DCM 2023 Mentored Novices Thread

MisterJinx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121269535#Comment_121269535

great article @kevinfkennedy

Trampas

Good Luck all. Don’t forget warm clothes for after race. Even hat and gloves as you can get cold while changing out of your sweaty gear. Relax, “try” enjoy it and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t stress about your sleep. I did Dublin in 2017 about 30 hours after #2 was born. That was with a sprint to the hospital. So adrenaline is a wonderful thing for energy. Even had to pick the little fella up on the way home from the marathon from the coombe. Was only 8 minutes or so off my pb. Just pulled it back a bit and enjoyed the race. Lesson learned is even if you think you didn’t get you 8-10 hours sleep don’t worry about it as you’ll find the energy

MiniMonstera

Loving everyone jumping on with the supportive posts and great last minute advice. Keep it coming! 🥰🥰🥰

I bought socks today too, and the guy said to rub some vaseline onto toes and between toes before putting them on

Sunny Dayz

Yes please keep the tips and tricking coming in, I'm enjoying reading them!

Anyone else being completey wrapped in bubble wrap?! Husband is fussing over me like a mother hen! Went out on Sat night to meet a friend and put on a pair of heels to literally walk from the car 150m down the road to the pub to sit down and himself looks at me in surprise and practically holds my hand incase I fall! And today it started raining when I was home from work on my lunch break and even my boss texts to say if I need a lift back to the office in the rain. (I had a better idea and waited until the rain eased off 😁).

Sunny Dayz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121271973#Comment_121271973

Good suggestion. I actually put a clear plastic storage box in the spare room last week and was dropping bits into it when things were coming into my head - my hat, gloves and hoody for the start, my body glide yesterday after using it before my run. I'm a divil for something coming into my head and then forgetting later so when I think of something I grab it and put it in the box.. I think I'll sit down tonight and write a list of everything needed for the day, I am a list person.

Sunny Dayz

Club Plan: Track|rest|Track|rest|rest|10km

Actual: Track|rest|rest|8km|rest|6.5km|11km

Put in a good session at the track on Mon. Weds session I didn't go to as it was too wet and didn't want to risk it. Thurs was promised a nicer day so ran 5 miles in the early morning. An unplanned parkrun on Sat morn and made sure to take it easy, which was more difficult than it sounded! Then last long run on Sun of 10km, bit faster than I had planned on but the club plan did say tempo pace as opposed to easy and I did lose track of pace with all the chatting. All into the cafe for coffee after, a lovely get together.

34.5km ran this week. I had printed out my club training plan at the start of the summer and looking at it now, most of it is marked off....

Comic Book Guy

Since ye are looking for useful tips for the coming weekend....@Mr. Guappa had a great one a couple years ago for those of you coming up and staying the night in Dublin on Saturday, bring your own pillow from home to give yourself every chance of a good nights sleep!

TheRef

I created a list last year as a sort of reminder for myself and added some stuff as I think about this year. Take from it what you will.

