Cork City Marathon, June 4th 2012.

RacoonQueen

RacoonQueen wrote: »

How'd you do? Sub 3:30?

3.28.58.

Still feeling the effects...in fairness you said I had it in me going by other times.

RacoonQueen

Deleted User wrote: »

3.28.58.

Still feeling the effects...in fairness you said I had it in me going by other times.

Yep, knew you'd do it. Sounds like it was a tough day out there too and it's quite a tough course. Could knock a chunk off that in Autumn.

belcarra

For anyone that's interested they can view my race report here.

PaulieYifter

Cork was my 5th Marathon and my 2nd Cork City Marathon.

3:14:37 gives me a PB of nearly 11 mins.

Garmin Link

Background
Having cracked 3:30 in Berlin last September I set myself a goal of 3:15 for 2012.
I trained to hit this in Rotterdam in April but due to injury had to scale back the target in Rotterdam and ran a relatively comfortable 3:25 over there.
Having run Cork last year I had always intended to come back again this year but to simply enjoy the race.

On the way home on the plane from Rotterdam my mate put it into my head that I might as well give it a lash in Cork for 3:15 and so what if the wheels come off sure I've nothing to prove to anybody but myself.
Sound advice I thought.

Between missing races due to injury and not running Rotterdam at full effort I was a little concerned that I was going to be running in Cork without having had an all-out effort since a 5 mile race last December but then again I was looking forward to the opportunity to do so.

Race Weekend
Felt good coming up to race weekend and the only real issue I had to contend with was avoiding catching a cold from the missus - even took to sleeping in a different bedroom for a couple of nights.
We arrived down to Cork on Saturday - picked up the number en route to the hotel. Collected my parents from the train station on Sunday.

Nice family dinner in the hotel and off to bed early.

Race Day
Got up at 6am for the breakfast - porridge, toast, coffee and bananas.
Was joined for breakfast by a chap from Bohermeen and had a relaxing enough chat with him - he went on to crack 3hrs.

Made my way to the start with the missus and 2 kids in tow. Did a bit of a warm up and into the start area with me.
Beautiful morning weather wise for the race if just a little too warm but I'd rather that than windy conditions.

Introduced myself to LeCheile and TFB - the 2 x sub 3:15 pacers - and also said hello to Meno and Robinph who were running the relay.
The first time I met LeCheile and TFB was in my first marathon in Dublin 2010 where I could only stay on their then 3:30 bus for 18 miles before they sailed away from me - this time I was hoping to stay with them from start to finish at a much quicker pace.

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Didn't have to wait long and off we go. I'm actually surprised at the size of the 3:15 group and I'm already wondering how many will still be there at the finish and will I be one of them.
We settle into a rhythm pretty quickly and we're more or less at the right pace. One of the benefits of the pacers is that I don't have to keep fussing over my pace and just go with them.

Giving the heat my mouth got dry pretty quickly and I nearly miss the 1st water stop but manage to grab a bottle.

First 5k done comfortably in 22:53 (Note splits are from Garmin)

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LeCheile gets into the 'Come on the 3:15s' mode and demands of any spectators to give us a cheer - all great fun at this stage!
Take my 1st gel at the water station before 10k and feeling good if somewhat hot.

Second 5k in 22:52.

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Soon after we're dropping down into the Jack Lynch tunnel and this is followed by the longest climb of the day back up towards Mahon. I stick with TFB here and note we fall about 20 metres behind LeCheile - I'm happy to do this though rather than go bombing up the slope.
I see some girl running in a tracksuit top in the heat and suggest she must be from Arizona or something - I find out later that she is indeed from the USA and may be more accustomed to running in the sun.
I grab a bottle of water at the water station and the top won't open properly so I have great fun trying to suck the water out over the next 5 minutes or so.
We're closer to LeCheile and his sub-group by the time the Garmin beeps for 15k.

22:59

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Over the next km we're back into a single group again. I notice that this brings up the quickest km split so far and am worried that I may pay for this quick km later on but I'm sure TFB knows what he's at!
We pass the half-marathon start and get a great cheer from everybody. Soon after we take the tight turn into Blackrock Castle car park whare I take my 2nd gel. LeCheile warns us to watch the pace along the narrow waterway section and make sure we stick to the group.

