In the days which followed the 2016 DCM a number of members of Trim AC put their experiences,feelings,thoughts into words.

Well done to all and thanks for sharing your memories.

 

RONAN MOORE (from the final entry to his Marathonology blog)

Injury aside I had come into the final few days in good form. I had been happily reconciled with the fact that my taper, which had been heavy on rest and light on miles had allowed my body to recover from what had been a very intense window of training where miles had increased steeply. I had started to feel my calf again but was confident to put this down to phantom pains and my body losing a little flexibility that would come back on race day. I had carried a water bottle around with me like a fifth limb and was happily hydrated. I ate well and my little girl Esme had given me three uninterrupted nights of sleep. Even on the final night before the marathon the wake up I got from her and the party across the road (a first since we’ve moved here) was only temporary. I moved into the spare room and the extra hour of daylight meant that I slept a sleep of kings. Finally, the weather was ideal with the only complaint being that there could be no complaints with the weather. It was dry, not humid, with no wind. Perfect. So, all things considered I couldn’t have been happier.

As for the race then I had my plan and I stuck with it. I began ahead of the 3-hour markers knowing that they always start off fast and would soon spill past me thus giving me a marker to aim for later in the race. This they did just before mile 3. Despite their wave washing over at the most inopportune time – the first drinks station – I managed to tag a water and with that began my feeding.

I had been told, backed up through my experience, that you need to take on food and drink early in the race. The longer the run goes on the less likely you will want to take on food until finally it’s too late and you’ve hit the wall. So, a gel and half a bottle of water at 5 k is followed up by a banana and bottle of water mixed with a Dioralyte I take from my parents at 10. A Dioralyte is an oral rehydration sachet that does much the same job as an isotonic drink except with less sugar and fancy packaging. I’ve had a lot of Dioralytes over the years from when I lived and travelled overseas and after bouts of gastro-enteritis. I’m hoping that there will be none of the gastro-enteritis today.

This routine of gels and water continue up to the half-way mark with water also been used to cool the head and the thigh muscles. It is not really hot but anything to lower the body temperature a little I think is good. At the half-way point I am almost a full minute down at 1 hr 30 mins 58 seconds. While everything has gone to plan I am not that happy for three reasons.

1. The first is that aside from running in a serene Phoenix Park during our re-entry, so beautiful the morning is, I don’t feel I’ve been running fluidly at all. I thought by going a minute over the 1 hr 30 mark, a full 8 minutes more than my half marathon PB, would have been feeling fresh.

2. By the time I actually hit the official half-marathon marker my watch is reading not 21.1 but 21.4 and I realise that every estimate from here on in, which is hard to do when you’re running, will have to remember this.

3. And finally, my heart-rate monitor continues to read MAXIMUM. Having gotten a lovely new Garmin that has a wrist heart rate monitor that goes from Warm Up, Easy, Aerobic, Threshold to Maximum everytime I hit my 3 hr race pace of 4.15 it hits MAXIMUM.

Consequently, as I pass the half-way marker I decide two things, one is to fuck the heart-rate monitor. I don’t feel great but I don’t feel terrible either so if I blow up I blow up. Two, maybe marathons are not my thing after all.

All the way along Crumlin towards Walkinstown I keep moving steadily taking my third gel and some more water. Shortly after the Walkinstown roundabout I meet my sister and niece for my second and final banana and Dioralyte station. I eat half the banana and drink a third of the Dioralyte, give them a smile and keep going.

And then three kilometres later something special happens. I suddenly feel good. A purple patch down the beautifully paved Templeogue Road heading for Terenure. I first sense it when I realise that I actually recognise my surroundings, something I have generally been unable to do in past Dublin marathons when I reach the 17 and 18 mile marks. In the past I’ve just been looking for the markers trying to count them down. However, now I am looking at streets and roads I have actually driven on. Then I cop that I am starting to pass people a little more easily. And finally I feel like I am not really noticing the time. Later I will see that my kilometre times from 25 k read 4.12, 4.12, 4.12, 4.12 before at 29 k I can no longer hide my desire to start pushing and hunting the red balloon of the 3 hr marker that is becoming increasingly visible in the distance.

Suddenly the hunt is on and while I am not thinking of sub 3 I am thinking of attacking. 29 k is a 4.09, 30 k a 4.06, 31 k a 4.02, 32 k a 4.07 while 33 k knowing I have less than 10 to go is a 3.59! At this stage I’ve joined forces with Eugene from Middleton County Cork. I hadn’t really realised but I have been running with him since the Cahpelizard fly-over but it is only in the last 14 k that we both see that we are both moving at the same pace. An observation ‘you’re running well’ and a question, ‘have you ever broken 3 hrs before?’ confirms that we are running in tandem now and fighting together. There are Eugene’s in every race and if you find one it is important to hang on to them.

As we hit Clonskeagh and the beginnings of a long drag that will finish with Heartbreak Hill we are on each other’s shoulders keeping the tempo going. At this point while we are passing more and more runners we are starting to feel the pain 34 k in 4.12, 35 k in 4.15 and 36 k in 4.19. We have some 6 k and a bit to go and all of a sudden the sub 3 is on, even if I still won’t allow myself to believe it. I know that my distance clock is off and I know that it might be tight so all I can do is keep on going.

We take off down the hill from Heartbreak and burn the next 37 k up in 4.04 before turning onto Stillorgan and the almost run for home and 38 k in 4.06. God knows what my heart-rate monitor is thinking now but feck it, keep on moving. At one stage Eugene drops a little behind me and I call back to him ‘C’mon Eugene, I need you as much as you need me’ and he pulls back up to me and we pile over the UCD fly-over back down onto the Stillorgan Road before shooting down Nutley Lane where he drives us forward, 39 k in 4.08.

