Rob’s Cork City Marathon Blog: The aftermath

Well, that was really something wasn’t it?

Incessant rain threatened to dampen spirits while wind left many worried about their time goals but the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon was an enjoyable day nonetheless.

Personally, I liked the the cool conditions and believe they helped me get a PB but I know of many runners that found it prohibited their running style.

I found the heat in the previous couple of Cork marathons difficult to deal with and as temperatures soared I tended to wilt.

The @irishexaminer Cork City Marathon in photos and videos | http://t.co/9DW4N2Vong (SN) #IECCM @TheCorkMarathon pic.twitter.com/yLMcNaA0q2

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) June 1, 2015

That was a great marathon today, despite the terrible weather, really nice run! @TheCorkMarathon #ieccm pic.twitter.com/RwlDWwlEWX

— Sean (@Seacon75) June 1, 2015

I was delighted with the way I executed my strategy. I stuck with the 3:45 pacers up until mile 16 and then left them go.

I slowed down my pace and started to enjoy the race.

I was going for a finish under four hours, so I felt if I did the hard work in the first half of the marathon, I’d have enough stamina to finish the job in the second.

It’s a strategy I’ve used for all my sub-four marathons. Whenever I’ve tried something new it hasn’t worked so well.

The last few miles - usually the hardest ones - were an absolute treat because I was very, very sure I’d make it in time.

I came in at 3:50:06 - a full 38 seconds ahead of my previous best (achieved in Limerick last month) and 16 minutes better than I’ve done in four previous Cork Marathons.

To say I’m delighted is an understatement. It was only when I finished and started to get really cold that I felt uncomfortable.

I took refuge in a restaurant and got my hands on a hot tea almost immediately.

As a Limerick man, I have to say, the people of Cork city really outdid themselves and it’s no wonder I’m so fond of this county.

Despite the wind and rain, the spectators were absolutely amazing. Parts of the route were full of people handing out oranges and jellies.

A woman even ran beside me for a few seconds until I could pick out a couple orange slices from a tray she was carrying.

She was soaking wet, yet she was more concerned with giving encouragement to the runners than her own health.

All runners really appreciate the kindness and work of the stewards, volunteers, medical people and spectators that take time out of their day to help us along. We couldn’t run without you!

I was delighted to see that regular readers of this blog all came in in fantastic times and really enjoyed themselves.

Well done to everyone that took part.

So, when does training for next year start?

Don’t forget there is a Cork City Marathon supplement with your Irish Examiner tomorrow with all times printed and loads of pics from the race.

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