PARIS MARATHON 2013

DOCO12

Hi all
Anone doing this in April? Or is there anyone whos done it before can give advice on it?
I nearly have the confirm payment button pressed but still nervous if right decision. Just did Dublin marathon as my first and loved it Would like to break my pb here but the congestion problems worry me. Thanks

The Davestator

I'm signed up for it already and asked about congestion and quality on here. General consensus is that it's a great race and you should go for it!

The congestion problems seem to be around the 4 hour pacer mark but were seemingly much better last year.

DOCO12

Cheers for reply Davestator, to visit Paris has always been on my to do list so I'm going to bite the bullet and just sign up . Plus it's more appealing for the bf than some of the other options. Hope your training is going well

Trampas

any advice on hotels?

DOCO12

It's official I'm in

run_Forrest_run

I ran this marathon in 2005 and 2006. Obviously (like running in general) it has seen a boom in popularity in recent years but it's a great marathon and often falls under the radar due to London being so close etc.

There is a great sense of pride in this marathon, the locals really come out with music, bands and even at about mile 22 there was an un-official wine stop! I kid you not, I was nearly going to vomit from the smell of du vin alone but hey, it was brilliant run.

What a route too, so many landmarks you will never be bored.
I like to think, when I plan to wrap up my marathon running I will finish on Paris...we'll see.

In relation to hotels, I can't remember the name but I stayed in a nice one on rue Saint Lazare, very close to Gare Saint Lazare. It was close to a metro station which is essential for getting to the Champs-Élysées on marathon morning.
Hotels are expensive and tiny...that's all I remember about them

Bonne Chance!

Trampas

going to do up the maths today to see how much it will cost for the 2 of us.

hotel seems like the thing which will hurt most

run_Forrest_run

Trampas wrote: »

going to do up the maths today to see how much it will cost for the 2 of us.

hotel seems like the thing which will hurt most

and don't eat or even have a coffee in any establishment on the Champs-Élysées, the prices hurt more than any lactic acid:D

Trampas

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

and don't eat or even have a coffee in any establishment on the Champs-Élysées, the prices hurt more than any lactic acid:D

I heard. Plan would be fly in Saturday morning (non red eye) and out Monday lunchtime.

If anyone find a decent hotel for reasonable price and location can they pm me.

run_Forrest_run

Trampas wrote: »

I heard. Plan would be fly in Saturday morning (non red eye) and out Monday lunchtime.

If anyone find a decent hotel for reasonable price and location can they pm me.

I flew over on the Friday and went straight to the Expo as you want to try stay off the feet as much as possible on the Saturday, very hard to do in Paris, even with the Metro there's always a fair bit of walking involved no matter what.

tHE vAGGABOND

Great race which I would do again ahead of Berlin tbh. Clearly had issues in years gone by which folks like woodle encountered - but I had no issues at all last year.

For accom last year I did the airbnb.com thing and we had apartment to ourselves, better and cheaper than hotel.

Paris has a great metro, and start is very central so where you stay is not end of world as long as you have access to good metro lines.

Badreputation

Did Paris and thought it was a really great marathon. The route was full of all the major landmarks and very well supported throughout.
Only problem is Paris can be expensive (the large larger we had immediately after the race was €11!!! Worth it though considering the race I had)

Group of us stayed here:Jardins de Montmartre
131, rue Ordener, 18. Sacré-Cœur - Montmartre, 75018 Paris
Very small and very very basic but staff were great and its very reasonable compared to other places if you are on a budget. Metro stop was 400yds from the hotel and the area was nice and quiet.About 10 stops from Champs Elysees.The street parallel even had a full running track so we were able to stretch the legs the day before. Residential area more than a tourist spot. Only thing is hotel is basic.. no bar. Continental breakfast served in small dining area but we stocked up on pre marathon food in the local markets in the area. Check out reviews on trip adv.

