DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

neilthefunkeone

Played football yesterday.. Was wrecked within 5 minutes!!! Hopefully run tonight /tomorrow then i'm going to get a plan together from next week!

Dubgal72

Apologies this hasn't got to you guys earlier. The t shirt got worn at the earliest opportunity and then found its way to the bottom of the wash basket where it lay beneath a bout of chicken pox

Anyway, I really really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thanks to all who made this happen - especially to whoopsa, I believe - each and every one of these gifts are just perfect. The t shirt I shall wear with pride at every training and racing opportunity and the card, I will bring out whenever I need a lift and a smile

Go raibh míle maith agaibh xx

denis b

Ran 5km yesterday morning and again this morning, nice and easy. Feeling much better now with the extra few days rest and some better quality sleep.

A quick question - I would like to use the marathon cycle to have a go at a pb over 5km (currently at 21:00) and/or 10km (47:02). Would it be better to target the 10km in early December, with the marathon training we have completed, and perhaps get in some speed work for the 5km and tackle that around Christmas. I appreciate that the speed work will also help the 10km race as well but have it in my head that I may have a better chance of pb'ing the 10km first.

Bungy Girl

denis b wrote: »

Ran 5km yesterday morning and again this morning, nice and easy. Feeling much better now with the extra few days rest and some better quality sleep.

A quick question - I would like to use the marathon cycle to have a go at a pb over 5km (currently at 21:00) and/or 10km (47:02). Would it be better to target the 10km in early December, with the marathon training we have completed, and perhaps get in some speed work for the 5km and tackle that around Christmas. I appreciate that the speed work will also help the 10km race as well but have it in my head that I may have a better chance of pb'ing the 10km first.

Looks to me like your 10K PB is a lot softer than the 5K. I would definitely do that first. Loads of opportunities - every Saturday in fact - to work on the 5K.

Dubgal72

denis b wrote: »

Ran 5km yesterday morning and again this morning, nice and easy. Feeling much better now with the extra few days rest and some better quality sleep.

A quick question - I would like to use the marathon cycle to have a go at a pb over 5km (currently at 21:00) and/or 10km (47:02). Would it be better to target the 10km in early December, with the marathon training we have completed, and perhaps get in some speed work for the 5km and tackle that around Christmas. I appreciate that the speed work will also help the 10km race as well but have it in my head that I may have a better chance of pb'ing the 10km first.

Hi Denis, I can only really speak from my own experience here, the Team will have more specialised advice. Anything you run in December will really only be a base marker which you can use to plot your progress over a 5 or 10k plan.

I really enjoyed doing the Jingle Bells 5k last year in early December. AFAIR, it was off no specific work: introductory fartlek and strides were typical sessions but I still managed a good chunk off my PB.

Your 10k does seem more 'doable' although you may still well surprise yourself over 5k. Depending how your recovery has been going, you could start to introduce some strides and gentle fartlek after three weeks before jumping in to a plan.

FBOT01

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Hi Denis, I can only really speak from my own experience here, the Team will have more specialised advice. Anything you run in December will really only be a base marker which you can use to plot your progress over a 5 or 10k plan.

I really enjoyed doing the Jingle Bells 5k last year in early December. AFAIR, it was off no specific work: introductory fartlek and strides were typical sessions but I still managed a good chunk off my PB.

Your 10k does seem more 'doable' although you may still well surprise yourself over 5k. Depending how your recovery has been going, you could start to introduce some strides and gentle fartlek after three weeks before jumping in to a plan.

+1. Personally, I'd have a crack at both with no pressure and lay down the markers which you can then attack off some dedicated training in the New Year. While it may entail a very painful 20mins or so, the great thing about 5k is that you can recover quickly. It can also serve as a good sharpener for the 10k.

PS remember to warm-up well if you are going to start pushing your self into the redzone as that is not something that you would have had to do during your marathon cycle.

denis b

Bungy Girl wrote: »

Looks to me like your 10K PB is a lot softer than the 5K. I would definitely do that first. Loads of opportunities - every Saturday in fact - to work on the 5K.

Totally agree. Had targeted 5km with a 6 week programme whereas the 10km time was achieved in my only 10km race during the last DCM Race Series. Parkrun starts again this month for me.

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Hi Denis, I can only really speak from my own experience here, the Team will have more specialised advice. Anything you run in December will really only be a base marker which you can use to plot your progress over a 5 or 10k plan.

I really enjoyed doing the Jingle Bells 5k last year in early December. AFAIR, it was off no specific work: introductory fartlek and strides were typical sessions but I still managed a good chunk off my PB.

Your 10k does seem more 'doable' although you may still well surprise yourself over 5k. Depending how your recovery has been going, you could start to introduce some strides and gentle fartlek after three weeks before jumping in to a plan.

That is what was missing for me.... not knowing when the benefits from the marathon might accrue. So Dec will be for laying down markers which combined with a programme should deliver results from January onwards.

Will include gentle fartlek and strides from next week so.

FBOT01 wrote: »

+1. Personally, I'd have a crack at both with no pressure and lay down the markers which you can then attack off some dedicated training in the New Year. While it may entail a very painful 20mins or so, the great thing about 5k is that you can recover quickly. It can also serve as a good sharpener for the 10k.

PS remember to warm-up well if you are going to start pushing your self into the redzone as that is not something that you would have had to do during your marathon cycle.

