Flora Womens Mini Marathon 2013

AK333

Who else is doing this this year? I qualify as a fast jogger (don't laugh, I'm very proud of that ) and I'll be signing up for it later today. I've done it about 6 times now, I love the atmosphere but its not the place for a PB.

zooming

Me too!!

Sara2002

I'm in as a runner!

omck80

Doing it for the first time this year. I may be in the walking category :-)

Lunalove

Hi! I'm doing it for the first time this year. Is there a way in which you can prove that you can be in the jogger category without having done the flora marathon before? Otherwise ..this is gonna sound stupid...can you jog even if you're in the walkers category?

zooming

I wouldnt worry, last year I started in the joggers section and at mile 4 I was catching people walking, they seem to start whenever they feel like it! Its a shame people dont stick to the rules to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone. Its a bit mad the first 2 miles TBH

rasher_m

Lunalove wrote: »

Hi! I'm doing it for the first time this year. Is there a way in which you can prove that you can be in the jogger category without having done the flora marathon before? Otherwise ..this is gonna sound stupid...can you jog even if you're in the walkers category?

Yeah, if you have an official time from another race then send them an email with the result and the name of the race.
I wouldn't worry if you cant produce proof, i have started this in the walking section before due to getting the start time wrong and within a few hundred metres I was free to run though i did have to run around some walkers. You will lose a minute or two at most.

rasher_m

AK333 wrote: »

Who else is doing this this year? I qualify as a fast jogger (don't laugh, I'm very proud of that ) and I'll be signing up for it later today. I've done it about 6 times now, I love the atmosphere but its not the place for a PB.

I think it is if you can get up the front of the fast joggers/runners. Its a flatter course than most of the courses in the park for sure.
Samsung would probably be better though.

AK333

rasher_m wrote: »

I think it is if you can get up the front of the fast joggers/runners. Its a flatter course than most of the courses in the park for sure.
Samsung would probably be better though.

I think Samsung would be better but I'm no-where near Dublin unfortunately. I've been up at the fast joggers for a few years and I always encounter walkers in the first couple of kms - I'm not sure where they come from because you have to confirm you're a runner etc, by time, but they are always there. It doesn't bother me that much, I'm competitive against my own time, not really by the people around me.

I just hope its not too hot. Rain I can cope with but the heat kills me. Part of my training is including doing the 5k for Ray in Clonmel

not yet

Hi.

My wife is running in the even tthis year, She filled in the application on-line and has a verification number etc...Problem is the site tells her to print off page and bring it along to RDS to get her race number, She cannot print it off for some reason...

My question, If she went to the RDS with just her nuber would they accept it.

Oh and I'm so proud of her.
Thanks

rasher_m

not yet wrote: »

Hi.

My wife is running in the even tthis year, She filled in the application on-line and has a verification number etc...Problem is the site tells her to print off page and bring it along to RDS to get her race number, She cannot print it off for some reason...

My question, If she went to the RDS with just her nuber would they accept it.

Oh and I'm so proud of her.
Thanks

Is this a problem she has with printing it or a problem with the actual admin email? If its the email then get her to contact the admin. if its her printer then go an internet cafe or print off in work for her.

not yet

rasher_m wrote: »

Is this a problem she has with printing it or a problem with the actual admin email? If its the email then get her to contact the admin. if its her printer then go an internet cafe or print off in work for her.

She's working from a laptop at home with no printer, I tried to do it in work but the job has filters which stop me accessing her e-mail.

eviltwin

First time entrant here. I hope to be a fast jogger but have no proof I can do it in the time so don't know where I will end up on the day. I don't mind if I am with the walkers, I'm sure it won't make a difference to how I do and it will give me a good enough time to do fast jogger next year.

rasher_m

not yet wrote: »

She's working from a laptop at home with no printer, I tried to do it in work but the job has filters which stop me accessing her e-mail.

You should just go to internet cafe. it'll cost her 1.50 at most to print it off. she will most likely have problems when she goes to rds if she doesnt show her print out.

not yet

rasher_m wrote: »

You should just go to internet cafe. it'll cost her 1.50 at most to print it off. she will most likely have problems when she goes to rds if she doesnt show her print out.

Cheers....

AK333

eviltwin wrote: »

First time entrant here. I hope to be a fast jogger but have no proof I can do it in the time so don't know where I will end up on the day. I don't mind if I am with the walkers, I'm sure it won't make a difference to how I do and it will give me a good enough time to do fast jogger next year.

