DCM 2013: Mentored Novices Thread......Take 2

ahnowbrowncow

npresto wrote: »

Not sure what to do now.

I've more miles in the legs heading into DCM-13 training and I improved my 5k and 10k PBs this year so I think I'm in better shape and a lot wiser having run last year's DCM but I just want to finish it this year comfortably and not go through the hell I suffered in the last 4 miles last year.

My dilemma is deciding what pace to pick for my LSRs: slower or the same pace as last year?

I definitely wouldn't run the LSRs any slower. What training plan did you follow last year or what pace did you run your midweek runs at?

npresto

ahnowbrowncow wrote: »

I definitely wouldn't run the LSRs any slower. What training plan did you follow last year or what pace did you run your midweek runs at?

I followed the plan laid out in this thread last year so Hal Higdon Novice 1.

Just had a quick look at my Wed runs for Aug + Sep last year and they were all slightly faster than PMP.

My PMP was 5:40/km and I ran them approx 5:25/km

At the time I was using Runkeeper on a phone to track my speed and was only listening to the audio cues every 2 mins and 1/2km but I bought myself a Garmin watch at the start of the year and find it much better to monitor my pace now.

ahnowbrowncow

npresto wrote: »

I followed the plan laid out in this thread last year so Hal Higdon Novice 1.

Just had a quick look at my Wed runs for Aug + Sep last year and they were all slightly faster than PMP.

My PMP was 5:40/km and I ran them approx 5:25/km

At the time I was using Runkeeper on a phone to track my speed and was only listening to the audio cues every 2 mins and 1/2km but I bought myself a Garmin watch at the start of the year and find it much better to monitor my pace now.

Once again this is just my opinion but I think your midweek run pace may have been a bit too slow and that's what caused the last 4 miles to be a struggle.

Have you considered doing tempo runs, hill or interval training?

npresto

ahnowbrowncow wrote: »

Once again this is just my opinion but I think your midweek run pace may have been a bit too slow and that's what caused the last 4 miles to be a struggle.

Have you considered doing tempo runs, hill or interval training?

Hal Higdon Novice1 doesn't do PMP runs on Wednesdays but Hal Higdon Novice2 does. The Novice Thread was following HHN1 but I wanted to run some of the training at PMP so that's why I ran my Wednesday runs slightly faster than PMP. If I had followed HHN1 strictly then I wouldn't have run any midweek runs at PMP.

I live in Dublin but I run all my LSRs bar the last 3 or 4 around Clogherhead (family mobile home at weekends) and there are some testing hills in my runs.

I've never done any tempo runs or interval training - I wouldn't know where to start

ahnowbrowncow

npresto wrote: »

Hal Higdon Novice1 doesn't do PMP runs on Wednesdays but Hal Higdon Novice2 does. The Novice Thread was following HHN1 but I wanted to run some of the training at PMP so that's why I ran my Wednesday runs slightly faster than PMP. If I had followed HHN1 strictly then I wouldn't have run any midweek runs at PMP.

I live in Dublin but I run all my LSRs bar the last 3 or 4 around Clogherhead (family mobile home at weekends) and there are some testing hills in my runs.

I've never done any tempo runs or interval training - I wouldn't know where to start

You don't need to do any of this, the way you're running you will more than likely break sub 4 anyway.
I just find the HH novice training plans to be inefficient when it comes to running faster and doing the same kind of runs week in and week out can get a bit boring.
Hopefully a more experienced runner than myself can step in if I'm giving bad advice.

But if you want to try them they're quite easy to do. Intervals should be easy enough if you have a garmin watch that you can set up interval training on.
Eg. Run 800m at your 5k/10k pace and then walk/jog/run the next 400m/800m (or 1-3 minutes) as fast or as slow as you like. Do that 5 times or so.

A tempo run is when you run for 40 minutes and the first 15 minutes are easy and then you gradually build up to about your 10k pace for 15 minutes. Then slow down to finish the last 10 minutes at an easy pace.

