Dublin City Marathon 2016 *NO NUMBER SWAPS/SALES/TRANSFERS*

El Caballo

It's a bit away yet but as a lot of people will be doing the race series buildup and also 18 week plans which will start soon. Thought it might be a good idea to get this up and running for anyone who wants to ask questions or discuss training or whatever else you're into.

Previous threads:

2015:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=97190065

2014:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=90509613

2013:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=83531332

I'm giving serious consideration to doing it this year, not the quickest of the courses all around the world at that time of year but the support and athomsphere is really something special and a great buzz. So, who is in? What's the goal? And how do you plan to train or need advice with?

Wild Garlic

I'm in. It's all about this one for me this year. Going to aim for that landmark sub 2:58 time. Just feathering the throttle at the moment before the foot hits the floor.

chickey2

I'm in. Well I will be once I get around to registering! I did DCM in 2014 in 4:33, but that was after very little training so I'm hoping with a proper plan to go sub 4 this time. I did the race series half last September in 1:49. Unfortunately I've had lots of ups and downs since then and haven't been too consistent, but I'm back on track now and looking forward to starting a plan.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to use the "meno plan" as a few others on here have had success with it for a second marathon. It's a pity meno isn't here any more to give advice. For anyone who has used it, can I ask about the very first session? 6-10 X 800m (3-5 min recovery). There is a comment on the plan (think it may have been added by MurphD) "this is a tough session for week 1, so maybe not good for someone with low base milage". Any suggestions for an alternative?

Singer

Nice one getting this started!

I think 3:15 is a realistic but aggressive goal for me, obviously depending on a load of things going right over the summer and on the day. Plan wise, I was intending to loosely follow the meno plan for session inspiration, extending the prescribed milage by a good bit, extending the long runs, etc. maybe peaking at around 70 miles per week.

Intermediate goals for the summer are progressively less aggressive: give sub-40 a crack at the Fingal 10k (things would have to go very, very well on the day), sub-1:07:30 at the Frank Duffy and <1:30 at the Dublin Half.

Kennyg71

chickey2 wrote: »

I'm in. Well I will be once I get around to registering! I did DCM in 2014 in 4:33, but that was after very little training so I'm hoping with a proper plan to go sub 4 this time. I did the race series half last September in 1:49. Unfortunately I've had lots of ups and downs since then and haven't been too consistent, but I'm back on track now and looking forward to starting a plan.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to use the "meno plan" as a few others on here have had success with it for a second marathon. It's a pity meno isn't here any more to give advice. For anyone who has used it, can I ask about the very first session? 6-10 X 800m (3-5 min recovery). There is a comment on the plan (think it may have been added by MurphD) "this is a tough session for week 1, so maybe not good for someone with low base milage". Any suggestions for an alternative?

Just do week 2 progression run week 1 & 2. That what I was advised, think
That's what others did too. Best if luck

coolhandspan

Hi folks, planning to run DCM 2016. Ran first ever marathon in 2015 but it was a disaster 4.25. Had ran half in 1hr 36 a month before. still don't know exactly what went wrong. had a virus a few days before event so i blamed that. Gave up running after DCM 2015 and only back jogging past two weeks.

From here on positive thinking only, will follow runkeEper sub 3.45 mainly because it is only 4 workouts a week and i work long hours. So let's GO...:)

Derco

Hi. First time poster - long time lurker... All set to start training from next week. This will be my 3rd time around having done 2014 and 2015. Going for a more realistic time this year of around 4:10-4:15.

I'm in. Put a lot of training in for 2014. My half marathon pb still stands at 1:47 for that year in the Phoenix park. However I struggled a lot running uphill by UCD towards the wall. Want to do it without slowing too much there. Hoping to work on interval this time rather than just distance. Build strength in the legs. This'll be my third, having completed Cork one earlier this month. Hoping for a third consecutive pb

Looking to cut it by a bit more than two minutes this time though! Going to aim for under 4. Is a half an hour (ish) too optimistic? Here we go anyway.

Good luck everyone taking part.

Murph_D

Probably in too. Third time lucky this year, hopefully. Haven't raced Dublin since 2013 so will be interesting (for me) either way.

chickey2

Murph_D wrote: »

Probably in too. Third time lucky this year, hopefully. Haven't raced Dunlin since 2013 so will be interesting either way.

