Cork City Marathon 01/06/2015

TFBubendorfer

echancrure wrote: »

I ran the Connemara marathon in April, 7 weeks before Cork, in a PB time of 3:09:30 beating my time by 5 minutes.

Lowering your PB first by 5 minutes and then another 10 minutes just 7 weeks later is impressive. Well done!

echancrure wrote:

I tried to take a salt tablet after my gel before mile 15 but that’s when I discovered that they had started to disintegrate because of the rain / sweat mixture in my belt.

I keep mine in a little zip-lock bag. It stops them from disintegrating in the rain but has the disadvantage that you have to fumble with a zip-lock bag while running at race pace, which can get rather awkward late on.

echancrure wrote:

Best advice? Trust your training!

Absolutely!

Smashing result, congratulations!

macinalli

Hi all, I also ran the half at the weekend. Training was mixed so I was delighted with my 1.32.5x. Thoroughly enjoyed the run despite the conditions.

My only negative would be about the organisation for the start of the half. Like a lot of others, I was wandering down from City Hall towards Victoria Road around 10.30. What I didn't realise though was that the 'main route' between the bag drop and the start of the half, also coincided with the 16 mile point for the full marathon. This meant that the leading relay guys, and then the lead car followed by the marathon leaders were going against a huge flow of people who were walking along the race route. I didn't notice any runners being held up, but its definitely something that could be improved for next year.

amcgee

Hi

I was very impressed with the pacers on Monday, i was running the half, i went on my own, but when i finished i hung around and saw the 3:30 pacers for marathon coming in on the button and then a few more on the ball, i saw the 3:30 making the airplane motion coming uo to the finish line and i though to myself.. maybe pacers should have a similar song to the ryanair landing tune..another one on time

hats off to the pacers , they most definately are a great plus to the race. i will be doing the full next year and will be going with the pacers..
well done

amcgee

macinalli wrote: »

Hi all, I also ran the half at the weekend. Training was mixed so I was delighted with my 1.32.5x. Thoroughly enjoyed the run despite the conditions.

My only negative would be about the organisation for the start of the half. Like a lot of others, I was wandering down from City Hall towards Victoria Road around 10.30. What I didn't realise though was that the 'main route' between the bag drop and the start of the half, also coincided with the 16 mile point for the full marathon. This meant that the leading relay guys, and then the lead car followed by the marathon leaders were going against a huge flow of people who were walking along the race route. I didn't notice any runners being held up, but its definitely something that could be improved for next year.

I do agree with you as i was walking to the start line and half marathon runners were walking on the road, runners really should have known that it was part of the route, but there was really no one stewarding the area properly at that time.
other than that and maybe as others have said, the start is too crowded and and roads are too narrow for such numbers. other than that it was a great race

quinlivan

My update: 3:54:37 - DELIGHTED!

Race report to follow

dintbo wrote: »

Bib No.|Username|PB|Goal|Result
245|Murph_D|3:36:17|3:27:59|
355|Echancrure|3:09:30|2:59:58|
931|jamesbere|first timer|3:45:00|
930|run_Forrest_run|3:03:31|2:59:59|2:58:13
633|Ecoenergy|3:29:26|3:14:59|
57|hot buttered scones| first timer|3:59:59|3:49:27
495|dintbo|3:53:47|3:29:59|3:32:48
935|PaulieYifter|2:58:06|2:59:30|
376|quinlivan|3:51:01|3:54:59|


Half Marathon
Bib No.|Username|PB|Goal|Result
|viperlogic|1:23:33|1:22:59|1:22:55
|unirunner2|1:31:01|1:29:59|
|annapr|2:01:37|1:59:59|
|raddo|1:52:14|1:49:59|
|averagejoe123|1:37:20|1:29:59|
|paulers06|1:49:26|1:47:59|1:47:49|
|sixpack's little hat|1:22:26|1:19:59|
|Fieldsman||2:10:xx|


Almost forgot!

Murph_D

Marathon
Bib No.|Username|PB|Goal|Result
245|Murph_D|3:36:17|3:27:59|3:29:16
355|Echancrure|3:09:30|2:59:58|2:59:17
931|jamesbere|first timer|3:45:00|4:30:09
930|run_Forrest_run|3:03:31|2:59:59|2:58:13
633|Ecoenergy|3:29:26|3:14:59|3:17:24
57|hot buttered scones| first timer|3:59:59|3:49:27
495|dintbo|3:53:47|3:29:59|3:32:48
935|PaulieYifter|2:58:06|2:59:30|2:59:20|
376|quinlivan|3:51:01|3:54:59|3:54:37


