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

donnacha

Been lurking around these parts for the last couple of months and have finally decided its time to join in. So first off a bit about me ...a couple of years back the doc weighed me in and I'd hit 16 1/2 stone - took that visit for me to take the thumb out and join a gym. That was June 2011 and over the course of the following 18 mths I managed to get my weight down to a respectable 13 stone with a variety of diet and exercise. I found at the gym I could do 10k runs on the threadmill and liked the challenge of beating previous times etc. Though I did do a couple of the urbantrails series last year I only really started running outdoors in February this year.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
4k Urbantrails/Marlay Park Feb '12 21:32
8k Urbantrails/ St Annes Apr '12 44:55
10k Samsung Night Run Apr '13 49:25

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
No, am okay at pacing myself (thanks to the garmin forerunner), though I have no idea how I'll be able to keep running for 4+hrs

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 doing a mix of weights machines and threadmill until Feb this year, on average covering 20kms/wk on threadmill. Since then I haven't seen the gym since and have been running 3 times a wk covering 25kms.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time ?
Dream finish would be to be coming in sub 4hrs - need to be getting some longer runs under the belt to see how realistic that is. I'm going to do the Rock and Roll Half Marathon first and my target time for that will be 1:50

•How many days a week can you train ?
3 kids at home and work are going to come between this some weeks but I'm planning 4 days of running and hoping to fit in 1 day cross (planning to buy a bike)

•Why are you running this marathon ?
Because hopefully I can :P
Main reasons are to keep the weight off and to do this before I turn 40 next yr.

So now to look to you all for advice.
My training plan commenced yesterday as I have the Half Marathon on 5th August. I'm planning to follow the 12 wk HalHigdon Novice 2 Program. If all goes well with that then I'm planning to jump in on the HalHigdon Novice 2 Marathon plan on wk 8 of the 18 wk plan. I've looked at the two plans and they seem to fit neatly in with one another.
Would this approach work? Or would any of you advise of a more suitable plan based on my previous times/target times?

career_move

Welcome to the Novices thread Donnacha. Have you anymore races planned between the HM and DCM?

Ososlo

Hello:)
Hope it's ok to join the party if I'm following a different plan.

Have you raced before?
5k MSB March 2013 - 25:50
Wexford Half Marathon - 2:05 (was on track for sub 2 up to 9/10 miles but had to deal with a personal problem which ruined my race. 3 miles of hell made for a very unhappy finish. Race time not a reflection of where I'm at in training at the moment)

Do you need to take breaks in training?
No

How much training do you currently do?
Running about 18 months. Started with C25k from absolute scratch. No history of running or any sport. Lazy cow for 30 odd years.
I currently run 6 days a week (7 if allowed ) and cover 40+ miles. I am following a fantastic training plan which is tailor made for me based on my heart rate training zones. I do hill work, tempo work, a m/lsr (longest 13 miles) and lots and lots of very slow recovery and easy paced miles based on a percentage of my max hr (found during a fitness test) to steadily build up my aerobic base. I do double runs a few days a week and have toyed with the idea of the odd triple! Overkill for a newbie, I know I know..
I am doing a new core workout programme as I want to build a much stronger upper and middle-body section. I do lots of planks and press-ups and some free weights at home. Foam roll a lot which is keeping me injury free as I haven't been to the physio since I started doing this! Was there every few months last year.

What time do you want to achieve? Dream and realistic?
Dream: 3:59:59
Realistic: This is a tough one. I am working very hard for this although I hate calling it "work" as I love every second of my training. I have no natural ability for running, I'm actually really bad at it but I'm giving 110% to this marathon so I hope to do well. It's early days so I won't know what's realistic until after the half in September.

