Race Day

I woke up at 6:15. Well, really it was 6:25ish when I pulled myself out of bed. I was awake before the alarm but for some reason I was having a hard time getting out of bed. Eventually I got dressed, being careful not to forget the band aids on my chest. I then had a lovely pre-breakfast meal. I had read that you should eat 2-3 hours before the race so I didn’t want to take any chances. I fueled up with a cookies and cream Powerbar, banana and some pecans all washed down by a Gatorade-like drink. I could only hope this was the true breakfast of champions.

It was now 7 and Christina was up and ready to go downstairs for breakfast. Two pieces of bread and a bowl of corn flakes later I felt ready to go. After a short taxi ride we were in downtown Dublin looking for the starting line. First I had to drop my bag off at the luggage depot and then it was bye bye to Christina for a while.

Runners were everywhere; stretching, walking, and trying to stay warm. I even saw some wearing trash bags for warmth and to keep the wind out, very clever. Others brought extra layers of clothes that they simply threw to the side of the road in the 10 minutes before the race began. It seemed like such a waste, but what did I know, I was only a newbie and knew little about how a plastic bag can keep you warm before the start of a race.

Finally the gun sounded and the race began. A large CHEER erupted from the mass of about 12,000 runners. I was excited to get going but because we were packed in like sardines it would be another 3 minutes before I could reach the starting line.

The starter made a joke about all the bobbing heads and the fact that we were a sea of colors bounding down the road. Not very funny but no one was really listening anyway. Everyone was preoccupied with avoiding the other runners and his remarks were drowned out by the melodious sound of sneakers hitting the pavement.

The first mile flew by even though I was trying to take it slow as I had been advised by many a friend, family member and any reputable running book or magazine. I knew they were right but I still had to force myself to save my energy for the remaining 25 miles. I felt like everyone around me was running like it wouldn’t take them 4 hours to finish this thing, I knew better.

Mile 3 soon came and the first port-o-potties (or as they were called, port-o-loos) arrived. There was a long line and I wasn’t about to be stopped. I soon realized that I was not the only one unwilling to be held up in such a line, as most people weren’t using these toilets to relieve themselves at all. I was able to wait for another mile or so but soon I was joining the other runners (not all men mind you) in the wooded area of the park for a bladder emptying of my own.

Mile 3 was also significant in that it was the first of many water stations; they came every 3 miles afterwards. The best part was that they had squirt bottles, an enormous upgrade over cups. You could take them with you and ration your water for when you might need it most, brilliant!

By about mile 6 I was still feeling good when I was surprised to realize that I had reached this point quicker than I thought I would- about 56 minutes. This was a welcomed development but it didn’t take away from the fact that I still had 20 miles to go.

Mile 10 was when Christina told me to look for her. I saw the mile sign and about a minute later there she was smiling ear to ear shocked that I had gotten there so soon. Sarah, our friend and Christina’s fellow OT, was also there to keep Christina company and to cheer me on. I had an official cheering section! I was past them in a flash but it gave me the boost I needed.

Maybe it’s no coincidence, but miles 10-13 felt great. I was in the zone. I overtook some people and felt like I was cruising. Despite this steady pace I too was getting passed and thus I came to the conclusion that for every one person you pass ten people passed you. A little defeating but you can’t let that bother you.

Another great dynamic of the race was seeing the fans out in full effect! Countless cries of “well done” and “you can do it” sounded throughout the masses. Little kids lined the streets and I made every effort to slap hands with a child if they stuck their hand out there for me.
Miles 16-20 were getting harder but I still felt reasonably ok. One part of my body or another would start to hurt but I kept running. Somehow the pain would go away, at least for a little while. I thought if I can just keep running, even if I slow down, I would make it.

It wasn’t until about mile 22 that I “hit the wall”. My legs started to cramp up worse than before. Again I slowed down and tried to work through the pain. That strategy worked until mile 25 ½ when my left hamstring wouldn’t allow me to run anymore. So, at that point, I walked, much to my dismay as well at the spectators lining the streets to cheer along the final stretch. Luckily, after about a minute, I was able to run again. Just in time too, because I saw Christina and she ran with me until she was eventually yelled at to leave the course, but that was ok, I was rejuvenated and was able to finish, running all the way.

Surprisingly, I was more emotional when I turned the corner and saw the finish line not when I actually crossed it. By that point I was relieved to not have to run anymore. I was quickly greeted with a medal and eventually by the goodie bag that held the coveted finishers t shirt. I walked through the finish area in hopes of finding Christina. A long half an hour later we met up and what a sweet reunion it was.

To sum it all up, I was sore but happy. The Dublin Marathon 2007 was a huge success. Not because I ran 4:12, about 20 minutes faster than I had planned but simply because I finished. I knew I would. I had decided before the race that I was going enjoy the entire day and let the time be what it would be. That's exactly what I did. The finish was awesome but the process of how I got there made it all that more sweet.

Some highlights of the race:
Not a drop of rain.
Three separate music spots: one playing the Rocky theme, one Bruce Springsteen, and another with some upbeat dance tunes.
The Drum line at the start and end of the race.

The Phoenix Park Zoo and seeing the seals.
Seeing Christina at mile 10. Christina's smile was just the boost I needed.

Eating an orange slice at about mile 18 from a family of volunteers.

Slapping hands with a good number of kids lining the streets.

Eating a mini snickers bar at mile 24

Being complimented at mile 25. "That’s a beautiful pace. You’ll definitely get there with that"

That concludes my writings about the Dublin Marathon 2007. There are no official plans for another race of this magnitude but I am open to suggestions if someone is looking for a running partner.

Thanks for all of your encouragement.