Will do. Am naturally cautious and will be sure to warm up well. Really looking forward to this next phase.

Thanks folks. That gives me plenty of direction. Must get to start a log now.

This Fat Girl Runs

Started my 'proper' training plan for a faster 5k today. Hoping to hit sub-30 one day! Getting help from Myles Splitz to do this and very much appreciate his plan, info and input. More on my training log about it but in a nutshell today was 3 miles at easy pace. Will do a progression run on Wednesday which I'm looking forward to as I've been wanting to run faster for a while now!

This is definitely helping me as I have a serious (read: worst case ever) bout of the winter blues. I suffer from it every winter but this year is particularly bad. Very glad I have something to focus on now! I'm really excited because I feel that, now I've finished a marathon which took a lot of sacrifice, guts, determination and will power, I KNOW I have what it takes to reach my next goal.

This Fat Girl Runs

denis b wrote: »

Thanks folks. That gives me plenty of direction. Must get to start a log now.

Yes. You must!

Peter D61

Just looking for some more advice.
Did an easy 3 miles Sunday, tuesday, and Thursday and an easy 5 in shanganagh park yesterday. I'm going to start the half marathon plan in the training dairy we got at one of the race series. I'm hoping it will help with speed and strength. I'm going to stick to shorter distances ( max 1/2 Marathon) until end of may, then start to prepare for Dublin marathon 2016.
Does this sound OK?

Clearlier

Peter D61 wrote: »

Just looking for some more advice.
Did an easy 3 miles Sunday, tuesday, and Thursday and an easy 5 in shanganagh park yesterday. I'm going to start the half marathon plan in the training dairy we got at one of the race series. I'm hoping it will help with speed and strength. I'm going to stick to shorter distances ( max 1/2 Marathon) until end of may, then start to prepare for Dublin marathon 2016.
Does this sound OK?

So long as the training for the half marathon is at the right level then it should be pretty good. Remember that you've completed a block of training which means that you're fitter and should be able for a slightly tougher plan than you would have been able for prior to training for the marathon so you want to make sure that the plan you follow reflects that. The graduates thread will be starting soon though I think and that might offer an alternative for you to consider.

Emsy 1

After watching some of our club members competing in the Cross Country on Sunday, I was itching to get back running after a 2 week break. Went out for a nice 5mile run yesterday evening really enjoyed it even though it was one step forward and 5 back the wind was that strong. Any ideas on what sort of weekleay mileage I should be keeping up. I do'nt have any set goals atm. There is a local 10k this Sunday, is it still too early?

diego_b

First run post DCM this morning, did 3.1miles...pushed it a little bit on effort but the pace is not really there at the moment but didn't think it would be anyways. Average speed was 8:58min/mi, splits of 9:21, 8:41, 8:59.

Felt better than expected after two weeks out but still have had more comfortable runs, could feel the knee at probably 1/10 level throughout but due back to the physio on Friday anyways so wanted to get a run or two done before that to have a point of reference for him.
For the next 6 weeks or so I think from previous conversations it might just be 1/2 runs a week and then work moreso on the exercises he's going to give me. Will find out Friday!

JacEim

Did 8M on Saturday nice and leisurely ... can't even remember the time it took!!
Knee tendons still tight (haven't had the physio session yet)

Yesterday:
1M W/up
14 * 400M @ 1.44 (with 200M jog recoveries)
Amazingly today my tendons are perfect!!
I think my fast twitches want some exercise

'I Feel Good'... James Brown is now running through my mind

FBOT01

Emsy 1 wrote: »

After watching some of our club members competing in the Cross Country on Sunday, I was itching to get back running after a 2 week break. Went out for a nice 5mile run yesterday evening really enjoyed it even though it was one step forward and 5 back the wind was that strong. Any ideas on what sort of weekleay mileage I should be keeping up. I do'nt have any set goals atm. There is a local 10k this Sunday, is it still too early?

I would be rushing back into racing just yet. I would get a couple of weeks of easy running going first. In relation to weekly mileage, I would more focus on getting out running 3/4 times per week on a consistent basis tahn on mileage hunting. 3/4 runs per week will probably give you 20-30miles anyway which will keep you ticking over until you decide what the next plan is then you can start to be more specific in your training.

diego_b wrote: »

First run post DCM this morning, did 3.1miles...pushed it a little bit on effort but the pace is not really there at the moment but didn't think it would be anyways. Average speed was 8:58min/mi, splits of 9:21, 8:41, 8:59.

Felt better than expected after two weeks out but still have had more comfortable runs, could feel the knee at probably 1/10 level throughout but due back to the physio on Friday anyways so wanted to get a run or two done before that to have a point of reference for him.
For the next 6 weeks or so I think from previous conversations it might just be 1/2 runs a week and then work moreso on the exercises he's going to give me. Will find out Friday!

No benefit to pushing the effort levels at this stage so keep it easy and do what the Physio tell you. Hope the knee gets sorted OK.

diego_b

FBOT01 wrote:

No benefit to pushing the effort levels at this stage so keep it easy and do what the Physio tell you. Hope the knee gets sorted OK.

Will do thanks, definitely planning on keeping it easy and will do what I'm told on Friday. I would hope to be able to run twice a week for the moment but I had hoped maybe naively that the knee knack would be fully gone with the two week break but it's not yet.

