Dublin Half-Marathon-20th Sept- TIPS/ADVICE

Dick Darlington

Hi,

So the half marathion is a week and a half away. Its my 1st half marathon and hope to be doing the full marathon itself next year. So I presume a lot of people are doing this run and its a fair mix of beginners to seasoned veterans. So maybe people would like to post tips on the run.

Things like food, preparation the days before, runs the week before and preparation the morning of the race or whatever comes to mind ?

I know i'd find it helpful to hear directly from peoples experience.

One thing i'd like to hear is what people eat the morning of the race, how early they get up etc ? Personally I always find it harder running in the mornings than in the evenings

gscully

I ran my first half-marathon last weekend in Waterford. I've only really been running a year, and at 37 my best days are behind me. The majority of my runs in the last year have been 3-5 miles and I would be a 9-min miler over the 5m, so not too fast!

In training for the half-marathon, I ran a couple of 7.5m runs about 6 weeks before but then fell by the wayside for a couple of weeks. Two weeks before the race, I set myself a target of one 3m, one 5m and one 10m in the penultimate week. If I could do that 10m, I had a chance of finishing the half-marathon. I managed to do the 10m a week before the 13m, but only just! I allowed myself to become dehydrated by not drinking enough water in the days beforehand. I prepared better in the days before the half-marathon by drinking pints of water. On the morning of the run, I had a cereal three hours before the start and a couple of pints of water. Three hours seems to be the cutoff for food and your best bet is to have something rich in carbs. I think most runners will stop drinking water an hour beforehand to avoid the dreaded stitch. There'll be plenty en-route to keep you going anyway.

In terms of doing a half-marathon, I wasn't prepared properly training-wise. I did the bare minimum and it showed when my legs started to go at 7-8m. I lost touch with the group ahead of me and the last 5m running alone on tired legs was tough, but I actually enjoyed it in the end and want to do more, but with plenty of mileage in my legs

The best advice I can give you is to not have any big expectations. Concentrate purely on enjoying the run. Start slowly (about 1 min / mile slower than normal 10k pace) and if you have the legs later in the race, use them then. If you go off too fast you'll burn quickly. If you're looking to do the full marathon, you'll need this run to help your confidence, so don't over-expect. Just do it...and you can then work from there!

Best of luck!

Dick Darlington

gscully wrote: »

I ran my first half-marathon last weekend in Waterford. I've only really been running a year, and at 37 my best days are behind me. The majority of my runs in the last year have been 3-5 miles and I would be a 9-min miler over the 5m, so not too fast!

In training for the half-marathon, I ran a couple of 7.5m runs about 6 weeks before but then fell by the wayside for a couple of weeks. Two weeks before the race, I set myself a target of one 3m, one 5m and one 10m in the penultimate week. If I could do that 10m, I had a chance of finishing the half-marathon. I managed to do the 10m a week before the 13m, but only just! I allowed myself to become dehydrated by not drinking enough water in the days beforehand. I prepared better in the days before the half-marathon by drinking pints of water. On the morning of the run, I had a cereal three hours before the start and a couple of pints of water. Three hours seems to be the cutoff for food and your best bet is to have something rich in carbs. I think most runners will stop drinking water an hour beforehand to avoid the dreaded stitch. There'll be plenty en-route to keep you going anyway.

In terms of doing a half-marathon, I wasn't prepared properly training-wise. I did the bare minimum and it showed when my legs started to go at 7-8m. I lost touch with the group ahead of me and the last 5m running alone on tired legs was tough, but I actually enjoyed it in the end and want to do more, but with plenty of mileage in my legs

The best advice I can give you is to not have any big expectations. Concentrate purely on enjoying the run. Start slowly (about 1 min / mile slower than normal 10k pace) and if you have the legs later in the race, use them then. If you go off too fast you'll burn quickly. If you're looking to do the full marathon, you'll need this run to help your confidence, so don't over-expect. Just do it...and you can then work from there!

Best of luck!

