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Dublin Marathon 2016 - Mentored Novices Thread
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crogerso
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=101518598#post101518598
Well done to such a perfectly executed race. Did you run with the OH all the way? Did you also have "the chat" beforehand like PaoloMN? The part from Castleknock to Chapelizod thorugh the Park has nice downhill stretches so no surprise you drifted ahead of PMP here. I appreciate your description of the emotional struggle (due to the worry of being able to keep the pace going) - as this is something, if you're not used to racing towards a target-time, that might be tough to deal with. Well done for toughening it out. So sorry to have missed you on Clonskeagh Road, it was very hard to spot anyone, we certainly didn't spot everybody we had hoped to see. I am so pleased you got to your A-goal, especially since you needed to keep going well to the end to keep close enough to the 4h pacers. Well done again! Just wondering, have you stopped dreaming about mileage?
Thanks for your response Nop. Myself and the OH did indeed run the whole thing together and I am so ridiculously delighted that it worked out and we were able to. Especially because we didn't have the 'chat' beforehand. Phew!!
The end was definitely the toughest, we had a long stretch without ppl we knew which I really think helps! And the mileage dreams have stopped
possibly because the miles have stopped as well. I had last week off and just chilled out and ate all around me. Haven't put the runners on since legs and mind just aren't ready yet. First bit of exercise was a 3m cycle to and from work today. Needless to say I hadn't checked the weather before making this decision. Took me 10min longer than usual to get in, definitely not recovered yet so I'll wait another week or so! I do plan to get back running but I think shorter distances for now.
People keep asking me how the marathon was and if I would do it again and I definitely would but the Training is the bit that puts me off.... So I think 2017 will be a rest year for me marathon wise. I will be a very enthusiastic supporter in 2017 though to play some part!
I have loved reading all the race reports, some very inspirational stuff, close to tears on more than one occasion! Well done everyone!!!
To be sure I'm allowed remain on the graduate thread I thought I better answer Nops questions!
What went well with your training plan?
I have to say the structure of having a plan was the best thing about it. It gave me a great sense of achievement to tick off each run on the plan, and it also gave me the motivation to go out when I wasn't exactly feeling like it. I managed to do all LSRs which I definitely think stood to me on the day.
What would you do differently with your training?
I think I would probably try to have a better base before starting the plan. I was only just reaching 20 miles a week before starting and not even every week. It was hard to get used to the routine of running 5 days a week, but once I did it was ok!
What went well about the race?
Myself and my OH managed to stay together for the entire race. Having trained together it was great to be able to run it together and have someone to acknowledge your pain with you and then push you to get through it. We kept a steady pace the whole way around and got our A Goal which I still smile just thinking about it. We didn't go out too fast on the advice of everyone here and this I think was what made it possible for us to achieve our goal.
What would you do differently if you could start the race again?
I really don't think I would change a thing. I made sure to enjoy the atmosphere. TBH I think I would have found it impossible not to, the support was just amazing. It is one of the best things I have ever done and wouldn't change anything about it.
Other thoughts
I know I would have found the training and the marathon itself a lot tougher without this thread. There is so much wisdom and great advice to be got from being a part of this and I think anyone thinking of running a marathon who is a little unsure of how to do it should sign up. This is somewhere that you will find people with the same questions and doubts as you have and then people that can help make those doubts go away. I did find the training a bit of a struggle at points but the day itself totally made up for that! A day I will not forget!:D0 -
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robinwing
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=101545717#post101545717
Thank you for your great report, I had a laugh at the antics from the eighties. I hope 30 years from now, some of this year's novices (or last year!
