What a Day! 
PB 
3:19:51
Plan B: Sub 3:24 (PB was 3:24:48)
Plan C: Sub 3:30
Plan D: To finish
The weather had it all — windy from the start, cold and dry early on, rain mid-way, and a wet, cold finish.
I couldn’t have done it without my superb guide runner, John O’Regan, who was calm, focused, and steady from the first step to the last. I think it’s fair to say John is one of the most well known men in Irish running — because about 80% of the runners who passed us seemed to know him! 
Every few minutes someone would call out, “Alright John!”, “Fair play John!”, or “Well done for the guiding!” One runner even turned around mid-stride to tell him, “You’re a legend, John!” Thank you all for being so supportive.
Around 6K or so in Phoenix Park, running into a headwind, the negative gremlins crept in. I remember saying, “I can’t do this.” John didn’t react — he just said, “You’re OK. Try relax.” That quiet reassurance was all I needed. I regrouped, had a good talk with myself, and focused on one kilometre at a time.
Dublin’s streets were alive — filled with music, cheers, and kindness at every turn. The energy of the crowd lifted every tired step. That’s the magic of Dublin city — the way strangers become teammates for a few precious miles. 
Since 2022 I’ve battled plantar fasciitis and hamstring tendinopathy — injuries that have flared again and again, making consistent training difficult. But I’m in a much better place now than this time last year. Thankfully.
Every kilometre, every early alarm, every bit of effort over the past number of months led to this moment — a finish line that felt like pure joy. This medal isn’t just for running 42.2K; it’s a symbol of patience, persistence, and belief when things got tough today and over the past number of months.
There were highs, lows, laughs, and a few grimaces — but that’s what makes marathon day so special. 
We did it — and Dublin lifted us every step of the way.
Thanks to the Race Director- Jim Aughney for being so welcoming and accommodating. A special mention to his dedicated team of volunteers for putting on another fantastic event..
