Half Marathon & Beyond......

Cabaal

Back in Mid February 2010 I started running with the Couch to 5k plan and I started a training log to keep track of things.

Although I started being barely being able to run 1km non-stop by March my pace was around 9:00/km by May I had cut this to around 6:20/km and by September all the way down to around 5:40/km.

On the 18th September I took part in my first ever event which was the Dublin Half Marathon, my goal was to finish somewhere between 2hours & 2hours 15min. My final result was 1hour 56min 48sec

So with that under my belt I decided it was time to start a new training log as its no longer a couch25k, its moved onto something much more at this stage

My goal is now to run a number of events starting with my next event which will be the Waterford Half Marathon in December but although I won't be running the Dublin City Marathon this year I will certainly be doing it in 2011

littlebug

That's a fantastic time Cabaal! It seems like no time since you were starting couch to 5k .... brilliant progress!

Good luck with your new goals.

Cabaal

littlebug wrote: »

That's a fantastic time Cabaal! It seems like no time since you were starting couch to 5k .... brilliant progress!

Good luck with your new goals.

Thanks, I'm really thrilled with the time I honestly didn't think I'd get over the 2hour mark at all.

It was hard going at the start of the couchto5k but I'm glad I stuck with it, not only have I been able to run much faster times and longer distances but I've also gone back cycling and managed a number of 50-60km spins with hardly any bother. (previously they would have killed me)

Really curious how I'll be in February 2011

RubyK

That's fantastic progress you've made since February! Best of luck with the new log, and future goals

Cabaal

First run since the half marathon on Saturday, took it easy enough or so I thought.

September 14th Run:
Distance: 5.02km
Pace: 5:37/km
Time: 28min 12sec

Really debating what type of training I'll start now, I had planned on the Hal Higdon's Half Marathon training intermediate as I previously did the novice.

However I'm debating maybe I'd be better off putting more miles in and doing perhaps the novice marathon training - http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

Ok the next event I plan on doing is a half marathon in December but I'm thinking more miles would prepare for beyond that as well as making doing the HM easier going then say my first half marathon.

Decisions, decisions.....

Cabaal

September 23rd Run:
Distance: 6.48km
Pace: 5:42/km
Time: 37min 01sec

Did my long run today, felt alright throughout

September 26th Run:
Distance: 10.02km
Pace: 5:50/km
Time: 58min 32sec

Cabaal

Don't have exact stats as didn't track it but here's the rough distance

September 28th Run:
Distance: 6.60km
Time: 40min

dna_leri

Will keep an eye on your log and progress as we seem to have started our logs at the same time and often update at similar times.

Good luck.

Cabaal

September 30th Run:
Distance: 7.46km
Pace: 5:41/km
Time: 42min 25sec

Stopped for a while as I moved some massive bag that had fallen off a truck onto the middle of the road so decided I'd be nice and move them out of the way as the lazy motorists were just driving around it :rolleyes:

Krusty_Clown

Just catching up on your log now. Congrats on the half marathon achievement. Onwards an upwards!

Cabaal

October 2nd Run:
Distance: 10.29km
Pace: 5:45/km
Time: 59min 20sec

Thats my long run for the week done, it was handy enough throughout the run.


October 3rd Cycle:
Distance: 63km
Time: 2hours 15min Approx

Finally got another cycle in, was a nice break from the running

Cabaal

Its not been a good week for running at all and yet again I've done no speed work like I should under the training plan.

October 6th Run:
Distance: 8.08km
Pace: 5:42/km
Time: 46min 07sec

Hoping to get another 8km in this evening and a cycle in over the weekend as well as my weekend run...

Cabaal

October 8th Run:
Distance: 8.03km
Pace: 5:24/km
Time: 27min 10sec


October 9th Run:
Distance: 5.00km
Pace: 5:10/km
Time: 25min 53sec

The above is my fastest 5km pace and time to date


October 12th Cycle:
Distance: 31.2km
Time: 1hour 5min approx

Cabaal

Didn't do any running at all last week, knee's haven't felt right and I was on a late shift in work.

However did a long spin on the bike yesterday

October 17th Cycle:
Distance: 75.6km
Time: 3hour 25min approx

Micilin Muc

Hope you get back running soon. Make sure you don't make the mistake of trying to make up for it too much too soon.