Dubgal72

Emsy 1 wrote: »

After watching some of our club members competing in the Cross Country on Sunday, I was itching to get back running after a 2 week break. Went out for a nice 5mile run yesterday evening really enjoyed it even though it was one step forward and 5 back the wind was that strong. Any ideas on what sort of weekleay mileage I should be keeping up. I do'nt have any set goals atm. There is a local 10k this Sunday, is it still too early?

diego_b wrote: »

First run post DCM this morning, did 3.1miles...pushed it a little bit on effort but the pace is not really there at the moment but didn't think it would be anyways. Average speed was 8:58min/mi, splits of 9:21, 8:41, 8:59.

Felt better than expected after two weeks out but still have had more comfortable runs, could feel the knee at probably 1/10 level throughout but due back to the physio on Friday anyways so wanted to get a run or two done before that to have a point of reference for him.
For the next 6 weeks or so I think from previous conversations it might just be 1/2 runs a week and then work moreso on the exercises he's going to give me. Will find out Friday!

FBOT01 wrote: »

I would be rushing back into racing just yet. I would get a couple of weeks of easy running going first. In relation to weekly mileage, I would more focus on getting out running 3/4 times per week on a consistent basis tahn on mileage hunting. 3/4 runs per week will probably give you 20-30miles anyway which will keep you ticking over until you decide what the next plan is then you can start to be more specific in your training.



No benefit to pushing the effort levels at this stage so keep it easy and do what the Physio tell you. Hope the knee gets sorted OK.

+1 to this, easy effort, easy pace and NO RACE SITUATIONS

JacEim wrote: »

Did 8M on Saturday nice and leisurely ... can't even remember the time it took!!
Knee tendons still tight (haven't had the physio session yet)

Yesterday:
1M W/up
14 * 400M @ 1.44 (with 200M jog recoveries)
Amazingly today my tendons are perfect!!
I think my fast twitches want some exercise

'I Feel Good'... James Brown is now running through my mind

Hi JacEim, have you ever done any fartlek sessions? They're great as an introduction to more structured intervals, especially at this stage in your recovery. They'd be best - and more fun - done outdoors though. It can be as structured or as unstructured as you like, probably best to keep it slightly unstructured for now.

You could warm up and have a route mapped out (3miles to start with) then: stride out for 100m, or pick a landmark, recover; stride out for 200m, or pick a landmark, recover, and so on.
The general rule of thumb is dial the pace back for longer stretches and pick it up for shorter bursts. To start with, recover well. As you build over the weeks, you can choose how to keep the effort:recovery balance/intensity.
Do this once a week and include structured strides in another run. This should keep your fast twitchers smiling

Dubgal72

I think it's time you guys moved house! Nop will be in touch over the weekend. Pack your bags, you're moving out

JacEim

Dubgal72 wrote: »

+1 to this, easy effort, easy pace and NO RACE SITUATIONS



Hi JacEim, have you ever done any fartlek sessions? They're great as an introduction to more structured intervals, especially at this stage in your recovery. They'd be best - and more fun - done outdoors though. It can be as structured or as unstructured as you like, probably best to keep it slightly unstructured for now.

You could warm up and have a route mapped out (3miles to start with) then: stride out for 100m, or pick a landmark, recover; stride out for 200m, or pick a landmark, recover, and so on.
The general rule of thumb is dial the pace back for longer stretches and pick it up for shorter bursts. To start with, recover well. As you build over the weeks, you can choose how to keep the effort:recovery balance/intensity.
Do this once a week and include structured strides in another run. This should keep your fast twitchers smiling

I've never done any fartlek outdoors, intervals with longer speed bursts(albeit not flat out) and shorter slow recoveries are my norm. You're suggesting much faster but shorter bursts and then longer recoveries - I have never considered this tbh. The challenge I have in that being away most weeks makes treadmills the only realistic place I can do this as I do the longer runs at the weekends and I assume it is better to keep fartlek and LSR's well apart?
Perhaps I'll have a look at the highest speed settings on the hotel gyms (usually 16-20KPH) to see if they'll work for this purpose.... will probably kill myself on them though !!!

I notice that one thing about my speedwork sessions on the treadmill is that due to the treadmill motor the speed increase is a gradual progression e.g. increasing from 10kph recovery to 14 kph fast probably takes 5-10 seconds. I suppose in one way this is good in that it possibly minimises injury risk, but at the same time is it better physically to try to speed up quickly from 10-14kph in terms of training benefit (only feasible when running outdoors)? Not sure if I'm explaining myself properly here...

It's one of the downsides of my job, but I have to make the best of my available time / running opportunities...

Dubgal72

Have a look here for an intro to fartlek, I'll dig out more later

http://www.runnersworld.com/workouts/finding-fartlek

Dubgal72

Another related article.

http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/the-lost-art-of-fartlek

You don't need to copy the structure just yet, but it gives you a bit more info on how to approach fartlek, i.e., it's all continuous running, forget about pace/watch and focus on effort.

JacEim

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Another related article.

http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/the-lost-art-of-fartlek

You don't need to copy the structure just yet, but it gives you a bit more info on how to approach fartlek, i.e., it's all continuous running, forget about pace/watch and focus on effort.

Couple of nice fartleks in here - might try the first one later in the week..
Tks

Emsy 1

FBOT01 wrote: »

I would be rushing back into racing just yet. I would get a couple of weeks of easy running going first. In relation to weekly mileage, I would more focus on getting out running 3/4 times per week on a consistent basis tahn on mileage hunting. 3/4 runs per week will probably give you 20-30miles anyway which will keep you ticking over until you decide what the next plan is then you can start to be more specific in your training.