15-20k in 22:27

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Soon we cross halfway - 1:36:51 - may be a few seconds fast but more or less spot on. I quite enjoy this part of the Cork Marathon route as we're off the main roads and it feels like we're running on a forest trail for a while. We get some shade from the trees and at the same time a few clouds start to hide the sun so things are going in our favour.
We soon turn on to the Marina towards Pairc Ui Chaoimh. I start banging on to the group about the mighty Dubs beating Cork in 1983 in the semi-final replay and the great Joe McNally. Soon after TFB starts promoting his blog. I nearly miss the water stop with all the chat and end up downing my 3rd gel without much water.

20-25k in 22:54

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We're now back out on the main roads and with it there's a few little steep testers. I'm still feeling game ball at this stage and looking forward to seeing the missus and the kids after the climb up from the Lough. I tell everybody in the group that the missus will have kisses for everybody so to stick with me.
I'm a bit slow at the next water stop and I get a slap from LeCheile for blocking all those behind me - whoops!
I take on the water as we run up a slope and all of a sudden I don't feel so good and start to question if I can keep the pace - however once we're on an even keel again the moment passes and I'm feeling good again.
LeCheile keeps up the encouragement although my now he's not getting a verbal response from the group which has thinned out a bit.

25-30k in 22:59

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Take my 4th gel running past the Lough and see the missus and kids at the top of the slope - she's no kisses but she does give me a bottle of water which is probably more welcome at this point. These sections of the course are a bit up and down and I feel I only have to hold it together for the next couple of miles and I'll be fine.
We get to pass the last relay changeover point on a downhill section and we get a great cheer. We get through the last slope on the Model Farm Road and I'm feeling good and thinking it's straightforward from here in!

30-35k in 23:03

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As we go through Inchigaggin Lane I'm still on TFB's shoulder - he comments that I'm looking in good shape and I do feel the same as I did in Rotterdam at the same point even if I'm here over 10 mins earlier.
I take my last gel as we turn onto the Carrigrohane Road. There's a "stiff" breeze blowing into our faces and I find myself running in front of the group. I settle back in as best I can behind TFB to try and lessen the impact. We're passing dozens of runners along here and it seems like they're barely moving.
Before we get to the end of the road I start to suffer. TFB suggests that I push on but I tell him I can't - I'll be happy if I can keep at this pace. LeCheile reminds us its all in the head now.
There's a "funny" moment when the two balloons get tangled and I struggle to give the lads space to disentangle them. At this point the water bottles already have the tops lifted on them for us which is a great help. I'm a bit happier out of the breeze as we turn into the walkway at Fitzgerald Park. Along here the leaders in the half-marathon go whizzing past us.
LeCheile reminds us at some stage there is only 15 mins to go but that seems a lot.

35-40k in 23:11

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We're now running across the Mardyke Bridge. TFB opens up a few metres gap on me but I'm still in front of LeCheile. I'm really starting to struggle. Up until now I'd been glued to the pacers and must have banged my head off the balloons about 50 times. I really don't want to let it slip now. I've no idea if we have any time in the bank.
As we run up the quays there's one chap stopped with cramp in his calf that he's trying to stretch out. Things start to get worse as I feel pins and needles in my hands - funny enough the legs feel fine but the rest of my body seems to be shutting down.
I can see the crowd on Patrick's Bridge and just want to be there. Finally I'm crossing the bridge and we're in the finishing straight - TFB in front of me and LeCheile behind me. I don't really hear the crowd and it's all a bit of a blur but I do see the clock ticking away 3:14:xx as I cross the line. No energy for arm raising or showboating.
I seek out TFB and LeCheile to thank them for their help and encouragement - much appreciated. I give a hug to a couple of other lads in the group - apparently there was only 4 of us left with the pacers at the finish although 2 had pushed on earlier.

40k-Finish 11:17

So - official time 3:14:37

---

Sit down with the wife, kids and my parents for a few minutes afterwards and wait for that spaced out feeling to pass.
Realise at this point that as I turn 40 later in the year I have a Boston Qualifying time for 2013 despite the standards tightening up by 6 mins.