Enjoy the race. Best of luck

rom

I stayed here before. http://www.vialevacances.com/pages_en_parigi/descrizione_appartamento.htm Nice guy. Perfect apartment for a couple. 30/40 meters to 4/5 restaurants and bars. Location could not be better. Supermarket about 1/3 mile away. You can cook your own stuff and he leaves things like cooking oil, milk , butter, wine etc there for you to use. Only negative is that it's on the 2nd floor up steps, other than that it is perfect. free Wifi. Sushi bar nearby its like 5.50 a pint which beats the 11 euro. 430 euro for a week. I think we paid 200 for 3 nights. I would stay here again no problem. great Italian restaurant in one of those 4/5 restaurants.

ThePiedPiper

Paris is definitely a good one yeah, it was the first marathon I'd done abroad. I had a few congestion issues in 2008 at around the halfway mark, not too bad though. I do remember that the queues for the portaloos at the start line were absolutely terrible and water stations for the first few miles were manic. If possible, do your toileting business before heading to the start, and plan to do without water at the first couple of stations.

The start on the Champs-Elysee remains up there as one of my top 5 marathon moments, and unlike most big city marathons, the course is like a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in all of the major spots, whilst remaining largely flat. For me, it easily tops the experiences of Berlin in almost every respect, but doesn't quite have the magic of London, Boston or NYC.

Trampas

rom wrote: »

I stayed here before. http://www.vialevacances.com/pages_en_parigi/descrizione_appartamento.htm Nice guy. Perfect apartment for a couple. 30/40 meters to 4/5 restaurants and bars. Location could not be better. Supermarket about 1/3 mile away. You can cook your own stuff and he leaves things like cooking oil, milk , butter, wine etc there for you to use. Only negative is that it's on the 2nd floor up steps, other than that it is perfect. free Wifi. Sushi bar nearby its like 5.50 a pint which beats the 11 euro. 430 euro for a week. I think we paid 200 for 3 nights. I would stay here again no problem. great Italian restaurant in one of those 4/5 restaurants.

gone. might look for other apartments as prefer that over hotel

DOCO12

Thanks for all the accommodation advice guys . I'm thinking an apartment would suit us best if we can get one, always like having control over what I eat before a race. Would any Parisian hotels serve porridge? ha
I've yet to book flights too but planning going Fri back on Mon.

The Davestator

DOCO12 wrote: »

Thanks for all the accommodation advice guys . I'm thinking an apartment would suit us best if we can get one, always like having control over what I eat before a race. Would any Parisian hotels serve porridge? ha
I've yet to book flights too but planning going Fri back on Mon.

That's what we're doing. Late flight Friday and late flight home Monday night. That gives us Sunday night and Monday on the razz (to celebrate hopefully)!

No idea where to stay, but with the metro, hopefully it's not an issue.

rom

Trampas wrote: »

gone. might look for other apartments as prefer that over hotel

I would still contact him as he probably knows a neighbour that rents their place out there too. Perfect location.

central park

I did this in 2011 and stayed in the Hotel Champlain, 99bis, Rue De Rome, Paris 75017. lovely hotel and good price. The location is good for the start too as its only a couple of stops away from Etoile on the Metro. The Paris Marathon was one of my favourites!

coalshed

I booked my flight for Paris last night...something I should have done back when I signed up for the marathon as the prices have gone up a good bit.

Accommodation to sort next, can't wait for the race! Time to knuckle down to training...

tattycoram

Paris is going to be my first marathon!

I'm following the Dublin Marathon plan on their website. Training is going well so far. Any advice for a newbie?

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for information and inspiration

coco7

I've signed up for Paris as well and this will be my third marathon after Dublin and Berlin! Very little training done during Christmas so time for the serious training to start now. Working over here for a few months so don't have to worry about flights and accommodation which is great! Best of luck with the training!

Elvis_Presley

Signed up last night after being challenged by a french man! First marathon, entered for the 3h15. Training starts in 20 mins! Need to beat the frenchie after having lost to him in the Paris triathlon last year!

Anyone have any advice for training regime/diet? Have been looking online and there's so much conflicting information.