Cabaal

October 18th Run:
Distance: 6.47km
Pace: 5:34/km
Time: 36min 06sec


October 20th Cycle:
Distance: 32.50km
Time: 1hour 20min

Very cold frosty morning cycle with LOTS of hills, not very pleasant compared to my 70km spin the other day. I need proper winter gear for cycling.


October 21st Run:
Distance: 5.39km
Pace: 5:28/km
Time: 29min 31sec

Cabaal

My long run of the week, haven't done a massive amount of running during the past two weeks so was abit iffy about it but it went fine

October 23rd Run:
Distance: 12.93km
Pace: 5:54/km
Time: 1hour 16min 30sec



October 24th Cycle:
Distance: 54.00km
Time: 1hour 50min approx

Cabaal

October 27th Run:
Distance: 6.03km
Pace: 5:45/km
Time: 34min 40min

Really getting slack on the running this past two weeks, need to focus and get back into it next week big time.

I have a long run tomorrow morning so I'm going to start with that

Cabaal

October 31st Run:
Distance: 5.16km
Pace: 5:41/km
Time: 29min 20min

It was supposed to be my 10km race as part of the training but didn't get time over the weekend and when I ran the above at 7.30pm lastnight I felt like crap.

I need to get back into the proper frame of mind and put the head down as I have the Waterford Half Marathon in early December and I want to see improvement over the Dublin Half Marathon time.

Cabaal

November 3rd Run:
Distance: 7.71km
Pace: 5:46/km
Time: 44min 34min


November 6th Cycle:
Distance: 42.1km
Time: 1hour 37min approx

Cabaal

My long slow run for the week,

November 7th Run:
Distance: 14.52km
Pace: 5:44/km
Time: 1hour 23min 22sec

Felt fine throughout, nipple chafe is a problem at these distances so need to sort that

claralara

Hey Cabaal, nice run today (apart from the chaffing!). Well done on keeping at it since your great time in the Dublin Half. You should definitely beat that in Waterford. That was my plan originally but I'm not so sure that'll happen now. We'll see! And DCM 2011? I shook on it in public at a big family party last weekend so i'll see you there :eek:. Keep up the good work!

Cabaal

claralara wrote: »

Well done on keeping at it since your great time in the Dublin Half. You should definitely beat that in Waterford.

Thanks,
But I don't know if I will to be honest, I've not done a full week of the hall hidgon plan I'm supposed to be doing since I started it, I'm going to try my best this week to do everything I'm supposed to.

That was my plan originally but I'm not so sure that'll happen now. We'll see!

What did you manage in the last half marathon you did?

And DCM 2011? I shook on it in public at a big family party last weekend so i'll see you there :eek:. Keep up the good work!

I noticed the entrys are already open for it, if I had 70e spare I'd sign up and that would pretty much make me do it unless I got injured.

No idea what time I expect to do it in though :pac:

claralara

I have also not completed one full week of the plan I'm supposed to be following so snap right there!!

I did the Kildare Half (which was my first) in May in 2.04.54. I had hurt my ankle a few days previously and foolishly (and against all advice!!) I ran on it. That had me off my feet and unable to walk for 6 weeks...oops!

And then I did Dublin in 1.58.49.

Last week I decided to shoot for 1.57.30 in Waterford. Sure I might as well aim high!! It's quite unlikely I'll manage that but hopefullyit'll get me off the couch and on to my feet for the next 5 weeks.

I just spent €70 entering the Connemara Half so DCM will have to wait. Maybe I'll get it for christmas....:rolleyes:

Cabaal

claralara wrote: »

I have also not completed one full week of the plan I'm supposed to be following so snap right there!!

I did the Kildare Half (which was my first) in May in 2.04.54. I had hurt my ankle a few days previously and foolishly (and against all advice!!) I ran on it. That had me off my feet and unable to walk for 6 weeks...oops!

You won't do that again atleast
Even with the injury you did a good time though so hats off to you there.

And then I did Dublin in 1.58.49.

Last week I decided to shoot for 1.57.30 in Waterford. Sure I might as well aim high!! It's quite unlikely I'll manage that but hopefullyit'll get me off the couch and on to my feet for the next 5 weeks.

I'm thinking I'm going to aim for 1hour 55min, I'm basing this on nothing more other then I like the number

I've no idea how I'll actually do sure nice to aim for something atleast,

I just spent €70 entering the Connemara Half so DCM will have to wait. Maybe I'll get it for christmas....:rolleyes:

70e for a half?? feck thats expensive,
I need to find an event for after the Waterford HM, I'm thinking a marathon perhaps in April/May so I can get in the training but is there any at that time of year?

