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To Connemara and Beyond ...

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Bungy Girl wrote: »
    Best of luck tomorrow nop! I'll be somewhere en route cheering. Average height, no bruises on arms :rolleyes:. I'll keep an eye out for the orange t-shirt and someone 'Dutch looking' ;)

    Thank you - don't forget the black golf-visor that'll be dripping with sweat. Such a lovely image. :)

    I just checked, and I am above average height for Ireland but slightly below for Netherlands. :confused:
    Dubgal72 wrote: »
    Best of luck tomorrow N, sounds like your legs are nice and fresh going by the runs earlier in the week. I think you're going to have a really good race. Don't forget to pack that wand and to let that pain in, especially on the last stretch. Shoulders down and run tall :)

    Thank you DG! The wand has been packed. I am actually starting to feel a bit nervy now. I hadn't really thought as the race tomorrow as a real "target" race, but that's now changed.

    My gluteus medius would take issue with being described "nice and fresh" :) but other than that, we'll give it a good lash!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    Good luck tomorrow, Nop! Hope to see you at some point and actually say hello this time! I'm usually hanging around with the one with the bruised arms and the 'average height' cheerleader :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Good luck to you too Anna! :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Frank Duffy 10M: 1:18:56 PB :) (4:54 min/km or 7:53 min/mi).

    I had only done one 10-mile race before (last year's FD10, which wasn't a real flog-yourself effort, and resulted in 89m or thereabouts). My two most recent HMs saw ~83 minute 10M splits. So I picked 80 minutes as target goal.

    B.t.w. 10 milers are a great unifier for the modern folks that use metrics, and those stuck in imperial ways. 10M = 16km! Especially if you're targeting an arbitrary time like 80 minutes, which fits '10' and '16' very nicely, the paces are very easy to compare and convert: to meet your goal takes 10*8 min/miles or 16*5 min/kms. :cool:

    I arrived early and was looking for my colleagues, when my greyhound-pacer rang to say he was ill and wouldn't make it. That did nothing for the pre-race nerves and the already dwindling confidence (is it just me, or does everybody else look so much fitter and faster). Subsequently I decided I would start in the 80-95m pen not in the sub-80m I would have chosen with my buddy. I figured aquinn would be in the first pen but couldn't spot her after checking out some Crusader-girls arms for bruises. I figured I better stop that otherwise I'll get bruised myself :eek:

    I started warming up and suddenly found myself in the presence of greatness when Maria McC slowly strode by doing her warm-up. Wow. There are plodders and then there are runners. I turned left on Ordnance and picked up the pace a little and my niggles were all absent. So far, so good. Pre-race strategy (in metric terms) was simple: aim just below 5 min/km [8 min/mi] and bank some time. A 10k split of around 49m or even a little below would be good - then bank some more on the easy 11th and 12th km. Hopefully that would leave enough in the tank AND a bit of a buffer for the onslaught in the final 3km [2M]. Most of the time-banking would have to happen on the long stretch from the Castleknock Gate down Chesterfield.

    I finally saw some familiar faces from work which helped settle the nerves, we lined up towards the start of the second pen, half-hearted Mexican waved a bit, and off we went.

    As is becoming a bit of a habit, I was overtaking from the start (not waving too much, as instructed by DG), and for the entire race. I actually think I don't mind too much, I rather overtake than be overtaken, but the start is always a bit of a pain. Start was a bit slow and congested.

    Looking at the splits, I was nicely on target when turning around at Castleknock, just after 7km. At this point, I had acquired a pacee. I have the habit of picking out one or two runners to follow, and I had settled on a guy with a Dunshaughlin singlet and a tall red-shirt girl. I lost them both when going through the first water station, but a few hundred meters after that, I realized Ms Red Top was right on my shoulder and quite comfortable there. She would stay there for the next 7km [4M]! Initially, I found it helped me focus on running form and keeping on pace. As planned, I picked it up a little down Chesterfield and started to bank some time. 10k came and went in 48:12.

    Eventually I tried to shake-off my pacee. She ran really very close to me and twice tripped me (:confused: nothing serious). I also looked over once or twice as to suggest that she'd take a turn pacing, but to no avail. So, as we were approaching the second water station on Military Rd, I sped up a little more, helped by the downhill, and she was gone (might have stopped for some water, which I didn't).

    As I bundled out of the Park and onto Coyningham Rd, I did a little check. Still felt good, and had almost 2 minutes in the bank, but there was some decent running required. The 12th km beeped in at 4:33 min/km so I slowed down deliberately for two reasons. I needed to save some energy for the end, and I don't like that stretch of the route, and there's no need to blow up here. I put the head down and resolved to just churn out the required pace.