As we turn onto Merrion Road he swears that we better not let this slip now. Close up ahead are the 3 hour balloons with only a few remaining runners with them, either because they’ve sent their group on or already burnt them off. The shouts from Trim and Middleton A.C. supporters grows. The toughest k comes at 40 when it is still too early for the mind to think that sure you’ve only more than a mile or a couple of k to go but the body is now beginning to burn. All around us runners are tiring and slowing and cramping and cursing. It feels like I am running through a collage of early marathons with past versions of myself sprawled along the road. I recognise in the pain of the faces of those whose times are now beyond them myself in every one of my past five marathons where I have really gone for sub 3.

Today though, it is within my grasp. I can’t let it slip now. I am not sure if it is the enthusiasm or the fear that starts to drive me forward. I push past the 3 hour balloon 41 k in 4.07. Eugene starts to drift a little back though he still is moving. I guess he knows he has it in the bag at this point. I refuse to believe. I hit 42 k in 4.09. It is only then that I start to see the 800 metre to go marker, the 400 metre to go marker. It’s hard to do Maths but even still I look at my watch and know I can run 400 metres in less than 2 and a half minutes.

I pass by the FM 104 car that teased me two years ago and then I see it. The finish. And I can read the time 2.58.10, .11, .12, .13, .14. It’s a couple of hundred metres to go and I know almost 10 years of trying have finally been ended I begin to feel the tears well up. I start to pump the fist to the crowd. I can feel the emotion beginning to grow. And then I’m over. I’ve done it. It’s a Thomas Barr moment and I am euphoric.

Dublin Marathon 2016...................................2 hr 59 mins even.

Epilogue:

I put the time up later on Facebook and for the first time in my social media life I actually give it a Like. I think I deserve that.

Then, to everyone; to my wonderful wife and beautiful little girl. To my family who’ve lived the past highs and lows and fuelled me along the way. To Trim A.C. To the crowds of friends and strangers. To the Eugene’s. Thank you.

Finally, to those who it didn’t work out for this year, don’t give up. The marathon is a beast. It killed the first person who ran it all those years ago in Greece and he finished not at 26.2 miles but at 26. Every year it doesn’t give in without taking plenty of runners out with it. Believe it from someone who knows. Don’t feel guilty or down that it didn’t happen. I mean crying as I was being stretchered into a first-aid tent in Edinburgh 2011 because I let my parents down? What’s that all about? Things can always be worse as the guy beside me who was running the wrong up that street can also testify to. Although this might come as cold comfort at the moment. Marathons that don’t work out leave you raw, as well as blistered, and unable to walk down a stairs front-ways like the rest of us. Recover, treat yourself and go again.

 

DON ROSNEY

Marathon Reflection. I've been running for the past 11 years, first 5 years where great and I struggled with the last 6. I couldn't seem to find the right motivation to keep up the training consistence, always making excuses but this year was different. I said enough is enough so I decided I was going to do the Dublin marathon and I knew I would have to put the training in if I want to complete my first one.

Got back at training on the first January 2016 injury free the whole way through, I stuck with my marathon training 3 months before the big day. My target was to break the 4 hour mark but at the same time I was just happy to even finish it. On the day of the marathon I was buzzing since 6am couldn't wait to start the race, I stuck to the plan and got a time of 3.58.54. I was absolutely over the moon, words can't describe how I felt on that day, the crowd was amazing, it's nothing like a 5 or 10k. I can't wait to do another one.

I know I sound a bit mad but am planning on breaking 3.30 next year. I know it is possible if I put in the right training and eat healthy. I love training with the Trim Athletic Club and they are all a great bunch to talk to. Like to also thank Paul and Paula for the pacing in the first half of the marathon, if it wasn't for them I would of probably went off to fast as I normally do and might not off finished the race. Also all the great hints tips and support from everyone in the club. Peace out

MARY CARR

It's been a long year, I signed up to the marathon in January! I needed to get my head round it, because I rate the marathon, not the distance, but the prep that's needed to do the distance.

I think ability is secondary, I fact I'm convinced if I had more time (aka less family) I'd be in Tokyo in 2020!

But marathon prep takes time and in turn takes time from other stuff! There's plenty of stuff I don't mind taking time from to go on long runs, these include housework, gardening and mass. But there's other stuff I do mind sharing my time with. I suppose the main one is 'my boy's time'. Marathon prep definitely depletes routines, I'm too tired to be strict and consistent, it rushes stories and bedtime chats (me tired again) there's fewer apple crumbles and a lot more tv! There's also the logistics...the "when will you be home?" conversations with my v patient husband, the quick "I'll be back in an hour" favours from grannies, aunties and big cousins and the ridiculous early morning runs so you can drop kids to matches, parties etc. I've noticed a big increase in clingyness in my 4 year old, it's hard to listen to cries of "please don't go running today mammy."

So when I twisted my ankle 11 days before the race I was very pissed off! My head was wrecked, a marathon is an indulgence, there's too many variables, it's selfish and all about a time, no one cares about except me!

That was a very bad week, but today it's done, I got round, hit my target and life goes on...so was it worth it?

Yes. (I'm so flipping happy and smug!) But mainly because it's a lesson in hard work and consistency. I've proof now hard work pays off so I've fodder for years to preach to my boys that they can do it (whatever it is!) They also think training and running is a normal part of adulthood, they already copy that, planking on sitting room carpet! They were quick to point out I didn't win, but did see me participate in something big!