No benefit to pushing the effort levels at this stage so keep it easy and do what the Physio tell you. Hope the knee gets sorted OK.

Thanks I'll stick with that. Bags are packed I'm ready to go

Toulouse

Woohoo, foot is f1x0red!!

Did 20 mins after the gym and no pain at all. Hopefully that's the end of that and will do 3 miles tomorrow before TRX.

Then I shall try to formulate some kind of plan for the coming months!

Sooooo relieved! I really didn't want to go back to the Physio

eyeball kid

3rd run out this evening since the marathon. Did 8km after a 6.5 and 4km last Wednesday and last Saturday. During those runs I felt a sharp pain in my knee that went away even during the run but it felt ok this evening thankfully. Must try some of those fartlek thingy's at some stage. Might leave it til next week though!

Kennyg71

Toulouse wrote: »

Woohoo, foot is f1x0red!!

Did 20 mins after the gym and no pain at all. Hopefully that's the end of that and will do 3 miles tomorrow before TRX.

Then I shall try to formulate some kind of plan for the coming months!

Sooooo relieved! I really didn't want to go back to the Physio

Good stuff, you'll be flying in no time. 😀

Mrs Mc

Toulouse wrote: »

Woohoo, foot is f1x0red!!

Did 20 mins after the gym and no pain at all. Hopefully that's the end of that and will do 3 miles tomorrow before TRX.

Then I shall try to formulate some kind of plan for the coming months!

Sooooo relieved! I really didn't want to go back to the Physio

Great news C !

unaaine

It’s been 2 weeks now since DCM and I’ve been busy with very little time until now to reflect on the day itself. But a few hours free this morning spent reading back through the race reports has brought the memories flooding back. Thanks to everyone who shared their journey to DCM 15 here and however you felt the race turned out for you it’s a truly remarkable achievement to finish. Completing the marathon training programme and the marathon itself makes us part of a small percentage of people fit enough and committed enough to do this. No mean feat. And I apologise that the following report is overly long and that it’s more of a memory dump of everything, from start to finish, than a race report. It’s one of those occasions where you literally do find out what I had for breakfast. So feel free to speed read or skip through or do whatever it takes to get you to the next post!

I started training for DCM in early July. I didn’t follow a plan per se in the beginning but was lucky enough to have the advice of a running coach (had yet to discover this thread) who is an experienced marathoner as well as triathlete and ironman . I planned initially to run 3 times per week. One interval, one tempo and one longer one. Plus one swim and a half-hearted promise to do some core work, stretching and the physio exercises that rarely get done. I’d also signed up for the race series and one or two triathlons over the summer so I had a reasonable fitness base coming into the training. Signing up for races though doesn’t necessarily mean training properly for them, but I had been tipping away all year, with some weeks better than others. I had trained for DCM 14 but the plan I followed was too aggressive for me and I ran too often too early on, with no time for recovery. I struggled badly with the training, got injured before the ½ and had to stop training completely shortly after. I was very disappointed. I had developed an achilles problem, PF and quad strain. The physio said the injuries were ‘classic overuse’ and said he knew people who successfully trained for marathons by running only 4 times weekly and at my age this was probably the best approach. So I thought for DCM 15 there would be less days running but better quality sessions. With my mentor’s advice I planned to build up the LSRs to reach 30/32kms by early September, to taper a little around the ½ but to basically aim to have 3 or 4 x 20 milers done during the training period. I ended up doing 1 x19, 2 x 20 and 1 x 21 mile runs in advance. I kept up the mid-week sessions upping the distance, keeping the LSR:mid week ratio in mind. As the weeks progress I added in a 30 min very easy recovery run on a Sunday morning as LSRs happened on Saturdays. I also decided to run the LSRs on the marathon route, skipping the beginning but going out from the Phoenix Park to the end. I generally prefer to know what’s ahead of me and while this isn’t always possible in a race, it was for me for DCM. I found this hugely helpful on the day. I knew as much as I could about the course itself and this familiarity helped to mentally shorten the route and enabled me to break it down into manageable stages.

Apart from the training :eek: I prepped mentally by focussing on the following tips/advice picked up here on boards.ie or from the running mentor in my triathlon club. Thanks so much to whomever I’ve appropriated these from. They helped me greatly when the doubts crept in.

If you think you can or you can’t, you’re probably right (this was the one most repeated).

Control the controllables. Think about being inside a big box. You can only control what's going on inside the box - not what goes on outside it.

Break down the race into phases. Don't think about mile 20 at mile 2. Just think about getting to the quays, then think about getting to the park, etc. and so on. Just think what can you do now to get the next part right.

The hay is in the barn!

Times are like baby names. Not that important.

And for when the going gets really tough...
On the hills - keep the cadence and running form good, use the arms, run tall, look straight ahead, not down at the feet. Don't force the effort. Relax and smile.

I planned to rest up as much as possible on the Saturday/Sunday before race day but to get some fresh air as well. Was at the expo at 10am on Saturday morning and determined to get in and out as quickly as possible. I did. But so quickly that I forgot to collect my pre-ordered race bands - one in miles and one in kms!!. Bummer, as I had a niggling feeling that my garmin would let me down. It never has, but as the two race bands illustrate, over thinking things was in danger of becoming the norm. I did a very very easy 20 minute run on Sunday. And I didn’t feel too fresh. A little voice in my head asked how I could possibly expect to run 26.2 miles the following day feeling this way. So… If you think you can or you can’t, you’re probably right (and repeat).

