Connemarathon 7/4/2013

TFBubendorfer

ebixa82 wrote: »

Is there any chance they might have pacers in in this year?

I don't think they ever have had before.

Surely it can't be that hard to get someone to have a balloon attached to them with a specific finishing time. Or can it?

They had a 3:30 pacer on a couple of occasions before.

Is it hard to find one? No. It's up to the race director if he wants to provide pacers. if you really want pacers, suggest it to them via email.

Cabaal

hot to trot wrote: »

Also the first half of the marathon is quite flat with very little in the way of hills. The most challenging part of the day is the half anyway. Take your time and save something for the last half and you will enjoy a great day out

This is very true, first half has lovely views and is relatively flat compared to the second half. Its the second half that made bits of me last year as I honestly didn't pay attention to the course profile so it was my own fault.

ultraman1

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Is it hard to find one? No.

is it hard to find one who can do it properly?;)

ebixa82

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

They had a 3:30 pacer on a couple of occasions before.

Is it hard to find one? No. It's up to the race director if he wants to provide pacers. if you really want pacers, suggest it to them via email.

I would have thought they would not be a major hassle to provide.

Are there any disadvantages in following a pace maker?

TFBubendorfer

ebixa82 wrote: »

I would have thought they would not be a major hassle to provide.

That's what I said as well. No, it's not hard to organise a few decent pacers.

Are there any disadvantages in following a pace maker?

Some people prefer to run their own race. Also, pace groups can become quite big which can be a hassle on narrow roads or at drink stations, neither of which is an issue in Connemara.

Again, if you want pacers in Connemara, suggest it to the RD.

Shedite27

Would Connemara be tougher to pace than other Marathons? Like if you're aiming for a 3.30 marathon, do you pace it so that it's even all around, or do you assume people are going to be a lot slower for the last few (uphill) miles? It seems there are a lot more variables than other races

Cabaal

Shedite27 wrote: »

Would Connemara be tougher to pace than other Marathons? Like if you're aiming for a 3.30 marathon, do you pace it so that it's even all around, or do you assume people are going to be a lot slower for the last few (uphill) miles? It seems there are a lot more variables than other races

I'd imagine it would be best to run the first half faster so to ensure you have some time in the tank to use for the second hilly half as its unlikely alot of people would keep the same pace throughout the entire course.

But then of course some will be able to keep a constant pace

ebixa82

Here is a Garmin link to the Full course

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/78601243

TFBubendorfer

Shedite27 wrote: »

Would Connemara be tougher to pace than other Marathons? Like if you're aiming for a 3.30 marathon, do you pace it so that it's even all around, or do you assume people are going to be a lot slower for the last few (uphill) miles? It seems there are a lot more variables than other races

There are two big climbs from mile 13-15 and 22-24. They will slow you down, especially the second one, and you need to have built up a cushion if you target a specific time.

statss

Lads, care to take a stab at a reasonable target time for Conn as a first marathon. My half marathon time is 1.45 from a flat course achieved in December just gone. The Macmillan calculator has me at 3.40, I think this is very ambitious. What kind of buffer should one put in to take into account the hills?

ebixa82

statss wrote: »

Lads, care to take a stab at a reasonable target time for Conn as a first marathon. My half marathon time is 1.45 from a flat course achieved in December just gone. The Macmillan calculator has me at 3.40, I think this is very ambitious. What kind of buffer should one put in to take into account the hills?

I only did the half last year which incorporates HOTW, I did it in 1.38. This involved me running the hill of Howth at least 10 times in training as it very similar to the HOTW. It turned out to be not near as bad as I anticipated as a result.

I did the Galway Half marathon a few months ago, flat course in 1.29. I wouldn't say I was any more prepared for it.

So there was a difference of 9 minutes between the two courses at a similar fitness level.

I am doing the Hal Higdon intermediate 1 plan (loosely) and would doubt I'll make sub 3.30.

statss

ebixa82 wrote: »

I only did the half last year which incorporates HOTW, I did it in 1.38. This involved me running the hill of Howth at least 10 times in training as it very similar to the HOTW. It turned out to be not near as bad as I anticipated as a result.

I did the Galway Half marathon a few months ago, flat course in 1.29. I wouldn't say I was any more prepared for it.

So there was a difference of 9 minutes between the two courses at a similar fitness level.

I am doing the Hal Higdon intermediate 1 plan (loosely) and would doubt I'll make sub 3.30.