    There was a good bit of banter around me about the "brutal hill" ahead which made me smile a little. It's tough but not THAT bad :p. I was remaining reasonably on pace through km's 14 and 15 and knew I had my goal-time in the bag. At this point I was wand-waving tho, which was instrumental in keeping reasonable form and composure.

    BUT! Who appears on my shoulder again, but my red-topped pacee :mad:. I had already planned to emty the tank (with the head tall, smiling and even breathing and all) as I knew Firedance and Bungy Girl would be cheering along this stretch. However, I wasn't going to let this lady beat me to the finish-line, so it all resulted in a nice fast final km and a shiny sub 79 minute PB. Oh, and she didn't beat me either. Ha. :pac: :D

    Had a very nice post-race chat with some fellow Novices (Singer, TFGR, KingMambo, Denis B, Feena, Toulouse (yummy flapjacks, I think I had 4!), Mrs Mc) and finally met some other boardsies (Bungy Girl, Aquinn, Anna and Murph as well as Firedance again, wearing glasses this time). There were great runs all around and also the spectators seemed to have had a good time. I hope I didn't forget to mention anyone.

    Km-splits:
    1 5:01 /km
    2 4:53 /km
    3 4:58 /km
    4 4:53 /km
    5 4:59 /km
    6 4:56 /km
    7 4:45 /km
    8 4:55 /km
    9 4:50 /km
    10 4:48 /km
    11 4:41 /km
    12 4:32 /km
    13 4:54 /km
    14 5:08 /km
    15 5:15 /km
    16 4:47 /km


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,044 ✭✭✭chickey2


    Great running, well done.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,038 ✭✭✭Neady83


    Wow you absolutely smashed it Nop, delighted for you :):) and a fantastic report, I felt I was running with you whoop whoop so happy for you :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 261 ✭✭Ed Mc


    Well done


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,272 ✭✭✭Dubgal72


    Deeeelighted for you! Great race report too, well done!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    brilliant race report! can't believe we missed you on the finish straight - the whole reason for the glasses so I could see everyone on my 'list' oh well, perhaps I need a stronger pair :D well done again on the very impressive PB


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,355 ✭✭✭Bungy Girl


    Well done nop, a 10 min PB is pretty impressive! Nice to meet you afterwards, and sorry we didn't get to cheer you as promised, although you should know you have a doppelganger out there wearing an orange vest and a black visor ;).


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,015 ✭✭✭jake1970


    Well done nop, congrats on the PB.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,379 ✭✭✭diego_b


    Well done nop, brilliant running and very strong finish there. Congrats on the PB, savour it!
    Nice report!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    Firedance wrote: »
    brilliant race report! can't believe we missed you on the finish straight - the whole reason for the glasses so I could see everyone on my 'list' oh well, perhaps I need a stronger pair :D well done again on the very impressive PB

    wait, so Nop didn't see you either... hmm, suspicious.

    Nop, great running from you, can't believe your patience with red-top nearly tripping you up... but you got her in the end.

    Nice to meet you too!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    You're all very kind, thanks!
    chickey2 wrote: »
    Great running, well done.

    Thank you - you too on your PB (and that with a 6k easy start, fair play!).
    Neady83 wrote: »
    Wow you absolutely smashed it Nop, delighted for you :):) and a fantastic report, I felt I was running with you whoop whoop so happy for you :)

    Thank you Neady - you would have loved this race. We really need to see you at the Novices thread (Dubgal take note!).
    Ed Mc wrote: »
    Well done

    Thank you Ed!
    Dubgal72 wrote: »
    Deeeelighted for you! Great race report too, well done!!

    Thanks! Was waving wands ferociously towards the end.
    Firedance wrote: »
    brilliant race report! can't believe we missed you on the finish straight - the whole reason for the glasses so I could see everyone on my 'list' oh well, perhaps I need a stronger pair :D well done again on the very impressive PB

    Thank you :) and I honestly did my best to look impressive and imperious on the home stretch!
    Bungy Girl wrote: »
    Well done nop, a 10 min PB is pretty impressive! Nice to meet you afterwards, and sorry we didn't get to cheer you as promised, although you should know you have a doppelganger out there wearing an orange vest and a black visor ;).

    Well, a 10 min course record... :) but thanks! If I ever catch up with that dude I'll tell him I've trademarked that look. B.t.w. I had dumped the visor at that stage, as some wand-waving earlier had learned me it was annoying me. So I had it in my hand as I crossed the line (not looking forward to the finisher photo's)... :eek:
    jake1970 wrote: »
    Well done nop, congrats on the PB.

    Thanks Jake!
    diego_b wrote: »
    Well done nop, brilliant running and very strong finish there. Congrats on the PB, savour it!
    Nice report!

