DCM 2017 Mentored Novices Thread

Wubble Wubble

Hello there, you're all very welcome to the DCM 2017 Mentored Novices Thread!

This is the 9th year that Boards has offered support and advice to DCM Novices. In 2009, -amadeus-- composed the opening symphony. Rainbow kirby took over in 2010, Raycun in 2011, followed by Younganne in 2012. career_move kept the show on the road in 2013, succeeded by Ososlo for the 2014 stanza. Dubgal72 with her expert coaching managed to get her crew through in 2015, while the 2016 edition was hosted by the notorious (not really!) nop98 who, in the best traditions of this support thread, has nominated me to carry the torch in 2017.


About the Novices thread
This thread is aimed at anyone considering doing the Dublin City Marathon for the first time this year, on October 29. It isn't limited to those who haven't run a marathon before. Have a look at the two programs we'll have running from late June. Feel free to ask whatever questions you might have (running related please) and we encourage constructive discussion with fellow Novices.

I recommend you read some of the thread starters from the previous threads. They will give you even more of an insight of what to expect as you prepare for the big day.

Yes, no, maybe, I don't know?
Can you repeat the question?

Training for any marathon is tough, especially if it's your first! It helps if you can spare a lot of time to devote to it, and it can involve a fair amount of running at stupid o'clock as your runs get longer.

Our training plans commence on Monday, June 26. I recommend that you have been running quite regularly, for a year. Come June 26, you want to be running comfortably 3-4 times a week, every week, at that stage, covering at least 20 miles per week. Have a look at the two training plans on offer carefully, and see if you can find a way to fit one of them. Start getting used to running 3-4 days in a row, and a longer run at the weekend. Can you fit this in your daily routine, your holiday plans, your family life? If you're unsure, just try it out for a couple of weeks and see how you get on. The mileage in the programs will go up, so be realistic in your self-assessment. Post your progress here and we'll try and give an honest assessment.

Training Plans
The Hal Higdon Novice 1 plan is a widely used novice marathon plan. It's a simple, and straightforward plan, which slowly increases the weekly mileage to eventually include a 20 mile training run, and has step-back weeks built in to help the body adapt. It uses 3 mid-week runs, which will slowly increase in length, and a longer weekend run. Ideally, you mix in one day of cross-training, too.
The Boards plan for 2017 is for slightly more experienced runners. It includes more variety in paces (either "easy" pace, or PMP ("planned marathon pace")), it includes strides on some of the easy runs, and generally covers more miles - e.g. 2 20 milers and more long LSRs.

Both plans include all the Race Series build-up races (the Fingal 10k in Swords on July 23, the Frank Duffy 10-miler on August 26 in the Phoenix Park, and the Race Series Half Marathon, on September 23 at Newbridge House, Donabate). You don't have to run these races, but it's a good idea to try one or more of them to give yourself a feel for running at race pace and to see how much you've progressed. Of course, similar events elsewhere are permitted

There are many more plans out there of course, but we recommend that you choose one of the above, and stick to the one you've chosen once you set out. If you're looking for some pre-plan training advice, have a look at this.

General Guidelines

"Stick To The Plan" was the mantra for the 2016 Novices, myself included. The longest runs are the most important. You can of course switch runs around within a week if you need to. If you have to skip a run, try make it one of the short runs. When it's gone, it's gone. Do not go chasing lost mileage in subsequent weeks.

In the weeks leading up to the start of the program, ramp up your mileage very gently towards 20 miles. Don't increase your mileage by more than 10% each week.
Run slow. Once you think you run slow enough, run even slower. You will not be able to complete all the training miles if you don't run the majority of them slow (slower than you will run on the day itself). Once the program is about to start, we'll talk about how to determine your ideally training paces.
Be realistic. A marathon is no mean physical or mental challenge - hopefully you will have raced at some of the shorter distances already. Don't set your heart on hitting a particular time. You won't have a pace car in front of you to block out the wind, or have water bottles handed to you, a la Kipchoge and co. If you do want to set a target time, be conservative. The marathon has so many variables that can impact on your time.
Listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, stop your run. If it continues, seek professional guidance. As per general Boards guidelines, we cannot offer medical advice.
You'll have to make sure your wife/husband/partner is on your side. Believe you and me, it does make a difference when he/she is ready and willing to support what you're doing.

And Here Is Your Host....

I'll let ye in on a little secret. My name's not really Wubble Wubble. But it's fun when meeting other Boardsies for the first time IRL. I do however look a lot like Shaggy from the Scooby Doo cartoons Zoinks!

I'm a fortysomething Dub, and I jumped on the 2016 Novices bus for my second marathon, and first in our Fair City. I met a lot of fun and interesting people both on this thread and IRL as it progressed. The guidance I received, and the fun I had along the way, helped me to a PB of just under half an hour, on an absolutely incredible day which I'll treasure forever. The support almost everywhere was fantastic, and it really does help you along. That special feeling as you cross the finish line will stay with you too. You may go on to run many more marathons in future, but as the saying goes "You never forget your first"

You Know You Can Do It

Still with me? Not long left! As we progress, there'll be more advice, hints and tips (which may or may not be lifted from somewhere else )

To finish, I'd really appreciate if you could tell us a little bit about yourself, and answer the following questions.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
Why are you running this marathon?