Had a great night’s sleep and didn’t wake until the alarm went off at 5.45am. Didn’t feel like eating but knew I had to and as porridge had been cooked the night before it just had to be heated. Added milk and honey, drank some coffee & had a glass of water. My O/H had been arm twisted kindly offered to get out of bed and drop me as near to Merrion Sq as possible. I offered a lift to a friendly neighbour who was running on behalf of James’s Hospital and she mentioned that they had a room booked for runners to change in at the Merrion Hotel and thought it would be ok if I came along too. So there was a nice warm room, toilets on hand and somewhere safe to leave the bag and clothes. It was a good start!! Location was pretty near to my wave start so didn’t need to leave until 8.45am. We went our separate ways as we were in different waves and as my target time was 04:09:xx I had planned to line up in between the 4 and 4:10 hour pacers. Feeling less nervous than anticipated I ambled in that direction and tried to take in the atmosphere and the crowds, the portaloo queues and relax. I relaxed so much that I completely forgot about the pacers and joined wave 2 in any old spot where I saw some space. Saw people doing some serious stretching which I thought might be a mistake and did a short warm up of some dynamic stretches, leg swings etc. I’d joined at the edge of the crowd and as the pre-start shuffle took off I side stepped some fairly careless discarding of clothes and rain gear. The thought that I was finally at the start of DCM and was there in one piece made me feel very happy. The weather wasn’t great, it was rainy and windy but we’d trained in worse and IMO it was infinitely preferable to the heat of the previous year. The start was slow and congested but I didn’t mind. It gave me less to worry about and more time to take things in. Felt a ripple of excitement as we crossed the start line and told myself I was ready for this. Nobody had made me do it. I’d signed up, paid the money, done the training and now it was time to reap the rewards and enjoy. And time for my first gel.

The cheering crowds on Leeson Street came as a nice surprise as we turned the corner and across the Green and onto Kevin St. Moving en masse, the drag up Patrick Street was hardly noticeable and checking my garmin for the first time on the downhill, saw I was going too fast and slowed right down. Was suddenly on the Quays and knew the first section was done. Next part was through the Park to Castleknock, Myos and beyond, all gradually uphill. But all was good so far and I felt comfortable. The calf was still a little tight but I said hello to my familiar friend and then let it go. I wasn’t running anywhere near PMP but didn’t care. The run through Smithfield was good and as mentioned by others the first water station came as a nice surprise. Grabbed a bottle, took a few sips and continued on. Entrance to the Park was congested but no problems there. Noticed a costumed Rhino (?) character at the Zoo waving, as well as a line of runners using the fence as an open-air loo. An angry male runner near to me berated them loudly as there were plenty of small kids around spectating. Thought he had a point as there are other less conspicuous options in the park as well as the portaloos. Was enjoying the energy around me and the crowds, though was still focussed and running within myself. Chesterfield Rd felt easy and it dawned on me that the wind was behind us. The first negative thoughts emerged. What did that mean for further ahead? Would it be gale force on the Crumlin Rd? Feck! Time to get back inside my box. What can I control now at this point in time? So I relaxed again, shook out my arms, checked my form and looked around me. Got cheers from club members through here, saw my family near the Arás and some neighbours from Phibsboro further on. Noticed a guy running in full army fatigues including backpack and boots and just thought wow! Took my 2nd gel before I left the park. The crowds in Castleknock were incredible, and the noise and the music so uplifting that I didn’t notice any extra effort on this section and before I knew it we were on the downhill after Mountsackville. Didn’t register the mileage but knew that the ‘warm up’ to my 20 miler was over and as I’d done this a number of times before it was definitely Game On!

I think I checked my garmin around here for only the 2nd time and only to look at my pace and the time elapsed. I was probably only at PMP and not any faster as I would have expected, given that it was downhill. Registered the wind was against us on the downhill. Should I increase my effort and push on to make up for time lost at the start? But that would mean an increase in effort and would that cause me to tire quicker later on? Then I noticed two guys beside me taking turns to push someone in a large wheelchair at a fairly decent pace. Also passed a man in what looked like a full length tight monks (?) robe running barefoot. Felt full of admiration for them and promptly forgot about my pace worries and instead looked forward to seeing my family and some friends who I knew would be at the Chapelizod gate. Still felt comfortable and loved the downward on the Upper Glen Road, noticing I was passing out plenty of runners.

Missed my family at the exit from the Park but, perversely, this made me smile. I was fairly sure they were there as it was a short enough walk down from the Arás roundabout and they knew where they were going. But I guessed they were momentarily distracted as I was coming through. It’s a common occurrence in our family at moments of significance and a bit of a running joke if you pardon the pun. As it turned out this was exactly what had happened and they’ve a reasonably airtight excuse as there were witnesses! I hoped though they wouldn’t hang around in the rain in vain for too long. They needed to get back to the finish to cheer me in. This misguided optimism would give me another laugh much later on!