How many days a week can you train?
6. Would train 7 if allowed :P. wish they'd make an 8 day week:D

Why are you running this marathon?
Don't know why but always promised myself I'd do it someday. Always admired people who completed marathons. Watched my brother do it twice and was jealous.
It would be a nice way to celebrate my 2nd running anniversary almost to the day that I started Couch 25k when I ran for 1 minute and really thought I would collapse and die from exhaustion
I'm a running junkie so it's an excuse to run more miles without my oh and family/friends thinking I'm losing it. I just LOVE running:D
Also, I think it's an interesting experiment, to see if someone who sucks at running can make some kind of decent job out of a marathon by total dedication, hard work and commitment alone.

As it's my birthday today, I'm off soon to enjoy a rare night of debauchery and can enjoy it guilt free as I did tomorrow's tempo session earlier today. 3 miles warm up, 20 mins @ 8:30ish min/miles and a long cooldown. 8 miles covered in total. Feel great after it:)

Let the party begin.

vitani

Ososlo wrote: »

How much training do you currently do?
Running about 18 months. Started with C25k from absolute scratch. No history of running or any sport. Lazy cow for 30 odd years.
I currently run 6 days a week (7 if allowed ) and cover 40+ miles. I am following a fantastic training plan which is tailor made for me based on my heart rate training zones. I do hill work, tempo work, a m/lsr (longest 13 miles) and lots and lots of very slow recovery and easy paced miles based on a percentage of my max hr (found during a fitness test) to steadily build up my aerobic base. I do double runs a few days a week and have toyed with the idea of the odd triple! Overkill for a newbie, I know I know..
I am doing a new core workout programme as I want to build a much stronger upper and middle-body section. I do lots of planks and press-ups and some free weights at home. Foam roll a lot which is keeping me injury free as I haven't been to the physio since I started doing this! Was there every few months last year.

If there was a prize for commitment, I think you'd win it. Best of luck throughout the training - I'll be watching with interest.

Enjoy the birthday celebrations!

statss

I'm interested to here about this tailor made plan Ososlo, care to tell us more about it? Sounds like it might be from the P & D book?

I signed up & paid for DCM2013 and the race series today. No. 1202 :cool:

donnacha

career_move wrote: »

Welcome to the Novices thread Donnacha. Have you anymore races planned between the HM and DCM?

Thanks career_move. I've been considering entering the Flatline HM in Athlone -its on mid Sept. My training plans all call for a couple of other races also so I'll see where I can fit these in between juggling family duties and work.

Mr Slow

Ososlo wrote: »

How much training do you currently do?
Running about 18 months. Started with C25k from absolute scratch. No history of running or any sport. Lazy cow for 30 odd years.
I currently run 6 days a week (7 if allowed ) and cover 40+ miles. I am following a fantastic training plan which is tailor made for me based on my heart rate training zones. I do hill work, tempo work, a m/lsr (longest 13 miles) and lots and lots of very slow recovery and easy paced miles based on a percentage of my max hr (found during a fitness test) to steadily build up my aerobic base. I do double runs a few days a week and have toyed with the idea of the odd triple! Overkill for a newbie, I know I know..
I am doing a new core workout programme as I want to build a much stronger upper and middle-body section. I do lots of planks and press-ups and some free weights at home. Foam roll a lot which is keeping me injury free as I haven't been to the physio since I started doing this! Was there every few months last year. .

Looks like you're well set, stay injury free and you'll have a great debut.

career_move

donnacha wrote: »

Thanks career_move. I've been considering entering the Flatline HM in Athlone -its on mid Sept. My training plans all call for a couple of other races also so I'll see where I can fit these in between juggling family duties and work.

Good stuff. Sounds like you have it all worked out. I followed Hal Higdon Novice 2 last year but added in extra mileage. You should be good to jump in at week 8 when your finished the HM plan. Or you can follow my plan which has the Athlone HM included. Just make sure with either that you take it easy for the few days after the race.

Dilbert75

statss wrote: »

I'm interested to here about this tailor made plan Ososlo, care to tell us more about it?

Likewise - sounds like an epic plan. Would love to see it. Just make sure you get enough recovery time (and I don't necessarily mean rest).

Ososlo

Dilbert75 wrote: »

Likewise - sounds like an epic plan. Would love to see it. Just make sure you get enough recovery time (and I don't necessarily mean rest).

what kind of recovery do you mean Dilbert?