Half Marathon
Bib No.|Username|PB|Goal|Result
|viperlogic|1:23:33|1:22:59|1:22:55
|unirunner2|1:31:01|1:29:59|1:32:04
|annapr|2:01:37|1:59:59|1:55:16
|raddo|1:52:14|1:49:59|1:50:19
|averagejoe123|1:37:20|1:29:59|1:28:40
|paulers06|1:49:26|1:47:59|1:47:49|
|sixpack's little hat|1:22:26|1:19:59|
|Fieldsman||2:10:xx|2:04:xx


Filling in some of the blanks...

quinlivan

Murph_D wrote: »

Marathon
Bib No.|Username|PB|Goal|Result
245|Murph_D|3:36:17|3:27:59|3:29:16
355|Echancrure|3:09:30|2:59:58|2:59:17
931|jamesbere|first timer|3:45:00|4:30:09
930|run_Forrest_run|3:03:31|2:59:59|2:58:13
633|Ecoenergy|3:29:26|3:14:59|3:17:24
57|hot buttered scones| first timer|3:59:59|3:49:27
495|dintbo|3:53:47|3:29:59|3:32:48
935|PaulieYifter|2:58:06|2:59:30|2:59:20|
376|quinlivan|3:51:01|3:54:59|3:54:37


Half Marathon
Bib No.|Username|PB|Goal|Result
|viperlogic|1:23:33|1:22:59|1:22:55
|unirunner2|1:31:01|1:29:59|1:32:04
|annapr|2:01:37|1:59:59|1:55:16
|raddo|1:52:14|1:49:59|1:50:19
|averagejoe123|1:37:20|1:29:59|1:28:40
|paulers06|1:49:26|1:47:59|1:47:49|
|sixpack's little hat|1:22:26|1:19:59|
|Fieldsman||2:10:xx|2:04:xx


Filling in some of the blanks...

Looks like everyone got on... swimmingly

Cona

I ran the half marathon. My training was sketchy coming at this but i was going to be optimistic and aim for a sub 1.30 based upon breaking 70 mins in Ballycotton. Not a done deal by any means. Set off and stayed close to the pacers. Early on we formed a group and the pacers announced they were going to be running 6.48 pace on the basis of giving back some time going up the hills. This really worried me as I had only planned on staying below 7s...legs felt good and breathing was controlled so I stayed with it.

This was my first time running with a pacer group and I really was quite impressed by it. Everyone seemed to be working together, passing around water etc which just made it feel easy and in control. The pacers were also great. I was fearing the model farm road would be where I drop off but as we approached the pacers shouted out "get to the top of this lads and you will have the wind on your back the whole way in". This gave me confidence.

At the top of model farm road there was a steep incline before turning onto the straight road. At this point I said sayonara to the pacing group and drove on for home as I was bizarrely still feeling strong. Passed a few other half runners and crossed just over 1.29....

Pacers were fantastic. Race was fantastic and I weirdly enjoyed the weather conditions.

Can I ask a question here? Am thinking about doing the full in Dublin. Is 3.15 a reasonable target based on a sub 1.30 half?

sixpack's little hat

Marathon
Bib No.|Username|PB|Goal|Result
245|Murph_D|3:36:17|3:27:59|3:29:16
355|Echancrure|3:09:30|2:59:58|2:59:17
931|jamesbere|first timer|3:45:00|4:30:09
930|run_Forrest_run|3:03:31|2:59:59|2:58:13
633|Ecoenergy|3:29:26|3:14:59|3:17:24
57|hot buttered scones| first timer|3:59:59|3:49:27
495|dintbo|3:53:47|3:29:59|3:32:48
935|PaulieYifter|2:58:06|2:59:30|2:59:20|
376|quinlivan|3:51:01|3:54:59|3:54:37


Half Marathon
Bib No.|Username|PB|Goal|Result
|viperlogic|1:23:33|1:22:59|1:22:55
|unirunner2|1:31:01|1:29:59|1:32:04
|annapr|2:01:37|1:59:59|1:55:16
|raddo|1:52:14|1:49:59|1:50:19
|averagejoe123|1:37:20|1:29:59|1:28:40
|paulers06|1:49:26|1:47:59|1:47:49|
|sixpack's little hat|1:22:26|1:19:59|1:22:19
|Fieldsman||2:10:xx|2:04:xx



7 second PB but there is unfinished business...

run_Forrest_run

Cona wrote: »

Can I ask a question here? Am thinking about doing the full in Dublin. Is 3.15 a reasonable target based on a sub 1.30 half?

