Barcelona Marathon 2012 - 25/03/2012

jprender

Official Website

Last Years Thread

Map of Course

Ups and Downs


Finally signed up for this one today. I will probably be heading over on the Saturday morning and back to Dublin on the Monday. I'll be booking my flights later on this week !

Oisin11178

Fantastic marathon this one. Organisation is superb.

ac20

Entered this the other night and flights booked. Cant wait.

jprender

ac20 wrote: »

Entered this the other night and flights booked. Cant wait.

Yeah, I booked my flights this week also. I decided to travel out on the Friday evening rather than the red-eye flight on Saturday morning.
Coming back Monday morning, so Sunday night is (hopefully) going to be a celebration with a few cerveza's. It's my first marathon, so it's all new ground for me.

I'm already starting to dream about the final 200m's of the race, and how I'll be hi-fiving the crowd as I sprint to a glorious 3:29 finish
(If only it was that easy :rolleyes: )

menoscemo

jprender wrote: »

Map of Course

Ups and Downs

I am not sure the map accurately reflects the ups and downs on the course (it might be from another year). This is a more Accurate reflection IMO (it's my garmin link from last year).

Really great race BTW, the aid stations are immense (Bottles water, Bottled Powerade, fruit. nuts and sponges every 3 miles).

One of the main things to remember is that the first 3 miles are pretty uphill so take them easy, especially with the crowds and don't panic if you are a little behind schedule at 5k because miles 3-9 are very fast.

Oisin11178

I was going to sort something similar yesterday. The first few miles and the last few are long enough drags and i remember a long drag from about 10-12ish also. Best water stations Ive seen by a mile as Meno said. Also excellent support.
Pacers were a bit ropey last year but nothing is perfect:-)

PaulieYifter

Going to enter this instead of Rotterdam - the missus reckons she'd have a better weekend in Barcelona so can't argue with that.

Before entering I wonder if last year's entrants can give me a steer. Gonna target sub 3:15. I understand the pacers for this last year started in the sub 3:00 pen. I don't plan on relying on the pacers but may need to if my mind has gone to mush a few miles from the finish so wouldn't mind at least crossing the start line close enough to them. Reading last year's thread it seems the pacers did more harm than good in any event.

So, should I commit a cardinal sin and put down sub 3:00 as my target time on entering?

Do they do wave starts for each pen or is it a single start with people simply lining up in their pens?

18 week P&D schedule starts tomorrow :eek:

Thanks.

menoscemo

There's a single start but you're put into pens before the start based on your predicted time.

I am pretty sure the 3:15 pacers were in the right pen- there was a complaint that they went off a little fast in the first 10 miles. I passed the 3:30 pacers and they seemed to be going spot on. I know for a fact the 4hr pacers were spot on all the way around too, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you are targetting 3:15 just say so in your form.

From memory the pens last year were: Sub 3. 3-3:30, 3:30-4hrs and 4hrs+

PaulieYifter

menoscemo wrote: »

I am not sure the map accurately reflects the ups and downs on the course (it might be from another year). This is a more Accurate reflection IMO (it's my garmin link from last year).

Really great race BTW, the aid stations are immense (Bottles water, Bottled Powerade, fruit. nuts and sponges every 3 miles).

One of the main things to remember is that the first 3 miles are pretty uphill so take them easy, especially with the crowds and don't panic if you are a little behind schedule at 5k because miles 3-9 are very fast.

Thanks for this.

Your Garmin elevation profile pretty much matches exactly to the map once you use the same height/distance ratio - although maybe the map doesn't have all the intermediate "bumps".

Dr.Sanchez

Anyone heading over on their todd like myself? Would be cool to meet up with a few other irish running it!

Also, can any of ye give me some information on accommodation? Cheeper the better I'd reckon!

christeb

I stayed in the Hotel Coronado - well, didn't actually sleep in the hotel at all, but that's another story!

It's walkable to the Expo / start line - cheap and cheerful. Bring your own breakfast for marathon day!

ac20

Just wondering if anyone would have advice regarding salt tablets. Im doing Barcelona and I believe temps could be warm by the time I hit the last few miles ( Im a 4 hour plus marathoner). I heard taking salt tablets could help me, can anyone recommend a brand and wer I could buy. I would obviosuly like to try them out over the next few months.

marathonguy

hi guys , if there is anyone else doing the bcn marathon and looking to scrape in under 3:10 would love to hear from you

I don't mind running with the pacers but always find it nicer/better to have a mate or friendly face to keep you honest on the way round

cheers

altercor

Just booked my flights for this.. Cork to BCN.. 92e!

I did this in 2010 and it was my favourite race.. If you haven't done this before, you're in for a great one!

Hoping for my first sub 3 but Im not too sure I'm quite there yet.. I was for Cologne and Dublin last October but got an Achilles injury that made me pull out of both! Cologne at 12 miles and Dublin 3 weeks later at 22 miles!

