Berlin Marathon

yhwh

First timer running berlin in September. I'd be at a reasonable level of fitness already but seeing as this is my first marathon I was wondering what sort of time I should be aiming for. Would 4 hours be realistic?

I've been told Berlin is a pretty flat course compared to alot of other marathons. Does this make it easier to run?

Peckham

yhwh wrote: »

First timer running berlin in September. I'd be at a reasonable level of fitness already but seeing as this is my first marathon I was wondering what sort of time I should be aiming for. Would 4 hours be realistic?

How long is a piece of string? Your finishing time depends on so many factors, or which effective training (albeit the most important) is only one. Some people easily get under 4 hours for their first, others manage it on their 3rd or 4th attempt. Only way to tell for sure is start training and do some shorter races to give you a benchmark.

yhwh wrote: »

I've been told Berlin is a pretty flat course compared to alot of other marathons. Does this make it easier to run?

Generally yes, but a school of thought suggests flatter courses can put more pressure on your body as you don't benefit from changing muscle usage that some rolling hills give you.

yhwh

Hi Peckham,

I've done a couple of 10k runs and my time is usually in the late fourties so was thinking of approaching the marathon as 4 10km runs in a row and going from there.

Not sure if this is a practicable approach to my first marathon but as I have no frame of reference I figure I'll give it a go.

Any thoughts.

ZiggyStardust

A time in the late 40's would bring you in around 3h 45mins. Check the McMillan Calculator out below.
Also as peckham said, enter some shorter races for a baseline time and you'll have a better indication.

Good luck



http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/Running%20University/Article%201/mcmillanrunningcalculator.htm

Peckham

Your 10k time suggests you may well be capable of a 4hr marathon, but a lot depends on how well you adjust to longer distances.

Take a look at some structured training plans (these for example), also have a root around this forum as there is plenty of good advice (most of it from people other than me!).

Rusty Cogs 08

Just an FYI, registration closes today May 20th for the 36th Berlin Marathon on Sept 20th 2009

http://www.real-berlin-marathon.com/events/berlin_marathon/2009/informationen.en.php

€95 for the pleasure

lizanne83

Hi, you’re going to love Berlin so get moving on registering before it’s full up. I ran Berlin marathon last year. The course, the atmosphere, people and overall organisation was perfect. Yes it’s a very flat and wide course mainly but you can’t rely on this for times. Your finish time depends on an array of different factors. I thoroughly enjoyed Berlin marathon but unfortunately picked up a long-term injury from when finished marathon and am still suffering with this injury now (pelvic stress fracture). Haven’t been able to run or barely exercise since then.
My posts on the Berlin-2008 thread after the marathon stirred up a bit too much debate… gosh I can’t believe that was 8 months ago now and I’m still injured! Best of luck, you’ll have a blast. Get organising. Just 4 months to go ;-) Lucky u

Aimman

I did Berlin last year too, and it was amazing. It is very flat, dont remember any major inclines, but they have pacers, which should help you during the race. My problem is that I ended up at the starting line halfway between the 3:45 pacer and the 4h pacer. But because I couldn't see the 4h pacer, i stuck with the 3.45 one, but eventually ran out of good pace about the 20m mark and when the 4h lads caught up with me, it was a struggle to keep up, so make sure you are close to the right pacer.

I'm jealous of you heading over, because I cant make it this year, but you'll enjoy all the free grub at the end, from water, tea, red bull, fruit, snacks and of course free beer. But the beer usually has the longest queue. I found it much handier to leave the runners enclosure and sit by the finish line to cheer people on, and buy the beers and food cheap. Its a great way to keep people hanging around the finish line after the run to keep the crowds there cheering on others. Saw 'Sweet' live the night before in the pre marathon concert party. Its so much better organised then here, but then again, the got about 48,000 there last year.

My advise is to know your metric conversion, because it's 42km over there. Makes it a little bit easier because the markers come a bit quicker.