yes, I would definitely think so. But don't take my word for it, check out the McMillan Running Calculator, put in your details for the Cork half and see what it gives you...it's pretty accurate...obviously you will have to put in the training

echancrure

FYI

5 seconds videos starting to appear on precision timing results page.
Also longer video on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/davidprecisiontiming?fref=ts
Irish Examiner Souvenir Special today (@Forrest: great picture of Eoin Field in it)

cmickdaly

Cona wrote: »

I ran the half marathon. My training was sketchy coming at this but i was going to be optimistic and aim for a sub 1.30 based upon breaking 70 mins in Ballycotton. Not a done deal by any means. Set off and stayed close to the pacers. Early on we formed a group and the pacers announced they were going to be running 6.48 pace on the basis of giving back some time going up the hills. This really worried me as I had only planned on staying below 7s...legs felt good and breathing was controlled so I stayed with it.

This was my first time running with a pacer group and I really was quite impressed by it. Everyone seemed to be working together, passing around water etc which just made it feel easy and in control. The pacers were also great. I was fearing the model farm road would be where I drop off but as we approached the pacers shouted out "get to the top of this lads and you will have the wind on your back the whole way in". This gave me confidence.

At the top of model farm road there was a steep incline before turning onto the straight road. At this point I said sayonara to the pacing group and drove on for home as I was bizarrely still feeling strong. Passed a few other half runners and crossed just over 1.29....

Pacers were fantastic. Race was fantastic and I weirdly enjoyed the weather conditions.

Can I ask a question here? Am thinking about doing the full in Dublin. Is 3.15 a reasonable target based on a sub 1.30 half?

Defo once you put the correct training. A marathon isn't just two half marathons back to back but based on that form you have a great chance

run_Forrest_run

echancrure wrote: »

FYI

5 seconds videos starting to appear on precision timing results page.
Also longer video on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/davidprecisiontiming?fref=ts
Irish Examiner Souvenir Special today (@Forrest: great picture of Eoin Field in it)

yeah, I saw that pic, I rang him this morning, he's delighted

dintbo

Thee's been lots a great race reports to read about this race I figured I may as well throw one up myself!

Before: This was to be my fourth marathon, though it was the first one where I decided follow a plan in my training - all the others had just involved gradually building up the easy miles but never following a structure. In January I started taking sessions from ECOLII's continuity training thread and then in March I started the 12 week 55 - 70 mile plan from P&D. I didn't follow it to the letter by any stretch but I ran all the important sessions (except for swapping a couple of VO2max for parkruns!) and hit my targets most of the time. I eventually settles on sub 3:30 as an A goal, sub 3:37 as a B goal and PB as my C goal. Taper went well and come race morning I was ready.

During: Miles 1-5 8:10, 7:56, 7:52, 7:39, 7:46

I decided to let the brilliant 3:30 pacer do most of the hard work for me at least at the beginning. The three pacers spread themselves out so I hovered around the middle guy. I found the pace nice a relaxed but the pace of mile 4 was a little hot for me. one of the heaviest showers fell during this first section which meant I felt quite the fool for optimistically bringing my sunglasses. They got dumped around the mile 3 mark (4.00 lidl jobs)

Miles 6-10 7:48 7:52, 7:51, 7:58, 7:30

Still feeling nice and relaxed at this stage. the tunnel was great fun. Lots of EEECHOOOO s and he like. I think it was around mile 9 where we had the first noticeable drag but it was as bad as I was expecting - in other words the legs were still pretty fresh. I had moved up in the pace group now and was tucked in behind the lead 3:30 group where I met Murph. He was looking and sounding very strong and its no real surprise that after a couple of minutes he was ahead of me and I didn't see him again! Looking at my mile splits now I have now idea why mile 10 that fast!

Miles 11- 15 7:35, 7:58, 8:01, 8:00, 7:46

This was the first section where I started to feel a little uncomfortable. The upper quad of my left leg started to feel stiff and sore. I was used to this happening to various parts of my legs during training and it usually went away, or at least remained manageable, so I didn't let it worry me too much. There is a very exposed section along the river here so this part felt tough but I hit the half way point pretty much on target so was feeling good overall. By mile 15 the legs started to feel ok again so by the time we got to the tree covered section I was moving nicely again. Since the tunnel my miles were beeping too early so I started using my overall time and some (what should have been) simple arithmetic to keep track of my pace. It was at mile 14 I realised I could no longer multiply by 8 :eek::eek:

Mile 16-20 7:55, 8:01, 8:18, 8:09, 8:02

Now I really feel like I'm starting to work hard. I'm still a little bit ahead of the middle pacer at the start of this section. After we merges with the half marathon a balloon came past me. At first I tried to keep up but it felt very fast. A quick glance told me I was now trying to match the half marathon's 1:35 group so I slowed right down. It was somewhere in this section that I started to get a slight stitch. It worried me at first but it was possibly a blessing in disguise as it forced me to slow down slightly and really concentrate on my breathing. after a mile or so the stitch improved and the worry abated. towards the end of this section the middle pacer passed me. I clung to his back of a couple of miles but I wasn't able to keep up.

