DCM 2017 Mentored Novices Thread

kin9pin

SoleDiva wrote: »

Ok, after reading through all the posts here and seeing that nobody but me needs to take walk breaks, I thought I'd better start working on that lol!
LSR day for me today and I set out even slower than normal, with the aim of not walking at all. Not even on the hills around here. And I only went and managed 11.5km without stopping!! I was ecstatic 😀 and experienced that "runners high" that I hear everyone talking about!

It could all go wrong on my next run, but for now I'm delighted with myself 😉 Thank you DCMNovices for giving me the push I needed!

Well done SoleDiva, great stuff, and good job slowing your LSR down even at this early stage. That's the key to LSR's, the slower the better. It's about getting used to running (or walking) for longer periods rather than pace. It's also quite ok to take walk breaks.
You'll get quite a few of those highs (and lows) over the next few months

SoleDiva

kin9pin wrote: »

SoleDiva wrote: »

Ok, after reading through all the posts here and seeing that nobody but me needs to take walk breaks, I thought I'd better start working on that lol!
LSR day for me today and I set out even slower than normal, with the aim of not walking at all. Not even on the hills around here. And I only went and managed 11.5km without stopping!! I was ecstatic 😀 and experienced that "runners high" that I hear everyone talking about!

It could all go wrong on my next run, but for now I'm delighted with myself 😉 Thank you DCMNovices for giving me the push I needed!

Well done SoleDiva, great stuff, and good job slowing your LSR down even at this early stage. That's the key to LSR's, the slower the better. It's about getting used to running (or walking) for longer periods rather than pace. It's also quite ok to take walk breaks.
You'll get quite a few of those highs (and lows) over the next few months

Thanks Kin9pin! Because I'm a slower runner, I'm always too focussed on pace so slowing down even more is soooooo tough. But it's what I need to do on my LSR's. I also need to learn to be patient!! Progress won't happen overnight ;-)

Halloween Jack

Hi guys, been threatening to do a marathon for a number of years and have jealously followed a number of these threads over the years, this year i guess i ran out of excuses not to do it and signed up a few weeks back, had been waiting for this thread to pop up ever since:)

I did the C25K in 2012 and have been running intermittently since then. I tend to have spells where I'm training well and feeling great and spells where i get next to nothing done, so consistency over the course of the plan will be a challenge for me. Im also fairly big guy and prone to injuries which have held me back, but i have been at the physio and in the gym this year and i know what i have to do to keep myself fit and healthy, again, getting into the gym on a consistent basis will be the challenge.

Anyway, many thanks to Wubble and all the other contributors thus far, best of luck to all in training and i hope you all achieve your goals!

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

Clontarf HM November '16 - 1:52
Samsung Night Run April '15 - 57:01
5k in Training April '15 - 24:36

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

No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.

3/4 Slow runs (one longer at the weekend) with the ambition to be in the gym twice a week (usually only make it once) plus the occasional hike or swim.


What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?

Dream time maybe 3:49:59, which if i get the training done in full should be doable, being more realistic maybe 3:59:59. As for what i want to achieve, well so long as i cross the finish line having absolutely emptied the tank ill consider it a good effort.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?

Given my injury history and low base ill be following hal higdon novice 1. Think the boards plan is a bit ambitious for where I'm at.

Why are you running this marathon?

I enjoy running and tend to enjoy it more the longer the run is so theres that. But really i want to prove to myself i have 20 weeks of solid training in me.

SoleDiva

Can some one please post a link or point me in the direction of 2016's Board training plan?

Omeceron

Here you go

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16gSieCUamkjxOBVB2li8jA6bQSvkuLySyjG-ZilizDY/edit?pli=1#gid=86664611

The Black Oil

A few other points learned from last year.

Gadgets/Accountability/Training/Plan/Gels

I've a Garmin Forerunner 305 (since 2011/my C25K days). By today's standards it's a lump of a thing with no bluetooth or wifi, etc, has to be synced via USB. I used it for DCM training and still use it for my current runs. No need to go all out here with expense, particularly if there are bells and whistles you're not going to use. If you're already used to a gadget/system that works for you, stick with that. Participating in this thread might make you a better runner than the watch itself (as per Singer et al). I don't use my phone for training, a quick glance at a watch works well for me. That, and I haven't tried apps to assess them either way. I do enjoy seeing the map of where I've run on the PC (presume phone offers similar experience), a watch can help with pace evenness, I suppose. No hard rules here.

