Liz Haycock, 2023
My adventures to Ireland began on the morning of Wednesday, October 4th. I wish I could say I was off to a smooth start, but I soon quickly realized that I had misplaced my passport! eeek!! Luckily my flight wasn't until later that afternoon. After a frantic morning of searching for the missing passport, I was finally on my way!! After many long hours on various planes from Chicago to London then, London to Shannon, and then a bus ride from Shannon to Galway. I finally made it! The Bus ride was breathtaking with the overcast skies and lush green countryside to enjoy along the way. Needless to say after a long day of travel I was exhausted and happy to arrive at the Galmont Hotel! (I highly recommend staying here because you are just a short walk from town without having to be in the busyness of the city). I was able to walk everywhere I needed to be with ease during my stay in Galway.
Friday I spent the day getting familiar with Galway enjoying some shopping and delicious food. Some of my favorite places were the little convenience stores, The Dough Bros, and Murphys for some Ice cream. It was a treat that night to listen to the talented buskers in the street before retiring for the evening. After making every anxious preparation in anticipation for tomorrow’s race I headed to bed. My head was spinning with excitement and nervousness for the day ahead.
I woke up to a crisp cool morning in Galway, excited, anxious, and nervous for the half marathon I was about to run. I couldn't have asked for more perfect weather with temps ranging between mid 50s-60s and the calming overcast skies. After a quick breakfast, I made my way to the race. It was a beautiful walk to Nimmo's pier enjoying various views of the docks and surrounding city. Watching the waves crash in as I walked along Galway Bay.
Finally I made it, the atmosphere on the pier was electric! The excitement coming from the hundreds of other runners was so gratifying and helped to calm my nerves! After warming up and enjoying the opportunity to visit with individuals from all over the world who had come to participate in the Galway Bay Half Marathon it was time to line up….my heart started to pound with nervousness, could I really do this??
Next thing I knew the gun went off and there was no turning back now. I felt a surge of adrenaline come as the sound of the gun rang in my ears, I set off at a steady pace. The route took us along the stunning coast with views as well of the charming city of Galway. The scenery was breathtaking, with various opportunities to run on a paved path along the coast. The views of the waves shimmering and crashing in was truly magical. I couldn't help but smile as I ran.
As the miles ticked by, my legs began to tire, the nature of the loop course was mentally starting to take a toll on me the joy and excitement of those first 4 miles began to wear off as we began the second longer loop of the course I thought to myself how much longer before this part of the loop actually turns back??. But the cheering crowds and the stunning views kept me going, and I pushed on. Finally, I saw the finish line in sight, and I picked up my pace, sprinting towards the end.
As I crossed the finish line, I felt a surge of accomplishment wash over me. I had run a half marathon in Ireland, and it had been an unforgettable experience. I collected my medal and a bottle of water. Overwhelmed with emotion, feeling proud and amazed at how far I have come in the past year I’m so grateful for the opportunity I had to come to Ireland and to participate in the Galway Bay Half Marathon and for the Motivation and courage it gives me now to continue to do hard things. I’m anxious to someday again return and do it all over again. Thank you Run to the Pub and Pub 317 for the opportunity and all those who make this possible it was truly a magical experience.