London Marathon 22/4/2012

robinph · 15-11-2011 10:21pm

Hadn't thought of that.

May as well just give up with the "training" now, turn up at the start line, plod round, get tshirt, drink beer.

Cartman78 · 17-11-2011 1:12pm

Brianderunner wrote: »

Depends on where you're flying in to. Anywhere on the DLR is fine, Stratford perhaps, there's loads of new hotels there for the olympics. Check your route to the start in Greenwich using the TFL website to see how long (and convenient) your journey is.

Somewhere near Canary Wharf or the ExCel centre is convenient for the start and expo while somewhere closer to town is handy for after the finish. See what you find, it's a big city! Any questions just shout.

Thanks for the info...have found a half-decent hotel near Liverpool st. station so will probably go with that. Travelling with Mrs. Cartman78 so don't want to strand her too far from the centre.

Despite having been to London a fair few times over the years, my geography of it is still hazy at best

Brianderunner · 18-11-2011 11:12am

Cartman78 wrote: »

Thanks for the info...have found a half-decent hotel near Liverpool st. station so will probably go with that. Travelling with Mrs. Cartman78 so don't want to strand her too far from the centre.

Despite having been to London a fair few times over the years, my geography of it is still hazy at best

Liverpool St. is in "the city" which is quite enough at the weekends compared to the west end. From there you can get the Northern line tube from Moorgate or Bank to London Bridge then catch the train to Blackheath, mentioned above by Village Runner.

To get to the expo get the DLR from Bank to the ExCel centre, try to avoid making this trip in the rush hour.

robinph · 18-11-2011 11:16am

Brianderunner wrote: »

To get to the expo get the DLR from Bank to the ExCel centre, try to avoid making this trip in the rush hour.

Was just about to ask where we'd have to be going to collect numbers. Is it just the Saturday that the Expo is open?

Brianderunner · 18-11-2011 11:23am

robinph wrote: »

Was just about to ask where we'd have to be going to collect numbers. Is it just the Saturday that the Expo is open?

Weds, Thurs, Fri and Sat it's open. Its the ExCel centre (Custom House on the DLR) down by London City Airport/Canary Wharf area. It's quite a trek from town.

robinph · 18-11-2011 11:46am

Excellent, that potentially gives me a few more options with trying to fit in weddings and wheeling old relatives about in wheelchairs and not wanting to be treking across the city myself on the day before hand.

Cartman78 · 22-12-2011 4:40pm

121 days to go :eek:

How are people getting on??

I've managed to stay injury free so far; it's my first time training for a spring marathon so not used of heavy mileage in the middle of winter.

My LSR is up to 25k - planning to go 27/28k sometime next week.

Brianderunner · 22-12-2011 5:20pm

Cartman78 wrote: »

121 days to go :eek:

How are people getting on??

I've managed to stay injury free so far; it's my first time training for a spring marathon so not used of heavy mileage in the middle of winter.

My LSR is up to 25k - planning to go 27/28k sometime next week.

Getting on fine here. Plan is still for sub 3 (i think). Marathon pace run on the way for me in the Stephens Day 10 mile race to see how it feels. The MP runs before my sub attempt in Berlin felt close to tempo efforts, knew it wasnt sustainable.

It's great to have a spring marathon to get you out the door every evening. Loads of runners out on the roads over here every evening, great to see.

Cartman78 · 22-12-2011 5:31pm

Good stuff - not 100% sure yet if I'll be toeing the line in Caherdavin...multiple unpredictable factors involved at the moment.

Have signed up for Dungarvan 10 miler at the end of January as well so will be looking to smash PB from Great South Run a couple of years ago.

I haven't got a concrete target in my head yet for London tbh - sub 3:15 is within range if things go well for the next 120 days, and if things go really really well then I reckon I could be knocking on the 3:10 door

robinph · 22-12-2011 5:33pm

Going a bit rubbish here to be honest, not really felt on form since the marathon at the beginning of November and getting a bit annoyed with things. Have the results of my yearly checkup/ service next week though so hoping they can explain a couple of things and I can sort my mind and body out a bit and then do some proper training.

<gives self a slap>Sort yourself out robinph, stop making excuses, and do a marathon properly for a change. :mad:

village runner · 22-12-2011 7:36pm

Out injured myself for the last few weeks. Ran 5 today but feel i have only one leg since. Feels like runners knee.

TheRoadRunner · 22-12-2011 11:55pm

I'm in. Have a GFA number. Didn't think I'd be running but have been given the green light. No target time yet, will make a call early march. If Im not in pb shape an attempt at one of the "running a marathon while dressed up as a superhero" world records might be on the cards

Im available for pints on the Sunday. Many many pints

robinph · 23-12-2011 12:02am

Wear the superhero outfit anyway, you only need 2:42 at the moment:

http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Fastest-marathon-in-superhero-costume-male/photo/13610558/7691.html

TheRoadRunner · 01-01-2012 5:48pm

Just looking at flights at the moment. I'm planning on flying over Saturday and am hoping Shels will be able to pick my number up on the Friday for me.