Have you told people you're doing the marathon? Friends, family, partner, work colleague, the cat? You will of course be asked about the time you're going for...and you may will get advice from all quarters. I got some daft advice on gels in the week just before the big day. This touches on what I'll refer to below - as the day gets closer, don't suddenly introduce any new strategies you've not tested in training. The other accountability element is staying connected to this thread and your peers. Knowing there's a group of other folks (30 or 40 last year, maybe?) dotted around the country is a good help. Not every week may go smoothly, as with any exercise plan that's demanding. And the odd Saturday in Sept/Oct may be wet and blustery. Do not say in bed!

Stick the plan your fridge/wall. Come October, you will get to this.

There's always the debate about the value of gels at all, a tube of sugar. Other people use jelly beans, etc. I tested gels, plain nuts, raisins and Roo bars I found in Supervalu (and to keep the cost down, and taste preferences). All fine in training, no tummy issues. Also carried a water bottle in a belt. The testing here (in my experience) is more so for your lsrs. iirc, I didn't bother testing food/gels until the lsr mileage started to reach double digits, which in the case of HHN1, was week 5. This brings to mind a frequently repeated mantra of last year "now is the time". Preparing your gear bag the night before the FD10 or Half DCM is a good way of testing your plans for a race, as is figuring out your breakfast routine. No last minute panic on the day. If it's practical, don't be afraid to meet up for one of your longer lsrs in somewhere like the Phoenix Park.

When the time comes, trust the taper, aka, stick to the plan. :pac:

Absolutely no mischief on the thread if your mentor is on holidays. We have ways of contacting him.

SoleDiva

Omeceron wrote: »

Here you go

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16gSieCUamkjxOBVB2li8jA6bQSvkuLySyjG-ZilizDY/edit?pli=1#gid=86664611

Thank you! Off I go to have a nosey and scare myself :-D

scotindublin

My Junior Golf Conveynor told me about the 6 Ps when I was younger and it has always stuck with me.

Proper preparation prevents p*ss poor performance

I believe that this is very apt when undertaking marathon training and I 100% agree with everything that TBO stated above.

By following the advise that you will get over the coming months on this thread there will be no better prepared folks toeing the line at the end of October.

Keeping the main thing the main thing and trusting the plan will become second nature to you all in no time.

C

The Black Oil

scotindublin wrote: »

Keeping the main thing the main thing and trusting the plan will become second nature to you all in no time.

That's it. It's a little hard to wrap your head around at first. How will a spreadsheet on the internet make me marathon capable?! It just does.

Wubble Wubble

Omeceron wrote: »

Weekly Update

Groin is feeling fine and best week of running in months. Have a final visit to the physio next week.

Went to Amphibian King on Friday for a Gait analysis and left with a shiny new pair of New Balances. Will break them in next week. Spent an hour trying on runners there. The service really is excellent.

Mon| 45 Min Easy
Tue | 45 Min Easy
Wed| 45 Min Easy
Thur | Rest
Fri | 45 Min Easy
Sat | 70 Min LSR

Good news! Lots of nice easy runs, and hope everything goes well with the physio. I've got my last few runners from the Run Hub (formerly Amphibian King) in Ashtown. In general when buying new running shoes, it should be to your benefit if there's experienced runners in the shop who will take the time to talk to you about your needs. The difference having the right pair will make to you over the coming weeks and months can be massive!

Jfrost

Gonna follow thread closely.
Did DCM in 2015 for first time but it was my 4th marathon, Waterford been my first earlier that year.
Since done about 45 marathons/ ultrasound...75 been my furthest (February this year)

But....and there is always a but....for the last 6+ months I've been doing events with no training, just sign up run...struggle and get to the line.

Now I want to remove that struggle bit and need to train like I did for my first and so I'm gonna treat myself like a novice with the goal of get around Dublin comfortably.
If you need to know time, at mo I'm turning out approx 4:30 marathon but my pb is 3:38 and I've put on a stone and half since last August...gee actually 9months with no training runs.

I know this thread isn't aimed at folk like me, but I'm gonna use it anyways.
Thanks

Wubble Wubble

Philrunner83 wrote: »

Delighted to see this thread start having looked in on the 2016 thread.
I am hoping to take part in 2017 what would be my first marathon like you all and am looking forward to sharing this journey too.
Thanks wubble for taking the time to mentor us all to succeed in what you achieved last year :-)

Hi Philrunner83,

Thanks for dropping in! I'm honoured to be asked to do it
It may sound like an insurmountable task at the moment, but it most certainly isn't, and trust me, all the training over the next few months will be worth it when you cross the finish line arms aloft! Plenty of room for more in the DCM 2017 first class carriage! Best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

Halloween Jack wrote: »

Hi guys, been threatening to do a marathon for a number of years and have jealously followed a number of these threads over the years, this year i guess i ran out of excuses not to do it and signed up a few weeks back, had been waiting for this thread to pop up ever since:)

I did the C25K in 2012 and have been running intermittently since then. I tend to have spells where I'm training well and feeling great and spells where i get next to nothing done, so consistency over the course of the plan will be a challenge for me. Im also fairly big guy and prone to injuries which have held me back, but i have been at the physio and in the gym this year and i know what i have to do to keep myself fit and healthy, again, getting into the gym on a consistent basis will be the challenge.

