Rotterdam Marathon 2010

Krusty_Clown

KentuckyPete wrote: »

Agreed but according to Pfitzinger very few people can run negative splits like that. Uncle Pete reckons this applies at all levels of ability - he says even Gebrsellassie had a positive split for his world record. I reckon I'd have to budget for a crap mile or two at the end. I'm putting a lot of faith in that book for a number of aspects to the training / preparation / tactics so I should probably stay consistent. In my one and only marathon to date I had a fairly hefty +15 (yikes) split at DCM '09

I reckon you should aspire to run a negative split, even if it doesn't actually happen on the day. Planning to slow down due to tiredness over the last few miles is one sure fire way of making sure that it happens!

I've followed that program twice (12 week/55 mile), with great results (and negative splits on both occasions). Good luck.

Moycullen1

Oops, silly me. One of these days I'll learn to engage my grey matter before I open my mouth. Can you imagine the face on a receptionist in Rotterdam if you strolled up to him or her on the Saturday before the marathon sporting marathon merchandise from a previous outing only to ask for directions to a 'nice coffee shop'.

Yes...I can imagine the response.

KentuckyPete

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I reckon you should aspire to run a negative split, even if it doesn't actually happen on the day. Planning to slow down due to tiredness over the last few miles is one sure fire way of making sure that it happens!

I've followed that program twice (12 week/55 mile), with great results (and negative splits on both occasions). Good luck.

Cheers Krusty - agree on the ambition - just need to deal with the oul' pessimistic side

Well done on Barcelona - a model set of splits to back up your argument too. Inspration to all us Rotterdamers for sure

JAM3114

Hi - does anyone know what isotonic drinks are offered on the Rotterdam Marathon course?
I've been training with Lucozade sport & was wondering if it can be bought in Rotterdam as I doubt the airline will allow me to bring a bottle in my carry on luggage (assuming liquid restrictions still apply:rolleyes:)

village runner

JAM3114 wrote: »

Hi - does anyone know what isotonic drinks are offered on the Rotterdam Marathon course?
I've been training with Lucozade sport & was wondering if it can be bought in Rotterdam as I doubt the airline will allow me to bring a bottle in my carry on luggage (assuming liquid restrictions still apply:rolleyes:)

Think its extran(watered down muck)
Why not get the powdered luc sport and make your own over there. Have one in your hand for the first 10km.

pug_

My sister got back to me today, so here's what she had to say...

Ok I have had a think and a walk around town to refresh my memory..
Hopefully this will be helpful, if someone wants info on a place they have looked up then just let me know.

Italian Restaurants..

Ok my favourite Italian is a little off the beaten track, it is small but very busy so you have to book to get a table Due Tonino, Goudsesingel 67, http://www.duetonino.nl/ Tel: (010) 433 10 63



Other Italian’s

Napoli, Meent 81a Tel: (010) 414 84 67, This is nice and central http://www.restaurant-napoli.nl/

Pavarotti, Korte Lijnbaan 9, Tel (010) 404 57 98, this place does good food but it is cheap and cheerful – no luxury here.

Oliva, Witte de Withstraat 15a, (010) 412 14 13 http://www.restaurantoliva.nl/joomla/ this place is a bit pricy but I have been told it is good



There are plenty of others, and they will all be busy the night before the marathon, check out http://www.iens.nl/restaurant/rotterdam/italiaans?a=*Centrum for a pretty good list..



As for bar:

I know visiting from Ireland a lot of people do not like to go to an Irish pub but it is the one I would recommend for atmosphere and fun, it is also very central, Paddy Murphy’s, Rodezand 15 check out http://www.paddymurphys.nl/, be warned though they do charge €2.50 after 9.30 on Friday and Saturday night for the band.



If you want to go to somewhere a bit less busy where you can have a chat then Furore, Jonker Fransstraat 237 http://www.restaurantfurore.nl/index2.php is a nice place – they also do nice food.



Something in between the 2 above would be

Stalles, Nieuwe Binnenweg 11a, http://www.cafestalles.nl/index2.php

Rotown, Nieuwe Binnenweg 17-19, http://www.rotown.nl/index.php



As for Café:

Anywhere in Stadhuisplein would do, it is central and there is plenty of choice, though be warned these cafes turn into crappy night clubs after midnight..

