This is a local saying, one often used by my late father, usually when there was something onerous to be done.
Tomorrow I have the long road...my first HM race. I haven't really told many about it, mainly as my focus will be on simply making it round. So, for this one I'm not fundraising or anything. I'll be dedicating it to my da, and my brother Declan, and hoping they can, in spirit at least, push me round the last miles.
Declan was killed in an accident in September 2007, at the age of 42. Da died in the following September, a year to the day. So, this challenging run - in September - seems fitting to their memory somehow.
Declan was no runner, but he took on the London Marathon after his friends teased him about being 'over the hill' at 40. The wager got bigger and he took on the challenge. He had never run the length of himself up until then. Downloaded a training plan, and 8 months later, finished the marathon in 3:56:46. I teased him "what kept you!". In all seriousness he replied, "the guy I was running alongside started to buckle at the knees at mile 20, so I stopped and pushed him round" I checked the results today. They both finished at exactly the same time. (Electronic records are great - out there in cyberspace, is his record.) After the marathon, Declan gave up running.
And then there is my Da. His September memory comes in the form of a hankie. He couldn't abide paper tissues! "Useless things!". Even on admission to hospital, he made sure he would only wear pyjamas with a top pocket. His hankie went into that pocket, and its my abiding memory of him in the hospital bed, always patting his pocket to make sure the hankie was there. He was right though, about hankies. They don't shred, and they are softer on your nose I'll have one with me tomorrow.
The other thing about my da was his sheer energy and willpower - "made of steel" his friends used to say. He never sat down. I remember him laying bricks for a large shed. Three of my brothers were mixing cement, and couldn't keep up with him. He was in his 60s, they in their late teens. So I'm hoping I can draw on his energy and willpower.
I'll need all the help I can get. I'm 62, and Type 1 diabetic. I've only been training for 6 weeks (after a few 10ks, and one practice at the HM distance). So, its going to be tough.
I'm hoping their willpower can get me round; that they are both at each elbow in the last miles. If you have a quiet minute tomorrow morning, send me a bit of energy too. I'll need all the help I can get - this aul one is for the long road!
Written by
Teresa1632
Marathon
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I won't have a quiet moment tomorrow morning because I'll be at a start line myself (presumably a different one, but you never know!), but I know you will have a great day, and feel full to the brim of positive emotions the whole way. 😊
I totally agree with your da about the hankies by the way. Advice passed on to me from my mum, and her her own dad. A big white hankie is the way to go for any sniffle.
This made me feel very emotional Teresa. What poignant memories you'll have on your HM. I'm sure your dad and brother will see you through.
Like your dad with his proper handkerchief, my dad was exactly the same. Must be the age or an Irish thing 🙂
You've done the distance before, you'll have the noisy Irish support along the way and of course, you've got buckets of grit 💪💪 There'll be no stopping you!
Al the best of 🍀 and I look forward to the race report afterwards.
A lovely post Teresa. I suspect you'll need that hankie tomorrow as emotions are likely to be running high. I'll try to remember to send you what energy I have - I'll be driving most of the day so you can make better use of it. Do remember to enjoy your run and I look forward to reading all about it. Good luck 🙂
Wishing you Bucketloads of luck Teresa🍀😊...you won't need it though as you're going to be amazing and have your da and your brother watching over you the whole way...
Just start slowly and gently.. let the legs take you... look around and just breathe it all in... and the last mile... your family, watching and running with you, will carry you along x
What a beautiful post. I feel like I know your da and your brother just a little bit from your memories. I'm certain they will both give you a gentle nudge if you should need it but I also think you will surprise yourself with your own strength and determination. Running in memory of someone gets you round. Remember them in the tough moments, grab your hankie and they'll arrive. You can do this run. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow but also remembering your Da and Declan too. Xx
Oh Teresa, you will absolutely get round your HM today with those wonderful people’s memories to carry you to the end. They sound like such fabulous characters and I bet you’ll have them with you in spirit all the way. 👊 What a poignant moment it will be for you when you cross that finish line. 🎉
You’ll do it. They’ll help, and so will we. Please tell us how it goes, and of course we’d love to see your 🏅 Huge good luck! 👏👏👏
What a great post Teresa ,it's made me feel quite emotional! Your dad and brother will be there with you helping you round I'm sure. You can do it,hope all goes well xxx
What a beautiful and moving post Teresa1632 ! I am sure that you will have the family grit and strength inside you too. You will be running now and I am thinking of you and wishing you strong legs! Have a fabulous run! Xx
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Great North Run. I did it 🏅
Personal best in Ealing!
Do you use gels and how do you use them?
Can't quite believe this but I actually did it!