Anyway, many thanks to Wubble and all the other contributors thus far, best of luck to all in training and i hope you all achieve your goals!

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

Clontarf HM November '16 - 1:52
Samsung Night Run April '15 - 57:01
5k in Training April '15 - 24:36

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

No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.

3/4 Slow runs (one longer at the weekend) with the ambition to be in the gym twice a week (usually only make it once) plus the occasional hike or swim.


What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?

Dream time maybe 3:49:59, which if i get the training done in full should be doable, being more realistic maybe 3:59:59. As for what i want to achieve, well so long as i cross the finish line having absolutely emptied the tank ill consider it a good effort.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?

Given my injury history and low base ill be following hal higdon novice 1. Think the boards plan is a bit ambitious for where I'm at.

Why are you running this marathon?

I enjoy running and tend to enjoy it more the longer the run is so theres that. But really i want to prove to myself i have 20 weeks of solid training in me.

Hi Halloween Jack,

Welcome aboard! And well done on finally signing up for the main event

I share your pain in relation to training well/training very little or not at all. Working my way out of that at the moment. Trick is, as has been mentioned before and will be again, to build up your miles slowly. You've obviously done some of that already, seeing as you ran the Clontarf half (an old favourite of mine; fine effort for a first timer!)

If you can cope with dragging your legs out of soft sand after having the wind blasting straight into your face along the beach, you will be very capable of making the step up in distance over the coming months.

HHN1 is indeed the more basic of the plans, but it's worked for numerous novices through the years, and hopefully will for you too.

Thanks again for signing up. Best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

Jfrost wrote: »

Gonna follow thread closely.
Did DCM in 2015 for first time but it was my 4th marathon, Waterford been my first earlier that year.
Since done about 45 marathons/ ultrasound...75 been my furthest (February this year)

But....and there is always a but....for the last 6+ months I've been doing events with no training, just sign up run...struggle and get to the line.

Now I want to remove that struggle bit and need to train like I did for my first and so I'm gonna treat myself like a novice with the goal of get around Dublin comfortably.
If you need to know time, at mo I'm turning out approx 4:30 marathon but my pb is 3:38 and I've put on a stone and half since last August...gee actually 9months with no training runs.

I know this thread isn't aimed at folk like me, but I'm gonna use it anyways.
Thanks

Hi Jfrost,

Welcome on board! Some people here dream of running those kinds of numbers

Trust the training, as we often say here, and fingers crossed we'll help get you back approaching your best, with a strong performance on the big day.
Thanks for signing up, best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

One Week Closer!

Thanks to all of you for getting the wheels in motion here! It may still feel like something that's months and months away, but once the plans start to kick in for real, the time goes fast

Anyone got details of runs they've done in the last week that they want to share? Race reports are something we love here too, and the Race Series events in particular should offer you the chance to indulge that "creative writing" corner of your brain that may not always get used so much Have a look through the previous Novices threads if you want to get a flavour of what I'm on about.

Big shout out as well to all those DCM Graduates (and others) who have popped in to offer support. Haven't the time now to thank you all individually!

Out of curiosity, how much of your running is done on treadmills?

Back in the old days, before I began my latter day running "career", I'd really run myself into the ground on those machines. Now I'm of the opinion that you should only use them when you have to. It's hard to beat the feeling you get after a tough run through the wind and rain, when it's really gone well, and you feel like you've taken another large step towards your goal.

Some more knowledgeable (certainly faster and more experienced!) runners than me from around these parts regularly use a term called "easy conversational pace".

What this means is, you should do your long runs at a speed where you feel comfortable, and able to have a relaxed conversation. If you actually have someone to run with you and talk to you, even better If you're having issues with your breathing (for example) slow down until you reach this point. Don't think that this will impact on your chances of beating your target time. The actual time on your feet will stand to you. Most of you will not be used to running for 3 hours or more, as you will be in the long runs later in the plans. Your body has to get used to it, and this takes time. And don't be scared of the "3 hours or more" bit. It may sound crazy reading it now, but we'll get there, slowly but surely. Evolution, not revolution!

shortie_chik

The Black Oil wrote: »

Have you told people you're doing the marathon? Friends, family, partner, work colleague, the cat? You will of course be asked about the time you're going for...and you may will get advice from all quarters. I got some daft advice on gels in the week just before the big day. This touches on what I'll refer to below - as the day gets closer, don't suddenly introduce any new strategies you've not tested in training. The other accountability element is staying connected to this thread and your peers. Knowing there's a group of other folks (30 or 40 last year, maybe?) dotted around the country is a good help. Not every week may go smoothly, as with any exercise plan that's demanding. And the odd Saturday in Sept/Oct may be wet and blustery. Do not say in bed!