• Realise that whatever time you cross that finish line, you will get a PB. Congrats!
• Enjoying the day lived with me longer than my finishing time. Start conservative. So what if you come in 10/15 mins behind your target? You’ve done something no one else can ever take away from you.
• An enjoyable day will be better encouragement to do it again next year.
• Everyone wants you to do well, so if you have any problems, forgot something, or just have a question, ask someone around you. Everyone will be buzzing with excitement. That goes for as much in the race as it does before it. 
• Don't change anything the last week.
• Wear something warm that you can discard at the start.
• Double tie laces.
• Smile. Half the battle is mental and having a positive attitude and outlook really does help.
• It’s better to get into the starting pen too early than too late.
• Be disciplined at the start - know your pace and stick to it. Watch as hoards of people run by you over the first km and smile to yourself knowing you will be passing many of them out later in the race. 
• It fun to be passing people later in the race. Sorry.
• Drop arms every few km and take some deep breaths to relax.
• Every 5km, do a “body-check”. Start at the top of the head and ask yourself how are you feeling there, work your way down your body, checking shoulders, arms, hands, chest, stomach, hips, glutes, quads, knees, shins, ankles, feet. If there are any problems, ask yourself what you can do to reduce them.
• If stones/gravel get in your shoes, or socks aren’t right, fix them straight away. The stone won’t work its way back out.
• The early stages can be deceiving. What may seem easy in the first half will be a lot more difficult in the second. You will feel good on Chesterfield Ave, less so on Crumlin road, and probably not great on Clonskeagh road. Don’t worry - everyone around you probably feels the same (except for those lads who run around carrying speakers while chatting with their mates like its a stroll in the park). Have a laugh at how crazy it is to be running a marathon.
• Watch out for other runners who will do stupid things. I was nearly taken out of it after 2km when someone decided to run across me to hug his family. Later on, some runners may slow to a walk in the middle of the road without consideration for what is behind them. But remember, most people are not thinking straight.
• Thank those who turn up to cheer you on. Without them Dublin would not be what it is. High 5 the kids if you can.
• Be careful taking jellies or fruit from spectators. While they mean well, if you are not used to eating jellies when running, the marathon isn’t the time to try it.
• Refuel before you feel the need. Drink water before you feel the need.
• Don’t litter. Put gel packets into pockets till next bin.
• When running up Crumlin road, if there is a headwind, run behind someone/a group to make it a little easier. Let them do the hard work.
• Roebuck road (heartbreak hill) is a really short hill. It’s as much a marketing gimmick so don’t fear it. Just be aware as you approach that while it bends around out of view, what you see is all there is. Go for it. 
• Everyone can do with encouragement for the last 5k. Encourage other runners.
• Don’t be surprised to see your lips turn blue at the end as your body will be diverting blood to the muscles.
• Take a moment for yourself at the end to remember all the hard work you put in to get there. Don't be ashamed to shed a tear or ten. Take great pride in what you achieved.
• At the end, eat the banana & drink the drinks. 
• Keep moving as much as possible for the rest of the day. 
• Park on Clyde road or surrounding areas when collecting your number. It's free and generally plentiful.
• Must bring items: Shoes, socks, shorts, running belt, top, gels, number, pins, small bottle of water to sip on at start. Clothes to keep warm but throw away later. Anti chafe (vaseline and/or bodyglide), Tissues (only in case of need for toilets before start). Salt tabs, clear bag got at expo for bag drop. Warm hat, jacket, gloves for after.
• Possible other items: Disposable poncho.
• Finally, wear your medal for the rest of the day. And the day after.
• Consider getting a medal display case for it. I got one from my wife last year and love it.

Pawwed Rig

Great post @TheRef

+1 on littering. There are plenty of bins on route. Put your gel packs in them

witnessmenow

One of the guys at the run group advised not putting anything in your disposable tops pockets, which is exactly like something I would do 🤣

j2

Feeling like straight diggity dogsh1t, hope I ain't getting sick! Taper sucks.

MECA

@TheRef that was brilliant. From a first timer and non Dub (Clyde rd it is 👍) fantastic stuff in that 👍. Thank you!

MECA

Are there any easy spots for watching for people who don’t know Dublin very well. My little gang will be up there and they’re not wired great for GPS (🤦‍♀️). They’ll probably just about make the finish line (I hope!), but are there any other easy to get to spots. They’ll probably be on foot. If not then no worries… it’ll be a long day on merrion road waiting for 🐌.

Pawwed Rig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121275522#Comment_121275522

Depends how long you have and who you want to see. My support team aka wife and kids will see me off at the start and make their way to the halfway point which is a short cycle down the canal. Ot is also walkable.

From there they will stash the bikes and Luas to Milltown before coming back for the finish line near the schoolhouse. If you want to see the winners finish then cut out Milltown.

Laineyfrecks

Just want to pop on to wish you all the very best of luck on Sunday.Dublin is a very special marathon so enjoy it, all the hard work is done so trust your plan, the hardest part of doing a marathon is getting to the start line so you should all feel really proud of yourselves. My tip for carb loading would be as @MisterJinx said, just add a bit extra with each meal, keep it simple, coco pops were my best friend the week of Amsterdam marathon 😋 🤣 My one piece of advice would be to take it easy in tge 1st half, it's ok if you aren't spot on pace, plenty of time to make it up in the 2nd half once you are feeling good!

