Marathon envy, Heavy legs and running laps...

The October bank holiday weekend saw me in Dublin. I was there to cheer on Bernie and Anna as they ran their first marathon and Brenda as she rang her 12th of 12 marathons this year. To read about Brenda's marathon go to brendasmercymarathonchallenge.blogspot.com, what she has accomplished in the past year is inspirational! 

The morning of the marathon the girls headed to the start line both looked nervous but they were smiling. Michelle, Susan and I were the cheer squad, so firstly we headed to Starbucks for some much needed caffeine and then did a quick sprint down to our first viewing point. 

As the runners passed, we looked for familiar faces among the 1000's and then suddenly the girls passed. They looked comfortable and watching them pass in the marathon was a real buzz. We stayed to cheer until the last person passed, I found it very emotional and the tears came to my eyes. All these people who turned up to complete 26.5 miles on bank holiday whether for themselves or a charity was truly humbling as a spectator.

We headed to our next viewing point at around the 12 mile mark,  passing some iconic Dublin landmarks along the way..

I'm sure a few  pints were consumed after the marathon...

We had a great time cheering, we saw Brenda and Pat (#teamdoody) and before long we saw the girls...

Autumn running.

Next we headed to the finish line were we waited with 1000's of others who were there to see their friends and families finish , the rain began to fall, we cheered all those heading to the finish sign and then the girls were there crossing the finishing line.. 

Congratulations to all those who ran the Dublin marathon especially our Riot runners.

I have to confess I had a little marathon envy!

As I hadn't run since my fall, I headed to my local Parkrun unfortunately I was running late so missed it...AGHHH!!! But, I ran anyway and put in some solid miles although my legs felt so heavy and It felt like hard work in some parts. I could feel myself putting the brakes on my legs as I ran, subconsciously I didn't want to fall again. But it did feel so good to be out and moving.. 

I also signed up for the Clonakilty 10K . I have taken part for the last three years, it is tough run but there is always a great atmosphere around it.  It is in  December, so has a real festive feel. Also, as you run along the coast the scenery is quiet stunning!

As, the time has changed there is no more evening runs in the park. So our little group met in the car park of a local supermarket, we headed for a run around the town. I don't mind running around the town but the first evening we were a bit unsure of route we would run. Also, I always find the first run in the dark is a bit weary, its as though my brain is fighting with me telling me I should be at home by the fire.

I went to my local track this week, to do some laps it is not something I find comfortable. I like a bit of scenery and I would describe myself as a point to point runner, so laps are a challenge to the mind. I did a few sprints and then did a few laps. At the start I found it hard to pace myself but after a few laps I found was enjoying it. 

Slowly as the last week has passed,my legs are beginning to loosen up. I'm volunteering this week at my Parkrun and so will put in my run afterwards. Which I'm looking forward to, slow and steady will be the order of the day!
And as for my marathon envy, I am thinking where will I line up to cross my marathon start line in 2016? Any ideas?

#Bringiton..