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2024 DCM Mentored Novices Thread

  • 03-06-2024 3:02pm
    #1
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭


    Hello all, you're all very welcome to the 2024 DCM Mentored Novices Thread! 

    This is the 14th year that Boards has offered support and advice to DCM (Dublin City Marathon) Novices. In 2009, -amadeus-- composed the opening symphony. Rainbow kirby took over in 2010, Raycun in 2011, followed by Younganne in 2012. career_move kept the show on the road in 2013, succeeded by Ososlo for the 2014 stanza. Dubgal72 with her expert coaching managed to get her crew through in 2015, while the 2016 edition was hosted by the notorious (not really!) nop98, in 2017 Wubble Wubble did a sterling job to bring Wubble's Wonders to the start line, in 2018 ariana' took over and expertly guided her troops through to October, 2019 saw the calm & collected Mr. Guappa get his crew to the start line. Unfortunately, due to Covid DCM 2020 & DCM 2021 didn't happen but thankfully Laineyfrecks took over the reins and lead the group out of isolation and into the land of races again with her expert guidance for 2022 . MisterJinx followed up with a very successful thread in 2023 bringing his fledgelings to the starting line – myself included! 

    So we’ve flown the nest and here we are, back to present you with the 2024 edition... 

     About the Novices thread 

    This thread is aimed at anyone considering doing the Dublin City Marathon for the first time this year, on Sunday October 27th. It isn't limited to those who haven't run a marathon before, maybe you’ve ran one but it's a few years ago and you're getting back into it or maybe you ran it but it didn't go well and now you're looking for a different approach...We have two possible training plans for you to follow and we are here to guide you along the way in your training. 

    This forum encourages discussion about all aspects of your training both with your fellow novices and with the community of experienced runners on the boards A/R forum to help so don’t be afraid to put your hand up and ask any questions you have, don’t be shy, we all started somewhere, and I can guarantee that it will have been asked and answered before! There’s no such thing as a stupid question. 

    The Training 

    Training for any marathon is tough, we’re not going to lie, it involves adapting your body to the rigours and demands of 26.2 miles of running. It does help if you can spare a lot of time to devote to it, it can involve a fair amount of running at stupid o'clock as your runs get longer. Having your better half or family on board with you is really crucial, as they will be the ones supporting you throughout your training and then your biggest cheerleaders on the day of your Marathon!  

    Our training plans commence on Monday, June 24th, which is 3 weeks from today. We would recommend that you have been running quite regularly for at least a year. Come June 24th, you want to be running comfortably 3-4 times a week, every week, covering at least 20 miles (32km) per week. If you want some advice on how to safely build your mileage up to 20 miles per week over the next couple weeks, then we're here for that too.  

    Have a look at the two training plans on offer and see if you can find a way to fit one of them into your life for 18 weeks. Can you fit this in your daily routine, your work schedule, your holiday plans, your family life? If you're unsure, just try it out for a couple of weeks and see how you get on. The mileage in the programs will go up, so be realistic in your self-assessment. If you have doubts, post here and we'll give an honest assessment if we think you're ready, and which plan will suit.  Commitment & Consistency are really important things when you make the big decision to run your first marathon, they are what got myself & many, many other novices to the start line and the completion of our very first Marathons. If you can commit to the plan and stay consistent with your training – that's half the battle. 

    Training Plans 

    The Hal Higdon Novices Plan is a widely used novice marathon plan, I’ve used his plans for other races myself and like that they are not too overwhelming. His marathon novice plan is a simple, and straightforward plan, which slowly increases the weekly mileage to eventually include a 20 mile training run, and has step-back weeks built in to help the body adapt and recover. It uses 3 mid-week runs, which will slowly increase in length, and a longer weekend run. Ideally, you would mix in one day of cross-training, too. 

    The Boards Plan for 2024 is for slightly more experienced runners. It includes more variety in paces (either "easy" pace, or PMP ("planned marathon pace")), it includes strides on some of the easy runs, and generally covers more miles - e.g. 2 x 20 milers. 

    Both plans include all the Dublin Race Series build-up races (the Fingal 10k in Swords on July 14th, the Frank Duffy 10 Mile on August 17th in the Phoenix Park, and the Dublin Half Marathon on September 22nd in the Phoenix Park). You don't have to run these races, we appreciate that many people don’t live near Dublin but it is recommended to try one or more of them or an alternative race of similar distance during the program to give yourself a feel for running at race pace, to get some practice in preparing yourself for a race and to see how much you've progressed. You may find after a bit of research that there are races of similar distances taking place around the country which loosely tie in with the DCM training cycle. If the dates of your chosen races don't tie in exactly with the plan then don't worry - we can advise you on how to restructure the plan as we go on. Getting a few races in can really build your confidence & give you a feel for what it's like at an event, the nerves, the planning, the atmosphere all add to the race experience. 

    There are many more plans out there of course, but we recommend that you choose one of the above and trust the plan you choose! Both of these plans have got countless runners across the line over the past 14 years and they can get you across the line in 2024! Don’t look too far ahead in the plan and panic at the sight of 20 miles – take each week or two as it comes and go with it.  