Cool, so do people agree with the eating 3hrs before and stopping drinking water about the same ?

Also what do people suggest in terms of runs the week before ? I'm plannning a long run this Sunday, maybe 9/10 miles, but what about next week before the run? Should I keep it to very short runs ?

bazman

Everyone has different race preparation techniques, but I would recommend the following for the half marathon:
- a protein intensive diet early in the week (Mon/Tue) to assist muscle recovery from training
- a carb intensive diet late in the week (Thurs/Fri) to ensure your glycogen stores are topped up (e.g. pasta the night before works well)
- lots of liquids on Thurs/Fri also
- a low GI breakfast about 3-4 hours before the race (e.g. porridge)
- continue with fluids (for me hypotonic type e.g. half sports drink, half water) up until 30min before start (do NOT stop drinking 3 hours before race)
- very little running on race week - suggest a few 30-40min runs to keep the blood flowing (you not going to get any faster on race week)

If the half marathon is going to take you over the 90mins, then you also should be taking fluids during race, again ideally something with some electrolyte and carb content ...

Dick Darlington

bazman wrote: »

Everyone has different race preparation techniques, but I would recommend the following for the half marathon:
- a protein intensive diet early in the week (Mon/Tue) to assist muscle recovery from training
- a carb intensive diet late in the week (Thurs/Fri) to ensure your glycogen stores are topped up (e.g. pasta the night before works well)
- lots of liquids on Thurs/Fri also
- a low GI breakfast about 3-4 hours before the race (e.g. porridge)
- continue with fluids (for me hypotonic type e.g. half sports drink, half water) up until 30min before start (do NOT stop drinking 3 hours before race)
- very little running on race week - suggest a few 30-40min runs to keep the blood flowing (you not going to get any faster on race week)

If the half marathon is going to take you over the 90mins, then you also should be taking fluids during race, again ideally something with some electrolyte and carb content ...

So somethng like Lucozade Sport before and during the race ? Or is there something better ?

A problem i'd have if I kept drinking to so soon before the race is having to pee every ten mins ? Or is this just a risk ya gotta take ?

bazman

I'm not an expert on the merits of Lucozade Sport v. other brands, but I'm sure it is just as good as any other. Electrolytes are very important for half marathon. As a said, I would mix with a water as most of the sports drinks off the shelf are a little too concentrated.

Stop drinking 30-40 mins before race start - go for easy warm-up and make sure you go for a pre-race pee. No need to overdo the race morning drinking, assuming you've hydrated well in the days leading up to race - on the morning of the race I would drink about a litre over the space of about 2 hours.

After that if you want to pee during race you're not going hard enough

Krusty_Clown

You haven't described your running pattern leading up to the race, so it's hard to say what you should run the week before the race. For most of my half-marathons, I have done a mid-week run of about 8 miles, about four days before the race, but this definitely wouldn't work for most people.

Hal Higdon has a couple of training programs for the half-marathon distance, which covers novice, intermediate, advanced here, which generally speaking prescribes 4,3 and 2 miles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. However it's not very relevant if you didn't follow the complete program. There's no sense in over-tiring yourself, so make sure that your mileage is less than half of what it has been for previous weeks. The most important thing is to pace yourself correctly and enjoy the race.

As for diet, eat something that you know will sit well with you. Don't eat or drink anything that you wouldn't normally eat or drink for your training runs. I will have my usual Wheetabix, banana and a couple of slices or toast at least three hours before the race. Then sip on water or a sports drink in the hour leading up to the race. If you're not used to running 13 miles, then figure on stopping at one or more of the drink stations.

Krusty_Clown

As far as I know, you're really not supposed to dilute sports drinks. the reason is, that they're isotonic, which means that they have the same salt concentration levels as blood, and the carbohydrates/energy is absorbed quicker into the body. If you dilute them, then you are changing the salt concentration levels.

If you sip the drink you're less likely to need to have a pee. But do make sure you relieve yourself beforehand, or it'll be a long race!
You will see lots of people running for the bushes during the race, so you wont be alone!