) will fondly remember their first marathon while lacing up for another one. Well done on completing and an interesting observations comparing a 4h28 effort with a sub-3h all these years ago. Pity you didn't join us earlier, but I am glad you did eventually and I hope you're still on a high after finishing!
sgal
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=101580696#post101580696
Good job on finishing and novices for 2017, take note of the observation about walking and not feeling bad about it. Easy with the mileage so soon after - 3x a week definitely sounds a little too high, too soon! Well done again.
paddydriver
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=101572943#post101572943
Wow, what a super-report. So many details and the battle with red-balloon man certainly evokes memories from last year (I am sure Neady would agree) When the 4-hour group came through on Clonskeagh Road, I was looking for all the novices that I expected at that point (and I wanted to wave to the pacers too), all I remember seeing is your good self, looking extremely relaxed with a massive smile, coming over for a full-on high-five. Afterwards, in McG's, I was describing how well you looked (and we had noticed your sub-4 finish in awe) when suddenly you appeared that very moment. Funny moment. I would not for a minute have guessed you were having such a hard time already at that stage. Super well done on nailing your goal, despite having to work probably a little harder then expected! I guess the next step is that training log! (and that goes for all! ).
Deleted User
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=101543700#post101543700
Well done on your debut mr partyjungle! And that off somewhat limited training, especially in terms of long runs! I can't believe you completed the 42km relatively unscratched while your previous longest run was 23km "only"… (and running it all with your phone in your hand!). I like the details about the mental battle (e.g. the awareness to stay alert to not loose running form) and the disappointment when the finishing crowd doesn’t turn out to be the finishing crowd at all! Also, running for an eternity to cover 400m sounds all too familiar. Quite an impressive result, running so consistent on your first marathon, so no wonder you're well pleased. Well done again!
andrew1977
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=101608186#post101608186
Super well done on your debut - and as you say, your progress from barely being able to finish 5k to completing a marathon is remarkable. What a nice thing to do in memory of your dad - so well done again, also with the charitable work. As with everybody else, don't rush back, easy comfortable miles is all she wrote for November 0 -
paddydriver
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=101572943#post101572943
Wow, what a super-report. So many details and the battle with red-balloon man certainly evokes memories from last year (I am sure Neady would agree) When the 4-hour group came through on Clonskeagh Road, I was looking for all the novices that I expected at that point (and I wanted to wave to the pacers too), all I remember seeing is your good self, looking extremely relaxed with a massive smile, coming over for a full-on high-five. Afterwards, in McG's, I was describing how well you looked (and we had noticed your sub-4 finish in awe) when suddenly you appeared that very moment. Funny moment. I would not for a minute have guessed you were having such a hard time already at that stage. Super well done on nailing your goal, despite having to work probably a little harder then expected! I guess the next step is that training log! (and that goes for all! ).
Thanks Nop.. I think as I passed you it was more tummy than body. Definitely had overdone on Gel's at that stage and also grabbed too big a handful of jellies off some kids in Templeogue.. just cannot resist the jellies!
I was thinking that I could just chomp down the Gel's as I was due to get more just before I met you so this is a lesson learned.
I may have looked OK in McG's but deep inside I was suffering.. think if I had touched a pint at that stage it would not have been pretty!
I'm easing back into some mileage now and really enjoying it. It's great to not have a specific pace to run for and I can just go out to run and maybe start to think what my PMP for 2017 should be.. but let's not get too far ahead. For now I just want to retain all the fitness I have built up and continue enjoy the running.0 -
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Hi All,
Apologies for not popping in sooner, have been crazy busy since the marathon. Congratulations to everyone on your marathon, what am amazing day, finding it hard not to keep talking about it. It's long, sorry !
Pre race:
Woke up at 6.30 (which I thought was 5.30) because I didn’t put my clock back! Lay in bed thinking I’d lots of time to gather my thoughts when OH alarm went off! (He was doing it too.. his 4th DCM) It was 6.30 and we had to meet the bus at 7.. Panic stations, rushed breakfast, banged my knee of press (still have bruise), couldn’t find hairband was really worried this was going to be the start of things to come!
Good buzz going up on bus, a couple of us were first timers but majority had done it before. Was feeling nervous and worrying over hip & knee! (Had been to physio few times in couple of weeks before, seemingly had put my ankle out and twisted something and that was causing pain) She taped me up for my own peace of mind but felt I’d get through it.. Hoping the pain was all in my head and once I started running I wouldn’t feel it..
