The road to a 1:2X Half Mara.....

Woddle

Best of luck shels, you deserve a good one.

Krusty_Clown

Best of luck Shels. Hope you run a great marathon. Looking forward to hearing the result.

chinguetti

Good luck in the morning Shels and hope you enjoy it.

shels4ever

To really into big race report but will give this one a little more once i'm back. The short story is arrived on Friday and had a quick visit to the expo to pick up number for myself and theroadrunner. Took it really easy friday evening naps and an early night. Legs were feeling so so good and just couldnt wait to get going.
Popped down to a local pizza place for some pasta, on arrival noticed a few runners about and tadese was about two tables down. Good to see that these lads just to the same as us prior to a race.

Race day.
Got down to the start nice and early and chekced out where I was starting around this time I knew that I was going to need to watch the pace for the first few miles. Was starting just behind the UK cc runners, and could almost touch the world record holder at the start. Where was the masses of people and congestinn????

In short the race was going totally to plan, first mile was about 5-10 seconds to fast but was mostly down hill . From mile 2 I was slapping hands with kidds and having a bit of fun with the crowd. Kept a close eye on pace as I could have easly run alot faster thorugh these miles. Got to mile 5 just slightly quicker than expected, but having a ball knew what was coming at about 7 miles was the cutty sark, this part of the race basically made my day, dropped the pace a little going around this section to get a good look, Wow wow wow .... I would come back again just for that 200m section.

The next few miles are a bit of a blur now and was running really well pace was about 8:45/50 but running really relaxed. Just had to keep holding back for now. Reached 11-12 miles stll slapping hand with kids on the route and takign in as much as possible. rounded the cornor onto London bridge and nearlly passed out at the sight, This was amazing and support was just first class, there was a hill at this section but didnt notice it. Pace picked up a little but quickly slowed down. At this potin couldnt believe I was almost half way through the race, Felt like I had only covered 5 miles and was starting to feel really good. Had visions of speeding up now but kept the pace to target.
Next few miles a couple of bands along the route and the half way mark, think I went through some where around 1.55/56 and was still buzzing with the crowd. Hit the 16 mile feeling good and and hoping that I might run a nice last 10, kept telling myself to relax and just run easy easy .
At about 16 miles went up a slight hill and felt a slight tweek in the quad but though nothing of it, eased back for about 10 seconds then back on target. 100m further down the road felt it again..mmm and again.. Ended up stopping to stretch it out , going back running again and felt good when the full quad cramped up.
From then managed to get back running and got to 17 miles but felt it again around then, needed to stop at the next water station to stretch at this point couldnt even walk. Managed to get going again but was getting really worried that this wasnt going to go . Sat down to stretch it out and had some help from someone on the course. Cryed like a baby for abotu 1 min at this point and though the race was over. But got back up and hobbled the next 800m . From there on managed some sort of run walk hobble for the next 4 miles. At this stage the leg was going into cramp each time I ran. So just decided that I was going to walk to the finish and enjoy the race. From 21-24 miles were great had some fun with the crowd but some aspects werent so good, seen 5-6 people been pulled of the course and at one point had to catch a guy who passed out beside me. Hope he was ok, not sure what the correct protocol in a race is, but though it wise to wait with him

shels4ever

From then one it was a case of making to the finish was still full of enegry and a little frustrated. Tried to run again and 22 miles but with the same results. So just kept plodding away reached birdcage walk and knew the end was close and now knew that no matter what happened with the leg I'd get to the line. Jogged down the last 800m just having some crack with the crowd and came onto the Mall - This was just an amazing finish and lapped it all up. crossed the line just insided 4:28 which is fuuny because it was actualyl a pb in the end but not the way I had expected.

If anyone ever gets a chance to run this race no matter how fit or unfit you are just do it. Its the most amazing thing i've ever done.

All in all very happy with making the start line , happy to make the finish line but there is a but what if there.....Not sure what I did wrong , Don't think the pace was to fast, wasnt injured coming into the race, and not injured finishing apart from a really sore quad right not I dont feel bad at all. So will decide whats next in a few days. The hardest part was the witty remarks from brinaderunner over beers last night THANKS BRIAN

jcsmum

Tough day for you M, but good on you for persevering and getting your PB. I was watching it on tv and it looked amazing over there.

shels4ever

jcsmum wrote: »

Tough day for you M, but good on you for persevering and getting your PB. I was watching it on tv and it looked amazing over there.

