DCM 2017 Mentored Novices Thread

davedanon

Sheep1978 wrote: »

Lifted up all the decking out the back on Sunday (just in time for Halloween).

Wow, fair play. Most people just put scrap wood on the bonfire...

heebusjeebus

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

We spent most of the week of my first marathon moving house. Far from ideal (purely in relation to marathon prep!) but it had to be done

That's gas. I'm in the same boat. Moved into our new house over the weekend. Back is a bit tight after the stress of the move (and maybe from lifting so many boxes). Starting to feel better today so I hope it's grand for the weekend.

Battery Kinzie

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

Don't know the answer to that one I'm afraid. Sure you're not going to get too much better than Trinners for proximity to the start and finish areas. Fine for a warmup I'd say.

Cheers, probably better off that way, means if I'm unable to move after the race I can just leave the bike there and collect it another day!

Sheep1978

davedanon wrote: »

Wow, fair play. Most people just put scrap wood on the bonfire...

I like to give something back to the community!

Wubble Wubble

heebusjeebus wrote: »

That's gas. I'm in the same boat. Moved into our new house over the weekend. Back is a bit tight after the stress of the move (and maybe from lifting so many boxes). Starting to feel better today so I hope it's grand for the weekend.

Nice one, best of luck with the new gaff

Sure you've a few more days to recover, so hopefully it heals up fully.

Damo 2k9

Just finished up in the physio, said it's looking even better this week and that it's looking real close to being back to normal!! Really sore session but he said it would be at the start. Told me not to push anything till mile 20 and if I'm feeling good then push on.

Roll on Sunday

Singer

Damo 2k9 wrote: »

Just finished up in the physio, said it's looking even better this week and that it's looking real close to being back to normal!! Really sore session but he said it would be at the start. Told me not to push anything till mile 20 and if I'm feeling good then push on.

Roll on Sunday

Great stuff Damo. Your physio sounds like a good marathon coach, everybody should take their advice

Unthought Known

Sheep1978 wrote: »

Probably answered somewhere on the thread already but does anyone know if the water stations are cups or bottles.? Or a mix.?

Water is in 250ml bottles.

Kellygirl

BrownEyes79 wrote: »

Oh no hope you are both recovered now and having a nice lie on this morning!

Kellygirl, really hope the tummy settles today, at least you’ve a few more days to go back to the doctor and get some more meds if you need them!

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

Rarely a dull moment in marathon week

How does it feel today?

Still niggly but had an appointment at the doctor’s surgery anyway and the nurse called him in. On medication now until the marathon and hopefully will be fine.

[QUOTE=Baby75

Kellygirl hope the tummy is ok today, mine did the exact same last night during my run :eek:

Got out for the easy 3 miles last night I had to drag myself out I was feeling very tired yesterday and during my run tummy was at me at the start. when we finished I synced my watch to my phone it showed GPS updating then finished but did not show my run, it was gone from my watch but not on my app I actually thought it deleted it, had a little bit of a freak out about it possibly happening on Sunday LOL But my run is there this morning showing in the app and on strava I have a tom tom watch I am going to make sure it is fully charged and updated for Sunday [/QUOTE]

Oh no! Hope your tummy will be ok. Buscopan?

Battery Kinzie wrote: »

What's the story with cycling to the marathon? Two things I guess, is there an 'official' place to leave the bike? If not I can just leave it in Trinity college I guess. And secondly, is it advisable? I'm only 2/3 miles out from Merrion square and coming from Northside so road closures shouldn't affect me too much. A good warmup, or a bad idea?

I think it would be a grand warmup but going home might be an issue??

Damo 2k9 wrote: »

Just finished up in the physio, said it's looking even better this week and that it's looking real close to being back to normal!! Really sore session but he said it would be at the start. Told me not to push anything till mile 20 and if I'm feeling good then push on.

Roll on Sunday

Brilliant news!!! You must be so relieved.

Ariana, when are you running? Hope it goes well.

skyblue46

Unthought Known wrote: »

Water is in 250ml bottles.

That's perfect. I'm going to carry my own 250ml bottle from the line in case the congestion at the first water station is too bad.

Kellygirl

skyblue46 wrote: »

That's perfect. I'm going to carry my own 250ml bottle from the line in case the congestion at the first water station is too bad.