Its the sheer numbers of people that hold you up - not your ability. You will enjoy it though, everyone is in good spirits. Is there a 10k you can do in the next few weeks to get a qualifying time - if you're in Dublin or near there you should be able to find something. Good luck anyway, it really is the taking part that matters. Its the biggest women only 10k event in the world (so I believe)

GalwayGirl00

In a moment of madness I have signed up for this! I am doing the c25k programme and hope to be up to the 10k come June...but it is looking very tight timewise. I am already nervous about it, maybe I am being too ambitious! Any helpful tips about training?

eviltwin

AK333 wrote: »

Its the sheer numbers of people that hold you up - not your ability. You will enjoy it though, everyone is in good spirits. Is there a 10k you can do in the next few weeks to get a qualifying time - if you're in Dublin or near there you should be able to find something. Good luck anyway, it really is the taking part that matters. Its the biggest women only 10k event in the world (so I believe)

I have a few 5ks in the pipeline but will make a point of doing a 10k to get myself bumped up.

I just noticed on my email they have me classed as a Walker so I hope I can get it changed.

AK333

GalwayGirl00 wrote: »

In a moment of madness I have signed up for this! I am doing the c25k programme and hope to be up to the 10k come June...but it is looking very tight timewise. I am already nervous about it, maybe I am being too ambitious! Any helpful tips about training?

C25K programme is a good place to start but its also beneficial to run/jog with others. Is there a Meet and Train group near you? Or a Fit for Life group? I train on a monday in Clonmel and I really enjoy it. Train is a very loose word, I jog along, as fast as I can, behind everyone else in my group but theres no pressure, no hassle, just good craic. Once you've done C25K there's another one for a 10k, just google it or someone might mention it here or provide a link, and keep going. 2 good tips would be to hydrate all day, every day which saves you just trying to bulk drink loads before a race and then racing to the loo - if you drink water all day every day your body is well hydrated and also stretch after each run - good luck, don't panic and enjoy

AK333

eviltwin wrote: »

I have a few 5ks in the pipeline but will make a point of doing a 10k to get myself bumped up.

I just noticed on my email they have me classed as a Walker so I hope I can get it changed.

You can amend your details (like spelling of names, etc), as far as I know, which is why they give you a login and password. I think that if you get a qualification time for a 10k in the meantime and email them the details, they will change your classification to a jogger/fast jogger. Obviously if its after the date the numbers have been sent to the collections points (Kilkenny is 19th May) then I wouldn't think it could be changed but if you contacted them directly they will be able to help you. Good luck

Tipsygypsy

GalwayGirl00 wrote: »

In a moment of madness I have signed up for this! I am doing the c25k programme and hope to be up to the 10k come June...but it is looking very tight timewise. I am already nervous about it, maybe I am being too ambitious! Any helpful tips about training?

Hi GalwayGirl00, Im in Galway way too, I started running about 5 years ago by doing the C25K, similar timeframe to yourself. I did run most of it, had to stop and walk a couple of times, but I was really happy with my result. Have improved every year since, although I've not run in about 6 months, so just started back training this morning - loved it.

Got very excited when I signed up this morning. Its well and truly my favourite event of the year. I've done lots of other runs and races, and even though it can be quite congested, nothing else even compares to it in terms of atmosphere and pure positivity for me.

Im especially pleased to be in with the runners this year, snuck in just under 1 hour last year, so looking forward to shaving another bit off that. I never mind what my time is as long as it beats the previous years :-)

GalwayGirl00

There is no running club or anything where I live so I will be doing it on my own. I tried and failed a few times because I got bored but now that I have a goal in sight I hope it will keep me going, thanks for the tips...the water/ loo comment certainly rang a bell with me

QueenBee1

AK333 wrote: »

Who else is doing this this year? I qualify as a fast jogger (don't laugh, I'm very proud of that ) and I'll be signing up for it later today. I've done it about 6 times now, I love the atmosphere but its not the place for a PB.

What's a PB?!

QueenBee1

First time entrant here! I am looking forward to doing this In June! I go running everyday but I find myself always having to stop and walk for a bit and start again! I have selected slow jogger but I get the impression from this that it annoys people to see them walking for some of the route! Would this be a problem on the day?

huskerdu

QueenBee1 wrote: »

First time entrant here! I am looking forward to doing this In June! I go running everyday but I find myself always having to stop and walk for a bit and start again! I have selected slow jogger but I get the impression from this that it annoys people to see them walking for some of the route! Would this be a problem on the day?