Mile 21 - Finish 8:01, 8:24, 8:12, 8:28, 8:45, 9:13, 8:20

The mile splits kind of tell the story here. I was fading and there was very little I could do about it, or was there. The mental battle started with the thoughts that from about mile 21 if I jogged in at 11 min miles I would still have a PB and sure that wouldn't be so bad would it??? I fought that as best I could but I couldn't help dropping the pace a little. The final 3:30 pacer passed me and I know I couldn't go with him. Around mile 24 a new mental battle began - even if I walked for a bit I could still get a PB!! But no, I was determined not to walk and I didn't. I just dropped the pace a little further. Luckily the support along the last section was immense and this really helped me get to the end. I didn't mind that I had missed my A goal, I was comfortably within my B goal and had a massive PB under my belt. That and now I could stop moving!!

After: Well straight after was horrible. I became freezing cold almost instantly. The weather had really turned nasty at this stage and my legs were not cooperating with the whole walking to city hall idea. But I got there and eventually back to the hotel and into a hot shower. The nicest shower I remember having in my life. The the nicest cup of tea I remember having in my life, followed by the nicest burger... followed by the nicest beer... well you get the point.

I really am very happy with how the whole race went. I would love to see slightly more even splits. A couple of slower earlier miles may have meant there was no major slow down at the end. But I got there without walking and I even managed a very short slow run this morning. I'll remember this wet and windy one with fondness.

Gun Time: 3:33:21
Chip Time: 3:32:48
Position: 258

unirunner2

dintbo wrote: »

Thee's been lots a great race reports to read about this race I figured I may as well throw one up myself!

Before: This was to be my fourth marathon, though it was the first one where I decided follow a plan in my training - all the others had just involved gradually building up the easy miles but never following a structure. In January I started taking sessions from ECOLII's continuity training thread and then in March I started the 12 week 55 - 70 mile plan from P&D. I didn't follow it to the letter by any stretch but I ran all the important sessions (except for swapping a couple of VO2max for parkruns!) and hit my targets most of the time. I eventually settles on sub 3:30 as an A goal, sub 3:37 as a B goal and PB as my C goal. Taper went well and come race morning I was ready.

During: Miles 1-5 8:10, 7:56, 7:52, 7:39, 7:46

I decided to let the brilliant 3:30 pacer do most of the hard work for me at least at the beginning. The three pacers spread themselves out so I hovered around the middle guy. I found the pace nice a relaxed but the pace of mile 4 was a little hot for me. one of the heaviest showers fell during this first section which meant I felt quite the fool for optimistically bringing my sunglasses. They got dumped around the mile 3 mark (4.00 lidl jobs)

Miles 6-10 7:48 7:52, 7:51, 7:58, 7:30

Still feeling nice and relaxed at this stage. the tunnel was great fun. Lots of EEECHOOOO s and he like. I think it was around mile 9 where we had the first noticeable drag but it was as bad as I was expecting - in other words the legs were still pretty fresh. I had moved up in the pace group now and was tucked in behind the lead 3:30 group where I met Murph. He was looking and sounding very strong and its no real surprise that after a couple of minutes he was ahead of me and I didn't see him again! Looking at my mile splits now I have now idea why mile 10 that fast!

Miles 11- 15 7:35, 7:58, 8:01, 8:00, 7:46

This was the first section where I started to feel a little uncomfortable. The upper quad of my left leg started to feel stiff and sore. I was used to this happening to various parts of my legs during training and it usually went away, or at least remained manageable, so I didn't let it worry me too much. There is a very exposed section along the river here so this part felt tough but I hit the half way point pretty much on target so was feeling good overall. By mile 15 the legs started to feel ok again so by the time we got to the tree covered section I was moving nicely again. Since the tunnel my miles were beeping too early so I started using my overall time and some (what should have been) simple arithmetic to keep track of my pace. It was at mile 14 I realised I could no longer multiply by 8 :eek::eek:

Mile 16-20 7:55, 8:01, 8:18, 8:09, 8:02

Now I really feel like I'm starting to work hard. I'm still a little bit ahead of the middle pacer at the start of this section. After we merges with the half marathon a balloon came past me. At first I tried to keep up but it felt very fast. A quick glance told me I was now trying to match the half marathon's 1:35 group so I slowed right down. It was somewhere in this section that I started to get a slight stitch. It worried me at first but it was possibly a blessing in disguise as it forced me to slow down slightly and really concentrate on my breathing. after a mile or so the stitch improved and the worry abated. towards the end of this section the middle pacer passed me. I clung to his back of a couple of miles but I wasn't able to keep up.