It occurred to me at this stage that I could do with the loo and I saw some portaloos along Conyngham Rd but they were all full with one or two people waiting. Didn’t fancy stopping to stand around so continued on and it wasn’t soon before the hill at St Laurence’s Road came into view. Remembering my plan for the hills I slowed down, kept the effort easy and increased the cadence. There was plenty of support here and the hill was soon was behind me. The same for the next incline after the railway bridge into Inchicore. Checked my garmin and saw that my pace had increased to faster than PMP so slowed down again. Took another gel here I think as I remember giving the wrapper to a non-too pleased bystander. Hope he didn’t throw it on the ground! It was pretty congested taking the turn at Kilmainham Gaol and I almost came a cropper on the kerb on the inside. Bit of a wake-up call to watch the footing where it was tight. As we passed through Rialto a fellow runner asked me if we were at half way yet and I told her I was pretty sure it was coming up at Dolphins Barn and as I checked my watch for her I realised for the first time that I hadn’t been thinking about the race in terms of miles passed or miles ahead. This surprised me a little. My watch said 21.2km but I knew half way was a bit away yet. How could that be? So up and over the bridge at the canal at Dolphin’s Barn and the noise was deafening. It was hard not to get elated here, but the crowd were very very close and I had to concentrate hard on my footing again. Noticed another runner pushing a wheelchair and managed some words of encouragement. Onwards and passed the half way mark at 2:04:39 doing a quick calculation to confirm I was still on track for my target time. I knew this was a fairly long straight stretch so decided to take a little time here to do a ‘running’ check to see how my form was, how I was feeling etc. My effort felt ok, breathing was good, calf tightness was gone – hadn’t noticed when - and I didn’t feel under pressure. My pace was consistent but I told myself it was too early to push on. It was raining a little and I was pretty sure the wind was behind us. This was good news though I knew from a previous training run that when it was good on the Crumlin Rd it could be surprisingly windy on Cromwellsfort Rd. I was living in the moment though and continued on feeling good.

No huge surprise then turning left onto Cromwellsfort Rd to be greeted by a wall of wind. Preferred to meet it here though than on the Crumlin Rd and funnily enough was now thinking of the race in terms of my 20 mile LSR, as I clearly remember thinking half way was coming up in Terenure! The worst was behind me. I will knuckle down now and this hard part will pass. I looked around for someone big to tuck in behind but this seemed to slow me down. There was some relief on Fortfield Rd from the wind and there was plenty of support again and for the first time here I saw some blue balloons ahead. Ha! The pacers – I had completely forgotten about them! Asked a girl beside me what pacers they were and she said 4:10. I figured I had started a bit behind them – not sure how far – but if I couldn’t see them until now - I must have a couple of minutes in the bank. I decided to gradually catch up with them if I could and position myself a little ahead as was the original plan! Caught them halfway up Templeogue Rd and tucked in for a minute but it was quite narrow here and congested and decided it would be safer to get slightly ahead. There were so many kids along here offering jellies it felt rude to refuse but I made sure to thank as many as possible for the offer!! Got a big cheer and high 5s in Terenue Village from some club members and remembering hearing the first of the ‘you’re nearly theres’ along this stretch! That made me laugh and I felt myself relax again as I knew the route into Orwell Park, Darty Road and down into Milltown was pretty okay. I began to notice more people walking and some people in trouble around the water station here. Handed back a not quite empty bottle of water and took another. Think I took another gel here in prep for the hill at Milltown. Still needed the loo but decided keep going and keep an eye out for the next available one.

Saw the hill at Milltown ahead and noticed more walkers than runners. I still felt fine and didn’t feel I needed to walk but slowed the pace and concentrated on shortening the stride, lifting the knees, looking up and running tall. This seemed to work and soon I was turning onto the Clonskeagh Rd looking out for my O/H as planned. I was feeling pleased he would see me still in reasonably good shape. No sign though. This kept me smiling as I made my way up and around the side of UCD. There were lots of people walking and stretching here or jogging very slowly. Probably a consequence of the hill at Milltown and/or injuries beginning to surface. Again I had the feeling that I was passing out lots of runners but didn’t really notice the same happening to me. Maybe it was but I didn’t notice. I must still be ok? It was around here too that I knew I would finish the race. Even if the worst came to the worst and I had to run/walk/crawl it was doable from here. I thought of my mentor’s advice of ‘emptying the tank’ at some stage – think he said from halfway - but even now I still had doubts about this strategy. He was in a different league to me and anyway I hadn’t hit the wall yet. My 30km split was 2:56:46. Not that I noticed at the time. I was only looking at my pace at this stage. Resolved that I’d at least like to have the hill at Roebuck over with before I really pushed on, if I was still able by then. Saw Dubgal at the bottom of the hill and waved a hello and mumbled my username or boards or something. Got the thumbs up. Didn’t notice any other celebrities though – Ray D’Arcy or the Gooch – I think I was totally focussed on that hill.