    Thanks Diego :)
    annapr wrote: »
    wait, so Nop didn't see you either... hmm, suspicious.

    Nop, great running from you, can't believe your patience with red-top nearly tripping you up... but you got her in the end.

    Nice to meet you too!

    Red-top - yeah, I didn't quite know what to do when she started to annoy me (or even if she was breaking race etiquette - but it felt a little o.t.t. to stick within a metre for over half an hour!). She finished soon after me and I tried to make eye-contact (just to say hi, really) but she walked right past me. Pfff. Oh well :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Right, back to business.

    Sunday: ~5M recovery @ 9:18 min/mi [7.5km @ 5:47 min/km]. Miserable, soaken, sullen day in Shanganagh Park. Rain jacket and FD 2014 beanie hat (yep, summer in Eire), and trying very hard not to jump around in muddy puddles (:)). Worse of all, spotted by DG and publically named and shamed on the Novices thread for running too fast. :o

    Week 10 started yesterday. It calls for 4-8-4M easy runs and a 19M LSR. Since I have visitors this weekend, I need to get the LSR done on Friday and thus bring the whole week forward one day. I hope to do 4-8-5-rest-19 during the week, and some recovery miles at the weekend.

    Monday: ~4M easy @ 9.29 min/mi [7.0km @ 5:54 min/km]. Solo lunchtime run, cursed at myself (in Dutch) when the first two km were too fast and finally slowed down on the last stretch.

    I am somewhat nervous about the logistical challenges of fitting in the long runs. I have visitors this weekend. I will travel to Seattle for work the next, and from Seattle the weekend after. I guess there'll be a lot of "getting up at daft o'clock". :eek:


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,672 ✭✭✭hillsiderunner


    nop98 wrote: »
    I am somewhat nervous about the logistical challenges of fitting in the long runs. I have visitors this weekend. I will travel to Seattle for work the next, and from Seattle the weekend after. I guess there'll be a lot of "getting up at daft o'clock". :eek:

    Supposed to be some lovely trails to run around Seattle (if you can escape from your colleagues for a while). Congrats on the sub-80 at Frank Duffy :).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    Supposed to be some lovely trails to run around Seattle (if you can escape from your colleagues for a while). Congrats on the sub-80 at Frank Duffy :).

    I've done some very early mornings around Bellevue, WA myself... lovely place to run. But hilly.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    annapr wrote: »
    I've done some very early mornings around Bellevue, WA myself... lovely place to run. But hilly.

    So have I, but I have always ended up doing countless of laps of the Bellevue downtown park (just south of Bellevue Square). I have great ambitions each time, but never really seem to branch out. The brain doesn't really work either at 6am, and I am greatly amused with the locals doing early-morning yoga in the park, chanting and all.

    However, this time, the program calls for 7M/11M on the Tue and Wed mornings I'm there... I can't imagine doing 30 laps of that park.... I'll try and map out a route closer to Lake Washington, but any suggestions appreciated!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    nop98 wrote: »
    So have I, but I have always ended up doing countless of laps of the Bellevue downtown park (just south of Bellevue Square). I have great ambitions each time, but never really seem to branch out. The brain doesn't really work either at 6am, and I am greatly amused with the locals doing early-morning yoga in the park, chanting and all.

    However, this time, the program calls for 7M/11M on the Tue and Wed mornings I'm there... I can't imagine doing 30 laps of that park.... I'll try and map out a route closer to Lake Washington, but any suggestions appreciated!

    oh yes, I remember that park... it's a good while since I was there but I used to go along the lake... can't remember if there's a park or trails, but the neighborhood roads were nice. the lake is lovely.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    annapr wrote: »
    oh yes, I remember that park... it's a good while since I was there but I used to go along the lake... can't remember if there's a park or trails, but the neighborhood roads were nice. the lake is lovely.

    Just talking to one of my colleagues over there, also a runner, he recommended the Sammamish River Trail. For once, I am looking forward to the trip! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    nop98 wrote: »
    Just talking to one of my colleagues over there, also a runner, he recommended the Sammamish River Trail. For once, I am looking forward to the trip! :)

    very good, there are some lovely trails there... set you up well for a day in the mother ship :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    annapr wrote: »
    very good, there are some lovely trails there... set you up well for a day in the mother ship :)

    The mothership, indeed... Anna - I wonder if we're working for the same place?

    Quick update on the week.

    Tuesday, I decided to rest as the weather was awful and I was busy in work.

    Wednesday, 8M easy: 13k @ 5:59 min/km [8.1M @ 9.37 min/mi]. Nice run with two of the lads in work. I dropped them back at work after a bit under 6M and then ran out-and-back to complete. Lovely first stretch, chatting away and totally in control. The last bit was downright awful, I missed the company and it was purely functional: HTFU and get the job done. If I wasn't following the plan I wouldn't have done it.

