Advice please! Should I do the 10 mile tomorrow?!

Cardex

I'm entered into the 10m in Phoenix Park tomorrow. The only problem is that my training hasn't gone to plan.

I typically do 4 miles around 3 to 4 times a week. Takes about 35 minutes. I had been doing the odd 6 mile run with a view to building up to 8 miles. However, with work and various things, I never reached the 8 mile mark. The longest distance I've ever run is 9 miles (which was some time last year). I haven't been out running since last Friday as I was sore this week following a pretty strenuous hike at the weekend. Feel fine now but am hesitant about the race tomorrow.

Any advice? Should I just go ahead and run a slow pace?

shels4ever

Cardex wrote: »

I'm entered into the 10m in Phoenix Park tomorrow. The only problem is that my training hasn't gone to plan.

I typically do 4 miles around 3 to 4 times a week. Takes about 35 minutes. I had been doing the odd 6 mile run with a view to building up to 8 miles. However, with work and various things, I never reached the 8 mile mark. The longest distance I've ever run is 9 miles (which was some time last year). I haven't been out running since last Friday as I was sore this week following a pretty strenuous hike at the weekend. Feel fine now but am hesitant about the race tomorrow.

Any advice? Should I just go ahead and run a slow pace?

If you want to you can run it, but you may not enjoy the last few miles. If you haven't trained best not to run. But if you would enjoy a long slow run with some pain the following day then go for it.

rom

Based on your signature then you should defo run it. It will give you a feel for a nice crowded race in the park like the way it will be on marathon day. Also bear in mind that on marathon day you will also be running more than you did before. If you can run 9 miles you can defo run 10. The pace and effort is up to you though. I know myself when there were the crowds of runners in Dublin last year it stressed me out. Now this year doing these races will get me more used to it on big race day. Personally I would do it even if you have to walk it for this reason.

Sport101

Defo do it, its not a marathon, plus you'll be a t-shirt to the good when you finish.

Jogathon

I'd go for it. It's only ten miles, and if you have to walk/slow jog for 5 mins then do. You'll be delighted with yourself if you just go for it!

hawkwing

Do it of course,the crowd will pull you home- just take it easy at the start.My first 10m was the 2007 and had never gone beyond 8 before it,i then did the half having never gone beyond 10,it makes it feel like a better achievement also.:)

Cardex

Thanks for the comments. Yeah think I'll give it a go and take it very handy. I'm conscious I'll be out for over an hour and a half at least. Apart from water what's people's advice on bringing food to maintain sugar/energy levels? Don't want to bring gels as I've not tried them before and my stomach might play up.

RayCun

Jelly babies, stuff like that. Sweets that are high in sugar for an energy hit.

Jogathon

I use fruit pastilles, but for a ten miler you mightn't need any. Maybe 2-3 at 7 miles, and again at 8 1/2 and the crowd will get you home the last mile. Let us know how you get on please!!!!

Cardex

Well that couldn't have gone any better really. A complete vindication of the old truth that it's the not the distance but the pace that kills. Felt better during that entire race than I did for the 5 mile in June. Started out with fairly steady 10 minute miles which slowed to about 11 minutes for miles 7 and 8 but felt great for the last two and finished in 1:42:19. Delighted as it's another mental milestone ticked off. Will seriously consider doing the 13 mile in three weeks time although my legs tomorrow could provide a harsh wake up call. Wouldn't want to get carried away (literally).

OldBloke

Well done on doing the race and what you say about pace is spot on. I felt worse doing (and after) the five miler too.

Chartsengrafs

Well done Cardex. 3 or 4 very slow miles tomorrow on grass will do you no harm. Would be better in my opinion than taking the day off (as you seem concerned about how your legs will feel!)

rom

Basster wrote: »

Well done Cardex. 3 or 4 very slow miles tomorrow on grass will do you no harm. Would be better in my opinion than taking the day off (as you seem concerned about how your legs will feel!)

+1 on this. 2 miles even just to flush the crap out of the legs. Even a fast walk tomorrow would be great will mean the legs won't take all week to feel better. I am doing very similar myself.