Paris Marathon 2014

LiamMcC

Anyone doing the Paris Marathon Aer Lingus have great prices to Paris I just booked return ticket for 6th April weekend total cost €106 Straight to CDG, none of that Ryanair - Bouvais nonsense.

I entered the race a few month ago as I have family living near the Start/Finish but did not consider at the time that most of my training would have to be done in the dark damp winter evenings. Training going OK so far but have not started any long runs yet. Anyone else running Paris this year?

sydneybound

I entered but will be travelling from the UK. Live over here these days with work and will take the Eurostar, but it's pretty pricey.

I'm in the same boat in regards to training in the dark & wet evenings but luckily enough I'll get a lot done during extended lunch breaks and will do weekend runs in daylight hours. I've my half marthon route planned along with my final 21/22 miler. Slightly disappointed very few half marathons are on at this time of year, would have liked to enter one or two leading up to Paris but its not to worry I suppose.

Not done a whole lot of training to be honest, easing my way back into it as this will be my second marathon. Really looking forward to it.

Foxychick

Flight booked thanks for flight sale info. First marathon, training not going great at all but will stick to the plan.

Putting no pressure on myself if training doesn't work out at least its a nice city to spend a few days with the other half.:)

Run and Jump

LiamMcC wrote: »

Anyone else running Paris this year?

Kenenisa Bekele, according to L'Equipe today. Enjoy your smackdown with the great man!

sydneybound

Booked my accommodation last night €50 a night for some apartment room. At least I can make my own breakfast on the morning of the race. Need to get my flights or eurostar sorted now.

central park

This is one of my favourite marathons, so jealous!! Have a great time!

Wubble Wubble

I have signed up for this, my first marathon. Bit behind on training following injuries and illness the last few months, but a very good week or so with 60+ miles in the last 8 days.

coco7

If anyone is still thinking about this, there's only a few hundred places left now, so will probably sell out in the next few days. Best of luck in the training for everyone who has already entered!

sydneybound

Less than 500 places left, book early this week if your intending on entering.

Sara2002

Good luck everyone running this. It's a great marathon, I ran it last year. If I wasnt heavily pregnant I would be running it again this year for sure! Fantastic route & conditions. Support was better than I anticipated too

Roddy23

Hopefully we get the weather. Self and a mate have signed up to this. Training beginning to ramp up and long runs starting to take shape.

Everything booked at this stage - accommodation, flights and marathon. When is everybody flying in/out? Think we're in the Friday morning, and then taking a few days and heading home on the Tuesday, as I'm sure we'll be sore afterwards.

TCDStudent1

May be of interest to you guys.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201401130330.html

sydneybound

All places gone for Paris at his stage, did many more sign up for it?

tattycoram

Paris was my first marathon last year. Can't praise it enough!

The crowds were really encouraging and you're never short of a snack along the way, the organisers gave out raisins, sugar cubes and orange slices as well as the standard water and energy drinks.

And just as I was about to cry on the tunnels by the Seine (the toughest part), the Eiffel tower appeared ahead of me. Magnifique!

iancairns

Booked up and running myself. First mazza on foreign soil. Super excited!

sydneybound

Had my first proper outdoor run at the weekend in a half marathon, I got round in 90 minutes.

Everything up to this point has been on the treadmill, running outdoors in the week isn't an option so there's only weekends however with the six nations and other sport interests that can still be difficult. This will continue for most of February with hopefully a few outdoor runs at some point. Got a 20 mile race in the beginning of March which should hopefully set me up nicely.

iancairns

sydneybound wrote: »

Had my first proper outdoor run at the weekend in a half marathon, I got round in 90 minutes.

Everything up to this point has been on the treadmill, running outdoors in the week isn't an option so there's only weekends however with the six nations and other sport interests that can still be difficult. This will continue for most of February with hopefully a few outdoor runs at some point. Got a 20 mile race in the beginning of March which should hopefully set me up nicely.

Whereabouts is your 20mile race?