    General Guidelines 

    Stick to the Plan - The longest runs are the most important. You can of course switch runs around within a week if you need to. If you have to skip a run, try make it one of the short runs. When it's gone, it's gone. Do not go chasing lost mileage in subsequent weeks. 

     Run slow - Once you think you run slow enough, run even slower. You will not be able to complete all the training miles if you don't run the majority of them slow (slower than you will run on the day itself and possibly slower than you have ever run). If you can have a conversation with someone else or with yourself that’s a good sign that you are going slow. 

    Once the program is about to start, we can talk then about how to determine your training paces. 

    Be realistic - A marathon is no mean feat – it’s a physical or mental challenge - hopefully, you will have raced at some of the shorter distances already. Don't set your heart on hitting a particular time. If you do want to set a target time, be conservative and know you can adjust it as you work through your training plan. The marathon, especially your first one, is completely unknown territory, it has so many variables that can impact on your time. However, don't fear the marathon - this can lead you to make poor decisions and to try to progress too far, too fast, too soon. Your goal is to arrive at race day healthy, energised and ready to go - so respect the distance, but recognise it is achievable. 

     Listen to your body - If something doesn't feel right, stop your run. If it continues, seek professional guidance. As per general Boards guidelines, we cannot offer medical advice. Know your body, what feels right for you, listen to it. 

     Be sensible - Things like nutrition, alcohol, water, and sleep. Paying attention to these things will reap benefits in the long run. Everything in moderation (except for the sleep part!). You are fuelling your body to train for and take part in a marathon – make sure you are running on good fuel. 

     

    And Here Is Your Host... 

    I’d been watching the DCM Novices thread for a few years, silently observing in the background, in awe of the training and commitment that others were putting in. My husband ran DCM in 2019 so I seen first hand the work and support it takes. During 2020 with the bit of spare time I actually trained on the QT and did the virtual Dublin marathon. I wanted to see if I could actually do a marathon and its training before putting my hat into the ring for a real marathon event. Himself did DCM again in 2022 and while spectating along the route I said to myself “I want that to be me next year”.  

    In 2023 I joined a fantastic group of fellow novices and gained a lot of knowledge from the more experienced runners here too. I enjoyed checking in every week, getting my thoughts from the previous week down on paper (or screen in this case) and seeing how my fellow novices were getting on. The support and encouragement is amazing, and it’s good to know that there are others in the same boat as you. It is especially helpful if you are doing the training on your own as sometimes it can be hard to know if you are doing it right, it’s a good place to have a rant and a moan and a place to celebrate the small wins that your family or friends just might not understand. The group helped me to get to the start line feeling fit and ready to tackle the challenge! The buzz on DCM was like nothing I’d ever experienced before, even though I’ve spectated a couple of times. You really feel like you are part of something much greater than yourself, the support along the route is unbelievable – I still get goosebumps when I think of the crowds at Myos corner in Chapelizod, coming up at Clonskeagh before turning onto Fosters Avenue and from Ballsbridge onwards into the finish. I completed it in 4:38 – which I was fairly happy with. It wasn’t plain sailing – I'm not sure any marathon is – but overall I was quite happy with how it went for me and that I was prepared as I could be lining up at the start. 

    Being perfectly honest here – I actually didn’t follow either the Boards or HH plans. I’m in an athletics club and the club provided its members with a plan which I followed as it tied in with the club training sessions and it meant I had company for my long runs at the weekend. That’s what worked for me personally. But no matter which plan you choose you have to try fit it in around a busy life just like everyone else these days. I’m at the life stage where childcare is no longer a factor so this helped. But life was busy nonetheless. The young pup (my one and only) had just done his Leaving Cert so Aug & Sept were busy with getting organised for a big move away for college and the worry of my baby flying the nest. Sept and Oct are busy times for me in work with tax deadlines. But you somehow find a way to fit it all in. We’d been there before (twice) with my husband so we were already a bit prepared for it from a family and household point of view.  

    Thankfully I will not be taking on this mean feat of running the Novice thread by myself, I will have two mentors to assist me which I will update on shortly. Alongside that, the whole Boards Athletics and Running community is behind you, and no doubt they will drop in with some great advice and support where needed. 

    However you got here, whether you stumbled into this thread by chance, were directed here, or like myself have lurked for years before finally taking the plunge, you will not regret making us part of your DCM 2024 journey! 

    Joining in the Fun😁 

    Wanna be part of this amazing journey? I hope you still do and I haven’t scared you off! You’ve done well to have read this far! Feel free to introduce yourself if you want to participate. All are welcome. To finish, I'd really appreciate if you could tell us a little bit about yourself, and answer the following questions: 

    • Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!) 
    • Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do) 
    • How much training do you currently do? Distances, how many days a week, cross training, etc - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. 
    • What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? 
    • How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow? 
    • What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up? 
    • The most important question - Why are you running this marathon? 