Plan ain't from no book. Not an established static plan. Just a plan put together for me by someone else. Based on heart rate training. Involves lots of very slow running. Patience required

Dilbert75

Ososlo wrote: »

what kind of recovery do you mean Dilbert?

Just that you can't put yourself under pressure all the time and expect your body to cope - sooner or later it will protest. That's not to say you need to rest totally but you need at least a couple of days gentle exercise in the week to balance the harder stuff. Maybe your plan has that covered already.

Ososlo

Dilbert75 wrote: »

Just that you can't put yourself under pressure all the time and expect your body to cope - sooner or later it will protest. That's not to say you need to rest totally but you need at least a couple of days gentle exercise in the week to balance the harder stuff. Maybe your plan has that covered already.

ah yeah I get what you're saying alright. sensible advice. Most of what I do would be considered gentle/recovery paced running so I think I'm ok. I don't think i'm putting myself any major pressure even though I'm doing high enough mileage (for me). Thanks Dilbert:)

ronan1986

Last 7 days have been a bit of a write off.

Managed only 2 days in the gym, doing various weight exercises (not particularly running related apart from legs day).

As for the running. 2 runs in the pat 7 days.

Both 6.5km. 27-28 mins for both runs.

Happy with the times, but not the number of runs...

At this rate im a million miles from a marathon. Gonna push on for a 10km tni

Ososlo

vitani wrote: »

If there was a prize for commitment, I think you'd win it. Best of luck throughout the training - I'll be watching with interest.

Enjoy the birthday celebrations!

thanks vitani! you can learn from my mistakes for next year!

jmcc99_98

Have my name down for the DCM (My first marathon)

Was starting training from a decent plateau having ran sub 2hours in the Connemara Half Marathon in April. However picked up an injury or two since that, have taken it very easy running that past two weeks with only about 35km done in past two and a half weeks. Taking a complete week off at the moment to rest the leg and it is amazing how anxious I am getting, thinking that I will not be ready (Even though the DCM is 5 1/2 months away yet) I know I am being stupid but Im freaking ou, thinking my fitness is seeping out of me every night I dont run etc etc

I am planning to follow the Training routine that was posted in here a few weeks back specifically for this thread (Thanks for that by the way)

Can someone reassure me that if I take it very easy until 24th June (Proposed start date for the training routine) I will be fine!

career_move

jmcc99_98 wrote: »

Have my name down for the DCM (My first marathon)

Was starting training from a decent plateau having ran sub 2hours in the Connemara Half Marathon in April. However picked up an injury or two since that, have taken it very easy running that past two weeks with only about 35km done in past two and a half weeks. Taking a complete week off at the moment to rest the leg and it is amazing how anxious I am getting, thinking that I will not be ready (Even though the DCM is 5 1/2 months away yet) I know I am being stupid but Im freaking ou, thinking my fitness is seeping out of me every night I dont run etc etc

I am planning to follow the Training routine that was posted in here a few weeks back specifically for this thread (Thanks for that by the way)

Can someone reassure me that if I take it very easy until 24th June (Proposed start date for the training routine) I will be fine!

Don't worry. You won't lose your fitness base in a couple of weeks. It's much better to give yourself plenty of time now to get over any injuries you have. When you start back you'll be a bit rusty for the first run or two but it won't take long to get back into it. The most common mistake people make when they are returning from injuries is to start back at the same level they were at before they got injured. This leads to further/different injuries because your body can't cope. So make sure when you start back you take things nice and easy.

It might be no harm to do some stretches and some light core work

jmcc99_98

career_move wrote: »

Don't worry. You won't lose your fitness base in a couple of weeks. It's much better to give yourself plenty of time now to get over any injuries you have. When you start back you'll be a bit rusty for the first run or two but it won't take long to get back into it. The most common mistake people make when they are returning from injuries is to start back at the same level they were at before they got injured. This leads to further/different injuries because your body can't cope. So make sure when you start back you take things nice and easy.