Wouldn't mind doing that,

Did my first lsr on Sunday. Clontarf to Sutton and back. Only good weather we've had for near 2 weeks so glad I got out that day. Otherwise it's been lots of treadmill work also!

sydneybound

iancairns wrote: »

Whereabouts is your 20mile race?

Wouldn't mind doing that,

Did my first lsr on Sunday. Clontarf to Sutton and back. Only good weather we've had for near 2 weeks so glad I got out that day. Otherwise it's been lots of treadmill work also!

Its in the UK so probably wouldn't suit you.

Yeah Sunday was lovely in fairness. I know a lot of proper runners (I'm more of a fun runner!) hate when you say you're training for a marathon on a treadmill but I've little or no other option!

Jmcmen

Two Friends and myself are doing the race. Training going well so far. 4 longish runs in 15-16-17-18. Feeling good and upping the miles.
Quite like this time of year, wrap up well and a head torch and your made up.

Hopefully hit 20m this Friday.

Really looking forward to it now

LiamMcC

Been out of action for 2 weeks due to pulled calf muscle. Was hoping to get back out tonight but not in that weather. Training not going well I will be playing catch up from now on. One more glitch and the Paris marathon will be in severe jeopardy.

LiamMcC

I'm out
Paris marathon isn't going to happen, pulled calf muscle followed by knee problems probably IT band. Training for this marathon has been nothing short of a disaster one injury followed by another. At least the decision has now been made. Good luck to everyone else running Paris, might still go over and cheer you on.

sydneybound

Very sorry to hear that. Hope you still make it over for the weekend. In a way I suppose it’s better to know now rather than this day month a week before the race, I suppose that would be more gutting.

Truth be known the longest run I have done is 15 miles. I’ve got a 18 mile run planned for next week and then I’ll bump it up to 20 and then 22 three/two weeks before the marathon. Not following any plan due various reasons lifestyle/work/social commitments but in the month of March I want to get a lot more serious however I will have Paddy's weekend off which will be my last weekend drinking before the race.

I have done a hilly half in 90 minutes at the start of February and done loads of 90 minute runs which have been around the 13 -14 mile mark. Anyway it’s all a bit of fun and if I break 3:15 I’ll be happy, break 3:20 be reasonably happy!

Jmcmen

Sydneybound sounds like you are going alright given that you are saying that you are not doing alot. Impressive stuff.

LiamMcC, sorry to hear that. I chanced Dublin last year, was going great till 18m and put myself through hell getting to the Finish dragging a calf with me. You are right to make your decision early.

Really looking forward to this now. Carlingford HM tomorrow and then 3 more 20+milers and that's me sorted hopefully. Haven't definitely set my goals yet, will reassess in 3 weeks. At the moment a PB of 3.10 is within my grasp, but thinking of pushing that on further. The thing is I don't want to push on too hard and end up blowing up and not breaking 3.10 again. We will see

sydneybound

sydneybound wrote: »

I have done a hilly half in 90 minutes at the start of February and done loads of 90 minute runs which have been around the 13 -14 mile mark. Anyway it’s all a bit of fun and if I break 3:15 I’ll be happy, break 3:20 be reasonably happy!

Actually reading this back I shouldn't really be setting goals just yet, I've still to do a proper run 18 or 20 miles etc and I will know better after that. My previous best was 3:24 so obviously hoping to beat that. Provided all goes to plan with no injuries or anything else coming up before the race happy to meet up for a pint after if the legs permit me that is!

mick kk

Hi
Does anyone on here have any recommendations for affordable accommodation near the start?
Thanks

run_Forrest_run

mick kk wrote: »

Hi
Does anyone on here have any recommendations for affordable accommodation near the start?
Thanks

affordable and 'Champs Elysees' don't often mix well. However due to a fantastic metro system you can find lots of reasonably priced hotels with about a 10-15 minute metro ride in the morning. The metro will be buzzing with other fellow runners too.