Have to say I love this race - although the crowds aren't as big as Dublin I think that's a good thing. The relay changeover points really add to the atmosphere.
I also enjoy the aspect of having the weekend away for the race I suppose.

Really enjoy the family dinner back at the hotel and this time there's no pasta and plenty of drink!

What's next?

I've never actually raced a half-marathon so might have to pick one in the summer to aim for sub 90 mins.
No doubt I'll take on an autumm marathon.
Will deffo throw an entry in for Boston 2013.
Maybe I can start thinking that a crazy ambition of a 2:59 marathon is just a little bit closer

neilc

Fantastic PaulieYifter, fair play to ya, great race!!

sideswipe

Great race and report Paulie, brilliant stuff........me very jealous!!!!!

PaulieYifter

sideswipe wrote: »

Great race and report Paulie, brilliant stuff........me very jealous!!!!!

Cheers - you'll have your day - I see you're planning to banish the demons pretty quickly so best of luck with that.

Marthastew

Well done Paulieyifter, I really enjoyed your report.
Huge congrats on the BQ also:D

outforarun

Just throwing another another CCM race report into the mix.

PaulieYifter

outforarun wrote: »

Just throwing another another CCM race report into the mix.

Great report - well done on pulling out a PB from a near impossible angle.

outforarun

outforarun wrote: »

Just throwing another another CCM race report into the mix.

Good report.

Have a feeling we were near each other going through tunnel, was doing 7.40s or so for first few miles and fellow beside me started shouting 'Oggy Oggy Oggy' in tunnel.

3.30 caught me but managed to hang on to them. Shared your feelings about how tough it was from the Lough and especially Model Farm Road on.

At the risk of sounding rude, and of course what works for one might not for another, but us it possible you overanalysed your run, up one mile, down the next etc. Were you possibly putting yourself under some pressure?

RICHIE-RICH

Great report - Sounds just like my race. Except add 40 mins to finish time. Same pain at 19/20 miles.

Similarly to you, I think my training mileage was too low, although all my LSRs were done correctly, and very comfortably, and felt very confident going into it.

Ahh well, another time....

outforarun

Deleted User wrote: »

At the risk of sounding rude, and of course what works for one might not for another, but us it possible you overanalysed your run, up one mile, down the next etc. Were you possibly putting yourself under some pressure?

You're not the only person to have said this. I think there is more than a grain of truth here. I should maybe try focus more on enjoying the run which doesn't have to be at the expense of watching my splits. I think I probably was worrying too much about how I felt and how I was goinf to feel. I don't do that on training runs where I tend to take in the surroundings more. I reckon I will try Dublin at 8:1X pace and hopefully this will relieve some pressure and convince me that I can run a full marathon without dying a death.

Well done on your own sub 3:30. Great running on a day that was difficult for many.

outforarun

outforarun wrote: »

I should maybe try focus more on enjoying the run which doesn't have to be at the expense of watching my splits. I think I probably was worrying too much about how I felt and how I was goinf to feel. I don't do that on training runs where I tend to take in the surroundings more. I reckon I will try Dublin at 8:1X pace and hopefully this will relieve some pressure and convince me that I can run a full marathon without dying a death.

I have been running for about 2 years and have run the great total of 2 marathons, so anything I say might be completely wrong! And one man's casual approach may be anathema to another who prefers the more analytical approach. I remember before my first 10km run a couple of yars back asking a very experienced runner how he would run the first km, the second km and he looked at me and said "its a 10km run, you run all of it as fast as you can". And when you think of the great athletes and the great achievements back though the generations, there were no gels or Garmins or the like.

Did think I was overdoing it on the way out, and that I was going too fast...but just felt comfortable so thought I'd try and do it for as long as possible. Surprised that my split for the second half was within 4 mins of my time for the first half.

Mr Slow

Deleted User wrote: »

I have been running for about 2 years and have run the great total of 2 marathons, so anything I say might be completely wrong! And one man's casual approach may be anathema to another who prefers the more analytical approach. I remember before my first 10km run a couple of yars back asking a very experienced runner how he would run the first km, the second km and he looked at me and said "its a 10km run, you run all of it as fast as you can". And when you think of the great athletes and the great achievements back though the generations, there were no gels or Garmins or the like.

