1 PhD and 2 Marathons in next 8 months pretty please!!

MarieC

Cork has a half marathon, as does Achill and Donegal, Im sure there are another few happening also.
Hope ur own training is going well for you!

MarieC

Tue Feb 10th

Didnt get my long run done for last week so headed off this evening for a 15miler. Weather was crap initially but beautiful then - big fat moon, starry sky... Man was it cold for a finish tho! Took it easy so clocked the 15miles in 2:19:50 which works out at 9.23min/mile pace. Happyish with that, considering a bit of slowing for traffic and ITB trying to pop out of my leg. Stiff now.........

MarieC

Wed Feb 18th

Due to being away at the weekend I hadn't ran in a week! Went out last night for 4.2miles. Took it handy enough, and averaged just under 9min/mile pace (8.96 to be exact). Think I may have to wean myself not off running, but off Boards for a lil while, thats if I want to every finish this PhD........

MarieC

Thur Feb 19th
4.2miles again today. Got the pace down a little to 8.88min/mile so thats good. Just need a few more runs to get the body feeling fresh again.

ManFromAtlantis

good going. stick into the phd . in fact why not log time spent studying instead of running. and just pretend its running.
seriously tho good luck and as those lads from tipperary/limerick would say " knuckle down"

MarieC

Tue Feb24th

4.2miles at 8.81min/mile pace. Happy enough with that and felt like I was able give extra kick for last leg of it.

MarieC

Wed Feb 25th

Beautiful run this evening. 6miles long. Really felt like I gave it socks and was anxious to see what time was at end...thats when I realised I hadnt pressed start on my watch! Thats what I get for bringing the i-pod again! Still though, I felt my time was good and thats what matters to me. Beautiful crisp evening for a run. The daylight lasting longer is amazing and makes running through the dark winter almost worthwhile!

kingQuez

Hey MarieC, the real world is kicking my ass after my great escape from college and getting a 'real' job... I'm managing to keep up to date on boards.ie in the evenings but hardly ever take the time to post these days other than into my log. Looking at your miles on the 1000miles thread it looks like you're gettingin the miles and being pretty consistent with training, hope the PhD is all going well for you too and its not stressing you out too much. I'd blocked everything to do with mine from my head until I got a mail last week to let me know examiners have been selected and I'll be having a viva imminently
Anyway, glad to see you're sticking at it all!

MarieC

kingQuez wrote: »

Hey MarieC, the real world is kicking my ass after my great escape from college and getting a 'real' job... I'm managing to keep up to date on boards.ie in the evenings but hardly ever take the time to post these days other than into my log. Looking at your miles on the 1000miles thread it looks like you're gettingin the miles and being pretty consistent with training, hope the PhD is all going well for you too and its not stressing you out too much. I'd blocked everything to do with mine from my head until I got a mail last week to let me know examiners have been selected and I'll be having a viva imminently
Anyway, glad to see you're sticking at it all!

Cheers thanks for the words of encouragement KingQuez. Its definitely taxing at times trying to juggle it all. Hopefully will manage to keep everything progressing, cant afford to let anything slide.....

Let me know how the viva goes for you - scary scary stuff. I think I'll be needing valium when that day comes for me. :eek:

MarieC

Thur 26th Feb
O dear God worst idea ever! Was hungry before running so ate a granola bar and drank a bottle of water and ran within a minute of finishing it. was in bits for most of run but as for after it....not good. Stomach was churning. Worst thing was Id to go to dinner with friends afterwards. I thought in some twisted way that food would settle it but no, au contraire. We'll leave it at that. Think I ran it at 8.9min pace. Didnt care about pace this evening...

MarieC

Mon March 2nd

100crunches to work on the core (Its something I took up for lent)

6miles then last night, ran in honour of Colin Dunne. Beautiful evening for a run and gave it as much as I could the whole way around. Managed it in 51:09, 8.525min/mile pace. Very happy with that. Felt so lucky to be fit and healthy and able to enjoy running........

spaceylou

Keep up the good work MarieC - a phd and 2 marathons is a big ask in one year makes my aim of masters and 1 marathon seem much easier!! :rolleyes:

MarieC

Tue 3rd March

Oh woe is me! Just really wasn't in form for running in the dark and cold and rain last night so I hit the gym. Ran 3miles on treadmill at 7mph pace and the monotony of it nearly killed me. Pace was v.manageable which I was happy about considerring it was 8.5min/miles. But the enjoyment was non-existant. Boo hoo :mad: / /

MarieC

Tue March 10th
Well I took the advice of some Amadeus and MCOS and gave myself some breathing space from the running. Hadn't ran in a week. Thank God it was still bright and amazingly not raining when I ran this evening. I've realised that if running isn't fun for me there really is no point in doing it. As well as that, I have to make the PhD my # 1 focus so there will be runs missed. It aint the end of the world and I have to remember that.