Micilin Muc

Cabaal wrote: »

I need to find an event for after the Waterford HM, I'm thinking a marathon perhaps in April/May so I can get in the training but is there any at that time of year?

There's the Connemara full marathon (which is €70) on April 10th, and the Belfast Marathon (€38/£33) on May 2nd. I'd prefer a marathon through the countryside rather than through a city.

Cabaal

Micilin Muc wrote: »

There's the Connemara full marathon (which is €70) on April 10th, and the Belfast Marathon (€38/£33) on May 2nd. I'd prefer a marathon through the countryside rather than through a city.

Oh interesting, I thought it was half, might have a think about doing one of those events as a first marathon.

I've never been to Belfast, marathon would be a nice way of seeing the city

littlebug

Cabaal wrote: »

Oh interesting, I thought it was half,

There's a half, full and ultra with the half marathon route being the second half of the full marathon and the full marathon route being the last 2/3 of the ultra. www.connemarathon.com Make sure to look at the course profile before committing to anything!

Cabaal

I was sick yesterday so no run for me, feeling better today so should get a run in this evening. Fingers crossed.

Cabaal

November 10th Run:
Distance: 10.02km
Pace: 5:38/km
Time: 56min 31sec

Happy with the pace throughout the run though it was the last thing I wanted to do lastnight I didn't want to miss another run as I';ve missed enough already.

Going to try do 8 x 400metres this evening as I want to see some improvment in speed.

Debating taking part in the Connamara Marathon in April after reviewing the website, 70e is pretty steep though but I want to take part in a marathon before Dublin ideally.

If I start the training after finishing the Waterford Half-Marathon that gives me enough time to fit in pretty much everything,

Cabaal

Didn't run yesterday due to the very bad weather and very strong winds, hopefully this evening will be better

claralara

Cabaal wrote: »

You won't do that again atleast
Even with the injury you did a good time though so hats off to you there.

It was hands down the stupidest thing I've ever done. I didn't listen to a word of advice from anyone who tried to offer it. That said, I can't say I would done any different in hindsight. :rolleyes: But I would probably give anyone who was thinking of running on a bad ankle an earful! I must learn to take my own advice!!

Cabaal wrote: »

I'm thinking I'm going to aim for 1hour 55min, I'm basing this on nothing more other then I like the number

I've no idea how I'll actually do sure nice to aim for something atleast,

This is my type of reasoning. I like!

Cabaal wrote: »

70e for a half?? feck thats expensive,
I need to find an event for after the Waterford HM, I'm thinking a marathon perhaps in April/May so I can get in the training but is there any at that time of year?

It is expensive but Connemara just seems to be one figure regardless of what event you're doing. I've heard it's worth it anyway so fingers crossedit won't end me. You can enter the Half and change to the full until March 1st I think. I am being harrassed on a daily basis to switch to the full but I really don't think I'd be able for it. And I'd hate to HATE my first marathon!

The first Kildare Marathon is on next May actually. That was my Half this year and it was really enjoyable. Otherwise there are definitely some European City marathons in April / May which might provide a nice excuse for a weekend away!!

Enjoy your run tonight! I am taking a welcome hungover rest day!:D

Cabaal

November 13th Cycle:
Distance: 41.9km
Time: 1hour 40min approx

I like cycling I really do but these late evenings are making it extremely difficult, I'm also annoyed that the cycle computer I was using broke so can't really get any stats and just need to try and watch my depart and returm times

Cabaal

November 14th Run:
Distance: 16.36km
Pace: 5:36/km
Time: 1hour 31min 49sec

My long run for the week, felt pretty good throughout the whole run although legs are abit iffy in places this morning but nothing major.

Very cold yesterday morning when I went for my 10mile run, alot of ice on the first 5km of the run which is worrying for the next two-three Months running wise.

If it snows like last year I'll be fecked for routes to run which will be very annoying!

Cabaal

November 16th Run:
Distance: 8.15km
Pace: 5:26/km
Time: 44min 18min

So started running when I got home yesterday evening, it was just raining to start with but then the storm started.