Rusty Cogs 08

Will anyone be pacing certain times at the half mara' ? I wouldn't mind a crack at a sub 90mins but I don't have a 'pacing' watch (Garmin forerunner etc.).

Dick Darlington

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

You haven't described your running pattern leading up to the race, so it's hard to say what you should run the week before the race. For most of my half-marathons, I have done a mid-week run of about 8 miles, about four days before the race, but this definitely wouldn't work for most people.

Hal Higdon has a couple of training programs for the half-marathon distance, which covers novice, intermediate, advanced here, which generally speaking prescribes 4,3 and 2 miles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. However it's not very relevant if you didn't follow the complete program. There's no sense in over-tiring yourself, so make sure that your mileage is less than half of what it has been for previous weeks. The most important thing is to pace yourself correctly and enjoy the race.

As for diet, eat something that you know will sit well with you. Don't eat or drink anything that you wouldn't normally eat or drink for your training runs. I will have my usual Wheetabix, banana and a couple of slices or toast at least three hours before the race. Then sip on water or a sports drink in the hour leading up to the race. If you're not used to running 13 miles, then figure on stopping at one or more of the drink stations.

On average I run about 4 times a week doing about 5-7 miles at a time, sometimes a bit more, sometimes a bit less, but very rarely less.

Krusty_Clown

Have a look at Hal Higdon's plans then, as your running pattern would be similar to his training plans. Bear in mind that his half-marathon is scheduled for a Sunday, and our race is on the Saturday, so move the runs to a day earlier.

Krusty_Clown

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

Will anyone be pacing certain times at the half mara' ? I wouldn't mind a crack at a sub 90mins but I don't have a 'pacing' watch (Garmin forerunner etc.).

I'm using a Forerunner, but you're too fast for me! I'll be looking at 1:38 to 1:42.

ss43

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Hal Higdon has a couple of training programs for the half-marathon distance, which covers novice, intermediate, advanced here, which generally speaking prescribes 4,3 and 2 miles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. However it's not very relevant if you didn't follow the complete program. There's no sense in over-tiring yourself, so make sure that your mileage is less than half of what it has been for previous weeks. The most important thing is to pace yourself correctly and enjoy the race.

I think that Hal Higdon lad is a bit of a spoofer - the highest amount of weekly volume in his advanced half marathon programme wouldn't even get to fifty miles. How is that advanced? His advanced marathon and 5k programmes are similarly easy.

Rusty Cogs 08

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I'm using a Forerunner, but you're too fast for me! I'll be looking at 1:38 to 1:42.

Having run twice in 20 days (since a marathon) I might be dreaming on the sub 90. Can I ask how you find the forerunner. Considering getting a 405 but I'm wondering how the gps signal is ? ie. does it 'lose' it's signal much thus leaving you wondering where you are and how your doing (sounds like my usual Saturday night ) ?

earlyevening

I'm hoping to break 90 mins for the first time. I did 66mins in the 10 mile. No fancy gadgetry though. Is it really all neccessary??

Krusty_Clown

ss43 wrote: »

I think that Hal Higdon lad is a bit of a spoofer - the highest amount of weekly volume in his advanced half marathon programme wouldn't even get to fifty miles. How is that advanced? His advanced marathon and 5k programmes are similarly easy.

Good luck to you. You're obviously too good for the likes of us mere mortals. If Higdon's advanced marathon program is too easy for you, then you should probably try Pete Pfitzinger. What time are you going for? What's your marathon time?

Krusty_Clown

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

Having run twice in 20 days (since a marathon) I might be dreaming on the sub 90. Can I ask how you find the forerunner. Considering getting a 405 but I'm wondering how the gps signal is ? ie. does it 'lose' it's signal much thus leaving you wondering where you are and how your doing (sounds like my usual Saturday night ) ?

Which marathon did you do? What time did you do it in?