On a sunny day Furore (mentioned above) is also really nice



And finally other places to eat which are not Italian (for anyone staying after and has had enough pasts).

Bazar, Witte de Withstraat 16, +31-(0)10-2065151 http://www.bazarrotterdam.com/

Idols, Coolsingel 103, http://www.wokrotterdam.nl/

Little V, Grotekerkplein 109, (010) 413 11 91 http://www.littlev.nl/contact.php

Sakura, Aert van Nesstraat 4, (010) 280 01 71 http://www.sakura-restaurant.nl/



D

Moycullen1

Pug, please convey my thanks to your sister. She obviously put a lot of effort into compiling all that info. It might sound eager but I just booked one of the Italians she recommenced cause I know from experience that the good Italians get booked up well in advance. In relation to the possible get together on Saturday afternoon I spotted a cafe on Google Earth which appears to be close to the entrance of the Expo.
It might be worth adding to the list of possibilities as it looks nice and spacious. There seems to be some formal parts and some more casual areas including an outside seating area.
http://staalrotterdam.dcportal.nl/Staal/Algemeneimpressieclip/tabid/402/Default.aspx

KentuckyPete

Moycullen1 wrote: »

Pug, please convey my thanks to your sister. She obviously put a lot of effort into compiling all that info. It might sound eager but I just booked one of the Italians she recommenced cause I know from experience that the good Italians get booked up well in advance. In relation to the possible get together on Saturday afternoon I spotted a cafe on Google Earth which appears to be close to the entrance of the Expo.
It might be worth adding to the list of possibilities as it looks nice and spacious. There seems to be some formal parts and some more casual areas including an outside seating area.
http://staalrotterdam.dcportal.nl/Staal/Algemeneimpressieclip/tabid/402/Default.aspx

Pug - mucho thanks to your sister - nice one

Folks, should we book a table for a few of us or is that getting too organised?

KentuckyPete

Does anyone know if there are pacers in the race? If so, for what times?

I'm having major hassle getting set at my pmp (if I focus I run too fast and if I chill I run too slow) and would really benefit from running with a pacer.

pug_

No problems, she's since read through the thread and mailed me a few other bits of information. I've asked here to come on here herself in case anyone has questions, but she doesn't seem that interested. Here's the latest anyway

I see the question on coffee ships in Rotterdam as well
There are plenty in Rotterdam, though not at tourist friendly as Amsterdam, most are dark and dingy, there is one with windows so it less dingy which is behind the Napoli Restaurant I mentioned, can't remember what it is called.

I think they have answered their own questions on the coffee shop..
For the person who wants

Tickets for Band of Horses

Seems you have to buy a ticket on line then exchange it for a wrist band in Schouwburgplein, the band are playing in a festival which is happening over the weekend. The photo is a picture of the queue of people who were getting their wrist bands last year. The venue for the music is Watt, this is a good music venue http://www.watt-rotterdam.nl but seems the festival is on there the Friday and Saturday night before the marathon so you have to get festival tickets..

Seems the festival includes things like a tour of Rotterdam if people are looking for something to do over the weekend.. http://www.motelmozaique.nl/english/

The part in Dutch about the tickets on the link.

At the festival you have to exchange your tickets for a wristband which gives you entrance to all festivalvenues. But please remember: We are a festival and not all visitors fit in just one venue, so if you definitely don’t wanna miss out on a specific show make sure to be there on time! Swapping your ticket for a wristband can/must be done at the Schouwburgplein (right in front festivallocation the Rotterdamse Schouwburg), on Friday from 17.00h till 00.00h for Fridaytickets, 2-daytickets and sleepingtickets for Friday. On Saturday from 17.00h till 00.00h for Saturdaytickets and sleepingtickets for Saturday.

pug_

Forgot to say I too would be interested in hearing about pacers at the race, I'm currently hoping to finish in or around the 4 hour mark.