Thanks for reading. Once again, welcome to the thread, and good luck!!

Wubble Wubble

Just to add briefly;

Links to updated 2017 HHN1 and Boards plans to follow. They will however be broadly similar to the 2016 versions that are currently available via the link.

ooter

Best of luck to anyone planning on doing DCM for the first time this year, followed this thread in 2013, it was a mine of information and I'm still on the marathon bus since.

Dub13

Good luck to all given it a bash this year. I was one of Ososlo graduate's in 2014 and have done 5 more since. This thread will be a great help to you all.

RacoonQueen

Great stuff wubble wubble, thanks for taking this on.

Bananaleaf

Not ready for the full this year, but will be doing the half. I'll be keeping an eye on the thread to see if I can pick up some tips

The Black Oil

Oh, the spreadsheet links bring back fond memories! How has it been a year already? Best of luck to all novices. Your first objective is to get to the start line. You can do that by sticking to the plan, sleeping well and running regularly. The memories of DCM will be many. Collecting your number and bag, yapping to a pacer, going through the Phoenix Park, some hard miles, meeting some novices in the wave areas, the support and the final few hundred metres. See youse in October, you're in for quite an adventure. :cool:

juke

Bananaleaf wrote: »

Not ready for the full this year, but will be doing the half. I'll be keeping an eye on the thread to see if I can pick up some tips

Me too. I've followed the last two years' threads, they are fantastic for support motivation and, especially, information.

Best of luck this year Wubble Wubble, I'm sure the novices are in good hands

Omeceron

Right, I'm in. Hi Wubble Wubble. I started running in 2012 by doing the couch to 5k. I was briefly a part of the 2015 DCM group but quickly found I wasn't ready.

I kept running and decided to spend 2016 working on building a better base, doing more races and trying to get my times down.

I got to over 1000 miles last year and pb's from 5k to half marathon. 2016 has been by far my most consistent year of running.

I picked up a groin strain in December which has taken some time to fix. Back running properly in the past month and raced the 6 mile in Limerick last weekend (with my physios permission).

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k - Jingle Bells Dec 2016 - 23.11
5 Mile - Irish Runner June 2016 - 44:31
6 Mile - Great Limerick Apr 2017 - 54:42
10k - Gingerbread Nov 2016 - 52:48
Half Marathon - DCHM Sep 2016 - 2:05:30

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
4 days a week running. 2 slow runs from 45min to 1 Hour. 1 short run with some aspect of speed training. 1 LSR. My physio has me on some exercises and stretches every 2nd day.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
My aim is to run it in 4:30.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can train 4 to 5 days a week. I plan to use the boards plan and race the DCM race series and the Irish Runner 5 mile

Why are you running this marathon?
When I started running a marathon never seemed possible. As I progressed and starting running further I still thought it was too far. Time to prove old me wrong!

nop98

The very best of luck to the class of 2017! You're in excellent hands with Wubble Wubble! Really looking forward to seeing how you all will progress.

Battery Kinzie

Cheers for this Wubble. I followed last years thread pretty closely after initially being tempted to join it, but in the end I didn't go for it as I wanted another year of running before I tried the full. I'm happy enough with that decision in hindsight, but it's now time I think.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?

HM - Nov '16: 1:33
10M - March '17: 67 mins
5M - Jan '17: 31 mins
5k - Never actually done a 'proper' race 5k, which is a bit odd. Have done just under 19 minutes in a parkrun around December '16.
2miles - 11:5X


Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
Currently 6 a week is the plan, but unfortunately I've only actually done 6 days a week once since the start of March for one reason or another.

I'd regularly get 5 days done however, and the one I miss would generally just be a 5-8K run. This would be about 45-55k a week, with a long run ranging from 15-21k. I play the odd bit of five a side here and there, but I find myself quite sore the day or two after each game, so I don't play too often and make sure not to do a running session that week if I do play.

Little cross training, other than the 20 min cycle in and out of work. No strength training or stretching to speak of, which I should really start doing, but I can never get into a rhythm of doing it.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?

The predictor calculators have generally been quite good for me in past races, and they seem to be suggesting anywhere from 3hrs (based on my 5 mile time) to 3:15 (based on HM time) for the full. I'm not stupid, so I won't target 3hrs, but I'd love to do under 3:15, so that's my target for the time being.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can do 6 days, and I'm not sure on which plan. Possibly the boards one, or maybe a P&D plan from the book (though maybe these are a bit too much for now). I like the layout of this 3:15-4:00 one with the rest day on Friday and long run on Sunday. I'm open to suggestions on this front though.


