Running scared....

McConkey

Objective No 1: To be at the start line for this years Dublin City Marathon
Objective No 2: To make it to the finish line of the above :rolleyes:

Going to post on here to help motivate myself to keep the training up

I'm going with Hal Higdon Spring training for the first 12ish weeks then moving on to the novice training 18 week section all things going well. Though I'll have to fill a few weeks gap there at some point so the novice tapers off just in time for Dublin.

Going to look into a few 5k and 10k and maybe a half marathon along the way to keep the motivation up as Oct is (seems like!) a long way away now.

Am 29 this year and just feel like it would be good to push myself to do something extraordinary Gave the women's mini-marathon a bash last year (70 min-not so great on the training last year-but got home a little quicker than I expected!) I have a bit of an issue with B12 anaemia but hoping the doc can keep me topped up with monthly injections.

Anyway DCM sounds class but 26+ miles is starting to scare the crap outa me now :eek:

McConkey

Got out, nice morning (can't bear to think about the rainy days ahead)...

Did Mr. Higdon's prescribed 1.5 miles (would estimate I jogged about 1.1 and walked the rest. Probably didn't stretch enough, feel a bit stiff in the hips but usually feel like that the first day back. Haven't run at all since Sept due to anaemia. New runners too-no prob so far.

1.5 miles-19 min

SUNGOD

hi McConkey best of luck with your training and log
just be consistent and the weeks will fly by

rainbow kirby

Good luck with the training, and welcome to the logs!

Peckham

Welcome McConkey. As Sungod says, it's all about consistency. Make a habit out of running, and it becomes much easier. It then becomes part of your life that you feel really guilty if you miss a session. If possible, try to train at the same time - either get up in the morning, and head out, or when you get home from work head straight back out again for a run. It's very easy to get distracted by TV, household chores etc. and all of a sudden it becomes too late to go running.

Some great runners here of varying degrees of experience and speed. A great mix which provides excellent advice.

McConkey

This thread is helping already I was so tempted to leave it tonight cos it was so windy here. Then I logged in here after getting home from work and food shopping, saw yer messages and just scraped myself up and out the door, wind or no wind. I think I need some good moisturiser for the windy days-looked like an Oompa Loompa when I got home :mad:

McConkey

Very windy this evening, was going to cheat and take the night off...but I just figured I might as well give up now if I do that So headed off for my 3 miles (H.H.) in the wind 45 min after eating a sandwich....

one min later and am dying with a stitch (go back...or keep going...?!) kept going anyhow, walked a hundred meters and then was ok to run again thankfully. Stitch stayed but not as bad as it was initially-is that cos I ate too close to running?

Anyhoo, did my 3 miles in 34 min 15 sec....with a fairly strong Atlantic wind (11 min 25 sec/mile). Walked for about 300 m on the return leg.

Had an awful thought on the way around that my step counter thingy was in km and not miles...but thankfully when I pulled up to check-it was in miles!! :pac::pac: I've calibrated that step counter thingy against google maps and it was only out by 50 m on a five mile run so its accurate enough (considering google maps calculates as if you are driving and so includes the distances around roundabouts and such as far as I can see).

Christ, just checked my pulse and its 104 bpm, I must be really unfit-it's two hours since I got home :eek:

Thanks so much for your messages, I would have been totally lazy today only for them :)

McConkey

Just back from my prescribed run, only 1.5 miles today and not a bad evening for running at all.

Ate a couple of hours before running and aside from the bit of stiffness I've had after the first couple of days, all was well. No stitches etc. felt good to be out.

1.5 miles this evening in 17 min (11 min 20 sec/mile). Non-stop running today, even set the step counter to be a little less sensitive so todays and yesterdays times prob aren't really comparable. Will leave it on the less sensitive setting from now on, just to be sure I'm covering adequate distances. Tomorrow is a rest day :rolleyes:

SUNGOD

good stuff, keep it up

McConkey

I just got a thanks button

McConkey

Rest day-did exactly what it said on the tin, although I did feel a small niggle to get out for a while-thought it better to let the stiffness subside.

Rusty Cogs 08

Rest days can prove difficult too, just watch out you don't do them back to back

McConkey

I'm in a quandry, its very windy outside-kinda dangerously so, supposed to have a 30 min walk today as part of the Higdon Spring program. I don't think it would be a good idea to go outside. Was in town for a bit this morning so did a bit of walking-not the same I know. I'm visiting a friend for a few hours and hoping it will have calmed down by this evening. If not I could do my 30 min walk in the morning and fit my 3 mile run in the evening tomorrow.