Mile 21 - Finish 8:01, 8:24, 8:12, 8:28, 8:45, 9:13, 8:20

The mile splits kind of tell the story here. I was fading and there was very little I could do about it, or was there. The mental battle started with the thoughts that from about mile 21 if I jogged in at 11 min miles I would still have a PB and sure that wouldn't be so bad would it??? I fought that as best I could but I couldn't help dropping the pace a little. The final 3:30 pacer passed me and I know I couldn't go with him. Around mile 24 a new mental battle began - even if I walked for a bit I could still get a PB!! But no, I was determined not to walk and I didn't. I just dropped the pace a little further. Luckily the support along the last section was immense and this really helped me get to the end. I didn't mind that I had missed my A goal, I was comfortably within my B goal and had a massive PB under my belt. That and now I could stop moving!!

After: Well straight after was horrible. I became freezing cold almost instantly. The weather had really turned nasty at this stage and my legs were not cooperating with the whole walking to city hall idea. But I got there and eventually back to the hotel and into a hot shower. The nicest shower I remember having in my life. The the nicest cup of tea I remember having in my life, followed by the nicest burger... followed by the nicest beer... well you get the point.

I really am very happy with how the whole race went. I would love to see slightly more even splits. A couple of slower earlier miles may have meant there was no major slow down at the end. But I got there without walking and I even managed a very short slow run this morning. I'll remember this wet and windy one with fondness.

Gun Time: 3:33:21
Chip Time: 3:32:48
Position: 258

excellent report, well done on a great time

annapr

unirunner2 wrote: »

excellent report, well done on a great time

+1 really well done, Dintbo!

Ecoenergy

I should have had this race report up sooner but I've just been too busy eating junk food. I usually allow myself to eat whatever I want in the few days after a marathon. Kind of a reward I guess, though I definitely need to be stricter with my diet in the weeks leading up to the next race. I had hoped to be around 11.5 stone in weight (5'10" tall) going into this race but it just didn't want to budge from just under the 12 stone.

Target: My previous PB was 3.29 from last October in Dublin so aiming for a 3.14 for always going to be a tall order. I felt going into DCM that I was capable of 3.25 but vomiting 48 hours before the race definitely affected me, so you could say I was trying to improve by 10mins and not 15. At least this was one argument I was telling myself to go for it. I have always said that if it is very windy on race day that I would revise my target to 3.20 but on the day my stubbornness was never going to allow this and I figured running with the 3.15 pace group would give some protection from the wind. 48 hours before the race I was again not feeling great, consuming lemsips and a couple of hot toddy's but on the morning of the race I felt fine and determined to stick with the 3.15 target.

Miles 1 - 5: 7.25, 7.26, 7.23, 7.13, 7.17 I met a friend before the race and slotted in with him up maybe a dozen people back from the start line but I quickly realised that this wasn't the right place for me and moved 30 yards back to the 3.15 group alongside Thomas B. I then spent the first mile ducking around the people I had just moved back behind. Shortly after starting I realised I had forgotten to have the customary wee before the race starts. I thought this might be a problem for me later on, because I have never gone a full marathon without having to stop to relieve myself. Anyway, there was nothing I could do about it now and I tried to put it out of my mind despite seeing two guys peeing into the river around the 1 mile mark. I took the first salt stick around mile 4. I had used these in Dublin and it was the first marathon where I didn't cramp so I was using them again.

Miles 6 - 10: 7.19, 7.29, 7.39, 7.22, 7.05 I thought that the climb out of the tunnel this year felt harder than the previous time I ran Cork but I just put this down to the wind against us after we exited and I hoped I would recover a bit when we hit an easier part of the course. By the end of mile 10 I felt fine, though a little tired as expected.

