This week’s Tuesdays on the Run topic is Race selfies and Photobombs.
I’m going to divert a bit from that topic today because I’ve got more RnRDublin goodness to share with you.
When I left off, we’d just (barely) finished the 5k, received our medals and race packets (bassackwards). If you missed it, find out what happened here.
The plan for the rest of the day was low-key. We had tickets for the hop-on hop-off tour bus so I could save my weary self for the next day’s half marathon. We caught said bus right in Phoenix Park. Go us! Even better, it stopped at Trinity College where the race expo was, so off we hopped, easy peasy.
The last time I’d been to Dublin was 18 years ago. The Trinity College I remember from back then had a gorgeous grassy courtyard. Visions of strolling the expo in that courtyard danced in my head. When we got there, the courtyard was still lovely but the expo was not in it.
Construction going on in and around Trinity College made the entrance so congested it was almost inaccessible. Once we fought our way in, we discovered there was essentially no “expo” at all, but rather a rudimentary packet pickup, sort of in a hallway, jammed with people, of course.
I counted the number of vendors on two fingers: CEP and someone else, possibly a local running store. That’s ok, what I left room for in my suitcase for was some cool RnRDUB gear, and of course a pint glass for the collection.
What little race gear there was, was disappointing at best. Not even a 5k shirt for the teenager. Sigh. I did score a pint glass though, although trying to pay for it with a credit card proved impossible. Thankfully I scared up some leftover Euros in my running belt. Ok enough on the cluster that was packet pickup. At least I had my bib!
Half Marathon
The following morning, I took no chances on public transportation. I was in a taxi headed for 3 Arena bright and early and got there in plenty of time to find fellow RocknBlogger, Renee and Ron. Yay!
It was as I was talking to Renee that it occurred to me: I’d forgotten the wristband I made such an effort to get at the 5k the day before. The wristband I needed to receive my Remix medal at the end of the half. Crap. I’d been rummaging around in the dark at the hotel so as not to disturb the sleeping teenager and I’d left it in the envelope. What else can go wrong?
Part of the confusion of this race weekend, is that each of the 3 races (5k, half marathon and fun run) starts in a different place. The half marathon was a point to point race that ended in Phoenix Park. The teenager planned to run the fun run, which took place after the half, but after realizing she’d have to trek out to Phoenix Park on her own while I ran the half in, she opted to skip it.
Unlike Saturday’s perfect weather, it was downright windy for the half, with a few drops of rain thrown in. I checked gear and headed to the corrals with plenty of time to spare. Roughly the first half of the race would run along the Liffey River through the City Center then enter Phoenix Park for the remainder.
Race Goals: Run Happy
The low-60’s temps were pretty perfect. So much cooler than anything we’ve had in Chicago all summer. But still I had no plans to race. I’d done a poor job of hydrating and didn’t even have to hit the porta-potties pre-race. Has hell frozen over?
We were off hard into the wind, reminiscent of NYCM. The wind was so strong, my visor that never comes off, blew right off my head, and went airborne behind me. I spent a few minutes running backwards into oncoming runners in pursuit of it, hoping it would not get trampled. Joy.
Running along the river was nice, except for the few times we’d duck into a side street there was inevitably a hill hiding back there. I’d failed to look at any course elevations and had zero hill training under my belt. C’est la vie.
Water stations were every couple of miles. Except for two of them though, only water was available. At about miles 6 and 10, they gave out big (24 oz) bottles of blue Powerade. Most people took one sip then whipped those suckers on the ground. So wasteful. I carried mine for a bit.
This is not a flat course. Miles 2 and 3 had big hills, and mile 4 was more or less all uphill. So was mile 8. When we entered the park, the path undulated quite a bit. It was gorgeous, but the terrain wore on me. There was a band in each mile, which I appreciated. Especially the one at mile 8 that distracted me from the agony of the incline with their rendition of Billie Jean. By mile 10 or so I was more than ready to be done.
I spent the remainder of the race not caring one iota about my time. I wogged and soaked in the experience before bringing it in for the finish. I was still wondering how the heck I’d convince them to give me a remix medal without my wristband.
I explained my plight to the guy at the tent where I retrieved my World Rocker (run a RnR half or longer in 2 different countries in one calendar year) medal. He could not have been nicer and before I knew it, my Remix medal was around my neck as well.
About an hour after finishing the half, I needed to complete the Fun Run. Because, you know, #alltheraces. The Fun Run was a quick 1.86 mile affair. I couldn’t have felt less like doing it, but I got it done.
Final Words: Despite the disappointments and logistical nightmares, this was a really fun weekend. Running through Dublin was a fantastic way to tour it. The Irish people are wonderful and we got pretty lucky with the weather, wind notwithstanding. I love the medal haul. The shirt design is nice, however the shirt is man-sized. I got the smallest one and still the sleeves are down to my elbows. Oh well.