Hopefully it will have calmed down for this evening, I don't want to have to start changing things around. I hear we could have bad snow sunday-early next week-what do people do then?

I searched a few shops in town for the Higdon Marathon guide that was recommended and its gone into reprint...however I did manage to order one, the 2006 edition, through a book shop in town-have to wait a couple of weeks for it though, looking forward to a good read

McConkey

Well-was too late (no drink or anything involved, in bed by 12 am) and too sleety/windy when I got home last night to do my 30 min walk. So I figured I would do it in two parts today-first a 30 min walk then later a 3 mile run....oh the road to hell and all that....:(

Ended up totally disheartened and disappointed!

Went running, in heavy sleet and strong blustery winds and got about 1.15 miles then just stopped-felt good initially but maybe it was the cold or something, I had a bit of a drenching got. I decided I'd slot my 30 min walk in at this point and so walked for 30 min, then ran about another 0.35 miles, then home. Felt very disappointed in myself that I let myself stop. Went on a different route to normal so maybe it was cos I didn't know the distances I'd have had to cover to make up my 3 miles.

Was going to go out again later but our gas has run out and it's quite cold here and I don't want to get sick by going out in the freezing cold and not being able to warm up afterwards.

I'm just venting and a bit pissed off Tomorrow is another rest day and then just a 1.5 mile on Tues.

Edit 3.6 miles/49 min

Woddle

Well at least you got out the door and don't be worrying early days and best to be sensible in this weather.

McConkey

Thanks, was just a bit disappointed cos it was only a short run and I want to be hitting my targets....I feel like if I start missing them now it'll be harder to keep on top of things.

I need to sort out my hydration and stuff pronto too so I don't have any excuses when I'm actually out running

McConkey

Rest day. Sore arch in my left foot causing pain up my left leg but nothing too bad. Not a problem when I'm running but seems to be from hiking boots I kind of live in the rest of the time. Need to get some new shoes to see if that eliminates the problem.

McConkey

At home, out the country....went for my 1.5 miler in the pitch black :eek: No bother aside from jumping into ditches from cars (don't worry, I had my high vis on, though I'm thinking of throwing on the Sam Browne belt for town running after reading that other thread this evening).

1.5 miles/17 min

McConkey

Procrastinating, just back from work....have to go for a three miler now....:D

McConkey

Very wet, breezy. Got soaked by an ass who no doubt thought he was really funny-thanks :mad:

3 miles/33 min 52 sec no stopping, happy with that (11 min 18 s/mile)

McConkey

Cold and wet tonight but not too breezy. 1.5 mile jog tonight 16 min 52 s (11 min 1 sec/mile)

ultraman1

well done McC,keep goin youl reap the rewards for all the tough runs u put in now....

McConkey

Thanks Ultraman, tough runs for me (it's all baby steps at the moment) -checking out your log there, fair play to you, the real hard stuff is all ahead of me it seems... :rolleyes:

McConkey

Rest day, relaxed and ate plenty, no complaints

Rosedale6

Good luck with the training. I only started running last summer and was running 3miles in 30mintues plus. I can now run it in 22-23 minutes. Just keep with it and you will get there.

McConkey

Plan is to head out tonight for a few bevvies so rather than put in a miserable attempt tomorrow at a 3 miler, swapped todays 35 min walk with tomorrows three mile run.

Was running away fine, then just pulled up to walk for a bit, think I was just pushing it a little too hard, spent about 30 s giving directions to some guy who was lost and I guess I was trying to make up the time. Walked fairly slowly (for me) for about 5 min then took off with the running again. Pushed myself for the last bit and managed do my 3 miles in 34 min 50 s (11 min 38 s/mile) including the walking and giving directions bit. So not completely ashamed but I am wondering about my stamina-sometimes I just stop out of the blue

Think I could have done with an extra layer too, felt cold out there today, though there was no real breeze to speak of. Wonder how long before I'll begin to get faster over the same distances? It would be nice to see some improvement on the times though I know at this stage it's more about actually just getting out there. Keeping the log definately helps with that at least Got a nice encouraging smile from a guy on a bike with his kid too, its the little things that spur you on

I need to start thinking about signing up for a few runs too if anybody out there has any suggestions. Nothing too serious-or at least a good mixed field to begin with cos I don't want to feel completely disheartened by being left completely behind in a field of really serious runners-its nice to have some company even if I can't actually breathe enough to chat with them and run at the same time :pac: I think I'll do the womens mini marathon in June anyhow, just to try and better my time from last year, it was a fun day too

McConkey

Rosedale6 wrote: »

Good luck with the training. I only started running last summer and was running 3miles in 30mintues plus. I can now run it in 22-23 minutes. Just keep with it and you will get there.