Actually I may as well ask a question in case anyone more experienced might be able to give advise. I'm kind of wondering If I should consider going that bit faster? In training on my lsr's I generally have a pace anywhere between 8.30 and 9.30 depending on whether I'm paying attention or not. I did a 19 mile lsr 2 weeks ago and I did a fair chunk of it faster than a 9 minute mile, I felt fine afterwards no real aches or pains anywhere. My normal running pace is around the 8-8.15 minute mile, but I'm slowly getting below the 8 minute mile mark for periods of time as the weeks go on. I'm still a bit or a noob at marathons so I'm finding it hard to figure out what I'm capable of. I want to get the most out of myself but I'm worried if I set off too fast that I'll knacker myself out before the end. Then again I also don't want to get to the end and think I could have done a whole lot better if I put a bit more effort in.

Roddy23

Disaster!!

Damaged ligaments in my back about 4 weeks ago. Immediately checked in with a physio when it happened, and over the course of the last 4 weeks, have been unable to train. I had been up to 14.5miles on the long run, and had been preparing to get a 16mile run in the following day. As it was my first Marathon I had been looking forward to it, so when I did injure myself I knew my race was in jeopardy. I have been out a few times since Wednesday but nothing over 4miles, as my back is slowly regaining it's strength. From talking to my physio it was obvious very early on, that the race was over for me, and he told me to concentrate on shorter races over the next while instead.

So I just want to wish everyone else the best of luck, and hopefully my injury will be the last for everyone wishing to run on April 11th.

I will be heading over regardless, but still haven't decided if I'll spectate the race as I know I'll be fairly depressed, but instead I might just take a trip to one of the coffee shops that were talked about on a previous page.

Moycullen1

pug_ wrote: »

Actually I may as well ask a question in case anyone more experienced might be able to give advise. I'm kind of wondering If I should consider going that bit faster? In training on my lsr's I generally have a pace anywhere between 8.30 and 9.30 depending on whether I'm paying attention or not. I did a 19 mile lsr 2 weeks ago and I did a fair chunk of it faster than a 9 minute mile, I felt fine afterwards no real aches or pains anywhere. My normal running pace is around the 8-8.15 minute mile, but I'm slowly getting below the 8 minute mile mark for periods of time as the weeks go on. I'm still a bit or a noob at marathons so I'm finding it hard to figure out what I'm capable of. I want to get the most out of myself but I'm worried if I set off too fast that I'll knacker myself out before the end. Then again I also don't want to get to the end and think I could have done a whole lot better if I put a bit more effort in.

Pug, Although I wouldn't consider myself particularly experienced and I have no coaching experience I have done over three thousand miles over the last four years between 8 and 9 minute/mile pace so we might be quite similar in terms of form.

Firstly have you done any short distance races over the last couple of months as they are a great way of gauging form assuming that you have the long runs done for stamina. Do you do much speed work such as 4 by 1 mile sessions etc. What is your marathon PB by the way.
For my second best marathon(3:44) which happened to be my second marathon I did one 20 two 17 and two 15 mile LSR's. My pace for the 20 was over 9:20 but I remember being able to run 6 or 7 mile runs at 7:45 with a good push.

I have a theory that for the 3:45 to 4hr marathon range you need to be able to do 6 or 7 mile runs at about 40 or 45 seconds faster than you goal pace at a steady/purposeful pace but not at a 10k race pace. Although in saying that if you look at the mcmillan running calculator for a 3:45 Marathon (8:30 m/m based on 26.5miles) the 10k pace is 7:42 pace and the 10mile pace is 8:02. From what you said it doesn't sound like you are a million miles away from this level but as I said take what I say with a pinch of salt as even though I have eight marathons done I would still consider myself a complete novice in comparison to some of the members on boards.

Even though I wouldn't like you to jeopardise your run in Rotterdam I wonder if you should work out a 3:50 pace schedule to see what you think. On the day you will know after a couple of miles whether it feels right or not. If you adopt the three thirds approach hopefully you wont go far wrong, ie you should feel like you are holding yourself back for the first third, then running at a steady but comfortable pace for the second third and so being able to take the strain of the final third without a significant drop in pace. By the way just to explain this strategy it doesn't mean you run three different paces but rather you try and pick a pace that you can more or less maintain throughout.

