[npresto]

Sorry to take the conversation off-topic but if anyone is interested: Parkrun Malahide had just started up.

It is a free, timed 5k run every Saturday morning at 9.30am in the grounds of Malahide Castle.

Register here: http://www.parkrun.ie
Print off your Barcode and turn up.

More info on Boards.ie here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showt...php?p=81499093

Should be fun!

[Mrs Noc]

What do you wish you had been told before you started training for DCM?
· Doing the marathon is enjoyable. Runners talk about the pain but on the day you will also have a lot of fun.
· Family/friends can get really close to the start and finish lines.

What would you say to people who are reading this thread now and contemplating doing their first marathon next year?
· Do it. Stick to the plan.
· Get a running partner for motivation and company even if it is someone who will accompany you on part of the long slow runs towards the end of the plan.
· Contribute to the thread. It will help you from driving those nearest to you daft when you begin to think about running all the time! People here will answer questions no matter how silly or embarrassing they may seem.
· There is a video where you can get an idea of the route so it doesn’t matter if are not able to do practice runs along the route.
· Collect some money for charity – set a realistic target. People’s generosity will surprise you.

What were your high points and lowpoints of the whole experience?

Highs – Seeing my sister and two girls running up towards me. It was on Terrenure Road where the route only took up one part of the road and there were no cars on the other side. I was able to run across and I got hugs from my girls and husband. He had some extra gels on hand as I’d lost one. Their smiles and cheers helped me on my way. I knew they were so proud of me especially my mam who had a heart attack a few years ago and I raised money for two heart foundations.

Crossing the finish line in under 5 hours whilst waving and cheering to the crowd. I loved it especially when my family were ready and waiting at the end and it was so easy to meet them. We’d a lovely lunch in Rathgar and I proudly wore my finisher’s top and medal.

The signs along the way especially “16 weeks ago this seemed like a good idea”; “If it was easy, everyone would do it”; and “Look lively, there’s a morgue ahead”. Loads of children giving high fives.

The stories, advice and information on this thread. Thank you all especially YoungAnne.

Lows – The Olygate Half Marathon in Wexford. A picturesque run but for much of this I was on my own and felt lonely even though I’m used to running on my own. I felt so slow and was happy just to finish it especially as I’d huge blisters. My husband gave me a cup of tea with sugar which helped pick up my spirits (the simple things!). When we got back to my sister’s house, she opened some bubbly to celebrate the fact that I kept going. After a couple of days I was back out running and following the plan.

My first day back at work (5 November) and realising this journey has come to an end. I’ve tears in my eyes writing this as it’s been such an amazing experience. I loved it.

Do you plan on doing another marathon? You never know.
This was always meant to be a once in a lifetime thing for me. I now would love to do another marathon and know I have the ability to do it. However, I’ll be moving to a more challenging role in work in a few weeks which will hopefully lead to a promotion. Also, I want to have another baby. All in all, that doesn’t leave much time for anything else. I will keep running and go back to bootcamp. Maybe in a few years, I’ll be back doing the DCM trying to beat my time or get a ballot place in the London marathon which is where I live.


Thanks again folks. Good luck to everyone who will be doing the DCM 2013.

[lrak]

I was looking at the marathon improves thread and gained heart from the incredible time improvements on it, especially Younganne;

2006 - 7.26 (run/walk and & dragging my running partner for 8m after she hit the wall!! ( 10k @ 1.38, 13.2 @ 3.28, 26.2 @ 7.26)
2010 - 4.41 ran the whole way (except for about 6 toilet breaks)
2011 - 4.27 - ran the whole way - 1 toilet breat
2012 - 3.57 ran the whole way no toilet breaks

As someone who would love to target to 4.30 next year (4.57, 2012) please let me in on your secrets, especially between 2012 and 2011!

Back at it yesterday with a nice 5 miler in 47minutes; I haven't run that quick in ages!

Thanks

[longterm]

I have a DCM running top it is size small i need a medium pm me beaumont area

[dechol]

Originally Posted by lrak

I was looking at the marathon improves thread and gained heart from the incredible time improvements on it, especially Younganne;

2006 - 7.26 (run/walk and & dragging my running partner for 8m after she hit the wall!! ( 10k @ 1.38, 13.2 @ 3.28, 26.2 @ 7.26)
2010 - 4.41 ran the whole way (except for about 6 toilet breaks)
2011 - 4.27 - ran the whole way - 1 toilet breat
2012 - 3.57 ran the whole way no toilet breaks

As someone who would love to target to 4.30 next year (4.57, 2012) please let me in on your secrets, especially between 2012 and 2011!

Back at it yesterday with a nice 5 miler in 47minutes; I haven't run that quick in ages!

Thanks

also did 4 hr 57 mins and want to know the secret! also took about six toilet breaks and in awe of you running with no break. can't seem to get that right!

[dechol]

Originally Posted by KillianByrne

NYC Marathon cancelled - sorry for Marthastew who travelled I think.

In Irish Independent this morning its says irish New York marathon entrants are going to run marathon on nov 18th in park in order to honour charity commitments etc they will get official t shirts medals etc. they are hoping to do loops in park.

[docrock]

Originally Posted by dechol

also took about six toilet breaks and in awe of you running with no break. can't seem to get that right!

