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 12 - Tipperary

Stayed in the Clonmel Park Hotel last night. Was in the deepest of sleeps when my phone rang at 7am – Newstalk interview. Crawled out of bed and met Gerry in the lobby a few minutes later. Chatted to Ivan for a few minutes before crawling back into the leaba for a few more precious minutes of sleep. 

Short journey down to the Presentation Convent where we met up with the 20 runners who were joining us today. We were chuffed to see that 8 of the runners were taking on the full marathon. We recognized the face of one runner – Kevin from the Clare marathon the day before…he was back to take on his second marathon in as many days!!

Tony Murphy from Expert (our sponsor) said a nice few words before we went to the start line. We also had the great pleasure in meeting Charlie Swan – our official race starter for the day.

We were in the company of some strong runners today so within a mile or two Gerry and I were behind the main group. Rory Dunne kept me company for the first few miles – he was taking on his first full marathon today!

After that I slowed down and let Rory go ahead. So both Gerry and I ended up running a few miles on our own. This was the first time for both of us to spend some time by ourselves but neither of us minded – time to gather our thoughts.

The course itself was varied, split between a busy hard-shoulder and winding country lanes. My brother, Barry, joined Gerry for last 13 miles whilst Niall Murphy (one of our super support crew) ran with me for the second half. With 6 miles to go a young lad called Charlie, who had been marshaling for the day, joined us. His energy, chat and local knowledge helped me to pass that last hour or so.

Passing one barley field I couldn’t resist jumping over the wall to grab a ‘Gladiator’ shot! Check out the pic’s on Facebook.

Gerry finished in a solid 4:23 and feels he is becoming stronger by the day.
I came home in 5:39 which I’m delighted with. I still have a bit of stiffness in the lower limes but overall I’m happy with progress.

Heading for Killanard this evening for our run in Emo Court tomorrow. Due to meet up with Noeleen, our wonder physio, for a session this evening, to be followed up with more pre-bedtime acupuncture!

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