Once I turned the corner at the top and got my breathing back to normal I decided to let the breaks off. I knew it was roughly 5km from somewhere around here and I could do that. Took another gel and half registered the distance – 38km I think - but the number didn’t make much sense as I had by now broken this last bit down into instructions like - get to the Stillorgan DC, get up and over the UCD flyover, get to the merrion centre, the RDS etc. etc. At some stage along here I heard my name shouted and a friend from the club had spotted me. She came alongside on her bike and kept shouting words of encouragement like ‘great running’ etc. This gave me a boost as I realised she was cycling her bike and not walking it. So I was still running strong and as fast as I could given the circumstances. I knew the end was nearing. Unbelievable. But I don’t at any stage remember noticing the last few mile markers or the 800 metre to go sign. Passed by 2 runners on the ground on either side getting medical assistance on Mount Street and hoped they were ok. Gave it my all on the run up to the finish line while keeping half an eye out for my cheering family (guess what?) and crossed the line with my hands in the air in a time of 4:03:40. Felt elated and buzzing but didn’t feel like crying which I thought I might. Got my medal and thanked every volunteer I could as I have been that soldier on many occasions myself. Checked my phone to let my family know I had finished and saw a text to say they could get no nearer than the National Gallery so arranged to meet them back at the Merrion Hotel. Legs were wobbly but they worked so I made my way with the other runners in that direction. Found it a bit of a chore exiting this area, it was crammed with people obviously trying to meet up with friends and family.

There was food and drinks available for the James’s Hospital crew but strangely enough I didn’t really feel hungry and even more disappointingly didn’t feel like alcohol. Remembered I still needed the loo, then got changed and made myself eat a banana and the free cookie from the goodie bag. Was surprised when I took my runners off to put on clean socks to feel how sore my toes were. Aside from my still iridescent purple big toe nail (training injury) 4 of my nails were in a pretty bad state – I’ve since lost one - and I had blisters on most of my toes. Curiously I hadn’t felt them hurting at all while running. My family headed home after a fairly unsuccessful day chasing me around town and I went to Doheny & Nesbitts to meet up with some friends who had also been running. After a while I explained that I was now leaving to meet some people in a nearby pub whom I’d never met before, but was in contact with online. Seemed like a sane enough explanation at the time. McGrattans was probably thinning out a bit by this stage and I got lucky and correctly approached the boards.ie crew. I missed a lot of you unfortunately but did meet Dubgal, Annapr, HelenAnne. Singer, Mrs Mac & FBOT01 were pointed out to me also I think. As were one or two others but the brain had well and truly switched off at that stage. Had a quick glass of beer and some peanuts but felt it was time to head off. It was strange walking past the scene of the crime on my way home, it was thoroughly miserable weather-wise and getting dark at this stage but I was still so happy with how the day had gone and thrilled with my time. I really enjoyed reading the messages of congratulations that came through over the next day or two. I genuinely felt proud and was on a high. I still am. The text that made me smile the most was the one from I received from my mentor which said congratulations recover well now and next year it’s a sub 4hr!

DCM 2015, total distance 42.45km, gun time 4:05:33, chip time 4:03:40. Garmin splits here.

Next up Jingle Bells 5km with my 13 year old son. Hope I can beat him this year.:rolleyes:

Ed Mc

Emsy 1 wrote: »

. There is a local 10k this Sunday, is it still too early?

Hi Emsy,
You're in Finn valley?
Where is the 10k?
Thanks.

Mrs Mc

Wow Unaaine got very excited to see a race report great to read one after not having them for a while. Well done great time glad it went so well for you. I did meet you in Mc Grattans alright. See you at the jingle bells 5 km.

JMSE

That's some memory dump unaaine well done on it, on the finishing, and on the time. I'd say you passed me around walkinstown. Wonder if that guy is still standing there in shock holdin your empty gel !

denis b

Unaaine

Great reminder of the day and thanks for sharing. You certainly finished very very strong so Junior had better watch out at the Jingle Bells. Enjoy.

diego_b

Great report, nice surprise to read a new one!
Really well done on those negative splits!

menoscemo

diego_b wrote: »

Really well done on those negative splits!

2:04:39/1:59:01 I make it. More than a 5 and a half minute negative split!!! That's a great way to run a first marathon.

diego_b

menoscemo wrote: »

2:04:39/1:59:01 I make it. More than a 5 and a half minute negative split!!! That's a great way to run a first marathon.

Yup that sounds right, seriously impressed with that.
In my case I was 2:02:02/2:10:52. I do wonder a small bit that if I was a few mins slower in the first half could I have possibly got sub 4:10 but no matter. Expect to be back next year!!

unaaine

Mrs Mc wrote: »

Wow Unaaine got very excited to see a race report great to read one after not having them for a while. Well done great time glad it went so well for you. I did meet you in Mc Grattans alright. See you at the jingle bells 5 km.

Congrats on your race and your report it sounds like you had a great day too. It was funny hearing about all the places FBOT01 popped up to support you along the way. Maybe he could start a mentored supporters thread for next year. My O/H could do with some help Hope to meet you properly at the Jingle Bells. Looking forward to it.

JMSE wrote: »

That's some memory dump unaaine well done on it, on the finishing, and on the time. I'd say you passed me around walkinstown. Wonder if that guy is still standing there in shock holdin your empty gel !

Sounds like you had a tough day JMSE but true grit and determination got you over the line. Well done.

denis b wrote: »

Unaaine

Great reminder of the day and thanks for sharing. You certainly finished very very strong so Junior had better watch out at the Jingle Bells. Enjoy.

Thanks, loved reading your report and sounds like the tough conditions were not a bother for you.

diego_b wrote: »

Great report, nice surprise to read a new one!
Really well done on those negative splits!

Well done to you too. Sounds like we met the same people en route we can't have been too far apart.

menoscemo wrote: »

2:04:39/1:59:01 I make it. More than a 5 and a half minute negative split!!! That's a great way to run a first marathon.