I am very excited for you all & can't wait to read all the reports afterwards! Go smash it💪😁

Learpholl

I think there was a discussion on this a while back but I'm debating whether to wear earphones or not and was wondering if there were any of the mentors or more experienced runners who do wear them for races as the consensus seemed to be you shouldn't?

I feel so dependent on podcasts & music distracting me during runs, I'm uneasy at the thought of not having something on the day. It also reads out pace to me every few mins which helps me settle into a pace and not look at the watch as much. Even if it was just in one ear so I could still soak up the atmosphere.

Kellygirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121275893#Comment_121275893

I think it would be an awful shame to wear earphones. I wear earphones whenever I run by myself. I couldn’t run without them. Never for a race though … Dublin especially, is so busy and I’ve always ended up having the odd chat with people long the way and you hear supporters calling out. There is so much to take in and I think you’d miss out on a lot with earphones. I think people would be less likely to have. Chat with you if you had earphones on too even if they were turned off.

potsy11

I've been lurking away for the last few months. I didnt formally join the group as I've done 7 of these long runs (3 Dublin) but its 11 years since my last. Running with my wife who is doing her 1st. Its great to read about everyone's journey and I am wishing you all the very best of luck on Sunday. Dublin is a special marathon. I look forward to all the stories next week.

blondie83

Ah I’m raging I’m only finding this thread now, doing my first marathon next Sunday, and it would have been great to have people to discuss the journey with. (I had to find out the hard way that running in the rain is chafe-city-central 😅). Lots of great last minute advice here so thanks all for that - really looking forward to the expo and the big day!

MiniMonstera

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121275166#Comment_121275166

Excellent post @TheRef thank you 😊 🙏🏽

MiniMonstera

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121275893#Comment_121275893

On the headphones thing, why not bring them but commit to not putting them in for the first hour. See how you go. Absorb the amazing atmosphere, but have them in pocket for back up. You'll likely not want to put them in at all.

On one of my 32km lsrs I didn't wear headphones the entire time - 4.5 -hours (and I love my music and podcasts) and it was so liberating. I think when things start to feel hard, try and lean into the discomfort and have some positive self talk cues ready for when it happens. Mine is "You are strong" (second person talk is more effective apparently, rather than I am Strong). I get the whole idea of using music as a distraction but to that I say forget distraction, lean into all of it - the good, the bad and the ugly, as its all part of the wonderful experience. Don't deny your brain and mind the full extent of this incredible mental challenge you are undertaking. It's only my first marathon too so want do I know, but I definitely think you would miss out big time.

T-Bird

I'd use my earphones for motivation and coaching during smaller running events, where I would listen to the guided runs in the NRC app. They are a tad cheesy but they provide great guidance and range from small runs to marathons. I did think of using it for the DCM but I'd say the crowd and event will be my motivation for getting me around.

kave2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121275893#Comment_121275893

I will be using Soundpeats RunFree. These are air conduction headphones, you can hear your surroundings and have the music as the background.

TheRef

If I can chime in on the headphones issue...

Firstly, remember that this is as much your marathon as it is everyone else on the course, whether you are out to win, chasing a time, or running your first or their 50th marathon. We are all in it together.

As it is within the rules to wear earphones (although strongly advised against), if you want to them, do. Don't let anyone put you off because there will be 1000's of people on Sunday wearing them. You don't need to be told that if you can't hear what's happening around you, it increases the chances of something untoward happening. The one warning I would add though is that if you are wearing earpods or similar, you definitely don't want to drop it (and I'm not talking about losing it).

Personally, I wore Shokz last year and barely used them. The only downside was that I felt other runners or spectators were reluctant to say anything to me as they assumed I wouldn't hear them. The plus side was my family could call me and tell me where they were spectating from. This year, after thinking a good while about it, I won't be wearing them. But, that's just me.

witnessmenow

Just finished my last run of the plan... And I'm locked out 😅 so I might ramble here while I wait for my wife to come back.

I've definitely gotten a bit caught up in the goals/time of the marathon and I suppose in a way lost sight of why I started running in the first place.

One of my biggest fear in life is what I'll do after my parents are gone. And it made me think about how my kids might feel when they were older. And while obviously it's inevitable at some stage, being over weight and unfit I wasn't giving myself the best chance of being here as long as possible for them.

