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

Some photos, comments and updates from each day's marathon are up on our Facebook page! Check it out here...

Marathon 29 - Meath

A few years ago, a close friend of mine (GD) travelled with me to witness an IRONMAN triathlon in the flesh. He was mesmerised by what he saw and rang his wife from the finish line.

"If I ever come home and tell you I am doing an IRONMAN triathlon", he famously told her. "Do not under any circumstances let me do it"

Last Sunday guess what. He did in fact do his first IRONMAN despite his initial reservations and we congratulate him, well done Paul O’Brien, take a bow!

Today, Paul, fresh from a Wednesday flight home from Zurich, was our route co-ordinator and he plotted a beautiful scenic route along the banks of the River Boyne, just outside Navan town. A four loop circuit where I was joined for the first loop by the renowned former champion jockey now horse trainer supreme, Norman Williamson. Norman not only started the race for us, he also ran the 13.1 half marathon distance and was scarcely out of breath crossing the line. A few other friends from home, James, Justin and Mary also joined us today and we are grateful for their support.

Ken had an enjoyable day and is now almost 100% fit. He is though still holding back a little, respectful of previous concerns and pains, not to mention the little matter of three more marathons still to be completed. He ran a very comfortable 3 hours 48 minutes today (his fastest to date of these 29 marathons) and was totally at ease at such a pace. Given the long roads he has travelled (today was our fifth Friday on the road !!) it is remarkable to see him returning to complete fitness. In fact it is a joy. I am sure any regular readers of this blog will remember the amazing challenges Ken bore with such strength, not three weeks ago.

Ken was also cheered on by three workmates who made the journey from our capital city. Karen, Austin and Tammy a lovely lady who has continually posted words of encouragement on Facebook in the preceding 29 days did their bit today. Both Ken and I as well as the charities are grateful for their efforts.

Congrats to one of our sponsors BPI and particularly Michelle and Brian who put their running shoes on and joined us today. They want your old phones for recycling and are doing amazing work with the IAA in return. They deserve huge credit and we are grateful for their sponsorship.

I had a great day today. I had hoped to run one final fast marathon, if the legs would allow me. Noeleen (our physio) had reprimanded me a few times in the last few days telling me to be patient. How right she was! Today I managed my fastest run not just of the 29 marathons but also a personal best time of 3 hours and 17 minutes, knocking 5 minutes off my previous best. I promise I am taking it easy over the next three days.

Time to smell the flowers!!

Roll on CAVAN, 32+ runners, including one RAY D’ARCY at tomorrow’s start line.

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