Murph_D

npresto, it seems to me (based on what I pointed out above) that, yes, your LSRs last year were a little too fast but that same pace this year, based on your faster general race times, will be fine. In fact you would probably have gotten your sub-4 last year anyway if you hadn't estimated your PMP based on a race distance of 42.2 k, forgetting to factor in the extra few hundred metres we tend to run on the day. (I made the same mistake, although I still would have missed out, but not by as much!)

Struggling over the last few miles is pretty normal I think for anyone doing a first marathon, especially for us novices working off fairly limited mileage such as the HH Novice plans. But as we've seen in the past couple of weeks, the second marathon can also be a mighty struggle even coming off high-mileage plans like P&D. So many things to get right, apart from pace!

zooming

Im thinking some of you guys should be in the Advanced Marathon group not the novice lol lol

greenb

Setback for me!

14m LSR on Sunday...felt slight twinge outside of left knee on way up Howth Hill. Not too bad and thought I could run it out. Got gradually worse after turning to come back down. Eventually stopped, as feeling like I was about to do some serious damage. Limped through Monday and physical therapist visit Tuesday night. It's IT band. Therapist applied various torture techniques and then used me for a pin cushion.

No running (or cycling!) for me for at least 4 weeks. He said I'd already feel better today (I do!), but not to do the "stupid runner" thing and go back too early. He guarantees continued recurrence and problems unless I nip this in the bud early with further treatments, stretching and strenghtening before a gradual return to running. I'm going to take the advice, but seriously peed off now.

MazzR

I did 4.5 miles Monday and Tuesday. Won't get out today, well I will with the child for a walk but I can't run with the buggy!! My 4.5 miles took 45 mins both times, how does one get speed?! I'd love to pick up some...

Darren 83

MazzR wrote: »

I did 4.5 miles Monday and Tuesday. Won't get out today, well I will with the child for a walk but I can't run with the buggy!! My 4.5 miles took 45 mins both times, how does one get speed?! I'd love to pick up some...

Speed will come naturally don't force it or you will do a injury to you're self

Darren 83

Woden wrote: »

Picked up a new pair of trainers yesterday after a 10k run. Had the current pair since I started last August and both wanted a new pair and wanted to see if new analysis would help me pick up what might be a more suitable pair which might help with the multiple niggles on the left leg. Asics GT-2000 is what I went for in the end after trying on a pair of Brooks and Saucony. Took a half size smaller also. Looking forward to giving them a run out for a 5k this evening.

Currently sitting in work rolling the ball end of an IKEA shoehorn over the left side of my foot. As you do like!

How do you find the Gt 2000? Have the gt 2170, and saucony guide 6, I like the support of the asics and might get a pair the weekend

shortstuff!

MazzR wrote: »

I did 4.5 miles Monday and Tuesday. Won't get out today, well I will with the child for a walk but I can't run with the buggy!! My 4.5 miles took 45 mins both times, how does one get speed?! I'd love to pick up some...

Don't worry about speed, (I need someone in my slow crew!!) as the guys said our times will come down naturally as we increase our mileage, fingers crossed! Besides 10min miles aren't that slow at all, I never go faster than that in training, but somehow manage to when racing, all that adrenaline I suppose! Going to do the 5km in enfield on the 22nd, will see if the increase in mileage over the last couple months have helped then...

Woden

Darren 83 wrote: »

How do you find the Gt 2000? Have the gt 2170, and saucony guide 6, I like the support of the asics and might get a pair the weekend

I've just done one 5k on them on Tues and will do another tonight. I'll get back to you after the LSR on Sat!

shortstuff!

Confession to make... Chickened out of tonight's run, sat on the couch eating junk instead:pac: will just have to get up early tomorrow to do it , right it's out there now, will actually have to do it!

ronan1986

5km done last night in a howling wind and a bit of rain. Not a massive distance but good considering the conditions and the fact that the night before was leg night in the gym, so my legs were spent pre-run.

