I’m slow… Oh So Slow! … So is 3:59:59 DM 2013 possible for me?

Ososlo

Long, long, long time lurker, first time poster:)

Problem is, I’m a runner with no natural ability. I’ve no weight issues (under 9 stone female, late 30s) and no health issues (maybe some residual ones as I smoked 15 a day for 15 years until last October). Problem is I’m just slow. I HATED running all my life until October 2011 when I took up C25K. Am utterly addicted now. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Did my first race – Jingle Bells 5k in December 2011 whilst on Week 7 of the programme and completed it in 39 minutes.
Second race 2012 Op Trans5k in 31 minutes and next was MSB 2012 Patrick’s 5k in 28:48. Slowly upped the distances little by little and started completing some 10ks. First was GIR in 1:01 and second in 59 mins and third was Parkwest in 57:11. The above race times are obviously dreadful to any seasoned runner on here, but for me, this is a MAJOR achievement. I always came close to last in school races.
So now, I’m not only addicted to running, but I’m just as addicted to this forum! What am amazing resource for those of us who train alone and need some structure and support.
Now that I have a year of consistent training behind me I have started to increase the miles to the next level. I am following Cool Running Intermediate running plan for Half Marathon with a view to doing Waterford half in December. I am on week 9 and loving it. My lsr is up to 10 miles. My next challenge is to do the Waterford half in December.
So, back to my question. Is this time possible for a novice with no background of running and no talent but with an abundance of determination? I am willing to do what it takes to achieve my goal.
If I need to lose a stone or a stone and a half, I’ll do this to help me achieve my goal.
I’ll do exactly the training that’s required of me and might look to some of you guys to recommend me a plan when I start looking at them next year.
My diet isn’t bad (vegetarian) but could be worked on and I’ll even sacrifice (most?) my “wine nights” to help me achieve my goal.
I have plenty of time on my hands to dedicate to my goal.
So, taking into account all of the above, do you think it’s possible?
I really appreciate it if you’ve taken the time to read this! I didn’t personally know anyone doing the marathon on Monday, but I went to support all my Boards AR virtual running club buddies. I watched everyone arriving near home at Trinity from the elites to the 5hourers and enjoyed every second of those 3 hours in the freezing cold on my own clapping and cheering! I think it’s amazing that everyone here (I think!) got past the finish line. Well done!

Pisco Sour

Easily achievable if you put the work in methinks. You don't require talent to run sub 4 hours. Just gotta put in the miles and get stronger so your body can take the increased mileage. I'd suggest doing some core work to help prevent injuries (way too many runners ignore this) and obviously increase the mileage only very gradually.

You don't have to worry about losing weight or anything so you just simply need to build up endurance, get stronger and faster.

That's my take, but others here will be more qualified to give more specific advice.

Good luck

career_move

I think hard work is more important than natural ability when it comes to running your first marathon. Its great to have a goal time to focus on but you should make sure you really enjoy your first. The best advice I can give (as an ex novice ) is to follow the DCM novice thread. Its the business especially if you're training on your own!!Best of luck

Bugsy2000

And what your stated times are proving is that you are improving all the time. Who's to say you won't keep improving the longer you stay at it and eventually you won't be so slow, slow, slow in your eyes.:D

Krusty_Clown

Ososlo wrote:

So, taking into account all of the above, do you think it’s possible?

Absolutely! You sound like you are on the right path. The half marathon in December will give you an idea of what kind of work you need to do and how far away you are from your target. Don't be afraid to target other 10k and half-marathon races before your marathon goal. A step down in distance does not mean a step-back. Often it is the best thing you can do, in order to ne successful with your marathon goal.

snailsong

Your times are not dreadful at all. You started from zero (like all of us) and are making steady progress. Delighted to hear you're getting so much enjoyment out of running. Ultimately thats what keeps all of us at it in the long term.