It might be no harm to do some stretches and some light core work

Thanks career_move - I know I am being a bit dramatic, but at the same time it is good to get some reassurance especially as I am a first timer when it comes to the Marathon. This is also the first time since I started running (2 years) that I have had to contend with a persistent injury.

Thanks for the links also, I am going to concentrate on going out on the bike to replace the running, this will not affect the injury (knee and groin) I am also doing Pilates for the core at the moment. Stretching though is something I always neglect

Big Logger

Dilbert75 wrote: »

Just that you can't put yourself under pressure all the time and expect your body to cope - sooner or later it will protest. That's not to say you need to rest totally but you need at least a couple of days gentle exercise in the week to balance the harder stuff. Maybe your plan has that covered already.

Yeah I'd agree, I think it got a bit competitive on the dcm graduates site for a while there. Competitiveness is great when you have experience or come from a sporting backgroud but not so good when you've not much experience.

Ososlo

Big Logger wrote: »

Yeah I'd agree, I think it got a bit competitive on the dcm graduates site for a while there. Competitiveness is great when you have experience or come from a sporting backgroud but not so good when you've not much experience.

good point. i noticed that too with the graduates. the only person I'm competitive with is myself which i would consider a positive thing in order to improve

ellie_sun

Joining this thread again for 2013. I was due to run New York marathon in 2012 (week after Dublin) but it was canceled so hoping for my first marathon this year. Started running at the beginning of 2012. Haven't done much running since Christmas as I was traveling and now have an extra stone to lug around on runs. Had massive amounts of fun gaining it so can't complain too much! Am back on the straight and narrow now and excited to get going again

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)

Central Park 4 miles: Aug 2012 41:29
Queens 10k: June 2012 1:12
Bronx 10 mile: Sept 2012 1:46
Staten Island Half: Oct 2012 2:21

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
No.

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
Running 3 or 4 times a week, 3 miles during the week and a longer run at weekends but just getting back into it. Normally do bootcamps/gym as well but not at the minute.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time?
Under 4:45 would be a massive achievement for me but realistically probably aiming for under 5. I would like to bring my half time down to 2:15 and 10k under one hour (I was getting closer to this towards the end of my training but didn't do any races)


How many days a week can you train ?
Ran 4 days a week and cross trained 1 day last year.

Why are you running this marathon ?
I love running (when I get into it) and really want to complete a marathon for the challenge.

Dilbert75

Ososlo wrote: »

good point. i noticed that too with the graduates. the only person I'm competitive with is myself which i would consider a positive thing in order to improve

I wouldn't agree it got competitive - but I certainly fell into the trap of expecting the same progress from myself that others were making, irrespective of our different individual circumstances. I never once thought that I wanted to exceed anything but my own expectations. I'm delighted for everyone who met their targets and empathise with the others who didn't.

Big Logger

Dilbert75 wrote: »

I wouldn't agree it got competitive - but I certainly fell into the trap of expecting the same progress from myself that others were making, irrespective of our different individual circumstances. I never once thought that I wanted to exceed anything but my own expectations. I'm delighted for everyone who met their targets and empathise with the others who didn't.

Well Dilbert, that is competitiveness which you're describing there in my opinion. I'm not saying you wanted to beat anyone else but you would've been trying to keep up with the Jones' so to speak :D:D

Dilbert75

Big Logger wrote: »

Well Dilbert, that is competitiveness which you're describing there in my opinion. I'm not saying you wanted to beat anyone else but you would've been trying to keep up with the Jones' so to speak :D:D

I disagree. Simply put - you'll know when I'm competing with you because I won't let you ahead of me. Otherwise I'm looking for company when I'm out racing against myself.

MazzR

Had another sick stomach yesterday and last night so my planned run for this evening is gone. Going to go for a quick cycle though. This will still do good wont it? Did nothing yesterday but will be running with the club tomorrow, rest sat cause of 5k race Sunday.

