Dublin Marathon - Runners and Training Programme Advice Please

Fergal C

I've just signed up for the 2007 Dublin City Marathon.

Can anyone recommend a good sports shop for buying runners in the Co Louth or North Dublin area? What about JJB Sports?

What are the most important factors to consider when purchasing runners?

I'd also like a recommendation for a training programme for a complete beginner. Are there any books that would be useful?

Thanks!

hunnymonster

Try to avoid the big chain lifestyle sports/champion/JJB as they are not run by real runners. If you are willing to make the trek there is a running store in Bray (if you're coming from Dundalk get the train/dart) that will analyse your gait and get the runners that are perfect for you. It's

http://amphibianking.ie/

There are loads of books out there for first time marathoners. Have a look on amazon for one you like the sound of. The only book I've read that gave dodgy advice was marathon running for dummies. Quite a few people I know have used this one

http://www.amazon.com/Non-Runners-Marathon-Trainer-David-Whitsett/dp/1570281823

For training plans, to a certain extent you willl have to find what works for you but have a look at hal Higdons guide to get an idea of what is involved.

http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00index.htm


The best running forum is the runners world (uk)

www.runnersworld.co.uk

There is loads of helpful advice on there.

Fergal C

Thanks very much hunnymonster for your informative post.

I've ordered the book you recommended from Amazon. Having looked at some other threads in this forum and I've seen enough recommendations for Amphibian king to make me believe it is worth the trip. I'll give them a call tomorrow.

http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00index.htm - thanks for the link. The novice training programme has a six mile run in the first week. Unfortunately I'm a bit away from that yet (I can jog for 2-3 miles at a stretch), but I have more than the 18 weeks outlined in that programme. I'll visit that link in a few weeks when I've some preparatory training done.

I've also had a look at www.runnersworld.co.uk and will check it out further.

Thanks again!

quozl

Henri check out Higdon's Spring Trainging plan http://www.halhigdon.com/spring/Springnovice.htm

It's meant to get beginners ready to start his beginners marathon training plan. You might like having the structure of a specific training plan while you're increasing mileage.