Moycullen1

Extract from website:

PacersThe Runner's World Pacing Team will be active again during the 30th edition of the Fortis Marathon Rotterdam. These experienced runners will help you to achieve the finish time you are aiming for. They set the pace and give you advice during the race. They are clearly recognizable and are classified based upon aspired finish times. Click here for more information and registration.

The link doesn't give much info but it would appear that there are pacers from 3:15 to 4:30 inc at 15 minute intervals

Update: the above info is from the English website whereas the info below is from the translated Dutch version:

Pacing Team
In cooperation with the Fortis Rotterdam Marathon, the Runner's World Pacing Team for this years runners to be present at their desired time dream hares.

What is Runner's World Pacing Team?
Participants in the Runner's World Team Pacing walk behind pacers (organizers) to. The pacers are experienced and ultra-marathon runners who are able to schedule a walk as flat as possible. To you through the difficult moments dragging, they have occasionally fall back into the group for your courage to speak. They are not only capable of a tight and steady pace to run, but you can also move with tips and advice invaluable.

The participants are divided in groups planned target times. Each group to run the marathon along two pacers. They are clearly identifiable by a uniform and a balloon. The color of the balloon shows what time they run. This time is also printed on the balloon. Your participation in the Runner's World Pacing Team are - beyond the usual fees for the event itself - no extra cost.

The target times in the marathon are:
3.15, 3.30, 3.45, 4.00, 4.15 and 4.30 hours

pug_

Moycullen1 wrote: »

Pug, Although I wouldn't consider myself particularly experienced and I have no coaching experience I have done over three thousand miles over the last four years between 8 and 9 minute/mile pace so we might be quite similar in terms of form.

Firstly have you done any short distance races over the last couple of months as they are a great way of gauging form assuming that you have the long runs done for stamina. Do you do much speed work such as 4 by 1 mile sessions etc. What is your marathon PB by the way.
For my second best marathon(3:44) which happened to be my second marathon I did one 20 two 17 and two 15 mile LSR's. My pace for the 20 was over 9:20 but I remember being able to run 6 or 7 mile runs at 7:45 with a good push.

I have a theory that for the 3:45 to 4hr marathon range you need to be able to do 6 or 7 mile runs at about 40 or 45 seconds faster than you goal pace at a steady/purposeful pace but not at a 10k race pace. Although in saying that if you look at the mcmillan running calculator for a 3:45 Marathon (8:30 m/m based on 26.5miles) the 10k pace is 7:42 pace and the 10mile pace is 8:02. From what you said it doesn't sound like you are a million miles away from this level but as I said take what I say with a pinch of salt as even though I have eight marathons done I would still consider myself a complete novice in comparison to some of the members on boards.

Even though I wouldn't like you to jeopardise your run in Rotterdam I wonder if you should work out a 3:50 pace schedule to see what you think. On the day you will know after a couple of miles whether it feels right or not. If you adopt the three thirds approach hopefully you wont go far wrong, ie you should feel like you are holding yourself back for the first third, then running at a steady but comfortable pace for the second third and so being able to take the strain of the final third without a significant drop in pace. By the way just to explain this strategy it doesn't mean you run three different paces but rather you try and pick a pace that you can more or less maintain throughout.

Thanks for the reply Moycullen. No I haven't done any races since before Christmas I've been concentrating on training for this marathon. I do zero speed work, I think I'm pretty poor at training in general tbh. I put in the miles all right, but other than the lsr I generally just keep trotting along at the same pace which is a little bit below what I could probably do if I were in race mode. Speed work is the one thing I want to concentrate on when Rotterdam is over (or maybe after Cork).

I like that three third approach idea, it kind of makes sense, and based on what you said around times I think you might be right about my times being close to 3.45, but they're also close to 4 hours. What I might do is start off with an initial pace aiming for the 4 hours, and if after a third or so I feel like I'm holding back speed up a little and see how it goes. It may not be the fastest I'm capable of I don't know, but I suppose there are plenty of other races out there for figuring that side of things out

robinph

I'm surprised at how badly the Dutch seem to be translating to English from their website, or was that Google in which case the translations seems about right. I'd seemed to have forgotten about them having any pacers, or had just forgotten, but I'm actually quite liking that 3:15 is the fastest group. I'll stick with them at the start I think and then see if I can, hopefully, leave them behind later on rather than the other way round. If there had been a 3hr groups I'd have been in a dilemna and would have probably planned to go chasing off after them wich would not be a good thing.

