Elizabeth O'Connor
Lizzie's First Marathon!
Fundraising for Shelter
Story
Welcome to my page.
Post Marathon Analysis:
Woke up early, and told myself I wasnt going to think any more than five minutes ahead. The first stage was just to get dressed. Then breakfast. I felt sick, but I was determined not to let my nerves get the best of me, and ate even though I didnt feel like it. I told myself as I looked out the window, assessing the weather, that today was a good day for a run. I told myself that I was just going for a run around Dublin because I just happened to be there. This seemed to work, and apart from a momentary freakout in the car on the way into the city, so long as I told myself I was just going for a run, and I would see how many miles I could do, rather than think of it as a marathon. Last minute kiss goodbye, and I was on my own, seperated by a few thousand other runners from Chris. My GPS froze on me, and momentary panic set in as I wondered how i would pace myself, cursing myself for not wearing my watch instead, but it was too late to do anything, so having managed to get the cover off the back, I replaced the batteries.....and then we were off, a mass of people running over the mats that recorded our chips, and the GPS eventually kicked in at the first mile. This through me as I was unable to work out my times, but in some ways I suppose it made me concentrate on running what I could, walking what I couldnt rather than focusing on my time. I actually managed to continuously run the first .5 mile continuosly but couldnt keep this up, and relaxed myself into running what I could and walking what I couldnt. This paid off for the first half, a distance I knew I could do, having worked up to 12 miles in training, but still I was surprising myself as I ran past groups of tens of runners, and as I came round the bend in phoenix park I was even more surprised to see thousands of runners behind me. I crossed the 10 k mark at 1:37:11 faster by 5 minutes than my first 10 k time, and 7 miles later, I crossed the half way mark at 3:31:34, faster than I have ever run, because my 12 mile training run was completed in 3:45. This first half was blissfully easy. However it was downhill from there on in (and not in a good way!) as I was resigned to walking with the odd run to remind my legs what I actually expected of them. At mile 18, a girl I had passed a couple of times, and part of a group I was pacing myself with, kissed her friend goodbye, as I realised she was dropping out. I stopped to check if she was alright, and offered her the comfort and support I would have hoped to have got if it were the other way round. As miles 19,20, and 21 went by, I wondered about Chris, because he had said he would come back and find me somewhere around there, once he had finished. I didnt worry too much when I didnt see him though, and was caught by surprise as I saw him strolling down the road between miles 23 and 24. I said if hed been there at mile 20 I would have been in better form, but he said he couldnt believe how bright I looked and that I was still chatting away, full of energy. As it got colder, aches turned into pains. and sheer exhaustion left me questioning the existence of the finish line, but I was determined to finish even if it killed me (although I seriously thought it would actually kill me). As the last few miles slowly went by, and my right leg (which I injured a coulple of weeks ago) grew more and more painful, I was more and more greatful for Chris' support, and there were times when I only carried on because he was assuring me it wasnt that far, and was helping me to walk. 26 mile marker in sight, I knew it was almost over and I knew conserving my energy was going to pay off; I had sprinted over every marker so far, and I was determined to sprint over the finish line. As the last of the marshals directed me to the finish, I let go of Chris' hand, and I was off, using the last of what I had, giving it my all, determined to cross the line in style, and surprised myself (but apparently not Chris) as I thought all I had in me was a jog, as I got faster and faster. I crossed the line as the clock ticked over to 7:52, but my official chip recorded time was 7:46:32. I swore about it being over to the marshal who greated me with my goody bag, somehow managing to smile for the photo, and turned for my medal, and headed back to Chris, to collapse, as my right leg hadnt appreciated the sprint, and now I was barely able to walk. Of the 11000 people who entered, 8428 people finished, and of those who finished, I came 8404.
I expected to feel elation as I crossed the line, but I felt relief, and I expected to cry, but I was so exhausted that I didnt even have the energy to do so.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me and sponsored me; all my family, the staff at Six Villages Sports Center and Dimensions 2000, Westergate- especially Steve and Tina- my friends and tutors at Chichester University and all the guys and girls at Pitchcare.com. The biggest thanks goes to Chris- my best friend and inspiration. I couldnt have done this without you, whatever you say. I love you xxxx
Impossible really is nothing. Bring on Dublin Marathon 2008!!
www.runningafterdublin2007.blogspot.com
About Shelter:
Shelter has worked for over 30 years towards its vision - that everyone should be able to live in a decent and secure home that they can afford, within a socially mixed neighbourhood where people feel safe, can work and fulfil their potential.
Every year Shelter helps well over 100,000 homeless and badly housed people. Through Shelterline and its network of over 50 housing aid centres and projects, Shelter provides free, professional and independent advice to anyone with a housing problem.
Shelter believes it is unacceptable that so many people suffer the misery of homelessness and that others are living in homes that are unsafe, are in disrepair or are insecure. This is damaging to individuals, families and neighbourhoods and has enormous social and economic costs that affect us all.
Shelter has two aims. One is to provide practical support and innovative solutions for anyone who is homeless or who has a housing problem. The second is to use the evidence gathered from this work to bring about long-term changes that reduce homelessness and housing problems.
Shelter recognises that it can only achieve these aims through effective management, promoting equality of opportunity and by safeguarding its integrity and independence.
About Justgiving:
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Shelter will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
And last but not least...
About Me:
This is my first marathon, and so this is going to be an interesting road, with many twists and turns, but to quote Roger Taylor, there is "One dream one soul one prize one goal, One golden glance of what should be" and thats the finish line.
Since its my first marathon, ive decided to blog about the journey. If you want to read my blog you will find it at http://roadtodublinmarathon2007.blogspot.com/
Many thanks for your support.
