DCM 2023 Mentored Novices Thread

Sunny Dayz · 21-06-2023 5:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120742952#Comment_120742952

Yep running before work is doable for me, there's something about going for a run through the town early in the morning as it's starting to wake from its slumber! I am supposed to be doing my workouts in the morning - but haven't done any in 2 weeks. It's been busy here with the kiddo doing his Leaving, and work with deadlines and leave. Hopefully from the beginning of July things settle down as I'm starting into marathon training.

skyblue46 · 21-06-2023 5:38pm

For novices it's all about getting time on feet to build strength without getting to the point of diminishing returns. The weekly long run will be the big stimulus obviously but the shorter runs help too. It's all to help build towards the peak mileage weeks of the plan.

MisterJinx · 21-06-2023 9:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120743318#Comment_120743318

Great stuff bc180. If you just did CCM what did your training look like? Were you following a plan? Did you do long runs and weekly mileage?

MiniMonstera · 21-06-2023 10:06pm

Hi all, I've not booked a dcm ticket as I'm getting a transfer from someone, hoping it all still pans out now (new worry unlocked!).

Thanks a million for the version of the plan in km's, my brain just won't do miles and I've a bit of discalcula when it comes to conversion.

I did Corkagh last Sunday in 43.34 - it was tough. The heat was something else. I wanted to beat my Raheny 5 mile from January and I did so I'm happy. I hoped to run 5. 10 ish p/km but couldn't manage it, it was like my watch froze at 5.20. Every time I looked down it was 5.20. Very hilly and then the sun was blasting.

I've developed some very minor but new niggles - sole pain and shin pain - things I've not had before - so I'm keeping a watch on those. I peaked a high mileage last week and maybe my body is now feeing the impact of that and is telling me to chill tf out a bit. High mileage + heat + my age = tired body 😄.

Also, in for a colonoscopy on 7th July, so not far in on plan. Anyone know will it put me out for a few days? It's just a day case thing but the few days running up are prep (might affect my wanting to run) and then I heard the sedation has a few days after affect. Hopefully nothing too taxing. 😃

bc1980 · 21-06-2023 10:08pm

Followed a TCS Improvers 16 week improver plan.

Missed week 3 through being away and week 5 with an injury. Getting in approx 18 miles in before a long run on a Sunday. I have taken about 10 days off training since CCM. Did 3 mile on Sat last and 3 mile yesterday.

Was on target for sub 4 up to 18 miles in the CCM. And something similar in DCM last year- ended up with 4.55😬

Pawwed Rig · 21-06-2023 11:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120746835#Comment_120746835

I had a colonoscopy last year and it didn't affect my training at all. It is a very mild sedative.

The stuff you have to drink the day before is vile though

I did Corkagh aswell and couldn't get near my Raheny 5 time at all. The heat killed me so improving on your Raheny time is a bigger improvement that the clock shows. Well done

MiniMonstera · 22-06-2023 7:03am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120747176#Comment_120747176

Super, thanks. Yes, I'm dreadng the prep.

witnessmenow · 22-06-2023 11:12am

I'm leaning towards doing the HH plan

I had an issue with my Achilles a few weeks ago that I'm putting down to speed sessions, as I've done a good bit easy running since and issue hasn't cropped up again.

But even without that issue, I definitely preferred the days I had easy runs. I think maybe the Garmin watch contributed a bit to that as it was giving me a speed to hit rather than "run fast" so I felt I was constantly trying to adjust to be in that window

I don't have a time in mind really so doing it well slower would be much more enjoyable than doing it badly trying to hit a specific time

I won't be following the plans probably til the 4th week as I have the half marathon in two weeks.

Best of luck to those who are starting next week!

MisterJinx · 22-06-2023 11:58am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120748244#Comment_120748244

Based on your training and your goals I think the HH plan would probably be best for you especially considering the issues you've had with the speed work recently. The structure and volume of HH will give you what you need from a speed perspective and get you to the start line and with a good fitness level to complete and enjoy the day :-)

Tribal Wardfare · 22-06-2023 3:14pm

Hi All,

I have booked a marathon entry this week. I am looking forward to the support from boards...

