Connemarathon 2011

brownian

ct_roy wrote: »

hey all,

running the half this weekend - at the start of the year I had intentions of targeting a PB for this race but a series of injuries, surgery and flus have put any thoughts of that to bed.

I've had 2/3 weeks of so so training - up to 7,8,9 miles comfortably (and have 2 DCM's under my belt) so I think I should be able to get around - albeit SLOWLY.

Gonna put in a few short runs this week to keep the legs ticking over - just seen the gradient of some of the inclines :eek:

any good suggestions for similar incline runs around stepaside/ticknock? might get a sneak preview of what I've left myself in for this weekend.

The run up from Ticknock gate, on the tarmac, to the antennas on 3rock is much steeper than Connemara. So is the straight run up from Stepaside. You'll be glad to hear!

The run up from the new roundabout just N of Stepaside, towards Glencullen (Warren lane, something like that - meets the steep road out of Stepaside eventually) would, IIRC, be not unlike the Conn climbs. Bear in mind its years since I ran those roads, but that's the memory I have of them. The run from the Statoil station in Kilternan up to Johnny Foxes is probably in a similar league too.

They're not THAT bad!:)

ct_roy

brownian wrote: »

The run up from Ticknock gate, on the tarmac, to the antennas on 3rock is much steeper than Connemara. So is the straight run up from Stepaside. You'll be glad to hear!

The run up from the new roundabout just N of Stepaside, towards Glencullen (Warren lane, something like that - meets the steep road out of Stepaside eventually) would, IIRC, be not unlike the Conn climbs. Bear in mind its years since I ran those roads, but that's the memory I have of them. The run from the Statoil station in Kilternan up to Johnny Foxes is probably in a similar league too.

They're not THAT bad!:)

cheers brownian - i know the one you're talking about towards Glencullen - must pop out that direction tomorrow!

stepbar

I'm in the worst possible shape for the half marathon..... I haven't done a tap.... work... laziness.. etc. Poor excuses I know.

I went out for a run of about 6.5 miles last week and went from door to door in about 70 minutes.. (with a couple of walks in between). I'm seriously thinking of giving this one a miss but in the back of my head (despite the odds) something is telling me I could do it.... (IF I do it it will be the 3rd half marathon I'll have done....)

Am I mad?

Micilin Muc

ct_roy wrote: »

... any good suggestions for similar incline runs around stepaside/ticknock? might get a sneak preview of what I've left myself in for this weekend.

There are plenty of trails around 3 rock. I ran on a good few on this run.

brownian

ct_roy wrote: »

cheers brownian - i know the one you're talking about towards Glencullen - must pop out that direction tomorrow!

Or you could run up from Ticknock...if your lungs are still in your chest at the top, you'll be grand in Conn!

brownian

stepbar wrote: »

I'm in the worst possible shape for the half marathon..... I haven't done a tap.... work... laziness.. etc. Poor excuses I know.

I went out for a run of about 6.5 miles last week and went from door to door in about 70 minutes.. (with a couple of walks in between). I'm seriously thinking of giving this one a miss but in the back of my head (despite the odds) something is telling me I could do it.... (IF I do it it will be the 3rd half marathon I'll have done....)

Am I mad?

Maybe a little. But if you run very slowly, you may well be ok. The key thing to do is not to injure yourself, and a major increase in distance and intensity is a common trigger for injury. If you don't mind doing the odd bit of walking when things start to hurt, I'd say you could give it a go. It's a lovely run.

stepbar

brownian wrote: »

Maybe a little. But if you run very slowly, you may well be ok. The key thing to do is not to injure yourself, and a major increase in distance and intensity is a common trigger for injury. If you don't mind doing the odd bit of walking when things start to hurt, I'd say you could give it a go. It's a lovely run.

Well lets put it this way..... I won't be running up the hill at the end!

You're right, it's a pleasure to run. Hopefully the previous 2 half marathons will stand to me.

yop

I had the Aldi shorts on for the Westport 1/2, they tore all the skin from the inside of my legs so much so that I had blood down the side of my legs , they probably thought it was Lady GaGa comin over the line!

The vaseline on the nippleodians will be done for sure.

Wonkagirl

@stepbar- do it anyway, dont even think of chickening out now! Accept that you may have to walk the last hill- but sure a fast walk will probably be as effective as a slow run on that anyway.. you'll be raging on the day if you're not there, the craic is going to be savage during and after! I've heard of loads of people who have only covered about the same distance in training, and i myself have only done 5 long runs since xmas- the longest being 15km- sure i'll give it a go on the day anyway

lol at yop's ''nippleodians''.. for once it's better to have female bits which will be well covered and hammocked on the day:D

So I'm trying to decide which to do tomorrow nite- interval training with Pulse tri club (just joined) or a belt up ticknock.. i mean, does it really matter at this late stage?

rainbow kirby

Wonkagirl wrote: »

So I'm trying to decide which to do tomorrow nite- interval training with Pulse tri club (just joined) or a belt up ticknock.. i mean, does it really matter at this late stage?

Honestly neither, you'd be better off just doing an easy run tomorrow.