Remember to smile just at the end for the offical photographers, My prized photo at the moment is me cheering with the Brandenburg gate behind me.:cool:

Unlike most of the Irish marathons, there will be additional refreshements along the route, like red bull, bananas, apples and tea, but make sure you are used to taking them on the run if you fancy one, as you could get a nasty cramp when your tummy gets confused.

lizanne83

Aimman, agree totally with the Berlin post-refreshments and entertainment treats at marathon finish area. It was a great setup. And when you’re handed medal after crossing the line, get your smile and composure ready straight away for the photographer as they’ll photograph you and medal with no warning and this is included in your online marathon foto’s pics.
I think the beer stands are a little too soon after the finish line. I would advise to go for the fruit stands (bananas) and especially the wrapped buns/cakes for carbs… then hit the beer!

Yes the metric KM system is off-putting as we (Irish) generally train in miles. I only realised this 2-weeks before marathon so calculated my own pace strap in KM then for taper. You can get a free wrist band at the expo (brookes / asics stand I think). Just tell them the finish time you hope to achieve and they’ll print it up (in KM’s) at 5km intervals. This was really helpful. I stupidly said a time beyond my means and they printed this up (I asked for band 3:15:00) and almost stuck to the time intervals surprisingly, therefore burning out and hitting the wall with less than 2km to go! Oh I’m jealous too, Berlin was happy memories despite the injury consequences. You’ll love it…

Evan La Crey

Actually if you have not yet registered, although standard registration is no longer possible on the SCC-Events website, some special entry packages are still available, and you may be able to register through a charity such as those listed here:
Late Registration for the real 36th Annual Berlin Marathon

Rusty Cogs 08

Does anyone know what the story is with picking up your number/registering at the Berlin marathon. It's possible that I won't be making it to Berlin until around 6pm on the Saturday. I can't find anything on the website about where you get your number. I wonder would it be possible for a fellow Boardsie to pick it up (while getting their own) ?

Woddle

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

Does anyone know what the story is with picking up your number/registering at the Berlin marathon. It's possible that I won't be making it to Berlin until around 6pm on the Saturday. I can't find anything on the website about where you get your number. I wonder would it be possible for a fellow Boardsie to pick it up (while getting their own) ?

I'm nearly 100% sure you need to collect it yourself and with your passport, if I'm remembering right, they are quite strict.

Rusty Cogs 08

Woddle wrote: »

I'm nearly 100% sure you need to collect it yourself and with your passport, if I'm remembering right, they are quite strict.

40,000 individuals turning up with 40,000 passports ? I've seen other marathons where one person can pick up a number of 'numbers'. I wonder is there no way around this ?

Woddle

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

40,000 individuals turning up with 40,000 passports ? I've seen other marathons where one person can pick up a number of 'numbers'. I wonder is there no way around this ?

You could always email the organisers and I could be wrong(often am ) but they are strict.

Rusty Cogs 08

Woddle wrote: »

You could always email the organisers and I could be wrong(often am ) but they are strict.

Strict Germans aye, whooda thunk it ?

Racing Flat

I definitely didn't need my passport. Your confirmation number e-mail should be enough.

Aimman

I didnt need my passport last year, just an acceptance letter. It was in an Expo center near the Tegel airport., was huge, all the big names were there. It spanned a few buildings. Not sure what time it stayed open till, but there is a decent underground that will bring you near the expo.

Rusty Cogs 08

(Thanks all)

Well if a passport is not required I wonder if a 'friend' brought a copy of mine along could they pick up my number ? I guess a mail to the organisers is the next step.

mithril

The information on http://www.real-berlin-marathon.com/events/berlin_marathon/2009/informationen.en.php indicates that the race number needs to be picked up at the expo and the expo only remains open until 6.

Every other Marathon I have run in makes arrangements to facilitate late arrivals by allowing race numbers to be collected late into the evening the night before.


I have a flight from Dublin that gets in at 3:45 so a taxi across the city looks feasible but very tight particularly if the flight is delayed.