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

This is my first Marathon. I have completed 2 half marathons over the last year (Clontarf in Nov 22 2hrs03 and Limerick in April 23 2hr06) and been running regularly for the past 12 months (with the exception of the last few weeks).

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.

I am good with training for the Half marathons but a disaster in between. Last time I was training properly was the Limerick Half Marathon on April 30th. Since then only really doing the 5k park runs on the weekends - time usually around 26mins. This week I have started getting my legs and brain used to going out running again and by Sunday will have 3 * 5k completed

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

Would love 4.10-4.20 but realistically going for about 4.30

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

I can train 5 days. 4 days running and 1 day cross training. I am open to training 6 days occasionally throughout. I was planning on the Hal Higdon program as it has worked for me in the past. Since I have been using it, I have not had any injuries.

What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?

Definitely injury. I only trained for a marathon once before about 15 years ago. I got to the last long training run and was injured.

Why are you running this marathon?

I have been really enjoying half marathons this year and I think it is the race distance I enjoy the most. But, it would be nice to get a marathon done and Dublin has great support.

bc1980 · 23-06-2023 2:53pm

Hi guys, maybe a silly question but one that had been puzzling me.

I have a reasonably good base training built up from the CCM.

Should i

(a) start at the beginning of one of the training plans

or

(b) Continue training plan during the week but up the long run at the weekend?

@MisterJinx @Kellygirl

Kellygirl · 23-06-2023 3:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120754810#Comment_120754810

Hi bc1980, I’d say it’s no harm to just follow the plan in terms of long runs. Give yourself a break after Cork and enjoy building again. Within 3 weeks you are going to be up to 13 miles anyway ... you are doing the Boards plan I think? It’s still only 3 weeks since Cork and soon enough you’ll be back in the thick of training and long runs and tiring the body again. If your mid week runs are generally more than 3 miles I’d say it would be ok to do an extra mile or two then but give your body the rest it deserves. I think it will serve you better in the long run.

AJ_a_y · 23-06-2023 4:25pm

Hi all

Been reading last years forum earlier in the year so delighted to see this going again

Started running from a C25K with my local Athletics club a good few years ago on and off, but during Covid I started to run more regular, 2-3 times a week.

I run a good few 5k races and I really push hard to get a good time, that was my real focus (although i never put the proper training in to achieve this) and had no interest in ever doing a marathon until I ran a half marathon last year and loved it. I found it really hard to change my mindset to endurance running and running slower compared to running flat out for 5ks to try improve time but now I'm starting to embrace it and I decided that the natural progression was to do Dublin and now I am really looking forward to it.

Things are busy, my work is blended between on the road/office/home, also a part time business and we have 2 kids under 4, but currently getting my running in during the late evenings, but I will have some morning windows available too during the summer

I'm hoping to do the HHn plan I think it will work for me, my local running club also has some members doing Dublin so I'm hoping to do some of the long weekend runs with them, if the time suits.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? 5k 21.21 (2022) 22.10 (this year) 10k 48.16 (last month) Half Marathon 1.55 (2022)
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? 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. I run 3 days a week currently, about 20k, and do pilates one night, hoping to add some cycling.
What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? my goal is to finish under 4 hours
How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow? I can make 5 days hopefully and will follow the HHn plan
What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up? no fears, a little doubt about actually managing the time for the training, but I'm confident I can make it work.
Why are you running this marathon? I think it would be such a huge achievement and something I would be always proud of.

thanks for reading, looking forward to the journey and all the help and advice from here.

MECA · 23-06-2023 5:22pm

Hi again, just wondering… as part of my plan I was going to continue with a weekly interval session at the local club. I’m getting lots of people saying that’s a bad idea when marathon training. What do people think? I was thinking of giving it up for the month before the marathon .. like maybe September on but should I be ditching it earlier now?

ps.. I’m hoping the answer is no 🫣

MisterJinx · 23-06-2023 7:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120755492#Comment_120755492

Hi Meca, I'd something similar last year, interval training on Mondays with the club and I really wanted to keep them in the training. The sessions stopped from about mid July with holidays etc and actually I was glad as the increase in volume and hard interval training might have been too much for me. I think you could do it but you would need to be very sensible with the paces. If there are pace groups then you could drop down a group to keep yourself from going too hard

Bungy Girl · 24-06-2023 8:01pm

Gulp!