Does that mean we'll have unseasonaly warm weather on October 30th?!

Murph_D

Hope so. I've acclimatised. :pac:

overpronator

Havent raced Dublin since 2013 either and sadly wont this year again as im Berlin bound. Giving strong consideration to jogging around on the day and soaking it in as its a special race. Someome talk me out of it!!

average_runner

overpronator wrote: »

Havent raced Dublin since 2013 either and sadly wont this year again as im Berlin bound. Giving strong consideration to jogging around on the day and soaking it in as its a special race. Someome talk me out of it!!

Go for it!:D

Only live once

The Muppet

overpronator wrote: »

Havent raced Dublin since 2013 either and sadly wont this year again as im Berlin bound. Giving strong consideration to jogging around on the day and soaking it in as its a special race. Someome talk me out of it!!

Go on you know you want to.:)

kittyclaws

I signed up yesterday :eek:
I'm on week 8 of the David Carrie plan from the Irish Runner magazine.
DCM will hopefully be my first marathon, I've done a few halves, most recently Connemara, so it seemed the next logical step
I don't have a planned time but currently training to run with the 4:40 pacer - the pace suits my LSR so maybe I'll be able to keep up on the day?!
Cross-training wise, my physio has recommended dropping the gym and just doing pilates once a week, with either a spinning class or a swim in lieu of a fifth day of running if the legs are tired. Is this enough? I thought I'd need a lot more cross training

ultrapercy

overpronator wrote: »

Havent raced Dublin since 2013 either and sadly wont this year again as im Berlin bound. Giving strong consideration to jogging around on the day and soaking it in as its a special race. Someome talk me out of it!!

Why not? 4 weeks between them I think so if you handle your recovery ok you will be able to run Dublin at much the same level as Berlin.

jake1970

Singer wrote: »

Nice one getting this started!

I think 3:15 is a realistic but aggressive goal for me, obviously depending on a load of things going right over the summer and on the day. Plan wise, I was intending to loosely follow the meno plan for session inspiration, extending the prescribed milage by a good bit, extending the long runs, etc. maybe peaking at around 70 miles per week.

Intermediate goals for the summer are progressively less aggressive: give sub-40 a crack at the Fingal 10k (things would have to go very, very well on the day), sub-1:07:30 at the Frank Duffy and <1:30 at the Dublin Half.

That's great, now I have a pacer:D.

Hoping for a sub 3:15. I will use the same plan as last year which was P&D 12 week up to 55mpw and that got me over the line in 3:18:30. The target time is subject to review depending on how training progresses:).

dcorcaigh

ultrapercy wrote: »

Why not? 4 weeks between them I think so if you handle your recovery ok you will be able to run Dublin at much the same level as Berlin.

I plan to do both also, once recovery is ok and not too much beer drank after Berlin, Dublin should be ok.. its 5 weeks between them

RedRunner

I'm signed up but injured at the moment. Hoping that I have enough base to put in a decent training block but will be reviewing my training approach for this one. Goal will be just to make the start line and enjoy the event and maybe aim for the 4hr mark. Will save chasing 3.2X for the Springtime.

tattycoram

Just signed up!

I ran it a few years ago. Hoping to knock nearly an hour off my time...


From a disastrous 5.15 to a respectable 4.20.

I ran a 2.05 half last month so it's looking good.

boydkev

Very tempted to sign up. To make up for a disaster of a Cork Marathon where i had to stop at the 20 mile mark due to illness.

Younganne

All going to plan, I'm in too. Aiming for sub 3.50 but will see how training goes in the lead up.

Even if i cant race it, i will probably run it anyway as i haven't done Dublin since 2012!!

mylesforsmiles

Have just signed up to DCM '16 and can't wait for it. Third time running it and it's one of my favourite races of the year. Atmosphere and support along the course really does give me a lift. Slowly building up to it from this week after a very solid base building period. Best of luck to all who decide to go for it.

tHE vAGGABOND

I see it's on Sunday this year [maybe it has been last few years, not done it in a couple of years]. That's good, waiting to Monday was always a pain in the arse.

