Womens Mini Marathon - START HERE!

tantipie

it's open today at 3,,just wondering is there many of us ladies doing it??

http://www.womensminimarathon.ie/

RoyMcC

Not forgetting the infiltrators with dodgy wigs and hairy legs (or so I've heard) ....

--amadeus--

I'm not sure what it is about these events that brings out teh inner cross-dresser in some people...

hunnymonster

Amadeus, just because you don't need an excuse. Not everyone is as comfortable with their leg hair as you are

--amadeus--

hunnymonster wrote: »

Amadeus, just because you don't need an excuse. Not everyone is as comfortable with their leg hair as you are

They promised never to publish those photos! :eek:

HardyEustace

--amadeus-- wrote: »

They promised never to publish those photos! :eek:

A, don't hide your light under a bushel any longer.... or maybe that quote would be more apt towards women rather than men

rainbow kirby

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I'm not sure what it is about these events that brings out teh inner cross-dresser in some people...

Hey, I said I was comfortable with running that men's mini-marathon in a tux - if they can do our race in skirts it's only fair

To the OP: Yes, I'm doing it.

Seres

tantipie wrote: »

it's open today at 3,,just wondering is there many of us ladies doing it??

http://www.womensminimarathon.ie/

not sure if you are going to get a straight answer from any of the folk here on this one , they seem to be getting carried away with their banter
I will be registering and you can be sure at least another 30000 will be registering too

hunnymonster

Ok, to answer the question, no, I will not be doing it.

--amadeus--

Seres wrote: »

not sure if you are going to get a straight answer from any of the folk here on this one , they seem to be getting carried away with their banter
I will be registering and you can be sure at least another 30000 will be registering too

We were told off a while back for all being too dry and not having any banter!

But to answer the specific question no, I won't be doing it.

HardyEustace

Well don't forget you'd also have to check your schedule and resources and see if you've time to start gathering the necessary plastic bags of monster munch, three cans of cider (hydration is ALL IMPORTANT), packet of john player blue, wind proof cigarette lighter, abercrombie knock off joggie bottoms with writing across the ar*e to highlight a backside so wide that you might need a traffic controller if there's a low flying aircraft near by....[/irony]*

*before I get mauled about and beaten senseless by the mob

And just to quantify, the mini-marathon was the first race I did since I wasn't wearing a school uniform, well, not in daylight hours anyway, and without it I wouldn't have toddled over the marathon line in Dublin about six months later. I think it's a great way of making sport accessible to people but it's not a race I'd do now as it's too overcrowded and too much hassle. If I wanted to do a race with my non-running buddies and have a day out then yes I would do it.

RacoonQueen

I wonder if Robin will run it in the pink skort?

I'm doing edinburgh the day before so, nope, not doing it.

robinph

mp1972 wrote: »

I wonder if Robin will run it in the pink skort?

Erm...

Rusty Cogs 08

I see there is a change of sponsorship for the London Marathon from next year. Does that mean Dublin will have the Virgin Mini Marathon ?

RacoonQueen

robinph wrote: »

Erm...

If you run it in the pink skort I'll run it even though I'll be dying after Edinburgh.

rainbow kirby

mp1972 wrote: »

I wonder if Robin will run it in the pink skort?

Hawt :pac:

Kila

Hi,

Hope this thread isn't an intrusion here. Last year, I set myself a goal to improve my fitness. I train martial arts currently anywhere between 5-6 days a week, but my cardiovascular fitness is not as good as it could be. I have tried to imprve it, and although it's a bit of a struggle running (and pushing through the pain) on my own, I am trying.

I promised myself that I would jog the women's mini marathon this year. Currently, I can jog a little over a mile (a circuit around the area I train in) with a little difficulty. Small peanuts, I know, but it was a big day for me the first day I made it all the way around without stopping.

Do you think that, with continual training between now and then, it would be feasibile for somone like me to jog the marathon? Do you think it would be wrong for me to enter now if I can't already jog that distance?

Donny5

It is, definitely. You have 95 days until the raceday, as it's on the first of June, I think.

If you're not used to running, it'll take some effort, but assuming you're healthy, it will be no problem at all. You certainly won't regret it.

Follow all the usual precautions and set up a training plan, and you'll be laughing.

Krusty_Clown

Absolutely. You have 95 days. Plenty of time. Based on your current standard, you could start half-way into a couch to 5K training program, then move directly to a beginner's 10K program. Click on the previous links for examples of these programs.