Anyway, 24min 25 sec for the run which incorporated a 300m long and very steep climb. Rest was flat.


Getting back into it (damn you Las Vegas!!)

shortstuff!

You just cant underestimate the power of posting on this thread, really helped to drag my ass out of bed this morning to do my run! Kinda glad I left it last night cos the weather wasnt too bad this morning, bit cold for May though, had to jog on the spot while my garmin picked up the location:rolleyes:

shortstuff!

Looking for a bit of advise regarding step back weeks, have been trying to build up my base and the consistency of my training before the DCM plan starts. Looking back on my training for the Bohermeen half, besides the LSR, my running was very haphazard... Heres my weekly mileage since start of April: 18.5, 21.5, 18, 23, 22, 22. LSR is at 10miles the past 3weeks. I want to step back next week at I plan to do the Bob Heffernan 5km on Tues 21st and want to be fresh, how many miles should I do?

Big Logger

shortstuff! wrote: »

Looking for a bit of advise regarding step back weeks, have been trying to build up my base and the consistency of my training before the DCM plan starts. Looking back on my training for the Bohermeen half, besides the LSR, my running was very haphazard... Heres my weekly mileage since start of April: 18.5, 21.5, 18, 23, 22, 22. LSR is at 10miles the past 3weeks. I want to step back next week at I plan to do the Bob Heffernan 5km on Tues 21st and want to be fresh, how many miles should I do?

It depends on how fit you are. I personally would leave out the LSR next week and do 4 miles instead on that day and do everything else the same. Give yourself Sun and Mon to rest. Then go all out on Tues and have a nice slow recovery on Wed or whenever your next run is.

career_move

Big Logger wrote: »

It depends on how fit you are. I personally would leave out the LSR next week and do 4 miles instead on that day and do everything else the same. Give yourself Sun and Mon to rest. Then go all out on Tues and have a nice slow recovery on Wed or whenever your next run is.

Sounds good to me. You could add in 4 or 5 100m sprints at race pace into the run on Sat as well if you feel like it

Woden

Woden wrote: »

I've just done one 5k on them on Tues and will do another tonight. I'll get back to you after the LSR on Sat!

Hi Darren,

Copying this in from my log on the GT-2000's

Cheers,

Woden


On the new runners themselves. I think they are ok. They might be a bit tight (not in length). Super conscious because of the above [niggles in left foot and ankle]. Think I can feel more support on the inside of the heel due to both newness and support. From the LSR today did not seem to cause the same blister issues. Did seem to be a little slippage back and forward on the left foot. So jury out. Hopefully work out ok. Annoying if they don't.

Darren 83

Woden wrote: »

Hi Darren,

Copying this in from my log on the GT-2000's

Cheers,

Woden


On the new runners themselves. I think they are ok. They might be a bit tight (not in length). Super conscious because of the above [niggles in left foot and ankle]. Think I can feel more support on the inside of the heel due to both newness and support. From the LSR today did not seem to cause the same blister issues. Did seem to be a little slippage back and forward on the left foot. So jury out. Hopefully work out ok. Annoying if they don't.

Cheers I bought a pair the weekend did 5k in them found them a lot more supportive. Will use them for long runs, have just under 200 miles done in the other pair. Just curious do people keep two pair of runners in rotation or stick to the one pair.

greenb

Sorry if I missed this earlier in the thread, but is there one specific training plan being recommended for this group or is everyone picking and following their own? I remember there being some discussion on HH novice 1 perhaps not being ideal...

zooming

greenb wrote: »

Sorry if I missed this earlier in the thread, but is there one specific training plan being recommended for this group or is everyone picking and following their own? I remember there being some discussion on HH novice 1 perhaps not being ideal...