Stick the plan your fridge/wall. Come October, you will get to this.

Is there anything as motivating as ticking items off a chart?
In the 2012 thread, an excel-wizard made a Google spreadsheet for everyone to log their miles in. Nothing like the thought of a BIG FAT ZERO after your name to make sure you get your runs done each week! :eek: And pretty cool to see how many miles the group logged over the summer, made it feel more like a team event!

Apart from my fiance, and one other friend who also plans to run DCM2017 (hopefully my LSR buddy later in the summer), I haven't told anyone that I'm training for this.
Until I cross the finish line, I don't want to talk about it (well except for with you guys). Too much can go wrong, and I don't want to be having the same conversation repeatedly all summer. I'll keep my running-bore-chat to this thread until I'm wearing my medal & finisher t-shirt!

So last weekend I did a 6 mile run, this weekend I did 7 miles at a super leisurely pace. My running-to-work pace is about 10 min/mile, it's a speed I know I can keep up handy enough for the 5 miles and still get to the pool in time for a quick dip before work! My pace today was about 12 min/mile. It was very easy for my lungs & heart, the kind of pace I think I could keep up for 5 hours, if my legs can manage to keep going on autopilot.
I used to only have 2 speeds (stop and go), so I think this shows some progress!

One week closer...
(Ha! Wubble & I were posting at the same time, and thinking the same thing. Great minds! :P)

shortie_chik

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

One Week Closer!
Out of curiosity, how much of your running is done on treadmills?

Last weekend my run was on a treadmill, in a hotel gym the morning after a friend's wedding! :eek: Went to bed sensibly early and no alcohol after dinner! I don't normally use treadmills but wanted to get stuck into the new weekend routine.

I live beside the Phoenix Park so most of my training takes place there. I run through the park & then city centre to work. LSRs will be around the park until the distances get so long that I'd end up running in circles. Then I'll venture out and do little sections of the route to get to know it and change the scenery.

Today was a mix of trails, grass and footpaths. Running on real ground feels like more of a challenging workout than being on a treadmill, like I'm using more muscles for stability and to push myself along. Well, that's what my legs think anyway.

positron

Timely discussion about treadmills. I was looking back thru my Strava records and it shows I did almost nothing over the winter months and I do recall struggling to get out to run when temperatures were below 4 degrees or so, not to mention the wind and windchill, which then got me thinking about buying a treadmill... then reality clicks in that a treadmill takes up a lot of room, which I don't have or don't want to waste...! Hmm.

I haven't been sticking to the plan last week. Between various family / work commitments, I managed to fit in two mini-runs to on the way to pick my daughter from Montessori and back (she's on her bike, and she's quick - well quicker than I can run anyway). On the plus side, new PB at Parkrun (inching ever closer to the 25m mark, missed it by seconds), followed by easy run home (7k). And got about 50k on the bike (which I am calling my cross training).

Total distance: about 20 km.

PS: Is there a Strava club for this thread?

Jfrost

Only ever did one session on a threadmill myself and it in support of a guy I know who was running Back2Back marathons in a shopping centre in Moneghan.
I did about 5 km...it was terrible, give me the open roads any day.

The worst thing about running in "soft" weather is starting, once you have the first 500 meters done you just get on with it.
And the knowledge that you bet the conditions gives you a wee buzz.
So no threadmills for me, but I can see why the suit some.

SoleDiva

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

One Week Closer!


Out of curiosity, how much of your running is done on treadmills

I do one run a week on a treadmill. Usually a Monday or Thursday night, depending on which night I'm stuck with the football run. Leaves me home too late to run the roads, so ShedMill has been handy for that. I try do an interval style run, which kills the boredom factor for me.

I second what positron said - is there a Strava group? Love Strava

Lady is a tramp

What is this Strava that keeps getting mentioned ... Can someone give me the quick gist of it?

scotindublin

Lady is a tramp wrote: »

What is this Strava that keeps getting mentioned ... Can someone give me the quick gist of it?

Strava is a website and app used to track your activities during training/runs; and is linked into your GPS tracker if you use one.

As the group grows and you all get to know each other it becomes a good resource for keeping tabs on what you are each up to and the "kudos" you receive from fellow runners is a real confidence boost. Last year there was a Strava Group for the novices which worked well.

