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

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Marathon 8 - Cork

Both Ken and I have both had one day each where we had to drag ourselves to the finish line but today (our eight marathon) would bring a whole new dimension to the words "tough day" for Ken.

Today was a huge challenge for him and all our hearts went out to him. I was fortunate in that I had a pain free day, finishing in 4 hours 39 minutes but Ken was in trouble from the off. After two miles it was obvious that the persistent knee problems he has endured for the past few days would continue to worsen. If he was to finish the 26.2 miles today he would have to use a combination of a run/jog/walk strategy.

Seven hours and thirty five minutes after he started, he crossed the line exhausted but still sporting a smile, despite having his most challenging day to date. The entire team could only stand by in admiration.

The evening before had started so brightly as we bumped into Ray D'Arcy in the hotel lobby. What a coincidence that was, given that he had been so kind as to call us earlier in the week live on his radio show on Today FM. He is such a genuine guy, is very knowledgeable on running and he reaffirmed his commitment to run with us on our final weekend. John O'Flynn the General Manager of Fota Island as well as his amazing team deserves a major thank you. They are terrific people.

A special mention to Trish Cronin who had to delay her son's 6th birthday party today. Trish came to run a half marathon but when she saw Ken's predicament she insisted on walking an additional 13.1 miles in solidarity with him.

As I write this en route to our next destination (Killarney National Park) Ken is booked in for a late night visit to a physiotherapy clinic. Let's hope they can work some magic on him!

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