Sydney Marathon 2013: Sub 3hr Log

dry_runner

“We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.” – Emil Zatopek

After following these forums and reading the logs for the past few months and for a bit of extra motivation I have decided to sign up and to start my own for 2013. As a novice runner with fairly ambitious goals any advice/feedback/comments would be very much appreciated.

Background
24 year old male, started running in July 2012 after many years of limited exercise and heavy drinking. First marathon on Sept 1 2012 in Dingle with a goal of under 4hrs. Found it very tough (longest run in training was 15 miles) but enjoyed myself immensely and finished in 3:51, was instantly hooked and signed up for Dublin the following morning. Goal for Dublin was under 3:30 after some (at best) unstructured training, literally fell over the line in 3:27, couldn't walk after it but felt great. Ran two 10ks after Dublin with a PB of 41:28.

Goals for 2013
Hoping to do the Tralee marathon in March in under 3:15, then Sydney in September in under 3 hours. Emigrating to Brisbane in May so should have some time to adjust to the climate. Would also like to run a 10k under 40 minutes this year but that's a secondary goal.

Training
My main aim also for 2013 is to get some proper structure to my training, I am currently doing the Hal Higdon Intermediate 2 programme http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51140/Marathon-Intermediate-2-Training-Program, training midweek on treadmill mainly, with weekend running a mixture of road, cross-country and beach. Using a Garmin without HRM, also thinking of investing in a decent pair of runners although I have become somewhat emotionally attached to my battered pair of €50 Asics. Luckily no real injuries so far, and I hope to keep it that way.

Although I haven't been running very long it has really improved my quality of life, I find I'm a lot happier, healthier and relaxed since I started. The aim of this log is to share my experiences as I push on and try to improve and hopefully to get some good advice from those more experienced on here. Thanks for reading.

dry_runner

Long slow run this morning on fairly hilly loop on countryside trails in miserable weather, feeling a bit heavy and slow after a lazy Christmas.

Distance: 17.2 Miles
Time: 2:42
Average Pace: 8m49s/mile

dry_runner

Tue 8 Jan
Treadmill run, I find these more difficult than road running, mainly because the gym I use is hotter than hell and the boredom factor, but a necessary evil at the moment.
Distance: 4 Miles
Average Pace: 8m/mile

Wed 9 Jan
Nice relaxed evening run around the northside of Limerick city.
Distance: 8.06 Miles
Time: 1:01:24
Average Pace: 7m37s/mile

Thur 10 Jan
Back on the treadmill ...
Distance: 4 Miles
Average Pace: 7m30/mile

RunningKing

Best of luck, will be lurking intently.......

myflipflops

Best of luck. Australia is superb a great place to train in. Arriving in May, the weather should not be too bad for you for the first few months.

dry_runner

Sun 13 Jan
13m run at near marathon pace on the beach this morning, slow to start but felt ok after about 5 or so miles. Lucky to have one of the longest beaches in the country (over 12 miles) practically on my doorstep. Pic attached taken in November.

Distance: 13.08 Miles
Time: 1:34:48
Average Pace: 7m14s/mile

Mileage for week: 29.14
Mileage year to date: 52.56

dry_runner

Tue 15 Jan
Treadmill run.
Distance: 4 Miles
Average Pace: 7m36s/mile

Wed 16 Jan
Treadmill run.
Distance: 4 Miles
Average Pace: 7m19s/mile

Thur 16 Jan
Street running circa 5 mile loop in Limerick
Distance: 9.91 Miles
Time: 1:016:38
Average Pace: 7m44s/mile

Sat 19 Jan
Pace run on beach
Distance: 9.10 Miles
Time: 1:10:34
Average Pace: 7m19s/mile

Sun 20 Jan
Was aiming for a good cross-country LSR but weather was against me, bitterly cold with sleet and near gale force winds got the better of me after only 8 miles, must do better next week..
Distance: 8.36 Miles
Time: 1:22:58
Average Pace: 9m55s/mile

Mileage for week: 35.37
Mileage year to date: 87.93