Not a problem. The great thing about the Mini-Marathon is that all abilities are welcome. The atmosphere on the day is great and you should enjoy it.

The problem is a small number of women who are in the faster categories who walk at the beginning where it is congested. There are even crowds of women holding hands blocking the road occasionally. If you want to run a fast time, it is very hard to get a good start. By 2k, the crowds have spread out and there is room for everyone.

Walk if you need to, but give way if someone is trying to get by.

The race atmosphere will spur you on, and you are likely to do a faster time that you think.

Solobally8

QueenBee1 wrote: »

What's a PB?!

PB means Personal Best

AK333

QueenBee1 wrote: »

What's a PB?!

a personal best time. I am only competitive against myself. My best time is not very fast and I only just made it into the fast jogger category, so I hope to improve it each time I race - I don't always make it but I do try.

With regard to walking, you go at your pace, stop when you have to, jog when you can and enjoy it. I agree with Huskerdo, its running etiquette and just plain good sense to move over and not block others coming behind you. But it is a very busy race and you'll find lots of people jogging and walking and all having fun, and the atmosphere is very special so have fun, I will be.

rasher_m

Just entered this tonight, had forgotten how cheap it is: 19 euro!! and you get a really decent goody bag etc.
I love the atmosphere at this run though the crowds can be overwhelming at the start, it doesn't take long to get out there on your own and enjoy the course and cheering.

dechol

Are entries closed for this? Someone told me today they got letter after registering saying it is full.

rasher_m

dechol wrote: »

Are entries closed for this? Someone told me today they got letter after registering saying it is full.

No thats rubbish. It usually says on the website if its full and it wouldn't allow someone to register and pay and then tell them its full.
I would register soon though, this race always closes early.
It looks open at the moment now.

dechol

rasher_m wrote: »

No thats rubbish. It usually says on the website if its full and it wouldn't allow someone to register and pay and then tell them its full.
I would register soon though, this race always closes early.
It looks open at the moment now.

I thought that but girl I spoke to tonight registered a week or so ago and herself and friends got letter then saying it was full. Money was refunded apparently. I entered last week so hoping all ok.

AK333

dechol wrote: »

I thought that but girl I spoke to tonight registered a week or so ago and herself and friends got letter then saying it was full. Money was refunded apparently. I entered last week so hoping all ok.

I'm surprised by that. I just tried to register and the website let me get into the first signing in page, which if it was full, I presume it wouldn't let me.

If you're in doubt as to whether you are entered or not, I would give them a ring next week to confirm, or log in and print off your confirmation letter.

Good luck

QueenBee1

I signed up a the weekend and cant wait! Its my first marathon and im excited! But I dont know what charity to run for? Has anyone any suggestions?

AK333

QueenBee1 wrote: »

I signed up a the weekend and cant wait! Its my first marathon and im excited! But I dont know what charity to run for? Has anyone any suggestions?

Good for you, its a great day and everyone enjoys it. If you are going to collect on behalf of a charity, and lots of people do, an idea might be to find something that means something to you or your family; or maybe you have a local charity that could need some assistance.

rasher_m

QueenBee1 wrote: »

I signed up a the weekend and cant wait! Its my first marathon and im excited! But I dont know what charity to run for? Has anyone any suggestions?

A good one to run for is St Francis Hospice in Raheny who look after the dying or Juvenile Arthritis in the Crumlin hospital which doesn't get well funded since it isn't that common for kiddies to have Arthritis.

QueenBee1

I was thinking of the pieta house or a charity that helps people with suicide thoughts is there anyone else heard running for them?

Age Action

QueenBee1 wrote: »

I signed up a the weekend and cant wait! Its my first marathon and im excited! But I dont know what charity to run for? Has anyone any suggestions?

Congrats QueenBee1 for signing up. You won't regret it. There is an incredible sense of community and support on the day. Like some of the other posters I would not be worrying about the time you finish in -- the crowds for the first third of the course can make it difficult to get going. But just enjoy the music, the friendship and the sense that you are part of the largest run in Ireland.