The first time I did it I stayed on the famous Boulevard Haussmann and got a metro all the way to the start.

yaboya1

I can't remember whereabouts I stayed when I was last in Paris, but if you can find anywhere reasonable near a Metro station you'll be fine. I was a little out of the city centre but the public transport was excellent (like most big cities) and I was no more than 20 minutes from anywhere central on the metro. AFAIR it runs for 24 hours but I could be wrong.

mick kk

Can I just ask - do you really need a letter from the doctor..could I get away with printing my own letter. Don't feel like forking out 60 euro for a piece of paper...?

coco7

Yes, they are quite strict on the requirement to produce a medical certificate. They checked the cert against my passport last year. There's a sample one on the site that you can use as they are even strict on the wording. Has to be something like "absence of contraindications for participation in running competitions"....not sure what a "contraindications" is!

Wubble Wubble

I used the one from the website; my GP signed it off. Still another month to stay fit and healthy though :eek:

sydneybound

20 mile run today. I was ill in the week and couldn't run 30 minutes on the treadmill on Thursday however got better over the weekend and decided to run at least 10 if not 15 miles today. Well my macho-ness got the better of me and after the third lap (4 x 5 mile laps) I decided to go for the whole 20 miles and I certainly suffered from mile 17. After 15 miles it was going like a dream, 7 minutes miles, why didn't I turn in like it was planned!! The last three were extremely tough with bits of walking which is very unlike me, I never normally stop and walk. I ran out of steam and had nothing left. I ate very little on Tuesday/Wednesday & Thursday so I think added to being ill and not doing any running this week it left me void of energy. Anyway no point letting it annoy me, sometimes there's nothing you can do and today was one of those days. Need at least one more major run (20 - 22) run before the big day which I plan two weeks before the race.

tHE vAGGABOND

Was in Paris with Mrs Vagga over weekend and it was seriously hot, was only 21 or so, but felt much hotter...

Get a run or two done in decent weather if we get any...

Wubble Wubble

It's starting at 8:45 local time, so hopefully not too much hot weather to deal with...one more 20 miler before taper, it's getting close now!

sydneybound

Much better today, completed a tough 15 mile run this morning which should really stand to me. Felt fresh at the end which I think is down to feeling much healthier and eating properly in the last few days. This weekend is off due to the rugby and Paddy's weekend. Last major run two weeks before race day in which I should do 20 odd miles then the taper.

How are people getting on? Not much being discussed in this thread, thought there would be a little more as we are getting close but maybe very few Irish are taking part in this marathon.

Jmcmen

Ahoy,
Did a 20miler last Friday and Struggled a little with it. Wee 4m on Sunday. Got a nice 11m with 8m at Race Pace yesterday morning and a 6m in this morning before work. Doing 22m tomorrow night, easy weekend in London and then last 20m on Friday week. Looking forward to it now. Feeling good but not great, but the best I have ever trained before a marathon

Wubble Wubble

Three 18+ LSRs done, plus one 20 with the second and last of those to come on Monday. I also ran the Carlingford HM. Still on course and hoping the old body doesn't break down

iancairns

23 Miler done on Friday after work in park. Started off slow thinking wasn;t gonna be a good day but then felt great for last 5 miles at 7 min miles.
Really gave confidence, each long run feels easier. I think one more next Saturday and i'll be laughing.

Still no injuries! (touch wood!)

It's been getting pretty hot over there. What does everyone think weather will be like on day. Worst case scenario?

iancairns

What's everyone doing in relation to gels. I have a running belt which i'm thinking of using or is it easy do you think to get gels at station?

sydneybound

After a drink filled weekend enjoying both the rugby and Paddys it was back to the grindstone this morning.

To be honest I didn't know what to expect however the 10 miles went well and even quicker than expected. Got a short 5 miler on Friday morning than the big one 20-21 miles on Sunday morning two weeks before race day. Fingers crossed that goes ok although its a much tougher compared to the actual marathon route, hopefully should be good prep and give me an indication and what time I should aim for.