Why are you running this marathon? Probably not for reasons as inspiring as others will have. I suppose it's just for the obvious reasons of it being a massive achievement to complete one, and all the 'fun' that comes with the build-up, the training and so on. To be honest, I just enjoy running, and I enjoy running longer distances than the shorter faster ones, so this seems like a natural progression for me. Maybe over time the answer to this question will become more apparent than just a simple 'cause I want to'. We'll see.

Good luck to all.

hot buttered scones

Best of luck novices and best of luck mentor! I'm sure you'll all have a blast!

S.L.F.

I think Nop made the right choice nominating you. With your decent race times and previous experience, you're bound to have some great advice to offer Wubble.

paddydriver

Best of Luck Everyone for DCM 2017.. Looking forward to the thread expanding over coming days. Hope I can help in any way... And to your host Wubble Wubble... The very Best of Luck too! The DCM 2016 thread was invaluable and really kept me motivated the whole way through and also has built a great running group that continues on Strava and boards.ie - it all starts here.

scotindublin

I would encourage anyone who is planning on doing DCM 2017 to get invlovled with this thread. As a 2016 nop98 graduate I cannot recommend this enough. I plan to keep tabs on this over the course of the next few months and will try and help where I can.

You are in good hands with Wubble x 2!

Good luck to you all and don't forget there is no such thing as a stupid question! You are in for one hell of a ride until the end of October.

Belkin1975

Hi all,

Have been running on and off for 5 years. I don't race that much. Have completed two halfs, a few 10ks and 5ks. Currently run 3-4 times pw. I only started back a few weeks ago and just building up mileage slowly. I'm a very slow runner. I don't do walk breaks, just slow down the pace (I know I'd walk faster sometimes). I am following the ASICS plan at the moment. Good luck to everyone.

heebusjeebus

Thanks Wubble for doing this.
I'm 35 and I've only been running a few years but I've completed 2 half marathons, a 10 miler and a few 10k's.
I'm looking forward to starting the marathon training using this boards thread as I've no idea what to expect over the next few months. Any and all advice will be taken on board.

Thanks again, HJ.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
Fingal 10k - July 2015 - 50:13
Frank Duffy 10 Mile - August 2015 - 1:22:40
Half Marathon - DCHM Sep 2014 - 1:57:17
Cork Half Marathon - June 2016 - 1:59:10 (Extra 800m ran due to starting chaos)

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
I'm currently following the Strava Half Marathon Plan for the Cork Half Marathon in a few weeks time. Week 7 of 10 starts today. I'm only running 3 times a week, but covering around 25 to 35km per week.
I've never tried to vary my running speed or try fartlek. I tend to have a speed that suits my gait and I'm comfortable with it.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
I just want to finish it. I'd love to not have to walk any of it.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
Only 2 to 3 runs a week. 2 x 10k during the week and then circa 20k on Saturday mornings. I plan on getting a few runs in early before work.
I want to use the boards.ie plan and I've entered the DCM race series.

Why are you running this marathon?
To see if I can do it. I surprised myself but completing the C25K in 2014, and a few months later completing the Dublin Half Marathon. I'd like to cap it off by running the big one!

John McClane

I’m in also, started back running 3 years ago, 10k time in May 2014 was 50+ mins, 10k PB this year is down to 43m 30secs
Mostly being doing shorter runs/races, park runs etc.. Furthest I’ve ran is 10miles (2 races and 3 training runs)
Planned on doing it last year but due to night feeds commencing at the start of the training plan �� I was never going to get a good base to start from

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k – Steets of KK April-17– 20:42
10k – Clonmel 10k May-17 – 43:33
10m – Ballycotton Mar-17 – 1:17:20

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
3-4 days a week combination of running/cycling/gym. Gradually increasing weekly mileage , currently on 15m pw hoping to by up to high 20’s/30m per week by end of June to start training plan from there.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
Dream – 3.45
Realistic – 3.59

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
Plan to train 4 days a week. Use a combination of boards/HH

Why are you running this marathon?
Got back into running 3 years ago and said would do it when I hit 40 , but wasn’t ready last year

choons

Hi guys, glad I stumbled across this as I signed up yesterday. This will be my first marathon at 27.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?
Not raced but current run times:
5km Parkrun - 21mins
10km - 50mins

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training?
No / NA

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
One weekly 5km Parkrun at the moment.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
4 hours is my aim, let me hang on to this as long as I can!

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
Was planning on doing a Parkrun and 1 long run per week ramping up to October. After reading the thread, I will re-evaluate.

Why are you running this marathon?
Personal goal and a bucket list challenge. Have done a 100m bike race and reached weight lifting goals so this was next.

Thanks and looking forward to seeing the thread progress. Good luck all

Mileybichon

Hi,
Just saw this thread and really excited about following it. It's exactly what i've been looking for! I've just 40 last month and DCM will be my 1st marathon!
Started running the start of last year, did the couch to 5km last Jan and Feb 2016. And i'm hooked, did a Half marathon in December and next goal is DCM this October!