    Thursday, 4M easy, "naked" (=Garmin-free). Usual loop in work (7k, 4.4M) with two faster colleagues. They ran ahead and cursed me for slowing them down, I just loved running after them and letting the mind wander.

    I am taking a half-day tomorrow to do my 19M LSR. :eek:

    I am going to work in the morning and stash some water + gel at the back-door. I am then going to drive home at lunchtime (>6M away), do some laps of the local park, run to work, pick up the goodies, run back home, and then probably realize I still need ~3-4M to make up the distance. If you hear some Dutch cursing at that point, that'll be me! :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,038 ✭✭✭Neady83


    nop98 wrote: »

    The last bit was downright awful, I missed the company and it was purely functional: HTFU and get the job done. If I wasn't following the plan I wouldn't have done it.

    I'm glad I'm not the only one that's tempted to turn on the heat and get it over with when you're just ticking the mile boxes :) Well done for keeping the pace, it's bloody difficult
    nop98 wrote: »

    I am taking a half-day tomorrow to do my 19M LSR. :eek:

    I am going to work in the morning and stash some water + gel at the back-door. I am then going to drive home at lunchtime (>6M away), do some laps of the local park, run to work, pick up the goodies, run back home, and then probably realize I still need ~3-4M to make up the distance. If you hear some Dutch cursing at that point, that'll be me! :D

    You'd think with all the roads in Ireland we wouldn't have any bother finding 19 miles but it's head melting to think of routes. Hope it goes well for you Nop :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    nop98 wrote: »
    The mothership, indeed... Anna - I wonder if we're working for the same place?

    I'm guessing yes, but many moons ago for me.
    nop98 wrote: »
    I am going to work in the morning and stash some water + gel at the back-door. I am then going to drive home at lunchtime (>6M away), do some laps of the local park, run to work, pick up the goodies, run back home, and then probably realize I still need ~3-4M to make up the distance. If you hear some Dutch cursing at that point, that'll be me! :D

    trying to get to these distances makes you realise how small Dublin is! or how ridiculously far we're running...


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,038 ✭✭✭Neady83


    Great LSR at the weekend Nop :) I've serious admiration for you doing that all on your own :)


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3,355 ✭✭✭Bungy Girl


    Hey, nop, I did a more accurate recce of the Half over the weekend. No shortcuts or diversions other than the adjustment around Farmleigh. Let me know if you want the Garmin link (just PM me) if you haven't already sussed out the route.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Neady83 wrote: »
    Great LSR at the weekend Nop :) I've serious admiration for you doing that all on your own :)

    Thank you Neady - not sure if it's that well deserved... I try to find running buddies for these real long runs as it is indeed quite challenging. That said, doing them by yourself also hardens you mentally, which is needed too...
    Bungy Girl wrote: »
    Hey, nop, I did a more accurate recce of the Half over the weekend. No shortcuts or diversions other than the adjustment around Farmleigh. Let me know if you want the Garmin link (just PM me) if you haven't already sussed out the route.

    Well done - I did some online recce, so I think I should be OK, but will PM you for a Garmin link. I have a friend lined up and we'll do the DCHM course on the Friday afternoon before the day itself.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Quick update:

    Friday: 19M LSR 30.7km @ 6:15 min/km [19.2M @ 10:03 min/mi]. As planned, half-day off work to get this done. This would be my longest run (by >2M) and it felt the previous LSR (17M in West-Cork) was months ago (in fact, just over 2 weeks).

    I agonized over the route and settled on running to work and back (this is about 12M). Taking the longer, scenic route would make it 14M, which meant I had to start with some laps of Shanganagh Park to make up the distance. I know for a fact I wouldn't do this at the end. So I stopped at the farmers' market in Leopardstown to stock up on my favourite post LSR snack: fresh strawberries, and drove to the Park.

    Lapped around for about 45 minutes along the parkrun route to calm the nerves and gain some confidence. I wanted to run on the grass but looked to moist and didn't want to hit the road with wet shoes. Anyway, after warming up, this started to go well. There was a slightly older lady running too, we kept meeting eachother and nodding. When I was about to leave the Park, she stopped and smiled. I felt the strong need to tell her I had another 14M to do!

    Anyway, along the N11 North towards Leopardstown, had the first of my 2 gels, and had a real low point in Cabinteely where it was all very busy (rush hour was about to start) and most drivers are just so unfriendly. It also started to rain which freaked me out, being not prepared at all. Thankfully this passed rather quickly. As I reached the turn for the Leop Road, the watch beeped for 17km, and I remember thinking "just 14km to go" before realizing how ridiculous this sounded!