Your goal is to run a marathon at your present 10k pace. That should be achievable without losing weight, living like a nun or giving up your nights out. Just train consistently, gradually increase the milage and follow a good plan when the time comes. A little patience may be required but you'll get there.

Enjoy the journey.


PS Thanks for coming out to support us all on Monday. People like you add so much to the occasion, everybody appreciates it.

BrokenMan

Yes you can do it. You have the most important thing and thats the willingness and determination to train. Waterford will give you a great baseline for where you are right now, but thats not where you will be in 12 months.

As has been said the novices thread here will be a great place to be once it gets going but in the meantime keep building up your training. As Krusty says (and he knows a thing or two ) step back and do a 10K programme before you head into the marathon training proper. Before that target another half or 10 mile race, you just cant beat racing to bring you on.

Is there a club near you? If there is get on down to it and say hello, your times wont have you last in any club, all abilities are catered for and it will really help focus your training. You are not that slow and you are showing good steady improvement.

Lastly thanks for giving up your bank holiday to come out and support all of us on Monday, the support over the last few miles just cant be measured in time, you will get your reward for it next year

ultrapercy

Ososlo wrote: »

Long, long, long time lurker, first time poster:)

Problem is, I’m a runner with no natural ability. I’ve no weight issues (under 9 stone female, late 30s) and no health issues (maybe some residual ones as I smoked 15 a day for 15 years until last October). Problem is I’m just slow. I HATED running all my life until October 2011 when I took up C25K. Am utterly addicted now. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Did my first race – Jingle Bells 5k in December 2011 whilst on Week 7 of the programme and completed it in 39 minutes.
Second race 2012 Op Trans5k in 31 minutes and next was MSB 2012 Patrick’s 5k in 28:48. Slowly upped the distances little by little and started completing some 10ks. First was GIR in 1:01 and second in 59 mins and third was Parkwest in 57:11. The above race times are obviously dreadful to any seasoned runner on here, but for me, this is a MAJOR achievement. I always came close to last in school races.
So now, I’m not only addicted to running, but I’m just as addicted to this forum! What am amazing resource for those of us who train alone and need some structure and support.
Now that I have a year of consistent training behind me I have started to increase the miles to the next level. I am following Cool Running Intermediate running plan for Half Marathon with a view to doing Waterford half in December. I am on week 9 and loving it. My lsr is up to 10 miles. My next challenge is to do the Waterford half in December.
So, back to my question. Is this time possible for a novice with no background of running and no talent but with an abundance of determination? I am willing to do what it takes to achieve my goal.
If I need to lose a stone or a stone and a half, I’ll do this to help me achieve my goal.
I’ll do exactly the training that’s required of me and might look to some of you guys to recommend me a plan when I start looking at them next year.
My diet isn’t bad (vegetarian) but could be worked on and I’ll even sacrifice (most?) my “wine nights” to help me achieve my goal.
I have plenty of time on my hands to dedicate to my goal.
So, taking into account all of the above, do you think it’s possible?
I really appreciate it if you’ve taken the time to read this! I didn’t personally know anyone doing the marathon on Monday, but I went to support all my Boards AR virtual running club buddies. I watched everyone arriving near home at Trinity from the elites to the 5hourers and enjoyed every second of those 3 hours in the freezing cold on my own clapping and cheering! I think it’s amazing that everyone here (I think!) got past the finish line. Well done!

The only thing that realy needs change is your mindset. Your not slow, even as now your faster than average but distance running has very little to do with speed anyway.Distance is strength and strength is conditional not natural.You wont believe me but you could run 2.30 for a marathon with the right advice added to time and numerous other sacrifices that you,rightly,wont be willing to make.Get running and see what happens. Despite common opinion its fairly simple, the more you run the faster youl get but build up gradualy.Enjoy and good luck.