So that's why I wanted to start running. It was never to do a marathon in a certain time, or do a marathon at all, it was just to give myself the best odds possible.

I was enjoying the running, and probably for the first time in the last 5 years I was improving myself compared to the previous year.

The marathon ideas came when I was reading through the 2022 novices thread, I was reading the race reports and they were just so inspiring, I was actually getting emotional reading them! I thought it was definitely something I would like to aspire to one day. Since DCM was sold out it was kind of a safe aspiration!

When the refunded tickets became available the safety net went too, I knew my base fitness was ok to start marathon training, so I had no excuse!

I basically pie in the sky picked 4:30 as my finish time and that number has become the obsession over the training, and as the training went well and that number became more and more possible, I obsessed over it more.

On Monday, my Dad went into hospital with heart issues. It seems like everything is ok (still unclear exactly what it was/is) but it has been a stark reminder of how unimportant 4:30 is.

The marathon training plan has brought me 700km closer to improving my odds for me and my kids, and Sunday, all going well, will bring me another 42k.

I'll still be trying for 4:30, and I'm sure I'll be dissapointed for some time if it doesn't happen, but I'll definitely be happy with my progress this year no matter what happens.

Laineyfrecks

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121281414#Comment_121281414

God, you have me emotional reading that. I hope your dad will be okay. Most of us, as we age, know we need to look after our health better, so running is a great way of doing that, among other things. It is very, very easy to get caught up in numbers & targets, but at the end of the day, it keeps most of us motivated when competing with ourselves for a new PB (it's not for everyone, I know). The numbers only matter to us really, so I would agree completely with your sentiment here of forgetting about them for Dublin & just go to run this marathon as best you can & enjoy the feeling of achievement & pride crossing that line with a huge smile on your face. The reality is that sometimes, unfortunately, it takes something quite serious to happen to remind us that life is so precious; we only get one shot at it, so why get hung up on those extra few minutes instead of being proud as fook that you are one of the lucky ones that actually get to do something so amazing!

MisterJinx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121281414#Comment_121281414

I find this really relatable. I started for similar reasons, I was getting older and on and off the smokes for a couple of years, after 20 years on them. I went to an event where we had to do a short obstacle course, I was totally wrecked after it. I was thinking about my future too and what I wanted the kids to see as they grew up and where my own health was going and decided I needed to make a change, and I did and I'm very glad that I did, and I'm delighted that you have too.

I also think it's fine to have goals but, and only from my own experience, I've very much thought of all of this as a journey and not an end state. I've done some triathlon, running and swims. They are all great things to do and adventures in their own right. Sometimes I've hit times goals, others I haven't. Have I been disappointed if I've not hit a time goal, sure I have, especially just afterwards, BUT, when I stand back and look at it in the round I see that I'm in such a better place than I was in 2016 when I actually couldn't run to catch a bus. I've learnt that the journey to being fitter, feeling better in myself and having the structure of getting out and being active has benefitted my life in so many ways that missing an arbitrary time goal isn't the most important thing.

I also think that the type of people who go about doing marathons or similar types of events tend to be a bit goal focused, and it's not a bad thing, it allows you to follow a difficult plan, stick to it, put in the hard work and get a reward at the end. You've come a very long way in a short space of time. go back and look at your early log posts and see where you were at that time and how far you have come, it's amazing, so you've already achieved so much. If 4.30 doesn't happen this time then take that way and see what you'd like to do next on the journey now that you have the experience under your belt and have much more of an idea of how it feels and what it will take. Don't be disappointed, whatever it is it will be an amazing result when you think about the start of the journey last year to now.

Sorry and I forgot to add that I hope your Dad is ok, we had a slight scare last year and it does put everything in perspective.

rovers_runner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121281414#Comment_121281414

Best of luck, just start easy and enjoy it, life is short and as someone who has done many of these every time you take to the start line is a privilege so treat it as such regardless of prep/fitness on that day.

Don't stress about the time, as one of the many who is over 4 hours on the road we all are just trying to make our way around and enjoy it as much as possible. You'll realise once you get to Clonskeagh road when it thins out and becomes a battle how you wouldn't want to be anywhere else at that moment.