    I had planted a gel and a water bottle near work, so stopped briefly to fill my running bottle and pack away the gel. I spilled half the bottle on my shoe which I had tried to keep dry! Idiot. Off I went again along my usual lunchtime running tracks, following some tracks into the back of Cabinteely Park, and onto the Lehaunstown bridge. This is quite steep uphill so I used one of these sections to walk and take the gel. As I reached the highest point, you have to climb over these turnstile-type things and I felt my right knee tightening up. I stretched it and along I went, 5km to go.

    I loved the last bit. Really stretched out and concentrated on proper running form. Even pushed the pace (which would later see me in trouble on the Novices forum).

    Felt really good, much better than expected at 17, 18M (but also probably because I knew the end was near, and this was all downhill). Made it back to the Park, did one more lap for good measure, and stopped, very satisfied. The strawberries tased d-lish. Firedance, I'll be dropping a whole bunch of them onto the Novices Aid Table you're planning for the Big Day! :)

    Saturday: rest. Visitors from the mother country, so no running.

    Sunday: up early for 4M recovery in the local park (6.7k @ 6:14, 4.2M @ 10.02), making very sure not to exceed the pace too much in case someone was spying.

    Monday: the heavens opened the moment I wanted to go out for my usual lunchtime 5M. Instead, onto the treadmill, but after 5k (in 29m), I lost the will to live and decided to call it a day. How Neady did 82 minutes of it is beyond me! Had a good overdue stretching session afterwards to not all was lost.

    Plan for the remaining week is: 8M, 5M, 4M & strides, rest, 20M LSR, 3/4M recovery.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    nop98 wrote: »
    Quick update:
    The strawberries tased d-lish. Firedance, I'll be dropping a whole bunch of them onto the Novices Aid Table you're planning for the Big Day! :)

    :D:D table, what table? you must be imagining this - besides, I can't be trusted with the strawberries :P
    nop98 wrote: »
    Monday: the heavens opened the moment I wanted to go out for my usual lunchtime 5M. Instead, onto the treadmill, but after 5k (in 29m), I lost the will to live and decided to call it a day. How Neady did 82 minutes of it is beyond me! Had a good overdue stretching session afterwards to not all was lost.

    you should have gone out in the rain it was LOVELY! really, very refreshing.


    Well done on your long run, great going nop, looking forward too seeing the results of all this on race day.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,038 ✭✭✭Neady83


    nop98 wrote: »
    When I was about to leave the Park, she stopped and smiled. I felt the strong need to tell her I had another 14M to do!

    +1 I always feel the need to shout at/explain to those who run past me that I'm doing my LSR :D:D
    nop98 wrote: »
    Monday: the heavens opened the moment I wanted to go out for my usual lunchtime 5M. Instead, onto the treadmill, but after 5k (in 29m), I lost the will to live and decided to call it a day. How Neady did 82 minutes of it is beyond me! Had a good overdue stretching session afterwards to not all was lost.

    I couldn't have done it without the bakers whipping up some custard, meringue and cheesecake ;)


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Firedance wrote: »
    you should have gone out in the rain it was LOVELY! really, very refreshing.

    It was torrential! I like a little drizzle too, but this would have seen me soaked before reaching the gate. No way.. :)
    Neady83 wrote: »
    I couldn't have done it without the bakers whipping up some custard, meringue and cheesecake ;)

    I was thinking about that.... but the TV in the gym was on some news channel, which makes for pretty grim viewing these days.. :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    It also started to rain which freaked me out, being not prepared at all.

    seriously, Nop how long have you been in Ireland.. :p

    well done on the LSR and the planning that went into it! mine are much more ad hoc...


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    annapr wrote: »
    It also started to rain which freaked me out, being not prepared at all.

    seriously, Nop how long have you been in Ireland.. :p

    well done on the LSR and the planning that went into it! mine are much more ad hoc...

    Good point. Not sure why it freaked me out so much but it was just at the low point in the run.

    I am in knots trying to work out the 20M for this weekend. I am sick of my usual routes. I have a one mile loop halfway towards Killiney and I am half thinking of just doing that 20 times. :(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    nop98 wrote: »
    Good point. Not sure why it freaked me out so much but it was just at the low point in the run.

    I am in knots trying to work out the 20M for this weekend. I am sick of my usual routes. I have a one mile loop halfway towards Killiney and I am half thinking of just doing that 20 times. :(

    What about out & back, dunlaoghaire, monkstown, Blackrock, merrion, sandymount - at least its along the coast & reasonably flat...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    nop98 wrote: »
    Good point. Not sure why it freaked me out so much but it was just at the low point in the run.