I have not really ran consistently since the misery that was the Conn marathon. I think I'm gonna enter, and just have something to focus training on, and get out on some long runs.

I want to run with a group, will find myself a novice or slow group I think.

Butterbeans

I'm strongly considering signing up for Dublin '16. Like a few here I've not run it since 2013, my first marathon.

I was going well that day until I hit mile 20, when my left hamstring siezed up like a tightened bow (a simple act of stepping up onto the path to pass a group).
No amount of stretching or massaging could work it out so I just had to grimace and bear it for the last 6. I was so glad to finish but gutted, as I was on track for a 3hr40min time but finished in 4hr08min. The supporters that day were immense, don't think I would have got through the last leg without them.

Since then I've done a few half marathons here and there but not taken the plunge to undertake another full. The last six months I've been concentrating on short distance, mostly 5ks with a few 10ks thrown in so I feel the base fitness is there for an ambitious retry.... maybe 3hr20min!!!

While writing this I've just convinced myself to sign up!

gucci

I'm in!

Signed up on Sunday. I complete my first marathon this spring in Manchester and have had my eye on Dublin since!

Jake1970 I will be doing the P&D plan also, it seemed to work out well for me earlier in the year in terms of getting the training done, and the race day went well too.

Best of luck everyone!

aquinn

chickey2 wrote: »

I'm in. Well I will be once I get around to registering! I did DCM in 2014 in 4:33, but that was after very little training so I'm hoping with a proper plan to go sub 4 this time. I did the race series half last September in 1:49. Unfortunately I've had lots of ups and downs since then and haven't been too consistent, but I'm back on track now and looking forward to starting a plan.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to use the "meno plan" as a few others on here have had success with it for a second marathon. It's a pity meno isn't here any more to give advice. For anyone who has used it, can I ask about the very first session? 6-10 X 800m (3-5 min recovery). There is a comment on the plan (think it may have been added by MurphD) "this is a tough session for week 1, so maybe not good for someone with low base milage". Any suggestions for an alternative?

Hey,

Way back when, Jan like, when I did the first week I was advised not to do the 800 so did this instead:
session; progression run 8.1 miles.

Derco

Butterbeans wrote: »

I was going well that day until I hit mile 20, when my left hamstring siezed up like a tightened bow (a simple act of stepping up onto the path to pass a group).
No amount of stretching or massaging could work it out so I just had to grimace and bear it for the last 6. I was so glad to finish but gutted, as I was on track for a 3hr40min time but finished in 4hr08min. The supporters that day were immense, don't think I would have got through the last leg without them.

That has put the kybosh on both my marathons to date

Paddy1234

Derco wrote: »

Butterbeans wrote: »

I was going well that day until I hit mile 20, when my left hamstring siezed up like a tightened bow (a simple act of stepping up onto the path to pass a group).
No amount of stretching or massaging could work it out so I just had to grimace and bear it for the last 6. I was so glad to finish but gutted, as I was on track for a 3hr40min time but finished in 4hr08min. The supporters that day were immense, don't think I would have got through the last leg without them.

That has put the kybosh on both my marathons to date

Me too - it was the overpass at UCD that caught me out jumped up on path and hamstring gone from there home

Firedance

chickey2 wrote: »

I'm in. Well I will be once I get around to registering! I did DCM in 2014 in 4:33, but that was after very little training so I'm hoping with a proper plan to go sub 4 this time. I did the race series half last September in 1:49. Unfortunately I've had lots of ups and downs since then and haven't been too consistent, but I'm back on track now and looking forward to starting a plan.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to use the "meno plan" as a few others on here have had success with it for a second marathon. It's a pity meno isn't here any more to give advice. For anyone who has used it, can I ask about the very first session? 6-10 X 800m (3-5 min recovery). There is a comment on the plan (think it may have been added by MurphD) "this is a tough session for week 1, so maybe not good for someone with low base milage". Any suggestions for an alternative?

yup, as KennyG and A have said just do the week 2 run twice. Am very very very very jealous will be watching your progress with much interest indeed although I should probably stay the hell outta this thread

chickey2

Firedance wrote: »

yup, as KennyG and A have said just do the week 2 run twice. Am very very very very jealous will be watching your progress with much interest indeed although I should probably stay the hell outta this thread

Thanks guys. I'll probably have other questions as I go on do please don't stay away Firedance!