ThePiedPiper

Ososlo,
The fact that you've been running for quite a while and that you are now starting to make plans for DCM 2013 suggest that you will have a very enjoyable and successful first marathon. Consistent training is the key. No need to constantly be busting yourself, but regular running over the winter and spring, maybe 3-4 sessions per week, will help build a great base from which you can build on next Summer.
I don't see any major reason why you shouldn't target a time of under 4 hours. Your times have been steadily improving and will continue to do so. Sub-4 doesn't require any innate talent, just consistency in training. However, I'd suggest that you don't get too hung up on the time for the moment. If you build the sub-4 marathon to be the be all and end all, and for some reason end up running a 4:03, there may be some disappointment. Your first marathon should be an enjoyable experience and will be a huge achievement, regardless of the time. Continue doing what you're doing.
Best of luck with your running. Hope you get loads from it and look forward to seeing your race report in October 2013.

Ososlo

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Easily achievable if you put the work in methinks. You don't require talent to run sub 4 hours.

Thanks for taking the time Pisco Sour. (can't thank your post officially yet as haven't got one of those special buttons!)

I'm heartened to hear your opionion on this, as at the moment I really can't envisage running over 26 miles at my ":eek:all-out:eek:" 5k racing pace! But I guess I have a year and I keep hearing that the speed will improve naturally with the miles so here's hoping!

Ososlo

career_move wrote: »

The best advice I can give (as an ex novice ) is to follow the DCM novice thread. Its the business especially if you're training on your own!!Best of luck

And well done you on your amazing first marathon time! I'll be following your new log avidly and good luck over on the improvers' thread:D! Yes, I'll be active on the novice thread for sure once it's set up:) thanks for the imput!

Ososlo

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Don't be afraid to target other 10k and half-marathon races before your marathon goal. A step down in distance does not mean a step-back. Often it is the best thing you can do, in order to ne successful with your marathon goal.

Really appreciate the advice. This forum is fantastic! It just keeps on giving:D

Yep, I'll plan on targeting plenty of other races next year. A few 10ks and definitely one more half at least. I might get involved in the Parkrun thing too.
Cheers!

Ososlo

BrokenMan wrote: »

Is there a club near you? If there is get on down to it and say hello, your times wont have you last in any club, all abilities are catered for and it will really help focus your training. You are not that slow and you are showing good steady improvement.

Cheers BrokenMan. I got so much enjoyement as a spectator last Monday. It wasn't a chore at all. I had to be dragged away from the sidlines by the OH after many hours of clapping:D Congrats on your race.

I wondered who'd be the first to ask me this and tbh was kind of dreading the question:(
Yes I have a very reputable club practically on my doorstep but the honest truth is that I'm scared:o I want to go along for a session but i'm afraid. Pathetic I know. I even went as far as to contact the club and give my stats etc and they were very welcoming but I chickened out. I can see the club from my window and feel very envious when I see them out training. I need to "man up" methinks...

SnappyDresser

I think you can definitely do it. I regularly run ~4 hours on 20 miles a week.

career_move

Ososlo wrote: »

Cheers BrokenMan. I got so much enjoyement as a spectator last Monday. It wasn't a chore at all. I had to be dragged away from the sidlines by the OH after many hours of clapping:D Congrats on your race.

I wondered who'd be the first to ask me this and tbh was kind of dreading the question:(
Yes I have a very reputable club practically on my doorstep but the honest truth is that I'm scared:o I want to go along for a session but i'm afraid. Pathetic I know. I even went as far as to contact the club and give my stats etc and they were very welcoming but I chickened out. I can see the club from my window and feel very envious when I see them out training. I need to "man up" methinks...

Ah now seriously :eek: I would love to have a club to train with. It makes everything so much easier!!! What you have to remember is.....no matter how slow you are there's always someone slower. SO JOIN THE CLUB. NOW

Ososlo

ultrapercy wrote: »

The only thing that realy needs change is your mindset. Your not slow, even as now your faster than average but distance running has very little to do with speed anyway.Distance is strength and strength is conditional not natural.You wont believe me but you could run 2.30 for a marathon with the right advice added to time and numerous other sacrifices that you,rightly,wont be willing to make.Get running and see what happens. Despite common opinion its fairly simple, the more you run the faster youl get but build up gradualy.Enjoy and good luck.

