Rock 'n' Roll

On my return leg from Vancouver, I stopped in Dublin for a few days to catch-up with my brother and his wife, and to run the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon.

At the time of registration this seemed like a great idea, but as I lined up for my bib number at the expo after a 14 hour journey, I was rather unenthusiastic about the event!

The day before the run I put on my trainers and went for a 15 min jog (more of a slog really...) to try and determine if I would be able to finish the 21km. I decided that I would be able to finish (note-being able to jog for 15 minutes is not an accurate gauge to see if you are ready for a half marathon!). It would be no personal best, but I would be able to get a medal at the end of it then have a guilt-free, indulgent celebration afterwards.

So, after rubbing a lucky lamp, I lined up for the inaugural race. As the music blared out of the speakers the adrenaline started pumping around my body, and in a style similar to the wise tortoise, I was off!

The majority of the run took place in Phoenix Park and for a while I actually was enjoying myself! The event was very well organised, apart from one of the few water stations running out of liquids and I was glad I hadn't feigned that illness (which was rather like bird flu or malaria...I hadn't quite thought out the details!) I would run it again and hope that next time I could encourage some running buddies to join me (Stuaaart!?)

Phoenix Park

 2 hours 19 minutes later I crossed the finish line, collected my medal and promptly had a banana and beer!

Big love to my brother, Stuart, who came to cheer and was the official photographer of the day!


I'm back home in Scotland now, still a bit jaded but happy to be in my own bed for more than a few nights and excited to share stories of adventures had. But first I have some washing to do!