Did think I was overdoing it on the way out, and that I was going too fast...but just felt comfortable so thought I'd try and do it for as long as possible. Surprised that my split for the second half was within 4 mins of my time for the first half.

You can risk blowing up in a 5k/10k by throwing everything at it because you can go again the next week, blow up in a marathon by going out too fast and you throw away 3 months+ of training.

alitoast

Couple of days now have passed on the legs are getting back to normal (who would have thought getting down a stairs would be so difficult).

Reading all your race reports has me itching to go again, thats it DCM2012 here i come!!!

A work colleague said to me 'when you run the marathon, one of two things will happen - 1) you will promise yourself never to do another one again or 2) you'll be bittin by the bug. I'm thinking the latter for the moment!!

BobMac104

Mr Slow wrote: »

You can risk blowing up in a 5k/10k by throwing everything at it because you can go again the next week, blow up in a marathon by going out too fast and you throw away 3 months+ of training.

thats the fecking thing about marathons. Very difficult to get everything right for one day. but i suppose thats the challenge and its why there seems to be an extra bit of magic about it.

belcarra

alitoast wrote: »

A work colleague said to me 'when you run the marathon, one of two things will happen - 1) you will promise yourself never to do another one again or 2) you'll be bittin by the bug. I'm thinking the latter for the moment!!

Or both within a half hour of each other!!

I seem to have picked up the virus again that knocked me out of action a couple of weeks ago. Not sure I want to be told by a Doctor to go on a course of antibiotics during my 9 days in Poland!:eek:

alitoast

alitoast wrote: »

A work colleague said to me 'when you run the marathon, one of two things will happen - 1) you will promise yourself never to do another one again or 2) you'll be bittin by the bug. I'm thinking the latter for the moment!!

All I could think of after that effort was never again. I had kinda only entered DCM in a fit of madness last year. And then I wanted to do Cork anyway, because I love the city and because I wanted to say "I am a marathon runner"...as opposed to "I once ran a marathon".

And now I'm thinking...could I ever run a 3.20...:eek:

opus

With the weather leading up to last Monday & now the weather for the rest of this week in Cork at least, have to say we were very lucky with the nice sunny morning!

alitoast

Deleted User wrote: »

All I could think of after that effort was never again. I had kinda only entered DCM in a fit of madness last year. And then I wanted to do Cork anyway, because I love the city and because I wanted to say "I am a marathon runner"...as opposed to "I once ran a marathon".

And now I'm thinking...could I ever run a 3.20...:eek:

Yeah, just wondering if I can go better now, some peoples improvements listed here are very motivating to have another craic.

And to echo opus, how lucky we were with the weather.


Does anyone know where I could search photos of the event, would love to see if there is one I could get as a momento??

opus

alitoast wrote: »

Does anyone know where I could search photos of the event, would love to see if there is one I could get as a momento??

There are a bazillion photos linked from the Running in Cork post on CCM, you're surely in there somewhere but it will take some time to trawl through them!

TFBubendorfer

Deleted User wrote: »

All I could think of after that effort was never again. I had kinda only entered DCM in a fit of madness last year. And then I wanted to do Cork anyway, because I love the city and because I wanted to say "I am a marathon runner"...as opposed to "I once ran a marathon".

And now I'm thinking...could I ever run a 3.20...:eek:

Take it from someone who once ran a 4:36 marathon ... yes you can!

alitoast

alitoast wrote: »

Does anyone know where I could search photos of the event, would love to see if there is one I could get as a momento??

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39020932@N05/sets/72157630046527388/

Very obliging man. Great photos. Found one, he very helpfully went through his set and found another. AND he emailed me a higher quality set. AND he doesn't charge, just suggests you make a donation to Enable Ireland. Can't say fairer 'n that!

Condo131

alitoast wrote: »

Does anyone know where I could search photos of the event, would love to see if there is one I could get as a momento??