Had a bad run yesterday, just felt slow and heavy and was thinking what an awful idea it is to do a marathon. I'll just chalk it down as a bad one and hopefully I'll feel better on tomorrow's run!

Airtel31

I'm going to sign up as well this is my 4th marathon the other 3 being Cork is there much of a difference in the course iro gradient PB 4.21 would love 4.10 or even 4.00 and have signed up for Clonfarf half next week really looking forward to it now

boydkev

Signed up this morning, looking to make amends for my Failed Cork attempt.

Now to find some accomadation for the saturday night.

Derco

Butterbeans wrote: »

I was going well that day until I hit mile 20, when my left hamstring siezed up like a tightened bow (a simple act of stepping up onto the path to pass a group).
No amount of stretching or massaging could work it out so I just had to grimace and bear it for the last 6. I was so glad to finish but gutted, as I was on track for a 3hr40min time but finished in 4hr08min. The supporters that day were immense, don't think I would have got through the last leg without them.

Paddy1234 wrote: »

Me too - it was the overpass at UCD that caught me out jumped up on path and hamstring gone from there home

Came across this article while doing my post mortem for last years marathon. Unfortunately I can't post a link because I'm a noob. Anyway the jist of it is that it most likely is muscle cramps caused by bad posture and possibly not pacing myself correctly.

coolhandspan

Derco wrote: »

Came across this article while doing my post mortem for last years marathon. Unfortunately I can't post a link because I'm a noob. Anyway the jist of it is that it most likely is muscle cramps caused by bad posture and possibly not pacing myself correctly.

Yeah mate I see a common angle here, a lot of runners seem to lock up badly around mile 16=18 for no real apparent reason during race.. any experienced runners on here can give us a bit of advice.. I don't think it is hitting wall just locking up.. thanks in advance ...?

brickysession

I am in and aiming for 4.30hrs finish seeing as I have not run in 12 months, 16 stone and currently on anti biotics for a chest infection.

I have a couple of questions that perhaps someone might be able to answer please?

1. Is there a bag drop before the race to leave keys / jacket etc?

2. As I probably wont sleep in a hotel room I may as well be awake in my own bed at home so I am thinking about driving up Sunday morning from Waterford (real Early) and getting the Luas in from the Red Cow, anyone done this in the past?

Run and Jump

brickysession wrote: »

I am in and aiming for 4.30hrs finish seeing as I have not run in 12 months, 16 stone and currently on anti biotics for a chest infection.

I have a couple of questions that perhaps someone might be able to answer please?

1. Is there a bag drop before the race to leave keys / jacket etc?

2. As I probably wont sleep in a hotel room I may as well be awake in my own bed at home so I am thinking about driving up Sunday morning from Waterford (real Early) and getting the Luas in from the Red Cow, anyone done this in the past?

1. There is indeed a bag drop. At the expo when you collect your number everyone gets a strong plastic bag, big enough for a change of clothes and a bit extra, to use for the bag drop. So, travel light and don't be planning on leaving a huge rucksack or suitcase at the bag drop.

2. Haven't done this myself as I live in Dublin.

aquinn

brickysession wrote: »

I am in and aiming for 4.30hrs finish seeing as I have not run in 12 months, 16 stone and currently on anti biotics for a chest infection.

I have a couple of questions that perhaps someone might be able to answer please?

1. Is there a bag drop before the race to leave keys / jacket etc?

2. As I probably wont sleep in a hotel room I may as well be awake in my own bed at home so I am thinking about driving up Sunday morning from Waterford (real Early) and getting the Luas in from the Red Cow, anyone done this in the past?

Driving up the morning of the marathon wouldn't be the best idea. How are you going to get home? Can you bring a driver with you?Can you not stay with someone more local and not have the additional stress of travel. What time does that leave you having breakfast?

brickysession

aquinn wrote: »

Driving up the morning of the marathon wouldn't be the best idea. How are you going to get home? Can you bring a driver with you?Can you not stay with someone more local and not have the additional stress of travel. What time does that leave you having breakfast?

