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2011 Plan Advice

  • 27-10-2010 11:17am
    #1
    troy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 123 ✭✭


    I am trying to plan races for 2011 and I need some advice.

    I started running in March 2010, did a half marathon in May then took a break then did the race series along with other training building up to DCM 10. I did a good time in the Race Series Half, 1:38:41, but then I missed out on some of my long runs before the marathon. Got some advice on here and decided to take it easy for the race. I followed the 3:45 pace group and came home in 3:43:53. Really enjoyed the race, especially the last couple of miles. I felt a bit tired from 19-24 but nothing serious.

    So for 2011 I am planning to run Belfast on 2nd May. However I am going to run this race in 5hrs. My 65 year old dad is running his 17th marathon there and I want to do one with him while he is running. Also, in a mad moment, I have decided to push my son around with us in a running buggy!! He is the only grandson and I like the idea of three generations running together. He was born in April this year so he'll be 1 in May. Now some sense has prevailed (via my sister and mother) and I probably won't push him for the full 26, keeping him occupied/fed/warm/clean etc could be a problem. Looking at the map I will probably run with him for the first 6 and last 4/5 miles. In the mean time I will give him to the family to mind.

    Ideally I would also like to try and run a competitive marathon next year too. I would like to go sub 3:30. To me I have a number of options which you can comment on or suggest other alternatives:
    1. Belfast & Kildare (2 weeks)
    2. Belfast & Cork (5 weeks)
    3. Belfast & Dublin - Doing this could mean I spend the entire year training which could result in divorce!
    4. Belfast & 2012 - Wait for 2012 to try sub 3:30

    Thanks for any advice


Comments

  • #2
    Bubblesnots jr.
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭Bubblesnots jr.


    definately option 3 nd throw in cork as u will hav the miles


  • #3
    macinalli
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 907 ✭✭✭macinalli


    Nice idea!

    First off I'd drop option 1 - IMHO 2 weeks is just to short a gap between marathons.
    I'd also question option 2 as 5 weeks is also a short gap between marathons, although I'm not sure just how much Belfast will have taken out of you before Cork. Option 3 means committing for a lot of running next year, while I just don't like option 4!

    Have you considered a marathon before Belfast? For example Connemara is April 10 and there are other spring marathons discussed here. I know the recovery time is short, but this way you'll be going for the hard 3:30 first, and even if you haven't fully recovered 1 month later, you should be still able to do a 5:00 in Belfast. My €0.02.


  • #4
    troy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 123 ✭✭troy


    I like the idea of getting in the hard race first and then keeping it ticking over for Belfast. But from what I have read Connemara is a very tough race and a 3:30 there could be equivalent to a 3:20 on a flat track. Is it the right place to be going for a PB?


  • #5
    ThePiedPiper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭ThePiedPiper


    troy wrote: »
    I like the idea of getting in the hard race first and then keeping it ticking over for Belfast. But from what I have read Connemara is a very tough race and a 3:30 there could be equivalent to a 3:20 on a flat track. Is it the right place to be going for a PB?

    It depends on where you are at on your progression, the level of training and your ultimate ability. I ran Connemara as my 3rd marathon in 3.16, 6 months after a 3.23 in Dublin. If you're committed and are training hard, getting in plenty of training on hills, you can take big chunks of time off those PBs in your first few marathons, so it's definitely possible.

    Regarding the course itself, yeah, it's nasty enough. First 12-13 miles are fine, then there's a tough, long drag uphill for about 1.5 miles. Relatively flat from 14-21 or so, then relentlessly uphill for about 3 miles if I remember correctly. My splits were 1.31 and 1.45!! That stage of the race will sap your energy completely so you should be aiming to have at least 5 minutes in the bank for losing. I just don't think it's possible for relative newcomers to marathon running to sustain speed at this point in Connemara.

    Go for it anyway, it's a lovely race to do. Good scenery and atmosphere. Totally different from the buzz in Dublin. Just don't be overly disappointed if those last few miles knock the stuffing out of you a bit. Enjoy.


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