Said my goodbye’s & good lucks to OH and rest of the group and 5 of us headed off to bag drop area and straight for toilets! Had a good hour before start so no panic but that hour just flew by! On way to start (wave 3) we all had to go to toilet again but the qs were unreal! We ended up missing the start of wave 3 and had to start in wave 4! The others were panicking but I knew if I let this get to me it would tip me over the edge, I was already very nervous, so I knew I needed to keep my cool..
I had followed an Asics plan for 4:30 but with missing 2 weeks training due to chest infection and 20 mile LSR I didn’t think that was achievable. But OH convinced me to start with 4:30 pacer and see how I got on.. But that went out the window when we missed the start of wave 3.. So I had to rely on watch and wristband I picked up at expo to pace myself, something I have never been very good at .. Yikes !!:eek:
And we’re off ……
Mile (1 – 5) 9:23, 9:59, 10:17, 9:59, 10:06
We split up fairly quickly, with the other’s flying ahead, except for me and another girl that I didn’t know quite well but had got to know her on some LSR’s, we always stayed together up until the last few miles where she’d take off. Her plan A was for a sub 4:30 as well but I knew she had it in her to do better, but thought it would be nice to have the company for first few miles. We started off quicker than I would have liked, and it took us a few miles to get pace right!
The pain in my hip was there from the start but was hoping it would ease as I warmed up. I was still feeling quite apprehensive and was focusing a lot on the pace and the pain to really enjoy the first few miles. When we got into the park I knew my friends would be there somewhere so was distracted looking out for them and the miles flew by! Seen a few people I knew and high 5 the kiddies! Took my first gel at mile 5 (the plan was to take a gel at every 5 miles and a cliff block in between) Got a shout from the DJ and decided there and then I am going to make sure I enjoy this as much as I can while not taking for granted that I would finish. The pain in my hip reminded me of this…:(
Mile (6 -13) 10:12, 10:11, 9:52, 9:51, 9:56, 10:23, 10:13, 10:05
Met my friends at about mile 6, was so emotional to see them! Gave them a big hug and motored on. Into Castle knock. All I can say is WOW !! Everyone talks about the support here and really was goose bump stuff, the hairs were standing on back of neck, it was incredible! This gave us a real boost and I couldn’t stop smiling! I felt great with my breathing but as I headed back into the park I was concerned with the pain in my hip. It wasn’t easing so while I was enjoying the experience so far I was careful not to lose the run of myself. I had 2 solpadine in my pocket to take around half way just in case..
Out of the park and onto Chapellizard .. again support was amazing! You really cannot underestimate how the support gives you a boost. There was a few people here I knew, more hugs and high 5’s, I was loving it !! But the pain was a constant reminder not to lose the “run” of myself!
Just after the halfway mark I saw a sign .. It had my name on it ??? :eek:And there were my daughter’s and my friend … loads more hugging & kissing, really felt great to see them. My friend asked me seriously are you ok? You look good, you sure? Yeah I feel good but have pain, going to take a painkiller! Which I went to do and realised they had busted in my pocket.. No Pain relief !!:mad::eek:
Mile (14 – 22) 10:34, 10:43, 10:10, 10:16, 10:13, 10:05, 10:09, 10:00, 10:27
Ok I got this far, still feeling pretty good, except for the pain! My head was wrecked, will I get through the rest of it, Will the pain get worse, of course it will, I need to get something or my head is going to let me down.. my running buddy spotted first aiders but they had none ???? Sh*t.. starting to panic, and then this lovely lady asked me did I need a pain killer, she gave me a nurofen and all was right in the world again! Phew… did they work? I don’t know, still feeling pain, but taking it put my mind at ease and that is when I really started to enjoy it! I had gotten this far, I might actually do this, lot’s of smiling and high 5’s ….:):):)
Met more friends at Walkinstown roundabout, again spine tingling support, I just loved it! My running buddy agreed this was no flat course but for some reason the hills weren’t bothering me at all, I hate hills normally, could cry thinking about them before long runs, but for some reason I was taking them all in my stride.. We started to meet some of our running buddies now that had gone ahead of us! This was tough, to see them struggling, what do we do? Should we stop and support them, these were people we had done LSR’s with, moaned and groaned about all the training ! We offered but of course they would have none of it… words of encouragement and best wishes and off we went with silent prayers they’d be ok…
I was waiting to hit the dreaded wall.. Although I was pacing myself well, taking gels as planned, still feeling pretty good, I was waiting for that moment when I knew I would have to dig deep, like I had to do in most of my LSR’s.. I told my running buddy to push on when it happened… But it didn’t happen, in fact my running buddy was telling me to push on because she was struggling, but there was no way I was risking it, yeah I felt good now, and I probably could but with 4.2 miles to go in what has been a good experience so far, I still wasn’t taking anything for granted ….