My highlight of the whole process was high 5ing them in Castleknock, their giddy bold faces shouting "go on mammy, good on ya!" took my breath away, caught in my throat. I was delighted with myself, with them with the strokes of luck I've had to be there and it's all good! I might even do another one..when they're a little older though!

 

DON MAHON

 

What can I say? Well Dublin marathon has always held a special place in my heart for me, not only was it my 1st marathon it is now my PB one too after my 5th attempts and seven marathons in total. the others being Berlin 2015 and Rotterdam 2016.
The atmosphere is just unbelievable the crowds the support  from everyone has to be the best in the world.

My memory this year is the shear joy & jubilation running for home with 800m to go. There was to roaring crowd of people cheering us on including seeing my own family big smiles & joy embracing it all with such a wonderful feeling knowing I had done it & not expecting it at all to the extent I still think it was a good dream that became a reality.

 

LOUISE HAYES

 

Once again I took on the DCM and once again it got the better of me. I aimed confidently to knock at least 6/8 minutes off my PB but ended up bettering my previous best by only 1 minute. Everything was going to plan. Even at 30k I felt that it was still within my grasp. I didn't go off too hard rather almost too cautiously and lost a minute or two within the first 10k. Ultimately my legs (& head!) wouldn't do what my heart wanted! It will not defeat me and I will almost certainly return to take revenge! I'm delighted my sister Susan Clancy and I got to run our third marathon together and whilst I may have hoped for more, Susan ran a fantastic race and knocked an impressive 16 minutes off her time to come home at 3:49! Even when I knew my race was going against me somewhere near the myth that is Heartbreak hill I crossed my fingers hoping she was home in the time she wanted. This was my first marathon in the candy stripes of Trim A/C and there's no question that they are an easily recognisable singlet! I had so many people cheer on Trim from start to finish which always helps to lift the spirit. There was a great crew from the Club along the route too helping us edge closer to the finish line. I won't miss setting my alarm for 6am on a Wednesday morning to pound the pavements of Summerhill village especially as it came so closely after our Tuesday night group session in Trim! I will miss the excitement of the build up and sense of achievement and pride as we tick off each Saturday morning long run. But until the next phase of marathon training returns...normal business resumes!

Audrey McHale O'Donnell

 

When the dream became a reality

Turning 40 this year was the motivation I needed to finally take up the challenge of completing my first marathon. Having successfully raced many half marathons over the last seven years, this year felt like the one!!! It was high time I made the dream a reality.

I vowed a couple of things to myself. 
1. I promised myself I wouldn't moan about the long runs. I had decided to do it, so I had to get on with the job at hand. In the words of D'Unbelievables from years ago, "you've the stuff to do it, so go out and do it".

2. To embrace the challenge. At the end of the day I'm lucky that I could  do it. . .

So the training began in earnest last June. Word spread about a plan that was sure to help us conquer a sub 4 hour marathon and before long I was on "the plan". This I might add was courtesy of Seán Murphy who devised it. Mile buiochas Seán. Having a few people following the same plan was great as we all had the same goal and were training at the same pace.

The months passed in a blur and before long the bank holiday weekend in October arrived. I thought Saturday would never end.

Feeling well rested on Sunday morning (thanks to the extra hour) it was lovely to see  the prospect of the cool, crisp day ahead.

Having learned from experience at other races and hearing from others as well I was adamant that I wouldn't go out too fast on the day. Definitely the toughest part about the start of the marathon is the masses of people. It would be very easy to lose your footing. . .Anita, Mary C and I started off together.

Before long we were in the Phoenix Park where there was plenty of whooping and cheering from Trim AC supporters. It was lovely to see my own family on Castleknock Rd before heading down Knockmaroon Hill. Coming out of the park it was great to see Ciaran perched perfectly with camera in hand ready to get some pictures of the candy stripes. More rapturous cheers from the Trim AC crew was enough to give me goose bumps and certainly a boost as we headed towards Chapelizod.

I always had the red balloons/ pacers in my sights and by the half way mark I felt I was where I should be. By that stage the soles of my feet were very sore but I had to plough on. As some of the signs said "pain is temporary, pride is forever". These are the things that distract you on the day.

As I neared the 16 mile marker I was running on empty. That porridge I had at 5 am had done its job but could do no more. It was then I saw my husband Trevor with a banana around Fortfield Rd I think and that saved me energy wise.

The pacers were prepping us for the imminent tough hills ahead which were tough but the crowds were a distraction. Without a doubt training in the Porchfields definitely stood for me here.

On the flat again and the end was near.

I was well up beside the pacers and felt good. Before long we were at mile 24/25 ish and it was mighty to get another cheer of encouragement from Ann and Ciaran.

On the home stretch and the crowds were getting louder and louder and I definitely sped up. I couldn't wait to get to the finish line. I was dreaming of a lovely, strong cup of coffee. A roar from Trevor towards the end was enough to propel me on even further. My watch was telling me that I would do it under the 4 hours, and I did.

What a feeling of satisfaction and exhilaration!!! Nothing compares to it.  It was well worth all the early mornings getting up to fuel before the long runs, it was well worth the tough vomit inducing speed sessions and tempo run sessions. It was well worth it just to make the dream a reality. 

( Massive thanks to everyone from Trim AC that came out to cheer us on).

