DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

Nicsx

Best of luck to everyone on Monday. I was a Novice last year and found the novice thread as invaluable as you guys have found this one to be.

I remember reading the night before that once you get to the UCD flyover it's only a Parkrun from there and I have to say I found it really helpful during the marathon.

Enjoy yourselves and remember to smile whenever you see a camera!

donglen

Chops1234 wrote: »

This. I'm wearing a vest top. Am always freezing in it starting out but grand after a mile or so. Have been wearing it on longer runs so am reluctant to wear a top with sleeves on Monday as don't want to be too warm half way in. Have a hoodie bought from Penneys to dump at the start line.

Packing today and threw in my old house painting tracksuit as my "disposables". I'm no more a painter than I am a runner!.........but come Monday I might just be able to say I AM one of those!

Mrs Mc

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
14354|Mrs Mc|4:29:xx


To add yours:
1) reply to the latest post with the table, by clicking the "Quote" button
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Kennyg71

Mrs Mc wrote: »

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59b
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
14354|Mrs Mc|4:29:xx
8756 |kennyg|3:50:xx

To add yours:
1) reply to the latest post with the table, by clicking the "Quote" button
2) remove the QUOTE and /QUOTE tags
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Q

Kennyg71

Kennyg71 wrote: »

Q

Will have to do ECDL, complete spaz, can someone add me in
Thanks

Chilli Con Kearney

Hi guys
Haven't posted here for a good while. Best of luck to everyone on Monday - it should be a great experience.

I'm in a spot of bother. I originally put myself in Wave 2 but based on my times I want to run in Wave 1. have done my halves between 1:37 and 1:40. My 20+ runs have averaged 8:35 - 8:45 per mile. I know that I should have changed before today but thought I could do at the expo (which I now know I couldn't). Has anybody got any suggestions on what I can do?? Many thanks

JMSE

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
14354|Mrs Mc|4:29:xx
8756 |kennyg|3:50:xx


To add yours:
1) reply to the latest post with the table, by clicking the "Quote" button
2) remove the QUOTE and /QUOTE tags
3) Add a new line within the TABLE tags: number|name|time

Dubgal72

Chilli Con Kearney wrote: »

Hi guys
Haven't posted here for a good while. Best of luck to everyone on Monday - it should be a great experience.

I'm in a spot of bother. I originally put myself in Wave 2 but based on my times I want to run in Wave 1. have done my halves between 1:37 and 1:40. My 20+ runs have averaged 8:35 - 8:45 per mile. I know that I should have changed before today but thought I could do at the expo (which I now know I couldn't). Has anybody got any suggestions on what I can do?? Many thanks

Hi Chilli, good to hear from you! Start at the front of Wave 2 and plan to gradually reel in the tail end of Wave 1. What target do you have, 3:40? This sort of set up could very well work in your favour as long as you make sure you stick to your pace band and/or watch splits. Aim for an even enough overall pace and you'll be grand.

unaaine

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
8002|Unaaine|4:09:13

This Fat Girl Runs

Oh and...

Bob_the_dog

Just watching Gerry Duffy's 32 marathons in 32 days for extra inspiration

nop98

Read this excellent quote on the "official" DCM 2015 thread. I am going to think about this on Monday.

wrstan wrote: »

First thing is to accept that there ain't nothin you can do about the weather. So stressin about it is only going to drain your mental energy. Stay positive and tell yourself that "I will do everything I can do in this moment" - that was the mantra of Dave Scott the great Ironman.

But the wind is forecast to be from the SE, so it'll be behind you on that long straight up Chesterfield avenue, and more importantly once you turn off Nutley, it'll be behind you all the way home!

Start with a smile, finish with a smile. What ever happens in between is nobody's business! :-)

Chilli Con Kearney

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Hi Chilli, good to hear from you! Start at the front of Wave 2 and plan to gradually reel in the tail end of Wave 1. What target do you have, 3:40? This sort of set up could very well work in your favour as long as you make sure you stick to your pace band and/or watch splits. Aim for an even enough overall pace and you'll be grand.