Interesting, thanks. I'm going out to Howth this week for my long run so it will give me a better idea of what to expect.

ebixa82

statss wrote: »

Interesting, thanks. I'm going out to Howth this week for my long run so it will give me a better idea of what to expect.

I used to get the dart out and start at Sutton, round the hill and back to Sutton, 15km in total. At some stage later on I'll have to attempt it twice as I've signed up to the full!

hot to trot

ebixa82 wrote: »

I used to get the dart out and start at Sutton, round the hill and back to Sutton, 15km in total. At some stage later on I'll have to attempt it twice as I've signed up to the full!

If you start at Sutton, run up the hill to the summit carpark and down to the end of the pier. Then turn around and back up again . Its a nice run and good for the legs and the efforts arent really sustained for too long .

Shedite27

I did 1.39 half 2 years ago at Connemara, aiming to do 3.30 full this year. I'll be more prepared this year too.

TFBubendorfer

From the web site:

ENTRY FOR THE 2013 ELVERYS SPORTS CONNEMARATHON IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT ON 17TH JANUARY.

sideswipe

Sold out today.

Bugsy2000

sideswipe wrote: »

Sold out today.

Oops!!!!

**Portia**

jmcc99_98 wrote: »

Half:
Bugsy2000
Statss
ultraman1's da
Martyboy48
jmcc99_98
**Portia**

Full:
R O B
The Rook
dev123
Stephenduffy08
ciancullinan
Conseng
Puck
Bigslice
Shedite
Adamski8
popebenny16
rovers_runner
ofthelord

Ultra:
johnsherwin
Cabaal
Vagga
opus
Killerz
Toblerone
me (ultraman)
hot to trot
canine marathoner
Aimman
Oisin11178
TFBubendorfer
Sideswipe
theduke1
eoin ryan
McWotever

This is my second half mara, with my first being the DCM half in 2010. Nervous but looking forward to this, have not trained properly for a race probably since the first half one and I am very out of shape. My time in that race was about 2:08 so anything around this time would be great considering I have been out of the game for so long.
I live pretty near Howth/Sutton so thanks for the tips re the training route. I think I know the route you are talking about but if anyone has a Garmin route that would be great (I am going to look back over the thread now to check in case it has already been posted so if it has please ignore this request!)

tHE vAGGABOND

any one fancy these bonus :-)

popebenny16

if i finish it will be a bonus.

TFBubendorfer

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

any one fancy these bonus :-)

The women's full marathon time is surprisingly soft.

SomeUnusedName

I am close to tiknok tomorrow, any particular hill that is prefered (similar) to the connemara half?

babalobioddy

Hi lads, just a question, Is Flannery's hotel a good base for doing the full marathon ? any opinion would be helpful . Thanks.

conseng

babalobioddy wrote: »

Hi lads, just a question, Is Flannery's hotel a good base for doing the full marathon ? any opinion would be helpful . Thanks.

Not too bad as Galway is not very big. Probably in taxi territory though to and from the bus and registration if you do not have the car with you.

spurscormac

Jury's hotel would probably be the best as you could jog along the river walk as far as the Cathedral to hop on the bus. Outside that, any hotels in town.
Flannery's would be taxi territory though.

jmcc99_98

I have booked Claytons for the Saturday and Sunday Night, with breakfast both mornings is €200 for 2 of us in twin room both doing the HM.

The reason I opted for Claytons is for the use of the pool etc the evening after the run.

Im not too familiar with Galway City, is this hotel ok in sof far as its locations for registration on the Saturday and getting buses to and from the race?

spurscormac

jmcc99_98 wrote: »

I have booked Claytons for the Saturday and Sunday Night, with breakfast both mornings is €200 for 2 of us in twin room both doing the HM.

The reason I opted for Claytons is for the use of the pool etc the evening after the run.

Im not too familiar with Galway City, is this hotel ok in sof far as its locations for registration on the Saturday and getting buses to and from the race?

Clayton is out by the racecourse. If you're driving, its easy access to the registration alright, but for getting the buses, its a bit of a trek, Google maps is your friend, you could get a taxi to the cathedral or drive to town, park nearby (its a Sunday, so onstreet is free) and then get the bus.

jmcc99_98

spurscormac wrote: »

Clayton is out by the racecourse. If you're driving, its easy access to the registration alright, but for getting the buses, its a bit of a trek, Google maps is your friend, you could get a taxi to the cathedral or drive to town, park nearby (its a Sunday, so onstreet is free) and then get the bus.