Mile (23 – 26.2) 10:18, 9:48, 10:03, 10:01
We’re going to do this! We had come this far now, we will finish together! She seemed to have got by her bad patch, and with words of encouragement from yours truly we were going to this together! We’re on the home stretch, 5k to go … I am still loving it, in fact I was loving it more with every mile marker we passed… 40k, just 2k to go, emotions are starting to set in, I say to running buddy I just can’t wait to see my family at the finish, my brother, sister’s niece’s nephew’s, my mammy and of course my children & hubby who I knew was finished well before now! I knew they’d all be there !! But this one was for my Dad, who is quite ill at the moment, and I couldn’t wait to put that medal around his neck, because I was going to get that medal, and it was the first time, with 2k to go that I actually believed I was…
800 metres to go…. OMG the crowds, It was amazing !! It was here I left my running buddy, we didn’t finished together, and instead I dropped her for someone else.. 400 meter’s to go and I see some of my family, whooho!! then my youngest jumps the barrier and grabs my hand, oh gosh this is amazing, then 50 meter’s ahead on the opposite side more family and my second youngest jumps the barrier and grabs my other hand, there are no words to describe how I am feeling right now… I cross the finish line with my favourite little people and it was one of the best moments of my life… My new favourite running buddy finished a couple of seconds before … I did in 4:27:25 !!
After the race!
I am buzzing, I just can't believe how much I enjoyed that! I thought I would finish saying never again !! Yeah I had pain but I overcame it, I didn't hit the dreaded wall, because I paced myself, I finished in a time that surpassed my expectations, because I paced myself, I finished smiling, because I paced myself. So you got it, if I could give one bit of advise to anyone doing the marathon for the first time is PACE YOURSELF! I have made that mistake so may times in half's, 10k's, starting out to fast and struggling at the finish! If there's one thing I'm most proud of it's that, not my time, but that I paced myself, so I could enjoy what was one of the best experiences of my life! I know I was lucky, and I am very grateful that it all went right for me on the day ....
I only came across this thread a couple of weeks before the big day, but the advise & tips I picked up really helped me! Congratulations to you all again0 -
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I am trying to follow the HH post marathon plan...ran 2m last Thursday, tired legs but no major pain, was in Dublin on Sunday and tried to run for 30 minutes in Marlay Park but had to stop after about 15 minutes with a pain just below my left knee and on the outside...tried rubbing my IT band and calf and it was ok for couple of minutes but then started again. I iced it and then heat when I got home, no pain when I walked, hurt slightly coming downstairs. Tried to do 5k last night, same again, ok for about 2k and then more pain
So I will have to take a few days (hopefully only a few!) off and continue to RICE and hope it settles down, if not physio Hope everyone else is ok. 0 -
I am trying to follow the HH post marathon plan...ran 2m last Thursday, tired legs but no major pain, was in Dublin on Sunday and tried to run for 30 minutes in Marlay Park but had to stop after about 15 minutes with a pain just below my left knee and on the outside...tried rubbing my IT band and calf and it was ok for couple of minutes but then started again. I iced it and then heat when I got home, no pain when I walked, hurt slightly coming downstairs. Tried to do 5k last night, same again, ok for about 2k and then more pain So I will have to take a few days (hopefully only a few!) off and continue to RICE and hope it settles down, if not physio Hope everyone else is ok.
Hey Fitza, sounds exactly like the injury I have been dealing with. I would recommend a physio straight away before doing any damage. Most likely weak glutes or hip flexors or both are causing the issue. Google the pigeon stretch, really simple to do and should really help but the physio will identify your issue straight away and help you address it.0 -
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