National Lottery Half Marathon 17/9/11

RayCun

Race website
Last year's thread

The route has finally been announced (see attachment)
First 6 miles the same as the Frank Duffy 10, but then we double back before the Phoenix monument, loop around North Road, and go back down Ordnance Survey and Upper Glen, before finishing up Acres Road. Interesting...

There will be pace groups for the half-marathon -

1:30
Krusty Clown
theRoadRunner

1:40
leCheile
liamo123
Village Runner

1:50
Macanri
Jackyback
menoscemo

2:00
Oisin11718
Kandikane
Wallyruns

RayCun

3 stars (average)

I wonder will any of the fastest runners be able to catch up with the slowest walkers on the second lap? The walkers have to get past the 4 mile mark before the runners get to 13 - and the runners will have a 10 minute head start. There probably will be a few people who have to be stewarded over to the right hand side of the road.

belcarra

Thanks for that Ray.

Doesn't look too bad a course but not gone on the looped/switchback sections on Chesterfield Ave...

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

Going by that map, the finish line looks to be a long way from the 13 mile mark :pac:

Seres

3 stars (average)

how does it compare to last year ? where are the hairy bits ? is anymore of the frank duffy 10 covered other than first 6 miles ( not that this isnt loads ) ? plannin to do the 10miler

RayCun

3 stars (average)

Seres wrote: »

how does it compare to last year ? where are the hairy bits ? is anymore of the frank duffy 10 covered other than first 6 miles ( not that this isnt loads ) ? plannin to do the 10miler

Last year we ran up the Kyber, and through the Furry Glen.
This year we go up Wellington Road and the short steep uphill to Acres Road.
So the noticeable hills are easier this year.
On the other hand, on a loop course every gain has to be paid for somewhere.

The only bit of the Frank Duffy that isn't in this route is the stretch along Chesterfield between the two roundabouts. We get a loop around the north side of the park instead.

gerard65

The finish up the Acres road is a tough finish for this and the 10miler:(

Seres

3 stars (average)

RayCun wrote: »

Last year we ran up the Kyber, and through the Furry Glen.
This year we go up Wellington Road and the short steep uphill to Acres Road.
So the noticeable hills are easier this year.
On the other hand, on a loop course every gain has to be paid for somewhere.

The only bit of the Frank Duffy that isn't in this route is the stretch along Chesterfield between the two roundabouts. We get a loop around the north side of the park instead.

thats great ! ,better get signed up for the 10miler then , that section your talkin about probably isnt even a mile is it ?

jprender

3 stars (average)

Are there normally pacers for this half marathon, or does that only happen in the full marathon ?

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

jprender wrote: »

Are there normally pacers for this half marathon, or does that only happen in the full marathon ?

There'll be pacers for 1'30, 1'40, 1'50 and 2hrs at the half marathon. Make yourself known, all of the HM pacers are Boardsies

pconn062

4 stars (good)

jprender wrote: »

Are there normally pacers for this half marathon, or does that only happen in the full marathon ?

Yeah there should be pacers, there were last year. Not sure of the times but I think it was 1:30, 1:45 and 2:00.

EDIT. Menoscemo got in before me and his info is probably more accurate than mine!!

jprender

3 stars (average)

That's great !!

I will be shooting for somewhere between 1.45 and 1.50, so I presume I'll run with the 1.50 group.

Best run to date was a 10k in 47.04 (2 days ago) , so I think I am aiming for an achievable time. I suppose it all depends on how training goes over the next 6 weeks though.

I'm getting excited already :rolleyes:

pconn062

4 stars (good)

jprender wrote: »

That's great !!

I will be shooting for somewhere between 1.45 and 1.50, so I presume I'll run with the 1.50 group.

Best run to date was a 10k in 47.04 (2 days ago) , so I think I am aiming for an achievable time. I suppose it all depends on how training goes over the next 6 weeks though.

I'm getting excited already :rolleyes:

Yeah start with the 1.50 group and if you still feel good after 9 or 10 miles then push on and chase the 1.45 pacers. Good luck!