EOGHAN HARFORD

So this past Sunday I completed my second marathon in Dublin and all I can say is WOW, what an experience it was. I have been a club runner for less than a year but my desire to complete the Dublin City Marathon goes all the way back to 2008. I share a very similar story to many Irish people for my interest in running. At the age of 15, I was almost over 15 stone in weight and realized then that I had to make a change. I saw running an ideal way as I could do it on my own and at my own pace. So I started off small, doing laps of the GAA pitches in my school and gradually built it up over time. The following year I had completed my first 10k and lost almost 2 stone. By then I was feeling great and crossing that finish line for the first time and seeing supporters cheering me on was a fantastic feeling. That day I decided I wanted to give the Dublin Marathon a go. I made two attempts to train for the marathon in 2009 and 2013 but failed to make the required training due to no understanding of how to prepare properly and also lacked the key factor: a sense of community and excellent team mates that can only come with a great club. 

After 2013 in particular, I felt like I never wanted to put on a pair of running shoes again, and didn’t until my 24th Birthday in January 2016. Old habits were returning, clothes getting a bit tighter, back to the roads I go. I managed to get myself back to fitness for the Trim AC, Bewleys 10 Mile coming across the line in 1:15:00 and at that moment I said to myself “let’s give the marathon a go again”. Two days later I joined Trim Athletics Club and was instantly welcomed with open arms. The training, support, encouragement and knowledge of the club members over the next five months guided me to complete both my first half marathon and finally breaking through the barrier in June to complete the Cork City Marathon in 3:55:12. Now the preparation to Dublin begins. After assessing my performance in Cork, I decided to set a target of 3:30 for Dublin, ambitious? Yes, but sure I’ll give it a go. One thing I needed to improve on this time was discipline (something I lacked in Cork). My plan for Dublin was to hold back just behind the 3:30 pacers for 20 miles and then hopefully push on for the remaining 6.2. 

So here we are the day has arrived, another five months of training competed, I’m injury free, the weather is perfect and not a single training session missed, let’s do this. Started off well, I’m keeping a consistent 8 minute mile pace from Fitzwilliam square, cruising up the beautiful 2 mile straight of Chesterfield Avenue, passing a man running with a large Eiffel Tower his shoulders (he must be in bits) and crossing the half-way point at Dolphins Barn in 1:45 with the pacers at my side (Fantastic. Stage one completed). Going through Wakinstown and into Terenure at mile 18 fatigue is starting to set in, the temperature is rising I keep telling myself “Keep going you have this. Just get to mile 20”. Every now and then I hear voices from the crowds shouting “COME ON TRIM”. The supporters are incredible with every cheer I get a slight burst of energy. At mile 20 heading towards Clonskeagh Road Im just ahead of the pacers (as planned) and I see Rob, He shouts “You have this Eoghan Come On”. Second part of the race is now complete and I haven’t looked at the stopwatch since mile 13.

I know heartbreak hill is coming up soon but still believing I can do this. Im still just ahead of the pacers just barely and as I get to the top of mile 22 I meet Andrew and now he is alongside me. At this point I am exhausted, Pain has settled in but with Andrews’s pace and words of encouragement, I’m increasing that gap between me and them pacers. Mile 24 all I keep saying to myself is “Keep Going Keep Going almost there”. Just up ahead at mile 25 I see Ciaran and Ann cheering us on, another burst of energy “just one last push come on”. Andrew is still beside me, words of encouragement all along the way going past the RDS on route towards Merrion Square and before I know it I see the 800 m sign. I now realise “I have this”. The cheering from the crowd is unbelievable and I get this last burst of pace. I see the end and Andrew last words "enjoy this take it all in" There it is, it’s all over 3:28:08. Almost a half an hour improvement from the time I set 5 months earlier. What a feeling. My thanks to Andrew for getting me through them final 4 miles and also my thanks to Maurice, James and Naill, my club mates and main training partners throughout the last couple of months. I could not have done this without you all but also my thanks to the members of the club who gave up their time to support us all throughout the day. 

What an event the Dublin City Marathon is. The support, community and atmosphere is difficult to put into words and just needs to be experienced. I am very proud to wear the red and white Trim jersey and be a part of such a great club. Delighted with my time but also delighted for all other members of Trim AC that took on the mammoth 26 mile route and achieved their goals. What a day and can’t wait to do it all again next year. Come on DCM 2017.

NIALL FEENEY

DCM 2016 was not my first marathon but it was my best one. Earlier in the year I had a DNF at Rotterdam. Boy did I learn from that experience and it is no exaggeration to say that planning on a D DAY scale went into getting the DCM 2016 right. With my plan ready and neatly integrated into the TRIM AC weekly training schedule, I joined a group of like minded souls for 16 weeks of graft. An almost nightly regime of stretching and rolling while watching the 9.00 News kept the body in check. The finally finalised race plan involved running a negative split and arriving at the finish in just under 3.20. Race pace entailed starting slow for 3 miles, speeding up to race pace for the middle section and then speeding up again for last six mile and chasing the 3.20 balloon home. And that’s the way it played out. The support of the crowd was literally deafening at times with familiar faces and complete strangers cheering us on. The support from other runners was also incredible.. even in the final miles when I was moving well and those I caught were slowing down and really hurting many took the time and energy to encourage me along. I speeded up, I didn’t hit the wall and I started to reel in the balloon. I arrived at the finish just behind the balloon and sub 3.20. A PB. It had been an exhilarating and utterly humbling experience – the best one yet.

MARK BOSHELL

This was my third go at Dublin City Marathon. My first was back in 2013. I did this one for the fun and really enjoyed the experience. I got 4:37 that year and was really happy just to have the experience of the day. I tried again in 2014 and typically got over confident. I went for a very ambitious time of 4 hours and ended up finishing in 4:27. Not a good day. I always remember someone telling me one day that it was widely believed that doing your first marathon was always a great experience but the second attempt usually got too serious and ended up with disappointment. This was very true for me and I skipped 2015 as a result.