Gavlor

Ososlo wrote: »

good point. i noticed that too with the graduates. the only person I'm competitive with is myself which i would consider a positive thing in order to improve

That was all blockic's fault for trying to keep up with me;)

I've noticed that he's started to be subliminally nasty to c_m since she beat his time......

digger2d2

Gavlor wrote: »

That was all blockic's fault for trying to keep up with me;)

I've noticed that he's started to be subliminally nasty to c_m since she beat his time......

Nice to see a bit of bite coming back into this thread.... It really hasn't been the same since Pageant Messiah got the sack

Big Logger

Dilbert75 wrote: »

I disagree. Simply put - you'll know when I'm competing with you because I won't let you ahead of me. Otherwise I'm looking for company when I'm out racing against myself.

I agree with Digger...but what happened to you...I thought you were saying its not supposed to be taken seriously :pac:

career_move

Gavlor wrote: »

That was all blockic's fault for trying to keep up with me;)

I've noticed that he's started to be subliminally nasty to c_m since she beat his time......

Gav if they were giving medals for sh!t stirring yours would be gold

Too bad blocky doesn't frequent the novices thread :P

donnacha

So its week 1 for me and I've just finished the 3 x midweek 3 Mile Run sessions (doing the HH Novice 2 Half Marathon Progam). Tues was tough getting back into the swing as I hadn't ran for 1.5 weeks due to throat/chest infection after the Samsung 10k.

I do have a concern about the lack of pace runs in this HH program I'm doing. It says to treat the Long Run at the weekend as the LSR - fair enough, and Tues/Thurs of midweek are all easy pace, but its only every 2nd wk that you do a pace run on the Weds. Is that really enough?

Gavlor

career_move wrote: »

Gav if they were giving medals for sh!t stirring yours would be gold

Too bad blocky doesn't frequent the novices thread :P

Jaysus he really should though considerig he has only done one marathon.....

career_move

donnacha wrote: »

I do have a concern about the lack of pace runs in this HH program I'm doing. It says to treat the Long Run at the weekend as the LSR - fair enough, and Tues/Thurs of midweek are all easy pace, but its only every 2nd wk that you do a pace run on the Weds. Is that really enough?

I think whatever programme you're following you have to trust that it's been designed a certain way for a reason. Stick with it for the HM and you can always change to a different one for DCM

RedRunner

Gavlor wrote: »

Jaysus he really should though considerig he has only done one marathon.....

oooh Controversial !:D

shortstuff!

Bit of a disaster running wise so far this week, plan was 3 X 3miles midweek and 4miles tomorrow as a taper/step back week for NaFianna 5km Tuesday... Calves were very tender/sore Monday(rest day) so iced, rolled & used deep heat, bit better Tuesday so decided to take an extra rest day repeating the icing etc. Did 3m Wednesday & seemed back to normal, no running yesterday as work was mental, getting home at 9.30pm after leavin the house at 7.20am... Should have gone this morning only runner were left in work:( I'll get 3miles done tonight but should I stick to the plan of 4miles tomorrow or stretch it out to say 7, usually do 10m LSR?

career_move

shortstuff! wrote: »

Bit of a disaster running wise so far this week, plan was 3 X 3miles midweek and 4miles tomorrow as a taper/step back week for NaFianna 5km Tuesday... Calves were very tender/sore Monday(rest day) so iced, rolled & used deep heat, bit better Tuesday so decided to take an extra rest day repeating the icing etc. Did 3m Wednesday & seemed back to normal, no running yesterday as work was mental, getting home at 9.30pm after leavin the house at 7.20am... Should have gone this morning only runner were left in work:( I'll get 3miles done tonight but should I stick to the plan of 4miles tomorrow or stretch it out to say 7, usually do 10m LSR?