Yep, I know I need to work on the defeatist attitude! Thanks for your words of encouragement ultrapercy:)

Ososlo

RunForestRun wrote: »

I'd suggest that you don't get too hung up on the time for the moment. If you build the sub-4 marathon to be the be all and end all, and for some reason end up running a 4:03, there may be some disappointment. Your first marathon should be an enjoyable experience and will be a huge achievement, regardless of the time.

cheers man. I work best with targets and I wanted to pick one that would really push me but that would be realistic at the same time. At the moment a 4 hour mara doesn't seem realistic to me (it's my 5 & 10k race pace) and that's why I needed to get some opinions if it would seem possible to established runners here, ( given my current levels and my willingness to put in the work) that I could actually do it in a year. I don't think I'd get too upset up if I was a few minutes outside my time but I suppose I would like to see a "3" on the clock! I defintely intend on enjoying every minute of the experience, from the training to the day itself.

Willie_Power

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Easily achievable if you put the work in methinks. You don't require talent to run sub 4 hours. Just gotta put in the miles and get stronger so your body can take the increased mileage. I'd suggest doing some core work to help prevent injuries (way too many runners ignore this) and obviously increase the mileage only very gradually.

Good luck

Sorry to hijack the thread but as a running newby I am interested to find out more about the specifics of the core work, what does this entail?

RayCun

core work

Willie_Power

Thanks Raycun.

I have to say as a relative newcomer to boards I think its brilliant, so much information.

Good luck Ososlo with the training and again sorry for hijacking.

Ososlo

Willie_Power wrote: »

Thanks Raycun.

I have to say as a relative newcomer to boards I think its brilliant, so much information.

Good luck Ososlo with the training and again sorry for hijacking.

no bother Willie! Happy to oblige. Loving this forum too!

hardCopy

Ososlo wrote: »

Cheers BrokenMan. I got so much enjoyement as a spectator last Monday. It wasn't a chore at all. I had to be dragged away from the sidlines by the OH after many hours of clapping:D Congrats on your race.

I wondered who'd be the first to ask me this and tbh was kind of dreading the question:(
Yes I have a very reputable club practically on my doorstep but the honest truth is that I'm scared:o I want to go along for a session but i'm afraid. Pathetic I know. I even went as far as to contact the club and give my stats etc and they were very welcoming but I chickened out. I can see the club from my window and feel very envious when I see them out training. I need to "man up" methinks...

Check if the club have a Fit4Life group. A lot of clubs have social training groups that train together a couple of times a week that are designed to be a first step without any pressure to compete.

Ososlo

hardCopy wrote: »

Check if the club have a Fit4Life group. A lot of clubs have social training groups that train together a couple of times a week that are designed to be a first step without any pressure to compete.

Thanks hardCopy. I did check this an they don't. Would be perfect for me. Tbh i really enjoy running on my own but also appreciate that there are benefits to a more structured approach too. I might just make it my new year resolution to give the club a go. Conquer another fear an all that. Cheers

jd

Ososlo wrote: »

Yes I have a very reputable club practically on my doorstep but the honest truth is that I'm scared:o

Yeah, you could nearly be thrown into the stadium from the window!

Younganne

Best of luck with your training and your goals. You definitely have an advantage over some that will be aiming for next Octobers Marathon in that you are builing up your base and your times are coming down as you improve. You also have a wonderful attitude to the running, jsut stop worrying about being slow, you are not slow!

Just keep doing what you are currently doing and you will have no bother. Don't focus on the sub 4 hr goal for the first marathon as it's all about the experience and the atmospere which you probably experienced on Monday. Thanks for the support on Monday, its people like you that really help the runners get to the end, and you will get to experience this next year.:D

I think you should have this moved to the training logs and keep it going. You will receive great support and advice and encouragement along the way!!

ciaranmac

You're faster than me OP! Hang in there, as one of the previous posters already said there's always someone slower If you finish at all you've done better than everyone who didn't.