Thanks, how are you set yourself now? 3:44?

chinguetti

Great going Shels to keep it going when it was agony from reading your report.

Glad that you enjoy the day and well done on finishing in a PB in London. Tis a great boast to have.

Krusty_Clown

Well done Shels! Great report and great hustle finishing the race with a dodgy quad. How is it feeling today? Hope there's no long term damage.

Dory Dory

I love your positive spin....your glass is half full attitude. Well done!! And a PB is a PB!! But next time you'll smash it to bits!

shels4ever

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Well done Shels! Great report and great hustle finishing the race with a dodgy quad. How is it feeling today? Hope there's no long term damage.

Very stiff today, so going to feed it a few more beers and hope that helps. Will know more tomorow but fairly sure it just cramped up and not a pull. Funny thing is my dodgie calf doesnt even feel like its been running.

TheRoadRunner

Luck wasn't on your side. You didn't run the time your training deserved but it will come with a bit of patience

shels4ever

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

Luck wasn't on your side. You didn't run the time your training deserved but it will come with a bit of patience

Well it was better than Berlin.

jcsmum

shels4ever wrote: »

jcsmum wrote: »

Tough day for you M, but good on you for persevering and getting your PB. I was watching it on tv and it looked amazing over there.

Thanks, how are you set yourself now? 3:44?

We'll see, I'll try for sub 3.45
Who knows what will happen on the day

jcsmum

shels4ever wrote: »

jcsmum wrote: »

Tough day for you M, but good on you for persevering and getting your PB. I was watching it on tv and it looked amazing over there.

Thanks, how are you set yourself now? 3:44?

We'll see, I'll try for sub 3.45
Who knows what will happen on the day

shels4ever

jcsmum wrote: »

We'll see, I'll try for sub 3.45
Who knows what will happen on the day

I think your more than capable of running that time .

BeepBeep67

Good motivation to keep going through to the finish - less high 5ing the next time you were probably over compensating on that side :rolleyes:

tunguska

You seemed to be going great guns, what do you think went wrong shels? I know your quad cramped up, but do you think that was just pure bad luck or was there some other reason for this?

The_Boy_Wonder

Great run Shels. Some pain in the jacksie that cramp ruins all the prep. Still... a PB is a PB. You give a great account of London marathon as an event. From someone who has never had much interest in doing it, I'm beginning to think I'd like to do it with the atmosphere you describe.
Well done again

shels4ever

tunguska wrote: »

You seemed to be going great guns, what do you think went wrong shels? I know your quad cramped up, but do you think that was just pure bad luck or was there some other reason for this?

Honestly think it might have been becaue of a few things, was holding back a little on down hill sections over the first few miles, but not sure thats a factor, could have been short 1-2 long runs from a few sick weeks early in the plan, or maybe just a little bit more running on the road is needed. Maybe a bit of all 3. I know it wasn't down to hydration or over training i've actually taken a lot from this race from TRR lessons on carb loading. I'm geting closer to actually running very well just need a little more time...

shels4ever

The_Boy_Wonder wrote: »

Great run Shels. Some pain in the jacksie that cramp ruins all the prep. Still... a PB is a PB. You give a great account of London marathon as an event. From someone who has never had much interest in doing it, I'm beginning to think I'd like to do it with the atmosphere you describe.
Well done again

If you get a chance run the race, But it was something i've wanted to do since about '93 so maybe just enjoyed it more. Still shouldnt have been doing the ymca at 12 miles that was just wrong..:o

TheRoadRunner

shels4ever wrote: »

Honestly think it might have been becaue of a few things, was holding back a little on down hill sections over the first few miles, but not sure thats a factor, could have been short 1-2 long runs from a few sick weeks early in the plan, or maybe just a little bit more running on the road is needed. Maybe a bit of all 3. I know it wasn't down to hydration or over training i've actually taken a lot from this race from TRR lessons on carb loading. I'm geting closer to actually running very well just need a little more time...