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

pconn062 wrote: »

Yeah start with the 1.50 group and if you still feel good after 9 or 10 miles then push on and chase the 1.45 pacers. Good luck!

There are no 1'45 pacers but yeah that would be sound advice. Start conservatively and shoot on after 8-9 miles if you are feeling good. I'll be one of the 1'50 pacers so make sure to say hello.

pconn062

4 stars (good)

menoscemo wrote: »

There are no 1'45 pacers but yeah that would be sound advice. Start conservatively and shoot on after 8-9 miles if you are feeling good. I'll be one of the 1'50 pacers so make sure to say hello.

Woops sorry about that, meant to say 1.40! I'll be somewhere around the 1.40 pacers (or slightly ahead of them I hope!)

mfdc

Looking forward to this! This is the first time I've actually stuck to a training plan, so I've been getting fitter and faster for the last few months. That said I'm torn over whether or not to really go for it in the half - it falls on a stepback week in the marathon program so I should take it easy, but I kinda want to test myself and see just how hard I can go :pac:

elvis jones

This is the one................Sub 2hr

tang1

Looking for sub 1hr 40min in this, ran sub 1hr 45min in Clontarf HM thanks to Menoscemo's pacing, think sub 1.40 is a reasonable enough target. Training is going well, covering 60-70 miles a week between running and cycling.

Brianderunner

Ireland vs Australia in the rugby WC is on at 9.30am that morning. There goes any chance of me doing this.

dev123

Brianderunner wrote: »

Ireland vs Australia in the rugby WC is on at 9.30am that morning. There goes any chance of me doing this.

Hadn't thought of that!!!

I've entered this already but am strongly thinking of doing the Charleville half the next day instead.

rovers_runner

Brianderunner wrote: »

Ireland vs Australia in the rugby WC is on at 9.30am that morning. There goes any chance of me doing this.

No dig intended to yourself Brian but if this match thins out the field numbers a bit then Rubgy will finally have served some purpose in this country.

Tag Rugby is for me the only peeve which seems to be hanging on post celtic tiger era, an excuse for socially retarded lads to perv on young ones .

corny

Brianderunner wrote: »

Ireland vs Australia in the rugby WC is on at 9.30am that morning. There goes any chance of me doing this.

NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

tHE vAGGABOND

4 stars (good)

Brianderunner wrote: »

Ireland vs Australia in the rugby WC is on at 9.30am that morning. There goes any chance of me doing this.

Do race, sky plus match, phone off, and rush back to my gaff to watch on tv after race :cool:

liamo123

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Do race, sky plus match, phone off, and rush back to my gaff to watch on tv after race :cool:

With a McDonalds and a load of cans... happy days

Brianderunner

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Do race, sky plus match, phone off, and rush back to my gaff to watch on tv after race :cool:

Nice plan, but what about the talkative race series commentator who will no doubt be giving updates on the score?

You just know someone like RQ will check the score on their phone and ruin it for everyone

corny

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Do race, sky plus match, phone off, and rush back to my gaff to watch on tv after race :cool:

What if we see thousands out celebrating when heading back through the city.:D Ok i say thousands, maybe it'll be just one or two people but you just know there's gonna be no way you can avoid hearing the result.

ecoli

mfdc wrote: »

Looking forward to this! This is the first time I've actually stuck to a training plan, so I've been getting fitter and faster for the last few months. That said I'm torn over whether or not to really go for it in the half - it falls on a stepback week in the marathon program so I should take it easy, but I kinda want to test myself and see just how hard I can go :pac:

If it is a step back week its pretty perfect as its a mini taper for it. I say go for it racing can bring on your fitness leaps and bounds and provided the rest of week is easy you are still getting the benefits for the most part of the down week

madon

4 stars (good)

I entered this- I ran 10 miles in 1.42 so I presume I can start this in the first wave:D .......only joking, just wanted to raise some blood pressure! No what I really want to know is..... I'm going to drive to Dublin but I think I'd be better off leaving the car away from the phoenix park- going to look for somewhere on the Northside- maybe santry and leave the car there and get a bus- any other suggestions? Any better suggestions on how to get to Phoenix Park- I'm coming from the North?