Post Marathon Analysis:
Woke up early, and told myself I wasnt going to think any more than five minutes ahead. The first stage was just to get dressed. Then breakfast. I felt sick, but I was determined not to let my nerves get the best of me, and ate even though I didnt feel like it. I told myself as I looked out the window, assessing the weather, that today was a good day for a run. I told myself that I was just going for a run around Dublin because I just happened to be there. This seemed to work, and apart from a momentary freakout in the car on the way into the city, so long as I told myself I was just going for a run, and I would see how many miles I could do, rather than think of it as a marathon. Last minute kiss goodbye, and I was on my own, seperated by a few thousand other runners from Chris. My GPS froze on me, and momentary panic set in as I wondered how i would pace myself, cursing myself for not wearing my watch instead, but it was too late to do anything, so having managed to get the cover off the back, I replaced the batteries.....and then we were off, a mass of people running over the mats that recorded our chips, and the GPS eventually kicked in at the first mile. This through me as I was unable to work out my times, but in some ways I suppose it made me concentrate on running what I could, walking what I couldnt rather than focusing on my time. I actually managed to continuously run the first .5 mile continuosly but couldnt keep this up, and relaxed myself into running what I could and walking what I couldnt. This paid off for the first half, a distance I knew I could do, having worked up to 12 miles in training, but still I was surprising myself as I ran past groups of tens of runners, and as I came round the bend in phoenix park I was even more surprised to see thousands of runners behind me. I crossed the 10 k mark at 1:37:11 faster by 5 minutes than my first 10 k time, and 7 miles later, I crossed the half way mark at 3:31:34, faster than I have ever run, because my 12 mile training run was completed in 3:45. This first half was blissfully easy. However it was downhill from there on in (and not in a good way!) as I was resigned to walking with the odd run to remind my legs what I actually expected of them. At mile 18, a girl I had passed a couple of times, and part of a group I was pacing myself with, kissed her friend goodbye, as I realised she was dropping out. I stopped to check if she was alright, and offered her the comfort and support I would have hoped to have got if it were the other way round. As miles 19,20, and 21 went by, I wondered about Chris, because he had said he would come back and find me somewhere around there, once he had finished. I didnt worry too much when I didnt see him though, and was caught by surprise as I saw him strolling down the road between miles 23 and 24. I said if hed been there at mile 20 I would have been in better form, but he said he couldnt believe how bright I looked and that I was still chatting away, full of energy. As it got colder, aches turned into pains. and sheer exhaustion left me questioning the existence of the finish line, but I was determined to finish even if it killed me (although I seriously thought it would actually kill me). As the last few miles slowly went by, and my right leg (which I injured a coulple of weeks ago) grew more and more painful, I was more and more greatful for Chris' support, and there were times when I only carried on because he was assuring me it wasnt that far, and was helping me to walk. 26 mile marker in sight, I knew it was almost over and I knew conserving my energy was going to pay off; I had sprinted over every marker so far, and I was determined to sprint over the finish line. As the last of the marshals directed me to the finish, I let go of Chris' hand, and I was off, using the last of what I had, giving it my all, determined to cross the line in style, and surprised myself (but apparently not Chris) as I thought all I had in me was a jog, as I got faster and faster. I crossed the line as the clock ticked over to 7:52, but my official chip recorded time was 7:46:32. I swore about it being over to the marshal who greated me with my goody bag, somehow managing to smile for the photo, and turned for my medal, and headed back to Chris, to collapse, as my right leg hadnt appreciated the sprint, and now I was barely able to walk. Of the 11000 people who entered, 8428 people finished, and of those who finished, I came 8404.
I expected to feel elation as I crossed the line, but I felt relief, and I expected to cry, but I was so exhausted that I didnt even have the energy to do so.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me and sponsored me; all my family, the staff at Six Villages Sports Center and Dimensions 2000, Westergate- especially Steve and Tina- my friends and tutors at Chichester University and all the guys and girls at Pitchcare.com. The biggest thanks goes to Chris- my best friend and inspiration. I couldnt have done this without you, whatever you say. I love you xxxx
Impossible really is nothing. Bring on Dublin Marathon 2008!!
www.runningafterdublin2007.blogspot.com
About Shelter:
Shelter has worked for over 30 years towards its vision - that everyone should be able to live in a decent and secure home that they can afford, within a socially mixed neighbourhood where people feel safe, can work and fulfil their potential.
Every year Shelter helps well over 100,000 homeless and badly housed people. Through Shelterline and its network of over 50 housing aid centres and projects, Shelter provides free, professional and independent advice to anyone with a housing problem.
Shelter believes it is unacceptable that so many people suffer the misery of homelessness and that others are living in homes that are unsafe, are in disrepair or are insecure. This is damaging to individuals, families and neighbourhoods and has enormous social and economic costs that affect us all.
Shelter has two aims. One is to provide practical support and innovative solutions for anyone who is homeless or who has a housing problem. The second is to use the evidence gathered from this work to bring about long-term changes that reduce homelessness and housing problems.
Shelter recognises that it can only achieve these aims through effective management, promoting equality of opportunity and by safeguarding its integrity and independence.
About Justgiving:
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Shelter will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
And last but not least...
About Me:
This is my first marathon, and so this is going to be an interesting road, with many twists and turns, but to quote Roger Taylor, there is "One dream one soul one prize one goal, One golden glance of what should be" and thats the finish line.
Since its my first marathon, ive decided to blog about the journey. If you want to read my blog you will find it at http://roadtodublinmarathon2007.blogspot.com/
Many thanks for your support.