(as per opus's post) From Cork Running Blog (with speelnig corrections :P)
1) Doug Minihane has a gallery of 2000+ photos HERE
2) Gearoid O'Laoi has a big gallery HERE
3) Peter Mooney has a gallery HERE
4) Darren Spring has 576 photos on his RacePix website HERE
5) John Quigley has several photo slideshows...
a) Near the 1 mile Marathon mark HERE
b) Start on Particks Street HERE
c) At the 1.75 mile mark HERE
d) At the 3.5 mile mark HERE
e) At the 26 mile mark HERE
6) Joe Murphy has a large slideshow of photos HERE
7) Noel Kelleher has almost 800 photos HERE
8) Donal O'Chaoimh has a gallery of 115 photos HERE
9) Keith O'Driscoll has 156 photos HERE
10) Richard ??? has a gallery of 100 photos HERE
11) Martin Cunningham has a huge gallery of over 2,000 photos HERE

TFBubendorfer

Deleted User wrote: »

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39020932@N05/sets/72157630046527388/

Very obliging man. Great photos. Found one, he very helpfully went through his set and found another. AND he emailed me a higher quality set. AND he doesn't charge, just suggests you make a donation to Enable Ireland. Can't say fairer 'n that!

And he will send you a very gentle and understanding reminder if you use photos from 5 different photographers but only list 4 of them in your credits.

Taramorourke

Here is my race report. It's really, really long ( I like to add in as many details as possible). This race report was written for my friends and family ( a lot who don't run) so I do explain things about a marathon that non-runners might not understand (so ignore those parts)

Background info on me: I'm a 27 yr old Canadian girl living in London. I've been running for 14 months and ran my first marathon in 4:09 last October. The Cork City Marathon was my second marathon. I mention someone named Andrew a few times. He is my boyfriend. I don't know Cork at all, so I wasn't able to name off roads and landmarks as well as everyone else. I just described where I was the best I could.

Enjoy

http://taraorourke.com/race-report-cork-city-marathon

Mr Slow

Great Report Tara, will we see you back for Dublin? 13,000 Marathon runners and 100,000+ supporters

outforarun

Taramorourke wrote: »

Here is my race report. It's really, really long ( I like to add in as many details as possible). This race report was written for my friends and family ( a lot who don't run) so I do explain things about a marathon that non-runners might not understand (so ignore those parts)

Background info on me: I'm a 27 yr old Canadian girl living in London. I've been running for 14 months and ran my first marathon in 4:09 last October. The Cork City Marathon was my second marathon. I mention someone named Andrew a few times. He is my boyfriend. I don't know Cork at all, so I wasn't able to name off roads and landmarks as well as everyone else. I just described where I was the best I could.

Enjoy

http://taraorourke.com/race-report-cork-city-marathon

Wow Taramorourke. That is one of the best most heart-felt and inspiring marathon reports I have ever read. Thanks for making me relive the race mile by mile and reminding me why it is I love running. I know what you mean about feeling kind of sad the race is over. Maybe it was the unexpected sunny morning but I'm already remembering this marathon most fondly of the three I've done to date. And now having read your report I can't wait to sign up for my next one. Well done again on a great time and a great run.

Taramorourke

Mr Slow wrote: »

Great Report Tara, will we see you back for Dublin? 13,000 Marathon runners and 100,000+ supporters

Thanks! I don't think I'll be running Dublin, although I DO want to ( it's so tempting). I'm still a new runner and I don't want to jump into another marathon training plan so early after finishing my last one. Instead, I want to work on my speed this Summer and Fall with shorter races. I've never even raced a 5k, 10k or half marathon ever. Then, over the Winter, I'll start training for the Boston Marathon for April 2013!!! SO excited!!!

menoscemo

Great report Tara, i really enjoyed reading that. It took up most of my morning

PaulieYifter

Taramorourke wrote: »

Here is my race report. It's really, really long ( I like to add in as many details as possible). This race report was written for my friends and family ( a lot who don't run) so I do explain things about a marathon that non-runners might not understand (so ignore those parts)

Background info on me: I'm a 27 yr old Canadian girl living in London. I've been running for 14 months and ran my first marathon in 4:09 last October. The Cork City Marathon was my second marathon. I mention someone named Andrew a few times. He is my boyfriend. I don't know Cork at all, so I wasn't able to name off roads and landmarks as well as everyone else. I just described where I was the best I could.