JJJJNR

I've signed up for this.. Done 10miles in 1:45hr on Sat (in the lashing rain up and around the hills of rathdrum and surrounds) signing up for a 9 week strength training course which should help me.

Just happy to be taking part.

Seres

3 stars (average)

cant remember what time i entered on registration , is it up to yourself to enter in the correct wave ? any sub 90min pacers out there for this one ?

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

Seres wrote: »

cant remember what time i entered on registration , is it up to yourself to enter in the correct wave ? any sub 90min pacers out there for this one ?

Yep, Krusty and The Road Runner I believe.

Seres

3 stars (average)

menoscemo wrote: »

Yep, Krusty and The Road Runner I believe.

great , havent done a race since mini marathon and dont think i will be gettin one in so am gonna rely on the sub 90 pacers to pull me thru , you doin it ?

dk1982

4 stars (good)

madon wrote: »

I entered this- I ran 10 miles in 1.42 so I presume I can start this in the first wave:D .......only joking, just wanted to raise some blood pressure! No what I really want to know is..... I'm going to drive to Dublin but I think I'd be better off leaving the car away from the phoenix park- going to look for somewhere on the Northside- maybe santry and leave the car there and get a bus- any other suggestions? Any better suggestions on how to get to Phoenix Park- I'm coming from the North?

I parked in the zoo car park on Saturday and it was basically empty! Dont tell anyone though, dont want my secret getting out :-P

belcarra

madon wrote: »

I entered this- I ran 10 miles in 1.42 so I presume I can start this in the first wave:D .......only joking, just wanted to raise some blood pressure! No what I really want to know is..... I'm going to drive to Dublin but I think I'd be better off leaving the car away from the phoenix park- going to look for somewhere on the Northside- maybe santry and leave the car there and get a bus- any other suggestions? Any better suggestions on how to get to Phoenix Park- I'm coming from the North?

I live in Santry and wouldn't really recommend that plan. Nearest bus stop to the Park would be Phibsborough area.
I'd recommend driving to the Ashtown gate and parking on one of the side streets closeby. Ususally spaces to be had if you're there 30mins+ before the start.

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

Seres wrote: »

great , havent done a race since mini marathon and dont think i will be gettin one in so am gonna rely on the sub 90 pacers to pull me thru , you doin it ?

Yep, I'm pacing 1'50.
I'd love to give 1'30 a bash and it seems like a nice fair course, but I have Berlin Marathon a week later, so i'll leave it until the Waterford Half in december.

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

dk1982 wrote: »

I parked in the zoo car park on Saturday and it was basically empty! Dont tell anyone though, dont want my secret getting out :-P

It's easy enought to get a car parking space in the aprk for the races, the problem is getting back out after the race!!

My Advice is to park just outside the park, depending on where you are coming from, either the castlknock or chapelizod side are fine. From either it is just about a mile down to the start line.

Seres

3 stars (average)

menoscemo wrote: »

Yep, I'm pacing 1'50.
I'd love to give 1'30 a bash and it seems like a nice fair course, but I have Berlin Marathon a week later, so i'll leave it until the Waterford Half in december.

is the waterford half not doubling up as the National HM in two weeks ?
its suppose to be a nice flat course , d'you do it last yr ?

dk1982

4 stars (good)

menoscemo wrote: »

It's easy enought to get a car parking space in the aprk for the races, the problem is getting back out after the race!!

My Advice is to park just outside the park, depending on where you are coming from, either the castlknock or chapelizod side are fine. From either it is just about a mile down to the start line.

I was out of the park after a 74 minute run on Saturday no hassle at all. Barely any traffic. I think because the finishing times are so spread out its much easier getting out after than it is getting in before.

copacetic

Brianderunner wrote: »

Nice plan, but what about the talkative race series commentator who will no doubt be giving updates on the score?