I would also suggest thinking about creating a training log on here as well. It is a great way to track your progress and to keep some notes on how things are going......what went well with your run;what didn't go well etc;you will find that you will learn more from ones which don't go well so never be disheartened it is all part of the process and taking that first step out the door is always a positive. It is a great way to get advice from the very knowledgeable folks who lurk around these parts.

quickbeam

Am I missing something, or maybe I'm just a bit dim? The training plan doesn't start until June, right? What are we meant to be reporting on until then? Is it just our regular non-marathon-training runs?

If so, then last week:
8.57km @ 7:03 pace*
8.47km @ 7:07 pace*
6.39km @ 7.06 pace*
5.17km @ 6.38 pace (Parkrun) - official 5km time of 34:06

* Total distance includes a warm up and cool down walk (I don't want to be fiddling with my phone to start the run while I'm already out and moving), total approximate running distance for first two is 7.3km and 6.3km for the third.

Also, when will the official 2017 plans be released. The ones in the OP are for 2016. Or do we just adapt them for this year?

heebusjeebus

I've never logged my runs on Boards before so be gentle

I've completed week 7 of the Strava half marathon plan. This is in preparation for the Cork Half Marathon on the 4th June.
I don't do LSR's, I just run at a comfortable pace, but I'll look to try this after the half marathon.

Tues 9th May: 10km 49:07 4:54/km (Elevation gained 101m)
Thurs 11th May: 12.7km 1:05:21 5:06/km (Elevation gained 140m)
Sun 14th May: 21.0km 1:49:19 5:12/km (Elevation gained 254m)

Total weekly runs: 43.7km

This is the second week I've run the full HM distance. Really felt it in soles of my feet for the last 3 to 4 km. Recovery was a lot better than a few weeks ago, so it feels like great progress.

This weeks plan looks to be similar but, time permitting I'll try and fit in a short 5 to 8k run on Saturday, before my long run on Sunday.

Jfrost

heebusjeebus wrote: »

This is the second week I've run the full HM distance. Really felt it in soles of my feet for the last 3 to 4 km. Recovery was a lot better than a few weeks ago, so it feels like great progres.

With you feet been sore May I suggest a foot roller or a golf ball to massage them while you relax/ watch TV

The Black Oil

shortie_chik wrote: »

Is there anything as motivating as ticking items off a chart?
In the 2012 thread, an excel-wizard made a Google spreadsheet for everyone to log their miles in. Nothing like the thought of a BIG FAT ZERO after your name to make sure you get your runs done each week! :eek: And pretty cool to see how many miles the group logged over the summer, made it feel more like a team event!

Apart from my fiance, and one other friend who also plans to run DCM2017 (hopefully my LSR buddy later in the summer), I haven't told anyone that I'm training for this.
Until I cross the finish line, I don't want to talk about it (well except for with you guys). Too much can go wrong, and I don't want to be having the same conversation repeatedly all summer. I'll keep my running-bore-chat to this thread until I'm wearing my medal & finisher t-shirt!

All quite normal. Re telling people, you may change your mind as summer passes by. It can be a secret burning inside of you. People were a little surprised I had booked a place as far back as January - they knew I wasn't messing. There can be a bit of "you better get some training done" from family, er, what do you think I've been doing 4 times a week?! :mad::pac:

Starting a log is a good idea.

brownbinman

I'd agree with starting a log. I've been keeping one in work since Jan and stragnely look forward to updating it after a run.

Date Distance (km) Time Avg Pace Felt Weather Time After Food Notes Route Water Intake First Stop Diet

It might be of use to others thinking of starting one. I've 45 logged so far and it's good for figuring out patterns, why bad runs happen etc

Others were talking about watches, I have a Garmin Vivoactive HR and think it's very useful. Got it as a present but I'm finding it very useful for HR tracking, pace etc.

choons

scotindublin wrote: »

As the group grows and you all get to know each other it becomes a good resource for keeping tabs on what you are each up to and the "kudos" you receive from fellow runners is a real confidence boost. Last year there was a Strava Group for the novices which worked well.

How does one join the Boards Strava group if they are already on Strava? . . . might be worth adding to the OP?

Also, "The Boards plan for 2017" is still set up for 2016. Wubble, will you be updating for 2017 as we get closer? Not rushing you, just wondering!

tony1980

choons wrote: »

How does one join the Boards Strava group if they are already on Strava? . . . might be worth adding to the OP?

Also, "The Boards plan for 2017" is still set up for 2016. Wubble, will you be updating for 2017 as we get closer? Not rushing you, just wondering!

Someone needs to set one up for this year and provide a link for it and then people can request to join. Our 2016 one is still active with a good number of us still regularly running, some have made great improvements since last year.

scotindublin

I will drop Wubble a PM on the Strava group and update you later.

choons wrote: »

How does one join the Boards Strava group if they are already on Strava? . . . might be worth adding to the OP?