My 405 hasn't lost its signal on any run, including forests, cities, etc. The 405 won't help you if you're lost though. It's not designed for location based functionality, and the functionality that's there is very poor. But it's great for speed/pace, distance, heart rate, elevation, time, laps, etc.

Krusty_Clown

earlyevening wrote: »

I'm hoping to break 90 mins for the first time. I did 66mins in the 10 mile. No fancy gadgetry though. Is it really all neccessary??

Probably not, but it certainly helped me. You seem to be doing good enough on your own though. Your time would put you in the top 10%. But maybe with a forerunner you could get into the top 5%.

ss43

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Good luck to you. You're obviously too good for the likes of us mere mortals. If Higdon's advanced marathon program is too easy for you, then you should probably try Pete Pfitzinger. What time are you going for? What's your marathon time?

It's not a question of whether I'm too good for anyone else or for that programme. It's just not a programme for advanced runners.
I'm not a marathoner but I just don't see how a training programme that involves the following as it's toughest week could be 'advanced'.

Mon 3 m run + strength
Tue 4 x 1600 Race pace
Wed 3 m run + strength
Thurs 55 min tempo
Fri Rest
Sat 5 m pace
Sun 2:00 run (3/1)

Advanced in my book would involve double days most days of the week and much more bulk than that. That programme has four runs, two recovery runs and a rest day. It's hardly that taxing.

Krusty_Clown

ss43 wrote: »

It's not a question of whether I'm too good for anyone else or for that programme. It's just not a programme for advanced runners.
I'm not a marathoner but I just don't see how a training programme that involves the following as it's toughest week could be 'advanced'.

Out of curiosity, what time are you going for in the half-marathon?

Not all training programs suit all people. I used his intermediate II program recently for Longford marathon, and it worked out great for me.

I don't think anyone will ever aim for a sub 2:45 marathon following a Hal Higdon program, but he's hardly a spoofer. He makes his programs available, for free, and they are used by people very successfully worldwide. I think you are confusing his use of the word 'advanced' with Elite. Advanced, in his terminology is the intermediate program plus speedwork. If you want greater mileage, you go with a different program that has more mileage, like the one I suggested above.

I linked to Higdon's programs originally, in order to suggest a half-marathon taper to the OP (who is running his first half-marathon), not to debate the merits of Higdon's programs. If you want to suggest an alternative, by all means go ahead.

ss43

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Out of curiosity, what time are you going for in the half-marathon?

Not all training programs suit all people. I used his intermediate II program recently for Longford marathon, and it worked out great for me.

I don't think anyone will ever aim for a sub 2:45 marathon following a Hal Higdon program, but he's hardly a spoofer. He makes his programs available, for free, and they are used by people very successfully worldwide. I think you are confusing his use of the word 'advanced' with Elite. Advanced, in his terminology is the intermediate program plus speedwork. If you want greater mileage, you go with a different program that has more mileage, like the one I suggested above.

I linked to Higdon's programs originally, in order to suggest a half-marathon taper to the OP (who is running his first half-marathon), not to debate the merits of Higdon's programs. If you want to suggest an alternative, by all means go ahead.

I'm not doing a half marathon either but I do have a big interest in the training for all distance events from 800m up to marathon.

There is a difference in how we interpret the terms anyway as I would consider advanced to be under 2:30 for a man but even aside from that I don't see how having two days of the week with just 3 mile runs prepares someone for a 13 mile race especially when only one run goes over an hour.

I wasn't questioning the taper as such but Higdon is someone who is mentioned a lot here so I decided I'd have a look at his advice. Maybe I should've started another thread to question his methods.

For a taper I would recommend reducing mileage to between 50-75% depending on how high it is to start with. If you're not doing much you don't need to reduce it much but for someone doing 180k a week they'd want to drop it a good bit. I'd keep intensity the same.

For marathon training I'd recommend reading what Renato Canova has said about it. A google search should get a good bit of information. Greg McMillan seems to know what he's on about too.

