I’ve been with this great club now for nearly 3 years. Although I’ve been injured and doing new baby stuff for most of this year my heart is very much on the track and with you all. The reason for this post is, today I was inspired. I saw something from individuals that simply personified sacrifice and team playing in all its glory
Taking on a marathon is a big ask and there is a lot involved to ensure you are fit and ready on the start line. However there is another side that people often forget which is the support and the complexities which surround that.
We have 3 beautiful men in our club in Paul Gannon, Alan McKernan and Kevin Clancy who had their club mates as well as loved ones engaging in the task of completing the 26 miles. Alan had Mick and His Believers, Paul, his other half Clodagh and Kevin, his wife Jennifer.
Some may think it’s just a matter of turning up and clapping and shouting but no- there is so much more to this.
Voice- There is the vocal training to ensure the voice remains intact for the marathon duration. For this the lads required several trips to the watering holes of Dunboyne to test their tonsils against several beers and more severe alcoholic shots. Why? For love. Love of their people and love of running. Additionally they had a 4 strepsils per day plan, two sips of TCP as well as vocal training. Indeed the lads could be seen sauntering around their kitchen in their boxer shorts (Leopard skin G-string for Kevin) chanting ” La la la la la la la” in order to get their vocals to peak performance.
Food- This is where the real planning comes into play. The lads got together realising they would be on the road from 7/8am and would be supporting until early afternoon. They also stood up, faced each other and admitted individually that they were all ‘hungry savages’ who liked their food and had life aspirations to remain belly full. After a huddle, and a cuddle followed by an emotional teary puddle, they set a plan in motion.
They had planned to be in situ for post 9am. It was evident they would need ‘A man pack’ which some may say is a macho term for a picnic. Also carb loading would be required. This is a long time to be standing and was not to be taken lightly so a 32 day carb loading plan was initiated. There would be little time on the day for a desired McDonalds/ KFC or Burker King or all 3 as Ex-Coach Gannon suggested. A structured food plan to ensure there would be no hitting the wall would be required. A decision was made for a strategy of 1 hour incremental nutritional intakes with every 3 hours being a triple volume food supply; the idea being to fuel large to ensure no depletion so they would remain strong for their people. This needed to be right. If got wrong it could result in loss of focus, eye sight or having to leave the marathon line to hit the Spar for a chicken wrap, hot chicken, lettuce onion- no cheese for Alan – extra for Paul and some dried tomatoes for Kevin. This could be a catastrophe as they could easily miss a runner. This highlights the significance of their task. They knew hitting the wall would let people down so they ate and ate and gorged some more.
Fitness- Alan had set out a 2 stop strategy consisting of The Park and the finish, Paul a 1 stop strategy but Kevin had set an aggressive target of a 4 stop strategy. How? Simple- this required fitness, training and army like logistical planning. The lads set about a 22 week plan consisting of a minimum 5 day training, 1 day core and 1 day cross dressing- sorry cross training day. They needed to be in peak condition to hit the time line targets set as they moved from one position to another. Unreal I know and if you are shedding a tear- embrace it. I did. I have not cried this much since Cork got electricity 5 years ago and I’ve had 2 children since. Hi Cormac- Hi Ciara. Kevin was seen parked up at 8:30 in Chapelizod before hiking through the streets, roads and woods with his man- pack on his back which led him to his first vantage point in the park. It was like a scene from Rambo without the muscles and the head band.
Heat & Health – Whereas the runner could keep moving and maintain heat, these poor lads were standing still for hours. On their feet for over 5 hours getting cold and wet in order to cheer and chant their loved ones. At one stage it was looking as if Kevin may lose a toe but he wriggled and wriggled until the blood got flowing again. He could have walked, gone into the Londis near the finish line but no- He stood, wriggled and chanted hiding the pain from all. This is the stuff of legends. They risked runny nostrils, sneezy weezy’s and red noses for this club- for their club.
Clapping- I think it’s fair and honest to say that these 3 lads have not done a hard day’s work in their lives. According to Alan’s wife Nicola, if he moves the brush out of the way to get the biscuits he gets a hand blister. The other 2 are very similar so for them to sustain clapping for hour after hour was always going to be tough. Initially they thought that a hand to chest clap strategy may be more appropriate as they could switch hands thus giving one a rest. But no- If they were to do this they needed to clap. Clap and clap again. Paul went to The Ploughing Championship and purchased 10 litres of hand cream. It was important for them to sustain their soft gentle hands whilst proving the clapping support required. This was going to be tough. These lads are used to warm offices and hand massages as well as man-manicures, so to take on this clapping strategy is nothing short of heroism. Heroism that ‘Maximus Decimus Meridius’ himself in the Gladiators arena would struggle to match. Will their hands ever be the same again- who knows but let’s hope and pray that their sacrifice is not permanent. We pray for you lads.
These 3 heroes as I’d like to call them deserve great recognition for what they have done. To plan ahead for the benefit of the club is nothing short of inspirational. Their self-sacrifice, determination and desire to succeed is momentous and nothing short of heroism at its peak.
I don’t use the word hero much, as in modern times it’s over used and undervalued but it’s obvious to say we have 3 heroes here. Our 3 heroes that our wonderful club humbly possesses.
They won’t want thanks, praise or acknowledgment. That’s just who they are. Who they are- are men. Men of the club. If King Arthur had a modern day round table they would be there. He had his Excalibur but they had their ‘man packs’. If Alexander had an army they would be at its helm. These are our club Apostles but there no Judases amongst them. They are all Peters but there’s no denying their dedication. They are true men of the club- men of the people. They won’t turn water to wine but will turn a dull day to a bright one. My world illuminates for knowing these Men- we salute you. I am so happy, proud and privileged to call you all my running colleagues, friends and am simply humbled by your existence.
Thank you all for being you.
Donal Cashin
Beechdale