    I am in knots trying to work out the 20M for this weekend. I am sick of my usual routes. I have a one mile loop halfway towards Killiney and I am half thinking of just doing that 20 times. :(

    Noooooo, that sounds horrific... I knew someone who used to long runs around the bay and would get the dart home from wherever the distance ran out... Or the dart to the starting point then you have no choice but to keep going!


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,355 ✭✭✭Bungy Girl


    annapr wrote: »
    Noooooo, that sounds horrific... I knew someone who used to long runs around the bay and would get the dart home from wherever the distance ran out... Or the dart to the starting point then you have no choice but to keep going!

    +1 to this. You'll get dizzy doing loops, never mind go out of your skull with boredom. Run from Dun Laoghaire to Howth, get an ice cream, DART back.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    annapr wrote: »
    Noooooo, that sounds horrific... I knew someone who used to long runs around the bay and would get the dart home from wherever the distance ran out... Or the dart to the starting point then you have no choice but to keep going!
    Bungy Girl wrote: »
    +1 to this. You'll get dizzy doing loops, never mind go out of your skull with boredom. Run from Dun Laoghaire to Howth, get an ice cream, DART back.

    OK, I hear you. The plan had already evolved to maybe go to Phoenix Park and wander along the roads there for a couple of hours (I have only been there during the race-series events). The DART plan warrants investigation too, seeing as I live right next to one of the stations :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Firedance wrote: »
    What about out & back, dunlaoghaire, monkstown, Blackrock, merrion, sandymount - at least its along the coast & reasonably flat...

    Hey - missed this. Yes, I have the sharp pencils out and am trying to map it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,936 ✭✭✭annapr


    nop98 wrote: »
    Hey - missed this. Yes, I have the sharp pencils out and am trying to map it.

    if you do go to the PP, it's about 10k around the perimeter and the trails are lovely, you can do a lot on trails/grass.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Week 11/18 (:eek:) is ticking along nicely. I'm actually clocking up a few extra kilometres [miles] as I have 8 days between LSRs instead of 7.

    Tuesday: 8M easy: 12.9km @ 5.53 [8.0M @ 9:28]. Lovely 8M run with 4 colleagues (they all did 6, I continued on for 2 more). From work, towards Cabinteely Park, a loop there, and back towards the N11 and work. I ran mostly at the back of the group, my personal coaching project who is aiming for a sub 2h DCHM (but I think that'll be 2016). He ushered me along when things started going uphill. :cool:

    Wednesday: 4M easy: 6.7km @ 5.52 [4.2M @ 9.26]. Less pleasant evening-run around my son's GA training pitch. I had planned to do some strides, as per plan, but the run never really got going (I had to stop to fix hurling helmets; and later again as I -literary- ran into someone I knew) so I just ran easy and balked when it started to rain. Bit mweh, but 4M in the bank :o

    Thursday: 5M easy: 8.6km @ 5.52 [5.4M @ 9.26]. Very nice run with a DCM-veteran colleague - again towards Cab Park, a loop, and back. We just chatted the miles away and I felt I could have kept going for hours.

    Rest tomorrow, 20 miles on Saturday (yawn), and then off to fold myself in an airplane for 13 hours :)


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Wow - it's been ages since I have updated this log! :eek:

    Saturday Sep 5
    20M LSR: 32.1km @ 6:08 [20.0M @ 9:52]
    https://www.strava.com/activities/385215527
    Up insanely early to get this one done. I circled the Phoenix Park for 3 hours and absolutely loved it. I only know the Park from the big races (10M and HM) and was quite amazed how different it looked. E.g. Furze Road being almost completely deserted, quite the difference from the excitement of race-day. Anyway, loved it, and it went reasonably well. Feeding strategy spot-on: stopped (very) briefly after about 17k (the 10M route and then some) to re-stock a gel and fill up my water bottle.

    This concluded week 11/18. Week 12 was going to be a logistical challenge as I was travelling to Seattle for work.

    Monday Sep 7
    3M recovery: 5.0km @ 5:58 [3.1M @ 9:36]
    After a long day in transit, I finally arrived in Bellevue (WA) at about 7pm local time. I flew together with one of my greyhound colleagues, and he needed no convincing to pop on the runners for a quick rec-run. Just cruised downtown and the local park for a couple of miles. It was actually really pleasant, and good to wake up the body after sitting for so long. Probably the best jet-lag prevention method!

    Tuesday Sep 8
    7M easy: 11.0km @ 5:58 [6.9M @ 9:36]
    On the road before 6am (sic!) I ran from downtown Bellevue to the western suburb of Medina, near Lake Washington. Wow, what a place to live. Absolutely stunning houses spread out over the hills with private little berthing spots for the various yachts. I felt a bit sorry for the folks who lived across the road, not on the water, who had to make do with just a palatial residence and 3-4 cars in the driveway.