For 2016 I went into training with a very different attitude. Between the club sessions and the plan from Sean, I focused myself so much better than previous years. I trained more, with more focus and determination and took on board all of the focus that the Tuesday and Thursday sessions were building on. I have never felt more prepared for a race since I started running in 2012. Target for this year was 4 hours again but all my training indicated this was possible and I felt I had the potential to do it.

On marathon day I had my plan (as usual). I started off slowly with the first couple of miles at around 9:30 mins per mile. I then took it up to 9:15 and kept this pace going until around mile 6. Then I made a rookie mistake. I started talking to other runners and before I know it I had done nearly 3 miles at around 8:45. Too fast, too early for me. By the time I got to Phoenix Park I had caught up with a few people from the club and this helped settled me back down to a manageable time.

Myself and Elias (and Paul who caught up with us) stayed together until mile 20, managing the pace between 9 and 9:10 and we were still on target for 4 hours. This is when an old calf injury from a couple of years ago started to bite me. I knew I would end up compromising their race so I pulled back. At this point it was all damage limitation and go for plan B (4:04 finish). This went okay until I got to the last 2 miles. From here, the calves just got worse with cramp at every step. I was forced to stop at least 4 times between the RDS and Grand Canal to stretch out.

I have always said the support along the entire route is amazing from both public and club teammates. In the last 2 miles when I was at my lowest, the sight and cheers from the crowds and especially from Ann, Ciaran, Darlene, Valerie, Mairead (McM), Mairead (H) and Laura to name a few gave me the extra push to keep going. My family were at the final stretch with 500m to go and at this point any feelings of pain were forgotten. I kept going and finished in 4:08. After 26.2 miles of running, I had a smile on my face a was proud of the time. This was more than enough for me.

Hope its not too long,

PAUL HEGARTY

Background

I'm running since 2012, did DCM in 2013 in 4:47, had targeted 4:30 but wheels came off at 19/20 miles and struggled badly from there. That and how I felt immediately afterwards (absolutely dreadful) put me right off ever wanting to attempt it again. My HM and shorter race times improved over the following years and after supporting at DCM 2015 last year, I got the bug again and decided to give DCM 2016 a whirl.

My wife Paula also runs and we decided to run DCM this year together. She got a training plan from a very experienced marathon runner in our club, so we both followed the plan closely. It was her third marathon, her last being DCM 2014 with a time of 4:18, almost half an hour better than my marathon time. A few days before, we'd had the inevitable "we need to talk about this" marathon chat, as I'm sure all couples running a marathon together have, so that we had a concrete plan in place if one of us started to struggle. We were both aiming for sub 4, but we also both wanted to finish together as close to 4 as possible - so we decided to stick together even if one of us had to drop the pace a little. But we both agreed that if either of us was struggling to the point of needing to walk, the other was to plough on as we wanted each other to run their best race.

 

Pre-Race

We both slept well on the Friday and Saturday nights, and ate and drank as we had planned - plenty of plain carbs and water etc.. We'd both had niggles during training, and thankfully with the tapering these niggles had subsided for the most part. My hip was the only thing worrying me, I knew it would flare up at some point, was a matter of "when" rather than "if". Aside from that we were both fresh and race ready on Sunday morning.

Multiple alarms woke us, and we had our usual breakfast and got ready before heading off to catch our 7am bus to Dublin. There were so many running from our club (Trim) that we'd arranged a coach to bring us as close to the start line as possible. Our driver Sean, a club member himself, got us to the Mont Clare Hotel, and we got ourselves sorted with toilet visits etc..

We headed up to the bag drop and at this stage I just wanted to get going. Myself and Paula got some warm ups done and headed to our start wave. I had underestimated the sheer volume of people around the 4 hour pacers - it was packed up ahead of us and I didn't want to be too close to them from the outset given the number of people there.

Race

0 to 10k, 57:58

So off we went. The plan was to keep our eye on the 4 hour pacers, not to let them get too far out of sight. Myself and Paula were running with another two runners from our club, all just running nicely along keeping each other's pace on track. The pace was good along the first few miles, we certainly didn't go out too fast, probably a touch slow to be honest but I was very conscious of not wanting to waste energy or risk injury by weaving around runners at this early stage. We got into the Park and settled into a really consistent pace, the 4 hour pacers still in sight up ahead, but just that little bit further away than I would have liked. Paula remarked that this part - the long, slight drag up Chesterfield Avenue - was a little boring, but I have to say I liked it here as the space started to open up and it was very comfortable on such a beautiful morning with no wind to fight against. There would be plenty of raucousness along the rest of the course I thought, so it was nice to enjoy the serenity of the Park in its autumnal splendour. All good so far.

10k to half way, 2:01:08

We exited the Park and made our way towards Castleknock village, crossing the 10km marker on the way at just under 58 mins. No concerns for either of us at this point, the niggles weren't playing up and we were both comfortable. I had a feeling we were a little too far behind the 4 hour pacers, but I was more intent on enjoying the day and in particular the incredible support that was building around Castleknock. We saw a few old neighbours and friends around here, who along with the crowd in general gave us great support - it was truly overwhelming how great the crowd were here as we turned past Myo's pub. "This is what marathons are all about" I told myself. "This amazing feeling is why you train for months on end, running mile after mile after mile until your body hurts".

We had a nice bit of downhill after Castleknock before we re-entered the Park, everyone seemed to run past us as this point but I kept repeating "use it to recover, use it to recover" to Paula to not get carried away, and we stuck to our pace and let the downhill take us along instead. Back into the Park where we passed the Eiffel Tower guy and we were just cruising along here. Everything was going to plan in so far as we were both comfortable, but the 4 hour pacers were too far ahead to be seen at this point. I started to doubt we'd make the sub 4, but we were comfortable and enjoying it, and I knew we'd not be too far off 4 hours, so we didn't get hung up over it. We had a solid B plan anyway!