      

    Thanks for reading. Once again, welcome to the thread. I have a feeling this is going to be a very special DCM and 14th edition of the Mentored Novices thread, so why not jump on board & be part of this journey, you won't regret it 😉 

     



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Comments

  • #2
    MisterJinx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 761 ✭✭✭MisterJinx


    Great too see this up and running again for DCM2024! You are in really great hands with @Sunny Dayz who I know will be an excellent mentor for you this year and take you on this incredible journey.



  • #3
    Wubble Wubble
    Registered Users Posts: 2,601 ✭✭✭Wubble Wubble


    Best of luck @Sunny Dayz looking forward to seeing this one progress 👏



  • #4
    Laineyfrecks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,509 ✭✭✭Laineyfrecks


    Absolutely thrilled to see this thread up & running again. As a previous novice who had no clue what they were doing in 2019 (not much better now🤣) I followed my 1st ever marathon plan with the support of the wonderful mentors & the whole boards community (which I made some great friends) I can highly recommend joining in. I am now running my 5th marathon this year & can say I'm well & truly hooked! You are in amazing hands with @Sunny Dayz , listen to the advice given, support each other & most of all enjoy the process😁



  • #5
    Lazare
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,443 ✭✭✭Lazare


    Fantastic to see this up and running. It's such an incredible resource for novice DCMers and they're in excellent hands.

    Best of luck @Sunny Dayz , you'll steer them all so well.



  • #6
    The Black Oil
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 18,624 CMod ✭✭✭✭The Black Oil


    Great to see this thread up and running for 2024. Respect the distance and enjoy the journey. There'll be loads of people out there training with yiz.

    Moderator: Television, Psychology and Dublin County North.

    CMod: Entertainment



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  • #7
    Murph_D
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,558 ✭✭✭✭Murph_D


    Best of luck, @Sunny Dayz, the mentorship is strong with this one. 💪😁



  • #8
    Kellygirl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,022 ✭✭✭Kellygirl


    Best of luck @Sunny Dayz and good luck to all the 2024 novices.



  • #9
    TheRef
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 300 ✭✭TheRef


    Best of luck @Sunny Dayz and all this years novices. I was a member of the 2022 novice group and can attest to how excellent the program, mentors, and wider boards community is.



  • #10
    rosenallis
    Registered Users Posts: 144 ✭✭rosenallis


    Hi there,

    Have been keeping an eye on this thread starting up for a while! Thank you for putting it together as could do with all the support.

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

    Never more than 5M. Raced in Raheny 5M in January with 41.40. Recent 5m have been around 43M mark.

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

    Only really starting now, but can run 4-5 miles at just above conversational pace without stopping. Ran a really slow 8M without stopping and plodding along

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

    1-2 times per week currently around 5k distances. Ramping this up now and hoping to hit 4-5 times a week. Have in the plan some weights. I can add swimming. Play squash once a week which i may drop out of until i finish

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

    Completion withouth stopping if possible. Dream under 4, realistic under 4.30 as i've never really ran too far! I'd hate to fade out and walk the last 6-8 miles.

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

    4-5 days, Runna plan.

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

    Just not being motivated to get out the door. Also, niggles in my achilles and calfs have held me back recently when i've tried to run a couple of faster 5K. would have to do damage and pull out of marathon

    • The most important question - Why are you running this marathon? 

    Because i would like to achieve something of note. I've never ran past 10K and i think it would be a huge achievement for me to finish the race in a resonable time.



  • #11
    ariana`
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,307 ✭✭✭ariana`


    Best of luck to all who sign up here, you're in great hands!



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  • #12
    passinginterest
    Registered Users Posts: 395 ✭✭passinginterest


    Looking forward to following along again this year. The help it gave me in 2019 was hugely beneficial. Will probably be following the boards novices plan again this year myself after a few years away from running. The results are proven year on year so can’t go wrong!



  • #13
    CassieManson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 726 ✭✭✭CassieManson


    Hi all,

    Am looking forward to my first ever marathon - did a half marathon two yeas ago but didn't really enjoy it as I did not prepare as well as I could have. Hoping to follow a better overall plan this time in terms of running, resting, nutrition and cross training so will be looking for a lot of advice from this forum. I plan to follow the Beginners training plan from the DCM website which starts next week (20 week program).

    https://irishlifedublinmarathon.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Irish-Life-Dublin-Marathon-Training-Plan_compressed.pdf

    I have also signed up for the full Marathon Race Series.

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

    Yes have done lots of 5km and 10km. Current time for 5km is 31 mins, most recent 10k was 67 mins (June 2024)

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

    No, can currently run up to 10k without stopping

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

    Currently running 4 times per week, mix of 5km and usually one 10k total since Christmas approx. 24km per week. I also do Pilates once per week, aqua aerobics and walking

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

    Would love to finish in less than 5 hours, hopefully running all the way

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

    Plan to train 5 days per week as per the DCM beginners plan.

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

    My biggest fear is how to handle the longer distances as the training progresses. Also fear any injury that could cause a set back in my training

    • The most important question - Why are you running this marathon? 