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?
I do Parkrun every Saturday morning
Parkrun PB 25mins 15secs (5km)
10km PB - Fat Turkey in Howth 28/12/2016 - 56mins
Half Marathon Wexford Dec 2016 - 2hrs 4 mins
10 Mile - Trim Feb 2017 1hr 28mins
5 Mile - Raheny Jan 2017 42mins

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do) No

How much training do you currently do ? Currently 3 days a week. Used to be 4 days a week but just working my way back up after injury.
Between 4 and 5 miles 2 evenings a week including hill repeats and strides. Then lsr of between 7 and 10 miles on Sundays. Also play tennis once or twice a week.
What do you want to achieve? Dream Finishing time would be 4 hrs 30mins or just under. Realistically would be happy with anything under 5 hours.

How many days a week can you train? Hope to train 4 days a week.

And what plan do you intend to follow? Will follow the Boards plan

Why are you running this marathon? I turned 40 last month and the marathon is such a dream achievement for me. Something i've always wanted to achieve and hope this is the year for me!!!

SoleDiva

Hi everyone :)
I'm a 40+++ mum of 3, marathon novice, taking on DCM this year!  I started running in August 2012 using a C25K app.  I signed up for Belfast marathon in 2013 but found out I was pregnant 6 weeks before the event (having run my first HM not knowing and not sure why I was sooooo sick!), so never made it to the starline of Belfast.
I went back to running when my little dude was 7 months old and to date have completed numerous 10k races and 5 half marathons (Carlingford - the pg one, Belfast HM x 2, Dublin RnR dressed as KISS and GNR).  None of them in a blinding time, but I'm working on that!
Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!) I'm SLOW!! but hopefully progressing.
5K 30:02 (October 2015)
10K 1:02:33 (Sept 2015)
HM 2:19 (Sept 2015)
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do) Sometimes, depends on how hilly the route is.  I'm focussing on that currently by slowing down and keeping the effort the same and doing my best not to walk.
How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. [font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I currently run 3 or 4 times a week, between 5 and 8k during the week with a longer run at the weekend of between 10k - 16k (building slowly before a calf niggle made me pull back a bit). I do lots of stretching and strength & conditioning stuff at home, plus a yoga class once a week.[/font]

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? I'm doing my best to put a finishing time out of my head and just aim to complete it in a time i can be proud of and a time that reflects my abilities.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow? Realistically, for this to fit in with family life and work without too much disruption, I aim to run 4 times a week. I have drawn up a plan loosely based on plans I've looked at on the internet - NYRR, MyAsics & Hal Hidgon

Why are you running this marathon? I've wanted to run a marathon for as long as I can remember but always thought it was an unachievable dream.  Running has had a huge impact on my life in the last few years.  Living far away from my family & friends, running has given me a big  local "family" and has made me realise my dream isn't out of reach :)

So, that's me!  I talk a lot, always write essays instead of a few lines lol and I'm looking forward to this adventure!!

SoleDiva

Hi everyone :)
I'm a 40+++ mum of 3, marathon novice, taking on DCM this year!  I started running in August 2012 using a C25K app.  I signed up for Belfast marathon in 2013 but found out I was pregnant 6 weeks before the event (having run my first HM not knowing and not sure why I was sooooo sick!), so never made it to the starline of Belfast.
I went back to running when my little dude was 7 months old and to date have completed numerous 10k races and 5 half marathons (Carlingford - the pg one, Belfast HM x 2, Dublin RnR dressed as KISS and GNR).  None of them in a blinding time, but I'm working on that!
Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!) I'm SLOW!! but hopefully progressing.
5K 30:02 (October 2015)
10K 1:02:33 (Sept 2015)
HM 2:19 (Sept 2015)
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do) Sometimes, depends on how hilly the route is.  I'm focussing on that currently by slowing down and keeping the effort the same and doing my best not to walk.
How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. [font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I currently run 3 or 4 times a week, between 5 and 8k during the week with a longer run at the weekend of between 10k - 16k (building slowly before a calf niggle made me pull back a bit). I do lots of stretching and strength & conditioning stuff at home, plus a yoga class once a week.[/font]

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? I'm doing my best to put a finishing time out of my head and just aim to complete it in a time i can be proud of and a time that reflects my abilities.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow? Realistically, for this to fit in with family life and work without too much disruption, I aim to run 4 times a week. I have drawn up a plan loosely based on plans I've looked at on the internet - NYRR, MyAsics & Hal Hidgon

Why are you running this marathon? I've wanted to run a marathon for as long as I can remember but always thought it was an unachievable dream.  Running has had a huge impact on my life in the last few years.  Living far away from my family & friends, running has given me a big  local "family" and has made me realise my dream isn't out of reach :)

So, that's me!  I talk a lot, always write essays instead of a few lines lol and I'm looking forward to this adventure!!

rainbow kirby

"Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2017... wear sunscreen!" :pac:

Wishing everyone the very best of luck with the training. As a graduate of the very first iteration of this thread (8 years ago - WTF) I can vouch that it does work and that it's very motivating having lots of others in the same boat.