Moycullen1

robinph wrote: »

I'm surprised at how badly the Dutch seem to be translating to English from their website, or was that Google in which case the translations seems about right.

Should have mentioned it was a Google translation. Computer a only mess could a have such made!!

Pug, when I started running I ran what I could, when I could without following any kind of a structured program apart from the long runs which I took from a 4:15 program. For my third marathon I used the Runners World 3:45 program from the attached list. The one component I got most benefit from was the Tuesday speed session. The difference from just adding in one speed session a week was incredible. If you could even manage three or four sessions between Rotterdam and Cork I reckon you will find the improvement staggering. It will really improve your general strength as well as things like your VO2 max and your lactate threshold(apparently). The good thing about these programs is that they give you guide times for the sessions.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/racing/virgin-london-marathon-schedules-for-your-garmin/2477.html

pug_

Thanks again Moycullen, I think I'll give that a go. I have a forerunner 405 and I didn't even know you could download programs onto it! This is a bit of a revelation to me I have to say so I'm really looking forward to trying it out now

KentuckyPete

That's great news about the pacers. Now, if only I could get rid of this killer cold - 9 days on the go now and getting worse not better. I dunno what to do.

Pug, a combination of Moycullen's advice and use of a pacer group should take you to that faster time.

robinph

I can usually find a wildly inaccurate long term weather forecast for Glastonbury months in advance, they generally just say rain though. But the best I've been able to find so far for Rotterdam is a 15 day forecast, which doesn't quite take us up to the day:

15 day forecast

They seem to be expecting a lot of rain between now and the beginning of the week we're interested in, so maybe there is hope that it will have changed for something more pleasant by that weekend. I've put in my request to the weather gods for a mostly clear day, with a few clouds passing over at points dropping some very light drizzle on us, probably from about 15miles on but clearing up to make for a lovely sunny moment when we cross the finish line. Most important though is no wind.

Will have to see what they come up with for us.

Krusty_Clown

After watching weather forecasts on accuweather (hitting F5 every 20 seconds!) for the 20 days leading up to Barcelona marathon, I can verify that predictions have absolutely no connection with reality, until approximately 48 hours before the race. Fingers crossed you get the same conditions we did, which were absolutely ideal.

Pisco Sour

Obviously I dont want rain, but am hoping the weather is not hot! Would probably prefer rain to running 26.2 miles in scorching heat!

A nice overcast day would be perfect with a light breeze to keep things cool.

Pisco Sour

Just over 2 weeks to go now! How is everybody's last minute preparations going? I presume everybody is well into taper mode at this stage.

Any rugby fans among us? Munster V Northampton is on at 6.30pm Dutch time on the saturday evening. Does anybody know of a good place that would be showing the game? Somewhere preferably that serves food. Could be an idea to pass some time the evening before the race? And would provide a nice distraction from the pre-race nerves and all that jazz.

Brianderunner

04072511 wrote: »

Just over 2 weeks to go now! How is everybody's last minute preparations going? I presume everybody is well into taper mode at this stage.

Any rugby fans among us? Munster V Northampton is on at 6.30pm Dutch time on the saturday evening. Does anybody know of a good place that would be showing the game? Somewhere preferably that serves food. Could be an idea to pass some time the evening before the race? And would provide a nice distraction from the pre-race nerves and all that jazz.

Hard to believe its only 2 weeks away, the winter really flew by! Training going fine for me, lets hope a pb (3'22) is a formality. Big munster fan so will be watching the game over there somewhere, along with the leinster game too. I looked at eredivisie matches but its only sparta rotterdam at home that weekend, feyenoord are away.

misty floyd

04072511 wrote: »

Just over 2 weeks to go now! How is everybody's last minute preparations going?