    Like the challenge, with a significant birthday coming up, I feel that if I don't do it this year I may never do it.



  • #14
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122219446#Comment_122219446

    Hi rosenallis! Thanks for posting.

    The Raheny 5 mile is a brilliant race, a great one to experience.

    How has your running been this week? How often have you got out, what distances and what's the plan for the rest of the week? My slight little concern is the "ramping" up from 1-2 days to 4-5. If you're running 2 days this week, aim for 3 days next week, maybe 4 days a week or two after. Have your started the Runna plan yet and if so, what's on the plan for this week and next? Swimming is a great cross training exercise and the water would be good for the muscles.

    Your worry about motivation is why this thread is here! Accountability to post here and motivation of other people posting their progress. That said, nobody is motivated all of the time! You're "why" is great - yes it's a huge achievement to do a marathon.



  • #15
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122227241#Comment_122227241

    Welcome CassieManson!

    That's great you've signed up for the race series, great motivation, ways of testing how your training is going and to do some race day preparation also. Did you get a Dublin half entry because I hear they are sold out?

    You seem to have a nice base to begin with, with 4 days and the long run of 10km. I've looked at the first week or 2 of the DCM beginners plan and it seems like a good start for you. It's great you do pilates - it's something I've tried to get into a few times but didn't stick to it.

    Don't worry about the longer distances. Beginner marathon plans are designed to increase the long distances gradually over weeks and months. Take each week as it comes and it's mad when it comes near the end of the plan when you find yourself saying oh I only have 12 miles long run this weekend!

    I was like yourself with my "why" - I wanted to get my first marathon done before moving into my next decade.



  • #16
    rosenallis
    Registered Users Posts: 144 ✭✭rosenallis


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122230332#Comment_122230332

    Thanks for responding. I've ran 4M at the weekend and 3 mile during the week. Have the Corkagh 5M on Sunday which i plan on running pretty just to get around, not thinking i'll get near Raheny times

    Runna week 1 is long run 4M (which i'll sub Corkagh 5M for). Intervals 2.4 on Tuesday, Friday 2.1M tempo, Sat 2.8Mi long run. So 4 runs

    There's no cross training in the plan i see.. is that an issue do you think? On the off running days, there are Legs and Core/ Full Body workouts with a kettlebell

    (i need to figure out the difference in between intervals, tempo, long runs!)



  • #17
    CassieManson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 726 ✭✭✭CassieManson


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122230398#Comment_122230398

    Thanks for the feedback. Yes I got entries for all of the race series events when registration opened. Looking forward to the 5 Mile this weekend.



  • #18
    mossiepark
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭mossiepark


    I'm looking forward to utilising this forum for much needed motivation when required. Thanks for taking the time to mentor us novices.

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

    I've always done a small bit of running, cycling etc but never consistent enough to do a marathon. A few 10ks in the past (pb 49.30mins) and a 10mile at the end of January in 83 minutes. Took alot outta me and I needed a few months off afterwards to recover.


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

    I find any type of lapse in my training sets me back and i have to walk if i take on too much or dont pace myself right.


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

    4 times a week with the past month. Using the runna app and aiming to do the Clontarf half in July. After that maybe move to a dedicated marathon plan. Recently joined a gym to get some cross training in but haven't started


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

    The dream is a sub 4hr


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

    4 / 5 days a week and using Runna


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

    Injury or not being able to complete it


    The most important question - Why are you running this marathon?

    I've always admired those people who have done marathons, my mother included who did her first at 50. I love the buzz of Dublin on marathon day so always wanted to complete it



  • #19
    Lockster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 284 ✭✭Lockster


    Thanks @Sunny Dayz I've been waiting for this thread.

    Have a place in the Dublin Marathon this year, so looking forward to it with some trepidation. I've been running more seriously since the first lock down in 2020 and have probably done around 8 half marathons now, but never gone further than 25 km in one run. I'll also be 54 by the time the marathon comes around.

    To answer your questions:

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

    Yes done a good few at this stage. 5k PB 23:33 in Feb 22, 10k pb 50:48 June 21, Half Marathon 1:54:29 May 2022 but ran 1:55:55 at the Dublin half last year.

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

    No, accept have walked a couple of times when struggling in a couple of half marathon races.

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

    I try and run 4 times a week and I'm current doing between 35 and 45 km per week, depending on the week. I don't do any cross training, except walking, but plan to do more and some SC as part of my marathon plan.

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

    Dream finish time would be 4 hrs 15, would be very happy with anything below 4 hrs 30 and just finishing would be great.

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

    I can train 4 to 5 days per week and plan to follow a programme from the Runna app but may switch to the Boards plan depending on how it's going. I've a place in the Dublin Half already booked as well.

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

    Like I said I've done a few halves, and the thoughts of doing double that distance is frightening. I've never finished a half and thought I could do all that again.

    • The most important question - Why are you running this marathon? 

    I'm part of an informal running group and there's a good few of the group who do Dublin ever year and so I entered the draw not thinking I would be lucky. So seeing as I was lucky, it's a great opportunity. I've 4 or 5 of the group of a similar level to me all doing it, so will have company on the longer runs. They've all done marathons before though.