Enjoy it - you only have one first marathon and Dublin is a nice one

positron

... and my axe!! Aarrrrr!!

Thank you Wubble for doing this - I have been looking forward to this thread for a while and got the idea to do DCM this year after lurking on last years thread. I am 40, and I started running this time last year with C25K, mainly just to stay healthy and lose some weight while at it. I have done couple of 10k races so far, and that's about it really. I would love to finish a marathon!

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k PB 25:38 Malahide Parkrun couple of months ago. Still trying to crack 25m mark.
10k PB 54:34 Boyne 10k, 30th April 2017

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No, I do run out of steam and slow down a good bit to recover, but then again my longest run ever is only around 15k.

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
I am aiming for 3-4 runs a week. Total distance last couple of weeks is only around 30k/20m. Finding it hard to get three runs during the week with my long commute. I also would like to keep parkrun as part of my LSR. Lately I have started cycling an hour on Sundays. That's about all of my workout. I am 40, I starte C25k this time last year and before that I had a very sedentary lifestyle.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
Finish the marathon. Build up fitness level to take part in couple of marathons a year going forward.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
3-4 days realistically. I started on Hal Higdon novice 1 a number of weeks ago, that type of plan looks okay to me I think. By the time I factor in repeated weeks, I might be in sync with this thread.

Why are you running this marathon?
To feel good about myself. That me less grumpy and almost bearable, almost...

DCM17DREAMER

Hi Everyone!
Im 43 year old Momma of 3. Im running about 4 years. Im no Bolt or Radcliffe after a bad year plagued with injury im just glad to be able to lace up and go. Im hoping to do my first (and last) Marathon this year. For me its all about the finish line and not the time anymore.
ive completed 11 half marathons, (7 of them in 2016) 5 10 milers and numerous 10K & 5K.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5K 28:30 (last week)
10K 56.00 (Nov 2016)
Half 2:10 (Dec 2016)

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
In general no but I do walk hilly hills!

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
Normally I run three times a week - haven't been as disciplined as id like for the last couple of months and life just seems to get in the way. But I did make a promise to myself that by Mid-May id cop myself on! so this thread has come about at the right time - a sign surely??? :-)

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
My dream is to finish - Im saying 5 hours but if its more its more but I doubt if it will be less.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
My intention is to do 3 mid-week runs, cross train 1 or 2 days, and a long run on weekends.

Why are you running this marathon?
I am running this marathon for me - I like setting challenges for myself and I think this is a pretty big challenge.

Best of luck to everyone on the thread - heres to a few months of safe injury free running!
See you at the finish line x

Casey78

2014 graduate here. The thread was a great help.
Best of luck to everyone.

Wubble Wubble

Omeceron wrote: »

Right, I'm in. Hi Wubble Wubble. I started running in 2012 by doing the couch to 5k. I was briefly a part of the 2015 DCM group but quickly found I wasn't ready.

I kept running and decided to spend 2016 working on building a better base, doing more races and trying to get my times down.

I got to over 1000 miles last year and pb's from 5k to half marathon. 2016 has been by far my most consistent year of running.

I picked up a groin strain in December which has taken some time to fix. Back running properly in the past month and raced the 6 mile in Limerick last weekend (with my physios permission).

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k - Jingle Bells Dec 2016 - 23.11
5 Mile - Irish Runner June 2016 - 44:31
6 Mile - Great Limerick Apr 2017 - 54:42
10k - Gingerbread Nov 2016 - 52:48
Half Marathon - DCHM Sep 2016 - 2:05:30

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
4 days a week running. 2 slow runs from 45min to 1 Hour. 1 short run with some aspect of speed training. 1 LSR. My physio has me on some exercises and stretches every 2nd day.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
My aim is to run it in 4:30.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can train 4 to 5 days a week. I plan to use the boards plan and race the DCM race series and the Irish Runner 5 mile

Why are you running this marathon?
When I started running a marathon never seemed possible. As I progressed and starting running further I still thought it was too far. Time to prove old me wrong!

Hi Omeceron,

Welcome! And bonus points for being the first to volunteer

I can sympathise with you having to miss 2015, as I abandoned my planned attempt in 2014 having picked up one niggle too many.

You've got some great work done already! Certainly you've got the right idea with regard to base building and getting the times down. There's decent variety in your training too.

You will hopefully find those PBs dropping further as training progresses. Just be careful not to ramp up the mileage too much too quickly as you recover from injury. Your target looks like it could be very achievable come race day (based on your existing PBs) but it's nice to have a B time just in case

Best of luck, look forward to reading more!

whoopsadoodles

Aw guys I'm so incredibly jealous of the absolute rollercoaster you have just jumped on.