I'm well up for giving it a lash though!

altercor

Folks,
Am I mad to be considering doing the Mallow ten mile at MP on Monday the 19th?
I just need someone to tell me it's not a good idea.. That should sort my head out!:eek::eek:

Krusty_Clown

altercor wrote: »

Folks,
Am I mad to be considering doing the Mallow ten mile at MP on Monday the 19th?
I just need someone to tell me it's not a good idea.. That should sort my head out!:eek::eek:

10 miles at marathon pace 6 days before your goal marathon will be counter-productive, and could jeopardize your marathon. Needless to say, it's not the distance, it's the pace. Do you have a buddy or friend who is running the same race? Offer to pace them. You'll have an enjoyable experience and won't risk your marathon goal.

run44

I've been reading a couple of race reports from boards and from marathon guide and it seems like the race isn't really geared towards women if the toilet situation is as bad as it sounds?! Does anyone know if they've improved the situation in recent years? Other that that, it looks and sounds like a brilliant event

jprender

I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, or indeed if it matters that much, but the route of the marathon has changed slightly from that of last year.

The first 12kms are showing the biggest change, and also the last few kms are on a long straight road.

2011 :-
http://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/files/mapai.pdf


2012 :-
http://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.com/files/mapa.pdf



One more thing, don't forget that the clocks move forward an hour on the morning of the marathon so don't be late

Brianderunner

jprender wrote: »

I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, or indeed if it matters that much, but the route of the marathon has changed slightly from that of last year.

The first 12kms are showing the biggest change, and also the last few kms are on a long straight road.

2011 :-
http://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/files/mapai.pdf


2012 :-
http://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.com/files/mapa.pdf



One more thing, don't forget that the clocks move forward an hour on the morning of the marathon so don't be late

Not much difference there no. Only thing would be that psychologically the last 2km up Parallel will be difficult and you'd want to have a few seconds in the bank for that part.

Also remember that the finish line is 200 metres past the big roundabout at Espana and pace yourself accordingly.

Oisin11178

Brianderunner wrote: »

Not much difference there no. Only thing would be that psychologically the last 2km up Parallel will be difficult and you'd want to have a few seconds in the bank for that part.

Also remember that the finish line is 200 metres past the big roundabout at Espana and pace yourself accordingly.

There will oprobably be people sitting thre thinking does he think im a fool i know where the finish is but this caught me by the bollox. They had an infaltable finish line thingy and i pegged it and realised id a few hundred metres to go. Nearly died:D

altercor

Oisin11178 wrote: »

There will oprobably be people sitting thre thinking does he think im a fool i know where the finish is but this caught me by the bollox. They had an infaltable finish line thingy and i pegged it and realised id a few hundred metres to go. Nearly died:D

I don't know if any of you have done Madrid Marathon before but you enter a park with about 500 metres to go and the path is littered with those inflatable thingys... God.. I was full sure each one was the finish line!

altercor

How do the changes affect the course profile, does anyone know? Any major difference there?

altercor

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

10 miles at marathon pace 6 days before your goal marathon will be counter-productive, and could jeopardize your marathon. Needless to say, it's not the distance, it's the pace. Do you have a buddy or friend who is running the same race? Offer to pace them. You'll have an enjoyable experience and won't risk your marathon goal.

Thanks KC. Ya, I reckon it'd be a bad idea alright. My only buddy doing it is trying to run the thing at my MP.. I'll ahve to tell him he's on his own!

The_Boy_Wonder

Received the email with the Bib number this morning. #13997 for me. Beginning to look forward to this now that it's not too far away
I presume all are tapering now at this stage with most of the hard miles done. I think my plan has 12 miles this weekend

altercor

The_Boy_Wonder wrote: »

Received the email with the Bib number this morning. #13997 for me. Beginning to look forward to this now that it's not too far away
I presume all are tapering now at this stage with most of the hard miles done. I think my plan has 12 miles this weekend

I didnt get my Bib Number yet! I onlt Registered last Friday though.. Nearly missed the deadline!!

Really looking forward to it too, though am a bit nervy. Havent really been able to get up to the high mileage I hit before Cologne MArathon last October when I got an Achilles injury. I feel fresher on each run and the pace is much much better but I fear that I ahvent clocked enough to creep under 3.. did my last 20 miler in 3:06 pace though.. Felt empty after it but had vomiting bug earlier on in that week and took no water stops or gels en route! Silly decision!!

I guess I wont know until the day! I'll be well rested and healthy though this time so who knows!

What are you aiming for The_Boy_Wonder?

The_Boy_Wonder

Altercor... Haven't figured out the aim yet! I flopped to 4.16 in Dublin in October, so the aim at the start of the prgramme was to get under 4 hours. Training plan has gone very well. No niggles, problems or bumps throughout the 12 weeks of P&D. Up until a few weeks ago I was thinking I should really be aiming for 3.45, and then I did a half in Meath and my time there would indicate I should be able for 3.30 at a stretch. Not sure to go all out and risk blowing up or just bag the sub 4, with 3.45, and leave 3.30 for another day. Much like yourself will figure it out in between now and then and then see how things are feeling on the day.