Hi everyone. Jumping in at the last minute here in a panic 😂. It has been 16 years since my first (and last) marathon so I think I can safely qualify as a (born-again) novice. I used to be a regular enough poster here and even had a training log but between injury, life, Covid, old age* etc. I never really got my groove back and have been struggling the last few years to get any sort of routine going again. So, thank you Mentors for giving your time and expertise to this Thread. I look forward to getting some much needed guidance.

*51, F

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

Used to race lots (too much!) but my PBs are from 2014-2016 before it all (and I 😂) went pear-shaped so not really relevant. I've signed up for the Irish Runner 10 miler in 4 weeks. Still not sure if I'll race it or not but it might give me an idea where I'm at if I do.

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

No, but I struggle a lot in the heat and have to slow down a lot.

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.

Currently 4 days a week running, maybe 5 if I have time. Long run last week was 7 miles. Also one gym session and a few games of tennis.

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

3:59:59 is the dream. Realistically anything up to 4:30 depending on how it all goes.

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

5 or 6. The Boards plan suits me better given the variety in it.

What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?

Injury and finding the time to fit it all in. It's going to involve some early morning starts to avoid the heat and to make sure I get the runs done.

Why are you running this marathon?

It's the one distance I feel I never properly tackled and I think if all goes well and to plan it might give me my running mojo back. I need a target and something to focus on.

Thanks again, looking forward to getting started and getting to know the rest of the Novices.

MECA · 24-06-2023 10:38pm

Thanks.. yeah I might just have to give it up naturally as time goes on. I’ll stick with them for the next few weeks if I can and see how things go!

MiniMonstera · 25-06-2023 10:32am

Hi all, one more day to training. Can't wait!

I have a busy couple of weeks ahead: kids finishing school so I'll have very little to no free time during the day, it'll probably be evening running for the summer (my husband does the early mornings so not an option). I love evening running so should be grand.

I have a gig this eve and am being collected so under a bit of pressure to have a drink (just a spritzer as my friend called it😆) but I really don't want to. Its tricky because I'm on a path to giving up alcohol entirely but I've not really shared it with anyone as I don't have a drink problem, just bored with it, over it, would rather spend the money on singlets 😁 etc. (I've probably drank twice this year and just one each time, usually to placate somebody). I was planning on driving but my friend insists it's his turn... anyway we'll see. I'll maybe do the buying and stick to AF Heineken without anyone copping it.

I'm off to Brighton next weekend to visit an old pal, should manage to get my runs in on the lovely pier and it'll be cooler there too. When I get back I have the dreaded colonoscopy - hope it doesn't interfere with training too much.

Quick question: I plugged in my recent 5km race result (25.10) and 5 mile result (43.34). I feel the latter, whilst it was still a pb and I was delighted, was not a true reflection of my current ability as I just couldn't give it my all with the heat and humidity. I trained consistently and rigidly for the 5km and couldn't have given more, so I want to use that for my pace calculator. There's not much in the difference so would you say this is ok or would you say be conservative and go with the most recent race (they were both in June so not much time between). I m trying my best to leave my ego at the door, but if I go with the 5 mile time, then the very easy pace is pushing me into 8 minute p/km territory and I just feel that's too slow. Would love to hear your thoughts. Am prepared to have my hand slapped 😁

Just read back over the thread to date and want to extend my thanks again to all the mentors for their time and expertise on this. Its a huge undertaking and I am very grateful 🥰

Kellygirl · 25-06-2023 1:20pm

Hi MM,

I’d go with the 5Km one. There isn’t much difference especially if you aim for somewhere in the middle of the range. After a while you should be able to go by feel … as long as you are being honest with yourself and it really does feel easy or very easy.

Enjoy your night out tonight. I use marathon training as an excuse not to drink … and I know you shouldn’t need one but amazing the amount of people who seem to think it’s strange that you don’t want to. You are busy with young kids every day and you want to feel good doing your daily stuff and then you’ll enjoy your runs more in the evening too.

healy1835 · 25-06-2023 5:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120755492#Comment_120755492

Depending on what the intervals are, I wouldn't be ruling it out just yet. Are the sessions at the club the same every week or do they vary? You could mix and match them with whatever sessions are in your own plan.