Goal for between now and Connemara Half and Paris full is keep up the running. I know Im fit so just to keep it that way, as much mentally as physically. 3miles this evening after a week off in 26:27, which is 8.81min/mile pace so Im happy with that.

Run for fun, I have to keep reminding myself of that.

actwithoutwords

Hi. I'm also a PhDer running the half in Connemara. Thinking of doing a full one in Berlin maybe later in the year, though goodness knows when I'll finish this doctorate. On the one hand, the flexibility of PhD work is ideal for running. In another way, can make it difficult. If I do a long run early on a weekend morning/afternoon, there is virtually no chance I'll feel like doing any work afterwards. That said, the overall level of fitness I have now has given me a lot more energy to get stuff done than before.
Best of luck anyway, with both.

MCOS

How are you feeling now?! Best of luck in Conn btw

MarieC

Haven't even logged on here in weeks because have had to committ to studies big time. Did the Half yesterday. was a little nervous as haven't had a chance to train as much recently as Id like. I stupidly walked to the shop in shoes I hadnt worn in 7months on Friday. After a half hour I had 3 blisters on my feet - far from ideal!

So my goal was sub2hrs, even 1:59:59. I was going to focus on having a good positive frame of mind and hope for the best. ITB flared up within 4miles. Haven't had it flare up that early in a very very long time. Worked through it anyway. Was fine really until mile 10ish. That hill is tough tough tough. Then just after the 11mile mark, I found it v.tough from then on. Feet felt like they wanted to burst out throgh my shoes, toes were all v.sore. IT still little tight.

Crossed the line in 2:02:05 on my watch. All things considered I should be happy with that, just slightly disappointed as I wanted the sub 2. I know Im faster than a 9.3min/mile pace definitely.

So some advice people - Im running Paris full Sunday week. Should I be ok for a sub4? Im going to maybe get a session of physio between now and then, wear my DM08 runners for Paris, and never wear those God foresaken shoes again that gave me blisters! (cant believe I made such an amateur mistake).

Otherwise, Connemara was fantastic. Ron hill passed me out. What an unbelieavable legend. A runner wearing one "blade" prosthetic leg also passed me out. To be able compete yesterday in such amazing surrounding, and be alive and fit and healthy has to be appreciated also.

P.S - Buitoni pasta - savage!!!!

MarieC

MCOS wrote: »

How are you feeling now?! Best of luck in Conn btw

Hi MCOS, thanks for the thoughts. Feeling ok but haven't logged on here cos feel guilty that Im not training as much as I have in the past and it kills me seeing how much everyone is doing. I think PhD pressures have just over-ruled any running in the past week or two and if I want to finish it any time soon it has to stay like that. Practically speaking, I know running is great for energy levels etc but its so easy to get obsessed with it, and I need to be obsessed with PhD right now.

I must say I find the support and encouragement from people here unbelievably helpful. For me it really makes all the difference.
Hope your training is still progressing and you're on target for all your goals. Actually must check now to see how Plassey went for you..

ManFromAtlantis

well done. sounds like a tough few last hills/miles. was that part of teh main 26 mile course? was ron hill on his ownm or was there a gang along with him? good luck in paris hope u can go sub 4. if u havent check out compeed for blisters i found them good.

Bally8

Well done MarieC, fair play to you. It must be so tough with all the pressure from the PhD.

--amadeus--

Well done on finishing a tough race, the miles will stand to you in Paris. It might not feel like much now but as you say you know you are faster than a 2:02 HM so it's just a case of taking teh positives and moving on.

If it were me heading to Paris I would be treating it as a bit of fun - you don't want your ITB to flare up early and put you out and running a marathon on an injury could do a lot of damage in teh medium term. Paris is a *great* marathon, great support, scenic route, brilliant support stalls (cheese, fruit, wine, cider.. the french know how to run!). Enjoy it as teh fun it is and get competitive when you have some more letters after your name, IMO.

MCOS

Well done MarieC, some job fitting that in with the phD pressure. Congrats Yep, enjoy Paris for what it is...