Thanks Dubgal. That's what they said at the desk today when I asked. I'm just worried about a few things. It'll be packed at the front so I'm not sure how advantageous that will be? Then in my head, I'm starting the race trying to chase a group which is ahead. I'd much rather get in that group from the word go. I'm thinking 3:40. Do you think I could slip into wave one unnoticed??

ratracer

Chilli Con Kearney wrote: »

Thanks Dubgal. That's what they said at the desk today when I asked. I'm just worried about a few things. It'll be packed at the front so I'm not sure how advantageous that will be? Then in my head, I'm starting the race trying to chase a group which is ahead. I'd much rather get in that group from the word go. I'm thinking 3:40. Do you think I could slip into wave one unnoticed??

Surely if you 'just happened' to be standing beside the 3.40 group as they start off, no one will notice you just slipping in!! Or else hand the Marshall a brown envelope.....

menoscemo

Chilli Con Kearney wrote: »

Thanks Dubgal. That's what they said at the desk today when I asked. I'm just worried about a few things. It'll be packed at the front so I'm not sure how advantageous that will be? Then in my head, I'm starting the race trying to chase a group which is ahead. I'd much rather get in that group from the word go. I'm thinking 3:40. Do you think I could slip into wave one unnoticed??

Was I talking to you at the pacer stand by any chance?

Whatever you do don't go chasing the 3:40 group from wave 2. They will have started 6-7 minutes ahead of you at least. So by the time you catch them you'll have blown your race (for example you'd need to be running 3:20 pace to catch them by mile 10 and if you finish with them your tme will be 3:33-3:34).

They are very strict on getting into wave 1 (but you can try). Jsut try to run your own race. You'll have totally clear road ahead of you starting from the front of wave 2 and you'll be passing people all the way.

Peter D61

Chops1234 wrote:

Ah they'd some amount of stuff on offer today for tasting! You could easily get distracted and think you need it all. I turned around and my kids had a whole handful of jelly shot thingys shoved in their gobs!

I tried a couple of those, lovely.

Gillo

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
14354|Mrs Mc|4:29:xx
8336|Gillo|4:29:59


To add yours:
1) reply to the latest post with the table, by clicking the "Quote" button
2) remove the QUOTE and /QUOTE tags
3) Add a new line within the TABLE tags: number|name|time

denis b

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
14354|Mrs Mc|4:29:xx
8336|Gillo|4:29:59
8301|denisb|3:55:00


To add yours:
1) reply to the latest post with the table, by clicking the "Quote" button
2) remove the QUOTE and /QUOTE tags
3) Add a new line within the TABLE tags: number|name|time

Dubgal72

Chilli Con Kearney wrote: »

Thanks Dubgal. That's what they said at the desk today when I asked. I'm just worried about a few things. It'll be packed at the front so I'm not sure how advantageous that will be? Then in my head, I'm starting the race trying to chase a group which is ahead. I'd much rather get in that group from the word go. I'm thinking 3:40. Do you think I could slip into wave one unnoticed??

+10 to meno's advice. You might be allowed move up but tbh 199 others will be asking too and chances are, you won't be one of the ones that catch the stewards in a nice moment. It sounds like an extra stress to me that is going to use up a lot of nervous energy.

Chasing the 3:40 group will be suicide. You'll be better off using the 3:50 group as a guide....

Could you settle on running your own race, without a pacing group. They are *only* a guide after all and you will have your pace band and watch as a back-up guide.

unaaine

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
14354|Mrs Mc|4:29:xx
8336|Gillo|4:29:59
8301|denisb|3:55:00
8002|Unaaine|4:09:13

I seem to have been disappeared from the table but have added myself in again

diego_b

Final training session done this evening, 3.1miles. Completed it around my parents home place (and mine for the first 18 years of my life) in Laois. Avg pace was 9min/mi with splits of 9:05, 8:44, 9:00.
That's it now since starting the boards plan in June, just under 494miles and can hand on heart say I have enjoyed it for the most part, tough spots the last 2-3miles of each LSR but to be expected.
As it stands planning to do it all again next year and my lovely wife is happy for me to go again at it!

