Marathon Finished – Advice on what to do next?

BenMicheal

So, on Monday I finished the Marathon. My time wasn’t greatin the slightest but I slipped on a bottle and sprained my ankle at mile 3 andI think I, like most first time marathon runners if we are honest whileunderstanding it was a challenge, totally underestimated what it took to runthe marathon. Needless to say it’s a lesson learnt for next time.

But in the mean time I’ve been seriously bit by the runningbug. Since running my first race in May I have competed in three other racesand finished the marathon – however I want more and want to progress.

So can anyone advise me what would be my next best step towards2013?

pconn062

Good thread here on the subject: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056437891

My advice is take a few weeks easy recovery, probably a month of easy running would set you up good. Then you could tackle a shorter race, 10k maybe, your marathon fitness will stand to you and you will probably run a PB. Then pick a few goal races for next year, pick a specific plan and work towards them.

BenMicheal

pconn062 wrote: »

Good thread here on the subject: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056437891

My advice is take a few weeks easy recovery, probably a month of easy running would set you up good. Then you could tackle a shorter race, 10k maybe, your marathon fitness will stand to you and you will probably run a PB. Then pick a few goal races for next year, pick a specific plan and work towards them.

Oh dont worry, recovery is on the cards!!

I was looking at doing a 10k in November & another in December to see out the year. In your opinion would that be to much to soon?

pconn062

BenMicheal wrote: »

Oh dont worry, recovery is on the cards!!

I was looking at doing a 10k in November & another in December to see out the year. In your opinion would that be to much to soon?

A 10k at the end of November would be fine so long as you felt fully recovered by the marathon. Another one in December would be fine too.

ASIMON0V

We are hosting a 10 miler on the 18th of November; just enough time to get your legs in shape while you have your marathonesque aerobic engine!

details & entry are here...
http://www.runireland.com/events/stook-10-mile-road-race-gowran-kilkenny

sorry for the shill - but it would be wrong not to

tHE vAGGABOND

Aware 10k in the Park on second week in December

BenMicheal

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Aware 10k in the Park on second week in December

Aware 10k was one of my planned ones alright also looking at the Movember run thingy - Like running in the park so thats why those two. Was looking at the Marathon cool down run this weekend but I am no way recovered.

Bit of a stupid question but, Would it be benificial to join a club? and if so why?

mr.wiggle

Noticed the Waterford 1/2 Marathon is on the 1st Dec.
I fairly pushed myself for a Pb in the DCM and just did a slow 4mile
yesterday to loosen up the legs which are still sore.
Would it be too soon to go for a pb in the Waterford half?

Mr.W

galwayhooker

Congrats to everyone who completed marathon.living in Meath and would love to join up a club but would love to join a club that has good social end to it as well and is friendly.people keep telling me to join bohermeen but I didn't see one singlet of that club at DCM.went up to track session there last year and only people there were few men who were real fast runners.mate of mine has joined drogheda AC and it seems like a great club but it's too far a drive.Just wondering what dunshaughlin or trim like?

RayCun

BenMicheal wrote: »

Would it be benificial to join a club? and if so why?

You're motivated to get out and run when you are going to meet other people, so a regular club session will get you out the door.
When you get there, you'll do a proper training session, not have to make something up yourself.
In that session, the fact that you're running with other people will keep you going. Running on your own it's very easy to quit after 5 intervals, but you'll do the 6th rather than drop out of the group.
You'll also learn to run smarter. Since you know you'll be doing that 6th interval, you won't go crazy in the first one and drop the pace for the rest, you'll know you have to run with something in reserve.
You'll learn a lot from running with more experienced runners, and running with people a bit better than you will keep you motivated to improve.

And there's the social side, the opportunity to give something back by helping out other runners, the chance to represent your club in competition...

Trampas

I want to do more marathons but wondering about joining a club.

Sure the pros outweigh the cons.

I am sure each club is different but do clubs have training plans for type of runner you want to be?

I have a few goals like breaking 45min for 10km run (49.37mins for DCM race series 10km don't expect it next week) doing another marathon in 2013.

Things which put me off joining a club is running on x days as been doing that for the last 18 weeks so looking forward to running what days, distance and speed I choose but will still work around 4 days a week.

Been the newbie isn't to much a probably as I have completed my 1st marathon so not starting from scratch.

Donadea is probably my nearest club

I am probably repeating things been said a thousand times already

RayCun

I think ultraman is in Donadea, you could give him a shout. From all I've seen they're a good club.

The way it usually works (afaik) is that the clubs will have training sessions on particular days. If you want to do intervals you meet at the club at a particular time and there'll be a group of other runners and a coach. You're not expected to go to all sessions, just the ones that suit your training and your schedule, whether that's track work or long runs.

Your best bet is to go along to the club a couple of times and join in a couple of training sessions. See what the atmosphere is like, see if there are other people to run with, and talk to the coach about your goals, see what they say.

JJJJNR

Waterford half looks good, was going to do the 15k in Glendalough this sat but I think its a bit early.

Ruarl Runner

galwayhooker wrote: »

Congrats to everyone who completed marathon.living in Meath and would love to join up a club but would love to join a club that has good social end to it as well and is friendly.people keep telling me to join bohermeen but I didn't see one singlet of that club at DCM.went up to track session there last year and only people there were few men who were real fast runners.mate of mine has joined drogheda AC and it seems like a great club but it's too far a drive.Just wondering what dunshaughlin or trim like?

I saw various singlets from Meath in the marathon including Dunshaughlin, Ratoath, Trim, Na Fianna, Kiltale etc.... There are any number of great clubs in Meath including those you have mentioned in your post. Where in Meath are you based? I'd choose a club that is near your place of residence as it would be more convenient in terms of attending sessions etc...

RayCun

Incidentally, anyone here from Craughwell AC? They had a huge turnout in the marathon, themselves and Athenry must have chartered a train each

Younganne

RayCun wrote: »

Incidentally, anyone here from Craughwell AC? They had a huge turnout in the marathon, themselves and Athenry must have chartered a train each

My cousin is in Craughwell and they had a huge amount running but i think the rest of them came to cheer. They have close to if not over 400 adult members...now thats some membership.

I had a few drinks with them Monday night after the marathon and they are all mad!!;)

DOCO12

I too would love to join a club but logistically it isn't an option, would be talking an hours drive to and from so couldnt commit to it a few evenings a week due to work. In yer experience are clubs strict on how often you train with them?
Fair play to Craughwell and Athenry they always have a good turn out at races. I'm always slightly jealous of those in club jerseys. I want one

RayCun

DOCO12 wrote: »

In yer experience are clubs strict on how often you train with them?

Not at all. It's not like making a personal arrangement with a couple of people to train, and if you don't show up they'll be waiting around for you. The training is on when it's on. If you're there, great. If you're not, it will go on without you.