On through Chapelizod and into Rialto and all was still going well. The support was building again after the relative quietness of the Park. There are a couple of hills around this section which seem to gently remind you that you have about 20k in your legs at this point but nothing to cause concern. We hit the Crumlin Road and make the half way point in 2:01 - "we're doing good" I think to myself.

Half way to 30k, 2:52:03

"We're on the way back now" I said to Paula as we crossed under the half way gantry. This is the part of the course I find quite boring to be honest - it is a long, unremarkable stretch of Dublin suburb, and it's the part where the body is starting to get physically tired, so it's a case of head down and get through these few miles.

And this is where the struggle begins. About 23k in, Paula says the words I don't want to hear: "You go on". "We're sticking together" I say, and on we run, the pace starting to drop off slightly. In my mind, sub 4 is gone already - it was gone a while back, and I'm not bothered that much about it truth be told, I'd rather finish with Paula. A little while later, she tells me that she needs to walk a little. My heart sinks. "Go on, I'll be fine, I need to walk".

The marathon is enough of a mental challenge when all goes to plan. When it doesn't, it's like getting kicked in the head. Leaving Paula at this point was really hard, part of me wanted to stay and support her, part of me wanted to leave her be. Part of me was thinking I need to run as well as I can, I might never do this again. It was a total roller coaster of emotions, but we had discussed this very possibility only days earlier and we had to stick to the plan. Off I went holding back the tears - this wasn't in the plan, and it was ****. Five minutes on, I almost decide to stop and wait for her to catch up, then my head reminds me that she'd kick my ass if I had done that. On I run towards the 30k mark, picking the pace back up a little and catching up with some of my club mates that had passed us earlier. My sister is in the crowds with her daughters at Terenure - her husband is running also - and they give me a shout out. It's great to see family along the route.

30k to finish, 4:05:51

This is where the marathon starts. Passing 20 miles, I'm running with a couple of my club mates. They might not realise it, but they pulled me along through here. Well, we pulled each other through here I guess. I get a prepared drink from a club mate along the route - it really helps. Is it the Zero tablet in the water, or just the push you get from a club mate helping you out? I don't know really, but I don't care - it helped. I love and hate this section. I love the support, but this incline seems to go on and on forever. Where the f**k is Heartbreak Hill anyway? More club mates shout support from the side of the road which really helps now. All I want to see is the downhill on Fosters Avenue. I'm tired now, my body is saying "stop" but I'm not stopping. No way, not here, not now. Heartbreak Hill comes and goes, and the relief of running downhill is a most welcome feeling.

On to the Stillorgan dual carriage way and I feel the pace slowing. Here we go, I remember the feeling from 2013. I'm doing ok though, 4 hours is gone but I know I'm well on target for my B plan of sub 4:10. The miles seem to be much longer as you approach the final stretch. I pass a fellow Trim club member walking and clap him on the back to try and encourage him on. I pass another Trim runner on Nutley Lane who is walking, and encourage her on. She tells me I'm doing great. Isn't it amazing how people who are clearly struggling still think of helping others? I round the corner to more Trim support, our club chairman with his camera. I put on a brave face for the lens, it's a trick that runners learn over the years. The camera never lies? I'm not so sure about that! Shortly after, I'm walking for the first time on Merrion Road. I'm so nearly there, but my body is just not interested. I decide the only thing I can do is walk for 20 or 30 seconds, and run again. I've been here before in 2013, and I got through it. I can do this again. The lady I passed catches me up, she's back running. Now she is encouraging me on, and I run with her for a bit past the RDS, but she's gone. She is looking strong and I'm not going to keep up. On I go up Northumberland Road and I see some familiar faces in the crowd willing me on, more club mates. I'm spent, but like every time you see a familiar face, in particular other runners who know how you feel at that very point, it gives you an injection of pace and I push on.

I'm on Mount Street, I can see the finish. I'm not concerned about that now though, I'm looking for my kids in the crowds. They are here with their Nanna. Jesus, the crowds are massive, I didn't expect it to be this packed. How will I see them? I know what side they will be on, so I'm looking to my right, all the way up. Running running running, it seems like forever. "Daddy, Daddy". I see and hear them at the same time. I run over, tears in my eyes, and kiss them both. Now I can finish.

I grit my teeth and run as fast as I can. I'm sure I look a sight but I don't care. The finish is just ahead, I see the green carpet and it's like an oasis to a tired old runner like me. Arms up, here we go, enjoy the moment, smile for the camera. Stop the watch, I've done it. The clock says 4:08 but I started well back in my wave, so my watch is telling me the real time. 4:05. I'm elated! It's been a long 3 years, but 42 minutes off my previous DCM time from 2013.

Post Race

I shuffle through the medal collection point and on to get my goodie bag. I'm exhausted and feeling awful, just like 3 years ago. Exact same feeling, like I'm going to pass out. I try to settle my breathing - I know I just need to get food into me asap. The walk around to the bag drop takes forever and I'm stuck in a mass of sweaty bodies and feeling claustrophobic. I'm not able to talk, and I'm stumbling around a bit. My thoughts are of Paula now, I'm hoping she's coming in, that she's seeing the kids and finishing on a high.I get my bag eventually and get my phone out. I ring Nanna and let her know I've got sorted and ask has Paula come in, she has. I'm relieved, I just want to see her now. We meet up eventually and she's fine, tired but fine. She came in at 4:12, six minutes off her previous best. It's emotional, I'm delighted for us both, but just happy to see her. I think of how lucky I am to have her.