Miles 11 - 23: 7.05, 7.23, 7.29, 7.28, 7.11, 7.22, 7.20, 7.28, 7.43, 7.18, 7.12, 7.29, 7.30
I was enjoying running with the group and it definitely helped on the windier parts of the course like around miles 12 and 13. I found the miles going by very quickly especially along the railway line which I always enjoy. Heading out on the dual carriageway towards mile 17 I was feeling pretty good and I was confident at this point of the 3.15 target. Not long after that though (on the kinsale road around 18.5 miles) I noticed myself having to work hard for this first time and there was still a long way to go. Just after this there is a bit of a climb before the drop to the 19 mile mark and again the effort levels were increasing. I grew up in the area and my family were standing at Ballyphehane to cheer me on. Seeing my two little girls (ages 3 & 5) cheering me on holding umbrellas, gave me the lift I needed and again I started to feel sure of my target time. I welcomed the drop down through Glasheen to Flannerys bar but I knew the hardest part of the course was to come up through Wilton to the high point on Model Farm road. I was glad to get to the top of the short steep section by the Wilton credit union because this is where I had first walked two years previous. A nice run down to Dennehys cross and then the left turn onto Model farm road which was to be my breaking point. We were running directly into the wind and this is where the first gap started to open between me and the pace group. I didn't panic too much as I felt I could catch them again on the downhill bit before the final relay change. I did make up some ground but I was giving everything I had to maintain this pace so I knew I was in trouble. While mile 23 was still 7.30, I had given up all hope of staying with the group.

Miles 24 - 26.38: 7.59, 8.15, 8.26, 8.07
The last few miles were as you would expect. Really really hard. I was working harder and harder and my pace kept dropping and dropping. Thoughts of walking entered my head but I knew if I did, then I could wave goodbye to 3.20 as well. The end to the Cork marathon is thankfully flat, but by God it goes on forever. A friend of mine was standing at Christy Ring bridge and he put out his hand for a high 5. I begrudgingly half raised my hand and he nearly knocked me over with his enthusiasm when he hit it. I really felt like a car that had run out of petrol and was grinding to a halt. The only saving grace was that my legs weren't cramping because in previous races this usually meant 10 or 11 minute mile pace. Over the line in a time of 3.17.24 and a PB of 12 minutes over Dublin.

Initially I was a little disappointed at missing the 3.15 but realised afterwards it was a decent chunk off my PB and I felt more positive about it as the day went on. I met Run_Forrest_Run in the physio tent afterwards (without realising it was actually him) though I'm not sure I was capable of talking too much just yet. The walk from the finish line over to City hall was nearly as bad as the last few miles of the race and foil blankets were definitely needed. It took me an hour to stop shaking once I got there, glad of a dry change of clothes to get in to. Time to hit the Sextant but rather than a pint my first drink was a nice hot cup of coffee. A few pints followed by a hot bath and I was a new man.

As usual I'm already thinking of the next one and a possible 3.10 target. Has anyone else got one planned already? (apologies for the length of this but this is the short version).

TFBubendorfer

With all those great race reports I guess I might as well link to my own pace report:

http://rubbishrunner.blogspot.ie/2015/06/good-times-in-cork.html

TFBubendorfer

dintbo wrote: »

Looking at my mile splits now I have now idea why mile 10 that fast!

Probably for the same reason why the same mile was fast for the 3:15 group as well: because it was net downhill and with the wind at our backs.

Murph_D

Excellent reports. The local knowledge is always valuable in a race and you used it well, Ecoenergy. dintbo, nice running - sorry I wasn't more sociable around mile 10. Any more chat from me and I'd have started to suffer!

My own report is here.

Really enjoyed the race and the course was a fair test. Who were those lads wearing plastic bags all evening in The Sextant though? :rolleyes:

mush500

Thought I'd do one too!

Haven’t done one of these before so apologies in advance if I dither on!

Background

This was my third marathon. I started running in 2010 and after a few fun runs promptly decided to do a Marathon with herself. I was in Australia at the time so ran the Canberra Marathon in April 2011. Followed a novice plan but it was a horrendous day and we came in at 4.55.xx. Nevertheless I was delighted to just finish and, determined to do better, promptly signed up for Dublin later that year. Training started well but had a niggling left knee injury which impacted it sporadically and also a new college course starting meant my last 6wks was less than ideal. Nevertheless turned up hoping to do sub 4hrs but another horrible day and the poor prep meant I blew up at 15miles and struggled home in 4.45.xx.

I was probably a bit disillusioned after Dublin and rowed back on the running after that. I kept doing shorter runs and targeted a few half marathons and 10Ks in the years since with PBs of 1.51 for my half, and 51mins for the 10K. My better half decided out of the blue in December that we should do another Marathon so with out much discussion we picked Cork where we’re now based and she is from!

Preparation

Started training in January and decided to follow a Hal Higdon plan again-Intermediate 1 this time. Probably not the most taxing plan but I like the format and with work commitments it suited me time wise. Did a lot of the long runs with herself at 10-10.30 pace and the shorter runs alone at 8-9.30 pace. Training generally went well with few missed sessions. Did the Ballycotton 10 also in the run up in 79mins which really gave me confidence to keep sub 4 in sight. The last 6 weeks finished well also with good 20mile runs and the decision to stay of the booze for the last 4 weeks also helped keep me on the straight and narrow. Felt I’d given training a good go for once.