Me too. I’ll be more comfortable doing that.

Had my last 8km this morn. Don’t think i’ll do anymore. Did it slightly faster than I should have as was with a friend and I just feel I want to leave well enough alone now. Something pulled in the back of my right knee at the very start and I walked it out and off we went but i’m afraid to risk anything now so I think Sunday will be my next run :eek:

Unthought Known

skyblue46 wrote: »

That's perfect. I'm going to carry my own 250ml bottle from the line in case the congestion at the first water station is too bad.

Good idea, but I'd say you would be able to get one. At the first station last year, in the 4hr group, some people were taking 2 bottles and passing one on to those that couldn't get over in time.

clickerquicklic

Damo 2k9 wrote: »

Just finished up in the physio, said it's looking even better this week and that it's looking real close to being back to normal!! Really sore session but he said it would be at the start. Told me not to push anything till mile 20 and if I'm feeling good then push on.

Roll on Sunday

Great news Damo .

ariana`

Kellygirl wrote: »

Ariana, when are you running? Hope it goes well.

Thanks not til evening time. Nervous now though :eek:

Damo that is brilliant news!!! You'll be flying it.

Quick question - all the advice says to push on at mile 20 but isn't it hills from mile 20-22, heartbreak hill?

Wubble Wubble

Damo 2k9 wrote: »

Just finished up in the physio, said it's looking even better this week and that it's looking real close to being back to normal!! Really sore session but he said it would be at the start. Told me not to push anything till mile 20 and if I'm feeling good then push on.

Roll on Sunday

Great news Damo! I wonder if your physio reads here? :pac:

Damo 2k9

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

Great news Damo! I wonder if your physio reads here? :pac:

I wonder myself haha. I said "I feel like every little ache or pain is a new injury" and he says ah that's all I've had this week is phantom injurys :pac:
So we ain't the only ones!!

clickerquicklic

ariana` wrote: »

Thanks not til evening time. Nervous now though :eek:

Damo that is brilliant news!!! You'll be flying it.

Quick question - all the advice says to push on at mile 20 but isn't it hills from mile 20-22, heartbreak hill?

Good luck tonight very hard to do one make or break run without even imagining injuries , from what I've read the hill is not that bad unless you have pushed too hard before then and are starting to suffer.

YESROH

Yes the hill isn't the issue its the 20 miles we will have done before that has it named heartbreak hill.

Sorry to just jump in here now, discovered this thread a couple of weeks back. Reading that some of you are going through the same thing is some what comforting. I am still asking myself why oh why.

Best of luck everyone .

BrownEyes79

Damo 2k9 wrote: »

Just finished up in the physio, said it's looking even better this week and that it's looking real close to being back to normal!! Really sore session but he said it would be at the start. Told me not to push anything till mile 20 and if I'm feeling good then push on.

Roll on Sunday

Great news Damo, sounds like you’ve recovered just in time! Hope you have a great race on Sunday!

clickerquicklic

I'm thinking of doing the Parkrun Saturday , haven't run since last Thursday and not well enough to run this week , my plan was to run it at PMP if I can't hold PMP for Parkrun it won't be a good sign , would that be a wise move or too close to marathon to do 3 miles at MP?

The Davestator

Battery Kinzie wrote: »

What's the story with cycling to the marathon? Two things I guess, is there an 'official' place to leave the bike? If not I can just leave it in Trinity college I guess. And secondly, is it advisable? I'm only 2/3 miles out from Merrion square and coming from Northside so road closures shouldn't affect me too much. A good warmup, or a bad idea?

Cycling to the marathon is fine.

Cycling home from the marathon may not be!

Wubble Wubble

clickerquicklic wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing the Parkrun Saturday , haven't run since last Thursday and not well enough to run this week , my plan was to run it at PMP if I can't hold PMP for Parkrun it won't be a good sign , would that be a wise move or too close to marathon to do 3 miles at MP?

Too close doing it the day before I'd say. 2 easy miles with a couple of 100m strides will be enough for me. If you need to go to parkrun, volunteering works best this time in my opinion - I'll be volunteering at my local parkrun this Saturday.

Wubble Wubble

DCM 2017 Course Guide

Based on my own recollection of DCM 2016, and having covered all bar the first 200 metres or so of the course in the last two months, I've concocted a guide to this year. Grab yourself a cuppa!