My next run for Monday morning, gonna do the Dublin Marathon route. Planning to start at 9:10am...Anyone want to join me :-)

Gillo

Maybe it's a crazy idea, but what about trying to catch them at about the 22 mile mark. My thinking is that you won't have to go at a much faster pace to catch them. Also assuming you did, that could be a great boost psychologically at a time when you are tired and could do with the extra motivation- "Yes I've caught up with them".

That's just my thinking and I'd say listen to the people with a lot more experience.

TBH I can't see the them letting you change groups, as someone else pointed out, there'll be loads of people trying to do the same; if you ask and they say no that's a "knock back" before you've even started. If you are going to ask from my experience dealing with the public in work, you're best strategy is be as nice as possible asking and point out the fact that they'd be doing you a massive favour so they can feel great about helping you out.

Ososlo

Hey guys just popping in to wish you all the very best for Marathon Monday!

Firstly, congrats to the group here for getting to the start line in good nick. That's half the battle or more each year. Whatever happens Monday, be very proud that you got through the training unscathed and it'll serve as a great base for all your training going forward.

A few little tips from me:
Early on in the race, nothing should feel forced. If you're with a pace group and the pace feels even a small bit 'hot' for you, then ease back and don't stress or worry that the pacers are so far ahead. You should be enjoying yourself for the first half at least and not be feeling under any kind of pressure to keep up. No matter how well prepared you are, for any number of reasons, you mightn't be feeling 100% on Monday morning. If so, be conservative with your pace. Very conservative.

Keep moving forward. Even if you have to stop to walk for a bit, keep moving forwards towards the finish line and don't stop completely.

Try not to walk after 20 miles. It might be hard to get going again. Even if it's a shuffle, keep moving in a jogging motion but don't stop - unless you have to of course or you plan to run/walk the race.

Review your gait/posture every few miles or so and make sure your form is not getting sloppy.

Don't get cold standing/sitting around at the start. It'll be chilly enough so I'd advise to move about a little. Keep the muscles warm. Don't overdo it, just walk about a little and move the arms and legs about a bit.

If you feel your A, B & C goals are slipping away from you during the race, don't be disheartened. Have one of your main goals to be to finish with a smile on your face. The great thing about it is that if it all goes pear-shaped, you can do it all again next year or DCM 2016.

A good meeting point for family and friends after the race is outside Govt. Buildings on Merion Sq West. And the last 2 years there was a good bit of room in McGrattan's at the back so don't be afraid to bring them along with you to meet other Boardsies.


As for Dubgal and her mentorship, well what can I say. What can anyone say! The work you have done here has gone so far beyond what's expected of a mentor it's amazing and an absolute credit to you. When you came on board last year to our group, I knew you were something a little bit special. From your obvious running talent to your experience and willingness to impart your wisdom to fellow novices and your own commitment and passion to your running, you're an example to us all and I feel very honoured to have been your mentor. And THANK YOU again for those lovely words a few pages back.:D

I think FBOT deserves a bit of a shout out also with the work he's done here. We all know how amazing Clearlier is already and the other brilliantly knowledgeable regular advisors, but it's nice to see someone new emerge from the shadows and assist in getting this group so well prepared for Monday. Well done you!

A little extra special shout out to 'my' group from last year who are running again and who've been active on this thread. You're all so well prepared this year and that extra year of experience will make all the difference in the world. You kids are gonna rock it:cool:

If anyone if feeling a little underprepared about their training, this might make you feel a bit better about it:
I found out yesterday that I colleague I don't see that much is doing the marathon. I rang him immediately to wish him well. I asked him how the training has been going and he said, 'oh fairly good'. I asked him about his long runs. He proceeded to tell me his longest run was 13 miles. He said he was a bit concerned alright about the unknown 13 and a bit miles. I asked him what his training was like in general and had he a good base of consistent running behind him. He said, 'oh yeah, I've been out at least twice a week over the summer'. :rolleyes:
So, when you're standing on the start line on Monday, be confident of your training. Look around you and remember that you're probably better prepared than an awful lot of novices around you. If you approach the race in a sensible manner, there's no reason why you won't have a great day. Dubgal has set you up to be able to achieve all your goals.