Best of luck with the taper, and sure we'll be in touch before the big day no doubt

altercor

The_Boy_Wonder wrote: »

Altercor... Haven't figured out the aim yet! I flopped to 4.16 in Dublin in October, so the aim at the start of the prgramme was to get under 4 hours. Training plan has gone very well. No niggles, problems or bumps throughout the 12 weeks of P&D. Up until a few weeks ago I was thinking I should really be aiming for 3.45, and then I did a half in Meath and my time there would indicate I should be able for 3.30 at a stretch. Not sure to go all out and risk blowing up or just bag the sub 4, with 3.45, and leave 3.30 for another day. Much like yourself will figure it out in between now and then and then see how things are feeling on the day.

Best of luck with the taper, and sure we'll be in touch before the big day no doubt

Great stuff.. You're obviously in good nick so! I was meant to do that Meath half as I was up at my nephew's christening in Navan. Never made it across though..

I would say go for your sub 4.. If you are thinking 3:30 will be possible 'at a stretch', don't risk it! Just bag the time and enjoy the race! 3:30 will be infinitely more attainable the next time then!

Best of luck with the taper and try to imagine the taste of an ice cold beer on las ramblas on a sunny Sunday evening in Barca!

hf4z6sqo7vjngi

Not long to go now. Raced here last year and its a great marathon.
I also nearly got caught out by the finish line and had to sprint the last 200mtrs to get under my goal time.

run44

Best of luck to everyone running in Barcelona later this week!

Oisin11178

Willow Kind Pound wrote: »

Not long to go now. Raced here last year and its a great marathon.
I also nearly got caught out by the finish line and had to sprint the last 200mtrs to get under my goal time.

That caught me last year. Absolutly ridicoulous place to have that inflatable thingy. Looks like a finish line 100% when i approached it. nearly died when i realised there was a few hundred metres to go.
Good luck by the way:D

ac20

not long now. Cant wait for this. My second marathon, Dublin last year was my first and I was so nervous and uptight about the whole thing. This time though Im just looking forward to getting out there and get going. Hoping it will be a great experience in a great city.

altercor

Commence shovelling pasta, folks!

The_Boy_Wonder

Good luck to all in Barca and hope you all acheive your own goals. Will keep an eye out for the Irish t-shirts on the way around!
I'm determined to not have another disappointing marathon.
Must have a look at a weather forecast and see what's in store for us on Sunday!

jprender

Sunny and 18 degrees !


Any one flying out of Dublin on tomorrow evening's flight ?

My training has gone to hell over the last couple of months, but I'm going to head over seeing as everything has been paid for already :rolleyes:

The_Boy_Wonder

That's not bad weather for a trip to Barca... not sure about running in it though! Must bring the cap! Should be cool enough for the first half at least

Flying over on Sat morning.

If there's any interest in post marathon pints send me a PM

TheTubes

jprender wrote: »

Any one flying out of Dublin on tomorrow evening's flight ?

My training has gone to hell over the last couple of months, but I'm going to head over seeing as everything has been paid for already :rolleyes:

My training was a disaster aswell, injuries etc.
Will have to try some sort of jog/walk plan.

Heading out from Cork Fri and back to Dub Mon.

jprender

I think The George Payne was the drinking establishment of choice over the last couple of years.

http://www.thegeorgepayne.com/


It looks pretty good, and the beer is cold

altercor

Best of luck to everyone!

Im flying out of Cork this afternoon and hanging on for a few days afterwards. Back to Cork Wednesday.

I was plagued with injury at the end of last year so I didnt push too hard this time round.. Might have worked.. I'll find out at ~20 miles!

Hope ye all have a great trip. Might see people in the George Payne afterwards..

PaulieYifter

Best of luck to everybody this weekend

TheTubes

Great run today, i had a terrible time as i knew i would cos of an injury im carrying.
Was happy to finish tho.
In the george payne now.
Whose bright idea was it to pick a bar where i have to go up the stairs to use the toilet

menoscemo

TheTubes wrote: »

Whose bright idea was it to pick a bar where i have to go up the stairs to use the toilet

Haha, we had that problem last year until we realised there was a toilet on the ground floor beside the dart board.

ac20

great experience. bettered my dublin time from last October by just under 36 mins in a time of 3.58:05 so delighted to go under 4 hours. That final stretch was horrible.

run44

ac20 wrote: »

great experience. bettered my dublin time from last October by just under 36 mins in a time of 3.58:05 so delighted to go under 4 hours. That final stretch was horrible.

Well done! Fantastic time, congrats!

Really enjoyed the race myself, my race report is here