MarieC

Tue 31st March

Aw man my training log was gone on to page-3!! Well as I've mentioned previously training hasn't been to plan but fingers crossed Im ok for Paris this weekend. Still not getting the time to run and the fact it is Rag Week means I dont feel safe running anywhere around here. It also means that for the week I should be getting sleep I will be getting very little (example is fire alarm going off for 70minutes last night due to houseparty downstairs). Nothing I can do about that, so gonna try to focus on positive mental attitude, healthy eating til then and keeping muscles ticking over. Sports massage booked for Thur morning. Went for lovely 1km swim this afternoon so will try and get a few more of those in this week.

As with DM08, I once again have a wedding to go to 2days before the marathon. Doesnt help as journey to Paris a slight bit longer than to Dub but sure what can you do. We get in to Beauvais at 3.20 so hopefully plenty time still to get to expo etc.

Im rambling so I'll stop.....

ManFromAtlantis

how?/did? paris go?

kennyb3

ManFromAtlantis wrote: »

how?/did? paris go?

see weekend roll call on main forum

MarieC

Hi lads,
Thanks for asking bout Paris. Yeah I'v posted over on the "Roll call for weekend" thread. The race was tough. There were tunnels which Id rather not go through again but all in all still enjoyed the day.

Nursing a cold, coldsore, blisters and sick stomach after it but sure tis all worth it! Now just the frikkin PhD to get off this list!

MCOS

Sounds like you are run down MarieC, take it easy. A few days off and focus on the 'frikkin phD' Good stuff on the Marathon, I know you didn't hit your intended goal but the experience will stand to you. Maybe I'll hook up with you for a run during the summer

ManFromAtlantis

mariec. u mentioned on some other post about teh clare 10km.
can u tell me whats it like.
is it a properly measured course? numbers? hill/flat? general thoughts. thanks im looking to run a 10km sometime around end of june ! thanks

MarieC

ManFromAtlantis wrote: »

mariec. u mentioned on some other post about teh clare 10km.
can u tell me whats it like.
is it a properly measured course? numbers? hill/flat? general thoughts. thanks im looking to run a 10km sometime around end of june ! thanks

Hi manfromatlantis

Im from Clare so Im slightly biased on this one. The run is only 4yrs old this year but is growing every year. It starts on a pitch and the exit out from this is a little rocky and grassy but once out you are on the road and off you go. It goes through a small bit of the town, traffic is only closed off in the direction of the run so cars will still be coming against you. I wouldnt count it as a hilly run at all really, none that stand out in my mind. In the last mile or two the roads get quite narrow but the race includes a lot of fun runners so if you are doing any decent speed Id say you'd be ok and not slowed down.

Numbers? I think around 1200 last year if I remember correctly.
Hills? None of significance.
water station - half way mark, water in cups.
measured - as far as Im aware yes it is a properly measured course. I know alot of reputable local athletes take part in it so it isn't completely amateur.

Hope this is of help to you. Remember though I am biased

G'wan the Banner!

McConkey

Hi MarieC,
I didn't realise you were a Banner exile like myself ....when is the 10 k on, I might look into it, is this the one that starts in Lee's road?

MarieC

Id promised myself that I wouldn't let the PhD rule everything but I cant see how it isn't possibel for that to happen. Fair enough I was sick last week after PM and still have sore throat, stuffy nose but getting no exercise these days. Aside from teh time factor, all my mental energy is going on the PhD now. So here I am in college after a pre-packed sandwich for dinner and while the work is getting done, I hate not exercising but I just cant affor to give away any mental energy at the moment.............. ay ay ay!! there's no winning!

Working towards a deadline for tomorrow so Im hoping some things can get back on track next week. Tsskkk

MarieC

Sunday April 19th

4miles (approx) along the beach at portmarnock at 9min/mile pace. Nice to get out and it was a beautiful day for it.

shels4ever

MarieC wrote: »

Sunday April 19th

4miles (approx) along the beach at portmarnock at 9min/mile pace. Nice to get out and it was a beautiful day for it.

Great spot to run, have run lots of miles along that beach in my day .

buck65

ManFromAtlantis wrote: »

mariec. u mentioned on some other post about teh clare 10km.
can u tell me whats it like.
is it a properly measured course? numbers? hill/flat? general thoughts. thanks im looking to run a 10km sometime around end of june ! thanks

Getting bigger every year. It is a certified course and does attract a few good runners. Actually marathon legend Steve Jones ran last year!
http://www.clare10k.com/
Seamus Power won it last year and his other half won the ladies (Emer Martin I think)

MarieC

Tue April 21st

A lovely 2.5mile run along by the river in UL. After 4 or 5hrs of PhD induced tears it was a welcome relief.