I am just hopping balls at the moment. I was thinking porridge around 5am, in Red Cow for 7am, top up on breakfast, Luas in for 8am, toilet 17 times perhaps, wave start at 9.30am.

I travel a lot for work, always have done so was not really concerned about that bit in the morning, I have a hotel room booked just in case I go down that route but never really sleep in hotels. I suppose at least I would be resting and not driving.

I was planning on driving home, not sure if my wife will be coming with me yet.

Decisions - Decisions

brickysession

Run and Jump wrote: »

1. There is indeed a bag drop. At the expo when you collect your number everyone gets a strong plastic bag, big enough for a change of clothes and a bit extra, to use for the bag drop. So, travel light and don't be planning on leaving a huge rucksack or suitcase at the bag drop.

Thanks for this info.

aquinn

brickysession wrote: »

I am just hopping balls at the moment. I was thinking porridge around 5am, in Red Cow for 7am, top up on breakfast, Luas in for 8am, toilet 17 times perhaps, wave start at 9.30am.

I travel a lot for work, always have done so was not really concerned about that bit in the morning, I have a hotel room booked just in case I go down that route but never really sleep in hotels. I suppose at least I would be resting and not driving.

I was planning on driving home, not sure if my wife will be coming with me yet.

Decisions - Decisions

No one will really sleep well the night before. It's now going to be the Friday night that you'll have a super sleep. Awful lot of driving and then other concerns if exhausted, cramp etc.

Ecoenergy

brickysession wrote: »

I am just hopping balls at the moment. I was thinking porridge around 5am, in Red Cow for 7am, top up on breakfast, Luas in for 8am, toilet 17 times perhaps, wave start at 9.30am.

I travel a lot for work, always have done so was not really concerned about that bit in the morning, I have a hotel room booked just in case I go down that route but never really sleep in hotels. I suppose at least I would be resting and not driving.

I was planning on driving home, not sure if my wife will be coming with me yet.

Decisions - Decisions

Don't forget, you need someone to collect your bag from the expo the day before to get your race number and then meet them the morning of the race. The early start and journey up should be fine but the journey home will be tough. I can usually only manage a shuffle to the nearest pub.:D

Run and Jump

brickysession wrote: »

I am just hopping balls at the moment. I was thinking porridge around 5am, in Red Cow for 7am, top up on breakfast, Luas in for 8am, toilet 17 times perhaps, wave start at 9.30am.

I travel a lot for work, always have done so was not really concerned about that bit in the morning, I have a hotel room booked just in case I go down that route but never really sleep in hotels. I suppose at least I would be resting and not driving.

I was planning on driving home, not sure if my wife will be coming with me yet.

Decisions - Decisions

The change to the Sunday means runners can't avail of free on-street parking in Dublin city centre, like they could on the Bank Holiday Monday, so early-morning drivers might need to change their usual marathon plans. Or else pay!

Pink11

Signed up to this and race series.

My time last year was 4 hours 4 minutes. Would love to crack sub 4 hours but i've been juggling a few injuries & niggles.

Sorry what is the 'memo' plan? Chickey you mentioned it was good for a second marathon?

Feel a bit lost this year, not sure yet which plan is best. I'm up to 15 mile LSRs at the moment but just hovering around that mark.

aquinn

Pink11 wrote: »

Signed up to this and race series.

My time last year was 4 hours 4 minutes. Would love to crack sub 4 hours but i've been juggling a few injuries & niggles.

Sorry what is the 'memo' plan? Chickey you mentioned it was good for a second marathon?

Feel a bit lost this year, not sure yet which plan is best. I'm up to 15 mile LSRs at the moment but just hovering around that mark.

Hey you,

How are all the injuries, are you ok?

meno plan needs a good base and unfortunately you currently don't have it. I think you already need to be doing 35 + weeks to start it. Boards plan kicked in last week for the Novices and they are already on 20 mpw. What plan did you follow last year?

Oops re-read and you are already doing 15m LSR. What's weekly mileage then? Will try and find plan to post.

Beyond me to find full plan to correctly post but here is the first week of it: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=85317387&postcount=4603.
Actually the 10*800 were removed but gives you an idea.

brickysession

aquinn wrote: »

Hey you,

How are all the injuries, are you ok?

meno plan needs a good base and unfortunately you currently don't have it. I think you already need to be doing 35 + weeks to start it. Boards plan kicked in last week for the Novices and they are already on 20 mpw. What plan did you follow last year?