I've said it before and I'll say it again, nobody carbo loads as well as me. Now if I could just get the running thing perfected I'd be laughing

shels4ever

Last few days have gone well, down to the pool yesterday and this morning again to get the legs moving a bit almost. Body is almost totally recovered apart for my right quad and itb seems a bit tight. Have a massage booked for this afternoon but should get that sorted in the next few days. Not going to run at all this week no matter how good I feel and will start back with something easy next week. Have been roped into a 5k on the 12th @4am :eek: with work but just going to jog around . Think the main target from now will be a half marathon later in the summer. Need to stop reading people logs or i'd end up jumping into a race far to soon.

TheRoadRunner

shels4ever wrote: »

Have been roped into a 5k on the 12th @4am :eek: with work but just going to jog around .

What?

shels4ever

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

What?

Yep some bright idea to have a 4am run in the park, its not a race just a fun run so a 30 min 5k after coppers would be ok ...

http://dil.pieta.ie/

Woddle

shels4ever wrote: »

Yep some bright idea to have a 4am run in the park, its not a race just a fun run so a 30 min 5k after coppers would be ok ...

http://dil.pieta.ie/

More a symbolic event than a race. Coming out of the dark into the light. I'll be helping out myself.

Congrats on London. I was delighted for you.
What's the plan for the summer?
You going to tackle some track?

shels4ever

Woddle wrote: »

More a symbolic event than a race. Coming out of the dark into the light. I'll be helping out myself.

Congrats on London. I was delighted for you.
What's the plan for the summer?
You going to tackle some track?

Nope not going to be on the track this summer basically going to keep going with what i'm doing now, back to easy miles next week, a little more consistency and injury free running for a few months and then decide on a race or 2. Think if I go back to track now i'd end up injured and i'd rather run slow 6 days a week than get one good race and be injured for months. Will have a chat with theRoadrunner and see what he thinks but maybe a 10k or 10 mile in 2 months time might be an option. Then thinking maybe running Dublin or a cross country season but thats all a long way off.

shels4ever

Sports massage and Dry needling today. Very strange sensation from the needles quad was hopping like mad. First time having this so wasn't sure what to expect.

tHE vAGGABOND

I love how you turned the whole day into a positive experience - good stuff

shels4ever

Took it very handy the last few day, have a little bit of a cold so only did a short swim this morning. Actually today was the first day that I woke and wanted to stick the runners on, but will hold off until Monday. Leg has improved a huge amount and almost back to normal.

The plan for now is Dunshaughlin 10k and then the National Half in September. Not going to be running the Dublin Marathon this year will have to do this one of these years but that race will be around for a while so no hurry there.

Not setting any crazy targets for the summer will play everything by ear and see how it goes,

shels4ever

Monday 30th April
4 miles very easy today. Had given myself a week of beer and alcohol - didnt drink as much or eat as much as first planned but was nice to get out for a few miles today. Legs felt sluggish but good to be back.

shels4ever

Wed 2dn April
4 miles though a waterlogged corkagh park today. Pace was all over the place but kept slowing it down. Legs are feeling very good now which is a bit annoying. Had a couple of beers last night but from today back on track with diet...

shels4ever

Thursday 3rd April.
After Enda Kenny messing up my planned lunch time run managed to get out of the office for a nice 40 mins in Corkagh today. Felt really good today increased the pace a little to uncomfortable conversation level for the first time in a while.

shels4ever

Friday 4th May
Rest day.

Sat 5th May
5 miles in corkagh today with theroadrunner. Pace was on the faster side again today and legs felt very good. No idea exactly of pace as i'm not going to wear the garmin for the next few week apart from long runs.
Going to jump into a race or two over the next few weeks to see what sort of shape i'm in. Just going to have a bit of fun. I might even do a little bit of speed work and run the Trinity track and see what the old legs can manage.

shels4ever

Sunday 6th May
6 miles handy today, Nothing much to report on this run no idea of pace or exact distance but felt good. Will put a bit more structure on training from next week.

TheRoadRunner

Just got a text to say your mans g-string is sorted

shels4ever

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

Just got a text to say your mans g-string is sorted

Jesus I must have been drunker than I though the other night ....:eek:

shels4ever

Tuesday 8th May
5 miles easy with 3X400m to test the legs out. Will run a 2 mile race tomorrow and have a feeling this is going to hurt. Can't wait.

shels4ever

Wed 9th May
Decided to jump into the clonliff 2 mile tonight to see how the legs were. Didnt really know how the legs were going to handle the faster stuff as its been a long time since i've done anything fast.
Nice little warm up and off we went. The first mile is very fast with a long down hill section, Didnt go off to hard for the fist 400m but then started to move through the feild, spotted a small group about 20m down the road and bridge the gap to them and tucked in for the best part of the first mile.
Just before the mile mark the group started to slow slightly so hit the front and pulled away. Was joined by 3 other runners and had a game of cat and mouse for the next few 100m, ever time I went to the front I was passed again by one of the lads.