Wonkagirl

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Honestly neither, you'd be better off just doing an easy run tomorrow.

yeah i figured as much alright.. a nice slow 6km is what i'll do i suppose. Just to keep the muscles engaged:)

redved

Another good one is the Kilmashogue trail which is the other side of Ticknock.

If you can manage to run up to the top of this trail you should be ok for anything in Conn.

I've tried it a couple of time from the back car park in Marley and never managed it without stopping:o.

BrokenMan

To anyone thinking of going off flying up hill sthis week as a last bit of hard training....don't. Unless you have been incorporating this into your reqular weeks you wont get any benefit from it now and it will just sap some badly needed energy from your legs. The last week is all about resting and recovering, some nice easy runs, stretching and getting your diet and rest sorted. That is what is critical at this stage. All the hard work is done and if it isn't well its too late to try and make it up now.

On fuelin gduring the race personally I would take my gels at regular intervals right from the off, one just before we go and one every 4-5 miles after that. Make sure you drink at the first water station as well even if you dont think you need it, last thing you want is to be trying to catch up on your hydration later in the race.

Bear in mind that the above are my personal opinions not backed up by any coaching or training qualifications.

Best of luck and enjoy the day.

claralara

Definitely a wind down week for me. Did 3.5 ‘undulating’ miles last night. Will do 3/2/2 over the next few days just to keep the legs moving but the main goal now is to get to the start line in one rested piece! I’m very nervous and very excited now…

brownian

claralara wrote: »

I’m very nervous and very excited now…

Don't worry, nobody's noticed:)

brownian

BrokenMan wrote: »

To anyone thinking of going off flying up hill sthis week as a last bit of hard training....don't. Unless you have been incorporating this into your reqular weeks you wont get any benefit from it now and it will just sap some badly needed energy from your legs. The last week is all about resting and recovering, some nice easy runs, stretching and getting your diet and rest sorted. That is what is critical at this stage. All the hard work is done and if it isn't well its too late to try and make it up now.

On fuelin gduring the race personally I would take my gels at regular intervals right from the off, one just before we go and one every 4-5 miles after that. Make sure you drink at the first water station as well even if you dont think you need it, last thing you want is to be trying to catch up on your hydration later in the race.

Bear in mind that the above are my personal opinions not backed up by any coaching or training qualifications.

Best of luck and enjoy the day.

+1 on the rest+recovery this week. And on the hydrate early and often advice.

Wonkagirl

BrokenMan wrote: »

Make sure you drink at the first water station as well even if you dont think you need it, last thing you want is to be trying to catch up on your hydration later in the race.

.

Can anyone tell me what kind of water stations these are- cups or bottles or what? trying to decide whether to carry water with me or not. I cannot drink from cups without getting a woeful stitch!

Did a lazy 2 miles tonite.. ah yes, tapering and carbloading- my 2 favourite parts! If there was a prize for carbloading, i'd be on the podium:D

ETA: ignore water question- 250ml sports cap bottles every 3 miles. Brilliant!

Slogger Jogger

Best wishes to all you Boardsies doing Conn. Particularly to those doing the full. If you get weather half like we got last year you'll be blessed. As a 4 time runner of the full here I would advise you to take it handy on the 1st half. I got carried away last year and got drawn in to pacing behind a fast ultra guy (mickrice of all people). Big mistake :rolleyes:. Got to half way in a great time but was fairly spent for the rest of the race and lost a lot of time then. Consistent pacing is what you should be aiming for. Enjoy.

Micilin Muc

The Connemarathon Website states:

limited Park and Ride facility will be available from both Clifden and Oughterard.
>>> From Clifden Station House Hotel at 12 noon.
>>> From Oughterard at 12 noon.
Please Park at the GAA pitches in Oughterard village.

How come there are no buses from Galway City Am I missing something?

opus

Was chatting to someone at work during tea break today & discovered her husband is doing the urltra at the w/end, was impressed to hear he's been leaving the house at 5am to get in his long runs :eek:

Best of luck to everyone taking part!

BrokenMan

Micilin Muc wrote: »

The Connemarathon Website states:



How come there are no buses from Galway City Am I missing something?

Busses leave from the Cathedral
http://www.connemarathon.com/bus-times-connemarathon

Krusty_Clown

Very best of luck to all. The weather is looking good with 10'C and a nice gentle breeze to push you to the finishing line. No walking on the hills! No surrender!

Boyler1971

Best of luck to all on Sunday.Have done the last three Fulls and two halfs but was talked into doing Paris this year.Weather is looking promising and hopefully not as hot as last year.Enjoy the first half and Run The Second!!!!!!:eek::eek::eek: I might still opt out of Paris and beg Ray for a Number.

RayCun

Good luck everyone, have a great run (or walk!)

brownian

Thanks for all the bigging-up, folks! Great to have the support.

claralara

brownian wrote: »

Thanks for all the bigging-up, folks! Great to have the support.

+1

Cheers lads. Hopefully we'll be back with good news next week...:cool:

brownian

There's a thread here with some good input on what to eat over the next few days.