Good luck! And a little advice, round these parts it's best to keep the words mini and marathon together, whenever you want to describe a race that's 10k long, though with your martial arts training, you could probably sort out most of the begrudgers.

plodder

Kila wrote: »

Do you think that, with continual training between now and then, it would be feasibile for somone like me to jog the marathon? Do you think it would be wrong for me to enter now if I can't already jog that distance?

Absolutely enter it. You won't regret it. Run/jog/walk the best you can this year, and you'll have something to aim to improve upon for next year.

Birdsong

I would reccommend you join a meet and train group in your area, there will be people of your standard and way lower too, and by June you will be able to do the mini marathon no problem because of both the coach and the peer motivation in your meet and train group. They also do races which a women only and great fun

Am an avid reader of all the wisdom on this site, only started running 2 years when i decided to do the mini -marathon and next month i am doing a half marathon. It really becomes an addicition i think!

HardyEustace

I think you'd be well capable of running the mini-marathon but try and enter another race that you can run in.

I did the same thing three years ago but discovered that all the people that had registered as "runners" were really people who had registered in January and said "oh yes, I'll train and I'll run" but never really did it. Thus you spend the first five k dodging round the infamous "monster munch and lilt in a plastic bag" bunch so you don't really get the whole feeling of running a road race.

However it's a lot of fun so just be prepared for lots of bopping around and weaving. But enlist for a proper race afterwards so you can really test your legs.

tantipie

thats me signed up anyway,,:Dnow what to wear,,:p

Kila

Thanks for the replies and encouragement guys, I really appreciate it. I'm going to put my name down for it today, and start up with those programs you mentioned above. Hopefully I'll be able to jog the whole thing by the time it rolls around.

siobhan.murphy

I registered last night for the mini marathon in june.
my fitness levels are ok,but Im new to jogging wondering what sort of training should I start in order to prepare for the marathon?:rolleyes:



I started jogging about 3 weeks ago at steady pace on a treadmill
thanks .

donothoponpop

siobhan.murphy wrote: »

I registered last night for the mini marathon in june.
my fitness levels are ok,but Im new to jogging wondering what sort of training should I start in order to prepare for the marathon?:rolleyes:

**opens bag of popcorn and waits...***;)

This is a very popular place to start. Best of luck. http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10kintro.htm

siobhan.murphy

donothoponpop wrote: »

**opens bag of popcorn and waits...***;)

This is a very popular place to start. Best of luck. http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10kintro.htm

Great website thanks;)

enjoy the popcorn:p

HardyEustace

The training program that is on their web site is pretty good for starting out.

TFBubendorfer

siobhan.murphy wrote: »

I registered last night for the mini marathon in june.
my fitness levels are ok,but Im new to jogging wondering what sort of training should I start in order to prepare for the marathon?:rolleyes:

Sorry, can't resist.
It's not a marathon!
(which is why you'll be ok for June)

ok, ok, I'm an idiot, but I hate it when they use the term marathon for something that isn't.

tantipie

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Sorry, can't resist.
It's not a marathon!
(which is why you'll be ok for June)

ok, ok, I'm an idiot, but I hate it when they use the term marathon for something that isn't.

what do you call a half marathon then,,it's not a marathon either is it:D
im doin the mini marathon also op,,i'm walking it tho doing the HALF connemarathon first,,

rainbow kirby

Well, a half marathon is a half marathon, and the Women's Mini-Marathon is a rather well-attended 10k

I'll be running it, despite the fact that they don't seem to consider my 65 minute Aware 10k time as a valid previous 60-85 minute time as it wasn't achieved in the Mini-Marathon. *sigh*

--amadeus--

Given the size of the Mini-Marathon it's inevitable that a lot of you out there are going to be doing it, and a fair few for the first time. This forum is a great place to share tips and get advice so feel free to come in and make yourself at home!

That said there have been quite a few threads started on it over teh last few days and they are all kind of asking the same things. If that keeps up then the regulars will stop answering them and newbies will think they are being ignored - which tehy wouldn't be, it's just that people will only answer the same questions so often! So what I want to do is gather everything into one big thread.

So what will a first timer want to know? What advice can we offer and what are the common questions?

Well, to get the ball rolling....

Do I have time to train for it?
Yes! Although 10k might seem like a very long way you'll be surprised at how easy it can be. There are plenty of training plans out there, one of teh best is this one but a Google search will find plenty of options.