Also, "The Boards plan for 2017" is still set up for 2016. Wubble, will you be updating for 2017 as we get closer? Not rushing you, just wondering!

scotindublin

Here is the link to the Strava Club that has been created for the Novices of 2017.

https://www.strava.com/clubs/282063

Hopefully you can join through the link. Let me know if it works.

aloooof

3 runs done last week, with an 8m LSR yesterday the highlight so I'm back on course for the Clontarf half.

Was also having another look at Marathon plans (and I'm definitely jumping the gun here) but I'm considering the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan. It seems to be a good compromise between the HH1 and the Boards plans from last year, so I think it might fit my level quite well.

muddypaws

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k - Tymon Park Parkrun 29:26
5 Mile - Doing the Fountain Five in Forest of Dean in England next week
10k - Searlait Tywang memorial run 14/05/17 1:07:55


Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
Not usually

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
Usually 4 days a week. One sessions of hills, one interval session usually around 7km, one LSR, although not that long in the great scheme of things, 9 miles being the longest then Park Run every Saturday. I also cycle

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
My 5km time hasn't improved as I wished or expected it to, so at the moment I don't have a specified time

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can train 7 days a week if necessary, being a self employed dog trainer, so far all of my running has been with a dog, that will have to change during the summer and when the distances increase. Will follow the boards plan

Why are you running this marathon?
My Dad always ran, he was still running daily, just a mile or so each day up until the day he was taken ill and given a terminal diagnosis. I wish that I had had the chance to run with him, and as he was a very proud Dub, I think he would have loved it to see me do the DCM. Having lost my son last year, the plan started to form, as getting up and going out running helped me hugely, so combining the two. My son hated running, even though I tried getting him out when he had left school and couldn't find any work, to try and get some kind of routine going, but he wouldn't entertain the idea at all, so I like the irony of that as well, and I think he would have found it funny.

As my 5km time hasn't improved, I'm not sure I will make DCM2017, will see how I get on, but might need to push it back to 2018. However, I did a tough 10K in Castlecomer yesterday, lots of hills and was happy with my time, so maybe 2017 will work out.

ariana`

I did 3 runs last week, totally 17.5 miles. Aim is to keep running 17-20 mpw for the next 5 weeks. Whatever plan i decide on i hope to start a week early on 19th June to give myself a buffer. I go on hols for a week in August, I will run while i'm away but it'll be a low-mileage off-plan kind of week.

aloooof wrote: »

3 runs done last week, with an 8m LSR yesterday the highlight so I'm back on course for the Clontarf half.

Was also having another look at Marathon plans (and I'm definitely jumping the gun here) but I'm considering the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan. It seems to be a good compromise between the HH1 and the Boards plans from last year, so I think it might fit my level quite well.

Hi aloooof i like the look of HHN2 as well, it seems a nice middle ground between HHN1 and the 2016 Boards plan.

jameshayes

muddypaws wrote: »

Why are you running this marathon?
My Dad always ran, he was still running daily, just a mile or so each day up until the day he was taken ill and given a terminal diagnosis. I wish that I had had the chance to run with him, and as he was a very proud Dub, I think he would have loved it to see me do the DCM. Having lost my son last year, the plan started to form, as getting up and going out running helped me hugely, so combining the two. My son hated running, even though I tried getting him out when he had left school and couldn't find any work, to try and get some kind of routine going, but he wouldn't entertain the idea at all, so I like the irony of that as well, and I think he would have found it funny.

Good luck. It sounds like the marathon will be easy in comparison to what you have gone through already. You will see your 5k times improve dramatically once you're into the longer weekend runs, I'd put money on it.

positron

scotindublin wrote: »

Here is the link to the Strava Club that has been created for the Novices of 2017.

https://www.strava.com/clubs/282063

Hopefully you can join through the link. Let me know if it works.

It works, thanks for setting this up!

aine_fainne

Hi everyone,

I would also like to join in this year. Although I did already complete the DCM back in 2015, I still feel very much like a novice, having not managed to keep up running during 2016. 2017 has been a fresh start for me – I have been steadily building up mileage since February and I am absolutely loving it!! I didn’t realise just how much I missed running until I came back to it.



Back in 2015 I just followed the HH plan on my own and luckily made it across the finish line. This time around, I’m doing things differently - I’d like to join in the community and get to know some fellow runners. Thanks to Wubble Wubble for organizing this and hope you guys don’t mind me joining in J



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

Dublin Race Series Half Marathon 2015 - 2h:12m
DCM Marathon 2015 – 4h:45m
5K Parkrun 8^th April 2017 - 27m:31s

Battle of Clontarf 10 Mile 17^th April 2017 – 1h:33m:40s

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

No

How much training do you currently do? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.