Thanks Rosedale 6, that really just goes to show what some disciplined training can do, I really hope that I can keep it up and start putting in times like yours eventually Lots of people here put in times like yours too and sometimes it seem like too much of a reach for me but I'm going to keep plodding on-and maybe eventually I'll love to run

McConkey

:eek::eek::eek:

I'm so dumb, I thought that friendly little rolleyes guy was supposed to mean something like 'hmmm, nice thought, I'll just sit here a while and ponder that' and instead I've just noticed that is actually a bad bad sarcastic thing...:(

I'm so sorry, Rusty Cogs, Ultraman and anybody else that I may have rolled eyes sarcastically at....I didn't realise I was making bitchy statements :o:o

Stoopid me

MarieC

McConkey wrote: »

Got a nice encouraging smile from a guy on a bike with his kid too, its the little things that spur you on

I need to start thinking about signing up for a few runs too if anybody out there has any suggestions. Nothing too serious-or at least a good mixed field to begin with cos I don't want to feel completely disheartened by being left completely behind in a field of really serious runners-its nice to have some company even if I can't actually breathe enough to chat with them and run at the same time :pac: I think I'll do the womens mini marathon in June anyhow, just to try and better my time from last year, it was a fun day too

Hi McConkey.
Really enjoying your log, you're doing great. Just take it day by day and before you know it it will be habit. Where are you based? You mentioned something about an atlantic wind so Im presuming the westish? Well there is the Adare 10k on March 1st at 2pm. That is a fun run/jog/walk/crawl so if anywhere near that it would be perfect for you, plus I think there are a few boardsies hoping to do it.

I know what you mean about the little things spurring you on, a little smile from a stranger or a hello from another runner can really motivate and encourage you to keep going.

I wouldnt worry too much about you stopping all of a sudden. It will take time for your body to get used to all this running lark, I bet it happens less and less regularly and before you know it you dont do it anymore!

Keep running and keep the log going, you're flying it

McConkey

Hi Marie, thanks for that suggestion, I'm based in Galway/Clare so it would be quite handy to pop down to Adare, could even use the ferry How would I sign up for that run-ireland maybe?

I 've been keeping an eye on your log too, you are very disciplined, I wish I was more like that. I'm writing up the old PhD too and working full-time between that and getting my supervisor to even look at any of my thesis it's all a bit of a struggle so at least the training is something I have control over, even if it is just baby-steps at the moment

MarieC

Well you should keep an eye on the harriers (galway) website and Marians (Ennis). think a few fun runs getting posted on their sites. Also pencil in the Clare 10k for the end of June!

Not sure with regards to signing up for Adare, must look in to that myself (Limerick AC) website.

I feel your pain with the "Ph frikkin D"! Dunno how u manage to work full time also so fair play. You have discipline too!!

McConkey

Thanks MarieC, I'm doing the higdon novice spring training program and it increases the milage v-e-r-y slowly so by the 1st of March should be having a 4.5 mile run on that day. Since I'll probably have clocked up more miles by then than I did last year for the mini-marathon, I might be able for it. Might need to stop for a walk half way through but it would be a nice way to ease into the training thanks for that suggestion.

Did the Streets of Galway (harriers) last year but was very anaemic at the time so I didn't do well there at all-for myself. I'm afraid that I wouldn't really be up to club race standard yet as there can be precious few runners finishing in my kind of times and i find it a bit hard to keep going when there isn't really anybody left around after the first 10 min....it's a very defeatist attitude but at the moment it spurs me to try and improve.

I'll start to pay more attention to their websites though, anything that has a good mixed crowd will be good to help me along, cheers

McConkey

Had my 35 min walk today, covered 2.8 miles in 40 min at a resonably good pace. Even had a little jog up a particularly big hill it's hard just to walk now Bit hungover after a late night (though at least I skipped the houseparty which stayed going till 8 am I think!) :pac:

Tomorrow is a rest day again

--amadeus--

Hi - just off to bed so just a quick note...