T-Bird

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121281414#Comment_121281414

You're doing an awful lot to change your life in such a short space of time. I'm sure your father and family are immensely proud of your achievements and you should be as well! I have been following your progress whilst reading this thread as your story of weight and finding running is similar to mine when I lost my weight and started running the year before.

The time doesn't make a difference to anything and its something we shouldn't get too strung up on. The goal should be that medal when you collect when you cross that finish line. Youve done it! All those weeks of work has transformed you and has paid off! I guess it's also something I have to recognise as well.

I have done 2 marathons this year and consider them failures, but I guess I have been too hard on myself. The first was Belfast where I was suffering from a bad session of insomnia and didn't really sleep for two weeks or so and went to the start line like a delirious zombie. I managed to finish that one in 4hrs 37 and I saw it a failure because of the amount I walked. The same happened in Longford where I totally fell apart at the halfway stage. I saw two people I used to work with at the water station and shouted to greet them. They said hi, well done and your doing great etc. My concentration was lost then as I started thinking of the time I left that company and what stage my life was in when I left there. I had received news regarding my own family which caused me to have a total breakdown and I went through the most frightening time of my life. My wife and and children and her family were there for me and helped me through it all. But all that came to me after I said hi at the watering station and I just fell apart. My head just wasn't there and my body was aching all over. I think I finished that one 4hrs 51.

My main aim this time it to run and enjoy the dammed thing. Enjoy the experience and hopefully have the guts to meet some fellow Boardsies (?) and say hi, thank you and we did it!!!

Edit:

Just to add, I run now because of what it does for my headspace. It has been far better help to me than any counsellor I have ever seen. So I need to stop being so hard on myself and enjoy the fact that I am able to do this and run all the races I do and enjoy life...

rovers_runner

https://theoatmeal.com/comics/marathon_do

The Oatmeal is your bible.

Sunny Dayz

A really great post @witnessmenow and one I think many others can relate to.

I hope your father is doing ok now.

Like others I started running because of my family - I was very settled down in my late 20s with husband, kid, house, office job. I wasn't overweight but I wasn't fit and the young lad was around 8 and I was very aware of my sedentary lifestyle and trying to show a good example to him.

My running "journey" has had it's ups and downs over the last 10 years. It has done so much for my physical and mental health and fitness, as well as for my family. I've met some wonderful people through running and stepped outside my comfort zone. I honestly could not imagine what my life would be like now if I hadn't started up running.

Annie get your Run

Some questions to help your last min prep for Sunday. The very best of luck to everyone running on Sunday - have a fantastic day, smile and ENJOY 🙌

https://www.forgetthegym.ie/blog/marathon-week-20-questions-quiz?fbclid=IwAR2BMMI68N71DKv8Y2u8hYPYYbxej39QyjSgRRQWoBG3h-pnfgl7Uyv0Tkg

MiniMonstera

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121282711#Comment_121282711

That's brilliant! 😅

Kellygirl

I’m so excited for you all at this stage. You’ve all done great training and I hope everybody has a great day on Sunday. I had really hoped to make it up to support but I just can’t justify it when I’m not running - hopefully I’ll be back next year. I’ll be tracking everybody though and dot watching for the morning. I hope loads of you go to McGrattans and meet up after - it’s absolutely brilliant there. It will be heaving so maybe plan where and how to find each other. Mobile reception wasn’t great in there last year.

Enjoy the next few days, try to eat well and make sure you are hydrating really well …. Ideally earlier in the day so you aren’t waking multiple times during the night.

When the going gets tough try to smile … use the crowds or talk to people around you and that will pass. If you are finding it tough early on then pull back and chill for a bit. In years to come when you look back at your first marathon you don’t want to remember torture … so hold yourselves back, enjoy it and cross that finish line smiling for the cameras!

Well done @MisterJinx - you have done a fantastic job guiding everybody to the start line. Hopefully you’ll have a fantastic day out too.