WeNeSe

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

I can't find anything on the website about where you get your number.

I found this info for you on the website on: http://www.real-berlin-marathon.com/events/berlin_marathon/2009/informationen.en.php
Here is what is says anyway:

Race Documents
The race numbers will be issued at the BERLIN VITAL Fall Expo from September 17 - 19, 2009 upon presentation of the original registration confirmation. Those who own a ChampionChip must bring it along to the Expo to be registered/tested. Everyone who ordered extra items (adidas Finisher shirts, portion of pasta) will have the respective coupons on their race numbers. The adidas shirts and the pasta lounge coupons must be redeemed during the BERLIN VITAL fair. It will not be possible at a later date. In addition, each participant will also receive a clothing bag and a sponge. Race numbers will not be distributed on race day!

jrar

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

(Thanks all)

Well if a passport is not required I wonder if a 'friend' brought a copy of mine along could they pick up my number ? I guess a mail to the organisers is the next step.

I emailed them some monmths back to check this - they told me that as long as I had the original acceptance notification for the competitors in question, I could pick up numbers for any friends running the race.

As a result, I decided to travel over on the Fri. (rather than tisk the Sat. Aer Lingus flight being delayd etc.) and am going to the Expo to collect my race number and those of 2 friends who couldn't travel earlier than the Sat.

I will be bringing the email with me in case there is any change of "rules" when I get there !

Rusty Cogs 08

Well I've mailed 'them' this morning to confirm this so hopefully that's possible. My only issue now is I need some generous fellow competitor to pick up my number for me.

This may mean a bit of queuing on their part (I imagine) so it's a big ask. TBH I'd happily donate €50- to a charity of their choosing (even their 'Beer Fund') if that would help.

I'd obviously go to that person on the Saturday evening to pick up my number (rather than arrange some meeting point where they have to travel to meet me).

So is anyone going over to Berlin in good time who might be able to help me out ?

jrar

Rusty, assuming you get the same email response from them, and given that I'm already collecting 3 race numbers, I've no problem adding you as a 4th if you want.

I only signed up for the race itself (i.e. no t-shirts, engraved medals, etc. etc.) and I'm not sure what my other 2 friends have done, so I may end up queueing at multiple places within the Expo anyhow - I'm just going to try to keep it to a minimum and save my legs for Sunday !

Peckham

Seems to be a lot of us heading over for this. Might be nice to have a roll call of participants and keep this thread going for a central place for thoughts, worries etc.

Add your name below.....

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham

jrar

Peckham wrote: »

Seems to be a lot of us heading over for this. Might be nice to have a roll call of participants and keep this thread going for a central place for thoughts, worries etc.

Add your name below.....

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar

Yes. pooling info. here especially from those who've done it before would be very useful, especially with regard to the "logistics" of the event

Rusty Cogs 08

jrar wrote: »

Rusty, assuming you get the same email response from them, and given that I'm already collecting 3 race numbers, I've no problem adding you as a 4th if you want.

I only signed up for the race itself (i.e. no t-shirts, engraved medals, etc. etc.) and I'm not sure what my other 2 friends have done, so I may end up queueing at multiple places within the Expo anyhow - I'm just going to try to keep it to a minimum and save my legs for Sunday !

jrar, very much appreciated for the offer. I'll await confirmation from the organisers (I believe they respond to mails within 24 hours). I don't think I signed up for medal engraving or T-shirts so the queueing should be kept to a minimum). I'll PM you if I'm going to avail of your kind offer.

mithril

Originally Posted by Peckham
Seems to be a lot of us heading over for this. Might be nice to have a roll call of participants and keep this thread going for a central place for thoughts, worries etc.

Add your name below.....

