Shiny new medal! |
Now for the long awaited update.
Dublin began with a cool morning and a spin into town with Emma and a great friend of mine Louis, who I convinced (not that he needed it) to run as well. We parked up the car stretched and hit the start line (precisely 30seconds back) the gun rung out and off we set. I kept to my pace right through town and into the phoenix park, such a wonderful place to run. However I hit dolphins barn and started to lag a bit and then quickly realised that something was wrong…..I couldn’t pin point it but I just felt like I had legs of lead…..not good as I wasn’t even at half way yet!!
Out of nowhere Louis popped up slapped me on the back and told me to get a move on as I had a flight to catch!! Brilliant as that was just what I needed, we ran for a bit and I put the head down and away I went. I actually feel like I sped up for the last 10 k which I was amazed with and I crossed the line with a time of 3:45:39 a new PB and the demons well and truly beaten.
Home and into an ice bath followed 48 hours later by the most painful massage of my life where I was literally beaten up, and I mean the masseuse was punching my legs, and I was yelping……It worked, one transatlantic flight later Emma and I were all set to go.
The Verrazano Bridge |
Off that and into the Brooklyn for the longest section of the marathon and again jaw dropping sights as there was reported to be 2,500,000 people out on the streets in what can only be described as full on party mode, these guys loved it and we were like rock stars running through the streets. People screaming our names, cheering us on, it was amazing……I don’t think I will ever see the likes of it again at an event. Supporters of all ages and nationalities with their hands out ready to 'high five' you. Someone told us that when your energy levels are flagging draw your energy off the crowd, sounds somewhat crazy but it works!
Turning onto 1st avenue was ridiculous, it's a straight avenue and it's long. Really, really long. You can literally see for miles and the scary bit is, the crowd ahead of you disappeared into the distance, not a good thing because you know you have to run further than you can see!
Into the Bronx(some Jay Z wannabe's greeted us with a sound stage and chats of 'Welcome to the Bronx, welcome to the Bronx') and out again on to the point of the race that can only be described as horrific! And we really do mean horrific, 5th avenue - the museum mile or mile 22 was all uphill. It's when the 'shuffle run' kicks in for many people, there's tears, and in some cases people dropping to their knees, one lady was in such a bad way Aubrey had to stop and help, she looked up, picked up and moved on with tears in her eyes. A race like this is like no other, if you're not an elite, you're competing against yourself, and the camaraderie along the way really shows true human kindness.
Crossing the finish line! |
Thank you for Supporting, Donating, Running, Reading, and everything else we are truly grateful and honoured to have been part of something so special.
Aubrey and Emma.