“Sorry I can’t I have training?”

focussed and determined!

Despite my best efforts to make my blog updating more regular, it appears I have failed miserably. I am happy to say however that I have been concentrating my efforts in the real world for the past number of months.

Thanks to the sterling efforts of Emily (my PR person) I have done a few more interviews on radio. I also recently appeared on a TV show called Ireland AM on TV3. It is the biggest breakfast TV show here in Ireland so it was a great opportunity to promote my sponsors, my charity and to tell people a little more about my “life changing experience”.

I have started to refer to it as “life changing” as it has already changed my life in some many aspects both positively and negatively in the short term. Unfortunately taking on a challenge like this requires a lot of time and dedication and as such my time is at a premium. If I am not on the hunt for sponsors I am training or trying to raise money for my charity.  The downside of this is that I have less and less time for friends and family. I know many of my close friends understand the reasons for this but I can help but feel they get somewhat annoyed with me saying “sorry I can’t I have training”. So a big “thank you”, to all of them for their continued support. I am trying to make more time for people but my big downfall is I try to do everything with everyone and end up letting people down last minute. Something I am conscious of and working hard to change.

On top of my media appearances I have been busy still searching for key sponsors. I am hopeful I should get to where I need to be soon but I can’t help but worry about it. It is a key requirement for making all of this happen. I must admit I do wake up worrying about it at night time. I start to think, “God what if I don’t get to where I need to be on the money side”, “I have told some many people” and “they have all been so supportive”. But then I give myself a little slap of positivity albeit tempered with a sharp dose of reality.  I will get there but I really need Irish companies to support my record breaking challenge.  It is a great opportunity for any brand to be associated with an Irish success story internationally. I have already received so much interest from the media that it is sure to offer a great return on investment for all my sponsors. (Sales pitch over) lol.

Oh by the way I just ran the New York marathon! Not sure if I mentioned it. I can safely say it was the single greatest accomplishment of my life to date while also being the toughest and most exhilarating. I have never experienced such positivity as I did during the marathon. Running through the five boroughs of New York and hearing so much cheering and words of encouragement on route made it incredibly special. I have never been involved or attended any sporting event where every single participant and spectator wants you to do well and finish. Truly inspiring!

As for the race itself, it was a very tough day. I had not done a marathon training program the way most people had. I had been running once a week as part of my rowing training so running 26.2 miles was a real challenge on my legs. I had hoped to do it anywhere between 4 and 4.5 hours unfortunately the queens borough bridge had other ideas. At mile 14 I arrived and what can only be described as the toughest 3 mile section I have ever ran. Running uphill over the bridge really “zapped” my legs and slowed me down quite a bit. I also felt my groin starting to hurt as if I was about to tear it.  I was so afraid of pushing so afraid of pushing too hard and then not been able to finish that I decided it was damage limitation at that point and that I just needed to get to the finish without doing any long term damage to myself.  I am happy to say I made it, crossing the line in a time of 4hours 54 minutes. (A time which I am determined to beat after my row)

Having crossed the line the sense of achievement was almost emotional and I for the first time ever realised the appeal of running marathons. My reaction was not, “never again” as I thought it would be but “when can I do this again?”  I wonder however if any marathon in the world could match the New York one in terms of sheer atmosphere? So maybe I need to run a few around the world?

But first things first I need to row an Ocean, I need to find sponsors and I need to step up my rowing training….6 months to go!!!!

P.S Did I ever tell you about the time I ran the New York marathon! :-)

Keith on TV3′s Ireland AM

Keith on the Ireland AM couch with Mark

Keith was interviewed on Ireland AM this morning, ahead of his dash through New York!

You can watch the interview here