I am a 2015 graduate and Dubgal's thread along with all of my fellow novicea is what got me to the start (and finish!) line.

The very best of luck to you all and well done to wubble wubble for taking on this amazing role.

You're in for the ride of your life!

Wubble Wubble

Battery Kinzie wrote: »

Cheers for this Wubble. I followed last years thread pretty closely after initially being tempted to join it, but in the end I didn't go for it as I wanted another year of running before I tried the full. I'm happy enough with that decision in hindsight, but it's now time I think.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?

HM - Nov '16: 1:33
10M - March '17: 67 mins
5M - Jan '17: 31 mins
5k - Never actually done a 'proper' race 5k, which is a bit odd. Have done just under 19 minutes in a parkrun around December '16.
2miles - 11:5X


Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
Currently 6 a week is the plan, but unfortunately I've only actually done 6 days a week once since the start of March for one reason or another.

I'd regularly get 5 days done however, and the one I miss would generally just be a 5-8K run. This would be about 45-55k a week, with a long run ranging from 15-21k. I play the odd bit of five a side here and there, but I find myself quite sore the day or two after each game, so I don't play too often and make sure not to do a running session that week if I do play.

Little cross training, other than the 20 min cycle in and out of work. No strength training or stretching to speak of, which I should really start doing, but I can never get into a rhythm of doing it.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?

The predictor calculators have generally been quite good for me in past races, and they seem to be suggesting anywhere from 3hrs (based on my 5 mile time) to 3:15 (based on HM time) for the full. I'm not stupid, so I won't target 3hrs, but I'd love to do under 3:15, so that's my target for the time being.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can do 6 days, and I'm not sure on which plan. Possibly the boards one, or maybe a P&D plan from the book (though maybe these are a bit too much for now). I like the layout of this 3:15-4:00 one with the rest day on Friday and long run on Sunday. I'm open to suggestions on this front though.


Why are you running this marathon? Probably not for reasons as inspiring as others will have. I suppose it's just for the obvious reasons of it being a massive achievement to complete one, and all the 'fun' that comes with the build-up, the training and so on. To be honest, I just enjoy running, and I enjoy running longer distances than the shorter faster ones, so this seems like a natural progression for me. Maybe over time the answer to this question will become more apparent than just a simple 'cause I want to'. We'll see.

Good luck to all.

Hi Battery Kinzie,

Welcome! Some seriously impressive times there.

I'm with you on the S&C issue. It's something that a lot of us (myself included) tend to neglect. You're managing the football well, it seems. I combined GAA and running for three years, until advancing years meant it took me too long to recover properly from training/matches to improve my race times. 3:15 seems like a very realistic target. Don't worry too much about not running 6 days a week every week. Real life is going to cut across training to some degree for most or all of us over the next 174 days. To add to that, there is of course some room for manoeuvre within the plans themselves.

And don't be ashamed about running DCM just for enjoyment. Many runners keep coming back year after year, purely for the fun of it and because they can. Looking forward to reading of your progress. Best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

Belkin1975 wrote: »

Hi all,

Have been running on and off for 5 years. I don't race that much. Have completed two halfs, a few 10ks and 5ks. Currently run 3-4 times pw. I only started back a few weeks ago and just building up mileage slowly. I'm a very slow runner. I don't do walk breaks, just slow down the pace (I know I'd walk faster sometimes). I am following the ASICS plan at the moment. Good luck to everyone.

Hi Belkin1975,

Welcome aboard! Even though you're only getting back into it, you have a fair bit of experience built up, so that will certainly stand to you as we progress. You have the right idea, building the mileage slowly and steadily. Keeping the pace nice and relaxed is the correct approach too. Looking forward to following progress. Best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

heebusjeebus wrote: »

Thanks Wubble for doing this.
I'm 35 and I've only been running a few years but I've completed 2 half marathons, a 10 miler and a few 10k's.
I'm looking forward to starting the marathon training using this boards thread as I've no idea what to expect over the next few months. Any and all advice will be taken on board.

Thanks again, HJ.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
Fingal 10k - July 2015 - 50:13
Frank Duffy 10 Mile - August 2015 - 1:22:40
Half Marathon - DCHM Sep 2014 - 1:57:17
Cork Half Marathon - June 2016 - 1:59:10 (Extra 800m ran due to starting chaos)

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
I'm currently following the Strava Half Marathon Plan for the Cork Half Marathon in a few weeks time. Week 7 of 10 starts today. I'm only running 3 times a week, but covering around 25 to 35km per week.
I've never tried to vary my running speed or try fartlek. I tend to have a speed that suits my gait and I'm comfortable with it.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
I just want to finish it. I'd love to not have to walk any of it.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
Only 2 to 3 runs a week. 2 x 10k during the week and then circa 20k on Saturday mornings. I plan on getting a few runs in early before work.
I want to use the boards.ie plan and I've entered the DCM race series.