Ososlo

Younganne wrote: »

Best of luck with your training and your goals. You definitely have an advantage over some that will be aiming for next Octobers Marathon in that you are builing up your base and your times are coming down as you improve. You also have a wonderful attitude to the running, jsut stop worrying about being slow, you are not slow!

Just keep doing what you are currently doing and you will have no bother. Don't focus on the sub 4 hr goal for the first marathon as it's all about the experience and the atmospere which you probably experienced on Monday. Thanks for the support on Monday, its people like you that really help the runners get to the end, and you will get to experience this next year.:D

I think you should have this moved to the training logs and keep it going. You will receive great support and advice and encouragement along the way!!

Just got my "thanks" button so thanks Younganne! Great advice and encouragement. Hope we have someone as good as yourself mentoring us all next year. Well done on your brilliant marathon!

Ososlo

jd wrote: »

Yeah, you could nearly be thrown into the stadium from the window!

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: but

911sc

Have you read this thread?
Larman first post give a good analysis as to why he did not achieve is target: stamina and endurance. Something to think about as you increase your distance and speed.

Ososlo

911sc wrote: »

Have you read this thread?
Larman first post give a good analysis as to why he did not achieve is target: stamina and endurance. Something to think about as you increase your distance and speed.

Yes thanks ... absolutely am following this. Good advice about having a "plan b" too. Cheers

FiiFii

Ososlow, from your description I think we are sister's

Similar times on 5 & 10k, like you never a sporty person but got started slowly and now love it, was self conscious calling myself a 'runner' and more a 'jogger' at those speeds....

Started a HM plan in March for July and then the DCM plan via the Novices forum and came in at 4.51. Really admire your ambition - sub 4 seemed to me years away and I was thinking target 4.30 next yr. Be great to hear how you progress towards this (and thinking I should push myself more too:o)

I was worried bout my time too but being on the DCM novices thread found such a variety of runners that you focus less on time & more about pushing yourself to achieve what you didn't think you could do - some targeting sub 3.30 first DCM, others just wanting to finish a marathon without collapsing....

Having a targets great and work towards it but follow the advice of the more seasoned runners to enjoy your first one without too much pressure - I'm glad I did as straight after finishing I knew I wanted to do more whereas I know people who had bad experience on 1st one and never went back. Plus for us slower runners we're always improving our times:p

Best of luck!

blockic

FiiFii wrote: »

Having a targets great and work towards it but follow the advice of the more seasoned runners to enjoy your first one without too much pressure - I'm glad I did as straight after finishing I knew I wanted to do more whereas I know people who had bad experience on 1st one and never went back.

+1 to this!

Ran my first DCM last week and I had a target of 3.30 (all my races before this pointed to this time)..finished in 3.29..and tbh i wasnt elated after it.

The last 4 miles were extremely tough and I just didnt get the chance to enjoy the crowds, the day as I was concentrating so much on making my time.

Looking back I should have aimed for 3.40 - 3.45 and just enjoyed the atmosphere and the achievement. (I was told this numourous times on the novice thread but my times were saying sub 3.30 :rolleyes:)

I'll be reinforcing the words "enjoy without too much pressure" on next years thread!!!!

My advise is, dont worry about target times until the month before, then be conservative and Enjoy!

And that is coming from my very recent experience! Best of luck.

RedRunner

Best of luck Ososlo...I'll be following your progress too:)

Ososlo

RedRunner wrote: »

Best of luck Ososlo...I'll be following your progress too:)

ah cheers! I'm just ssssoooo excited about the whole thing! Maybe I'll come back here next year with a less defeatist thread title like "hey, I'm not so slow afterall"

happy running :D