25/10/2024
After a busy few weeks & Amsterdam last weekend, the last coaching calls are just finished up with my one to one clients & club athletes, getting ready to toe the start line on Sunday at the Dublin City Marathon 2024.
Some of them looking to retain their national titles 🥇🏆for the 3rd consecutive year running, pardon the pun, to the first timers 🏃♀️
Talking of first times, a special day for me too, as it'll mark 20 years to the week since I did my first marathon, also Dublin. From the photo, obviously a bit disheveled, tired, sore & exhausted but the sense of achievement was immense.
Also the start of a journey that would take me all over the world, from major city streets, to the middle of nowhere, at all hours of the night with only farm animals looking over the hedges at me for company🐄🐏🐎🐑
I just want to wish everyone, taking on the Dublin Marathon this Sunday all the very best & enjoy the last day of carb-loading 🍬🍚🍝🌮🥯🥤🍯
🏃♂️🏃♀️ Marathon day is here – you’ve put in the miles, now it’s time to let your hard work pay off! As you stand at that start line, remember a few things to keep you focused & strong to the finish.
**Pacing is key**: Don't get swept up in the excitement at the start. Stick to the pace you've trained for, and trust that it’ll carry you through. Going out too fast is tempting but will cost you later – save that energy for the final stretch when you need it most!
**Trust your training**: You’ve spent weeks, maybe months, preparing. You’re ready for this! Those tough runs, early mornings & late nights were all leading up to today. Lean into that foundation, & remember you’re more than capable of meeting the challenge ahead.
**Stay positive and believe in yourself**: Mental endurance is just as important as physical. You’ll likely hit a wall at some point, but remember you’ve overcome so much to be here. Visualise your finish line, smile at the crowd & embrace the journey – it’s your moment!
**One step at a time**: When it gets tough, break the race into small goals. Focus on getting to the next mile marker, water station, or familiar landmark. Celebrate each step forward, and soon enough, you’ll be sprinting to that finish line!
You’ve got this 💪 – go out there and make yourself proud! 🏅