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril

Racing Flat

Queues aren't bad at all if you know your race number as there are loads of pick up points, one for every thousand runners I think, with 4 or 5 people behind each of these pick-up points. So for most people it only took a few minutes. However a cock up last year meant that many people did not have their race number e-mailed to them, so had to take the race booking confirmation e-mail to an information desk behind which there were only 2 or 3 people. So we queued for abouit 2 hours here to be given a slip of paper with our race numbers so that we could then go to the pick-up point. Was very frustrating, so if I was going again I'd be making sure beforehand I had everything needed to get the number quickly.


Another word of warning, while the expo is very big, there was very limited food. There was a pasta place, but I never like eating a tiny portion of pasta out of a plastic plate with a plastic fork with plastic tasting sauce on top - in any case the queues were massive so this was a non-runner for us (got there lunch time Saturday). Also it was in the middle of an industrial estate I think, so it takes a while to get there on the tube and there's a bit of walking involved aswell, so there were no shops or restaurants nearby, so we didn't get around to getting food until way too late. Saying that it was all quite convenient as these things go, perhaps we just timed it wrong by heading out there at lunch hoping to eat there, but in the end it meant we didn't eat between 9 and 5...

You'll struggle to find a better marathon though. The only place to go for a time if you ask me.

Krusty_Clown

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown

Feels like I haven't run one for ages (March) so really looking forward to it. Travelling over on the Friday, so can help with race numbers too, if required.

Rusty Cogs 08

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown
RustyCogs

Daithi BC

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown
RustyCogs
Daithi BC

I'm back out of marathon retirement (again), but first marathon since Dublin 08.

ike

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown
RustyCogs
Daithi BC
ike

aburke

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown
RustyCogs
Daithi BC
ike
aburke

Rusty Cogs 08

Has anyone booked theirs yet ? Any veterans with recommendations ?

Somewhere close to the race, quiet, refined and inexpensive, that kind of thing

Aimman

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

Has anyone booked theirs yet ? Any veterans with recommendations ?

Somewhere close to the race, quiet, refined and inexpensive, that kind of thing

you're leaving it a bit late, as it's one of Berlin's biggest weekend. Its not just runners, but walkers and in line skaters over the weekend, Its a plague of glycogen that weekend. Accomodation can be like gold-dust.

Last year i stayed in http://www.suitehotel.com/gb/hotel-3745-suitehotel-berlin-potsdamer-platz/index.shtml ,

Its about 10 mins walk from the start, I got a good price, rooms were well layed out, novel modern design and very handy for train transport ( but you cant hear them)

Strange concept in breakfasts, but there is a microwave and stuff in the room, if you want to bring anything specific.

Best part is that there is an Italian restaurant right beside it on the corner, but book it when you get there, as it got jammed last year when people went on a carbo-loading fest the night before. :-)

Peckham

I'm booked into Hotel Transit, which I've just checked (on hostelworld.com) and seems to have availability (not sure if that's a good sign!). It's probably not walking distance to race start, but doesn't seem that far.

Rusty Cogs 08

Rusty Cogs 08 wrote: »

jrar, very much appreciated for the offer. I'll await confirmation from the organisers (I believe they respond to mails within 24 hours). I don't think I signed up for medal engraving or T-shirts so the queueing should be kept to a minimum). I'll PM you if I'm going to avail of your kind offer.

Just got confirmation from the organisers

"your friend can pick up your bib number. It's no problem."

Coola boola

mithril

I got the following reply when I enquired about the possibility of picking up the race number after 6PM as an exception.
Not surprising given the previous posts but thought I would enquire anyway.

From: Britt Munzlinger [mailto:Britt.Munzlinger@berlin-marathon.com] On Behalf Of SCC-RUNNING Office
Sent: 03 July 2009 09:27
To: xxxxxxx
Subject: AW: Collecting race number Saturday evening
Importance: Low

Hello,

unfortunately it's not possible to pick up race numbers after 6:00 p.m.
Maybe a friend of yours can pick up the race number for you?

Mit freundlichen Grüßen

Krusty_Clown

I'm sure between a few of us, we can find people in the same number-range (same queues), and meet up to handover numbers on Saturday evening.

