The Challenge...32 Marathons, 32 Counties, 32 Days
Gerry and Ken's Blog...

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Marathon 11 - Clare

My (KW) head was stuck to the pillow when the alarm went off this morning. A shower and a few bowls of porridge later though and I was ready to take on another 26.2 miles. But just in case I wasn’t quite awake, Alvero, who was joining us for his first half marathon today, was waiting for me – with his bag of needles!! So at 9:30, when Gerry was downstairs enjoying a cup of coffee and chatting to the group of 23 runners, I was sat in the room getting my ear acupunctured – effective, but sore! I’m beginning to think that between long pointed needles sticking out of my limbs (normal acupuncture), getting my ears pierced 8 times by Alvero, daily ice baths, daily contortions on a Physio’s plinth…let alone the small task of running over 26 miles each day that this month is a test of pain endurance!

Logue’s Lodge in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, was the starting point for our run and by the time I got my gear on (a minute before 10 am!) there was quite a buzz from the runners and their families gathered at the start line. This route will be hard to beat for scenic beauty – a combination of rolling mountains, limestone landscape and a sea vista had us looking in every direction for at least the first 13 miles. From there on though the conversation starts to dry up, the head lowers a little and the mind becomes more focused on the task at hand – putting one foot in front of the other.

Brendan Doyle and Niall Murphy, two of our super support crew, kept me company for most of the run today and did a wonderful job of keeping me supplied with all the food and water I needed.

The beauty of having a 4 lap course, as it was today, is that you get the great support more often than you would on a two lap course – not only from our wonderful crew and those who travel to cheer on their friends and family (special mention today to Catherine O’Hagan and her cheer-leading gang who gave us a great boost each lap), but also from fellow runners as we pass on the course. I get a great lift to see Gerry going so strong and being in such good form – his strength, determination and HUGE positive attitude are a massive motivation to me each day.

Before I sign off for the day I have to let you know about the O’Halloran sisters…not two, not three, but 4 of the sisters joined us today for a half marathon. Not only that but they roped in some of their friends too. Furthermore Pauline O’Halloran and her friend Finnula, not content with just doing the 13 miles for the first time ever, joined me for the last lap. Their support carried me home those last few tough miles.

I’m delighted to be back running, albeit slowly. To be honest my finish time today of 6 hours 13 minutes means as much to me as the 2:54 I did in the Edinburgh marathon.

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