    Thank you so much in advance for mentoring the group and I'm looking forward to getting into it and maybe getting to know some of the others.



  • #20
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122237906#Comment_122237906

    Welcome on board @Lockster . Sounds you are at the right stage to try your hand at a marathon! You seem to be running consistently and sounds like you've decent base built up to start into marathon training.

    I hear you with the comment - double the distance - it's so hard to imagine! I did a half marathon myself this weekend and I said to a friend after how on earth am I going to do a marathon?!

    The local training group will be good for you - I had that myself when training last year and it was great to have company on long runs, takes a lot of the (over)thinking and planning out of long runs. And the fact that they have all done marathons before will be invaluable to you - you'll learn a lot from them out on the roads.



  • #21
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    So we are T minus 2 weeks to the start of the training plans if are following them here.

    Take the time to have a bit of a reflection on your past week and post on the thread - how many runs did you do, what distances, how did they feel?

    Then have a look at the first week of the training plan you've chosen and see how it lines up with your past week. We don't want you to "ramp" things up before the start of the training plan but to see if there are ways you can bridge the gap a bit - can you add in an extra run this week, an extra mile/km to your long run at the weekend? Take the time to look at your life schedule, when are you going to fit in the runs, bearing in mind changes to your schedule over the summer with kids off school, activities on a break for example. Now is the time to sit down and start planning out how you are going to fit the marathon training into your life, it's a scary thing to commit to and starting to feel a bit real!



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  • #22
    Dublinlad1989
    Registered Users Posts: 122 ✭✭Dublinlad1989


    Great to see this thread up and running for this year! The help and support I received in 2022 from Boards novice group was amazing and it helped get me to the finish line!

    Best of luck to everyone this year :)



  • #23
    Mantis Toboggan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,249 ✭✭✭✭Mantis Toboggan


    Looks like I'm going to give this a go also. First marathon attempt and I don't have a ticket entry currently so will be hoping to pick one up later as a transfer.

    Just started doing some running in the last few years, would have started doing a few parkruns before signing up for a 10K in summer 2022. 2023 I did a 10 mile run in March and was 7 weeks into a training plan for the half marathon before getting a nasty calf muscle injury.

    Started back training in January this year and got through the training plan to run my first half marathon in April. I don't regard myself as a runner so if I'm not training for some event then i'm not running. Therefore said I better earmark something to get me back out again as I've done nothing since the half in April.

    • Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!) 
    • As above i've raced a bit but not much just one 10K, one 10 mile and one half marathon - 10k was around 55 minutes, 10 mile I injured myself and limped over the line in 1hr 37 and the half was 1hr 56 mins.
    • Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do) 
    • No, but I do tend to run very slowly and nearly always within myself
    • How much training do you currently do? Distances, how many days a week, cross training, etc - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. 
    • No running for two months now but do plan to get back on the horse this week. Been playing Padel twice a week.
    • What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? 
    • Gold for me would be to finish it inside 4.30 silver would be 5.00 and bronze would be to just cross that finish line.
    • How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow? 
    • This will be tough for me with big demands in work and home life but hope to train 4 days a week and think i'll go with a Runna plan which looks decent.
    • What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up? 
    • Injury, always have been injury prone with 2 bad knees but turning 40 next year and I fear the body is slowing down.
    • Also getting the time to train is going to be a struggle, the half marathon training was a balancing act so I can only imagine it's going to be worse, I'll be doing all the training on my own so motivation will be needed.
    • The most important question - Why are you running this marathon? 
    • Probably a once off for me but would love to experience it, complete it and know how hard it is and possibly inspire a few smallies in later life.

    Free Palestine 🇵🇸



  • #24
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    @rosenallis - how did you get on in Corkagh 5 mile at the weekend?



  • #25
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122240925#Comment_122240925

    Welcome! Hopefully you do pick up a ticket when the transfer window opens. The transfer window opens between Weds 24th July to Mon 24th Aug. I'd say when the time comes there will be plenty floating about, but no harm putting feelers out now - I'd be wary of scammers, I see plenty trying it on social media.

    Back to yourself - how has your running been since you started back this year? How did your training go for the half in April, ie did you do all the runs on the plan you followed, any niggles etc.

    When does your Runna plan start? What is your plan of action for this week? Marathon training can be tough to manage around family and work - there's no denying that. The best way to manage is to plan. There will be sacrifices and adaptations to our lives while we undertake this challenge - that's when you remind yourself of your "why". The smallies are a great inspiration, great to want to set an example.

    Do you do any strength and conditioning (S&C), especially in relation to the knees?



  • #26
    mossiepark
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭mossiepark


    Guys, any thoughts on this. I plan on doing the Clontarf Half on July 6th. I've been following the Runna half marathon plan and I'm finding it good, although I might say different after my scheduled 13k run tomorrow!!

