If you’ve spoken to me in the last 6 months, I probably dropped into the conversation that I was running Dublin Marathon on Monday 27th October. It seemed like a good idea in the summer. I distinctly remember saying “never again” after my first marathon in May 2013 but the pain faded! I prepared much better for this marathon than I did for Belfast and felt that my training had gone well.

in Dublin

I'd picked up my pack on Sunday afternoon at the RDS and made my way from there to Pizza Express where Rachael and the boys were waiting. Surrounded by other marathon runners the buzz of being in Dublin at this time was kicking in. After the waiter did a few magic tricks, I consumed my pasta, Rachael and the boys ate their pizza and we went back to the hotel for a peaceful night's sleep. [well sort of as we were all in one room]

On the morning I got up in good time, enjoyed the special marathon breakfast laid on by the hotel, attached my number to my bib, kissed the family goodbye and nervously made the short journey to the start line. 

I'd run Belfast in 4hrs 18mins and was really hoping to break the 4 hr barrier. I set off in the second wave at 9:10am and enjoyed the crowds/atmosphere through the streets of Dublin. Phoenix Park was incredible. There was a Leprechaun galloping through the trees [impressively doing sub 9 minute miles]. I crossed the half way mark, on target, at around 1 hour 55 minutes. It was at this point that I could hear my personal supporters club of three cheering me on. I stopped to give them a quick hug and continued. I hit 20 miles at about 3 hrs 7 mins and knew at that stage I wasn't going to break the four hour barrier. I was slowing down but continuing to move.

Everything changed just passed the marker at mile 23. I suddenly had blurred vision and became unsteady on my feet. The next thing I knew, I was crouching on the grass vomiting [sorry] and having a towel put over my shoulders by a medic. Someone else brought me a cold cup of orange juice and after I drank that, I tried to get on my feet again [hoping to run on] but couldn't stand without help. I was still dizzy and close to fainting. The marathon was over for me. The volunteer from St John's Ambulance did his best to console me but I was gutted. [Still am]

I contacted Rachael to tell her what had happened. She was amazing and kept me sane. She took the boys back to the hotel and the medics brought me to the finish area. After a short walk, I knocked on the door of room 499 and was very glad to hug my family!

Stand By Me is a global movement that does an incredible work among kids in crisis. It's great to be able to partner with them in this way and to generate support for the various projects they are engaged in.