Just started running-Can I run the Dublin Marathon in October?

jaytobe wrote: »

Did 17+miles yesterday and used the Power Bar Jellies so energy levels were fine. I also brought some gel and to prove what a novice I am, I only saw that it is to be mixed with water when I opened it on mile 9! Is this a big deal to take straight? Assume its gets to the system easier with water..

Next issue to sort is the leg, muscles gave way after mile 15mile and I was at zimmer frame pace...any advice?

SiS gels don't need to be consumed with water but are a bit bulkier to carry around

pistol_75 wrote: »

Well everyone seeing as I originally posted this thread I think I should give you an update on where I am with training.

Last week consisted of 5, 7.5, 5 midweek runs ans a 14.5 mile lsr which took approx 2.5 hours. Definitly took it at the right pace and felt fine the next day.

Plan for the long run the next few weeks is

16
Half Marathon (Step Back Week)
18
20
14
8
Marathon

As I said at the outset I am just hoping to complete the marathon for my first attempt. The week before last I met up with some of the boards runners for my 12 mile run (theirs was 15) and picked up plenty of tips about training paces etc.

also used gels for the first time properly last Saturday and I think they definitly helped in some way. Longest I has run for before was 1.55 and felt comfortable for the extra time this week.

I'd make the 18 - 16 to give a little step back before 20 assuming the half will be at PMP?

mrslow wrote: »

I'd make the 18 - 16 to give a little step back before 20 assuming the half will be at PMP?

I wouldn't. The step-up from 16 miles to 18 miles is pretty significant if you have never run further than 16 miles before (25%) and the half marathon is already a step-back week.

jaytobe wrote: »

For midweek runs is it advisable to take water or only as needed...never like the idea ofcarrying bottles during a run though.

I wasn't suggesting isotonic gels as an alternative to water, but rather as an alternative to non-isotonic gels on weekend long runs. Realistically, you should get to a stage eventually on mid-week runs, where you don't even need water. Just make sure you're well hydrated beforehand and afterwards.

brophya2007 wrote: »

Krusty - would you suggest 16/Half/18/20 for the next four weeks?

I missed my LSR last week and did 15 miles the week before that.

15 is the furthest i've got so far, maybe 17 this week?

Hi BrophyA, without knowing your background, it's very difficult to prescribe a training program (and I am the opposite end of the spectrum to a coach), but if this is your first marathon, and the above long runs correspond to the weekends you have remaining before the taper and you're doing the half marathon (that's a lot of if's!) then yes, 16, half, 18 and then 19 or 20 is probably your best bet before the three week taper.

Remember the old idioms:
It's better to be under-trained then over-trained
If you don't make the start line, then you definitely won't make the finish line
Keep those LSRs slow.

Cindyss wrote: »

Hi All,
Another question, DCM virgin,
Just ran Dingle 1/2 in 1.49, felt quite easy to be honest, over the next 3 weeks I have 2 20Mile LSR's schedules, have completed one already which was very hilly and very hard, ( will do next one on the flat )
I have signed up to do the Cork to Cobh run 3 weeks out from the DCM, should I run this at PMP ( 9 M/M ) or try for as fast a time as I can ~ 8 to 8.15 M/M.
Thanks for all your help and information, Boards is getting me thru the training,

Regards gary

Three weeks out from your target marathon is usually the opportunity when you run your last long run, before beginning your taper.
How long is Cork to Cobh?
When are you doing your last long run?

DoraExplora wrote: »

Hi ,
Just after checking out that Higdon plan and at the risk of sounding stupid...what does 'cross' mean on sundays? is it any kind of cross training you want? And what do the numbers mean on Saturdays?? are they miles too?

yes and yes.

Any sort of cross-training, but things that take the weight off your legs are better, like swimming or cycling.
And they are miles on Saturdays, the long slow runs.

DoraExplora wrote: »

Hi ,

Just after checking out that Higdon plan and at the risk of sounding stupid...what does 'cross' mean on sundays? is it any kind of cross training you want? And what do the numbers mean on Saturdays?? are they miles too?

Explaination of the terms here (and by Krusty above!)
http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

menoscemo wrote: »

Depends on the training plan you are following. P&D for exapmle recommend you running a race that weekend (albeit a much shorter one).

I was thinking of doing this race at PMP. I think doing 15 mile PMP comfortably 3 weeks out from the big day would be a great confidence booster. Why don't you try it as a 'dress rehersal'. i.e. caryy the same gels you intend to for DCM, same nutrition plan wear same gear etc.

xebec wrote: »

Some discussion on this point already over on the Cork to Cobh thread.

Krusty - C2C is 15 miles on a flat course...

Krusty, for hose on Hal Higidon this is the 20mile w/e that the C2C is on. What ya reckon re: worth doing to practice routine, is 5mile a real difference. Assume pace should be same for LSRs.

lamai wrote: »

I want to do the Dublin Marathon in October(first time), which gives me 6 weeks or probably 5 weeks with only a few smaller runs on the last week. I do some triathlons and I am in good shape(run about 17.30min for 5k and 38min for 10k). but I only run maybe once or twice a week maybe 5-8 miles. The most I had ran up until today was 9 miles. So today I ran 13.5 miles in 1hr 47min. I felt grand with the pace and I probably could have went to 18 miles.(legs are fine tonight)

As I have very little time left. I need a training schedule for the next few weeks, any ideas on how many miles I should run a week etc?

Thanks

Personally I wouldn't recommend it, as you are potentially putting yourself at a high risk of injury (with 6 weeks to go, beginner programs would be up around the 18 mile mark). It's not about what you could have done, but instead what you actually have done. You need to build that strength and endurance in your legs, not only so you can complete the race, but also run for 3+ hours without causing injury.

But if you must persist, you need to get the mileage into the legs, while trying to keep the weekly increase in mileage quite steady. You already have solid speed, so I'd concentrate on getting time on the feet. Run your long runs very easy, and build up the time on your feet. I'm not going to suggest a plan, as I don't believe there is a sensible approach that will get you from 9 miles (yes I know you've done a 13 mile run) to 26 miles in 6 weeks. Just gradually build up the weekend long run until you're up to 18-20 miles, and don't forget to taper for the last couple of weeks.

LouiseMcNa wrote: »

In fairness he had some training and did some circuit stuff which he said helped more than the road running so try that.

Fair play to your friend for overcoming his absence of training and complete the distance anyway. Circuit training is certainly better than no training at all, but the only way to train for a marathon is to rack up miles on the road.

I hope he went back afterwards and trained properly, and gave it another bash?