Not too bad thanks. All I have to do is send in the application forms for a new passport Only joking.

Thanks Pug for all of the information.

Robins 15 day forcast link at the top of this page inlcudes 11th April now. I know it can't be accurate so far out but 10 degrees would be great.

robinph

That weather does look to be alright for us at the moment.

Does anyone know if they will have our split times appearing online live during the race, and where that might be if they do?

Pisco Sour

robinph wrote: »

That weather does look to be alright for us at the moment.

I think its a waste of time to be looking at any weather forcasts until 2 days beforehand. Longer forcasts are almost always inaccurate and change all the time. In some cases I have seen 5 day weather forcasts from 2 different websites, one saying it would be a sunny day, the other saying terrential rain! Waste of time.

robinph

Waste of time, but what else have I got to be doing at the moment, need something to think about and fret over for no genuine reason.

Went to give the new shoes another few miles of a workout today, try as I might I couldn't manage to go slow though and they just seemed to insit on carrying me along faster than I actualy meant to go today. Think I'll have to leave them now until the marathon now so that they keep their eager speediness for when it's actually of more use to me.

Pisco Sour

robinph wrote: »

Waste of time, but what else have I got to be doing at the moment, need something to think about and fret over for no genuine reason.

I hear ya! Every little ache I'm having at this stage when I run is a cause for concern :eek:

KentuckyPete

04072511 wrote: »

Just over 2 weeks to go now! How is everybody's last minute preparations going? I presume everybody is well into taper mode at this stage.

2 weeks - jaysus. When I look at the training program on the wall I can't believe all that running has been completed - what a trip. Last long one yesterday - 18 miles with the first 15 at PMP and then 3 warm down.

4 mile recovery this morning and now I am officially in taper mode. Cue the fidgeting, anxiety, certainty that I'm losing all my fitness and the appearance of all sorts of niggling injuries. In order to reduce mileage I'll probably go for less running days as opposed to shorter distances.

I'm on for the Munster match - good suggestion even if a pub showing it might be hard to find.

Should we exchange mobile numbers via PM? I'll be travelling and competing solo and would welcome the opportunity to hook up. Phone numbers guarantee some sort of certainty of actually meeting each other. What do ye think?

Moycullen1

KentuckyPete wrote: »

Should we exchange mobile numbers via PM? I'll be travelling and competing solo and would welcome the opportunity to hook up. Phone numbers guarantee some sort of certainty of actually meeting each other. What do ye think?

This is my first trip as a member of boards so I'm not sure how much you folks communicate with one another when away but I was also wondering if perhaps we should PM a mobile number or two around in case anyone gets delayed or lost or just generally has any problems over the weekend particularly for anyone traveling alone. I'd be happy to PM my number to anyone who might like to have a contact in case they ran into any trouble. PM me and I'll reply.

As the big day approaches I wonder if its time to start firing a few ideas into the pot for venues for meeting up. I'm going to count myself out of the Saturday evening meal cause my friend and I tend to gobble down our pastas with a view to getting back to the hotel nice and early however in relation to the Saturday afternoon I still like the look of the brasserie part of the bar I mentioned earlier, Staal, which seems to be adjacent to the expo but I would welcome other suggestions so that I cant be blamed for picking a dump! I don't want to suggest an early meet up in case it rules out late arrivals so how would 2 or 3pm sound. In relation to the Sunday drinks perhaps we might look to Pug and Pugs Sister to pick a suitably central watering hole.

http://staalrotterdam.dcportal.nl/Staal/Algemeneimpressieclip/tabid/402/Default.aspx

pug_

Training going very well, I'm in taper mode now myself went for a nice relaxing 12mile run over the weekend and that's the most I'm going to do between now and race day.

I've asked my Sister for venues that will show the match. I know she often follows rugby and she's mentioned watching Munster games in pubs before I'm pretty sure so it shouldn't be too much bother to get somewhere that's showing it.

misty floyd

This is me. If ya spot me in the airport or wherever, say hello or give us a nod

I don't always look like that but I hope I have a similar expression crossing the line in Rotterdam

pug_

Hard to miss that shock of Irish red hair I'd imagine

My sister got back to me on the match front, and here's what she said...