Oh Dear, 20mpw already......I am at zero and am hoping to start with a LSR of 2 miles today, last day of anti biotics so hopefully will get there. It may not be pretty but I plan to get there.

Pink11

aquinn wrote: »

Driving up the morning of the marathon wouldn't be the best idea. How are you going to get home? Can you bring a driver with you?Can you not stay with someone more local and not have the additional stress of travel. What time does that leave you having breakfast?

I know everyone is different but totally agree with aquinn. Driving yourself up from Waterford that morning would be a huge mistake and also very dangerous! You'll be exhausted before you even start. Even if you feel you'd lay awake most of the night in a hotel you'd be at least resting plus less stress as said above. Stress and tiredness of travelling before it even starts would be awful!

Why don't you look into getting an air b n b - it might be more comfortable? I'm sure you'll get a great price if you book now as it's so far in advance.

brickysession

Pink11 wrote: »

I know everyone is different but totally agree with aquinn. Driving yourself up from Waterford that morning would be a huge mistake and also very dangerous! You'll be exhausted before you even start. Even if you feel you'd lay awake most of the night in a hotel you'd be at least resting plus less stress as said above. Stress and tiredness of travelling before it even starts would be awful!

Why don't you look into getting an air b n b - it might be more comfortable? I'm sure you'll get a great price if you book now as it's so far in advance.

Thanks for the reply pink11, I have taken heed of the advice and I do have a hotel room booked as it does make sense.

Pink11

aquinn wrote: »

Hey you,

How are all the injuries, are you ok?

meno plan needs a good base and unfortunately you currently don't have it. I think you already need to be doing 35 + weeks to start it. Boards plan kicked in last week for the Novices and they are already on 20 mpw. What plan did you follow last year?

Oops re-read and you are already doing 15m LSR. What's weekly mileage then? Will try and find plan to post.

Beyond me to find full plan to correctly post but here is the first week of it: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=85317387&postcount=4603.
Actually the 10*800 were removed but gives you an idea.

Aw hello, aquinn! how are you? hope you've collected quite a few race tech tops since we last spoke & happy with the quality

Injuries I hope are largely under control. Had a lot of physio - had hip, knee, neck, chest injuries - would be hard pressed to find a part of my body not effected in the last 6 months. We think because I slacked after DCM on the gym/weight work that my body lost some power and didn't have the power to propel myself along. (learn from my horrible mistakes everyone! )

Anyway, feeling good now. Have the clontarf half Saturday. hopefully might see a few of ye there!

So since January as said, I've been pretty injured and had to completely stop running for about a month on and off to recover and work on my strength and conditioning.

I'm back doing what I know best... the old routine of one LSR per week (between 10 and 15 miles the past few weeks and 2-3 shorter runs a week. (shorter runs are anything between 5 miles and 8 miles).

Thank you so much for any advice. It was great having such support on here last year in the Novice thread (first timer's - check this out if you haven't already - it's a goldmine of help & support) - but totally lost myself this time for year 2!

Firedance

Pink11 wrote: »

Signed up to this and race series.

My time last year was 4 hours 4 minutes. Would love to crack sub 4 hours but i've been juggling a few injuries & niggles.

Sorry what is the 'memo' plan? Chickey you mentioned it was good for a second marathon?

Feel a bit lost this year, not sure yet which plan is best. I'm up to 15 mile LSRs at the moment but just hovering around that mark.

No reason why you couldn't jump into the boards plan on the novices thread again Pink, there's a few in there doing their 2nd marathon so not all novices and you'll have the support and the plan!

spaceylou

brickysession wrote: »

Oh Dear, 20mpw already......I am at zero and am hoping to start with a LSR of 2 miles today, last day of anti biotics so hopefully will get there. It may not be pretty but I plan to get there.

Come join us on the novice's thread (on main A/R Page) lots of advice, support and tips. Starting from zero after antibiotics is not ideal to say the least but 17 weeks to go and if your aim is to simply* get around the course rather than set any records it could be doable.

*Of course there is nothing simple about running 42 km so feel free to disregard my comments altogether