With about half a mile to go I pushed hard to get a gap, we were all passing lots of people at this stage and I managed to get about 5m on the group. At this stage I was fecked legs felt great but breathing was all over the place, With about 200m the group came passed me again and everyone was going for it, but managed to dig out some sort of finish to hold them all of and catch one or two people over the last 100m. Crossed the line almost bag on 13:00 mins, so not sure what the official time will be.

Really enjoyed this run, hurt alot over the last mile, I've run a good bit faster over the distance but don't think i've raced this well ever. Not passed by a single person during the race and won the dog fight with the group.

Skidrow

Well done Shels, no after affects from London then.

shels4ever

Skidrow wrote: »

Well done Shels, no after affects from London then.

Thanks, body is feeling good a few weeks with a bit of speed and I'll be grand.

Brianderunner

Excellent run there Shels. Lets hope the body holds up for the summer racing season.

shels4ever

Brianderunner wrote: »

Excellent run there Shels. Lets hope the body holds up for the summer racing season.

Thanks, had to check what I ran for 2 miles in 2009 last night and finished the summer with a 12:48 and a 20:35 5k in the mid summer, All going well I think I could go a good bit quicker this summer. (touch wood)
the 12, 2 miles races in Ranehy over the summer for €50 isn't bad vaulue and think its going to be my summer plan if I can get to 7/8 of them and just do some as tempo runs.

Brianderunner

shels4ever wrote: »

Thanks, had to check what I ran for 2 miles in 2009 last night and finished the summer with a 12:48 and a 20:35 5k in the mid summer, All going well I think I could go a good bit quicker this summer. (touch wood)
the 12, 2 miles races in Ranehy over the summer for €50 isn't bad vaulue and think its going to be my summer plan if I can get to 7/8 of them and just do some as tempo runs.

Pretty decent value there alright. Something similar over here on Monday nights and they're my loose summer plan for now, race myself into shape. Hopefully you can close the gap on your bro, tell him he's due a beating

Dyou still plan on doing Dunshaughlin 10k?

shels4ever

Brianderunner wrote: »

Pretty decent value there alright. Something similar over here on Monday nights and they're my loose summer plan for now, race myself into shape. Hopefully you can close the gap on your bro, tell him he's due a beating

Dyou still plan on doing Dunshaughlin 10k?

Yep I'll run that for sure, why looking to place bets .
Brother ran 10:50 last night so I've got a bit to make up at the moment.

Woddle

Delighted for you shels. Did you check out the Mcmillan calculator, it gives you a tempting mark for sportsworld if you're interested

Brianderunner

shels4ever wrote: »

Yep I'll run that for sure, why looking to place bets .
Brother ran 10:50 last night so I've got a bit to make up at the moment.

I've a crazy amount of bets on already, no worries there

10:50, nice. Thats fairly decent, might take me a few months to get near there.

shels4ever

Woddle wrote: »

Delighted for you shels. Did you check out the Mcmillan calculator, it gives you a tempting mark for sportsworld if you're interested

Nope I hadn't until you posted that . Not going to be going after time just yet 2 races in a week and I would end up getitng injured for sure. My whole training plan is about been consistant now and staying injury free so will only be racing when 100%.The plan will be to run a 5k on Sat week and see how that goes. This week I need to get my long runs going again .

shels4ever

Brianderunner wrote: »

I've a crazy amount of bets on already, no worries there

10:50, nice. Thats fairly decent, might take me a few months to get near there.

Yep he wasnt too happy with the run, though a 10:40/45 would have been a better return. Will see how he goes this weekend, i'd say he'll run about 29:00 again.

shels4ever

Just been getting 5/6 mile runs in each day this week. Then got out for a nice 9 miles today. Legs feeling good but need to get back on my propper diet and cut out the beers and junk that's been introduce post London.
Will have another easy week this week and race next sat then set a propper training plan for the summer.