    Anyway, my question is....is this crazy? I mean should I be starting a 20 week marathon plan now and forget about other, potentially disruptive runs? @Sunny Dayz



  • #27
    witnessmenow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,250 ✭✭✭witnessmenow


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122243275#Comment_122243275

    I did my first half on the 13th of July last year, which would have been the end of week 2 for most of the marathon plans.

    I took week 3 as a recovery week (went for a few easy 5ks and maybe 10k at the weekend), did basically all of week 4 other than 1 run and then joined into a marathon plan from week 5 onwards.

    Training went great for me after that. The actual day didn't go so well, but I think it was more to do with lack of adequate fuelling than my training plan!



  • #28
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122243275#Comment_122243275

    @witnessmenow answered it perfectly. Stay on the plan you are on now. Give a good honest effort for the Clontarf half. It'll give you a good idea where you are with paces and current level of fitness then going into your marathon training. Take a week recovery after - shorter easy recovery runs. The following week - which would be week 4 on the Boards/HH plans you should be in a position to ease into a plan.

    Hope the scheduled 13km goes well today.



  • #29
    Mantis Toboggan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,249 ✭✭✭✭Mantis Toboggan


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122242596#Comment_122242596

    Thanks, fingers crossed I get a transfer or I'll have to look to alternatives.

    Training for the half went well, I missed roughly 5 sessions over the course of the training due to little niggles or not being able to make the run but the last 6 weeks of it I would have made every run.

    Runna plan starts 8th of July so that gives me 4 weeks to slowly ramp up. Plan for this week would be 2 5K slow runs also with 3 Padels games. Next week I'm thinking a 5 K and 10K run followed by 3 7K runs in week 3 and 3 8K runs in week before the marathon training starts - do you think that would be enough? I know I'm late to the party but I want to avoid burnout also.

    Strength and conditioning generally an afterthought for me and I don't do it anywhere near enough. I do plan to do at least 2 Pilates sessions a week also which I found really helped me when training for the half.

    Free Palestine 🇵🇸



  • #30
    witnessmenow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,250 ✭✭✭witnessmenow


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122244810#Comment_122244810

    There is also the refunded tickets option

    The refunded tickets are where a participant returns the ticket to DCM and DCM list directly on their website. Last year was the first year of it and the the tickets were there for a few days, but It could be in more demand this year as people know more about it.

    The refund window is open 3rd to 16th of July, you'd imagine the tickets would be released after that, but I'd be keeping an eye on their social media (or probably here) around that time.



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  • #31
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122244810#Comment_122244810

    Pilates is brilliant to get into, and something I know I should be doing myself.

    In terms of runs for the next few weeks, your proposed week 1 and 2 sound fine, but weeks 3 and 4 before the plan I'd keep the weekday runs around 5km and put the extra couple of kms towards the longer run at the weekend.



  • #32
    rosenallis
    Registered Users Posts: 144 ✭✭rosenallis


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122242549#Comment_122242549

    Not bad. Got around in 44 minutes without stopping and was happy with it. Have gone a couple of minutes faster at 5 miles before but i was happy at this level



  • #33
    Rossi7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 419 ✭✭Rossi7


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122244810#Comment_122244810

    If you are close to Tallaght AC, they have 3 Pilates classes on every Wednesday evening. If you need more details drop me a DM or anyone else for that matter.



  • #34
    mossiepark
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭mossiepark


    I got out for a 13 k run this afternoon in the Phoenix Park. Challenging now but I felt good. Managed it in 68 minutes.

    Felt like a very long run.....makes the idea of 42k very daunting but time yet to get there I guess



  • #35
    The Black Oil
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 18,624 CMod ✭✭✭✭The Black Oil


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122251981#Comment_122251981

    Slow it down and see how you fare. 14.41km for me yesterday was 1 hour 32 and 12.1k tonight was 76 minutes. All by feel aimed at keeping it easy. I can do local routes, know the distance and not care about what's on the watch because my body guides my easy runs. We are not trying to 'police' every run by the time based outcome day in, day out. That would get frustrating. It's about having a bank of easy runs over several months to allow you to complete the race.

    Moderator: Television, Psychology and Dublin County North.

    CMod: Entertainment



  • #36
    py
    Registered Users Posts: 1,591 ✭✭✭py


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122251981#Comment_122251981

    Agree with what @The Black Oil has said, and you will hear it many more times over the coming months: slow down. Our run today determines how or if we will run tomorrow. Easy runs will make up most of your weekly mileage and this will be done at conversational pace. That means if you can't run and hold a conversation at that pace, you're going too fast.



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  • #37
    TheRef
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 300 ✭✭TheRef


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122251981#Comment_122251981

    Can you explain what you mean by very long run? Was it just the amount of time running, or more the prolonged effort to run the pace you were doing?

    You mentioned in your earlier post that you managed a 10mile in 83 mins. As an aside, that was about 3 mins quicker than I was doing in Spring 2022 and I went on to finish in 4:11 after a poor last 10k (very poor last 5k). So, sub 4 is certainly realistic with a solid training plan (btw: I followed the boards plan and think it is fantastic).