Pre-Race

Kept a close eye on the forecast like most all week and the realisation of another poor day dampened the spirits a bit. Earlier in the year I’d been fearing a scorcher and bombing from dehydration- no fear! Went to the expo on Saturday and was in an out in 15mins- easy to get sorted but didn’t really hang about. Also decided to pick up a new fuel belt for my gels in The Edge as wasn’t happy with the elastic arm wallet thingy I was planning to use. Other than that had a boring bank holiday weekend and kept off the feet as much as possible.

Race Day

Slept well and was up at 7. Went for a quick 2min jog up and down my lane to wake up and had my usual bowl of porridge with honey and a coffee. Got changed and into town at 8 to get parked up. Stayed in the car for bit before dropping my bag to city hall and jogging to the start line as a warm up. Made a loo stop after a long enough queue and lined up with the 4hr pacers.


Mile 1-5
Good atmosphere in the first few miles, felt good and good sense of excitement without too much congestion. Settled into a nice rhythm that felt comfortable and was with a nice group around the 4hr pacers. The early shower was a warning of things to come but was expected I suppose. Good start.
9.05, 9.08, 9.21, 8.56, 8.59

Mile 6-10
The first relay changeover was a great boost support wise and the tunnel seemed to be upon us in no time. It was great to get out of the rain but the uphill exit was the first tough part that continued on until the Mahon exit. Wind had picked up too and the thoughts of Jacobs Island ahead were not promising.
8.50, 8.52, 9.00, 8.58, 8.44,

Mile 11-15
Rain was now continuous so support was limited but fair play to anyone who was there the cheers certainly helped. I was still with the same group and generally felt ok. I always had the seafront section at the back of mind, as I feared bad winds and also knew it was the point I had blown up after too fast a pace in DCM. However when we went reached the seafront the weather seemed to have temporarily lulled and fears were unfounded. Great relief to pass halfway and continued onto the railway line for some shelter. Had somehow ended up a little ahead of the pace group but stayed as I was. I was aware of some tightness in both hamstrings on this stretch which was ok but worried slightly it was a sign of burning out- more worryingly though was the beginning of a left knee pain as we reached the marina.
8.47, 9.01, 9.04, 9.11, 9.00

Mile 16-20
The first two miles of this section was a real low point. The pain in my left knee became a real concern along the marina but I feared if I stopped to shake it out/stretch that the pacers would pass and that would be the end of a good day. DCM burnout was also playing heavily on my mind. I decided to just tell myself to HTFU and keep going- which I did. The stretch back into town really seemed to drag but I just kept telling myself to keep going. This meant I’d also lost the pace group behind me. I was a bit torn now as this wasn’t the plan but after a mile my knee had settled and I felt I needed to just keep going. After I got through this stretch actually started feeling strong again and kept chugging along on my own.
9.08, 8.54, 8.49, 9.06, 8.58


Mile 21-26.385
The steep hill up to CUH was eased by some family support at the top and on the downhill tried to focus and keep sight of the fact I was still on for sub 4hr with probably 2mins in hand. Popped my last gel and focused on getting to the hill on Model Farm Rd. Despite real tiredness in the legs at this point I kept a steady pace- was constantly watch checking at this stage.

When I got to the straight road I kept the ‘only three more miles’ mantra in my head- just a short training run. Knew I had time in hand but tried to keep pace as worried if I slowed I’d lose it all. Continued to keep passing people which really helped too. Met another guy on Mardyke walk who I briefly spoke too- he was also going for sub 4 and was struggling. Tried to spur him on so we could push each other but ended up losing him, hope he made it. Also passed a guy on a stretcher which was worrying but hopefully he was ok. When I reached the quays and someone shouted “only 4 more bridges” I knew I was on for my target and kept pushing. I only really relaxed though when I reached Patrick’s bridge – just felt sheer happiness and relief as I pushed for the finish in 3.57!
9.06, 8.55, 9.07, 9.15, 8.58, 9.01, 2.46

Gross 3.58.16
Chip 3.57.13
1st Half 1.58.33, 2nd half 1.58.40

Post Race

Huge range of emotions at the finish from sheer joy to real pain as my left knee more or less seized up straight away on stopping. Kept moving and got my medal. Contemplated a massage but huge queue dissuaded me. Met the family supporters straight away and went back out to the finish area to cheer herself in. Ultimately this wasn’t the best idea however as only a towel wasn’t enough to stop real shivering and blue lips! Stood in the door of Penney’s to try warm up and typically missed when she came in for 4.29. Both drowned rats we made our way to the car to be driven home. Got changed and after some coffee headed back to town for some well-earned grub and a nice pint!

