Mile 4
This mile was the most green. We ran through a park or zoo. the leaves on the trees were falling beautifully and the pavement smelled oof freshly fallen rain. When I looked up, I could see some of the taller buildings sticking out into the sky with the sun shining in the back. There were some clouds blowing in, which gave me comfort to know that it would not be an unbearably hot run.
Mile 5
We were still running through the park, and had finished the last mile in 7 minutes…. I know some people think that I am fast, but in a marathon I should not be going any lower than 8 minutes. I told my running buddy to slow down. This was her first marathon, and she “felt good”; but we all do 5 miles into a race (until we think about the rest of the 21 miles to go). Having already had 2 marathons under my belt (shameless plug- one under 3:30) I knew that we would not be able to hadle this for 21 miles. I got nervous and let her go on ahead. But through the rest of the mile, I kep thinking- Why can’t I? And so…. I reached for my energy beans and munched on a couple. I am not sure if they really gave me the energy, or if it was mental, but I began to speed up a little.
Mile 6
Trying to keep from being discouraged, I scout out Oz (running partner) and start to “reel her in” is how we used to say it in High School. I watched her getting closer, and suddenly I felt like we could maybe do this together- superstars from America. Still running through the park, I catch up to Oz and we continue running in the green foresty area of the park. As a runner, it is moments like this that you appreciate. When you can look around, take in the site, and see it one step at a time. Whether I was taking a breath of the fresh air or to catch my breath, I took it in as best I could and said- “I am in Dublin.”
Well, i finished it. The Dublin Marathon. I didn’t know what to expect; or how I would do. There are some things that I would have done differently to be better prepared, but I do not regret one minute of the race. I do not regret one minute of the pain. In the next few entries, you will all live vicariously through the race….. one mile at a time. Hey, I had to run it- you only have to read about it.
Finishing results: 3:42:52 Place: 1762 Division place: 98
Mile 1
I spent most of this mile trying to thaw out my toes. I had gotten to the race an hour early and had to sit in the windy Ireland cold waiting for the start. I couldn’t tell if my toes were already blistering or if they were frostbitten. My running comrade, Christie, was with me and we were so overwhelmed by the fact that we were running in Dublin, it still hadn’t hit us.
Mile 2:
Mile 2 I spent mostly thinking about the race, how I felt, if I wanted to go through this- or if I could. I was looking around the city and taking it all in. I was still cold, and didn’t know what I would be thinking about. Every turn we took through the city saw more and more crowds cheering us on, and more wind sneaking in behind the buildings.
Mile 3:
I saw the prettiest church with green, green grass. I prayed right there, that God would get me through this. It was still windy. We were still on pace to finish with a PR, but then again, it was only 3 miles into the race. I still had 23 to go…..
Erin Here, in Dublin. Yes, I know, i still cannot believe it either. I was at the Guinness Storehouse drinking a fresh pint, looking down at the city of Dublin, and thought to myself, “Wow! I am in Dublin. How did I get here?” The truth is, I got here with a crazy idea (which happened to be my own- a big deal for me) and the help of many of you. Sorry for the shortness, but thank you for everything, and stay tuned for more international blogs, and the results from my race!
Erin go Run!
Objective: To participate in an international marathon (Dublin), to improve my time from previous races, and to gain better understanding and knowledge of other cultures.
Experience:
Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon January 14, 2007
Time: 3:27:15
San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon June 3, 2007
Time: 3:40:28
Previous Positions:
University of San Diego 2002-2006
Team captain 2004-05
Temecula Valley High School 1998-2002
Team captain 2000-01
Additional Skills:
Proficient in running long distances, pacing, perspiring, acclimating to different running conditions