The only place in town showing it will be the Irish pub -Paddy Murphy’s, Rodezand 15, http://www.paddymurphys.nl/ .They have a sports bar and they support Munster as they are a Cork owned pub.They really only do sandwiches for food so not a proper feed..
There is a small chance the other 'irish' Pub O'Sheas(http://www.osheasrotterdam.nl/ Lijnbann 37 - 39) will be showing it but they generally prefer to show Premier games and they have only 1 or 2 TV's, they do food though..

robinph

misty floyd wrote: »

This is me. If ya spot me in the airport or wherever, say hello or give us a nod

I don't always look like that but I hope I have a similar expression crossing the line in Rotterdam

If we're posting some pictures, does that mean I can put my one up again, or would that be too distracting?

I think I'd probably be getting to Rotterdam about 2pm'ish at a guess on the Saturday. The expo/ hotel/ train station/ start are all within a few meters though so shouldn't take too long to sort things out and pick up number and tag etc. With that Staal place just across the road it could be a god potential for afternoon meetup, or meetup before retiring to TV viewing establishment or somewhere for food.

Moycullen1

robinph wrote: »

If we're posting some pictures, does that mean I can put my one up again, or would that be too distracting?

I think I'd probably be getting to Rotterdam about 2pm'ish at a guess on the Saturday. The expo/ hotel/ train station/ start are all within a few meters though so shouldn't take too long to sort things out and pick up number and tag etc. With that Staal place just across the road it could be a god potential for afternoon meetup, or meetup before retiring to TV viewing establishment or somewhere for food.

Not meaning to complicate things especially since I was the one who suggested Staal but I notice on google Earth that Paddy Murphys which is the Irish Pub Pugs sister mentioned which is showing the Munster Match is also beside the expo. It is only about 100 metres from Staal and might be a friendlier place for people to meet up particularly for anyone travelling alone. Although I am generally one of those people who avoids Irish Pubs when abroad it might be a little bit more welcoming given that people will probably wander in at different stages and Staal does look a tiny bit sterile.

robinph

Makes sense to pick somewhere where there might be something to watch on telly in between the rest of us turning up or otherwise, only problem being remembering to avoid the alcohol on the Saturday.

misty floyd

Eh Robin..... boobs please

robinph

misty floyd wrote: »

Eh Robin..... boobs please

Sorry, I'm the one in the middle not looking at the camera:

KentuckyPete

Rotterdam weather forecast is looking like coldish and mixed for the first half of next week and moving towards 12-14 degrees towards the end of the week. Great - but no higher please!

How's the taper going? Have the weird unexplained "injuries" appeared yet? My taper started at 08:00 on Monday and within 30 minutes I developed a pain in my two knees - unbelievable, never had a pain in them before... ffs. Running was OK last night though.

:eek::eek:

robinph

My taper today consisted of being too lazy to go out for a run.

KentuckyPete

robinph wrote: »

My taper today consisted of being too lazy to go out for a run.

So thats lust and sloth you've covered on this page Robin - only 5 deadly sins to go

robinph

KentuckyPete wrote: »

So thats lust and sloth you've covered on this page Robin - only 5 deadly sins to go

I think I covered gluttony in the Lexlip 5km thread.

Moycullen1

KentuckyPete wrote: »

How's the taper going? Have the weird unexplained "injuries" appeared yet?
:eek::eek:

I have just added up my runs and for sixteen weeks including next weeks runs I will average 2.6 runs per week so I haven't actually run enough miles to get injured!! I keep thinking my garmin is lying to me but I cant seem to squeeze any more runs out of it. I wonder if there is such a thing as a four month taper. I just hope there is a little bit of truth in all those 'less is more' theories. I'll find out soon enough! The only good thing is that my runs are concentrated towards the middle and end of the program.

misty floyd

Moycullen1 wrote: »

I have just added up my runs and for sixteen weeks including next weeks runs I will average 2.6 runs per week so I haven't actually run enough miles to get injured!! I keep thinking my garmin is lying to me but I cant seem to squeeze any more runs out of it. I wonder if there is such a thing as a four month taper. I just hope there is a little bit of truth in all those 'less is more' theories. I'll find out soon enough! The only good thing is that my runs are concentrated towards the middle and end of the program.