It really depends on your level I guess, I'm following HH novice 1 and I'm hoping to finish and this is a beginners "get you round" plan. If you have done lots more running and are pretty speedy then this plan might not be for you. I know some will say you need more long runs than HHn1 calls for and that's true if you have a time goal in mind. If however your goal is to finish then its fine. To be honest I'm a novice and I couldn't have handled any more LSRs in this plan. Good luck to you whatever plan you pick

Mr Slow

Darren 83 wrote: »

Just curious do people keep two pair of runners in rotation or stick to the one pair.

I run mine into the ground before moving onto the next but there's a lot of sense in rotating pairs and keeping the fresher pair for your LSR's.

greenb wrote: »

Sorry if I missed this earlier in the thread, but is there one specific training plan being recommended for this group or is everyone picking and following their own? I remember there being some discussion on HH novice 1 perhaps not being ideal...

As Zooming says it really depends on your level, give us an idea of your current weekly training and I'm sure there'll be plenty of people with advice for programs. Hal Higdon Novice one is a low mileage plan, just enough to get you around which is ideal for those with a low mileage base.

greenb

Mr Slow wrote: »

As Zooming says it really depends on your level, give us an idea of your current weekly training and I'm sure there'll be plenty of people with advice for programs. Hal Higdon Novice one is a low mileage plan, just enough to get you around which is ideal for those with a low mileage base.

Current level/training:

50 yrs old and running about 1 year. From December last up to about 4 weeks ago was doing an average of 25-30 miles per week, then was sick and only got out for 1 6 mile run in two weeks. Two weeks ago jumped back in where I left off before illness (mistake I think!). Was mid 14m lsr two sundays ago and broke down with pain on outside of knee. Currently being treated for ITBS:(, but hoping to get back running next week. Before this injury, I was considering doing the HH intermediate program....thought with my base of 25-30m per week for 5 or 6 months I would be able for this. Don't know what to do now after current setback

RunningKing

Darren 83 wrote: »

Just curious do people keep two pair of runners in rotation or stick to the one pair.

obviously not addicted enough yet if you only own 1 pair :P

The experts say that keeping 2 on the go will help extend their life span.
If you buy a new pair just before the older ones are coming to the end, that way you've always got 2 on the go - helps with 'breaking in ' etc.

Theres also an argument I've heard that it helps your mechanics if you have different runners as your foot doesn't get used to the same 'fitting' all the time.


I currently have 2 pairs, both with 150(ish) miles on them. - Both of these are different - in terms of heel drop and cushioning.
A new pair of racers
An old pair of Mizunos (550 miles) that I wear if I'm doing trail runs in the muck!

Mr Slow

greenb wrote: »

Current level/training:

50 yrs old and running about 1 year. From December last up to about 4 weeks ago was doing an average of 25-30 miles per week, then was sick and only got out for 1 6 mile run in two weeks. Two weeks ago jumped back in where I left off before illness (mistake I think!). Was mid 14m lsr two sundays ago and broke down with pain on outside of knee. Currently being treated for ITBS:(, but hoping to get back running next week. Before this injury, I was considering doing the HH intermediate program....thought with my base of 25-30m per week for 5 or 6 months I would be able for this. Don't know what to do now after current setback

I had ITBS on my first marathon, did your physio strip it out? The reason I ask is that the first physio I went to sent me home with a leaflet on stretches, the second (the one I still attend) told me to get a foam roller (Go one step further and get a Grid Roller) and she tortured me for an hour, no problems since.

What's your racing history?

ecoli

Mr Slow wrote: »

I had ITBS on my first marathon, did your physio strip it out? The reason I ask is that the first physio I went to sent me home with a leaflet on stretches, the second (the one I still attend) told me to get a foam roller (Go one step further and get a Grid Roller) and she tortured me for an hour, no problems since.

What's your racing history?

Did you roll the TFL or the ITB?