I'd stick to the 4 miles tomorrow, rest on Sunday and then do 2 slow miles on Mon to loosen the legs out for the race on Tues. Keep gently stretching the calf muscles for 20 - 30 secs a couple of times a day and make sure you do a mile or so very slowly to warm up before the race

Ososlo

so fellow novices, who's up for the race series? 5 miler is a biatch of a course. ran most of it Tuesday. those feckin hills do not make for a pb race but i guess it's good to challenge oneself an not pick the easier flat races all the time. good prep for hills in October :@)

tommycahir

Hope ye don't mind somebody else joining in here for this as had missed the thread. I started running early 2012 but had some shin splints and then our baby arrived so that curtailed alot of the running towards the end of the year.
Am currently talking an easy week after some hamstring issues during the kidare half marathon but am aiming to start back training on Monday with Carlow Half Marathon on Sept 1st as main aim ahead of DCM, will of course be doing a few 10kms in-between maybe something like heart of laois etc.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)

Enniscorthy 10km Feb 2013 - 50:22
Kildare Half marathon May 2013 - 2:13:13

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
No.

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
Running usually 3 times a week, for 6-10KM depending on what time I have free, Play soccer or tag rugby once a week depending on what season it is.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time?
Would love to have something around the 4:30 time mark but will revise that as I see how the training is going.

How many days a week can you train ?
Probably 3-4 if I can get my ass out of bed in the morning for a run before work.

Why are you running this marathon ?
Its the latest in my fitness challenges that I have set myself.

Now a question for people here, should I start a half marathon program now for that Sept 1st race and then switch to half way through a marathon program or should I start a marathon program and once finished early (which I expect to be) to continue to use last week of program with a 10% increase each week..? or what is the best approach people are taking if they want to have a structured program starting in the next few weeks?

Darren 83

Ososlo wrote: »

so fellow novices, who's up for the race series? 5 miler is a biatch of a course. ran most of it Tuesday. those feckin hills do not make for a pb race but i guess it's good to challenge oneself an not pick the easier flat races all the time. good prep for hills in October :@)

Doing the half the other races I don't think I will bother with them.

career_move

tommycahir wrote: »

Hope ye don't mind somebody else joining in here for this as had missed the thread. I started running early 2012 but had some shin splints and then our baby arrived so that curtailed alot of the running towards the end of the year.
Am currently talking an easy week after some hamstring issues during the kidare half marathon but am aiming to start back training on Monday with Carlow Half Marathon on Sept 1st as main aim ahead of DCM, will of course be doing a few 10kms in-between maybe something like heart of laois etc.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)

Enniscorthy 10km Feb 2013 - 50:22
Kildare Half marathon May 2013 - 2:13:13

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
No.

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
Running usually 3 times a week, for 6-10KM depending on what time I have free, Play soccer or tag rugby once a week depending on what season it is.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time?
Would love to have something around the 4:30 time mark but will revise that as I see how the training is going.

How many days a week can you train ?
Probably 3-4 if I can get my ass out of bed in the morning for a run before work.

Why are you running this marathon ?
Its the latest in my fitness challenges that I have set myself.

Now a question for people here, should I start a half marathon program now for that Sept 1st race and then switch to half way through a marathon program or should I start a marathon program and once finished early (which I expect to be) to continue to use last week of program with a 10% increase each week..? or what is the best approach people are taking if they want to have a structured program starting in the next few weeks?

I think you should follow a marathon programme. I can't see any advantage in starting a half marathon programme and then switching. The 18 week marathon programmes will start Jun 24th (5 weeks on Monday). A lot of people start a couple of weeks early to allow for time out for holidays injuries etc. You could start the programme and repeat a couple of the weeks

tommycahir

career_move wrote: »

I think you should follow a marathon programme. I can't see any advantage in starting a half marathon programme and then switching. The 18 week marathon programmes will start Jun 24th (5 weeks on Monday). A lot of people start a couple of weeks early to allow for time out for holidays injuries etc. You could start the programme and repeat a couple of the weeks

Yeah I was looking at the HH novice 2 program but my concern was that the half marathon on it didn't line up with the local Carlow one so wasn't sure what was the best approach, thanks for the reply and help.

If I start the 18 week program early where would be best to add in the extra weeks, start, middle or end? i.e. where is best to do the extra miles to get the most benefit?

career_move

tommycahir wrote: »

Yeah I was looking at the HH novice 2 program but my concern was that the half marathon on it didn't line up with the local Carlow one so wasn't sure what was the best approach, thanks for the reply and help.