MarieC

Tue 28th April
Headed for a 3miler this morning but hadn't done that route in a long time and its actually 4 and a bit miles (map my run says 4.38miles). managed it in 37:17 which is sub 9min/mile so happy with that as not been training regularly recently.

ManFromAtlantis

u doing dcm09? maybe u need to get paris out of your system. ps clare 10km is my target for a pb in that race distance. hope its all down hill...;)

MarieC

ManFromAtlantis wrote: »

u doing dcm09? maybe u need to get paris out of your system. ps clare 10km is my target for a pb in that race distance. hope its all down hill...;)

I dont think I should do DM09. Its the PhD I need to get out of my system so shorter distances for me over the next while. Im going to try and do some decent training now for Clare, I really enjoy that run.

Are you doing it? Whats your PB target for Clare?

ManFromAtlantis

pb a ce moment pb 10km 49:30. but i know ive been goin well in training recently so i reckon i'd be about 47 min today?? soooooooooo by end of june all going well would love to break 45 mins.(or maybe 44 ssshh !) how bout you. pb?

MarieC

ManFromAtlantis wrote: »

soooooooooo by end of june all going well would love to break 45 mins.(or maybe 44 ssshh !) how bout you. pb?

For me I have never come close to a sub 50 for a 10k so that would be my goal. Dont know if I can do it in June but we will see. Something to aim for and work towards anyway.

MarieC

Wed April 29th

Im confused.....I have only been running about once a week for the last month or so. Went for my longest run since the marathon on Tuesday and repeated it yesterday. Its only 4.3miles. On Tue I did it in 37:17 and yesterday I managed it in 35:38. That is 8.67 and 8.48min/mile pace.....I dont feel like Im killing myself at all on the runs but these times are the best I've done in a good while but I dont quite understand how...........

kennyb3

Racing Flats guide to your best marathon, thread started by amadeus explains that this is often the case - you do some very good times 5 to 6 weeks post marathon.

it makes sense to me - you ve done serious mileage and are much fitter having done one and now you ve had a break your fresh also. fit and fresh = good times

MarieC

Sun May 3rd

40ish min run in Phoenix park. Boyfriend picked the route and all that was missing was Rocky theme music in the background! Tough route but a great workout. Only thing that hurted during was my stomach. The nausea and cramps came after....... Im guessing the route was approx 4.5miles.

MarieC

Wed 6th May

Lovely 3miler last night. the rain had stopped and every where smelt lovely and fresh. Felt brilliant running, some of my other runs take more effort but felt like I was really running and powering it. Forgot to bring my watch but sure how bad, twas lovely and thats where my priority is at the moment!

MarieC

Tue May 12th

Lovely 6.46 miles by the river in UL. Took me 56:05 which I was v.happy with. It works out at 8.68min/mile. Considering I was taking it handy and stomach had been in bits the day previously, and Im only getting to run once a week its not too bad

MCOS

MarieC wrote: »

Tue May 12th

Lovely 6.46 miles by the river in UL. Took me 56:05 which I was v.happy with. It works out at 8.68min/mile. Considering I was taking it handy and stomach had been in bits the day previously, and Im only getting to run once a week its not too bad

Would have loved to do that run yesterday evening but I was stuck in College all night boooo. Hows the PhD coming along?

MarieC

MCOS wrote: »

Hows the PhD coming along?

Hi MCOS, well done on your first Triathlon by the way! Very impressive!

PhD is causing me serious grief, anxiety, stress and anything else you feel like throwing in there. Think I've a stomach ulcer actually...waiting on an endoscope and ultrasound.

PhD's are not fun...................:(

MarieC

Wed May 13th

3miles on campus. Felt good and was all fired up so was hoping for 25:30 or there about but came in at 26:46. I dont understand that as felt Id pushed myself more than the day before but that pace was .26min/mile faster ... Still it was a good run and 3miles is still 3miles.

MarieC

Thur 14th May

3miles handy as was feeling a little flopsy. Nice run all the same. Twas nice rain to run in if that makes sense

MarieC

16th May Saturday
Lovely 6miler by the river. It was like a scene from rocky with the rain and the muck so felt v.exhilerated afterwards! Took approx 52:40, 8.78min/mile. Not too shabby