4/5 runs per week including a long run at the weekend, all done at an easy pace but starting to introduce one or two tempo runs per week also. I also do crossfit 2/3 times a week, but try to combine the gym with days where I do shorter easy runs. I am signed up for the Clontarf Half marathon in July so I’m increasing my mileage steadily for that and all going well so far J

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?

Dream time would be 4:20:00, but honestly I’m just delighted to be back running so once I cross the finish line I’ll be happy J

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?

I’ve been managing 4-6 runs per week for the last while so I’d like to give the boards plan a try this time around. Might need to alter the plan slightly as I am getting married in September and going on honeymoon afterwards for 10 days.

Why are you running this marathon?
After completing DCM in 2015 I knew I would like to run another marathon. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to train consistently last year, with a busy year in work, and buying and moving into our first home, but things have calmed down this year and I feel like I’m a great position and ready for the challenge. Having also lost a close friend to cancer last year, I recognize and am thankful that I’m fit and healthy, and should be out doing the things that I enjoy while I can as life is just too short!!

Spirogyra

Is the 'pacing' even ? by that I mean is every mile/kilometer at close to the same speed ? or could there be considerable variation?.

Singer

Spirogyra wrote: »

Is the 'pacing' even ? by that I mean is every mile/kilometer at close to the same speed ? or could there be considerable variation?.

Do you mean the strategy used by the pacers at DCM? There's a bit to get into here, and some great posts to link to (the pacing group at DCM was originally organised on this forum)... but it's *way* too early to start thinking about that

SoleDiva

Has anyone here done Belfast Marathon or half marathon? If so, how does it compare, elevation wise, to Dublin? I'm just curious as I haven't run much in Dublin, but I've done a few runs in Belfast and loved it. It's quite hilly where I live and I found Belfast quite flat lol. The few short runs I've done in Dublin haven't been flat :-/

Jfrost

Spirogyra wrote: »

Is the 'pacing' even ? by that I mean is every mile/kilometer at close to the same speed ? or could there be considerable variation?.

That is the supposed goal.....but the reality that a good runner wants is a negative split.
A negative split is first half is slower then the second....in other words the first half marathon is a warm up for the second.

But for most of us.....we run comfortably for the first half and tire for the second...which is why it is stated over and over again, stick with your plan.
On the day you should feel stronger and fitter then ever but stick with your plan.
Pacers are running slower then their normal pace and a nice group following a pacer can distract from your struggle with chat and cheer but ultimately they will encourage but not wait for you.
So I like to keep a half eye where possible on pacers but usually I run my own race and never get disappointed if goal time was missed...it was only missed that day, there are loads of other opportunities, Dublin is but one, even if it is the first

quickbeam

I have joined the Strava group - some queries, if you don't mind:

Are my routes public? I clicked on a few who've already joined and can't see their routes, so I hope that means they're not public as I wouldn't want that information known.

I've used MapMyRun up to now - is there a way I can continue to use this and have Strava pick up the information, or will I have to abandon MMR and download Strave for my data to be included? (Sorry, tech-dunce here!!)

quickbeam

Regarding pacers at the race itself (I know, I know, ages away yet!!!) how many times get a pacer? As in, one every ten minutes, fifteen minutes....? And what would be the slowest pacer that DCM would provide as that's who I'll probably have to run with.

Jfrost

SoleDiva wrote: »

Has anyone here done Belfast Marathon or half marathon? If so, how does it compare, elevation wise, to Dublin? I'm just curious as I haven't run much in Dublin, but I've done a few runs in Belfast and loved it. It's quite hilly where I live and I found Belfast quite flat lol. The few short runs I've done in Dublin haven't been flat :-/

Dublin is quite level, similar to the Belfast marathon...the big climb in Belfast is around the 12 - 14 mile and followed with a long down hill while in Dublin it is a smaller climb but is at the 21 mile mark, just when you are wondering if this marathon Craic was a good idea.
But there is plenty of support at this point, don't let them see you walking, you've run bigger hills in training.

shortie_chik

The Black Oil wrote:

All quite normal. Re telling people, you may change your mind as summer passes by. It can be a secret burning inside of you. People were a little surprised I had booked a place as far back as January - they knew I wasn't messing. There can be a bit of "you better get some training done" from family, er, what do you think I've been doing 4 times a week?!