If I start the 18 week program early where would be best to add in the extra weeks, start, middle or end? i.e. where is best to do the extra miles to get the most benefit?

What kind of mileage were you doing for the Kildare HM? Have you any other races planned before Carlow?

tommycahir

career_move wrote: »

What kind of mileage were you doing for the Kildare HM? Have you any other races planned before Carlow?

Generally I was clocking up 15-20km per week in the build up to Kildare but was a very interupted training with chest infection and life with a baby getting in the way..Generally before that I had been covered 20-30km per week.

statss

Ososlo wrote: »

so fellow novices, who's up for the race series? 5 miler is a biatch of a course. ran most of it Tuesday. those feckin hills do not make for a pb race but i guess it's good to challenge oneself an not pick the easier flat races all the time. good prep for hills in October :@)

I signed up for all of them. Racing stops me slacking. I did the Frank Duffy 10 mile as my 3rd ever race last August, really got hooked after that. Loved the big atmosphere feel.

Nappy

Ososlo wrote: »

so fellow novices, who's up for the race series? 5 miler is a biatch of a course. ran most of it Tuesday. those feckin hills do not make for a pb race but i guess it's good to challenge oneself an not pick the easier flat races all the time. good prep for hills in October :@)

I'm doing the race series. Only started running properly last month. I was thinking of starting the HH novice 1 marathon plan and squeezing the race series into that somehow. Will be starting proper training on the 27th, cant wait!

career_move

tommycahir wrote: »

Generally I was clocking up 15-20km per week in the build up to Kildare but was a very interupted training with chest infection and life with a baby getting in the way..Generally before that I had been covered 20-30km per week.

Well you have 5 weeks to play with if you're starting on Monday. I would be looking at repeating some of the big mileage weeks. You should be able to get another 2 x 20m long runs in if you plan it right but don't forget about the step back weeks

shortstuff!

career_move wrote: »

I'd stick to the 4 miles tomorrow, rest on Sunday and then do 2 slow miles on Mon to loosen the legs out for the race on Tues. Keep gently stretching the calf muscles for 20 - 30 secs a couple of times a day and make sure you do a mile or so very slowly to warm up before the race

Great thanks a mill C_M! Looking forward to the race now:)

Ososlo

Ososlo wrote: »

so fellow novices, who's up for the race series? 5 miler is a biatch of a course. ran most of it Tuesday. those feckin hills do not make for a pb race but i guess it's good to challenge oneself an not pick the easier flat races all the time. good prep for hills in October :@)

actually, i was wrong. It will be a pb race 'cause i've never done a 5 mile race before :D:D

career_move

Speaking of races it would be nice if everyone could do a small race in the next few weeks. It's just so you can get a good idea of where exactly you're at before the marathon plan starts and it will give a good baseline for working out training paces

AlsoRan

Ososlo wrote: »

actually, i was wrong. It will be a pb race 'cause i've never done a 5 mile race before :D:D

I'll be doing all bar the 5 mile as I'm away. I found them great last year, as there was a really good atmosphere and the races forced me to do some training. Never enjoy the hills in the park though, they kill me.

Interestingly, I went to the chiropodist today over my foot swelling, turns out I have ended up with arthritis over a period of time due to leg length difference/flat feet and my dominant leg over-correcting. So I'm now going to be running with custom made insoles in 6-8 weeks time. I'm convincing myself that all of a sudden this is going to speed me up. Roll on the race series!!

AlsoRan

career_move wrote: »

Speaking of races it would be nice if everyone could do a small race in the next few weeks. It's just so you can get a good idea of where exactly you're at before the marathon plan starts and it will give a good baseline for working out training paces

The parkruns are great if the location is anywhere near you. I run this most weeks and it is great when you see an improvement. People are chatty as well so you can get a few ideas/tips.

Nappy

I'll be making good use of the parkruns too. Aiming to get a PB in the morning.