Mile 1

The first mile of DCM is a very gentle introduction to the challenge ahead, with little or no elevation change to speak of. Regardless of what wave you're in, or what pacers you're following, it's going to be very congested, and the hardest thing you'll have to do in this mile is avoid tripping over yourself or another runner. There's a sharp right hander on to Leeson Street about 250 metres from the start, and *everybody* gets stuck here. You'll have covered a kilometre just before you cross the Green Luas line at the end of St Stephen's Green. There's a few more traffic islands beyond here, just to keep you from daydreaming too much.

Mile 2

Just after the lane that brings you to Marsh's Library, we turn right at the crossroads and head towards Christchurch, with St Patrick's Cathedral on our right. There's a steep enough hill as you approach Christchurch, but it's not too long and shouldn't really affect you as it's so early in the game. Left at the top, and about 200 metres further on, we go downhill to the quays. This is a lot steeper, so careful with the speed on the way down, especially as there's more traffic islands just as we join the Liffey. Nice and flat along the quays, before we turn right over James Joyce Bridge, and then the climb begins, as we cross the Red Luas line and reach the 2 Mile marker.

Mile 3

This is the opening stage of the long drag up to Castleknock. The sections through Stoneybatter and Manor Street are the steepest. Keep the effort even, and don't worry if pacers are getting ahead of you at this point. You've still got literally hours to reel them in, so patience is key. At Kavanagh's Corner, we swing left onto Aughrim Street, which is a lot narrower, and has cobbles as you enter it and ramps as you proceed up it. There was a water station at Kavanagh's Corner last year, which wasn't as specified in the course guide, and it caught a lot of people out, myself included - so just be ready for it this time. At the end of Aughrim Street, the course levels off somewhat, as we turn left onto North Circular Road and can see the Wellington Monument looming large in the distance.

Mile 4

Shortly before we enter the Phoenix Park for the first time, we go through the 3 Mile marker. Be aware that the actual road route is very narrow as you pass Garda HQ. If at all possible, resist the temptation to jump on and off paths. It'll be very sticky again, but overall not a bad thing if you're following a conservative strategy. Too much bobbing and weaving, and you'll use up a lot of energy which you'll need later on. The crowds will separate as time goes by. The road rises again as we head up the North Road, and then turn left with the azoo on our left. There's a little dip before we turn left at the end of the Polo Grounds, and the road drops a little as we head down Lord's Walk to the 4 Mile marker.

Mile 5

Turn right onto Chesterfield Avenue, and you can look ahead for quite a distance, as it's dead straight for about two miles from here. It can also be fairly windy. The first section of Chesterfield Avenue, between the zoo and the Phoenix Roundabout, is the longest and also the steepest. Again, don't get disheartened if pacers are pulling away from you here. Their pace will be consistent throughout, whereas you are hopefully going to have a strong second half to pass them later in the race. Go around the monument, and you've 5 miles in the bag and a water station to avail of.

Mile 6

Still climbing slowly, but it's not as steep as the first section, and you'll hopefully be into a nice rhythm by now, as the wider road should ensure you have a bit more space. Keep checking your breathing and your form - hopefully no issues yet. We reach the 6 Mile marker just before we leave the Park for the first time.

Mile 7

Castleknock Gate is very narrow, so you're going to have a lot of bunching again. Resist the temptation to charge through the gate - only more energy wasted. You'll cross the first timing mat at the 10k marker, which is shortly after you start the next climb towards Castleknock village. All the way from here to the village (roughly half a mile) the support is top class. Trust me, it will lift you as you get near the end of this tough section of the marathon. The road actually drops as you approach Myo's. There's a DJ on the corner, and the crowds gathered here are huge. Sharp left at Myo's, and uphill for another quarter of a mile. At the end of this, you reach the 7 Mile marker and the highest point on the course. Well done!

Mile 8

This is a very steep downhill mile, starting as you drop through the Castleknock College crossroads, and getting steeper as you continue towards Mount Sackville. Keep it handy on the downhill. It's so tempting to go mad, after climbing slowly uphill for most of the previous 5 miles. Remember, we're playing the long game here. Past Mount Sackville and left back into the Phoenix Park, where there's a short climb to the 8 Mile marker just inside Knockmaroon Gate.