Cheers Man

statss

Moved my name from the half to the full, training going well so I will give it a shot.


Half:
Bugsy2000
ultraman1's da
Martyboy48
jmcc99_98

Full:
R O B
The Rook
dev123
Stephenduffy08
ciancullinan
Conseng
Puck
Bigslice
Shedite
Adamski8
popebenny16
rovers_runner
ofthelord

Ultra:
johnsherwin
Cabaal
Vagga
opus
Killerz
Toblerone
me (ultraman)
hot to trot
canine marathoner
Aimman
Oisin11178
TFBubendorfer
Sideswipe
theduke1
eoin ryan
McWotever
Statss

conseng

statss wrote: »

Moved my name from the half to the full, training going well so I will give it a shot.


Half:
Bugsy2000
ultraman1's da
Martyboy48
jmcc99_98

Full:
R O B
The Rook
dev123
Stephenduffy08
ciancullinan
Conseng
Puck
Bigslice
Shedite
Adamski8
popebenny16
rovers_runner
ofthelord

Ultra:
johnsherwin
Cabaal
Vagga
opus
Killerz
Toblerone
me (ultraman)
hot to trot
canine marathoner
Aimman
Oisin11178
TFBubendorfer
Sideswipe
theduke1
eoin ryan
McWotever
Statss

It must be going very well.

martyboy48

conseng wrote: »

It must be going very well.

Statts will be tested after the race for PEDs

statss

opps, better fix that :pac:


Half:
Bugsy2000
ultraman1's da
Martyboy48
jmcc99_98

Full:
R O B
The Rook
dev123
Stephenduffy08
ciancullinan
Conseng
Puck
Bigslice
Shedite
Adamski8
popebenny16
rovers_runner
ofthelord
Statss

Ultra:
johnsherwin
Cabaal
Vagga
opus
Killerz
Toblerone
me (ultraman)
hot to trot
canine marathoner
Aimman
Oisin11178
TFBubendorfer
Sideswipe
theduke1
eoin ryan
McWotever

QwertyIII

Half:
Bugsy2000
ultraman1's da
Martyboy48
jmcc99_98

Full:
R O B
The Rook
dev123
Stephenduffy08
ciancullinan
Conseng
Puck
Bigslice
Shedite
Adamski8
popebenny16
rovers_runner
ofthelord
Statss
QwertyIII

Ultra:
johnsherwin
Cabaal
Vagga
opus
Killerz
Toblerone
me (ultraman)
hot to trot
canine marathoner
Aimman
Oisin11178
TFBubendorfer
Sideswipe
theduke1
eoin ryan
McWotever

Sara2002

Hi guys, I wonder if you could give me your advice.

I have been training for the Paris marathon which is on the same date as the Connemarathon. I've just been offered a new job, start date the 7th of April. No way can I do Paris as I'd have to book new flights which I can't really afford on top of the expensive accomodation and I'd have to fly back the evening of the marathon which I really wouldn't fancy. So Pris is now off the cards.

I'm thinking of getting a charity place in Connemarathon-Am I mental? I have been sticking to a training plan but I haven't been doing any real hill work in my training so far. Do you think it's possible if I started doing hill work now to be ready on time? I've only completed one marathon, Dublin 2012, 4 hours fifty. Have since greatly improved my speed, finished a 10k in 53.45 and 52.50 with a half marathon planned tomorrow. Was hoping to finish Paris sub 4.30. Obviously this time wouldnt be realistic for Connemara but do you think I would actually be able for it? Am managing to do my Lsr's in just under 10/mile average. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

hot to trot

Without a doubt you will manage fine with the training you have been doing and with some extra hillwork being introduced at this stage.
Connemara is not the Alps. The hills really aren't too bad , its just that the most tiring one comes near the end.

Main thing is not to get injured , so introduce hills slowly at first to build up leg strength and then when you can manage a few reps 4-6 , start doing them faster. Many people get into bother by trying to run uphill fast right from the start. This would be like trying to train for a marathon with 10 and 15 mile runs at 10k pace! You may manage fast reps from the start but 4 weeks down the line if you start getting achilles and calf issues , it will totally mess up your training and possibly your race. There is often a 2 week lag between new strain and breakdown.

Congratulations on super improvements so far. Good luck with the new job.