When I was a novice marathoner I would often (with my coach's blessing) jump in a mate's session just to get that added stimulus from training with others. As as you're not doing something *really* crazy like 200's or something, you should be fine 😝

MisterJinx · 25-06-2023 8:38pm

Hello everyone, so here we are, the eve of your Marathon training :-)

As of Monday you are all in training for the Dublin City Marathon! I also see we have a few others just joined us over the last couple of days so welcome and a shout out to all the readers out there, each year there are plenty of people who follow the plans but aren't ones for posting (there is one in my own house!), so Hi everyone.

So please do use the next 18 weeks wisely and follow our advice, you will line up that morning feeling super prepared and ready to take on the challenge. Put in the training & commitment over the coming months and you will reap the rewards. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it really sucks but ultimately you will be one of very few people in the world who have run a marathon and you will be very proud of yourself when you cross the finish line.

Here's what the week starting the 26th holds for those following our plans:

As you will see most of the running is at easy pace. To repeat the earlier post, this is a pace you should be able to hold a conversation at, you should feel relaxed and not out of breath in any way. It should feel slow, if it doesn't then you are running too fast ;-)

It might be useful to print off your chosen plan and stick it in a prominent place, on the fridge or wherever. Another useful tip is to keep a log of your training, this can be done either by creating one here online or simply by writing it down. It is good to see what pace you actually ran & compare it to what your were supposed to run, also it is a great way of seeing how you felt on that day before & after your run, the foods you eat, how you hydrate etc. Last year I found it really helpful to see everyone's progress reports on the thread each week, all the feedback and thoughts which were similar to my own and the sense of camaraderie when, for most of us, we are training on our own.

The plans have a prescribed number of days for a reason - you will not be sufficiently prepared for the marathon by running 2-3 days a week. Run easy and run often!

For those doing the boards plan, strides feature this week. For those new to strides read below;

Strides are a running drill which will get you used to picking up the pace on tired legs without leaving your legs wrecked! In this case the strides prescribed should be 100m or 20-30 seconds long. We recommend you do the strides towards the end of your run preferably on a flat stretch of even road. These are not intended to induce fatigue, so allow for full recovery after each before attempting the next one. Jogging or walking back to the start after each stride should allow sufficient recovery, but take longer if required.

Each stride consists of 3 equal parts:

- controlled acceleration

- sustained speed of up to 90% of your max speed

- controlled deceleration

The important thing is to focus on form throughout; stay relaxed & run tall, watch that the shoulders aren’t being hunched/tensed up! Do not do a full on sprint, it's not the objective to go as fast as you can, the objective is to run fast but controlled all the way.

In case anyone missed it we've also set up a Strava group for the Novices. You can join this group, it's private, and from there myself and @Kellygirl and @skyblue46 will be able to see your training. You don't need to join of course but if you want to you are very welcome and it allows us to give you feedback on what we see.

Click the link below to request to join however you will need to PM me with your real name in order to be accepted into the group. We will only let in people who have come to us first. https://strava.app.link/pGObfMgHLAb

Remember that consistency & commitment is really important to get you to marathon day. Keep us updated on your progress, and as always, any questions - just ask, that's what we are here for! This is the start of an amazing journey - The very best of luck to you all.

Seesee · 28-06-2023 11:52pm

I crashed and burned after wmm and haven’t run since. I have a bad piriformis injury and affecting adductors and it band so I am rightly fecked!! Even walking has not been pain free. Am going to a good therapist now and recovery under way but won’t be running for another 4 weeks I’d say. At that stage it may be too late to attempt marathon training, might be too much too soon. I’ll have to wait and see. Didn’t to refund and might not do transfer as want to keep option opeN as long as possible. From jan I was doing 25-30km a week but my fitness is going to be affected. And I can’t swim as I’m allergic to chlorine it seems. 😱

Best of luck to all starting training this week. Hope it’s going well. I envy you all 🤣

MisterJinx · 29-06-2023 10:23am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120780305#Comment_120780305

Hi Seesee, that is really disappointing for you :-( You have taken the right steps in terms of getting professional help and looking to keep off the running until you are better. You will really need to listen to the medical advice you get and then make your decision. Consider where you are at now and where you will be in a month, it's tough but you will know a lot more then.