Enjoy

http://taraorourke.com/race-report-cork-city-marathon

Epic report Tara - Well done.

rom

Nicely edited photo slideshow
http://vimeo.com/43608944

PaulieYifter

rom wrote: »

Nicely edited photo slideshow
http://vimeo.com/43608944

Cool - I'm in it with my little princess @ 30 seconds!

BobMac104

great report fair play!! You should definately do Dublin, sure we're all going!

TFBubendorfer

Taramorourke wrote: »

Thanks! I don't think I'll be running Dublin, although I DO want to ( it's so tempting). I'm still a new runner and I don't want to jump into another marathon training plan so early after finishing my last one. Instead, I want to work on my speed this Summer and Fall with shorter races. I've never even raced a 5k, 10k or half marathon ever. Then, over the Winter, I'll start training for the Boston Marathon for April 2013!!! SO excited!!!

That's a great race and a great race report as well, congratulations. You will LOVE the crowds in Boston, I can guarantee that.

Taramorourke

Taramorourke wrote: »

Here is my race report. It's really, really long ( I like to add in as many details as possible). This race report was written for my friends and family ( a lot who don't run) so I do explain things about a marathon that non-runners might not understand (so ignore those parts)

Background info on me: I'm a 27 yr old Canadian girl living in London. I've been running for 14 months and ran my first marathon in 4:09 last October. The Cork City Marathon was my second marathon. I mention someone named Andrew a few times. He is my boyfriend. I don't know Cork at all, so I wasn't able to name off roads and landmarks as well as everyone else. I just described where I was the best I could.

Enjoy

http://taraorourke.com/race-report-cork-city-marathon

I SAW YOU!

You finished a few seconds in front of me!

Plus I saw you at the start. I distinctly remember the tattoo/transfer of the times on you arm. I thought that looked very serious!

jcsmum

Taramorourke wrote: »

Here is my race report. It's really, really long ( I like to add in as many details as possible). This race report was written for my friends and family ( a lot who don't run) so I do explain things about a marathon that non-runners might not understand (so ignore those parts)

Background info on me: I'm a 27 yr old Canadian girl living in London. I've been running for 14 months and ran my first marathon in 4:09 last October. The Cork City Marathon was my second marathon. I mention someone named Andrew a few times. He is my boyfriend. I don't know Cork at all, so I wasn't able to name off roads and landmarks as well as everyone else. I just described where I was the best I could.

Enjoy

http://taraorourke.com/race-report-cork-city-marathon

Congratulations Tara, fantastic time and achievement. Your report got me all teary eyed.
Eventhough I missed out on my goal time by 37 seconds, I loved the race, well the first 25 miles anyway!
Your report brought the whole experience back to me.

Mr Slow

jcsmum wrote: »

Congratulations Tara, fantastic time and achievement. Your report got me all teary eyed.
Eventhough I missed out on my goal time by 37 seconds, I loved the race, well the first 25 miles anyway!
Your report brought the whole experience back to me.

You burned me off at 20 miles if I remember correctly? :P:pac:

corkrunner71

Great report Tara and great running. Well done.

Bohs123

This was my second Cork Marathon and beat my PB by 22 mins with a 3.31 finish so delighted with that. Big thanks to everyone for the support on the day it was brilliant

forestman

First Marathon and I came in at 3.42. Absolutly in bits and my legs on fire!! Could barely talk except to say "Never Again". Legs are better now and im starting to think "Maybe"!!:D

Taramorourke

Deleted User wrote: »

I SAW YOU!

You finished a few seconds in front of me!

Plus I saw you at the start. I distinctly remember the tattoo/transfer of the times on you arm. I thought that looked very serious!

That is hilarious!! I totally did not feel like a serious runner though haha!!!

Formosa

I should add my own race report here, even though (despite effectively training for the guts of 3 years) I don’t feel any sort of a high after completing my first marathon.

Up Monday morning in our lovely guesthouse on the Western Rd to a glorious day and was feeling great, no niggles (had been to physio last Friday with a bad knee, return of ITB problems after some six years).

Headed off with the 4 hour pacers and was feeling good until approx 3.5 miles when BANG, daggers in the left knee. This happening so early was a big rock to the confidence. Lay down on the road and stretched the glutes which got rid of the pain (this procedure had to be repeated several times over the course of the run) , though my left leg got quite numb and was bothering me a lot.