We meet up with other club mates and share our war tales. On the t-shirts and medals go, and off we stumble home.We've done it, we've conquered DCM.

 

 

SUSAN CLANCY

I set myself a few running goals at the beginning of the year the ultimate goal was a sub 4 marathon. My last attempt at Marathon was 4.05 and I knew I had the better of those 5 minutes.Training started in July for me - I approached the plan this year with excitement and focus. The aim was to increase the training mileage and also focus on strength & conditioning. I also did a lot of mid- week runs by myself in preparation for the day. Long runs were done early sat morn in the great company of my summerhill friends. A source of great craic and motivation.

 

My body and head felt good morning of the marathon , I was going to war with the race - this year it wasn't coming at me !I started off with Claire & Karen - at about 7k the girls picked pace, t'was a bit too quick at this stage for me so I decided to hold off and stick to my plan. From here on in it was me, myself & I ! When you are running for a time I guess you have to run your own steps and that's what I did.

 

I felt steady and comfortable and the miles passed by nicely - my only issue was a tightness in my calves - i remembered my husbands advice and splashed water on them - which did help! I couldn't believe how fast the time past, before I knew it I was at fosters ave - heading for home. Crossing the flyover at UCD I let a shout at my family to see how Kieran did, the reply ' he's home ages' with that I was happy and was ready for my own medal!This was my third marathon,and the most comfortable by far - the crowd and buzz were great and I just took it in.

 

This was my first marathon wearing the Trim AC singlet - I took great pride in running in my hometown Colours, it was fantastic to hear the cheer for Trim AC from runners and the supporters. T'was brilliant - thank You x

I'm thrilled to have achieved a 3.49 marathon - my improvement is credited to Trim AC, training with a diverse inclusive group is fantastic.

 

I took up running after my daughter was born 4 years ago. Up to that point football was my main sport - I always played in goals (quite well I admit) because I couldn't run!!!

 

Am I runner yet? I hope so :)

MAURICE BRENNAN

My fifth marathon and third real crack at the 3:30 barrier. After last years somewhat disappointing 3:35 I vowed to change a few things for this years attack on 3:30. I settled on three main things.

Firstly, strength and conditioning had never been part of my preparation but this year it was one of my main focus areas. Luckily I got into a routine of heading out on Monday evenings with like minded individuals from the club for runner specific S&C training. Secondly, the simple truth of training the body to run 26.2miles, is that you need to run, a lot... there's no escaping that fact. So with excel in hand I plotted a plan to up my weekly miles from a paltry 35/40 miles a week, per last year, to 45 to 50 miles a week. Weekend Long runs were the same as last year however done on tired legs that has seen ten more miles of road that week than last year.

Training had gone well and a few races suggested that I was in better stead than last year but I felt I couldn't take anything for granted, as the scars of my four previous marathons reminded me. Outwardly it was all about the 3:30 but mentally I was looking at 3:25 and on a really good day 3:20, which leads me to the third thing, pressure.

This year I took the pressure off myself by creating my own plan and sticking to it. I had milestones to hit and reasons why I could hit them in my head;

1 - 10K in 48mins (7mins slower then my ability,, simple),

2 - halfway 1:42 (a full 11mins slower then the Dublin HM a month ago,, you're having a laugh),

3 - 20miles in 2:34ish (that's two 10milers in 1:17, my 10miler PB is 69mins,, is that all?).

4 - Then "all" I needed to do to finish under 3:30 was a 10K in 55mins or for a 3:25 get it under 50mins. Easy, no problem I told myself time and time again, right??? Now, Just do it....

Breaking the marathon down like this, instead of trying to do 26.2miles in 3:30, took the pressure off and allowed me to believe that I was capable of it. On the day I stuck to the plan. The first 10K came and went, and we (Niall and I) kept it very steady at 7:45/7:50min/miles. At Castleknock we picked up the pace a little and the watch read 7:30 something pretty consistently. Halfway was 1:41:12, bang on target if not a little ahead of ourselves but more importantly we were both were feeling fresh, very fresh.

The watch stayed for me in the 7:30s and I continued to overtake as we had done ever since Castleknock, but I notice that Niall, was beginning to pull away from me from about mile 16.. I checked the watch again several times as if to doubt its reading and no I hadn't slowed he was just smashing it. I didn't panic like I did last year when the balloons heading off into the 3:30 sunset, I stayed with my plan and got to mile 20 in 2:33, somewhat surprised at how quick it came. Previous years I had been screaming for mile 20 but this year there was a strange calm when I saw the marker.

Right I said, 10K go to (plus whatever my watch will add just for the hell of it). Barring disaster 3:30 was on it was just a matter of by how much or would cramp take it away?? I slowed a little as my legs began to suffer but I would not allow that watch to read 8:anything min/mile. Last year it read 9:plus for the last 10K, not this year, not with my new fancy watch...

Friendly, familiar and not so familiar face urge my legs on. Over the UCD flyover and down the other side, I then, unknowingly, found myself on a path and while overtaking a fellow runner, I completely fell off the curb and over on my ankle. That's it,,, game over,,, I thought for a milli second.... But I firstly limped, then jogged a bit then started back to my pace. Where is the pain I thought? No pain? What? Great, nothing can stop me now.