MiniMonstera · 29-06-2023 11:47am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120780305#Comment_120780305

Ah gutted for you SeeSee. Here's hoping you can turn it around in time!

Pawwed Rig · 29-06-2023 12:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781492#Comment_120781492

Agreed but don't push too hard. If the time is not right better to defer the marathon rather than hurt yourself running and sustaining a longer term injury.

kevinfkennedy · 29-06-2023 5:11pm

Blast off .. best of luck everyone .. Misterjinx I just sent you a request to join the Strava group. Thank you

kevinfkennedy · 29-06-2023 9:30pm

Just a quick one .. I’m hoping to run the Marathon around around 5:40 min per km and am doing my slow runs a minute slower at 6:40 min per km, it’s takes getting used to but I’m going ok so far. Question : my long slow runs on a Saturday.. Should they be done even slower .. possibly 7:00 min per km … thank you

MisterJinx · 29-06-2023 10:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120784610#Comment_120784610

Hi Kev, I did all my lsr's at below easy pace, about 15 to 20 seconds slower per km.

There is no harm going slower again as this increases the time on your feet. Right now it's all about getting the body used to running for a really long period of time so the more time on your feet the better you are prepared.

You also want to minimise the impact on your body on those runs so the slower the better. If you are happy with 7mins per km then do it, it won't harm your training and makes recovery easier.

witnessmenow · 30-06-2023 10:57am

Hey all, hope the training is going well!

Question about the mileage in the plans, with training for the half marathon next weekend, my current weekly mileage (~27-30M) is a good bit higher than the HH plan and I'm bit unsure what to do about that when I get into the swings of marathon training.

I assume week 3 will be a bit a recovery week for me after the half, but barring anything unforeseen, I would assume I'll be back on the horse for week 4, but that is a 17 mile week which is a pretty decent drop in mileage and it doesn't get back to 30 again til week 10 or 11

Seeing as the HH plans is based nearly exclusively on easy runs, I assume, if I'm feeling up for it, increasing the mileage compared to the plan isn't really a big deal? Or should I really be trying to stick the plan like gospel?

Lazare · 01-07-2023 11:44am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120786261#Comment_120786261

I would suggest sticking with your current mileage and let the plan catch up with you.

Beef up the easy running to make it up. I wouldn't increase any of the harder effort stuff.

MisterJinx · 01-07-2023 2:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120786261#Comment_120786261

If I'm not wrong this is your first HM? If I'm right then don't underestimate the amount of recovery that you will need. I would say at least 2 weeks of paired back running compared to what you've been doing. It'll take a bit out of you so don't expect to be back full guns blazing after it.

You have put in a big effort to get yourself in hm shape so, both mentally and physically, take the break and the recovery and the gains that you have made, bank them, and use them for the marathon.

Once you have the HM done come back and tell us how it went and how you are feeling. We can do any adjustments to the plan then.

Just remember we want to get you to the start line fit and healthy 😀

Bungy Girl · 02-07-2023 3:51pm

Hi, hope everyone had a good week 😀

Week 1 done and dusted here (Boards plan). Was able to stick to the schedule with just a couple of adjustments (did my LSR today instead of Saturday). Took a rest day on Friday. Not much cross training - one trip to the gym, one game of tennis and a short cycle. Total for the week 24.9 miles. I've slowed the pace right down and noticed my average HR is lower so I guess that's good! Paranoid about niggles so will try to get to the gym more than once next week.

MisterJinx · 03-07-2023 9:18am

DCM Training: Week 2!

Before I get to Week 2, I'd like each of you to do a quick self appraisal of how week 1 went for you.

Did you get in all the runs on your plan - if not, then why not?
Did you run the easy runs at an appropriate pace?

Hopefully you all got in the required runs majority & you are not running too fast. You can't cheat the marathon - take a half-assed approach to the training and it will bite you in the backside come the big day.

Onto Week 2, and here’s what’s instore for the week ahead:

This week sees the Boards plan feature the first PMP (Planned Marathon Pace) run! This is an opportunity to run a little bit faster than your easy pace but please please try to be realistic and conservative when picking your PMP.