Thanks meno and I seriously hadn't twigged that. Knew it was a negative split but hadn't done the maths

Singer

Great report unaaine, and nice running too

Stevo1983

Huge shout out to @whoopsadaisydoodles
Cracking little bit of post today.
Went above and beyond.
Legend

Emsy 1

Ed Mc wrote: »

Hi Emsy,
You're in Finn valley?
Where is the 10k?
Thanks.

It's Finn Valleys remembrance 10k. Registration open 9am €10 on the morning or can collect your number from reception before that race starts at 11am. I'll be down to support.

Loved your report Unaaine sounds like a sub 4 hr will be a doddle next year congratulations.

Great news Toulouse happy running.

This Fat Girl Runs

Really enjoyed your report, unaaine! Made me laugh in places too!

denis b

Stevo1983 wrote: »

Huge shout out to @whoopsadaisydoodles
Cracking little bit of post today.
Went above and beyond.
Legend

+1.

What a surprise. Clipped to the DCM medal already.

Peter D61

Stevo1983 wrote:

Huge shout out to @whoopsadaisydoodles Cracking little bit of post today. Went above and beyond. Legend

+1 to this. Thanks whoops

Aw no problem

I've about 4 left so there are a few people that haven't gotten one! If you haven't, just drop me a PM with your address and I'll pop it in the post!

unaaine

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Really enjoyed your report, unaaine! Made me laugh in places too!

Well done on your race. You're one tough lady. Followed your training log too today and looking forward to the updates. Might see you at the Jingle Bells run

annapr

unaaine wrote: »

Thanks meno and I seriously hadn't twigged that. Knew it was a negative split but hadn't done the maths

Nice to meet you Unaaine on the big day. Great report, what a flying second half you had... I passed the barefoot guy outside castleknock gate (he's been mentioned in quite a few reports ), so you were well behind me and the 4:10 pacers at that point...and you passed us around templeogue it sounds like... And strong finish. Deffo sub-4 no bother to you next time. Sounds like you got all the psychological tricks right on the day too. Now if only you could sort out your family

diego_b

After fretting about it all summer and autumn but thankfully almost 3 weeks too late I gave my toes a right good stubbing last night.
Such a stupid way to do it as well, was demoing a dynamic stretch warm up routine to my missus and not noting that a chair was behind me as my bare foot swung back it found the leg of the chair....cue the stinted swearing, lip biting, clenched fist that one must do when our little one is in bed....err.

Kennyg71

diego_b wrote: »

After fretting about it all summer and autumn but thankfully almost 3 weeks too late I gave my toes a right good stubbing last night.
Such a stupid way to do it as well, was demoing a dynamic stretch warm up routine to my missus and not noting that a chair was behind me as my bare foot swung back it found the leg of the chair....cue the stinted swearing, lip biting, clenched fist that one must do when our little one is in bed....err.

Hope nothing to lasting Diego, sounds painful.

diego_b

Kennyg71 wrote: »

Hope nothing to lasting Diego, sounds painful.

It could be worse but nothing major, but it was one of these things that overdue. Next up....standing on a plug/lego.
Not planning a run till Sunday likely so will see how the toes are then, tis the little toe and the one beside it that I gave a smashing to!

nop98

Well, fellow-Novices, it feels like we've outstayed our welcome as Novices in the 2015 thread, so I invite you all to join our new home in the DCM 2015 Graduates thread. We'll discuss new goals, write new race reports, and will have a fantastic new mentor to ensure we're running tall, we're relaxing, and we're even breathing as we're setting fabuluous PBs while smiling.

DCM 2015 Graduates: Chapter Next!

Let me once again express our thanks to our amazing mentor Dubgal72 and team. Your efforts have changed people's lives, and that's no mean feat.

Joining in the fun of the graduate thread is obviously completely optional. Some of us were / are / have become great friends through the Novices thread. I really hope we can keep that spirit alive as Graduates. Others might choose to slide back into anonymity, and that's more than fine. Our paths will likely diverge, but there is always a chance that at a future parkrun, you see a familiar face. Do ask, "did you run naked in 2015 by any chance...?".

Thank you again for all your camaraderie in this thread. It has been nothing short of amazing. Come what may, we can all say proudly: I, too, ran a marathon once.

Mrs Mc

nop98 wrote: »

Well, fellow-Novices, it feels like we've outstayed our welcome as Novices in the 2015 thread, so I invite you all to join our new home in the DCM 2015 Graduates thread. We'll discuss new goals, write new race reports, and will have a fantastic new mentor to ensure we're running tall, we're relaxing, and we're even breathing as we're setting fabuluous PBs while smiling.

DCM 2015 Graduates: Chapter Next!

Let me once again express our thanks to our amazing mentor Dubgal72 and team. Your efforts have changed people's lives, and that's no mean feat.

Joining in the fun of the graduate thread is obviously completely optional. Some of us were / are / have become great friends through the Novices thread. I really hope we can keep that spirit alive as Graduates. Others might choose to slide back into anonymity, and that's more than fine. Our paths will likely diverge, but there is always a chance that at a future parkrun, you see a familiar face. Do ask, "did you run naked in 2015 by any chance...?".

Thank you again for all your camaraderie in this thread. It has been nothing short of amazing. Come what may, we can all say proudly: I, too, ran a marathon once.

So excited !!!! Thanks nop