjoying the run, I really mean it.
As I hit the tunnel, I ducked into the loo. The lads manning the water table were offering words of encouragement and laughter. Much appreciated lads! But as, I headed off again I felt hard to get into a rhythm there is a few pulls in this stretch, which demanded gritted teeth. I heard a siren and the first full marathoner passed OMG, he didn't look like he had broken a sweat.
Onwards, I just kept saying get to Torc, smile plastered on my face, feet moving forward.
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| Taken by Valarie O Sullivan |
The picture above is why I should only ever take pictures or head shots. I can't take a good photo, I can look better, believe me!
Not long after this shot I was walking. Into the park I went, at this point the first of the 10K runners went sailing by me. I also had a niggle on my left side it was sore, tired legs and lack of stamina meant I was near to throwing in the towel. I know, I know!! Rang Susan, she said keep going I did, but Aghhhh!! Then suddenly I heard 'Majella is that you', it was Denise a neighbour she too was injured and so together we soldiered. John came up behind us a while later and so our duo became a treble. Soon, we were at the Jarvey track, we jogged toward the finish, the cheer of the group pushed me on and over the finish line, I went.
I obviously have only one pose for the camera!
I had to lean against wall for a second. I really have to say a big thanks to Denise, much appreciated. We crossed the road where we received our medals and t-shirts. Which I love!! One of my biggest cheerleaders Catherine was on hand to say well done! I really I wanted to meet the group.
Everyone, was in great spirits, some of the girls had already gone but everyone had done really well.
At this stage of the day I was never attempting or doing a half again!
(By the end of the day, I was ready to sign up again).
As we all parted ways, we were meeting up later, I headed to the massage tent. As, I queued I meet a man Pat Kiely & his lovely family from Waterford, he talked about how he started running and his experiences. Isn't that what running is about, meeting people you wouldn't normally and having something in common.
Now let me explain my opening statement, at the Run Killarney Half Marathon I achieved the following PBs (personal bests) - 1KM, 1Mile, 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. It is the last PB which could have been better yesterday, but listed out like that not bad for one run!
I say thanks to the following amazing ladies :- Bernie, Tina, Michelle, Caroline, Siobhan, Doreen, Maeve, Karen, Anna, Tiffany, Gillian, Fiona, Caroline who soldiered with me in training for the Run Killarney HM Their ability is inspiring! There laughter & comradeship has been a source of encouragement & support. As amazing as these ladies have been I really must thank my trainer 'extraordinaire' Brenda, I can honestly say knowing you has changed my life for the better.
Taking a week off, Running will then resume...