I will be staying with mates and I'll post a few good bars (with happy hours) for post race boozing. Paris is all about finding the happy hours - plan your night and you won't pay more than €5 a pint! Canal St Martin is a great place to go for a few drinks - a lot of locals buy some wine/beer and sit by the canal if the weather is good - great atmosphere. Also, if you are feeling somewhat brave, people drink in Jardin du Luxembourg on the grass - it is prohibited but people are always drinking there.

Good luck with the training - I'm off to do some intervals!

run_Forrest_run

tattycoram wrote: »

Paris is going to be my first marathon!

I'm following the Dublin Marathon plan on their website. Training is going well so far. Any advice for a newbie?

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for information and inspiration

google Hal Higdon, he has some very good training schedules.

physiopad

Hi all. I signed up for this as well.

Gonna be my first marathon. Have a few half marathons done must recent one being the start of december.

Following the Hal Higdon Novice 2 programme. At the moment, I aiming for 4:00 -4:15 but in reality will be happy to survive the training and just cross the finish line.

coalshed

physiopad wrote: »

Hi all. I signed up for this as well.

Gonna be my first marathon. Have a few half marathons done must recent one being the start of december.

Following the Hal Higdon Novice 2 programme. At the moment, I aiming for 4:00 -4:15 but in reality will be happy to survive the training and just cross the finish line.

What were your half marathon times Physiopad?

physiopad

coalshed wrote: »

What were your half marathon times Physiopad?

1:50 (fairly hilly course) and 1:45 (hilly course) are my most recent half marathon times.

coalshed

physiopad wrote: »

1:50 (fairly hilly course) and 1:45 (hilly course) are my most recent half marathon times.

Good stuff.

Good luck with your Paris training.

Are you going to do another half between now and then?

coco7

physiopad wrote: »

1:50 (fairly hilly course) and 1:45 (hilly course) are my most recent half marathon times.

Best of luck physiopad! If you get the mileage in, particularly the LSRs, between now and April then I think you should be well on track for your target. Also check out the DCM novices thread from last year. There's some great advice there for the novices!

I've signed up for the semi marathon de Paris as well which is the first Sunday in March.

Wally Runs

Trampas wrote: »

any advice on hotels?

Try this:http://www.paris-france-hotel.com/English_new/Location.html . I have not stayed here but my wife and friends have for the Paris-Versailles race in 2011 and 2012. They found very reasonable, staff very helpful and spoke good English and were used to runners. I think they may have even left a room open for a post race shower for those getting the evening flight by request.

Having done the Paris race in 2011, it is a good race but it did get quiet warm (what to do). I think it lashed in 2012?

Enjoy and remember to look around you! It is worth it even if only to run the Champs without traffic.

PS they are very strict on the medical cert in France, so do not go chancing your arm. I have been able to use the AI card in France in the past as they want to know you are affiliated to a national body. Enjoy.

Sara2002

Hi everyone. I'm also doing Paris marathon. Good luck to you all in your training. I have booked the Eurostar (I live in London) but Im waiting until the end of the month to book accommodation. Hope I manage to get a good price! Only 11 and a half weeks left until the big day :-)

physiopad

Just over 9 weeks to go... everyone still on board?

Elvis_Presley

Aye!

The Davestator

physiopad wrote: »

Just over 9 weeks to go... everyone still on board?

Yep - 18 miles to do in the morning. Going to Vegas for two weeks prior to the marathon so need to be ahead of my plan!

Sara2002

Still on board!

physiopad

The Davestator wrote: »

Yep - 18 miles to do in the morning. Going to Vegas for two weeks prior to the marathon so need to be ahead of my plan!

Fair play to you - but ya Vegas could be dangerous!

Im on 15miles at the moment. Plan peaks at 20miles which will be Paddys weekend. :eek: I Have been very good sticking to my plan -in spite of the weather - and have avoided injury (so far), so cautiously optimistic I can survive the 26miles

Elvis_Presley

The Davestator wrote: »

Yep - 18 miles to do in the morning. Going to Vegas for two weeks prior to the marathon so need to be ahead of my plan!