I used to have to take 2 toilet stops during a half & would be bursting after a mile despite going before I started & I'm not that nervous a person. I was even saying to myself how am I going to get to the phoenix park to find a tree on marathon day as thats 3 miles in & i'll be bursting by O Connell St.Got a great bit of advice from Raycun, I think, who said to drink plenty the day before & take it handy the morning/day of the race as you should be hydrated enough & drink to thrist not just because its available.I took it on board & only had one stop during Dublin & that was at 21 miles despite drinking sips from bottles from the second station to there - God help me but I think it was my legs crying out at that stage rather than my bladder but it worked

[Younganne]

Originally Posted by lrak

I was looking at the marathon improves thread and gained heart from the incredible time improvements on it, especially Younganne;

2006 - 7.26 (run/walk and & dragging my running partner for 8m after she hit the wall!! ( 10k @ 1.38, 13.2 @ 3.28, 26.2 @ 7.26)
2010 - 4.41 ran the whole way (except for about 6 toilet breaks)
2011 - 4.27 - ran the whole way - 1 toilet breat
2012 - 3.57 ran the whole way no toilet breaks

As someone who would love to target to 4.30 next year (4.57, 2012) please let me in on your secrets, especially between 2012 and 2011!

Back at it yesterday with a nice 5 miler in 47minutes; I haven't run that quick in ages!

Thanks

Originally Posted by dechol

also did 4 hr 57 mins and want to know the secret! also took about six toilet breaks and in awe of you running with no break. can't seem to get that right!

here are a few things i changed from last year and helped me to bring my time down.


1. I continued to run after the marathon, throughout the winter with no significant break. All the plans I followed are on this thread, if you want to check it out. Also i did plenty of races along the way and got new PBs in very distance

2. I started my own log which i highly recommend because the days I was not feeling like a run i just thought of the excuse i'd have to put on the log, not that anyone would pass any remarks, but just having to put it in writing got me out running.

3. I also added intervals and hills into my training, and i just did what i was told so its all about getting the right plan..!!i followed Ecolis plans on the followon thread mentioned above for the DCM class of 2011

4. In Jan i signed up to the 1000m challenge so again that got me out the door when i didn't really want to. And i think fittingly enough i got the 1000m during the marathon.

5. I signed up to the Meath running group which was one night a week running with others but its a great motivator. This runs from March to October and is aimed at getting people to improve for the marathon. So if you can join a running club i'd definetely think it would help

6. i also did lots of reading on running and read peoples logs here, books anything i could get my hands on and i picked up tips along the way!

Consistent running is the key, and i also think that a big factor is the slow running. Thankfully i have never hit the wall and i put this down to the slow running. and with the consisten running you are improving your base and aerobic ability all the time!!

As for no toiltet breaks i just didn't drink any water bar a few sips on the morning if the race...i drank plenty for the few days before hand. I drink 2 litres of water everyday anyway so i'm usually well hydrated!!

Good luck to you all!

[Mrs Noc]

Originally Posted by Pageant Messiah

Do you plan on doing another marathon? Well I suppose better if I'm mentoring next years novices Aiming to lose some more weight, start from a better place, stay injury free and give it a real crack next year.

After a week off from running, work and being on the internet, I'm now catching up on posts. All the best PM for mentoring next year's novices. No fear. You'll do a great job. There's a part of me that wishes I could be joining you on the improvers' thread. Today I met a friend of mine who has run 7 marathons and has 2 kids (one of whom has been very sick). He helped me believe it is possible to do another one. As I said in my last post, you never know. I was surprised that my husband was the first person to say to me to do another one.

Good luck PM for next year, although I'm sure you will not need it.

[Walkedit]

Originally Posted by Younganne

here are a few things i changed from last year and helped me to bring my time down.


1. I continued to run after the marathon, throughout the winter with no significant break. All the plans I followed are on this thread, if you want to check it out. Also i did plenty of races along the way and got new PBs in very distance

2. I started my own log which i highly recommend because the days I was not feeling like a run i just thought of the excuse i'd have to put on the log, not that anyone would pass any remarks, but just having to put it in writing got me out running.

3. I also added intervals and hills into my training, and i just did what i was told so its all about getting the right plan..!!i followed Ecolis plans on the followon thread mentioned above for the DCM class of 2011

4. In Jan i signed up to the 1000m challenge so again that got me out the door when i didn't really want to. And i think fittingly enough i got the 1000m during the marathon.

5. I signed up to the Meath running group which was one night a week running with others but its a great motivator. This runs from March to October and is aimed at getting people to improve for the marathon. So if you can join a running club i'd definetely think it would help

6. i also did lots of reading on running and read peoples logs here, books anything i could get my hands on and i picked up tips along the way!

Consistent running is the key, and i also think that a big factor is the slow running. Thankfully i have never hit the wall and i put this down to the slow running. and with the consisten running you are improving your base and aerobic ability all the time!!

As for no toiltet breaks i just didn't drink any water bar a few sips on the morning if the race...i drank plenty for the few days before hand. I drink 2 litres of water everyday anyway so i'm usually well hydrated!!

Good luck to you all!

I only realised in these posts that ur DCM history was like mine first walking >7 hrs and then running <5, i'd be delighted if I can keep following in your footsteps to sub 4 which im also thinking 2 yrs or at least 2 FMs!

great advice above as always
Thanks Again for the thread

Mícheál

[Pageant Messiah]

Voted Thread Of The Year ! (by all of us it seems )

[menoscemo]

Originally Posted by Pageant Messiah

Voted Thread Of The Year ! (by all of us it seems )

Congrats on winning 'new poster of the year'

much deserved

[dechol]

Well done everyone and esp.PM... well deserved.

[Younganne]

Well Done Everyone, you're a great bunch and your thread deserved to win!!