Don't include this or next weeks runs. Average the 8 weeks before this week. How's that looking? Be positive. Ha can't believe I said that, I'm terrible for looking at what I haven't done. Look at what you have done.

Tappering going well for me. Some niggles alright but they've been hanging around since a week before taper. They are not getting in the way of running that much so I've been lucky overall. I'm thinking a lot about running, even dreaming about it.

Its been a hard slog hasn't it. Snow, freezing temperatures, all that training when its dark is hard too. Roll on this time Sunday week, sitting down with a beer. I for one haven't had a good scoop of drinks in maybe 4 weeks. Anyway, dreaming again, lots of work to do from now till then.

KentuckyPete

misty floyd wrote: »

Its been a hard slog hasn't it. Snow, freezing temperatures, all that training when its dark is hard too. Roll on this time Sunday week, sitting down with a beer. I for one haven't had a good scoop of drinks in maybe 4 weeks. Anyway, dreaming again, lots of work to do from now till then.

It's been tough tough going alright - the weather has been a real challenge but the 5:30am starts for stiff-limbed mid-week runs in the cold and pitch dark have been the hardest part for me. I remember one savage run in the driving sleet on a black-dark morning in January - jaysus.

You're right though MF - focus on the good stuff - all that training, hard work and good sessions. Just totted my distances there and discovered that yesterday I passed the 500 mile mark since Jan 1st. I never thought it possible. The buzz on some of the good runs has been intense. By Sunday week I'll have run around 20 miles in training for every mile of the race. It makes the stakes high for sure - you feel you really deserve to get something back - a fatal assumption though :eek:. I reckon the training gives you the opportunity to get something back - you have to go out on the day and be really motivated and focused on taking that opportunity.

A buddy who has swum the channel recommended to me over a pint (well he had a pint - I had an orange juice - no booze since Jan 1st) that I write down the story of the race in advance. No big prose epic but to help with visualisation. Describe what you'll feel at the start, how you'll approach the first quarter, first half, out to 32km and then what you aim to manage over the last 10k. Write down times, pace, feelings at various points, motivating factors etc. Seemed a bit naff when he was talking about it but he says it really helped him. The more I think about it the more I think I'll probably give it a go. I'm spending so much time thinking about the race I might as well - I definitely won't be posting it though

Brianderunner

Disaster strikes. Been struck down with sharp pain in my coccyx (tailbone). Was at the munster leinster match last night (standing in the terrace) and felt a little stiff after it. Woke up this morning with severe pain, difficult to walk let alone run, standing up is the hardest. I'm on difene painkillers now, they are helping a bit but the pain is still there. I have 8 days to recover before rotterdam but i'm not optimistic. i reckon i will go over anyway and meet the relatives if i cant run but i cant help thinking its 12 weeks and 430 miles down the drain. Hopefully i will make the startline, fingers crossed.

misty floyd

fingers crossed indeed Brian, sorry to hear that.

KentuckyPete

Brianderunner wrote: »

Disaster strikes. Been struck down with sharp pain in my coccyx (tailbone). Was at the munster leinster match last night (standing in the terrace) and felt a little stiff after it. Woke up this morning with severe pain, difficult to walk let alone run, standing up is the hardest. I'm on difene painkillers now, they are helping a bit but the pain is still there. I have 8 days to recover before rotterdam but i'm not optimistic. i reckon i will go over anyway and meet the relatives if i cant run but i cant help thinking its 12 weeks and 430 miles down the drain. Hopefully i will make the startline, fingers crossed.

Sorry to hear that Brian - there's a week to go so you can definitely give recovery a go. Are you getting any treatment? Surely a good physio can help free you up. As you say, given what you've put into the preparation you owe yourself that much.

Good luck

Brianderunner

^ Cheers, yeah i'm going to try to go to an osteopath on tuesday, stupid bank holiday in the way, definitely worth a shot. Its no big deal i'm sure that i'm missing the 12 miler today.