Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Recommendation for amateur marathon 'attempt'

  • 13-01-2010 9:23pm
    #1
    McNulty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 130 ✭✭


    Bear with me - I'm strictly amateur hour here!

    I'm looking for some advice on a good solid programme that would enable me to complete the Dublin City Marathon this October.

    I'm in a gym based fitness programme at the moment and current fitness would be poor to middling, but I have form for getting better and I have completed some small distance runs before, albeit in slow times - 1 x Half marathon (2hr 20), several 10K (ave 1.05)

    I'm looking to be able to complete the marathon without stopping (aware things happen!) but I'm not setting myself a time just yet.

    There's no convenient running club near me (childcare issues rule out a couple) but have heard a rumour of one maybe starting v. close in Bettystown. Also trying to encourage Brother in Law to do this so I have a training partner.

    Any advice on something that would get me going well on the right track? Until the clocks change I'll be mainly treadmill based with beach/tarmac at the weekend

    Cheers in advance

    Jim


Comments

  • #2
    Pisco Sour
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭Pisco Sour


    McNulty wrote: »
    Bear with me - I'm strictly amateur hour here!


    I'll leave somebody a bit more knowledgeable about training programmes to advise you, but let me assure you that nobody on this site is anything other than an "amateur" runner!


  • #3
    Peckham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,558 ✭✭✭Peckham


    Just get out and enjoy consistent running, start small and don't push yourself too hard. Pick a race in April/May and work towards that. Maybe another 10k or something like that - some good training plans on halhigdon.com to give you some ideas. Adidas race series during the summer is a good warm up for Dublin Marathon, if that's your aim.

    With a half marathon behind you, you're well ahead of many other people thinking of giving the marathon a shot.

    Good luck!


  • #4
    ecoli
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,762 ✭✭✭✭ecoli


    Most programmes wont last more than 24 weeks (6 months) while you are getting feedback on the different types of programmes my advice would be to get out and do 2-3 runs a week maybe 3-4 miles because regardless of what schedule you follow these mmiles will stand to you and you can build up from there addding extra miles or runs every week at a general rule is 10% weekly mileage increase


  • #5
    rainbow kirby
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Most marathon-specific training programs are 16-18 weeks long, so you would be starting that around late June. Really what you'll be looking to do is to build fitness for the first half of the year. Try and be consistent, and try and build a decent base. For first-timers, the Hal Higdon novice plan is quite popular. If you have a bit of time, this thread is worth a read too. :)


  • #6
    Pisco Sour
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭Pisco Sour


    I'd recommend training specifically for a 10k (Great Ireland Run in April would be perfect time to do one). Focus on that and try break 1 hour. Then after that you can start building towards higher mileage races and ultimately the marathon in October.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    McNulty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 130 ✭✭McNulty


    Thanks a million everyone - for the advice and encouragement - going for the Great Ireland in April is a great idea- very motivating to aim for a PB at that!

    I will keep checking in - the Hal Higdon material all looks very straightforward and clear

    Cheers

    Jim


  • #8
    VanBosch
    Closed Accounts Posts: 52 ✭✭VanBosch


    McNulty wrote: »
    Thanks a million everyone - for the advice and encouragement - going for the Great Ireland in April is a great idea- very motivating to aim for a PB at that!

    I will keep checking in - the Hal Higdon material all looks very straightforward and clear

    Cheers

    Jim

    I had never ran until last April, I decided I wanted to do the Dublin Marathon in 09. I did the Hal Higdon novice plan. It was only 18 weeks and I had 26 weeks until the martathon so I just did week one for the extra 8 weeks. This allowed me to build up fitness while knowing that I wasnt yet on the schedule. Also it gave me confidence that I could run regularily, so one the actual 18 weeks started I would have a good base of fitness and more confidence. It worked well for me and I havnt looked back...I guess my advise would be to get out rather than be on a treadmill. Get a high viz vest or a some form of illuminous top and you will be fine. Running on a treadmill wouldnt be for me...Best of Luck....


  • #9
    meathcountysec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,450 ✭✭✭meathcountysec


    McNulty wrote: »
    There's no convenient running club near me (childcare issues rule out a couple) but have heard a rumour of one maybe starting v. close in Bettystown.

    How convenient is convenient? Star of the Sea AC are based in Stamullen, and have a Fit4Life group that meet and train regularly.

    http://community.meath.ie/starofthesea/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=66

    Give them a shout and see if it suits.....


Advertisement