Well done on progress so far, just getting in the running habit is more than half the battle, maintain that focus and times will pick up. Adare 10k is a nice race, walkers get a 30 min head start so even slower runners will be passing people and have company on the route. It's not on Run Ireland but you register on the day (March 1st I think) in the Town Hall at 12, race is at 2. MCOS and I are doing it so feel free to say Hi!

MarieC

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Hi - just off to bed so just a quick note...

Well done on progress so far, just getting in the running habit is more than half the battle, maintain that focus and times will pick up. Adare 10k is a nice race, walkers get a 30 min head start so even slower runners will be passing people and have company on the route. It's not on Run Ireland but you register on the day (March 1st I think) in the Town Hall at 12, race is at 2. MCOS and I are doing it so feel free to say Hi!

Im hoping to do it also with a few friends so we can have a mini boardsies get together!

McConkey

Working 12-9 today, had just about convinced myself to get up and go run this morning before work when I remembered that it was a rest day :pac:

.......So I must be getting into the routine now. 1.5 miles again tomorrow, will force myself to get up early as I usually run in the evening.

McConkey

Thanks --amadeus-- and MarieC, it would be nice to put names and faces together, plus encouragement to get to the finish line without dawdling...I'm still a bit slow (ok-a lot) Cool, all going well then, we'll be organising a little meet up in Adare, thanks guys

Bally8

Hi McConkey I should be at Adare too. I had planned running it but because of my injury I will be walking it instead.

Cualaman

Hi McConkey,
Keep it up your doing great. I am in a similar position as you and have just started a plan to get me to the DCM. I am finding it really tough at the moment but my aim is to get the ugly runs out of the way during these dark winter nights and hopefully be in better shape come the bright evenings. I am doing about 3 mile runs 3 times a week and find it very tough but am determined to be on the start line on Oct 26th.
I am entering the Great Ireland run in April and the Addias / Lifestyle race series to have a few targets.
Best of luck on your journey

Cualaman

MCOS

Hi McConkey

Well done on your progress so far! Yep, I'll be at Adare with --amadeus-- and now that Bally 8 and MarieC are doing it too it will be fun to meet up and hang out for a bit

MCOS

McConkey

Thanks Bally8, Cualaman and MCOS, looks like I'll definately have to be in Adare so, it's the place to be Cool it will keep me busy to try and prepare I'll be looking forward to seeing everybody at the finish line so. Bally8, you'll probably still finish before me even if you are walking (--amadeus-- mentioned the walkers start half an hour before the runners). I'm still very slow and will probably have to walk part of the course anyway.

Cualaman, you have the same plan as me-if we can get out in the crappy weather for these runs, then it should be easier to do the longer ones when the weather is better Are you keeping a log here on Boards? My internet is very slow tonight and keeps dropping the connection so I'm limited in what I can surf I'd like to read up on what you're at if you are keeping one.

I would have liked a few of the Dublin runs but it's not too easy to drive up, run and then drive home...even though I'l prob go for the mini-marathon. I have friends up there but I don't want to be looking for a bed too often or they'll kill me

McConkey

Well, all attempts to get up early for my run proved futile so instead I got in from work, put some food on to cook while I was out, changed and went straight back out for my 1.5 miler tonight.

Weather was lovely for running. The breathing was ok tonight but the legs felt a bit tired, perhaps due to the walk on sun and day off yesterday Did my 1.5 miles in 17min 10s (11min 27s/mile)

Cualaman

Hi McConkey,
I have a training log i made up myself but i have not started one here. I have joined the 1000 mile challenge though. You will see me right down at the end of the table. I have to say the boards have been great so far for info and motivation. I will keep an eye on your training log. I have an excel file with my training plan but i have no idea how to attach it here.
Best of luck on your journey
Cualaman

Cualaman

I have just managed to attach the file.
Have a look and let me know what you think.
Cualaman

McConkey

Well done Cualaman, you obviously will be at the start line in Oct DCM as you have put so much time and effort into your plan. I will definately be keeping an eye on it to see where around I should am in relation to it. Fair play, you won't be near the bottom of the table for too long if you are sticking to those goals, you are already covering greater distances than I am, and I have 12 weeks to build up to the 6 mile range Hopefully we'll hear from you often with the updates then!

How are the new runners?