    Oh, yeah, running. Lovely morning (through the "mystic morning fog", as Van would say), pleasant pace, lots to look at. Loved it.

    Wednesday Sep 9
    5M easy: 7.7km @ 6:03 [4.8M @ 9:44]
    I slotted in this extra run (not per schedule) since I wouldn't have any opportunity to run on Friday or Saturday.

    Some more early-morning exploring along Lake Washington, similarly pleasant.

    Thursday Sep 10
    11M, 9M @ PMP: 17.2km @ 5:32 [10.8M @ 8:54]
    https://www.strava.com/activities/389633228
    Thursday lunchtime saw some social event in my company, so non of my American colleagues would be available. Instead, a fellow visitor (from France) and me decided to hit the Sammamish River Trail for this somewhat daunting 11-miler. I didn't realize how good an athlete my buddy was - 90 minute HM and ultra-trail runner. Wow.

    What didn't help was that it was scorching hot. 26C, if not warmer, and hardly any wind. Anyway, no choice but to get on with it, and we had an excellent chat about work (we work for the same manager) and family (his kids are same age as mine). But it was an almighty challenge to keep up the PMP in the heat, and, in hindsight, on very tired legs.

    At about 14k, my running buddy decided to stretch the legs as I decelerated (having done the PMP session). Man, I was well wrecked afterwards - and the two days break from the running were very welcome (despite being folded in an airplane chair for most of it).

    Sunday Sep 13
    16M LSR: 25.7km @ 6:23 [16.1M @ 10:16]
    https://www.strava.com/activities/391656078
    Back home (on Saturday), I hadn't dared to raise the idea of a long run (on Sunday) when my better half inquired what the training programme required. Can't buy a more supportive family! We had visitors for the morning but once it all cleared (and the rain stopped), I went out for a 16M.

    I ran, on purpose, as slowly as I possibly could. I was still quite tired and niggly from the PMP session so was going to bail at any signs of trouble. None came (until later), and after what seemed like an eternity (~5km) I finally warmed up and got into a nice rhythm. Over Killiney Hill to Dun Laoghaire Harbour and back, clocking up some extra miles en-route. All went really well and at very low pace, when towards the end, I suddenly started to get dizzy. Combined with some other tell-tale signs, I realized I was running out of fuel fast. I dragged myself to the nearest petrol stop, got some snacks and some water, guzzled it all down and that sorted it out. Not the nicest experience.

    Anyway, that concludes week 12/18.

    This week (13/18) is a funny one again - as I have to improvise around being away on Saturday. I can't do the HM this weekend but I'll go to PP the day before (day-off, yay!) to run the course at PMP. So I'll do 5- and 6M easy during the week, and maybe another mid-long easy run on Sunday.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Monday Sep 14
    Rest. Bliss.

    Tuesday Sep 15
    ~6M easy: 9.4km @ 5:40 [5.9M @ 9:07]
    Splendid run with colleague. From work down the Leop racecourse towards Cabinteely Park. Did the 2k loop in the Park, the wrath of which I have felt several times during the local parkrun. Then back to work. The last 2km were into the wind through what we call "Death Valley", the road along the M50 next to the racecourse. Challenging but it never really bothered either of us. Chatted and joked all the way. :pac:

    Wednesday Sep 16
    5M easy: 7.9km @ 5:51 [5.0M @ 9:24]
    Entered the changing room in work and really didn't want to go. Said so to one of the other lads there, who was in for a gymming session. However, the moment I was out, I loved it. Took it VERY easy (solo run) and did the usual 5M loop. It was sunny but fresh and it was just so nice to be out and running. Checked (mentally) everywhere and had no niggles or anything to report. I've been very lucky so far in the programme. :o

    Tomorrow: rest.
    Friday: HM @ PMP in PP (if you get me :rolleyes:)
    Saturday: IRE v CAN @ Cardiff :D:cool:!!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Thursday Sep 17
    Rest

    Friday Sep 18
    13M @ PMP: 21.5km @ 5:18 [13.3M @ 8:31]
    I had a cheeky day off and had long planned to do the DHCM course in PP as a long PMP training run. Ran with a buddy, and we had a great time. For logistical reasons we had to alter the course somewhat but I estimate we ran about 90% of the route. We also ran Military Road (S-bends) instead of Coyningham Road, just because it's more scenic.

    The first couple of km ticked off in 5:0x which is too fast, so made a very conscious effort to slow down. But somehow I had no doubt that we'd be able to keep up the pace throughout. Made a decent effort to speed up towards the end along the Upper Glen and the HM time, according to the watch, was 1:52:01 with plenty of gas left in the tank. It shows how much the training is working (as this is only just over my Connemara time). We actually ran a good bit faster than PMP, so it was a great confidence boost, as well as just a very enjoyable run.