I pretty much stayed with the group to around mile 16 (1/2 way split was 1hr59) but I was really wrecked at this stage and had stopped a few times to stretch. I fell back from the group here, but really I didn’t care. I knew I had 10 miles of absolute hell ahead and was debating dropping out.

Thanks to my running partner (who is a lot stronger than me but waited with me all day) I ploughed on, walking several times. I was so wrecked that even at 24 and 25 miles I would have quit, I just didn’t care but I knew he wasn’t going to let me, plus family had travelled down to Cork to support and were waiting in Patrick Street.

Got over the line in 4hrs 18 mins which is probably alright considering the knee problem but funnily I just don’t feel any real sense of achievement, mainly I’d say because I stopped to walk a good bit during the last 6 miles…stupid attitude to have I know.

Lessons from it: Probably too ambitious hoping for 4 hrs, even if 100% fit the pace would have been too much for me for 26 I’d say, would have been better in hindsight to go with the 4.15 balloon.

Probably not enough training done, didn’t go with the distances in the plans as my knees wouldn’t have held up, the only way I could make the start line was by doing less, with obvious consequences.

I said after it “never again” and four days later that is my feeling, I think I should stick to halfs and less.

I know I’ve done a lot of moaning in the above post so to finish on a positive, great atmosphere, great organization, great course and I loved Cork as a city, I’m not too familiar with it but I will be back there.

Well done to all here too, some great times and performances put in.

twowheelsonly

Deleted User wrote: »

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39020932@N05/sets/72157630046527388/

Very obliging man. Great photos. Found one, he very helpfully went through his set and found another. AND he emailed me a higher quality set. AND he doesn't charge, just suggests you make a donation to Enable Ireland. Can't say fairer 'n that!

I'm blushing now...:o

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

And he will send you a very gentle and understanding reminder if you use photos from 5 different photographers but only list 4 of them in your credits.

Lol.... I'm blushing even more now!!!!

Taramorourke wrote: »

Here is my race report. It's really, really long ( I like to add in as many details as possible). This race report was written for my friends and family ( a lot who don't run) so I do explain things about a marathon that non-runners might not understand (so ignore those parts)

Background info on me: I'm a 27 yr old Canadian girl living in London. I've been running for 14 months and ran my first marathon in 4:09 last October. The Cork City Marathon was my second marathon. I mention someone named Andrew a few times. He is my boyfriend. I don't know Cork at all, so I wasn't able to name off roads and landmarks as well as everyone else. I just described where I was the best I could.

Enjoy

http://taraorourke.com/race-report-cork-city-marathon

Excellent report Tara. Looking forward to the follow up in Boston now.. Good luck with it !!

robinph

Was just pointed out to me that the guy who came 3rd in Cork this year, Huw Lobb, was the guy who won the Man v Horse marathon that I did this weekend. Looks like he is stalking me and entering all the same races.

He didn't beat the horse this year, but he was the first person that did manage to a few years ago.

zinzan1

Taramorourke wrote: »

Here is my race report........

http://taraorourke.com/race-report-cork-city-marathon

I loved reading your blog, what a fantastic race and best of luck next year in Boston. Wish I could write like you..... wish I could run like you!

rom

Some photographer at the finish line took my photo with me pouring a bottle of water over my head. He asked me my name. No idea who he was. Tried to find the photo but to no avail. Its around 3hrs 38min / 1hr 38min full/half. If anyone spotted it would love to see it as I probably look mental

alitoast

I was one of the last to collect my bib and therefore missed out on a tshirt, they took my bib number and said one would be posted out. I wouldnt normally be too bothered about it but as this was my first marathon I am hoping to get my hands on the tee.

Was anyone in the same boat as me and did you get a tshirt sent out in the post yet?

EauRouge79

alitoast wrote: »

I was one of the last to collect my bib and therefore missed out on a tshirt, they took my bib number and said one would be posted out. I wouldnt normally be too bothered about it but as this was my first marathon I am hoping to get my hands on the tee.

Was anyone in the same boat as me and did you get a tshirt sent out in the post yet?

Im a medium, havent worn the shirt yet. If your not a million miles from Cork you can have it.
Im in a good mood today.PM me if you like.