The ITB is a very thin sheet of muscle so rolling on it isnt going to help as it is effectively a tendon for the most part. If you are foam rolling make sure to go above the ITB up around the TFL and Glute Medius

greenb

Mr Slow wrote: »

I had ITBS on my first marathon, did your physio strip it out? The reason I ask is that the first physio I went to sent me home with a leaflet on stretches, the second (the one I still attend) told me to get a foam roller (Go one step further and get a Grid Roller) and she tortured me for an hour, no problems since.

What's your racing history?

Thanks Mr (not so) Slow (I've read your log!).....

I've already had two torture sessions going for third tonight:eek:!.........My Grid arrived in the post from amphibian King on Friday........so I'm attacking this injury as best I can. How long were you out with ITBS, and how was your return to running? My physio is advising a lot of rest and I believe this injury is very prone to reoccurence if not dealt with. It's very encouraging for me to hear that you've had no problems since so I would be really interested to hear how you handled it.

As for my racing history.........there isn't much of it. I've only done a couple of 5ks and one 5 mile race (Raheny this year). My 5k pb is 24:06 and I was truely shocked and stunned to beat 40mins (just!) for the 5 miles.

Darren 83

RunningKing wrote: »

obviously not addicted enough yet if you only own 1 pair :P

The experts say that keeping 2 on the go will help extend their life span.
If you buy a new pair just before the older ones are coming to the end, that way you've always got 2 on the go - helps with 'breaking in ' etc.

Theres also an argument I've heard that it helps your mechanics if you have different runners as your foot doesn't get used to the same 'fitting' all the time.


I currently have 2 pairs, both with 150(ish) miles on them. - Both of these are different - in terms of heel drop and cushioning.
A new pair of racers
An old pair of Mizunos (550 miles) that I wear if I'm doing trail runs in the muck!

i have three pairs what does that make me? :P
I have a old pair of asics not a 100% sure of miles done in them, would these be okay to run in grass?

Woden

Post here from CM with the plan and a link to the google doc the training starting from 24th June

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=83947539&postcount=67

Was planning to start on the 17th myself to give a week incase of injury or sickness.

Mr Slow

ecoli wrote: »

Did you roll the TFL or the ITB?

The ITB is a very thin sheet of muscle so rolling on it isnt going to help as it is effectively a tendon for the most part. If you are foam rolling make sure to go above the ITB up around the TFL and Glute Medius

Twas the Illiotibial Band alright:), it had shortened or tightened up because I had upped the mileage from nothing drawing a ligament across the side of my knee bone. My maintainance regime when properly training is to work a sliotar into the glutes, roll the IT Band and that lateral front thigh muscle on the Grid followed by a roasting of the calves with 'The Stick'.

Pain is your friend.

ecoli

Mr Slow wrote: »

Pain is your friend.

No doubt on this one but I have found that rolling the IT band is about as useful as trying to break a rock with a rubber hammer all you are doing is pushing it into the outside quad muscle. The TFL actually inserts into the IT band so in fact it is the TFL which pulls on the IT band which in turn pulls the knee laterally.

I agree foam rolling will help but you will have more success loosening out the source of the tightness (which to be fair you were probably getting a bit with the sliotar on the glutes)

Milknosugar

Fit Magazine city series 12th May in Phoenix Park

I rocked up to this yesterday a little tired and a little demotivated especially with the rain! I was worried about what I call my shin splints, but my physio calls them something else - soft tissue damage. The area around 3-5 inches directly up from the inside ankle on both legs. HAs anyone experienced anything like it? I put it down to tennis the last few weeks as Id been fine up to then. Tennis can be fairly high impact.

Anyway, the race started 3 mins early and i had to run to the start line which meant I was nearly Paddy last. Knowing my speed, i probably would be! I just went very slowly but I felt pain every step of the way.

It was 2 laps of 5 km and the most disheartening thing was just coming through the finish line the first time at 35 mins, the ladies winner flies by me - fair play to her, but tough to know she can run exactly twice as fast!! And I had another painful 5 km to go!