The Davestator

Folks- - I did Paris last year and was shocked at the difference in temp between the start and finish! I wore too many layers because it was so cold in the morning, but i was baked by around 3/4 mark.
Good luck with the training - great race - just wish i could have enjoyed the last 6 miles more!

Wubble Wubble

Out of interest, how long did it take to get away? I'll be lining up in the 4 hour pen so am expecting a lengthy delay, and hoping it's not too hot in the later miles!

The Davestator

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

Out of interest, how long did it take to get away? I'll be lining up in the 4 hour pen so am expecting a lengthy delay, and hoping it's not too hot in the later miles!

Took about 15 mins but they let the left and right hand side of the road go separately. So we were standing in the right hand side with our pacer but the other pacer for our time was on the left and left about 10-15 mins before us.

sydneybound

The Davestator wrote: »

Took about 15 mins but they let the left and right hand side of the road go separately. So we were standing in the right hand side with our pacer but the other pacer for our time was on the left and left about 10-15 mins before us.

Quick one what food do they give out along the route? On the website it states fruit but no mention of sweets jelly babies etc..

Run and Jump

sydneybound wrote: »

Quick one what food do they give out along the route? On the website it states fruit but no mention of sweets jelly babies etc..

Pieces of oranges for sure, and maybe halved bananas too. I doubt there were any sweets.

The discarded orange peels make the feed stations fairly risky - I saw at least two people slip on them and almost come a cropper.

sydneybound

There we are the last serious run before the marathon is done. Did a hilly 20 miles. To be honest the route is incomparable to the marathon course, I'd put up the elevation chart if I knew how. Weather was decent although I did get a heavy hail stone shower and the wind picked up at times. First 10 miles average pace was 7:12 and was 7:24 after 20. 

No major dramas, tired now obviously but could have gone on further if required. This run should really stand to me, kicked the last two miles which was pleasing after a few tough miles.

On a side point good to see some of the air pollution in Paris going away, hopefully this should be ok come race day otherwise we could have been in a bit of trouble.

What's everyone's plans two weeks leading up to the race?

iancairns

Last long run done also. Starting to be concerned i might have done all my LSR's too fast. Planned marathon pace is around 7min05 per mile but have done my runs in and around that.

Did 16miles today at 6:58per mile. Average HR was 165.

Does anyone know what their heart rate has been previous years for runs?

Thanks!

Jmcmen

Sounds like you have nothing to worry about Ian in that you have done loads and possibly could go faster

Was going to do 21 on Saturday but only managed 17. The winds drained my energy so decided not to flog myself. Was doing laps in the 40 acres in the park and it was relentless. Plus someone swiped my water bottle on 10m :-(

Think I have enough done, now the waiting game.

Looks like its going to be warm enough over there come race morning

sydneybound

Jmcmen wrote: »

now the waiting game.

Looks like its going to be warm enough over there come race morning

The waiting game indeed. It's a funny old period of time, not to do anything too much but at the same time needing to put a few runs in. Trying to avoid unnecessary injuries is the name of the game, I nearly slipped getting off a bus today and got thinking after imagine if that slip put me put me out of the race after the months of prep. Really want raceday to come now.

Reckon the day will be a bit like London weather in the sense it might start off cold at 8/9 but really heat up by 11/12 (already mentioned above) a further incentive to get round quicker.

Wubble Wubble

Tough going waiting around alright! Ran about 12.5 slow miles in the Phoenix Park on Saturday morning, and played my GAA match on Sunday afternoon without picking up any knocks. Quad still flares up occasionally, though I'm hoping this becomes less of an issue; it may have a significant bearing on how hard I decide to push. Don't want to ruin my first!

iancairns

Yeah really hope that hot weather fecks off by the weekend! Really struggle in any remotely got weather. Ugh

Suppose good incentive to get round ASAP! Clocks going back next weekend to boot.

sydneybound

Less than a week now, wonder how I'll be feeling this time next week!