By the time I got to the half way mark the wind had really picked up but dispite this I ran a pretty fast pace and this run likely has one of my fastest 5km's in it

Determined to not let the weather stop me running dispite how crazy people think I am running in shorts in the wind and rain :pac:

maria74

Determined to not let the weather stop me running dispite how crazy people think I am running in shorts in the wind and rain :pac:[/QUOTE]


Thats what a good run can do for you. Just couple days ago you were saying the weather will stop us running..then you have a good day and suddenly think you can run forever and at all times. If only we could bottle it..:):)

Cabaal

No run for me yesterday as during the 8km run the other night my foot slipped into a pothole and is hurting me abit since, I may go for a short run later but I'll need to look at my ankle first as I don't want to make it worse.

Cabaal

No run for me yesterday either, decided to leave it another day to see how my ankle feels,
Might do a 3mile run this evening.

Cabaal

November 19th Run:
Distance: 5.06km
Pace: 5:41/km
Time: 28min 44min

Had to stop three times due to my ankle being at me, walked the last 1km home as didn't want to push it

Cabaal

November 21st Run:
Distance: 15.06km
Pace: 5:33/km
Time: 1hour 23min 44sec

My long run of the week, based on my training plan it was a 15km race.....I'm happy with the pace Next week I have 11miles to run.

claralara

Hey there, Sorry to see you might not make Waterford... fingers and toes crossed that you and you'll smash your Dublin time for that OCD inspired round 55!!

Cabaal

claralara wrote: »

Hey there, Sorry to see you might not make Waterford... fingers and toes crossed that you and you'll smash your Dublin time for that OCD inspired round 55!!

Waterford will be up in the air until I'd say the Friday, I'll need to see how things pan out. I'll be so annoyed if I don't make it after putting in the work

Cabaal

November 23rd Run:
Distance: 5.31km
Pace: 5:37/km
Time: 29min 51sec

Calf muscles hurt a fair bit during this run, was supposed to be a 8km run but cut it short as at 5km I had enough.

Cabaal

No run for me lastnight as it was damn cold and I just wasn't in the mood.

Cabaal

Went for a run lastnight in the end when I got home fromm work at 8.30pm, it was frosty.....

November 25th Run:
Distance: 5.03km
Pace: 5:29/km
Time: 27min 34sec

Cabaal

No runs at all during the weekend due to the snow, very annoyed as was due to do a 11mile run on Sunday. Can't see any running until this snow is gone

Cabaal

No running until further notice due to snow, this is some pain in the arse
I'm doubting I'll beat my PB from the Dublin Half Marathon this even IF the Waterford goes ahead if the weather keeps up.

Cabaal

I got a run in yesterday before the heavy fog came in and decided to stay....its still pretty heavy as I type.

Luckily the route was pretty ice free but that's changed today

December 5th Run:
Distance: 16.34km
Pace: 5:54/km
Time: 1hour 36min 26sec

Not a fast run but felt great to get out after 10 days without a run, by the time I was home although I was warm there was ice forming on my gloves :pac:

Unless the Waterford Half Marathon is canceled I should make it

Cabaal

After a 1km walk on lethal footpaths I got to a stretch of road I could actually run on as there wasn't much ice

December 9th Run:
Distance: 4.8km
Pace: 5:26/km
Time: 26min 23sec

Now that the Waterford Half Marathon has been pushed back to the 15/01/2010 I'm going to see if I can get some training in.

I've been looking at the hal higdon training programme for marathon and I'm going to have to start it right now in order for it to be finished on the 11/04/2010....not 100% sure if its such a good idea and maybe I should wait for Belfast or Cork Marathon instead...

Cabaal

December 10th Run:
Distance: 5.01km
Pace: 5:19km
Time: 26min 43sec

Going to do a 13.1mile long run tomorrow since that Waterford Half was canceled, the ice and snow is almost completely gone so finding a route shouldn't be a problem

I'm currently creating a marathon training plan off of hall hidgons plans with some minor changes, as recommended by Krusty I added three 20miles to it (there was only two).

Can be viewed here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RKx8TIQf-eWSOTkeDIJp0cX6VYxWBAhZUy_j_s1E2Q4/edit?hl=en&authkey=COeao1Q

Cabaal

Very heavy fog this morning but finally it lifted at around 11am so I managed to get my 13.1mile run in, not a fantastically fast time but then it was a long slow run not a race

December 12th Run:
Distance: 21.12km
Pace: 5:51km
Time: 2hours 3min 32sec