How hard should the training be?
Assuming this is your first 10k then not at all. All of your running should be at "conversational pace" - slow enough for you to chat while you run. Anything faster and you won't be gaining the endurance benefits you need. Don't be afraid to take walk breaks if needed.

What should I buy?
A good pair of trainers, ideally from a sports shop rather than JJB or Lifestyle. That's about it - GPS watches, technical t shirts, HR monitors and teh like can wait until you are racing for time.

What can I expect on the day? What do I need to know?
Glad you asked that! It will be mobbed on teh day and you probably won't get much chance to get a clear run in - the mini marathon isn't really a race to run for time, it's a fun event so treat it like one. That said do be careful - don't line up right behind teh starting tape if you plan to walk it because you'll be blocking runners. Do be aware of people behind you trying to go past (especially if you are arm in arm with your friends). You don't really need to bring a sports drink, energy bar, etc with you as there will be refreshment stops but do whatever you feel comfortable with.

Why the animosity and begrudgery about this event?
Well I hope there won't be any on this thread and teh runners with strong anti MM feelings don't let them show in here! But... a fair number of the regulars on here are marathon runners (that's the big one, teh 26.2 mile version ) and quite a few of them are super quick. There are also ultra runners on here (races of greater than marathon distance). It's not that they are distance snobs - we all started somewhere - but they do get annoyed when people who are doing a 10k refer to it as a "marathon"; it's not, it is a "mini-marathon". A marathon is 42.2k. A half marathon is 21.1k. A mini-marathon is a fun event with teh emphasis on inclusion and getting people out, raising money and getting active. Very different things and people like to keep them distinct by using the proper terms. I suppose it's about respect - the regulars will respect your efforts as long as you respect teh terminology. And if anyone (on either side) feels harassed or feels that they are being insulted just use the "report post" button.

And after the mini-marathon?
Look for other races! Stay training, join a club and keep posting on here

Racing Flat

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Why the animosity and begrudgery about this event?
Well I hope there won't be any on this thread and teh runners with strong anti MM feelings don't let them show in here! But... a fair number of the regulars on here are marathon runners (that's the big one, teh 26.2 mile version ) and quite a few of them are super quick. There are also ultra runners on here (races of greater than marathon distance). It's not that they are distance snobs - we all started somewhere - but they do get annoyed when people who are doing a 10k refer to it as a "marathon"; it's not, it is a "mini-marathon". A marathon is 42.2k. A half marathon is 21.1k. A mini-marathon is a fun event with teh emphasis on inclusion and getting people out, raising money and getting active.

Just to say mini-marathoners I don't care what you call it. No animosity from me. Fantastic event.

--amadeus-- wrote: »

A mini-marathon is a fun event with teh emphasis on inclusion and getting people out, raising money and getting active. Very different things and people like to keep them distinct by using the proper terms. I suppose it's about respect - the regulars will respect your efforts as long as you respect teh terminology. And if anyone (on either side) feels harassed or feels that they are being insulted just use the "report post" button.

The mini-marathon also consists of a highly competitive 10k race, probably the most competitive in the country every year!!!

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I suppose it's about respect - the regulars will respect your efforts as long as you respect teh terminology. And if anyone (on either side) feels harassed or feels that they are being insulted just use the "report post" button.

As someone who may be perceived as being a regular, I don't give too hoots about the terminology.

I feel like reporting this post! Why raise such negativity in the opening post . Could well put off a first timer. I respectfully request that this bit about animosity be removed, as I have never come across any animosity or begrudgery towards this event anywhere except by a small number of people on boards.

--amadeus--

Racing Flat wrote: »

I feel like reporting this post! Why raise such negativity in the opening post . Could well put off a first timer. I respectfully request that this bit about anymosity be removed.

I put in that para in case a newbie read through the other mini-marathon threads all of which have un-helpful comments of one kind or another. I wanted to explain why that was and make it clear it won't be acceptable in this thread. It's about context.

If you want to report the post please do so and I'll let HM or Tingle judge it, I'm not that bothered either way. But this conversation is OT and I'd rather this thread focussed on teh event rather than yet another argument about it's name.

rainbow kirby

In other words - join us, we have cookies!

Kila

Name down, now the really hard work begins. Decided to raise a bit of money for a charity too, so I'll have plenty of motivation to stick to it

Thanks again for the links, will do my best to keep up with the program.