The table below indicates roughly the marathon pace (in km or in miles) required for the various target times at 15 minute intervals:

Marathon | Pace/km | Pace/mi

3:30 | 5:00 | 8:00

3:45 | 5:20 | 8:35

4:00 | 5:40 | 9:10

4:15 | 6:00| 9:45

4:30 | 6:20 | 10:20

4:45 | 6:40 | 10:50

5:00 | 7:00 | 11:25

5:15 | 7:20 | 12:00

5:30 | 7:40 | 12:35

5:45 | 8:00 | 13:05

6:00 | 8:20 | 13:40

The warm up and cool down can be done at your easy pace, i.e. - at least 45-60 seconds per mile slower than PMP

Last year it was many weeks into the plan before I knew my own marathon pace. I'd no idea really although the training paces calculator helped a good bit by slotting in my last race time. For these first few weeks take a reasonable guess and go with it. Over the next few weeks you will have a better feel as to whether you think you can hold that pace for 3, 4 or 5 hours and you'll adjust as you go along.

Best of luck to everyone for the week ahead

Runner2023 · 03-07-2023 12:48pm

Happy to have made it through the first week relatively unscathed. I manged to squeeze everything I wanted to in, including the gym twice. I took a rest day on Friday and ended up on 37km for the week. I had run about 30km and 25km the previous two weeks having done practically nothing for months before that so I'm delighted that it's been reasonably manageable so far.

I did throw in a km at something approaching race pace towards the end my long run because I was feeling good. Curious to hear what people's thoughts are on deviating from the plan a little. I've been running the easy stuff very slow for the most part, trying to keep my heart rate between 120-126 which really reigns me in. The long run is a hell of lot easier in the milder weather!

I have no real idea what my race pace will be for the marathon so I think I'll try between 5:30/5:40/km this week and see how I get on.

I know it will depend greatly on the individual but broadly speaking, how much improvement is it reasonable to expect pace-wise as you make your way through the plan? Or is it more a case of locking in a pace and just working towards maintaining it for the marathon distance?

At the minute I'm just planning on using the various races to get an idea of what I'm capable of and making a final decision on pacing based off my half-marathon time.

Sunny Dayz · 03-07-2023 3:24pm

Apologies - first week of the Novices thread and I skip the country and the plan!! I'm following a plan as laid out by my club so I will post what it is each week.

Was away on my first sun holiday in 5 years. Had great intentions of early morning runs along the prom. Reality was Mon morn a sweaty hot mess hungover run, managed a mile out and rounded it up to 3.5km to finish. The hotel was great for activities though so 3 circuit classes, aqua aerobics, spin class, an 11km cycle along the coast. The running guilts sent in as the week went on and got out earlier on Sat morn, was tough for the first km or 2 but at 2.5km I nearly didn't want to turn back and really enjoyed it. Back in Ireland and a better temperature for running. Ran a 5km out and back with husband and I then went out and back 5km the other direction on my own to bring it up to 10km. Total distance for the week 18.7km

MisterJinx · 03-07-2023 3:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120795604#Comment_120795604

Great stuff Bungy Girl. The adjustments like that are completely normal and very good to see that the HR is down, that is where you want it to be.

Clareview · 03-07-2023 3:26pm

How week 1 went for you...

Did you get in all the runs on your plan - if not, then why not? Yep all runs in, 37km total for the week!
Did you run the easy runs at an appropriate pace? all ran at 6.30 - 6.40/km pace approx.. ran LSR at what worked out to a 6.32/km avg so this was def too fast. Was very windy out so pacing per each km was up to 25secs difference for some!

MisterJinx · 03-07-2023 3:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120798975#Comment_120798975

Very well done. The HR cap is also another good way to keep your easy pace easy and it looks like it's working for you, keep it up.

Honestly I don't think you need to be adding any fast km's into the plan. There are strides, MP and hills over the next few weeks and they will get you what you need.

Based on your 5k time you gave us then I think you are fine to go with the suggested range for the MP session. Everyone is different so it would be hard to give you a number but you will see an improvement in your times as you go through the plan. The tune up races in the series will give you a good benchmark to see where you are at and if you have improved your times. Some people lock in a pace, I tended to try and lock in an effort i.e. can I hold this pace for 4 hours and worked from there, it meant I didn't settle on a pace or target time until a couple of weeks before the marathon, but you've 17 weeks to work that out so don't worry about it right now, just keep getting the runs in :-) I think you know it based on your comment but the HM in September is really the best indicator.