There was an old lad on a bike at one stage and one of the marshalls was trying to get him off the running course but he was having none of it - started shouting "get out of my way" and ramming him with his bike! Ive never seen anything like it. there was another path 2 feet away. Some people!! It took my mind off the legs for a minute anyway.

I liked the motivational signs along the way..one said "pain is nothing compared to the feeling of quitting". I got in at a pretty unimpressive 1hr8mins but I did run the whole way and ran the second half a little faster.

I have a physio appointment tomorrow eve. Hopefully a couple of days rest after means Ill be able to do 10 miles at the weekend, and then the burren half the following week. I m not aiming for a time. Ill settle for run/walking it and just take in the scenery.

Mr Slow

ecoli wrote: »

No doubt on this one but I have found that rolling the IT band is about as useful as trying to break a rock with a rubber hammer all you are doing is pushing it into the outside quad muscle. The TFL actually inserts into the IT band so in fact it is the TFL which pulls on the IT band which in turn pulls the knee laterally.

I agree foam rolling will help but you will have more success loosening out the source of the tightness (which to be fair you were probably getting a bit with the sliotar on the glutes)

I've just realised I appear to be contradicting you L, I bow to your superior knowledge.

Mr Slow

greenb wrote: »

Thanks Mr (not so) Slow (I've read your log!).....

I've already had two torture sessions going for third tonight:eek:!.........My Grid arrived in the post from amphibian King on Friday........so I'm attacking this injury as best I can. How long were you out with ITBS, and how was your return to running? My physio is advising a lot of rest and I believe this injury is very prone to reoccurence if not dealt with. It's very encouraging for me to hear that you've had no problems since so I would be really interested to hear how you handled it.

As for my racing history.........there isn't much of it. I've only done a couple of 5ks and one 5 mile race (Raheny this year). My 5k pb is 24:06 and I was truely shocked and stunned to beat 40mins (just!) for the 5 miles.

Obviously every injury is individual and you have to take the required time out, I on the other hand ran when I could bear it, sometimes when it was unbearable, not the way to go. Runners get so used to discomfort they miss or pay no heed to warning signs. In keeping with my ITBS approach I ran myself into the ground in 2011 for a 3:29 marathon, 18 months later and I'm just starting to train again.

Heed the warnings, listen to your physio, be well!

ecoli

Mr Slow wrote: »

I've just realised I appear to be contradicting you L, I bow to your superior knowledge.

Please don't better to challenge anything you don't agree with (especially with something like this that is debated by therapists).

You can be damn sure that Kurt and tRR wouldn't pull punches so why should the rest of us :pac:

MazzR

14 miles last week. Not happy with that. Start of a new week today,will get 4-5 done this evening for a start...

shortstuff!

Milknosugar wrote: »

Fit Magazine city series 12th May in Phoenix Park

I rocked up to this yesterday a little tired and a little demotivated especially with the rain! I was worried about what I call my shin splints, but my physio calls them something else - soft tissue damage. The area around 3-5 inches directly up from the inside ankle on both legs. HAs anyone experienced anything like it? I put it down to tennis the last few weeks as Id been fine up to then. Tennis can be fairly high impact.

Anyway, the race started 3 mins early and i had to run to the start line which meant I was nearly Paddy last. Knowing my speed, i probably would be! I just went very slowly but I felt pain every step of the way.

It was 2 laps of 5 km and the most disheartening thing was just coming through the finish line the first time at 35 mins, the ladies winner flies by me - fair play to her, but tough to know she can run exactly twice as fast!! And I had another painful 5 km to go!

There was an old lad on a bike at one stage and one of the marshalls was trying to get him off the running course but he was having none of it - started shouting "get out of my way" and ramming him with his bike! Ive never seen anything like it. there was another path 2 feet away. Some people!! It took my mind off the legs for a minute anyway.