Assuming there is a problem I would like to head straight to the expo on landing and pick up my number. Anyone a rough idea how long it would take to get from Heathrow to the Excel?

I'm looking at a flight that will land at 1.30ish so this should give me plenty of time. However if it's cutting it fine I'll book an earlier flight.

How's every bodies training going. Only 112 days left to get into optimum race shape.

Podge83 · 02-01-2012 6:06pm

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

Assuming there is a problem I would like to head straight to the expo on landing and pick up my number. Anyone a rough idea how long it would take to get from Heathrow to the Excel?

.

I did this on Saturday last year - I'd say allow an hour and a half for the journey to Excel. Best route is Piccadilly line to Green Park, change to Jubilee Line to Canning town then change to DLR to Excel arena

shels4ever · 03-01-2012 2:26pm

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

Just looking at flights at the moment. I'm planning on flying over Saturday and am hoping Shels will be able to pick my number up on the Friday for me.

Assuming there is a problem I would like to head straight to the expo on landing and pick up my number. Anyone a rough idea how long it would take to get from Heathrow to the Excel?

I'm looking at a flight that will land at 1.30ish so this should give me plenty of time. However if it's cutting it fine I'll book an earlier flight.

How's every bodies training going. Only 112 days left to get into optimum race shape.

Shouldn't be a problem but there could be a mix up and I could end up with a GFN number and you'll be stuck back with the rest of the plebs.

Brianderunner · 03-01-2012 2:38pm

Don't fly to Heathrow for the London marathon, wrong side of the city totally. The Piccadilly line is some grind and you'll be an hour and a half getting to ExCel.

London City is easily best (planes almost scrape the expo before they land), then Gatwick. Half hour from Gatwick to London Bridge on a train where you'll pick up the Jubilee line much closer to Canning Town.

I can pick up anyones number no problem and meet you with it when you arrive in London.

TheRoadRunner · 03-01-2012 3:20pm

Brianderunner wrote: »

Don't fly to Heathrow for the London marathon, wrong side of the city totally. The Piccadilly line is some grind and you'll be an hour and a half getting to ExCel.

London City is easily best (planes almost scrape the expo before they land), then Gatwick. Half hour from Gatwick to London Bridge on a train where you'll pick up the Jubilee line much closer to Canning Town.

I can pick up anyones number no problem and meet you with it when you arrive in London.

Fcuk.q Booked flights last night and chose heathrow. Yeah looked at London city but were pricey. I just decided to fly a little earlier so even if I have to make my way to the excel I have plenty of time. Thanks anyway. Anybody else think the london marathon website is a bit ****? I thought there would be wy more generals infometc on it but a lot of it seems tombe still under construction etc.

Podge83 · 03-01-2012 3:27pm

Yeah, London City Flights are always way more expensive.

I've decided to go over on Friday afternoon - may do the dash then or leave it till Saturday - Tip - don't plan on eating out there - the food last year in the Excel wasn't great and me tank told me about it at about 10.30 on Sunday Morning!!

Cartman78 · 03-01-2012 4:05pm

Getting the early flight from Shannon to Heathrow on the Saturday - haven't put too much thought into the logistics of the Expo yet tbh.

I may be able to arrange for someone to collect my number on the Friday I think - is the Expo itself worth going to? Or is just thousands of stressed out people milling about?

shels4ever · 03-01-2012 4:09pm

Going over early on the Friday morning myself, planning on getting my number that afternoon then feet up for the night .

TheRoadRunner · 03-01-2012 5:06pm

Cartman78 wrote: »

Getting the early flight from Shannon to Heathrow on the Saturday - haven't put too much thought into the logistics of the Expo yet tbh.

I may be able to arrange for someone to collect my number on the Friday I think - is the Expo itself worth going to? Or is just thousands of stressed out people milling about?

It's a good expo and you can pick up cheap gear. However I have a policy of get in and and get out of expos. Can be very draining.

The Hammer · 03-01-2012 8:48pm

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

It's a good expo and you can pick up cheap gear. However I have a policy of get in and and get out of expos. Can be very draining.

Yes - the London Expo is a huge thing - and can really drain the legs walking around at shuffle pace from various stalls.

I think the journey from Heathrow to the Expo, while it takes Tube, Tube, and then DLR, is not *too* bad once you are not in a hurry. So TheRoadRunner - you made a good choice booking an earlier flight.

I find with flights to LHR - the earlier you can get out of Dublin the better - because there can be a snowball effect of lateness as the schedule stretches out over the day.