MisterJinx · 03-07-2023 5:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120799866#Comment_120799866

Well done, I can see the satisfaction :-)

I would say you can easily pull those paces back a bit, based on your 5K you are at the very top end of easy - this week try and get it below 6.40 (I know it's not easy but see if you can do it). It's good practice for when your LSR is much much longer!

Seifer · 03-07-2023 8:53pm

So I've decided to follow the boards plan with only one real tweak; I want to keep the mileage up but can only commit to running 5 days a week at the moment so splitting one of the optional 5km runs across the Tuesday and Thursday.

This means I ran 7.5, 6.5, 7.5, 14, 3 km last week for a total of 38.5 km. Long run was 1 km extra as Google Maps was out by a kilometer on the route I put in.

With regards to the easy running question; I know my Thursday run was too fast (5:49 min/km) and I've already written it down that I need to take them easier. Have my Garmin set to beep at me when I go too fast but sometimes you just feel you have too much energy to run that slow. Also feels like my gait is bordering on a shuffle around the 6 min/km mark.

Like Runner2023 I threw in a MP km near the end of my long run for no particular reason (boredom? Feel like I need to challenge myself a bit more?) so it was probably too fast too.

Was watching a few of Stephen Scullion's videos during the week (they're very good for anyone that hasn't stumbled across him). Two things jumped out that I want to incorporate; one is not letting life influence your easy days e.g. you're pissed off at work so you go out and run fast when you're supposed to be taking it easy. The second was around discipline and taking the same discipline you might apply to other aspects of your training/life and apply them to your easy running.

Louis 2018 · 03-07-2023 11:53pm

I'd like each of you to do a quick self appraisal of how week 1 went for you.

Did you get in all the runs on your plan - if not, then why not? Yes, all runs as per week 1 of boards programme, enjoyable week with nice mild weather and no travel for work which helped :)
Did you run the easy runs at an appropriate pace? Ran the easy runs at around 6:05/km and long run on Sat at 6:20/km. I'm using 5:40 odd as my race pace and tbh I think I would find it difficult to run any slower but will try add a few seconds. I'm feeling very comfortable at that pace, average heart rate for lsr was 150, hitting a max of 163. Recovery run was at same pace pretty much as lsr.

Lumen · 04-07-2023 9:27am

Not running this week due to surgery recovery but thought I'd throw my data into the easy pace discussion.

My 5k-10k race pace is 4:15-4:35/km @ 170bpm average and my easy/conversational run pace is about 6:30/km @ <140bpm. I could definitely run slower than that, it's my superpower 😀

No idea what my marathon pace will end up at but I've no intention of running faster than 140bpm unless doing specific MP workouts, strides or prep races.

My HR limits are resting @ 50 and max prob 185-ish.

MiniMonstera · 04-07-2023 10:59am

Definitely happy with the pace I ran on the easy runs. Unfortunately I didn't get to complete all running miles in the week because I was away for 4 days but I did the Saturday lsr yesterday (Monday), so if I include that I clocked 30km. I also walked for 17km on the Saturday so I'm going to allow that as cross training (not logging it obvs). I'll just jump back into the plan from today.

Officially entered for dcm as my transfer came through yesterday 😃

Edited to add: the lsr was quite tough coming back ( elevated seafront route) so although I kept pace circa 7.30 p/km I got a good workout

MisterJinx · 04-07-2023 3:11pm

@Seifer Yes probably a bit too fast, if you can get it down to the 6m/km it will do well for you. Agree on the discipline, it's hard to do but it applies to both getting out for the runs and then when you are on the runs. Honestly I'd expect most people to be feeling good and fresh at the moment, it's only week 1 :-) , but as we go on and the distances increases each week I think you'll find that you'll be less inclined to throw in the odd MP kilometre ;-)

@Louis 2018 well done, in the right zone there and if you can slow a tad more it would be great for you. As HR reading are individual it's hard to comment on those but if it's in the same range as your easy runs then it's in the right place.