Krusty_Clown

I agree, I think we're talking about completely different standards. The first couple of half marathons I have done have been around the 1:44 mark, and were based on one long run at the weekends (10 hilly miles), a game of football, and one mid-week run of about 5-6 miles. Hardly ideal, but plenty enough to comfortably finish a half-marathon.

If you want to do a 2:30 marathon (or 1:10 half marathon), Higdon's advanced program would probably not be intensive enough, but it's perfectly good for people setting out on their first few races and the majority of runners (who will not be aiming for sub 3 hour (1:25 half)).

Buachaillin Bo

Hi Dick
if you're still there...i too am embarkin on my first half marathon! thanx to all for da tips and if there are any more plz send dem on dis way...is it true dat the water stop will be packed and it wud better to carry a drink in one of those running bottles? Does any one know if da distances on the circuit are marked? I persume these are in miles? or is it miles and kms? How much liquid shud be taken on durin da race (I've been running up to 11m without drinkin anything) ?
Thanx for da help and cant wait to get started now!!!!

Rusty Cogs 08

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Which marathon did you do? What time did you do it in?

My 405 hasn't lost its signal on any run, including forests, cities, etc. The 405 won't help you if you're lost though. It's not designed for location based functionality, and the functionality that's there is very poor. But it's great for speed/pace, distance, heart rate, elevation, time, laps, etc.

I did the Reykjavik marathon in 3.16. I ran a (self measured) half marathon pseudo race in prep a couple of months back and ran 90m17secs so I've never run under the 90. My training since the marathon has been minimal but I'm going to give next Sat's half a shot before I hang up my safety pins for the winter.

Caroline B

In my opinion there are not going to enough water stations, see ; http://adidasdublinmarathon.ie/map08_halfmara.pdf

shows where theyll be. if they only have kids handing out cups and filling them up again then yes, it'll be hard to get water (im going to take my own because i was nearly legged up (at the Frank Duffy) by kids running back and forward across the runners and throwing stuff).

im lookijg forward to my first half marathon too, and will be running 10-15 miles this week in prep, friday off with plenty of carbs and water. i agree eating 3 hours before is grand. by the time you finish you'll be hungry, but thats what chocolates for!!

Krusty_Clown

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

I did the Reykjavik marathon in 3.16. I ran a (self measured) half marathon pseudo race in prep a couple of months back and ran 90m17secs so I've never run under the 90.

Very impressive. My marathon time points me towards a 98min, so that's what I'll aim for and try and improve on it towards the end of the race. Did 22 miles up over the mountains this morning (for October) so the half isn't a key race for me. Saving up for the big one!

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

I'm going to give next Sat's half a shot before I hang up my safety pins for the winter.

Krusty_Clown

Buachaillin Bo wrote: »

Hi Dick
if you're still there...i too am embarkin on my first half marathon! thanx to all for da tips and if there are any more plz send dem on dis way...is it true dat the water stop will be packed and it wud better to carry a drink in one of those running bottles? Does any one know if da distances on the circuit are marked? I persume these are in miles? or is it miles and kms? How much liquid shud be taken on durin da race (I've been running up to 11m without drinkin anything) ?
Thanx for da help and cant wait to get started now!!!!

The route will definitely be marked in miles, but sometimes it can be difficult to spot the mile markers (e.g. if you're in a crowd, on the wrong side of the road, etc).

If you're used to running 11m without any drinks, then you could probably get away with finishing without taking on any drinks, but you obviously don't want to get too dehydrated, or you'll have a very difficult finish. If you are going to carry a drink, you should train with it first, e.g. make sure that the drink agrees with your stomach when you're running, that you can physically carry a bottle around (in your hand, or in a drink belt), for weight/discomfort. As to how much to drink, it's different for everyone. I will bring 500ml sports drink, and take a couple of sips every mile. In most half-marathon races I used to carry nothing, and just drink the water/sports drinks they have at the water stations. The trick is to be ahead of most of the crowd! Enjoy your first! It's always the most special!