Ciaran and Ann lay in wait between 24/25miles, and it was like a shot in the arm, how they keep coming out to support is beyond me but I can tell you it makes a huge difference and before I knew it I was into mile 25. Then a familiar feeling in the hamstring signalled the onset of cramp. I slowed to my slowest mile since mile 3, but I didn't care. I had 15minute to cover just over a mile to break 3:30 and my watch was still reading 7:something. Suddenly the crowds thickened more Trim AC supports, I discarded my broken belt that had been annoying when the zip came away just after halfway (sorry again) and I found myself picking up the pace again, freed from its shackles.

When the finishing clock came into sight I could clearly see the first two numbers and they were 3:2... I stared at it as if to stop those two number from changing but then realised the next number was a 1... I could finally enjoy the final few metres of a marathon, all the work, support, etc appeared to have been worth it. My first fist pump at the finishing line of a marathon in five attempts. It felt good.

3:22:00 was my official result, 13minutes off last year or 30seconds per mile.... that sounds better.....

ANITA ROGERS

“We must be mad” I thought, not for the 1st time, as we slipped out of the house in the dark at 6.45am to catch the bus for the DCM 2016. Perfect weather conditions in fairness….not a breath, cool, calm and dry. We watched 3 other figures slowly approach the bus stop with trepidation… our training buddies and friends ;-). As we sat in near silence in the packed bus with 40 of our friends, each silently going through their own strategies and mantras, I watched the beautiful sun rise transform the black sky. “We can do this. We are ready. Today is our day”. Having arrived at our destination, there was the usual flurry of activity: the untying and retying of laces, the scramble for lost safety pins, discarding of layers of clothes. The room was filled with the smell of Tigerbalm, Vicks, muscles rub, deoderant as everyone smeared their tender parts in anticipation of what lay ahead. And off to the toilets AGAIN! Good Luck echoed and finally we were over the line. This is it!! A sea of colour filled the streets of Dublin with the coloured singlets of almost 17,000 people and the posters and banners that waved in the air. Everyone smiling and screaming in support. It was much more packed than I ever remembered. Bumper to bumper with people. 1 foot in front of the other – nice and steady – not too fast. Miles 1-13 came and went – beautiful morning for a run. Mile 13-15 the head started screaming “are we going to fast”, “It’s way too hot”, “I need a drink…. and the toilet” “Just keep running. Today is the day. There are no dress rehearsals!”. I felt my stomach wretch and legs starting to slow down at 16 mile. I saw my beloved orange balloons start to slowly drift away from me and my recurring dream was fading. “Time is only a number. Sure aren’t I lucky to be alive and able to run”. “Never again.” “What was I thinking.” “Didn’t I say this before”. As I was busy bashing myself up with how weak I am, I was struck by the sight of about 15 wheel chairs lined up outside a nursing home cheering us on, blankets on knees and careers behind them smiling and waving. I looked down at the smiling little superhero on my chest. I can do this! I settled into finishing the race as best as I could with all limbs attached and praying I would not be sick. I searched the crowd for familiar faces and yanked my head and smiled from the bottom of my heart every time I heard “Go Trim”, “Go Anita” or “Go James” and saw our red and white army of supporters all along the route. The support is truly amazing. I read every poster I could and every “In memory of” T-shirt and soaked in the pride on the faces of the crowd supporting their loved ones and friends. Just another lap of Newtown I told myself and headed for the final stretch. Finally the end was in sight. I raised my arms in the air in victory as I crossed the line. Thank God it is over. Never again. The clock did not have my magic numbers on it. A PB but not what I had dreamt about for the past few months. I reminded myself I was not doing it for the time although I knew there would be weeks and months of post-mortem on what I should’ve, could’ve done. I quelled the surge of my rising disappointment and smiled. I did it. I did it for my little man. Together we raised 2500 euro. Thank you one and all that made that possible. Fait accompli!! Never ever again until the next time ;-)

ANDREW REILLY

To race or not to race? DCM 2016 report.

By Andrew Reilly

Today was a great day. I managed to complete my third marathon. No major story here? Not exactly. Of the 19.5k entrants every one has their story. My club mates' story is a microcosm of the entirety; triumph, PBs, sub threes, sub fours, sub fives, agonisingly close to targets, banishing demons, heartbreak, injury, the worthy or personal cause. The marathon consistently throws subplots into the story, most wanted, some not so welcome.

The collective experience shared and analysed by those involved may bore the bejaysus out of those who weren't directly involved, but it is a major facet of the day.My own prep was weak, not many miles, an old injury flare up, an Achilles' tendon you could play a tune on... and some class of a dose on my chest that knocked the wind out of my sails in no uncertain terms this week.So, to pull out or chance it was the debate right up to this morning.

The day will come when I'll no longer be able to do things like this, so then why not give it a shot? If you don't start you definitely won't finish. If it's a DNF, so be it.A banner in the first mile or so today read "The body achieves what the mind believes."Every race I've started I believed I'd finish, today was no different despite all, but there are never any certainties. I had a pace in mind to bring me in under four hours, I knew this was optimistic but it was conservative early and to gradually increase. The increase part didn't go as well as the conservative bit.

I did my best to absorb the occasion, be in the moment and forget about the clock. I had one self imposed stipulation today though - No stopping on the hills. A first for me in a marathon.The conditions were perfect, no wind, manageable temperature, dry. All good.I finished in 4.06.14, my slowest marathon yet. But it was steady and i felt strong to the end.So, a memorable day, with great support.

Participating in front of crowds in the thousands is as close as I'm going to get to professional sport, and it is something special to experience.You soon forget how bloody sore the legs get. You forget you said never again after the last one, you forget about red pee after the concentrated beetroot shots before the race (just frightened the life out of myself!), but the thrill of participating and finishing never leaves you.So, do it while you can, give it your best and remember; Everything is temporary, most importantly the pain.