The Big day! | Athenry AC

Mini Marathon, 4th June 2007 - Fiona McCann

The big day finally arrived, all that training was to be tested for the

difficult task ahead - my first mini marathon. I had to keep reminding

myself that at least I didn't have to run 26.2 miles like all those poor

creatures in the Cork Marathon - that kept me focused.

Aileen McNamara, Pauline Murray, Maria Hehir, Brid Moran, Etain Wilson

and myself all travelled together by bus. Everyone was doing this for

worthy causes such as Cope, Autism Ireland and Down Syndrome Ireland.

First call of the day was a big fry up - we needed all the energy we

could get! (don't mind your auld porridge Alan!)

We got to Dublin about 2 hours before the race. Despite the damp

conditions, there was a fantastic air in Dublin. We were pleased that it

wasn't sweltering like it was in Galway that day.

The atmosphere at the start line was electric as we were only about 15

meters from the very top. The course was generally flat. There was that

hill up the flyover at Belfield and also a slow incline around the 7k

mark passing Vincent's hospital. It was great to be cheered all the way

even by strangers and the bands playing at practically every kilometre

made it easier to keep going.

That last kilometre was so hard, but I finally go to the finish line at

58.30. I was hoping to do it in under an hour and was pleased with my

run.

Other results of the day for Athenry AC were:

Maria Hehir 52.24

Fiona McCann 58.33

Aileen McNamara 52.50

Brid Moran 53.44

Pauline Murray 53.46

Maeve Noone 1.02.37

Etain Wilson 1.14.36

That's the start of it - I will have to continue to do it each year and

hopefully we will get even more ladies out next year to represent the

club.

Other Athenry participants.

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