Just leave the pre-marathon hydration until you are settled back in your hotel

BTW - You are probably aiming to beat that superb Berlin time of yours... any other Irish lads there to run with at your end of business?

TheRoadRunner · 03-01-2012 11:38pm

The Hammer wrote: »

BTW - You are probably aiming to beat that superb Berlin time of yours... any other Irish lads there to run with at your end of business?

Not too sure of target time yet but a friend of mine is targeting 2.35 or lower so we will see.

Abhainn · 05-01-2012 3:22pm

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

It's a good expo and you can pick up cheap gear. However I have a policy of get in and and get out of expos. Can be very draining.

I got to expo at about 11am last year. It wasn't too bad. Paula Radcliff gave a good interview at the main area.
Goodies bags aren't great but you do get a can of London Pride beer to keep the carbing up

Cartman78 · 07-01-2012 4:58pm

30k this morning

Deffo the longest run I've done at this stage of marathon preparation so feeling pretty chuffed with myself.

Looking forward to Dungarvan 10 at the end of the month for a stretch of the legs; still trying to sort a half-marathon - the only options seem to be Kinvara Rock & Road or Connemara Half

Podge83 · 07-01-2012 5:26pm

Cartman78 wrote: »

30k this morning Deffo the longest run I've done at this stage of marathon preparation so feeling pretty chuffed with myself.

Looking forward to Dungarvan 10 at the end of the month for a stretch of the legs; still trying to sort a half-marathon - the only options seem to be Kinvara Rock & Road or Connemara Half

There's a half in Meath on March 4 (Bohermeen i think). I think i'll give that one a lash - reasonable price too

opus · 15-01-2012 8:24pm

Presume everyone's starting the training plans for this now?

Finished the first week of the 12-week P&D today which I started a bit early to let me juggle weekends off. Must say I really dislike the first week with its 8 mile at marathon pace LSR, it's like starting school after the holidays & having an exam at the end of the first week

marathonm@n · 20-01-2012 7:57pm

Anybody have a rough idea how long it would take from finish to Gatwick. Thanks

Podge83 · 21-01-2012 2:11pm

marathonm@n wrote: »

Anybody have a rough idea how long it would take from finish to Gatwick. Thanks

Get to Victoria - not too far from finish but with crowds its a bit unpredictable. Gatwick express goes every 15 minutes and takes about 30-35 minutes to get there.

Tyrone_03 · 22-01-2012 2:36am

I am in under a charity entry. Up as far as thirteen miles now with my training and feeling great.

Brianderunner · 22-01-2012 2:58am

Podge83 wrote: »

Get to Victoria - not too far from finish but with crowds its a bit unpredictable. Gatwick express goes every 15 minutes and takes about 30-35 minutes to get there.

Gatwick express is a ripoff, it catches out out-of-towners all the time, just like the Stansted Express. Get the train from London Bridge to Gatwick for half the price (about £9 single compared to the £19 of Gatwick Express) and takes 35-40 mins also. Jubilee line tube from Westminster (closest tube to finish) to London Bridge and your sorted.

You can get £5 advance fares from Victoria alright if you know what train your getting. Check the national rail website from 3 months out.

Podge83 · 23-01-2012 10:22am

Brianderunner wrote: »

Gatwick express is a ripoff, it catches out out-of-towners all the time, just like the Stansted Express. Get the train from London Bridge to Gatwick for half the price (about £9 single compared to the £19 of Gatwick Express) and takes 35-40 mins also. Jubilee line tube from Westminster (closest tube to finish) to London Bridge and your sorted.

You can get £5 advance fares from Victoria alright if you know what train your getting. Check the national rail website from 3 months out.

Marathonm@n:- Ignore me - go with the local advice!!

marathonm@n · 23-01-2012 10:43am

looking to fly home straight after (as you can gather). bit of a silly question but are the bags you use to store your stuff large or small?
Reason I ask is that I know they will probably only allow storage of their plastic bags. I am going to try and travel as light as possible but would another bag fit inside it (say a small backpack)?

village runner · 23-01-2012 7:12pm

marathonm@n wrote: »

looking to fly home straight after (as you can gather). bit of a silly question but are the bags you use to store your stuff large or small?
Reason I ask is that I know they will probably only allow storage of their plastic bags. I am going to try and travel as light as possible but would another bag fit inside it (say a small backpack)?

Big enough. You would fit a decent change of clothes. But what about phone wallet passport etc?? Dangerous if you ask me

marathonm@n · 24-01-2012 1:38am

village runner wrote: »

Big enough. You would fit a decent change of clothes. But what about phone wallet passport etc?? Dangerous if you ask me

good thinking.Never thought of that. Thanks

village runner · 25-01-2012 11:25pm

marathonm@n wrote: »

good thinking.Never thought of that. Thanks

I am staying within 5 min walk of the finish so if you want stuff minded i could help ?? Going over thurs to sunday.