Why are you running this marathon?
To see if I can do it. I surprised myself but completing the C25K in 2014, and a few months later completing the Dublin Half Marathon. I'd like to cap it off by running the big one!

Hi heebusjeebus,

Welcome! And thank you! It's an honour (not to mention a big surprise!) to be asked to do this.

There's some very strong times there already from you. Don't worry about settling on a particular plan *right now*. Have another look at the plans we've supplied, and see which you think may suit you better. In any event, you've probably got a strong base built up already for your upcoming HM. I remember reading about the chaos in last year's event :eek: although I believe the organisers have amended the routes this time.

By the way, that's a serious achievement, covering the C25k and running the Dublin Half in the same year. A lot of potential here! Best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

John McClane wrote: »

I’m in also, started back running 3 years ago, 10k time in May 2014 was 50+ mins, 10k PB this year is down to 43m 30secs
Mostly being doing shorter runs/races, park runs etc.. Furthest I’ve ran is 10miles (2 races and 3 training runs)
Planned on doing it last year but due to night feeds commencing at the start of the training plan �� I was never going to get a good base to start from

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k – Steets of KK April-17– 20:42
10k – Clonmel 10k May-17 – 43:33
10m – Ballycotton Mar-17 – 1:17:20

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
3-4 days a week combination of running/cycling/gym. Gradually increasing weekly mileage , currently on 15m pw hoping to by up to high 20’s/30m per week by end of June to start training plan from there.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
Dream – 3.45
Realistic – 3.59

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
Plan to train 4 days a week. Use a combination of boards/HH

Why are you running this marathon?
Got back into running 3 years ago and said would do it when I hit 40 , but wasn’t ready last year

Hi John McClane,

Welcome to the thread! This is one I'll be watching closely, as your PBs are very similar to mine. With the night feeds behind you, there's more improvement to come I'm sure. Having enough space to cover all the elements of your training plan is a big advantage.

The distances won't be a bother to you either. Once you're following the plan, you should have enough mileage built up that you can comfortably race the half, and later the full. It's nice and easy at the moment, and you'll have no problem getting well into the 20s by late June. Thanks again for joining up, and best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

choons wrote: »

Hi guys, glad I stumbled across this as I signed up yesterday. This will be my first marathon at 27.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?
Not raced but current run times:
5km Parkrun - 21mins
10km - 50mins

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training?
No / NA

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
One weekly 5km Parkrun at the moment.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
4 hours is my aim, let me hang on to this as long as I can!

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
Was planning on doing a Parkrun and 1 long run per week ramping up to October. After reading the thread, I will re-evaluate.

Why are you running this marathon?
Personal goal and a bucket list challenge. Have done a 100m bike race and reached weight lifting goals so this was next.

Thanks and looking forward to seeing the thread progress. Good luck all

Hi choons,

Welcome to the thread! That's a serious 5k time for someone "just" doing parkruns. 10k time is none too shabby either!

The bike race and weightlifting suggests you've a very good level of natural fitness. However, it's still well worth looking at the plans and building up your mileage gradually. The parkrun/1 LR strategy reminds me of something I tried (unsuccessfully) a few years ago in relation to preparing for a marathon.

Sub 4 is *very* achievable, if you can keep the buildup gradual and stay injury free. Thanks again for signing up, and best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

Mileybichon wrote: »

Hi,
Just saw this thread and really excited about following it. It's exactly what i've been looking for! I've just 40 last month and DCM will be my 1st marathon!
Started running the start of last year, did the couch to 5km last Jan and Feb 2016. And i'm hooked, did a Half marathon in December and next goal is DCM this October!

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?
I do Parkrun every Saturday morning
Parkrun PB 25mins 15secs (5km)
10km PB - Fat Turkey in Howth 28/12/2016 - 56mins
Half Marathon Wexford Dec 2016 - 2hrs 4 mins
10 Mile - Trim Feb 2017 1hr 28mins
5 Mile - Raheny Jan 2017 42mins

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do) No

How much training do you currently do ? Currently 3 days a week. Used to be 4 days a week but just working my way back up after injury.
Between 4 and 5 miles 2 evenings a week including hill repeats and strides. Then lsr of between 7 and 10 miles on Sundays. Also play tennis once or twice a week.
What do you want to achieve? Dream Finishing time would be 4 hrs 30mins or just under. Realistically would be happy with anything under 5 hours.

How many days a week can you train? Hope to train 4 days a week.

And what plan do you intend to follow? Will follow the Boards plan

Why are you running this marathon? I turned 40 last month and the marathon is such a dream achievement for me. Something i've always wanted to achieve and hope this is the year for me!!!

