Beer, Sport ... and a bit of Running! by Brooksy

This time two-weeks ago we were just getting ready to go to Ireland ... how time flies! OK photos downloaded, so I'm ready to give a fuller account of our little jaunt to the Emerald Isle ... there's even the odd mention of running, jogging, walking, staggering and sweating round the 26.2 miles of Dublin.

First a hint for any potential tourists: make sure you have the correct appareil to fit in with the locals....

There, no one will think I'm anything less than a local now ... look like I was born Irish.

Due to 'orrible weather we had a late and bumpy landing in Dublin on Saturday which meant I missed the expo / registration on Saturday afternoon ... No worries though, because I was on time for the wonderful International Breakfast run in Fairview Park. And they're off...

This happy little jog was capped with another breakfast (my second of the day!) where I could rejoin Lesley and Katy (who also had second breakfasts without even running!) for some great entertainment. If a picture tells a thousand words hopefully this video tells a million...

Damn ... I have a great video clip of tradional Irish dancing, but can't seem to upload it ... just think of Riverdance, but imagine a slightly smaller cast and stage ... that's it ,you've got it. Who needs technology?

Sunday evening included the pleasure of seeing Ev (abetmademe) again and meeting lots of new people Judith, her husband Keith, Alberto an italian "Fetchie" and friend of Monica (also a Fetchie), here we are enjoying a bit of pre-race nutrition...

Later on we did soak up the Porter with some Pasta at the excellent Bocca restaurant and were joined by more Fetchies; Wrexham Rob and Southwales22 and a jolly good, if a little nervous, evening was had by all.

So Monday morning arrived and I was feeling good. Got to the start area way too early but had a good chat with other competitors. I'm pleased to say I lost a lot of weight in preparation for the big day as you will see below...

OK, I admit that's not me, the great man above I believe was the eventual winner, I'm just pleased I could overtake him in the first mile to get this snap ... Whoops fantasising again, in truth Katy was my official photographer. At least I had the courtesy to stop, turn-round and get the sun on my best side, unlike the "Elite".... this photograph, therefore is the only reason I didn't win.

The "run" itself was pleasingly uneventful ... no injuries, no twinges, in fact I wish I'd tried a little harder in the second half as it seems I had a bit left in the tank. Let me explain ... Over the final few miles I had the pleasure of bumping in to a "100 marathon club" member, Liam Fenlon. I found out that this was his 185th Marathon ... Yes that was ONE-HUNDRED & EIGHTY-FIVE! Awesome. In to the bargain he was a damn nice bloke and happy to share a bit of banter, the epitomy of why I like this sport / hobby. He also seemed to be encouraging / coaching another runner to the finish, "come on just a jog to the next junction, etc." As we approached the last mile I asked if he'd allow me the honour of crossing the finish line with him, to which he gladly agreed.

Hmmm, difficult this next bit, call me flakey, but I glanced at my Garmin and realised I could achieve a PB if I could do a sub-12-minute final mile and we were more like at 14 minute pace. I had to go for it and I'm pleased that Liam totally understood, so off I went with his best wishes. I finished in 5h 44m 29 s. Two-minutes better than last year. Liam and Stephen came in 2-minutes later. So I was right and Liam was nothing but pleased for me ... here's a photo and a memory I'm going to treasure... (L to R: me, Stephen and LIAM- small of stature, but a GIANT of a man)

After a quick refuel at the Porter House we joined Ev and the Fetchies at Kennedy's for further carb-replacement, which I continued to do for the balance of our week in Ireland. We also had a great family holiday. After the wonders of Dublin, we hired a car and drove to Cork, Blarney, Kinsale, Kerry. All absolutely fantastic and we all became an Irish-Viking family...

That's it.

Cheers! or should I say, "Slainte!"