Guest Post: Dublin City Marathon Mile by Mile ...by Pat Walsh

 **DCM Mile By Mile ** 

Pure repost from 2019. Nothing has changed. correct me if I am wrong. Was asked for it. Maybe I will cycle it 😃 I will add more about THE DAY, last few hours and post race stuff.

Mile by Mile guide.. If it helps 😃  🏃♀️🏃♂️

Mile 1 the “Shuffle Mile”. Nervous smiles all round but we are on the way. Be careful of tripping in the crowds and don’t do too much weaving in and out. RELAX. Don’t worry if you lose a few seconds.

Mile 2 has a downhill from Christchurch to the river and pace can pick up. Try to stay easy.

Mile 3 slight uphill through Stoneybatter and careful of footing at first water stop. Lots of bottles on the road.

Mile 4 can get narrow as you enter the Phoenix Park, so just relax and settle.

Mile 5 to 7 through the Park. Slight uphill all the way but lots of room on the road to relax and take it all in. Now we are motoring. The race has started. Shake out the shoulders to relieve tension and get to the #HAPPYPLACE.

Mile 7 at Castleknock is the first of the WELCOME villages. Great crowds, atmosphere. Now you know you are in a Big City Marathon. Take it all in.

Mile 8 has a nice downhill back into the Park and will be quick enough. Don’t go MAD. #PWR 

Mile 9 -10 is back in the Park with a few up and downs but nothing serious. Relax before you head out to the crowds again. 

Mile 11 has the first decent uphill where you run under the Motorway after Chapelizod. Take it easy and it will be gone in a few minutes. Lose time if you have to but don't fight it. Better to be running later

Mile 12 to 16 is back in town with crowds and water stations. Settle yourself. Analyse how you feel and what pace is comfortable. Take in the day and the crowds. Big cheers as you go over the Canal. They do help and lift the spirits. Passing halfway have a smile. On the way home.

Mile 16 to 19. Lovely area through Kimmage, Terenure, Rathgar,. Fairly flat. Great crowds and buzz. Keep the legs turning you are on the way home. Make sure to keep drinking and fuelling. Vital time coming up.* 

Mile 19 to 22 is Make or Break. * 😍😱😍😱 #PWR

Mile 19 to 20 Downhill first half of 19 and relax as nice pull out of Milltown for 2nd half of this mile. Just get up it handy and don't force it.

Mile 20 to 21 nice gentle downhill into Clonskeagh but take it easy and use it to relax focus and draw breath. You have come a long way. We will get home.

Mile 21 to 22 is the toughie and just get up that hill at any pace but keep moving.

Mile 22 to 23 has a nice downhill on Fosters Avenue that you can use to get Heart Rate back on track and steady yourself for home

Mile 23 to 24 is reasonably flat except for climb at UCD flyover where you cross the Road

Mile 24 to HOME. turn the corner at Merrion Shopping Centre. Focus, dig in.. It is straight from here to finish line. No twists or turns, No ups or downs. So 1 foot in front of the other and dream of glory.

“Go on Bull, ‘tis your field” 🏆💪🥉

To sum up the hills to watch --- Mile 10.5 to 11; Mile 19.5 to 20; and 21.5 to 22

Hope this helps…!!

#PWR