Ah few days on I’m still buzzing from hitting my target. I think I gave training a good go for once and feel I ran well paced race Overall it was a great race in terms of organisation and support. Really had no issues at all- great experience and would recommend. The weather was terrible but sure you just never know with these things. Going forward though I think I’m going to row back the distance to half’s for the foreseeable future. Never say never I know, and I do really want to complete a big city one, but with my work the time commitment of training can be tough to accommodate good training. I’m happy for now with what I achieved and think a large Half will be next!

TFBubendorfer

mush500 wrote: »

1st Half 1.58.33, 2nd half 1.58.40

Excellent even splits! Impressive!

Great race report as well to go with an exceptionally well executed race. Well done! Be proud!

jamesbere

Excellent race reports guys, I'll put up my own one later

echancrure

jamesbere wrote: »

Excellent race reports guys, I'll put up my own one later

Please do, they are all good reads.:p

My legs are really feeling great: this week I only did one light cross-training session for fun.

But I feel sick of overeating, and watching crap on TV and YouTube till 2am (why, oh why, am I doing this to myself? ) and also definitely slightly deflated after all the fantastic highs.

I probably need a good running session. :cool:

And a new goal? :eek:

Bahanaman

echancrure wrote: »

Please do, they are all good reads.:p

My legs are really feeling great: this week I only did one light cross-training session for fun.

But I feel sick of overeating, and watching crap on TV and YouTube till 2am (why, oh why, am I doing this to myself? ) and also definitely slightly deflated after all the fantastic highs.

I probably need a good running session. :cool:

And a new goal? :eek:

Frankfurt - Sub 2:55!

echancrure

Bahanaman wrote: »

Frankfurt - Sub 2:55!

At least...: "has a total elevation gain of only 27.8 meters"

Either something like that, or:

1. Something longer (i.e. ultra)
2. Something hillier (Dingle ?)
3. Something for fun (?)
4. ???

Can't break the bank either.

TFBubendorfer

echancrure wrote: »

And a new goal? :eek:

Connemara Ultra

Update: too late :rolleyes:

echancrure

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Connemara Ultra

Tempting...:pac::pac::pac:

rom

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

yes, I would definitely think so. But don't take my word for it, check out the McMillan Running Calculator, put in your details for the Cork half and see what it gives you...it's pretty accurate...obviously you will have to put in the training

Good man Glen. If yee can break 3 on that day there is another few mins in yee at least. Your group on Sunday clearly helped.

paul471966

My 1st marathon.
decided at Xmas to do a marathon this year.cork seemed far enough away to get the training done.Got in 20 weeks training.a few 21 mile long runs.Everything seemed set until Saturday and saw the weather forecast.toughest weather I trained in was drizzle and cold.gales and heavy rain cud b fun.ah well we.l have a go.stayed in cork sat nite.4 hours sleep.headed to Patrick street at 8am.lovely morning.this isint going to be so bad after all.crowd gathered.lined up around the middle is the best way i can describe it.wasent sure where i should be.but spotted the pacers.and fell in in front of 3.30 pacers.Last few weeks of trai ing i had being doing 8 min mile pace for about 16 miles of my final 2 long runs.so i thought .not a bother .9am and were off.i was buzzin.all of a sudden im ducking and dodging people comeing back towards me.am i going too fast ????.are they just slow???.i found out later these are people who join the front and should really be further back.anyway i get to 1 mile and the crowd is breaking up a bit.first mile .7.50. 2nd 7.40.starts to rain after that.but im happy.tipping along nicely.3,4,5,6 miles goes by.6.5 miles in 50 minutes.im kinda tinking this is too fast.but im still on a high so i drive on.jack lynch tunnel is fine.wack stops clocking up.but starts again the other side.but the pull out of it to the 8 mile marker kicks me in the ars.but I drive on.turn into housing area.9, 10 miles at 1h 17.5 min.still feeling okish.then we turn into a path along the river.I'm sure it's the river?.now with the wind in my face and rain.this isint the high i was felling earlier.this is a bit of fear😈.but on i go to the half way point.1h 41 m and a bit.I'm here faster than I thought.I tink this isint good or I'm better than I thought ha ha.onward i go .wooded area next for mile or so.no wind in here.some Gus taking foots.so I try and look like i can run properly.but still feeling ok.then we join up wit what I find out is the half marathon.and there flying.I'm being past out by people on all sides heading along the river.from feeling ok I was feeling like shut.11 miles to go and I'm thinking I'm go in backwards.