Linda Brennan could barely run a tap a few months ago.
But then she decided to give jogging a go and was chosen by Spar to become a Spartan to represent Donegal in last Monday’s Dublin Marathon.
Not only did she complete it but she is already looking forward to next year’s event. This is her brave story in her own modest words. Fair play to you Linda!
“Donegal Spartan is alive and well and has completed her mission of going from couch to marathon in nine months!
Yesterday was absolutely amazing and an experience everyone should enjoy. I would highly recommend participating in the Dublin city marathon or if not at least going to watch it. The streets of Dublin were lined with people cheering you on. The atmosphere was incredible.
My husband Anthony and my brother Damian Brennan came to support me. It was a great boost every time I saw them and this kept me going throughout the race. I think they were as tired as I was racing around trying to get to different corners before I got there!
As I had previously ran 18mile I expected the first 18mile to be fine and the last 8.2 to be tough however it did not work this way.
I walked the first mile of the race as I was unable to run due to the large crowds of people.
After this I started running at my own slow and steady pace as I knew if I started too fast or if i got my heart rate too high I wouldn’t complete it.
Running through Phoenix Park I met a gentleman called Peter Mcglynn from letterkenny who was running his 92nd marathon! He gave me great encouragement. Thanks Peter.
At mile 11 Anthony and Damian were there to cheer me on. It was great to see the familiar faces. After that though I hit my ‘wall’ I thought I would never make it to the half marathon mark. I was running at the right pace but I struggled to get from mile 12 to mile 15. I just felt tired and fed up and 26.2 seemed so far away.
When I got to mile 15 Orla Doogan was there to meet me with a hug and a bottle of water. This encouragement was great. When I got to mile 16 I don’t know what happened but I got a second wind and I enjoyed every bit of the 10.2 miles that followed!
From mile 16 onwards I was on the countdown and I knew I would finish it. I had to stop a couple of times and stretch my calves but apart from that I loved it!
The Local people were great and many of them stood outside their houses with sweets and oranges and they had music playing through speakers.
Anthony and Damian met me again at mile 18 and mile 25. At mile 25 they gave me a Donegal flag. I carried this flag for the final 1.2 miles of the race. It is impossible to explain what I felt at this point. The finish line was in sight and I knew I was going to reach it. I was crying for the last half mile with delight that I was going to finish it and also pride that I did not let down my county or all the people who voted for me. I was filled with satisfaction knowing that all the effort, hard work and sacrifices were worth it.
Just as I crossed the finish line I was greeted by Teresa McDaid who has helped me prepare for the marathon. I was delighted to meet her and share that moment with her.
I then went and got my well earned medal and I was jumping about the place with excitement!
The event was absolutely amazing and if I can go from couch to marathon in nine months so can anybody as I never ran or played any sport before 🙂
Thanks again to all the Donegal Daily fans who voted for me to represent county Donegal in the spartan challenge and al who send me cards and good luck messages.
Crossing that finish line is a moment I will never forget. All the time and effort was worth it for them few seconds.
All of the Spartans did great yesterday and I think we will all be wearing our medals for the week! The Spartans and I have become great friends and we will run many more races together.”
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