I have been so lucky with so many things this year, especially when it comes to training. I have avoided any significant injuries. The weather has been fantastic during most of our long training runs. Race day, today, was no exception: sunny and clear, and the cold wasn't anything you couldn't prepare for.
It was a great marathon. Far more difficult than Twin Cities was, earlier this month, but I suspect that has as much to do with putting my body through the wringer than anything. The last few miles hurt nearly every step of the way. I tried to do some tricks, some mental tomfoolery, but there was no getting around the fact that it just hurt to move.
But that's what I love about this. These aren't supposed to be easy. You are supposed to find a way -- inner strength, grit, perseverance, just stupid damn stubbornness -- to keep moving yourself closer and closer to that finish line.
Finished in 4:47. Five minutes slower than Twin Cities. My goal was to finish Dublin faster than Twin Cities, but you know what? I'll take two marathons within a handful of minutes of each other any day.
I'm exhausted.
Spent.
We'll see how my body feels tomorrow, as I begin my ferry and train journey into England. I know I will be walking my way through a lot of pain.
And that's a very good thing, a clear reminder for me that I was able to reach this doubly-difficult goal that I'd set for myself earlier in the spring. Two marathons in a month? That's crazy talk! I don't have any plans to repeat this effort anytime soon. It's enough to know that it is possible. You can accomplish anything.
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