Mile 9

There's a dip before we reach the crossroads and turn right. We now travel down the Upper Glen Road, which many of you will have run up in the Frank Duffy 10 Mile and various other races. This time we have the benefit of the downhill, and the opportunity to get another breather, as we emerge from the forest and the hill gets steeper.

Mile 10

Continuing on down the hill, we go through 15k just before we leave the Park at Chapelizod Gate, to a wall of sound turning into Chapelizod. Lots more supporters, a water station, and a DJ IIRC. Still mainly downhill through here, as we cross the Liffey and then turn left at the staggered crossroads. The road's a bit narrower here, but wide enough that you should be able to keep going in a straight line . There's some more ramps along here, and the road rises and falls for the next quarter of a mile.

Mile 11

This mile begins with the steepest hill on the course, which takes us up under the Chapelizod Bypass and up to Ballyfermot. Try not to race up it. Again, try keep your effort even, shorten your stride and get your arms working to get you up there. You'll feel some pain, but you'll also get some satisfaction once you reach the top. It's fairly even through Ballyfermot, slightly downhill overall if anything. After about half a mile, we leave Ballyfermot, as our course takes us through the dip under the railway line and then up the hill to Cleary's pub in Inchicore.

Mile 12

Last year we got funnelled down one side of Inchicore Road as we passed the traffic island. I wasn't expecting it to be honest, and it scrunched us up again. Inchicore Road is slightly downhill, and there's lots more supporters as you pass Kilmainham Gaol and turn right at the Royal Hospital. There's a steep dip here, and the climb back up towards the left turn for the South Circular Road isn't long, but is tough enough. The SCR itself is slightly downhill, and you'll get to the 12 Mile marker just before the entrance to St James's Hospital.

Mile 13/Halfway

Slight rise as we turn right and over the Luas bridge, before dropping downhill into Rialto. The territory here isn't too demanding, and you should be in good shape as we continue along SCR heading towards Dolphin's Barn. There's more huge crowds gathered around the right turn at Dolphin's Barn, where you head up and over the Grand Canal and then drop onto Crumlin Road. Keep concentrating and making sure all systems are still functioning ok. We're on another long slow climb now, but there's another water station after you pass Crumlin Shopping Centre and go under the halfway line gantry.

Mile 14

It's dead straight all the way from here to Our Lady's Hospital. In addition, the wind is usually against us. Try not to get too focused on this, instead concentrate on what you're doing. Just keep an eye a yard or two ahead, there'll undoubtedly be a guy or girl to follow. Still climbing gradually, as we pass the hospital and reach the 14 Mile marker at the start of Drimnagh.

Mile 15

This is basically a continuation of 14 to begin with, however we turn left at the Halfway House (23k) and head towards Walkinstown Roundabout. Stay in the game through here, because although we're still climbing, respite is near at hand for you. The crowds around the roundabout are great, and there's more music which will hopefully give you another boost as the road drops a little along Cromwellsfort Road, where the 15 Mile marker is about 300 metres from the roundabout.

Mile 16

This is the first of several gradually downhill miles, to set us up for the closing stages. Past the Ashleaf Shopping Centre just before 25k, and on towards the 16 mile mark just before KCR, where there's water and gels available.

Mile 17

Right at KCR, and then a left onto Fortfield Road. Those of you who have run the Terenure 5 Mile will be familiar with this section. It's very quiet in terms of support, until you pass the side of Terenure College and reach the 17 Mile mark just before you reach Templeogue Road.

Mile 18

Lovely straight smooth downhill on the relatively wide expanse of Templeogue Road, with Terenure village up ahead. For some reason, I particularly remember being given jellies along here last year. I'm sure I got offered them elsewhere too. Either way, head up, relax the shoulders and breathe. Continue through the Terenure crossroads onto Terenure Road East, where we pass through the 18 Mile marker.

Mile 19

Right turn onto Orwell Road in Rathgar, where there's more downhill for us, before taking a left into flat Orwell Park. The 30k mark is at the start of Orwell Park, whereas the 19 Mile marker will be at the end of it. We're getting near crunch time now, but try not to be nervous. You've done the training, this is where you put it into practice.