Woddle

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown
RustyCogs
Daithi BC
ike
aburke
Woddle

ergo

Participating in Berlin marathon
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown
RustyCogs
Daithi BC
ike
aburke
Woddle
ergo


-> (all going to plan , this will be my first marathon...)

10 weeks from this weekend

Rusty Cogs 08

Are there pens or some sort of phased starts at Berlin for those running for sub X times ?

What about pacers ?

Aimman

Yeah, last year they let the elites and sub 3 hour go first (think it was as far as the sub 3 hour) and there was a break for a good few mins, and they let the rest go in one block, but the overall time was from the elites started, which maked the chip timing more important. Pacers had big orange balloons tied to them with the times written on them, easy to spot, but difficult to get near when you are lining up for the start. I ended up in between pacers and had to go for the one ahead, as I couldn't see the one I wanted, ended up pushing too hard for the first half, then towards the end, the pacer I should have been with overtook me. Should have tripped him up on the way past for being cocky, lol. :P

lizanne83

Ah I’m so envious of you guys doing Berlin. You will love it. But yes they were strict with bib collections last year. I would say any form of ID should suffice though. I just want to be able to exercise again, yet alone run. Wow that would be magic! 10 months out now with pelvic stress-fracture since Berlin last year. But I don’t blame Berlin, it was a wonderful memory. One day again hopefully…..

Good luck to all!

Peckham

Aimman wrote: »

Yeah, last year they let the elites and sub 3 hour go first (think it was as far as the sub 3 hour)

Presumably this is based on your predicted finish time on the entry form?

Abhainn

Peckham wrote: »

Presumably this is based on your predicted finish time on the entry form?

Bring proof of your previous marathon time!!

I was scheduled to be in Block D (3:00-3:15 predicted time) as I put the 3:14 time on the entry form for the DM in 2008.
When I picked up my no. late the evening before the race I was allocated a start from block G!
I went to help desk pleaded my case but because I didn't have proof of my Dublin time and I was basically ignored.
Not happy with that german's social skills I went off to another help desk where a tired looking lady upgraded me to D

Rusty Cogs 08

Participating in Berlin marathon Sept 20th 2009
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown
RustyCogs 2'59'59"
Daithi BC
ike
aburke
Woddle
ergo

With 47 days to go to Berlin I'm just wondering how we're looking for participants. I know some have deferred their sub 3 attempts, others may have revised their times. I've just dropped in my goal time for added motivation/pressure.

(confirmed in bold)

mithril

Yes, I am still in. Ran just under 1:26 in Achill which looks promising since its a tougher course than Berlin and McMillan gives me 3:02. Fighting a niggling ankle injury though which physio says will take about 6 weeks to clear up by reducing training volumes.The Adidas 10 mile next week-end will be a good reality check.

Daithi BC

Participating in Berlin marathon Sept 20th 2009
Peckham
Jrar
Mithril
Krusty_Clown
RustyCogs - 2'59'59"
Daithi BC - 2:49:xx
ike
aburke
Woddle
ergo

I'm still in as well, though struggling this week with my standard shin injury. Current aim is 2:49:xx, though that may be updated after the 10 miler on Saturday week.

Krusty_Clown

I'm still in, but aiming for around 3:05. Training is going great (touch wood). Just downloaded and read through the information pack. Looks like a great event and weekend. Will probably go to the expo on the Friday, to try and avoid the masses, and stay off my feet on the Saturday (except for a short run).

Bring on the next 47 days!

ergo

I'm still in too - getting excited now

I did lose at least 10 days training in early July when I thought I had broken my ankle in a freak incident - thank God that's settled down (and x-ray was fine too) - but lost some miles there

while I know based on VO2 max and some previous 10k times I could have sub 3 capability in me - I don't think this will be the one - not enough mileage done - more realistically looking at

a) finishing my first marathon
b) 3:10 or better would be great

I'm not fully ruling out the sub 3 - but a reality check needs to be done I think

depending on how things go over the next month will have a better idea