I liked the motivational signs along the way..one said "pain is nothing compared to the feeling of quitting". I got in at a pretty unimpressive 1hr8mins but I did run the whole way and ran the second half a little faster.

I have a physio appointment tomorrow eve. Hopefully a couple of days rest after means Ill be able to do 10 miles at the weekend, and then the burren half the following week. I m not aiming for a time. Ill settle for run/walking it and just take in the scenery.

Well done milknosugar, really sounds like you dug in deep there! The weather conditions were serious over the weekend:eek:Hope the physio goes well!

I'm after spending the evening icing, rolling and deep heating my calves! A well needed step back week this week so going to try focus more on getting my stretch/rolling routine up to scratch!

shortstuff!

MazzR wrote: »

14 miles last week. Not happy with that. Start of a new week today,will get 4-5 done this evening for a start...

Every bit counts MazzR, must be hard to fit training in around bringing up kids

AlsoRan

Decided I'd finally stop lurking and join in on this thread as I'm signed up for the marathon this year, just went as far as the DCM half-marathon in '12. Was addicted to the half-marathon thread last year with Zooming and Darren, it kept me motivated. I naturally believe I won't complete races so signing up for races forces me to commit to them and reading about other people's struggles makes me think that I'm not doing this in isolation!

Now to the all-important questions:

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
I've only been running a year, starting with the mini-marathon.
5k PB Parkrun April '13 27.18
10K PB Clane Oct '12 59.XX (just scraped under)
1/2 mara Wex April '13 2.12

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
No, my speed is still non-existent but I'm lasting and recovering a lot better than before

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
I was covering around 25 miles a week (I'm old school re miles) as I have done two halfs so far this year, Wicklow and Wexford. I'm now covering just 10-15 for the next few weeks to give myself a breather before picking it up for the Clontarf half, the DCM race series, the Athlone 3/4 and the marathon training programme.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time ?
I would love to finish close to 4 hours, being realistic given my half times, close to 4 1/2 is more realistic.

•How many days a week can you train ?
I tend to do something at least 5 days a week. Usually running on 3 days, then zumba and pilates on another 2 days, the pilates in particular helps sort out my muscles.

•Why are you running this marathon ?
Most of my family are asking this question and sometimes I am as well. I really want to complete to prove to myself I can do it and I'm hoping that the races I'll have run by then this year will have set me up for it.

shortstuff!

AlsoRan wrote: »

Decided I'd finally stop lurking and join in on this thread as I'm signed up for the marathon this year, just went as far as the DCM half-marathon in '12. Was addicted to the half-marathon thread last year with Zooming and Darren, it kept me motivated. I naturally believe I won't complete races so signing up for races forces me to commit to them and reading about other people's struggles makes me think that I'm not doing this in isolation!

Now to the all-important questions:

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
I've only been running a year, starting with the mini-marathon.
5k PB Parkrun April '13 27.18
10K PB Clane Oct '12 59.XX (just scraped under)
1/2 mara Wex April '13 2.12

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
No, my speed is still non-existent but I'm lasting and recovering a lot better than before

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
I was covering around 25 miles a week (I'm old school re miles) as I have done two halfs so far this year, Wicklow and Wexford. I'm now covering just 10-15 for the next few weeks to give myself a breather before picking it up for the Clontarf half, the DCM race series, the Athlone 3/4 and the marathon training programme.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time ?
I would love to finish close to 4 hours, being realistic given my half times, close to 4 1/2 is more realistic.

•How many days a week can you train ?
I tend to do something at least 5 days a week. Usually running on 3 days, then zumba and pilates on another 2 days, the pilates in particular helps sort out my muscles.

•Why are you running this marathon ?
Most of my family are asking this question and sometimes I am as well. I really want to complete to prove to myself I can do it and I'm hoping that the races I'll have run by then this year will have set me up for it.