Mile 20

We start with a steep drop downhill and swinging left, where we see the Dropping Well pub on the right. Last year there was excellent support around the Luas bridge. After going under this, we climb briefly, before the road levels off until we reach the church on the left. The climb from the church, again, isn't that long, but you may have to start digging into the reserves through here. The rest of this mile is flat, and you'll have completed 20 miles of the marathon before you reach the crossroads, and hopefully you're still feeling strong and ready for the next test.

Mile 21

For me, this was the hardest mile of DCM 2016. I'd been struggling with injury in the build up anyway, but the up and down (mainly up) nature of the run through Clonskeagh finished off any lingering hopes of me reaching my A goal on the day. No long climbs as such in this mile, but you'll need to be switched on and prepared to dig in.

Mile 22

Roughly around the entrance to the Leinster Rugby training centre, we start Mile 22 and come to a fork in the road. Here we veer left onto Roebuck Road, and then keep left to stay on Roebuck Road (as opposed to continuing onto Goatstown Road) Most of this section is fine really, even at this advanced stage of the marathon. Overall it's a small bit of respite, as we approach the so-called "Heartbreak Hill" of DCM. At the end of this mile, there's a Lucozade station, so keep getting fluids on board.

Mile 23

"Heartbreak Hill" comes at the start of Mile 23, as we approach the end of Roebuck Road. In reality, it's not very long, or particularly steep, especially when compared to some of the other hills you've conquered. So as before, concentrate, work the arms, head up, and you'll be over the top in no time. Big crowds will be gathered at the top of the hill, willing you on to get up there and pass them. And that's it as far as hills are concerned. Now you're heading left onto Fosters Avenue, and a steep downhill as you can see the Radisson St Helens on the other side of the Stillorgan dualler. If you have the pacers within range, now is surely the time for you to muster that little bit extra.

Mile 24

Just after the 23 Mile mark, we start "up" the slip road to the UCD flyover. It's not really a hill at all. The main road drops as it goes under the flyover! Sure there's only a parkrun to go. The section from the far side of the dualler, to the right turn onto Nutley Lane, is actually steeper. Nutley Lane itself is mainly downhill, with the 24 Mile mark around the Merrion Centre. Make sure you grab some water before the turn for home.

Mile 25

Now we're really on the way back in. There's not long left now, so stay strong because the end is worth the effort. We're in Monopoly big money territory now, as we pass both Shrewsbury Road and Ailesbury Road, before we reach the RDS Main Hall and the 25 Mile marker. So close now, stay with it!

Mile 26(.2)

Cross over Ball's Bridge, and slight right to reach the American Embassy at 41k. From here, the crowds really start to build along Northumberland Road. This will give you that little bit extra you need to reach your goal. If you have any strength left now, time to empty the tank. You've trained for months to be in shape to give it your best today. Crossing Mount Street bridge, you'll see the finish line in the distance. Don't stop me now! If you've paced it well, you'll have been passing people for ages too. Keep going, all the way through and up to the line. Look up at the clock. Arms in the air, if you can!

CONGRATULATIONS! You are now a DCM Graduate!!!

Unthought Known

Great post J, however you've missed out one climb. Now people, dont get too down about this hill. I was leaving work on Leeson Street today and noticed the massive climb below, from the arrow to the traffic light. It may well be in mile 1, but I recommend taking this one easy.

scotindublin

Brilliant post J.....a great insight for the Wonders this year.

I am getting excited for you all now! Can't wait to hear the great reports on Sunday.

I will be positioning myself just after you cross the Liffey in Chapelizod.

BrownEyes79

WW can’t believe you posted this already, I’m going to save it for my bedtime reading!!! .... I think it’s time to start getting nervous!!

skyblue46

scotindublin wrote: »

Brilliant post J.....a great insight for the Wonders this year.

I am getting excited for you all now! Can't wait to hear the great reports on Sunday.

I will be positioning myself just after you cross the Liffey in Chapelizod.

I'll see you there at 10:34:13am.

skyblue46

Great review of the course J. It paints a picture in the mind....of patience, pain and jubilation!

scotindublin

Quality bit of planning going on there!

skyblue46 wrote: »

I'll see you there at 10:34:13am.

skyblue46

scotindublin wrote: »

Quality bit of planning going on there!

In the words of a legend from Mayfield...fail to prepare, prepare to fail