@Lumen Best of luck with the recovery, hope it goes well :-) Sounds like your superpower is perfectly suited for Marathon training. I use the HR cap method too and it works, it means if your tired or whatever that you are not forcing a pace but listening to the body.

@MiniMonstera great, life gets in the way, there was an LSR run in my house too on Monday just because of weekend stuff on. Walking definitely counts as cross training, I read somewhere that it is good for recovery actually as it's low impact but keeps the blood circulation up to the legs - I'd need to go find that reference though for it to be taken as gospel.

Crunchy23 · 04-07-2023 6:25pm

Did you get in all the runs on your plan - if not, then why not? Yes, I ran 6 times throughout the week, a total of 46km. I completed 74km the previous week so it felt like I could have and should have done a lot more, but I am trying to stick to the Boards plan.
Did you run the easy runs at an appropriate pace? I done my recovery run at an average pace of 6.49/km and my easy run at 5.33/km. I would love to aim for a MP of 5/km so the easy runs should probably have been slower. My LSR was a bit slower at 5.50/km. I tried to keep the HR in zone 2 for the entirety of the recovery run (my avg. HR was 125) and in low zone 3 for the easy run (my avg. HR was 140)

MisterJinx · 04-07-2023 9:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120805219#Comment_120805219

Recovery and LSR are sport on and I know you know yourself that the easy was too fast. You could do a little reading up on heart rate zones, I'm no expert at all but my understanding is that easy is Zone 2, Zone 3 is that "grey area" whereas zone 2 is aerobic building and where you want to be for 80% of your running

Louis 2018 · 04-07-2023 9:25pm

Hi All

The below may be of interest, taken from the Garmin website https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/general/get-zone-train-using-heart-rate/

Zone 1 is 60-70% of threshold heart rate (the 220 minus your age). This is a very light intensity effort. Think nice walking pace where you can carry on a conversation.

Zone 2 is 70-80% of threshold heart rate. Think of this as a warm-up or cool-down run. Easy conversation pace as well.

Zone 3 is 80-90% of threshold heart rate. This is a long run type of effort. Breathing a bit harder here but I would say comfortable.

Zone 4 is 90-100% of threshold heart rate. Harder intensity effort. You can reply in single word responses. Tempo type of run. Raising lactate threshold levels.

Zone 5 is 100-110% of threshold heart rate. Think of sprinting to the finish line. Cannot hold a conversation.

skyblue46 · 04-07-2023 9:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120806007#Comment_120806007

First of all let me say that I'm a huge advocate of running by HR but that comes with one huge BUT. That is that your base numbers must be accurate. 220-age as a max is not a good starting point. I'm 56 and have a max of 186. If I remember correctly @Murph_D has a higher max HR and is older. Secondly, unless you use a chest strap you can pretty much dismiss the numbers you get from the watch. Thirdly, threshold is not 220-age. It will most probably be at about 10% below max. I think that's a bit unclear from the table posted...

Don't be overcomplicating things. Do easy runs at least 90 secs slower per mile than a realistic marathon pace target.

Lumen · 04-07-2023 10:10pm

That Garmin site blog is nonsense. 220-age is a rough estimate (in absence of any other data) of the max HR, not of threshold (and there are multiple "thresholds" although commonly "threshold" refers to hour-max-effort-ish. But the blog can't be referring to max HR because it says zone 5 is up to 110% of it.

For me the MAF 180 formula (180-age) is close to the upper limit of easy pace, but I still didn't like the result and so kept shopping for a formula that I did like, based on heart rate reserve :-)

Anyway, "conversational pace" cuts through all the maths nonsense but as I usually run alone I do get some odd looks from the dog walkers.

Murph_D · 04-07-2023 10:21pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120806097#Comment_120806097

Yep, I'm 62, my max is well over 190. Haven't hit it in a while - it's probably a beat or two below the 196 I use to record fairly regularly up to a couple of years ago. The 220-age 'rule of thumb', as mentioned above, is useless.

I totally agree with Skyblue. Running by HR is great but only if you know your max and resting HR really well.

85% of HR reserve (around 88-90% of max) is a good rule of thumb for threshold, if you don't know the number from testing.

But yes, running by HR for a first marathon is overcomplicating things. Too many other things to worry about. Choose a reasonable target based on your running history and/or training experiences and go out and try to hit it. Good luck!

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