    Saturday Sep 19
    Off to Cardiff to see Ireland beat Canada in the RWC - my 8yo had the best day of his life.

    Logged on later that evening hoping to read about all the splendid PBs from my fellow novices, instead, saddened to learn about the tragic events at the DCHM. :( Poor dude - set out for a run and never came home.

    Sunday Sep 20
    4M recovery: 6.9km @ 5:42 [4.3M @ 9:10]
    Most day was a wash-out due to persistent rain, but as I had only ran 3 times this week, I had to get another few miles in. Eventually I HTFU'd, got out the rain gear, and ran for about 40 minutes in the local Park. Way too fast for a recovery run but I figured DG was somewhere else in the country running very fast herself :) and wouldn't be spying.

    Thus concludes week 13, glad it was a step-back week and to get a bittuva break from the running.

    Next week is the longest (in mileage) of the training schedule and I feel well ready for it. No niggles to report. The plan is something like: 5-7-5-4/5-rest-20-? (in miles that is).


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,038 ✭✭✭Neady83


    You're doing great raining Nop, nice half @ PMP with no help from the buzz of a race. It bodes very very well for the big day :) You must be feeling confident?

    Gutted to be missing Longwood on Saturday :( What pace are you planning on hitting?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Neady83 wrote: »
    You're doing great raining Nop, nice half @ PMP with no help from the buzz of a race. It bodes very very well for the big day :) You must be feeling confident?

    Gutted to be missing Longwood on Saturday :( What pace are you planning on hitting?

    Thank you Neady - yes, I really enjoyed those 13M, I was half tempted to push for a PB, but I would have been in serious trouble with the boss. The confidence lasts until the next little niggle pops up :)

    The Longwood plans are on ice, there's a group of Novices considering to meet for part of the course itself on Saturday morning! That'll be fun (and better than running solo)..!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Under strict instructions: only easy running this week, but plenty of it. So very boring update:

    Monday Sep 21
    5M easy: 8.1km @ 5:49 [5.0M @ 9:21]
    Solo run.

    Tuesday Sep 22
    5M easy: 8.0km @ 5:37 [5.0M @ 9:02]
    Faster run (oops) with 2 colleagues. All very enjoyable.

    Wednesday Sep 23
    >6M east: 10.2km @ 5:43 [6.4M @ 9:12]
    This was supposed to be a little longer but I simply didn't have the time. Ran to Cabinteely Park, looped around, ran back.

    One more short easy run this week, then rest, then 20M on Saturday.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,272 ✭✭✭Dubgal72


    Just catching up here :) You know I have OSOIT...... ;)


    Enjoy tomorrow!


    other sources of information tooooooo


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Dubgal72 wrote: »
    Just catching up here :) You know I have OSOIT...... ;)


    Enjoy tomorrow!


    other sources of information tooooooo

    More than one source, even!

    It's hard to believe you have time to catch-up here, keep all novices on their toes, and run smashing HM PBs!

    Thanks, I have printed out the route for tomorrow, it'll be interesting running with a map!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭nop98


    Week 15/18 concludes (this log has gotten very boring):

    Thursday Sep 24
    4M easy: 6.8km @ 5:34 min/km [4.0M @ 8:57]
    Lovely, lovely day for a run, slight breeze and glorious sunshine. Indian summer and the like. I ran at lunchtime with a fast colleague, and we had little time so opted for the short route. I didn't check the pace at all and we just chatted all along. This was more PMP than easy pace but it felt easy.

    Friday Sep 25
    Rest. No problem keeping the pace :)

    Saturday Sep 26
    20M LSR: 32.0km @ 6:04 [20M @ 9:45]
    Novices-meet up long run. Really enjoyed the company and we did a great recce of the course.
    Report (such as it is): http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=97167584
    Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/400476714

    Sunday Sep 27
    4M recovery: 7.3km @ 6:04 [4.5M @ 9:45]
    I donned a ballyclava, a wig, and a fake beard so I wouldn't be spotted doing my rec-run (as usual I run these too fast, and get spotted doing so). Circled the local park, watched all the football and GA matches and greeted several fellow parents of the local school. Legs loosened up soon enough and I am still happy to report a clean bill of health.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    nop98 wrote: »
    Sunday Sep 27
    4M recovery: 7.3km @ 6:04 [4.5M @ 9:45]
    I donned a ballyclava, a wig, and a fake beard so I wouldn't be spotted doing my rec-run (as usual I run these too fast, and get spotted doing so). Circled the local park, watched all the football and GA matches and greeted several fellow parents of the local school. Legs loosened up soon enough and I am still happy to report a clean bill of health.

    you can run, but you can't hide.....:D :D


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