You're in for such a special experience on Monday. Words can't describe it, you have to experience it to know what I'm talking about. And you will very soon..

The Muppet

The very best of luck to all you first time marathon runners . I hope you all hit your goals and don't suffer too much on the day.

I can't wait to read all your race reports.

Enjoy your day .

neilthefunkeone

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|4:09:59
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
14354|Mrs Mc|4:29:xx
8336|Gillo|4:29:59
8301|denisb|3:55:00
8002|Unaaine|4:09:13

smashiner

Mrs Mc wrote: »

Good to meet you today smashiner best of luck Monday

Nice to meet you too Mrs Mc, FBOT and Whoopsa......there's no going back now!

BTW.....The miles are now up on the Crumlin Road at this stage (probably all up now)....my heart skipped a beat when I saw '14 Miles' at the end of the Hospital today...:eek:

Race number 7555, Target time 4:09, Asics Cumulus 15 in case I screw up the spreadsheet.....

P.S. Whoopsa the names are 'Dean and Barry ' that we both know.....small world:)

Dubgal72

Gillo wrote: »

Maybe it's a crazy idea, but what about trying to catch them at about the 22 mile mark. My thinking is that you won't have to go at a much faster pace to catch them. Also assuming you did, that could be a great boost psychologically at a time when you are tired and could do with the extra motivation- "Yes I've caught up with them".

Maths is definitely not my strong point so good job we have meno I'd imagine even by mile 22 that would put way too much pressure on overall pace....

menoscemo wrote: »

Whatever you do don't go chasing the 3:40 group from wave 2. They will have started 6-7 minutes ahead of you at least. So by the time you catch them you'll have blown your race (for example you'd need to be running 3:20 pace to catch them by mile 10 and if you finish with them your tme will be 3:33-3:34).

smashiner

smashiner wrote: »

P.S. Whoopsa the names are 'Dean and Barry ' that we both know.....small world:)

Ha, first question I asked when I got home

All numbers up. Drove the route today, Lula knows where to stand and throw bananas at me.

Had a couple of tantrums already today, the sooner this marathon come around the better - for everyone's sake!

paddydriver

Best of Luck to everyone on Monday. Looking forward to reading your reports on Monday evening / Tuesday morning. Its been inspiring to read all your stories and how your training has gone. Hope next year's mentor will be half as good as Dubgal as my reckoning is that she has done a fantastic job.

Hopefully this time nest year I will be typing this same message as I prepare myself for the Sunday start.

Myself and the 3 kids will be at top of Foster Avenue to cheer you all on to the finish. Might wear my lime green boards.ie cycling jacket

Paddy

nop98

Adding Smashiner

Bib No.| Username | Target Time
8651|nop98|3:59:59
860| neilthefunkeone|4:09:59
12757|Toulouse|4:29:59
14302|Stevo1983|3:50:00
12726|PJD|4:29:59
13337|duffer247|4:30:59
698|FeenaM|3:39:59
13042|Chops|4:29:59
8704|diego_b|4:05:00
414|TheBazman|3:59:00
14013|TFGR|:cool:
6418|Singer|3:33:33
764|Healy1835|3:30:00
13087|BIRDCAGE1|4:39:59
14306|Peter D61|4:45:00
2055|jake1970|3:19:59
1085|JMSE|4:00:00
14354|Mrs Mc|4:29:xx
8336|Gillo|4:29:59
8301|denisb|3:55:00
8002|Unaaine|4:09:13
7555|Smashiner|4:09:00