Can always do some desert running! That'll prepare you for anything!

coalshed

The Davestator wrote: »

Yep - 18 miles to do in the morning. Going to Vegas for two weeks prior to the marathon so need to be ahead of my plan!

Just run around here, it'll be just like the real thing:
http://www.parislasvegas.com/

coalshed

I'm still on, and anticipating a third week of sticking to my plan (a 12 week P&D up to 55 plan)

All going well so far thankfully...the weeks are flying in really.

Still have to sort out accommodation, and a medical cert, and maybe new runners

The Davestator

coalshed wrote: »

Just run around here, it'll be just like the real thing:
http://www.parislasvegas.com/

LOL,great idea-race day training!

DOCO12

physiopad wrote: »

Just over 9 weeks to go... everyone still on board?

Afraid not guys. I've been injured since after Dublin. The recovery is so slow. Am now up to 3 runs a week, longest in last few months has been 5miles so def not the prep I had hoped for for Paris. I stupidly signed up and booked flights back in Nobember, so the jury is still out whether we will go for the weekend regardless. ( I could always walk it Disappointed I won't be making the start line but one thing this has thought me is that you don't underestimate what a marathon takes out of ya. Hope your all enjoying your training , I'm so jealous of people going for long runs So whenever your dreading/don't want to go for a run think of how fortunate you are to have your health and how brilliant you will feel after Happy Training!

Elvis_Presley

Heading out for a 'wee' jog.

tattycoram

Up to 12 miles and going well!

Booking accommodation today

markyboy

Registered and accommodation booked a few weeks back.

Ran 17 this morning. Not far away now at all.

Best of luck to everyone on here over the next few weeks.

coco7

Hey all, hope training is going as well for everyone.
Had a bad day yesterday and didn't manage to finish my 17 miles as planned ...ended up walking the last 2 miles as I was completely drained. I had a cold at the start of the week (+travelling with work) so I think my energy levels were down.
Hopefully I can get back on track next week with the long run.

The Davestator

coco7 wrote: »

Hey all, hope training is going as well for everyone.
Had a bad day yesterday and didn't manage to finish my 17 miles as planned ...ended up walking the last 2 miles as I was completely drained. I had a cold at the start of the week (+travelling with work) so I think my energy levels were down.
Hopefully I can get back on track next week with the long run.

Don't worry about it. I did 18 last week and felt really drained for the last few miles. Did 13 yesterday in a record time for me just to get back on track. Back to slow ones next week, but needed to know i could do a half mara fast!

I re realised the importance of the food prior to the long runs!

coalshed

coco7 wrote: »

Hey all, hope training is going as well for everyone.
Had a bad day yesterday and didn't manage to finish my 17 miles as planned ...ended up walking the last 2 miles as I was completely drained. I had a cold at the start of the week (+travelling with work) so I think my energy levels were down.
Hopefully I can get back on track next week with the long run.

That's tough but you'll be ok. Better to back off for a day or two now and get rested up than push too hard and get yourself sick.

physiopad

Did 16.5 LR today. Sh1ts getting serious! Fairly enough with pace etc. Few minor niggles.



Delighted to have survived training this far and to be feeling good. Still hard to believe will have to run an extra 9-10miles on the day.:eek:

Only regret is not having 1 extra week in my training plan.

Good to hear everyone else doing well. Chin-up Coco7. The odd disappointing run is probably to to be expected.

Sara2002

I am doing a half marathon on Sunday which I'm hoping to do at race pace. Will be a good indicaction of how well my training is going!

Elvis_Presley

I just looked at flights! :eek: This race is going to break me financially!

tattycoram

Elvis_Presley wrote: »

I just looked at flights! :eek: This race is going to break me financially!

I feel your pain!
I got good value on flights (booked in december) but now all those savings have been spent on "cheap" (by Paris standards) accommodation