McConkey

Nice run this evening, made a mistake on my long run last Sat and came in a half mile early so rather than just add it to my 1.5 mile run I figured I better add it to the 3 miler tonight to get the full benefit of extending the run. I need to keep a better eye on my charted runs!

Was so lazy when I got home, tired from work and lying on the bed with my lap top. However I did manage to drag myself up and out and did my initial 3 miles in 33min 20s and the total 3.5 miles in 39min 20s. So 11min 20s/mile. Was happy enough considering I had a couple of good hills and a mile stretch of unlit road. Note to self: running downhill can be just as bad as running uphill-who knew?

Happy this evening with that

McConkey

Go hard or go home, you asked a question on the 1000 mile challenge thread which was lost in the mists of time-just saw there was a whole little commentary on my shame at joining the 1000 mile challange with 6 miles on the clock....I'm not sure if you're ever in here but I can't find a log/not sure if you have one here.

The 6 miles I had initially were made up of 2x1.5miles and 1x3 mile run according to Hal Higdon programme....you've probably already noticed that I'm not storming up the leaderboard with my low milage anyway :)

McConkey

Just back from another 1.5 miler. Left knee (which I strap up while running) was a bit sore all day, but ok. Found both knees a bit sore when I started running tonight but it went away, hopefully nothing major anyway.

Was hoping to push it for speed tonight but really didn't have the energy or kick when it came to it. If I could push a bit harder on the short runs maybe I would have targets to help start shaving some time off my general runs

Anyhow my 1.5(1):pac: miles tonight took 16min 31 sec (11min 0.6s/mile)...which is actually slightly faster than my other similar runs!!! :eek::) I even started to walk the last few meters cos I live at the top of a little devil of a hill, then stopped myself, said WTF are you doing and managed to jog to the end, finishing with 1.51 miles on my pedometer in the time above (It was epic!!!! well it felt like it anyway :pac::D:o). Pity I stopped now, I would have got below 11 min for the first time Target for the next 1.5 miler I suppose.

It's almost like I can't not go out in the evenings now-last two evenings I've been lying on the bed thinking of not going and got myself up and out anyway-long may it last Weather was pretty ****e tonight too, wind and rain Boo Hoo I'm all buzzed up now:D

McConkey

Rest day today

McConkey

Three weeks in nearly and have settled well into the routine of getting out for my bit of training so at least the log is working. Just a 40 min walk today so 3 miles/40min 44s or 13.34min/mile. Small niggle, nothing too bad in my left knee but hopefully it's nothing. Its the one I wear the support on, been weak for years but I have never seen anyone about it. I find it better to keep the support on it for any fast walking/running.

Tomorrow is a 3 mile again, might be worth getting up early to get it finished early since the weather is supposed to be turning colder Checked out the times and pay as you go prices in a gym at home for next week in case it really does get too cold to go out for runs.

I have a question about watches and heart rate monitors-I nearly purchased online earlier but said I'd hold off for a bit and get some feedback from you guys first. I'll post them on the main page as my lowly log is probably a bit low on the traffic front Would have liked a bit of a run today....if I can tomorrow I'll try push myself to get under 11 min miles....prob shouldn't have said that...oh well:o If you see a 14min/mile posted for day 20...then laugh

My GP seems slightly concerned at my heart rate being so high (anaemia) so that is why I'm interested in these monitors. I'm not looking for medical advice mods (as the only solution involves the doc injecting me ergo must see the doc regularly) but does anybody here have/know someone that has b12 anaemia and runs...my GP seemed bemused that I even wanted to run and aside from injecting me more often (which I appreciate-but also costs me more) she doesn't seem to be able to give any advice. I'm afraid I'll never get any faster cos of the anaemia

McConkey

3 miles today...was gutted when I realised my pedometer had given up the ghost, spent ages trying to find my old ones to see if any of them would work but gave up and went out in the end. Knew how far I'd gone yesterday so just did that again.

Was very cold today with a bit of a breeze, hard to run at times. Ended up walking for a couple of hundred meters twice I'd. I got terrible pins and needles from the cold I guess-need to dress a little more warmly for days like today.

Did my 3 miles in 31 min 55 (10min 38s/mile) and first time I've gone under the 11 min per mile....pity I didn't keep running for all of it but at least I know I can be a little faster now.

Legs felt heavy today....slapping into the ground Tomorrow is a rest day again-not sure if that's good or bad...I'll have 3 weeks down then