Getting serious about running

RunningFlyer

Hi all,

Im a bit of a keen runner and go jogging every day/2nd day, but Im now looking to take it a bit further and challenge myself to do the Dublin Marathon next year.

As a result, Im looking for getting advice/tips/tricks on the best way to approach the marathon so I can prepare myself; everything from what gear to wear, diet, training routines, registering etc.

I'm have been running for about a year and a half, typically doing 6/7km runs in reasonable timings. The most Ive ever run in one go was 12.5km so nowhere near Marathon distances. Im not too concerned about what time I do the marathon in this year as I just want to be able to say Ive done it, but as I progress during my training Ill probably set a target.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any replies!

Krusty_Clown

Hi RunningFlyer:
Step 1: Search the forums. This question has been asked many times, and you'll find a wealth of information that has been posted before (more than you'll get on this thread). Try searching for something like: Marathon beginners. It'll highlight threads like this one.
Step 2: Find a marathon
Step 3: find a training program. Hal Higdon is a good starting point for runners new to the distance.
Step 4: Call yourself a runner, not a jogger!

If you're currently running distances up to 12.5kms, then you could start a beginner's program, and work your way up to a spring marathon. Alternatively, if you want to stick with the plan to do DCM, why not target a 10k race, a half marathon, and then the marathon.

RunningFlyer

Thanks Krusty, Ill have a look around here over the next few days..

A few questions already;

- I usually run with an iPod (big one, not nano).. do runners usually run with them in the marathon or does it just get too uncomfortable after a few hours?

- As I run with my iPod, I usually use the stopwatch to time my runs. Im going to look for a digital watch soon to time it off that.. are the running-specific watches worth the money?

Thanks

RF

rainbow kirby

RunningFlyer wrote: »

- I usually run with an iPod (big one, not nano).. do runners usually run with them in the marathon or does it just get too uncomfortable after a few hours?

I do all my training runs with an iPod touch, which I have an armband for. I never found that it got too uncomfortable on my training runs, even up to my longest (20 mile, so well over 3 hours for a plodder like me!) training run for DCM. I left it in my backpack for the marathon though, part of what the marathon's about is soaking up the atmosphere and the support from the crowds, and you just don't get as much of that if you're using your iPod.

Also, in answer to your other question, I use a €20 Casio watch to time my runs. I wouldn't mind getting a running-specific one, or preferably to get a Garmin, but I've managed fine up to now with what I have.

Brianderunner

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Also, in answer to your other question, I use a €20 Casio watch to time my runs. I wouldn't mind getting a running-specific one, or preferably to get a Garmin, but I've managed fine up to now with what I have.

Yeah i do the same. I see no point in spending all that money on a sat nav watch when i know the areas i run in so well (i.e. where the km and mile splits are) it keeps the brain ticking over on the run when you work out the pace in your head..

As regards an mp3 player, get a light one in argos for 15-20 euro, they store about 150 songs, which is plenty for training. You barely even feel them on you when running.

robinph

Should step 4 not be higher up the list, it's one of the more important things.

I dont run with an mp4 myself, but just be aware that some races will officially "ban" you from using them in a race. Anyway, as other said they really should not be worn during a big(ish) marathon like the DCM as there is so much else that you should be taking in of what is going on around you, quite apart from any safety aspect of it all. When was the last time you had 10,000+ people with you for company on your training run?

As for the watch, I love my gadgetry, but you don't really need anything more than a basic stop watch and the likes of mapmyrun to know how far and fast you've been going, some woud even say that is making excessive use of technology.

If you need something new then get along to some specialist running shop and get your gait analysed for the proper shoes. That is not going to be a shop where they sell football kits and base running shoe sales tactics on what colour the shoes are.

ir666

Join a club. Lots of advice and motivation.

and as said above:
target shorter races in your buildup. 5K, 10K, half

mithril

Generally, I find people ramp up too quickly when tackling a marathon. You see a lot of distress when badly prepared people are completing it with very slow times and by and large this is avoidable.

Its possible to complete a marathon next year with that base but I would advise you instead to target a 10 km race in the Spring and a half-marathon in the Autumn. Then do the marathon the following year.

You are less likely to pick up an injury, will have a faster time and more enjoyable day if you do it that way.

RunningFlyer

Thanks for the help everyone.. I think Ill take the above advice, target a 10k in Spring and a half-marathon later in the year. I'll hold off signing up for the marathon just yet, and will see how the training and 10k race go before signing for it, but Id still like to be able to do it.

As regards to running clubs, does anyone have any experience with Bray Runners or Kilcoole, and do they cater for all levels?

I might start a log up here in the New Year too, is it ok to do that or must I register?

Thanks

RF

Krusty_Clown

RunningFlyer wrote: »

As regards to running clubs, does anyone have any experience with Bray Runners or Kilcoole, and do they cater for all levels?
I might start a log up here in the New Year too, is it ok to do that or must I register?

If you want to start up a log, you have to send me a cheque for €29.95. For that price, you'll receive you're own personalized log-space, free 'Thanks' 'Quote'and 'Reply' buttons, and a selection of colourful emoticons to let everyone know how you're feeling. Joke. All you need to do is start a thread in that sub-forum, in the same way you started this thread.

BeepBeep runs for Bray Runners, so you could pm him for some advice.

RunningFlyer

Haha thanks Krusty, I thought it might have been a stupid question! Will probably wait until the New Year to start one so I can keep track of the distance over the year.

Cheers

annieee

RunningFlyer wrote: »

As regards to running clubs, does anyone have any experience with Bray Runners or Kilcoole, and do they cater for all levels?


RF

I'm with Kilcoole. We train twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays and all levels are catered for. Really enjoyable sessions and I can definately see a vast improvement in my running since I started. Highly recommended - might see ya there!