….and because the linkup topic is fun race selfies and photobombs, I had to include this one of me and my new Irish friend, James.
Have you raced in another country? Done a RocknRoll race? Did you enter my giveaway?
Loading InLinkz ...
So glad you ended up getting your medal! I have never done a race in another country but Ireland would definitely be fun. Sounds like a fun weekend despite a few issues along the way!
I’m glad you had fun in spite of all the things that went topsy turvy! Wish the teenager would have been able to join you for the fun run.
RnR does give out some of the best medals don’t ya think?
I have been to Ireland before, but not to run.
So glad you got to do this one! I think destination races are a challenge no matter where you go. Traveling to another country for a race is a whole other thing!
Destination races are either smooth sailing or not at all. I think you got figuratively photobombed! Still, what a fun opportunity, and you survived the issues.
Wendy it really was a whole other thing. The logistics are so stressful, especially without a sherpa. But still an experience I wouldn’t trade!
I’ve never raced in another country, or with Rock n Roll. I know my cousin had problems with the logistics at the Dallas race, so maybe it’s not Ireland itself. I have to say the World Rocker medal is very blingy.
Ok I have to say — this is why I’m terrified to run overseas. Haha. I just feel like anything can and will go wrong for me. I’ll stick to the states. 🙂 Glad you got all the races done!!
So glad you didn’t have to give the Remix Medal guy a beat down.
I understand how 3 different event starting lines lets you see different parts of the city…but seems like it might make it even harder for out of town folks to keep things straight.
Thank goodness you were still able to claim your Remix medal! Those are some beautiful medals!!! Great job and way to push through the hills, terrain, and all the other challenges. The logistics of this series in Dublin really do sound like they leave MUCH to be desired, yikes. That’s terrible they were handing out such large sports drinks that were being wasted like that. Sheesh. I am glad things all worked out for you in the end, though, despite all the frustration. Wow on doing the fun run after the half! That takes a lot of motivation and perseverance!
Welcome home. =)
All of your medals are awesome! I’m super jealous. We’re going to England next year for my sisters wedding and you have inspired me to check out the race schedule while we’re there. I hope there is an RnR race that week – I’d love a world rocker medal!
The challenges just kept coming! I am so glad you were able to get the remix medal :0)- it is a great one 🙂
It is so fun you were able to meet someone all the way in Dublin you connected with on social media 🙂
I love your new selfie friend.
I can imagine the hills! The weather sounds really lovely to me right now – wind and all lol
Well done Marcia- glad everything turned out okay and you are glad you did it. Hope you had some sightseeing fun with the teenager!
The one thing RnR really does well is the medals!
I’m sorry you didn’t have better races, especially considering the break in the weather, but from your IG posts, it looks like you had a grand time anyway. I do believe that running a half is a great way to see a new place! Obviously. 🙂
Technically I have done a race in another country, and RnR to boot — but is Canada REALLY another country, LOL?! So that would be Montreal. I didn’t even have to fly there (but almost no one at the expo spoke English).
Glad you had fun, despite the lack of swag! I really loved Dublin – it seems like a great place to see while racing!
Saaaawwwwweeet bling, Lou! Looks like you’re ready to ramp up the mileage for Indy now!
Now that is some serious medal haul! Despite the logistical challenges, sounds like a great adventure!
OMG YES and MORE YES! The best way to explore cities is to walk and/or run through them!!!! You miss things if you drive, so this was AWESOME!!! I bet it made the run go by rather quickly!! 😀
Congrats Marcia! I think it’s so hard to travel for a race – especially overseas. You’re exhausted by the time you line up at the start. I really need to stay for my next Half – Marathon or Marathon more local, too. The traveling makes things more difficult. It still is an amazing experience – no matter what!
I would have been so stressed out by the logistics of getting to all the different race starts! I haven’t raced in another country (yet), but I would love to. Congrats on surviving the chaos! 🙂
OMG I could just picture what was happening. That is a heck of a lot of logistic challenge… so nice you got your medal without your bracelet though.What’s your next RnR race ?
ooooh.
ID LOVE LOVE LOVE TO RUN IN ANOTHER COUNTRY.
Which, I know, is plain ole wrong since I dont LOVE LOVE THE RUN HERE 🙂
Holy medal haul! Those are FABULOUS TOO!
And another great medal from RnR! Seriously can they even make a bad medal? I don’t think so! I think I’d love to run in Dublin! I’d fit right in as long as I kept my mouth shut 😉
Despite some hiccups it really was a great race and weekend for you!
It sounds like you had a fabulous time in Dublin! I’d love to travel to Ireland.
Wow! that sounds like an amazing race! Congratulations! That is a lot of medals!
I’m sorry to hear you had trouble with logistics!
So glad the people were nice and gave you your remix medal without a fight.