Dick Darlington

Cool. So i'll try watch my diet this week and take it easy with the runs. I know i'm only just about up to the run this weekend but I need to do it to keep the interest up. I wanna do it and when I hopefully do it again i'll see the difference training has made.

My only issue is running and carrying a drink, I think it's gonna be a major pain but if it's needed, then i'll do it. But would there not be an issue with drinking and running and it sloshing about in you ? Give you a stitch or something ? Sounds like a silly question maybe but I always avoided drinking while running up to now.

T runner

Best to take something to drink especially if youll be out for more than 90 mins. A supporter at mile 8 with a drink for you would work well.
Ever tried diuralite, an electrolyte replacement powder? It costs about 50c a sachet in chemist. You mix it with 200ml water. Have it in a plastic water bottle. It will give you a decent boost and youll feel the effects within 2 mins.
Try it in a training run this week. It will keep you going from mile 8 -10/11
Other than that take the odd sip and splash over the head from the water stations. Hydrate well this week and especially day before. Drink normally on morning and Sip isotonic drink over an hour, (90-30 mins) before race.
I would finish eating 3.5 hours before a race with a strong cup of cofee an hour before the race. This will "empty you" and give you a pep up, but take it an hour before or it may empty you somewhere out on the course.
Again try before a run this week.
Good luck

Krusty_Clown

Dick Darlington wrote: »

My only issue is running and carrying a drink, I think it's gonna be a major pain but if it's needed, then i'll do it. But would there not be an issue with drinking and running and it sloshing about in you ? Give you a stitch or something ? Sounds like a silly question maybe but I always avoided drinking while running up to now.

If you are going to carry a drink, then perhaps try taking two sips every mile?
I did this for the recent marathon and it worked out really well. My 500ml isotonic drink would last for about 11 miles.

I have never carried a bottle for a half-marathon, but am thinking of doing it this weekend, in order to save time. Do they have cups or bottles at the water stations? If it's cups, you have to slow down in order to drink it properly. I would usually take a gel at around mile 8, but that was to help get over the Hell of the West down in Connemara. No point trying gels if you didn't practice with them during training.

plodder

Dick Darlington wrote: »

Hi,

So the half marathion is a week and a half away. Its my 1st half marathon and hope to be doing the full marathon itself next year. So I presume a lot of people are doing this run and its a fair mix of beginners to seasoned veterans. So maybe people would like to post tips on the run.

Things like food, preparation the days before, runs the week before and preparation the morning of the race or whatever comes to mind ?

I know i'd find it helpful to hear directly from peoples experience.

One thing i'd like to hear is what people eat the morning of the race, how early they get up etc ? Personally I always find it harder running in the mornings than in the evenings

Will this be your first time to run 13 miles? If so, I would take a few precautions with blister prevention, and chafing. ie. a few compeeds on your feet, and vaseline or some other preparation in the areas that need it.

You mentioned something earlier about stopping drinking 3 hours beforehand. Don't do that. I'd say keep sipping water or sports drink up to 30 minutes beforehand. You have to keep the water tank topped up - much easier than refilling during the race.

shels4ever

plodder wrote: »

Will this be your first time to run 13 miles? If so, I would take a few precautions with blister prevention, and chafing. ie. a few compeeds on your feet, and vaseline or some other preparation in the areas that need it.

You mentioned something earlier about stopping drinking 3 hours beforehand. Don't do that. I'd say keep sipping water or sports drink up to 30 minutes beforehand. You have to keep the water tank topped up - much easier than refilling during the race.

make sure to do you nipples..

Dick Darlington

plodder wrote: »

Will this be your first time to run 13 miles? If so, I would take a few precautions with blister prevention, and chafing. ie. a few compeeds on your feet, and vaseline or some other preparation in the areas that need it.

You mentioned something earlier about stopping drinking 3 hours beforehand. Don't do that. I'd say keep sipping water or sports drink up to 30 minutes beforehand. You have to keep the water tank topped up - much easier than refilling during the race.