Welcome! We've pretty similar race times AlsoRan... Im hoping to get a little faster over the next while, best of luck with the training:)

rob w

And so it begins....

My plan started today, (doing a different plan than the HH1), so did an easy 3 mile run. Lovely day out for it too, would have liked to keep going but best to stick to the plan, ill try get out for a walk later before the sun dissapears again! Im going to get a training log going on here when I get some time to get around to it too, just to keep track and a bit of motivation too!

So the wheels are in motion, all I need to do now is keep up....:pac::pac::pac:

shortstuff!

rob w wrote: »

And so it begins....

My plan started today, (doing a different plan than the HH1), so did an easy 3 mile run. Lovely day out for it too, would have liked to keep going but best to stick to the plan, ill try get out for a walk later before the sun dissapears again! Im going to get a training log going on here when I get some time to get around to it too, just to keep track and a bit of motivation too!

So the wheels are in motion, all I need to do now is keep up....:pac::pac::pac:

Nice early start! What plan are you following rob?

rob w

shortstuff! wrote: »

Nice early start! What plan are you following rob?

Its the hal higdon marathon 3 plan, there should be a link to it back in my first post on this thread!

Yeah its quite early alright, but its because its only 3 days of running a week rather than 4, so it allows 2 days of crosstraining per week, which lets me incorporate some time on my bike too!

Nappy

Hey Guys!

I'm extremely new to running. I did my first 5K last august in a relay race with work. I've been keeping at it in the gym and over the last 2 months I run about 2-3 5K's a week. I haven't really pushed it on the distance yet. I just saw this thread today and it got me all obsessed about completing a marathon. I had a look at the race series to the dublin marathon. I'd be so proud If I did it but I'm wondering am I pushing it too far to expect to run my first marathon in October.

Now to the all-important questions:

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
2 5K races: PB = 21 mins


Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
No but I have only been running 5Ks

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
Currently finishing off exams. I am normally doing 3 x 5Ks a week plus gym. I will follow the hal higdon plan once finished and am keen to get back on my bike.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time ?
I would love to finish close to 3:45.

•How many days a week can you train ?
I will run 3-4 times per week following the HH plan and also frequent the gym. I will sign up for the race series also to keep me motivated.

•Why are you running this marathon ?
I want to tick it off the bucket list! Looks great on the CV too!

Murph_D

CV? Never thought of that :-p

You'll be OK if you train sensibly and don't get carried away. At this stage last year I had yet to run my first 5k and I completed a 4-mile, an 8k, a 10-mile and the DCM (4:02) by Oct. In retrospect, the most impressive part was showing up at DCM fresh and without injury, and being able to run it consistently without stopping for stretches, the toilet, a walk, etc.

edit: oh yeah, and I'm over 50, so if you're a young lad you should be well able for it.

Nappy

murphd77 wrote: »

CV? Never thought of that :-p

You'll be OK if you train sensibly and don't get carried away. At this stage last year I had yet to run my first 5k and I completed a 4-mile, an 8k, a 10-mile and the DCM (4:02) by Oct. In retrospect, the most impressive part was showing up at DCM fresh and without injury, and being able to run it consistently without stopping for stretches, the toilet, a walk, etc.

edit: oh yeah, and I'm over 50, so if you're a young lad you should be well able for it.

Major respect! That some achievement. I'm exactly half your age so now I have no excuse. DCM here I come!

MazzR

Did 10k with hubby yesterday just to see if I could and did it in 59.29.! Happy with that. My calves are sooooore though now

MazzR

Oh and here's the thing with me, I get faster (obviously not fast but faster) as I go along, and feel stronger. Yesterday for example, I moaned and groaned and wanted to stop for the 1st couple of k, then when hubby had to stop at around 8k, I was flying (my version of flying anyway). I've a 5k race on Sunday with my club and I honestly reckon ill be last. I've found though, if they are longer I am better...