#DreamRunDublin18 project is a resounding success:
Dromore AC’s Wesley McDowell led nine #DreamRunDublin18 athletes home at this weekend’s Dublin City Marathon 2018 (Sunday 28th October 2018) with a 54 minute personal best of 2:45:38. Wesley, who ran a five minute negative split, was one of five of the group who broke the magical 3-hour barrier, with all nine starters clocking new personal bests.
This was the second year of the #DreamRunDublin project, an initiative by Olympic marathon runner Paul Pollock. This year athletes were able to make use of expert advice from Ramey Adams (Strength & Conditioning / Injury Prevention) and Dave Woods (Sports Phycology). Coach Paul Pollock provided athlete specific training plans ensuring that all of the group were in the best shape possible as they toed the line at the 39th annual running of the event, which attracted 20,000 competitors.
Wesley McDowell, Adam Ferguson, Michael Broadhead, Conor Hogarth, Peter Thompson, Peter Morrison, Liosa McKeown, Eamonn O’Reilly and Philip McBride all started the event. Unfortunately, following an excellent build up, Tracey Atkinson, was unable to compete due to injury.
Wesley’s aforementioned 54 minute improvement started what was an excellent day for the group. Adam Ferguson followed in 2:53:01, a 32 minute personal best for the 26.2 mile distance. Just over a minute later, Michael Broadhead and Conor Hogarth crossed the line just 22 seconds between each other – Michael clocked 2:54:12, an 18 minute personal best, with Conor running 2:54:34 for a 13 minute PB.
Peter Thompson, an athlete more associated with mountain terrain, dipped under the 3-hour mark with a 43 minute personal best of 2:59:39. Peter Morrison put the niggles from his training schedule behind him with an excellent race day outing – he ran 3:01:41, a 13 minute personal best. Likewise, Liosa McKeown had suffered from a niggle in the lead up to the event, but after a strong finish to her training programme, clocked an impressive personal best of 3:03:08, a 10 minute PB.
Eamonn O’Reilly joined his #DreamRunDublin18 team mates as the clocked reached 3:04:46, a 3 minute personal best. Philip McBride completed an excellent day for the group with a 48 minute PB, crossing the line in 3:10:14.
It was a memorable day for Coach Paul Pollock and the group, given that the groups personal bests before this event ranged from 3:07 to 3:59. On route to Dublin, out of 35 races completed by members of the group, 27 personal bests were recorded.
On closing the #DreamRunDublin18 project, Paul Pollock said:
“DreamRunDublin18 has come to an end but what an end! With a total of 35 races throughout the project and 27 pbs set, it is safe to say this year’s group have raised the bar! All 9 athletes running on Sunday set good pbs with 5 dipping under that magical 3 hour barrier.
Thanks to project co-founder Ryan Maxwell, from @ni_running, for all the help and his dedication to niathletics as a whole. Thanks to guest speakers, Ramey Adams (S+C coach) and David Woods (sport psychologist) – the group really benefited from your expertise.
Thanks to KBC Dublin Marathon for the help throughout the year and support of the group (not to mention putting on an excellent, well organised marathon). Finally, thanks to the 10 athletes involved for their hard work and effort, but also to their friends and family for allowing them the time to do the training.”
Looking ahead and towards the #DreamRunDublin19, Paul added…
“For those interested, applications for #DreamrunDublin19 will open in early April next year. Keep an eye out on nirunning.co.uk for details! If you don’t want to wait that long, I do have a few slots available for private coaching now that the marathon is over. Simply contact me through my website ppmarathon.com for details.”