On the charity issue, we are trying to recruit 100 walkers/runners this year. Bluebird Care have generously put up a €2,000 holiday voucher which will be raffled among everyone who raises €200 or more. We need the funds for our Care & Repair programme (sponsorship ends this year). It provided home visits and small DIY jobs to more than 20,000 older people last year, enabling them to remain living independently in their own homes. There are so many great charities out there, but please consider us when you are picking through them.

Regardless of whether you choose us, it does help if you are doing the run for a charity. When you see the sea of charity t-shirts on the starting line, you realise how vital this event is for some many charity organisations. Best of luck on the day -- and enjoy it!

Trisha XxX

Hi me and a friend are hoping to do the marathon this year first timers we will be walking what I wanted to know is how do you go about picking a charity and all that it entails?

AK333

Its just personal choice and then you contact them yourself. Not everyone runs on behalf of a charity, though most do.

I've run this about 7 times, started with friends whose charity was Crumlin Childrens Hospital, so we all ran for the hospital but nowadays I pick a charity for the year, and then run a few different races for that Charity.

I've run for Diabetes Ireland, Asthma Association, PAWS, Cystic Fibrosis and this year its South Tipperary Hospice.

In fairness, all voluntary organisations/charities do great work throughout the year for different communities - whichever one you pick will be most appreciative.

Hope you enjoy the day - it has a great buzz.

Trisha XxX

Great thanks a million. :-)

rainbow kirby

Decided to enter to give myself a bit of training motivation, will be my first race in 9 months after an injury/laziness/travel-filled autumn, winter and "spring". 7th time doing it.

AK333

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Decided to enter to give myself a bit of training motivation, will be my first race in 9 months after an injury/laziness/travel-filled autumn, winter and "spring". 7th time doing it.

Great, the more the merrier. I think I've seen your posts on the Athletics/Running forum so I'm assuming you'll be doing a good time. Good luck and hope you are injury free

rainbow kirby

AK333 wrote: »

Great, the more the merrier. I think I've seen your posts on the Athletics/Running forum so I'm assuming you'll be doing a good time. Good luck and hope you are injury free

Won't be anywhere near a PB! Aiming for around 55 mins most likely.

AK333

Had a little chuckle to myself when I saw 55 mins. I'll be about 10 mins behind you, and that will be a huge PB for me - I do better each year and I've put in loads of training this year, not just for this race but I have loads of races coming up at the mo, between 5k and 10k so I am aiming high.

rainbow kirby

Surprise yourself, go for the hour and get your runner number secured for next year

AK333

:D:D

I've gone from chuckling now to LMAO

I think trying to beat my last time by 14min 04 secs is a step to far for me, all the positive thinking in the world isn't gonna get me finished that quick, this time!

But, its a goal

(makes mental note to put the packet of biscuits down, get off the couch and do some extra miles )

Mr Magnolia

I have a friend looking to walk this for charity but missed out on registration. If anyone has to pull out for injury or whatever please let me know. Thanks.

BeepBeep67

Mr Magnolia wrote: »

I have a friend looking to walk this for charity but missed out on registration. If anyone has to pull out for injury or whatever please let me know. Thanks.

Do mods not read other forum charters?
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055254160

Mr Magnolia

I do, I can't speak for all moderators, there's hundreds of us to be fair. I read all the stickies associated with this events forum and saw nothing that meant I shouldn't post the above. Having read the link you posted from the parent forum I'll go and check with the race organizers if transfers are permitted, if not, that's cool. As I said, it's for a friend (and family member) who never competed before. She wants to do something to support a charity that supported her mum.

vitani

Mr Magnolia wrote: »

I do, I can't speak for all moderators, there's hundreds of us to be fair. I read all the stickies associated with this events forum and saw nothing that meant I shouldn't post the above. Having read the link you posted from the parent forum I'll go and check with the race organizers if transfers are permitted, if not, that's cool. As I said, it's for a friend (and family member) who never competed before. She wants to do something to support a charity that supported her mum.

AFAIK there's no transfers at all allowed for the Mini Marathon.

If your friend wants to do a race for charity though, take a look at http://www.runireland.com/active/all-events - There's plenty of other 10k and 5k races coming up and the vast majority do allow walkers to enter.

AK333

Less than 2 weeks to go. I got my pack Sunday and it has loads in it. Hope everyone is injury free and looking forward to the craic - time has changed for this year to 2pm, I wish it was earlier but they are giving us time to get up from the Country. Good luck everyone and have fun