    Your pace on your 13k was 5:14/km. That's just 5 seconds per km slower than your 10mile pace that you said you needed a few months off to recover. (Pfitzinger has 5:14 as a tempo pace based in your 10 mile time).

    As the others have said, you really do need to slow down. Training for a marathon is grueling and you do need to run most of your runs (80%+) at an easy pace or you'll be mentally and physically worn out if not injured. It's likely your easy pace would be about 5:50-6:20 per km, but that depends on a number of things. These runs shouldn't feel challenging, unless you are doing a long run when you get towards the end part.

    For me, my easy pace is when I can breath at will only through my nose. Another measure is 3x3 breathing - 3 steps while breathing in and 3 steps while breathing out, consistently.

    You need to understand that training for a marathon requires a lot of easy running to allow your body to adapt. Due to the volume of running in the training block, the more stress that comes from a too-quick pace, the less opportunity your body has to recover and become stronger. Have a quick google for supercompensation and look at the images - it will show you how your body will get stronger and be able to run further.

    Post edited by TheRef on


  • #38
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122249847#Comment_122249847

    That's great, well done!



  • #39
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122251981#Comment_122251981

    Okay… It shouldn't really feel "challenging" unless you picked a really hilly route. As others have said here - dial the pace back. A pace that you could hold a conversation at. Or (except for probably the few longest runs) a pace that if you had to run another km/mile back to the car after your long run, that you feel able to do so.



  • #40
    SimpleDimple
    Registered Users Posts: 258 ✭✭SimpleDimple


    Hi all, jumping on the wagon here, I don’t post too often but it’ll be my first marathon so I’m trying to give myself the best chance I can

    • Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
    • I’ve done a couple of half marathons previously, I think my PB was just under the 2hr mark. Recently ran a 5k in 24:55 which is more reflective of my current fitness. I was flayed after it!
    • Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do) 
      No, but they’re welcome if I get stuck at the lights
    • How much training do you currently do? Distances, how many days a week, cross training, etc - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. 
      Currently training for a half marathon in July. I am doing the Hal Higdon novice 2 plan, which is at 3/5/3 miles mid week, and currently up to 10 miles on my long run.
      I do my midweek sessions in the gym (treadmill with 1 - 2% incline) so will do some full body weights if I have the time afterwards
    • What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? 
      Dream finishing time would be 4:30, I honestly don’t know if that’s achievable or a pipe dream for my first one
    • How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
    • Plan to do the Hal novice plan
    • What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up? 
      Injury - I have a long history of calf strains, though have changed my technique recently which is engaging my glutes more and so far so good. Also going to start getting sports messages to try to keep and niggles away
    • The most important question - Why are you running this marathon? 
      I’m doing it for the self achievement.



  • #41
    Mantis Toboggan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,249 ✭✭✭✭Mantis Toboggan


    Finished my first week back running. Ended up doing 2 5k's and a 6k.

    Found it a lot tougher than expected. I thought I would have kept some fitness since last running in April but looks like I'm back square one. Because of this I'm downgrading expectations and have changed plans from Runna to Hal Higdon's novice plan.

    Next week will be similar with an longer run at the weekend before the plan kicks off the following week.

    If anyone is on Strava and wants to connect


    https://strava.app.link/8iQw6CchsKb

    Free Palestine 🇵🇸



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  • #42
    slingerz
    Registered Users Posts: 5,294 ✭✭✭slingerz


    I’m in for DCM. I am the ultimate novice. Parkrunning regular since the start of the year and did the Cork 10K

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

    done a 1/2 in clonakilty before but a while ago now

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

    Yea I do often cos I’ve gone too fast

    • How much training do you currently do? Distances, how many days a week, cross training, etc - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. 
      Parkrun every weekend not much else
    • What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? 
      Finish it mainly if I broke 6 I’d be happy
    • How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?

    can train any day but have to increase the load now. Haven’t a plan to follow

    • What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up? 
      Not being able to do it
    • The most important question - Why are you running this marathon? 
      I’m doing it for the self achievement.



  • #43
    mossiepark
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭mossiepark


    @TheRef Thanks a million for the detailed response and the links nod towards 'supercompensation'. That's a new one on me but makes alot of sense.

    I should caveat all of this with the fact that I'm on a Runna plan for the Clontarf Half on the 6th July. The 13 km run was paced with 3k at a comfortable pace, 3k at 5.20, 2k at 5.05, 3k at 5.20, and finishing with 2k at 5m. It's the last 2k that was 'challenging'. Despite it being a long run, I do feel I have a bit in the tank if I hold back. Following on from my other post I'll be happy to get myself on a marathon specific plan and slow it down. Perhaps that's an approach for the Half in July aswell so as to not fatigue myself too much before going into a marathon plan.

    I do wonder about the Runna plan at times. I find it really pushes me hard on the interval sessions etc did someone mention a boards specific plan? Does it get posted?



  • #44
    mossiepark
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭mossiepark


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122265884#Comment_122265884

    Sorry, I just re read the OP and see it starts on the 24th June



  • #45
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    I'm also doing the Dublin marathon this year. Been running on and off casually for years but started taking it more seriously and actually training last year. Really looking forward to doing it.