Not a hope! This forum is to prevent the secret burning inside me! I don't want to hear the likes of "You're going to run a marathon? How long is a marathon again? Ooh that's very far. How far have you run this week? How fast can you run? That's not very fast. I can run faster than that. Will you run the whole way? How long will that take you? I couldn't run for that long, I'd die... Do you run every day? " etc. And injuries can happen, so I'll keep it under my hat until it's done!

Last time I kept it very quiet. One weekend I went away with friends and they were ordering wine with lunch. I said I wasn't drinking at lunch, but I'd have some wine with dinner. (Wanted to be able for a run the next day.) Only recently one of those friends told me that a "look" went around the table as everyone instantly assumed I was pregnant. Cheers ladies, I'd like to think I'd have the discipline to have no wine at dinner either if I actually was pregnant. So if that day ever comes, I'll have to avoid my friends for the first 3 months or they'll be on to my secret!

Casey78

Jfrost wrote: »

Dublin is quite level, similar to the Belfast marathon...the big climb in Belfast is around the 12 - 14 mile and followed with a long down hill while in Dublin it is a smaller climb but is at the 21 mile mark, just when you are wondering if this marathon Craic was a good idea.
But there is plenty of support at this point, don't let them see you walking, you've run bigger hills in training.

I dunno about Dublin being flat. The first 6 miles are mainly up hill until you get to Castleknock. I find the hill just after Chapelizod worse than the hill on Roebuck Rd at mile 21 or whatever it is.

Lady is a tramp

shortie_chik wrote: »

Not a hope! This forum is to prevent the secret burning inside me! I don't want to hear the likes of "You're going to run a marathon? How long is a marathon again? Ooh that's very far. How far have you run this week? How fast can you run? That's not very fast. I can run faster than that. Will you run the whole way? How long will that take you? I couldn't run for that long, I'd die... Do you run every day? " etc. And injuries can happen, so I'll keep it under my hat until it's done!

Last time I kept it very quiet. One weekend I went away with friends and they were ordering wine with lunch. I said I wasn't drinking at lunch, but I'd have some wine with dinner. (Wanted to be able for a run the next day.) Only recently one of those friends told me that a "look" went around the table as everyone instantly assumed I was pregnant. Cheers ladies, I'd like to think I'd have the discipline to have no wine at dinner either if I actually was pregnant. So if that day ever comes, I'll have to avoid my friends for the first 3 months or they'll be on to my secret!

I've already posted up on Facebook that I'm doing it, wanted the extra motivation of having announced it! :pac: OK I'm well aware that I might well still not manage to do it for a million different reasons, e.g. injury etc. But at least the fact that everyone knows I'm doing it means that I can't just decide I'm not arsed or whatever, or else everyone will take the piss of me for it for the rest of forever!

Jfrost

quickbeam wrote: »

I have joined the Strava group - some queries, if you don't mind:

Are my routes public? I clicked on a few who've already joined and can't see their routes, so I hope that means they're not public as I wouldn't want that information known.

I've used MapMyRun up to now - is there a way I can continue to use this and have Strava pick up the information, or will I have to abandon MMR and download Strave for my data to be included? (Sorry, tech-dunce here!!)

I too signed up with this group and haven't used Strava in a while.
Now I'm a member I can see other runners within the group's uploads.....their maps, their times their pace.
While you may find sharing is info uncomfortable, trust me when I say we are all in the same boat, covering 26.2 miles by hook or by crook and the little bit of encouragement posted by fellow runners can only help.
Marathons are about having a good time...getting a good time is a bonus but far from the essential.

Omeceron

quickbeam wrote: »

I have joined the Strava group - some queries, if you don't mind:

Are my routes public? I clicked on a few who've already joined and can't see their routes, so I hope that means they're not public as I wouldn't want that information known.

I've used MapMyRun up to now - is there a way I can continue to use this and have Strava pick up the information, or will I have to abandon MMR and download Strave for my data to be included? (Sorry, tech-dunce here!!)

Have a look at the privacy settings. Looks like you can block people who aren't following you from seeing your routes, times etc.

Here's a link on how to transfer your map my run logs to Strava. Not very user friendly if you have a lot. Cant find any way to move new runs from MMR to Strava automatically so you'll probably have to use the Strava or Garmin app. Someone else might know if this is possible...

https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/216917757-Moving-your-activity-history-from-MapMyRun-to-Strava

Jfrost

Casey78 wrote: »

I dunno about Dublin being flat. The first 6 miles are mainly up hill until you get to Castleknock. I find the hill just after Chapelizod worse than the hill on Roebuck Rd at mile 21 or whatever it is.

I said level while I meant relatively level.....Dublin is saucer shaped so we have to climb out of the saucer first but that is early in the run, and you should be fine...but hills can not be ignored....I prefer them as going up and down allows me to use muscles differently while the constant of a flat course I feel wearing.
But each to there own