Waterford Half - Too soon after DCM?

VanBosch

Hey,Did my fist marathon on Monday and loved it and am eager to keep the running going.Didnt get to dot he Dublin half so I fancy the Waterford half (12th December). My question is, is it too soon after Dublin to go and race that? If not what kind of training plan would be bets to do? Would it be to take the last 6 weeks of a half schedule or just do a few 6 milers 2 nights a week and one LSR at weekends so as to allow a small bit of rest but retain fitness. Or would the fitness gained from DCM still be there in 6 weeks with a small bit of training here and thre?Any other thought appreciated...

The Davestator

will be watching this thread closely as I want to know the exact same info regarding the waterford half. (booked hotel today!)

run_Forrest_run

OP, well done on your first marathon and it's good to see another one bitten by the bug:)

yes, the fitness from your training for the DCM will still be there and as long as you keep tipping away with the training you will be sorted.

Get back into training gradually though, don't go out and do a 6 mile run this week, just perhaps a light 2 miles around now and two days later try a light 3 miler...making sure to stretch those aching muscles during and after the run when the muscles are warm.

About 2 weeks after the DCM you could focus on your half marathon, keeping in mind your distance in the training runs will be less so no need to push yourself too much.

You could increase the intensity of your training on a weekly basis and then taper off for the last 10 days or so prior to the half marathon.

Just my tuppence worth!
I'm thinking of doing the Waterford half myself and I'm way off the fitness levels at the moment so you aren't too bad eh;)

sideswipe

This question has been on my mind also, I'm new to running and have become hooked after DCM but I'm working blind when it comes to setting goals, I feel I would love to increase my speed but am not really sure if a half mara so soon would be a good thing or if a couple of 5-10k races would be best as suggested on other threads.

run_Forrest_run

sideswipe wrote: »

This question has been on my mind also, I'm new to running and have become hooked after DCM but I'm working blind when it comes to setting goals, I feel I would love to increase my speed but am not really sure if a half mara so soon would be a good thing or if a couple of 5-10k races would be best as suggested on other threads.

well it will all come in time (pardon the pun). Just keep working on your fitness. I think a general feeling is if you want to improve your speed then long distance running isn't ideal.
You could focus on some 5km/5mile runs and races for a while. Once your fitness is on the up you could incorporate some interval training (speed sessions) into your weekly training plan and gradually introduce greater distance into your runs.
I was training for Ballycotton last year and I was doing one speed session a week (with a friend) and I honestly feel they were invaluable to me on race day as I recorded a PB in Ballycotton.

As you are starting out don't worry too much about distance, just get out there and enjoy the running & learn more about your pace & strength etc and the rest will fall into place.

Cooldog

Also I think it would do no harm booking youself in for a sports massage. I had one yesterday and legs feel great today. Therapist said that there was a lot of tightness there after the DCM so now that the legs are sorted I am also thinking about the waterford half, might try and do and 8 miler this weekend, 10 the following and then up it to 12. Will leave it a week or so before doing any tempo or speed stuff. Thats my plan. Ran DCM in 2005 in 3.34.58, and this year in 3.07.53 will try and get sub 3 next time. Mileage averaged 50 for my 20 weeks training but my max was a 58 mile week. I think I may need to up the mileage to achieve a sub 3. I have heard a lot about Pfitz 55 and 70 marathoning training as the way to go. If anyone has any comments or ideas please share them

Brianderunner

I found that it took until January or February before my race times were back to normal after the DCM 07 and 08. I just never fired in the races i did in November and December but everyone's different

Cooldog

Brianderunner wrote: »

I found that it took until January or February before my race times were back to normal after the DCM 07 and 08. I just never fired in the races i did in November and December but everyone's different

Does anyone know if the half marathon in December is being held on the same course as the National half marathon was on in 2008 ?

nutzzz123

Cooldog wrote: »

Does anyone know if the half marathon in December is being held on the same course as the National half marathon was on in 2008 ?

yes here is the route http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/ireland/waterford/713621615501

Cooldog

Anyone any info on if this is going ahead this coming sat due to the recent weather??

opus

Cooldog wrote: »

Anyone any info on if this is going ahead this coming sat due to the recent weather??

I assume so given the thaw is supposed to set in on Fri, weather forecast from yr.no. Best bet is to keep an eye on the thread in the Events sub-forum here and/or their FB page here.

Cooldog

opus wrote: »

I assume so given the thaw is supposed to set in on Fri, weather forecast from yr.no. Best bet is to keep an eye on the thread in the Events sub-forum here and/or their FB page here.

Its OFF guys there doing it in the 18th, wont make it had to nearly kill to get the 11th off. No chance of the 18th.

Aimman

Its now set for the 15th January.