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

    I did the Barcelona half in February in 1:39 and did Poolbeg parkrun a few weeks ago in 21:03

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

    Sometimes in my recovery on intervals or when going up a hill and trying to keep my heart rate down.

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

    Since running the Barcelona half I have been running about 4 or 5 days a week and doing a mix of easy runs, fast sessions and longer runs just to maintain and improve my fitness before going into the marathon training.

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

    Currently I am aiming for under 3:45. This goal isn't set in stone though. If the training goes well and if the Dublin half marathon goes well I might aim for a quicker time. If it goes the other way I will revise it the other way. I'm also going to leave it until the day itself to really set my planned finish time depending on the weather. If we get the same weather as last year or it is uncharacteristically warm then I'll reign in my expectations.

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

    I can train probably 6 or 7 days a week. I'm doing Pfitz 18/55. I actually started it a couple of weeks early just so that I have a few weeks banked in case I need to take some time off from running for whatever reason. I know a few people who had their marathon training disrupted last year due to injuries, illness, life in general and had to take a bit of time off training. I'm trying to pre-empt that a bit so that if the same happens to me I can just start back where I left off in the training plan instead of having to skip weeks or what ever.

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

    The main one is just not getting bloody sick. Last year I got sick a few weeks before the marathon. Even after my symptoms cleared up I found running a struggle. Even going at what is normally my easy pace was tough for anything more that a kilometer or two. I wasn't signed up for the marathon last year but if I was I would have been seriously pissed off. So, hopefully that doesn't happen this year.

    • The most important question - Why are you running this marathon? 

    I have been a fair weather runner for years. I only ever ran when the weather was nice. Once it got cold, dark or windy I would just stop running so I never really made much progress. I just ran because I liked it and never trained or followed any plan. I also never had any interest in doing a race. Then in 2022 I went out to watch the marathon because I knew a few people doing it and got caught up in the buzz. So here we are.



  • #46
    Sunny Dayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    So we are T minus 1 week to go to the start of the Boards DCM training plans. I'll post a link again to the Boards and the Hal Higdon Novice training plans:

    Hal Higdon plan

    Boards plan

    Have a look at both and see which one interests you, appeals to you. Which one you feel will fit into your lifestyle and schedule. And most importantly which one you feel you will stick to and which will hopefully take you to the start line of DCM. If you haven't already done so, take the time this week and roughly plan out your weeks ahead - have you a wedding, holiday, weekend away, 50th party etc? How will you work your training plan and long run around that? What is your schedule like during the week with work and family life? Will your runs be early morning or late evening? Or lunchtime? Maybe I'm old school but I like to have my training plan printed out and put on the notice board at home - it holds me accountable, I get great satisfaction in crossing off runs and my family can see my plan.

    How has the past week been? Did you get out for the runs as planned? How is the body feeling? How is the mind feeling? - Rearing to go? - Apprehensive? - Excited to get started?

    I know we have some more new faces here over the weekend so I hope to sit down this evening and reply to your posts.



  • #47
    SimpleDimple
    Registered Users Posts: 258 ✭✭SimpleDimple


    Treated myself to a sports massage last night in the hope of keeping any niggles at bay. Walking around like a new born giraffe this morning, feels great but the extra looseness will take some getting used to



  • #48
    sugarman20
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 271 ✭✭sugarman20


    This has probably be asked before but what is the general opinion of doing a 3 quarter marathon 3 weeks before DCM? Could it be used as your longest or last long run?



  • #49
    marathon2022
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 826 ✭✭✭marathon2022


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122275503#Comment_122275503

    Doing a 20 miler three weeks out is a staple of more advanced plans. If your going to do it -keep it easy, hydrate properly and practice your nutrition.

    On the flip side- if your easy pace has you over three hours for this distance dont do it.



  • #50
    witnessmenow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,250 ✭✭✭witnessmenow


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122272589#Comment_122272589

    I found one of the cheap massage guns from amazon good last year. As I started to get fitter and especially during the taper I probably took it a little bit for granted how useful it was and that was the only time I had any issues with niggles (small bit of plantar fasciitis, but it was ok)



  • #51
    Sub430
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 642 ✭✭✭Sub430


    Well, this is weird.

    I haven't been on boards in aaaaaaaaaaaages but today I stumbled upon a thread and ended up here.

    Back in 2009, I was in the original mentored group and still look back on it with fond memories.

    It's crazy that the thread is still there, it's like going back in time to meet a much younger me.

    Even though I never met anyone from the group, the sense of camaraderie was strong with the regular check ins keeping us accountable.

    I think I ran 4h6 for my first marathon and it was HELL.

    But it did instill a love of running since (been close to sub 3 a few times, I'll get there!).

    Anyway, enjoy the process, it's hard to believe but you'll look back on the training as the best part.

    The marathon itself is just a lap of honour.

    And forget about pace, it's all about time on feet.

    Good luck all.



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