I wanted to express my thanks for the trip to Dublin for the 2014 Dublin Marathon. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I was technically a 2013 winner, but due to the birth of our daughter in October 2013, you were gracious enough to let me go in 2014. So, our daughter turned one and two days later my husband and I left her to go to Dublin! Parents of the year! I made my husband sign up for the race as well because if I had to run 26 miles on our vacation, he surely had to suffer too.
This was only my second marathon and as life goes, I didn't train nearly as much as I should have. Let us just say, my first marathon was easier:). My husband and I somehow made it through the race, almost divorcing twice. However, the race was beautiful and so much fun! Dubliners were out in full force to cheer us on, lining the whole race. Everyone was very friendly and encouraging! I recall one race sign that said, "Brad Pitt is waiting at the finish." I never did see him. I guess he was tired of waiting so long for me to cross the finish line. With 12,000 runners it was an experience I will never forget. I even found two of the other winners before the race and we managed to snap a photo.
The day following the race, we rented a golf cart, I mean a car, and left to explore the rest of Ireland. By day two after the race, we could walk again, which was helpful when climbing stairs to all of the castles we visited! We traveled around most of the country, drank our share of Smithwick's and Guinness, and chatted with the locals. It really is a beautiful country. I am grateful for the opportunity to win this trip and hope you continue to provide others with the chance to go.
Thank you Pub 317 for such a memorable experience and I can't wait to run to the pub in 2015!