You just know someone like RQ will check the score on their phone and ruin it for everyone

Agreed, he is bound to give away result over and over. If by some miracle he doesn't, then people will be looking for result in finishing chute. Very hard to avoid it. Know a few already who won't be doing race, would say it it will knock a fair few off the numbers running.

kennyb3

Going to give this a lash again for the 3rd year in a row. Yet again little training done due to the cycling season but that makes it more fun

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

Seres wrote: »

is the waterford half not doubling up as the National HM in two weeks ?
its suppose to be a nice flat course , d'you do it last yr ?

Yeah it's a real flat course. I ran it last january (it was postponed from december due to snow) and got under 1'32, which was a real surprise as i didn't target the race at all and it was very windy that day. I reckon i can knock 2 minutes off on that course next time....

As Far as I know the National half is a seperate race (on the same course), and they are running the waterford half again in january.

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

dk1982 wrote: »

I was out of the park after a 74 minute run on Saturday no hassle at all. Barely any traffic. I think because the finishing times are so spread out its much easier getting out after than it is getting in before.

I guess If you got straight out it would be less problem. I know a few guys who hung about after the race on saturday and didn't go to the cars until after 12...ended up taking 45 minute to get out of the park from beside the zoo :eek:

Seres

3 stars (average)

menoscemo wrote: »

Yeah it's a real flat course. I ran it last january (it was postponed from december due to snow) and got under 1'32, which was a real surprise as i didn't target the race at all and it was very windy that day. I reckon i can knock 2 minutes off on that course next time....

As Far as I know the National half is a seperate race (on the same course), and they are running the waterford half again in january.

might consider it then , a Jan HM seems like a good idea to kick start the year , did you go with the pacers in that race ? if so how did you find them ? have never gone in a race with pacers before so im not too sure how i will find them

madon

4 stars (good)

menoscemo wrote: »

It's easy enought to get a car parking space in the aprk for the races, the problem is getting back out after the race!!

My Advice is to park just outside the park, depending on where you are coming from, either the castlknock or chapelizod side are fine. From either it is just about a mile down to the start line.

I think I'll be okay most ppl will have left when i finish!

dk1982

4 stars (good)

menoscemo wrote: »

I guess If you got straight out it would be less problem. I know a few guys who hung about after the race on saturday and didn't go to the cars until after 12...ended up taking 45 minute to get out of the park from beside the zoo :eek:

Yep, I was straight to my car as soon as I finished so that must be why I managed a quick traffic free escape!

menoscemo

3 stars (average)

Seres wrote: »

might consider it then , a Jan HM seems like a good idea to kick start the year , did you go with the pacers in that race ? if so how did you find them ? have never gone in a race with pacers before so im not too sure how i will find them

Sorry, I meant december. according to Run Ireland the waterford Half is scheduled for 10th December.

I didn't go with the pacers in Waterford, I didn't expect to be anywhere near 1'30 tbh.
I'd say your definitely best to go with the pacers in Dublin for the first half at least and push on then if you are feeling strong.

DOCO12

Hi All

Very interested in doing this however I haven't been very consistent with my training, doing Lsrs etc lately . The only other HM I've done is Connemara.
Does anyone know how this route compares with Connemara? Easier?

Cheers

Krusty_Clown

DOCO12 wrote: »

Very interested in doing this however I haven't been very consistent with my training, doing Lsrs etc lately . The only other HM I've done is Connemara.
Does anyone know how this route compares with Connemara? Easier?

Yep, it sure is easier. You don't have the 100m climb towards te latter part of the race. Just a couple of mini-climbs during the race.

Tec Diver

3 stars (average)

I did the Waterford HM in Jan and got 1:5x (can't remember exactly) in bad weather and a twisted ankle from the 17k point. Then did Kildare HM in 1:50:04 (dropping a gel and stopping to pick it up cost me the sub 1:50!!), and that's my PB now.
I did 1:21 and change in the 16k race last Sat, so sub 1:50 should be easy, with close to 1:45 within my sweaty grasp...
I've never stuck with a pacer, not sure if I will this time either, we'll see on the day.
Are we going to predict our times again??

RayCun

3 stars (average)

Tec Diver wrote: »

Are we going to predict our times again??

Sure, why not?

RayCun 1:37

TheRoadRunner

RayCun 1:37
TheRoadRunner 1.29.55