Thanks man.

Chaffing isn't something I thought of so yeah better get on that. First time running 13miles but have been up to 10 before and generally do about 5-6 miles and evening, maybe once a week longer.

I definitley don't think I'm gonna find it easy but I did the F Duffy 10mile and i'll get through this. It'll keep me motivated to get better, faster etc and i'll stick at it.

If I don't do it I think i'll not really have anything much to aim for because I've had it in my mind to do it for a while, and I also think my time this Saturday will never be as bad !

Also just to add, the reason I'm asking here is because I never liked sport, never did it and although i'm not overweight I definitley wasn't fit or paticularly healthy, so discovering running in Phoenix Pk has really turned me around this summer and I really wanna stick at it.

Here's a question, is it possible to run in the Phoenix Park in the dark evenings ? I know the main road through the middle has lights but is that it ? Just wondering.

Thanks for all the replys here in the thread !

Krusty_Clown

Dick Darlington wrote: »

Here's a question, is it possible to run in the Phoenix Park in the dark evenings ? I know the main road through the middle has lights but is that it ? Just wondering.

Thanks for all the replys here in the thread !

There's a thread on the marathon forum about running in Phoenix Park.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055379417

Orobhsa

Dick Darlington wrote: »

Here's a question, is it possible to run in the Phoenix Park in the dark evenings ? I know the main road through the middle has lights but is that it ? Just wondering.

The park isn't much fun to run in when it's dark. Even on the main road the lights are more decorative than functional. Not as strong as normal street lights. Unless you run in the bike lanes it’s impossible to see. Would definitely wear hi-viz jacket if you are going to try it.

I did it a few times and gave up. In the winter end up going around where I live and heading to the park at weekends.

Good luck Saturday. Picking up my number tonight.

Dick Darlington

Orobhsa wrote: »

The park isn't much fun to run in when it's dark. Even on the main road the lights are more decorative than functional. Not as strong as normal street lights. Unless you run in the bike lanes it’s impossible to see. Would definitely wear hi-viz jacket if you are going to try it.

I did it a few times and gave up. In the winter end up going around where I live and heading to the park at weekends.

Good luck Saturday. Picking up my number tonight.

Thanks.

Yeah sounds dodgy but definitley don't wanna be runnng on the street, dunno why but just hate it.

hawkwing

Orobhsa wrote: »

The park isn't much fun to run in when it's dark. Even on the main road the lights are more decorative than functional. Not as strong as normal street lights. Unless you run in the bike lanes it’s impossible to see. Would definitely wear hi-viz jacket if you are going to try it.
I did it a few times and gave up. In the winter end up going around where I live and heading to the park at weekends.
QUOTE]
I find the park fine in the dark,did circuits of the cycle track opposite the papal cross from last nov to march--never anyone on it and you are not crossing cars--you meet the odd cyclist.I wear a head torch,a couple of armbands,LEDS,and a hi-viz jacket..it's better than summer in a way cos no people or dogs on it and of course no cars here--(it's about 1.66m of a loop).I found it completely safe and you have the deer for company every night(very nice with a full moon). I am usually gone by 730pm but doubt it gets dodgy later.

rovers_runner

Picked up the number last night, noticed numbers going up to over 4,600.
Think it's time they started introducting starting pens based on predicted times / past performance for these large field runs.

shels4ever

Well i'm going to run now, not in shape for a 13 mile but have registered, will be grand till 9-10 but think i'll suffer the last 3 or 4.

4600 , thats a big crowd.. I'll be slow so i'll start right at the back for this one. But i'd agree with the starting pens as long as its not like the Bupa run where 60min runners were in the 40 pen and so on, i made the mistake of going to my correct time and got held back.

Krusty_Clown

shels4ever wrote: »

i made the mistake of going to my correct time and got held back.

You mean 'I did the right thing, and went to my correct time and got held back by all of the participants who went to the wrong time', right?!