Sara2002

hot to trot wrote: »

Without a doubt you will manage fine with the training you have been doing and with some extra hillwork being introduced at this stage.
Connemara is not the Alps. The hills really aren't too bad , its just that the most tiring one comes near the end.

Main thing is not to get injured , so introduce hills slowly at first to build up leg strength and then when you can manage a few reps 4-6 , start doing them faster. Many people get into bother by trying to run uphill fast right from the start. This would be like trying to train for a marathon with 10 and 15 mile runs at 10k pace! You may manage fast reps from the start but 4 weeks down the line if you start getting achilles and calf issues , it will totally mess up your training and possibly your race. There is often a 2 week lag between new strain and breakdown.

Congratulations on super improvements so far. Good luck with the new job.

Thanks a million for the reply. I think my mind is made up now. Connemara here i come (i think!) All I need to do is find some decent hills to train around :-)

statss

Hey,

I've emailed the info address twice over the past couple of weeks to ask to switch races, no reply as of yet. Can anyone PM me a direct email address for anyone working on it please? Would hate to miss out on the full over an unseen email.

Thanks

Winkle12

Hi,
I need to contact the Connemarathon organisers.
I have sent 3 emails
AND
facebook message
AND
a message through the Connemarathon website.

I am being completely ignored.
Please advise/ help .. is there a phone number?
Thanks.

ebixa82

I sent them a msg asking about why they don't bother with pacers a few months back. No reply either. Very unprofessional

statss

just to advise others that they got back to me regarding switching races.

confirmed for the full.

bring it on!

T1977

have done a few halfs before including Achill last year and Dublin marathon as well so hopefully I'll get through it! My husband is doing the full.


Half:
Bugsy2000
ultraman1's da
Martyboy48
jmcc99_98
T1977

Full:
R O B
The Rook
dev123
Stephenduffy08
ciancullinan
Conseng
Puck
Bigslice
Shedite
Adamski8
popebenny16
rovers_runner
ofthelord

Ultra:
johnsherwin
Cabaal
Vagga
opus
Killerz
Toblerone
me (ultraman)
hot to trot
canine marathoner
Aimman
Oisin11178
TFBubendorfer
Sideswipe
theduke1
eoin ryan
McWotever
Statss[/QUOTE]

WRENALDO

Does anyone know do they provide sports drinks as well at the water stations or is it just water. ? Also does the water come in bottles or just cups. Many thanks for any replies.

dev123

WRENALDO wrote: »

Does anyone know do they provide sports drinks as well at the water stations or is it just water. ? Also does the water come in bottles or just cups. Many thanks for any replies.

According to their website water is in bottles with sports drinks at certain locations

sideswipe

T minus 5 weeks:eek:
It's been pretty quiet around this thread, How's the training going folks?

conseng

sideswipe wrote: »

T minus 5 weeks:eek:
It's been pretty quiet around this thread, How's the training going folks?

Not too bad. Lost a month over Christmas with cold so am behind where I wanted to be. Step back a bit next week then 20 the weekend after then madness for 3 weeks.

ebixa82

This is my first full mara. Did 18 miles last week at 7.10min/mile avg. but that wrecked me for the week so slowed it down to 7.40min/mile for 20 miles.

Hope to do another 20 miles week after next.

Anyone have an idea what pace I should aim for considering the type of course it is and my lack of experience?

Shedite27

Was going great guns myself, 7:25 min/mile up as far as the 16 mile mark. Did my 18m last Saturday and had a bad run, collapsed on the second half and finished with a 7:43 average (including one at 8:20).

Need to put in a few more miles during the next 10 days in prep for the 20m. Still hoping to break 3:30 on the day.

sideswipe

ebixa82 wrote: »

This is my first full mara. Did 18 miles last week at 7.10min/mile avg. but that wrecked me for the week so slowed it down to 7.40min/mile for 20 miles.

Hope to do another 20 miles week after next.

Anyone have an idea what pace I should aim for considering the type of course it is and my lack of experience?

What finishing time are you hoping for?
7:10 Min/Miles equate to a 3:09 Marathon time, 7:40 = 3:20ish.

babalobioddy

Connemara is recgonised as a pretty tough course, I did it in 2009 it was my first marathon and i finished in 4.04. since then i have done 6 marathons with a pb of 3.19 in cork 2011. Im doing connemara again now and im wondering if mabye some of the more expierenced runners could give their opinion on what they feel a good time in this marathon is ? should we add 15 mins because of the course difaculty ? thanks for reading.