Munster_Gal

I signed up for the Flora Women's Mini Marathon last night
Second event that I've signed up to this year. Only 4 weeks to go until the Bupa Great Ireland Run. (although I'll be walking most of it!)
Thanks --amadeus-- for all your helpful advice below...

Almost tempted to sign up for the DCM but not sure I'd like the idea of all you guys sitting in the bar drinking as I'm still making my way down the last 1.5 miles of the course!!

Munster_Gal

Hey Tantipie
I've just signed up for it too Can't wait. Maybe I'll meet you up there.

Kila

I've also signed up, and want to thank everyone again for the advice that they've already given me. It's been very helpful and has given me the confidence to sign up and continue pushing on in my training towards it.

Part of the reason I've signed up is to give myself a motivation to push to a higher level of endurance fitness. 10k might seem like peanuts to many, but it's further than I can run right now, and seems like a much more realistic goal this year than a half or full marathon. By signing up, and agreeing to raise money for a charity, I've committed myself fully to it. There's a set date, by which, I've promised myself I will do this. That's important to me. I'm by no means lazy, lots of training during the week, but I've always found endurance fitness a struggle. I've been working on getting better, and this year I want a discernable landmark. The 10k seems like a good choice for that too.

Also, there's the charity element - there are many deserving charities out there, and I like to try to help them out when I can, so I'm going to raise money for Make-A-Wish along with my training, and hopefully I can help others reach their goals too.

McConkey

I'm in, just signed up there-hopefully I'll be back to training well before then

tantipie

Munster_Gal wrote: »

Hey Tantipie
I've just signed up for it too Can't wait. Maybe I'll meet you up there.

cool.:D i bet your running it tho,,i've only signed up as a walker,,still haven't gotten to grips with the whole running thing:p

tantipie

i've signed up also,,cant wait,,but the dreaded Connemaraathon is on in 3 weeks,,i'm so nervous,,but doing the Great Ireland run also,,and def doin the full Dublin marathon,,thats if i dont die of exhaustion first,,:pac:..never excercised in my life till around Christmas..needed the motiviation also,,i'm goona get 4 medals this year,,yey me:Dnever gotten a medal in my life,,for anything,:D

rainbow kirby

tantipie wrote: »

cool.:D i bet your running it tho,,i've only signed up as a walker,,still haven't gotten to grips with the whole running thing:p

Some day you will I should be signing up later, tbh I just wish the Great Ireland Run was on earlier so I could go and break 60 minutes for 10k and get a runner number.

tantipie

how do you mean??get a runner number,,i'm not up with the lingo yet:D

rainbow kirby

There are 5 sections - Walker (self-explanatory), Jogger (no previous time), Fast Jogger (60-85 minutes in one of the previous 2 Mini-Marathons), Runner (proven time under 60 mins) and Elite Runner (proven time below 45 minutes).

My 10k PB is 65 minutes, but I'm fully expecting to go sub-hour at my next one - based on my Raheny 5 time I have a 57-58 min 10k in me.

Munster_Gal

I've entered as a jogger (although I'd say that I'll be walking most of it depending i suppose on how i get on with the Great Ireland Run)

Maybe we should organise that all the boardsies meet up like we did at the DCM?

cfitz

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Some day you will I should be signing up later, tbh I just wish the Great Ireland Run was on earlier so I could go and break 60 minutes for 10k and get a runner number.

Does a runner number mean you get a better starting position? Maybe you could you run a 10k before the Great Ireland Run as well?

Munster_Gal

Hey Girls,

Just wondering if there are any other women in the Limerick are training for the Mini Marathon in June? Might be good to get a little group together to do some training...

I'm planning to jog it and unfortunately anyone that I know doing it is going to walk it..... it's hard to get the motiviation to train on my own sometimes.....

rainbow kirby

Yeah it does, doesn't seem to be any 10k races in this neck of the woods before the Great Ireland Run though. I'm kicking myself now for not doing the Cupid's Dash. I was on reasonably good form (by my standards, lol) too at that stage because it was only a few weeks after Raheny (where I ran 46.30 for 5 miles with very little race-specific training).

Ah well, you live, you learn, you get stuck dodging walkers. Can't enter as a fast jogger because I haven't done the Mini-Marathon since 2001 (walked it then, a few weeks before I turned 17) and they're only counting the Mini-Marathon '07 and '08 times for that section.

cfitz

That's a tough break. There's a 10k in University of Limerick on Saturday 21 March.

Kila

Might be worth stickying this, or it'll get lost in the see of the other more active threads?