If we all moved up a pen or two, we're just perpetuating the problem. I think you just have to make allowances in your planned time for dancing around people (I know, we shouldn't have to). For a large percentage of the people in the BUPA, it's their first race, so they either don't know where to start, or don't realize that their official times are based on chips, so it doesn't matter where in the field they start.

Best thing to do is to aim for you PBs in races with a smaller field.

cfitz

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

For a large percentage of the people in the BUPA, it's their first race, so they either don't know where to start, or don't realize that their official times are based on chips, so it doesn't matter where in the field they start.

I reckon your official time will be from when the gun went until your chip crosses the finish line. But I'm open to correction.

plodder

The roads in the park are so narrow, that it's a problem when people start at the wrong section. It's worse for the shorter races. At least over 13 miles, there is plenty of time to pass people, and be passed. I ran a 1/2 marathon in Mayo a few weeks ago, where there was less than a hundred in it. It was a gorgeous course on the coast, but it felt strange when the field spread out, and there wasn't anyone else within sight of you.

Guisseppeth

cfitz wrote: »

I reckon your official time will be from when the gun went until your chip crosses the finish line. But I'm open to correction.

I thought it started when you crossed the line at the start, hence all the beeps as every runner goes over it??

cfitz

Guisseppeth wrote: »

I thought it started when you crossed the line at the start, hence all the beeps as every runner goes over it??

Both times will probably appear in the results, but to my knowledge your official time is the one from the gun to the finish line. You may or may not be concerned with what your 'official' time is.

plodder

Guisseppeth wrote: »

I thought it started when you crossed the line at the start, hence all the beeps as every runner goes over it??

Yes, but as cfitz says, your "official" time is from when the gun goes off. Both times are normally published in the results.

Krusty_Clown

plodder wrote: »

Yes, but as cfitz says, your "official" time is from when the gun goes off. Both times are normally published in the results.

I didn't realize this, but it does explain some of the discrepancies(20-30 secs) I've had against my stopwatch.

shels4ever

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

You mean 'I did the right thing, and went to my correct time and got held back by all of the participants who went to the wrong time', right?!

If we all moved up a pen or two, we're just perpetuating the problem. I think you just have to make allowances in your planned time for dancing around people (I know, we shouldn't have to). For a large percentage of the people in the BUPA, it's their first race, so they either don't know where to start, or don't realize that their official times are based on chips, so it doesn't matter where in the field they start.

Best thing to do is to aim for you PBs in races with a smaller field.

yep exactly, since then i have been doing the Bhaa races, and a few run smaller club races.. wont run a pb in the likes of bupa.

Caroline B

well i'm doing this on Saturday, I've had a bitch of a week and no runs out, may do a little jog tomorrow. my time will be slow, I'm also new to this running lark (!) but i'll be very pleased to complete it. I think the shocking photos through the door of me huffing and puffing through the frank duffy are enough to put anyone off though!!

I have eaten very well this week though in preparation and tonight and tomorrow will get an early night after good hydration and stress free days. For the 10mile I ate a breakfast of eggs and toast 3 hours before, and didnt feel uncomfortable at all through the race. im hoping to improve on my time, but im being realistic!

I'm worried about my bag again though - i did get my stuff back the last time, but someone had opened my bag (to see if it was theirs) and unfortunately I have to take a bag again this time. did anyone leave their stuff in the college last time? does anyone go back there after?

plodder

Caroline B wrote: »

I'm worried about my bag again though - i did get my stuff back the last time, but someone had opened my bag (to see if it was theirs) and unfortunately I have to take a bag again this time. did anyone leave their stuff in the college last time? does anyone go back there after?

I don't think there is any storage for bags in the college, though maybe you could ask at the registration desk. Most people would go back there, since from what I can see, most people drive to, and park in the college.

RacoonQueen

I'm not ready. Why can't I have another week.

911sc

mp1972 wrote: »

I'm not ready. Why can't I have another week.

Are you ready now after a good nigh sleep?:) Enjoy the race...don't worry, it will be all over in 6 hours from now.