The Muppet

Nothing Like marathon running to get the emotions flowing . Hope your dad is on the mend, The best of luck on Sunday.

witnessmenow

Thanks everyone for the well wishes, my Dad is back home today and doing well, so I can get back to obsessing over times again 😅

Sunny Dayz

Final run last night. Was supposed to be 30mins easy and ended up a little quicker than easy as the rain started as we set off and just kept getting heavier and we wanted to be done and out of the rain as soon as possible. Anyone else being wrapped in cotton wool?! Been wearing a beanie hat when I go outside and a buff on my head when running this past week. Drinking a revive every day. Radiator on beside me in work.

T-Bird

Saw the DCM Facebook post saying 3 DAYS LEFT! I think that's the first time it really hit me. At the same time it still feels like weeks away...

witnessmenow

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121285239#Comment_121285239

I know.... I have to go collect my bib TOMORROW!?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121285193#Comment_121285193

I'm definitely being told not to do things in case I get injured alright!

I even went out to the spare room last night to try get a full night's sleep as we've had kids coming in the middle of the night for the last few nights

Lambay island

As a previous novice using this thread and also a previous support mentor, I can relate to how you are all feeling now.

The mind will work on overdrive but don't be wasting time worrying about anything that is out of your control like weather etc. Thank yourself first, then your significant others as getting to this point is a massive achievement. The mentors led by @MisterJinx have supported you brilliantly along the way and you are in a great place(better than the majority of first timers) to take on DCM. Get yourselves to bed early the next two nights and again on Saturday night you may not have the greatest of sleeps but anyone taking on the race for the 1st or 40th time will be the exact same. It wont matter as you are prepared and tapered and the body will be raring to go come Sunday. Go out conservatively , soak up that atmosphere and enjoy the occasion as you wont have another First Marathon but hopefully plenty more nonetheless.

Best of luck all, enjoyable following all the progress from afar!

j2

I read online suggestions that taking salt tablets while you're maximising hydration in the days coming up to the race is a good idea, any thoughts on that?

Trampas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121285922#Comment_121285922

I might have a dioralyte but don’t over think it. There is no list you tick off to be perfect for the start line. I take salt tablets during long runs but each to their own.

Dublinlad1989

Lads and Ladies just wanted to pop in to say good luck on Sunday!

I did the Boards novice program last year as my first marathon and i'm hooked now, you have had absolutely fantastic mentors and my one piece of advice for Sunday is enjoy it as much as possible.

High five as many people as you can, smile as much as possible (when i was told this at 34km last year i thought it was some sick joke) but it makes such a big difference. The crowds in Dublin are fantastic and you're going to love every minute of it.

Good luck and i'll see you out on the Course :)

Mr. Guappa

Best of luck to everyone on Sunday. You'll be the most prepared of all the debut marathoners out there thanks to the great work of @MisterJinx and his team. Look back to where you were at the start of the summer and you'll recognise that you've been on a great journey, you should all be very proud of yourselves - Sunday is your victory lap. Enjoy it!

Kellygirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121285922#Comment_121285922

I usually take zero tablets for a few days beforehand though the Runners Diary podcast had an interview last week with Precision Hydration who said load up the evening before and morning of as you just pee it out anyway. Won’t do any harm anyway.

chabsey

Best of luck to all running on Sunday, I'm a little envious of you all experiencing for the first time the amazing buzz of marathon morning.

MiniMonstera

Has everyone settled on what they're having for breakfast the morning of? I'm still undecided.

No caffeine from today for me and my unruly bowel! 🤪🤣😆 Will also cut down on fiber as many have suggested.

bazwaldo

Bit undecided about breakfast too. I have porridge with raisins and milk every morning but find it a bit heavy before LSRs. Tempted to have cornflakes and white bread toast. Or maybe I just need to eat a bit longer before I run, which will likely be the case as I am aiming to be there for around 8am when wave 4 baggage drop opens so it'll be ages after breakfast before I start running.

MiniMonstera

I'm leaning towards porridge and a banana as it'll be a good while between eating and running so I don't want to get hungry. Might bring a second banana along too

Sunny Dayz

In training I’ve had 2 weetabix and milk before my long runs. When I did Tarmonbarry I found I was a bit hungry before gel time as I’d greater time elapsed between brekkie and run. Thinking I’ll have a slice of toast when I get up around 5:45, bring 3 weetabix and a small flask of milk to have when we land in Dublin around 8am and bring a small banana to the starting pen just in case.