ThePiedPiper · 27-01-2012 4:28pm

12 weeks to go I think!! Just starting to crank up the long runs a bit now. I did a 16 mile run in strong winds last weekend, was a toughie. Might chance a 17 or 18 this weekend. I don't think I'll have the time to get in the 55-70 mile weeks that I'd need to get another sub 3 but I'm not going to get bogged down on what time I run.

Are any of you lot flying home on the Sunday evening after the race? Is there anything resembling shower facilities afterwards? Or is there showers at Heathrow even?

robinph · 27-01-2012 5:49pm

Not going to get as many miles in this week myself either, have a regional XC race tomorrow as well. Next week loads of us from the club are going on a 17 mile run from the centre of the city to the next one and then spending the rest of the day in the pub, usually gets pretty messy before we then get the train back after a curry. Not sure if that session overall would count as a good long run for the marathon build up, but it will have to do.

Looks like there are showers at Heathrow, but as I'd expect you're going through T1 there doesn't seem to be any there:
http://www.heathrowairport.com/heathrow-airport-guide/services-and-facilities/toilets-and-showers

You should hang around in London fora an extra night and have some beers instead.

marathonm@n · 28-01-2012 11:49am

village runner wrote: »

I am staying within 5 min walk of the finish so if you want stuff minded i could help ?? Going over thurs to sunday.

That's very good of you. That would be great. I will pm you. Thanks

Cartman78 · 30-01-2012 3:07pm

The McMillan Calculator comes up with a 2:58 marathon based on my time in Dungarvan yesterday

:D:D

Don't have much confidence in these types of things tbh - the Reality Calculator in my brain is coming up with sub-3:10 being an achievable time.

I haven't done enough long runs yet at all - longest has been 30k and won't be able to get one in this week the way things are shaping up (no car :mad: and in Dublin for the rugby at the weekend

).

Will be doing Adare 10k on Feb 26th and prob Kinvara Half in early March - so might have a clearer target in mind after those.

robinph · 30-01-2012 3:13pm

Who is staying for pints on the Sunday night? Any general area that you have booked hotels in?

Just trying to figure out what region to book myself to limit walking as much as possible, both before and after the race.

robinph · 31-01-2012 2:08pm

Just put in a predicted time on this map:

http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/interactive-map/

...and it then shows little dots moving around the route. Looks like I may just about be able to Tower Bridge as the elite women come back the other way.

marathonm@n · 31-01-2012 6:51pm

am looking to do a half on sat 25th feb as part of training. Would anybody know of any on that day?

opus · 31-01-2012 9:53pm

robinph wrote: »

Who is staying for pints on the Sunday night? Any general area that you have booked hotels in?

Just trying to figure out what region to book myself to limit walking as much as possible, both before and after the race.

I'm sticking around anyway, have a few friends coming along so we're staying 'til Tuesday to make a long w/end out of it.

Cartman78 · 01-02-2012 9:51am

marathonm@n wrote: »

am looking to do a half on sat 25th feb as part of training. Would anybody know of any on that day?

Don't know of any on that weekend - Kinvara and Bohermeen (Meath) are on the following weekend

Cartman78 · 15-02-2012 10:17am

Well peeps - how is everyone getting on?

The weeks seem to be flying by :eek:; depending on the length of your taper there's probably only 6 or 7 weekend LSR's to go.

Feeling in pretty good shape although the amount of niggles I have seems to be increasing on a weekly basis.

Did 30k very slowly on Sunday and 12k last night at a handy enough pace and felt grand. Intervals tonight, 14k on Thurs or Friday, hill run on Sat and will be aiming for 32k on Sunday.

Still have no concrete target time - will be breaking the race down into 4 x 10k and trying to go sub 45 mins for each one and then sprinting the last 2k to scrape under 3hrs :cool:

robinph · 15-02-2012 10:24am

Got up to doing an 18 at the weekend. Had a couple of of days off since though due to Man Flu.

Next couple of weeks have to be a bit less mileage due to other things going on, but just need to keep ticking over in between. It is actually getting a bit close now, but I'm happy that I've done loads more than ever before in the lead up to a marathon. I think I will aim for 2:55 pace and hope to get a good bit under that.

Will just need some good weather then.

Brianderunner · 15-02-2012 10:36am

First 20 miler last Saturday and up to 60+ mile weeks for the first time. Aiming for sub 80-81 mins in the Silverstone Half in 4 weeks. That should be the launchpad i need to break 3 hrs at long last.

Loads of runners out here these days. Approaching peak mileage time now.

robinph · 15-02-2012 10:40am

Do they have pacers in London?

If they do then they will obviously not be as good as those famed Dublin ones, but just wondering if there will be any balloons that I should be keeping an eye out for chasing behind me?

London Marathon 22/4/2012

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