Lots of water and not going hungry, plus no savage gorge-fest on the night before seems to be the consensus.

chinguetti

Boys and girls in the zone of tapering, best of luck to ye all over in the West on Sunday, be it the half, full or the mad folk doing the ultra.

Enjoy it, don't panic, the training done and remember, hills and pain are yer friends:D

RayCun

chinguetti wrote: »

hills and pain are yer friends:D

or soon to become very good acquaintances

DigiJem

Good luck to all running this, looks like the weather will be good, I'm dead jealous. Enjoy!

rainbow kirby

DigiJem wrote: »

Good luck to all running this, looks like the weather will be good, I'm dead jealous. Enjoy!

+1, am so very jealous of you all! Stupid injury

yop

I feel sick.....


**Its the breakfast***

If anyone sees a "cuddly" blonde head walking the hills it will be me.....


Best of luck to everyone, may the wind be on your face and the dogs eating your arse

Bally8

Best of luck to everyone. All the hard work is done, try to relax until Sunday then enjoy yourselves. Cant wait to hear all about it.

RubyK

Best of luck to all the Conn'ers!

Hope you all have a great weekend in the West. Enjoy

aficionado

thanks for the support!
Does anybody know if there is a check in facilty at the registration,
Somewhere were you can leave stuff in a bag (change of clothes) to pick up at the end?

Macanri

Just a quick one to wish all heading for Connemara all the best in your run (whatever the distance).

Have a great day.

hollypink

aficionado wrote: »

thanks for the support!
Does anybody know if there is a check in facilty at the registration,
Somewhere were you can leave stuff in a bag (change of clothes) to pick up at the end?

There's a baggage transfer from the Start:

http://www.connemarathon.com/general-information-participants

Baggage transfer from Start
Enclosed with your race number you will find a baggage label. Clearly write your number on this baggage label and attach it to the baggage you wish to have returned from the Start Area to Maam Cross. It is your responsibility to ensure that the bag is waterproof as these bags will be sorted outdoors. All bags will be transferred back to the Finish area for your collection after the race

BrokenMan

Thanks for all the support folks. It's much appreciated.

aficionado

Thanks holypink didnt see that on the site

grasscutter

good luck to you all. Have a great day.

Aiel

Good luck to all doing it.Might do the half marathon next year myself.
Run your best race ever and most of all enjoy it:).

Wonkagirl

Jebus, my stomach is in a knot this morning. I know some nerves are good, but this is the worst i've been.:) Probably because i've done bugger all hill training and not a lot of distance (15km, once, 3 weeks ago) so feel a bit unprepared and the hell of the west is grinning down evily at me:D.

How do the rest of you deal with the pre race heeby geebies?

sarsfieldsrock

Wonkagirl wrote: »

Jebus, my stomach is in a knot this morning. I know some nerves are good, but this is the worst i've been.:) Probably because i've done bugger all hill training and not a lot of distance (15km, once, 3 weeks ago) so feel a bit unprepared and the hell of the west is grinning down evily at me:D.

How do the rest of you deal with the pre race heeby geebies?

Enter more races! Nothing beats experience and the only way to get it is to race. If you have a 15k done in the last few weeks then you will get round fine. The beauty of the half is that the hill at the start prevents you going out too quickly.
Just look on that hill as a positive!

Keedowah

Nervous today - I hope the excitement will get me through tomorrow!

jb-ski

Bag packed, hope to hit the M4 about 12.30.


There's a big crowd from Le Chéile AC heading down, 4 of us doing the full & 10 or so doing half (unfortunately we've had a few drop-outs due to injury).


And we're all nervous regardless of experience; there are a few first time halfer's, and Pat doing his first full in Conn.


Good luck to everyone, and be glad you've made it this far injury free.
The sense of achievement & the buzz around Peacocke's, Maam Cross after finishing will make all the winter training worthwhile.


Say hello if you see us hanging around Clifden over next 2 nights.


j

digger2d2

God luck to all heading to Conn, I hope all goes well....

yop

Out to reg this evening in Clifden, leave a car there, head to Leenaun and park up there somewhere, do the run and get the bus from finish line to Clifden and back to Leenaun in the picked up car.

I hope that approach works!

Nice day down here today, was out around 7 and it was chilly but now its hitting 15c so its lovely.

The nerves will be on us this time tomorrow BIG time!

But isn't it great that we can do it, we may not be rich but with the health we can go out and do what we want! (End of physiological speil)

jlang

Heading off soon. Not looking forward to the race (full), tbh. I was going good through Jan/Feb but the last six weeks or so have been pretty dire training wise only getting half the training I'd have liked. Should make it to the finish but thoughts of a fantastic time (i.e. PB) have faded considerably. Really hoping I can fall in with a group pacing themselves to 3:30 and see if I can keep up. If the wheels fall off, I won't get upset unless I'm not running all the way to the finish.

Emer911

Good luck to everyone running tomorrow. Looks like the weather is going to be fine again this year, so the views should be breathtaking. Enjoy!

I'd love to be running it too... fond memories. I will be back!

runrabbit

Best of luck to everyone! Will be thinking of you all tomorrow when I'm on my morning run!