Written by Angelín Fanning
That morning I had mixed emotions, anxious would I complete the race, thrilled to be a participant and doing it for a wonderful cause.
I arose about 8am and faced into the day, ready for what lay ahead of me. I checked the weather and I knew that the day predicted rain so after a shower I proudly wore my Shine tee-shirt and cropped tracksuit bottoms. I had porridge for breakfast and tea, a healthy beginning for my journey ahead. After mass and saying a prayer I set off for the race.
At 11.45am I arrived at the barrier for joggers. I did some stretching exercises. At 2pm the clock ticked and everyone started jogging. I proudly ran the first 3km in 30 minutes with motivation and skill. Weeks of practicing, running had made me feel now that I could keep going and was on my journey to the finishing line.
But my breathing was going against me and I knew I had to walk a little. Some kind girl put her arm around me and asked me “Was I ok”. Then in the distance I saw ‘Donnybrook Church’. I knew now that with the help of God I could start jogging again and complete the race happily.
It is the little things in life like a friendly word and the slogan over the bridge “If you’re legs are tired run with your heart”. I knew that I was ready for the remainder of the race. So I dug deep in myself and before I knew it, I was on 8km. Then the rain started. At first the rain was very welcoming, it cooled us all down. I knew I could run faster in rain than shine, so I took off like a rocket. At Baggot Street Bridge someone shouted “Once up that hill the race is finished”. When I heard that I ran with all that was in me and completed the race in 1 hour 26 mins and 10 seconds.
I received my heart shaped medal and proudly wore it, I know by digging deep inside me helped me achieve my time.
I would like to thank those who supported me for my cause the ‘Basin Club’. Next year I would encourage others to walk, jog or run for the Basin Club.