Hi Mileybichon,

Welcome on board! For someone running not much more than a year, there's some excellent times in there. And since you've got the Fat Turkey Run in the bag already, the hills you will encounter in DCM should hold no fears for you

Keep mindful of the fact that you're coming back from injury, and the need to resist the temptation to build the mileage up too much too soon. Once you can manage that, the potential is certainly there for your dream to come true

Thanks again for signing up, and best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

SoleDiva wrote: »

Hi everyone :)
I'm a 40+++ mum of 3, marathon novice, taking on DCM this year!  I started running in August 2012 using a C25K app.  I signed up for Belfast marathon in 2013 but found out I was pregnant 6 weeks before the event (having run my first HM not knowing and not sure why I was sooooo sick!), so never made it to the starline of Belfast.
I went back to running when my little dude was 7 months old and to date have completed numerous 10k races and 5 half marathons (Carlingford - the pg one, Belfast HM x 2, Dublin RnR dressed as KISS and GNR).  None of them in a blinding time, but I'm working on that!
Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!) I'm SLOW!! but hopefully progressing.
5K 30:02 (October 2015)
10K 1:02:33 (Sept 2015)
HM 2:19 (Sept 2015)
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do) Sometimes, depends on how hilly the route is.  I'm focussing on that currently by slowing down and keeping the effort the same and doing my best not to walk.
How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. [font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I currently run 3 or 4 times a week, between 5 and 8k during the week with a longer run at the weekend of between 10k - 16k (building slowly before a calf niggle made me pull back a bit). I do lots of stretching and strength & conditioning stuff at home, plus a yoga class once a week.[/font]

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? I'm doing my best to put a finishing time out of my head and just aim to complete it in a time i can be proud of and a time that reflects my abilities.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow? Realistically, for this to fit in with family life and work without too much disruption, I aim to run 4 times a week. I have drawn up a plan loosely based on plans I've looked at on the internet - NYRR, MyAsics & Hal Hidgon

Why are you running this marathon? I've wanted to run a marathon for as long as I can remember but always thought it was an unachievable dream.  Running has had a huge impact on my life in the last few years.  Living far away from my family & friends, running has given me a big  local "family" and has made me realise my dream isn't out of reach :)

So, that's me!  I talk a lot, always write essays instead of a few lines lol and I'm looking forward to this adventure!!

Hi SoleDiva,

Welcome to the thread! Plenty of running experience in there already. Running the R'N'R Half (twice) dressed up can't be easy. A lot of people I know have struggled with that one in "normal" running attire

I wouldn't get too hung up on particular times just yet. You'll have a better idea of what you can do as we progress. Similarly, no shame in missing whatever target you do set for yourself. To complete a marathon takes a lot of training and preparation, as I know from experience. I'm looking over at my DCM fridge magnet type thing at the moment, and it's not going anywhere any time soon! With your work and family situation, it seems you're doing very well to cover everything you're doing at the moment (not to mention the wide variety of training!)

Running a marathon is not unachievable! Hopefully we can help make it happen for you

Thanks again for signing up, and best of luck!

Wubble Wubble

positron wrote: »

... and my axe!! Aarrrrr!!

Thank you Wubble for doing this - I have been looking forward to this thread for a while and got the idea to do DCM this year after lurking on last years thread. I am 40, and I started running this time last year with C25K, mainly just to stay healthy and lose some weight while at it. I have done couple of 10k races so far, and that's about it really. I would love to finish a marathon!

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k PB 25:38 Malahide Parkrun couple of months ago. Still trying to crack 25m mark.
10k PB 54:34 Boyne 10k, 30th April 2017

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No, I do run out of steam and slow down a good bit to recover, but then again my longest run ever is only around 15k.

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
I am aiming for 3-4 runs a week. Total distance last couple of weeks is only around 30k/20m. Finding it hard to get three runs during the week with my long commute. I also would like to keep parkrun as part of my LSR. Lately I have started cycling an hour on Sundays. That's about all of my workout. I am 40, I starte C25k this time last year and before that I had a very sedentary lifestyle.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
Finish the marathon. Build up fitness level to take part in couple of marathons a year going forward.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
3-4 days realistically. I started on Hal Higdon novice 1 a number of weeks ago, that type of plan looks okay to me I think. By the time I factor in repeated weeks, I might be in sync with this thread.

Why are you running this marathon?
To feel good about myself. That me less grumpy and almost bearable, almost...

Hi positron,

Welcome to the thread! I did a fair amount of lurking on the 2015 thread, before belatedly diving into the 2016 edition. You've made a lot of progress already, a year from starting C25k. Malahide was my first parkrun love when I started trying those out, way back in 2013 :eek: That sub-25 should come to you fairly handy as your mileage builds.

Sometimes later on you might have to run at odd hours to keep the mileage up. I normally hate running before dawn, but it was definitely worth it for this! Finishing the marathon will be well within your compass. Nearer the time, you'll hopefully have more of an idea of what you're capable of time wise.

Thanks again for signing up, and best of luck!

shortie_chik

Hi Wubble Wubble! Thanks for taking on the challenge of leading the class of 2017!

I've been checking in over the last few weeks to see if this thread had started yet so I'm delighted to find it today! I was one of Younganne's novices in 2012, my first and last marathon (so far). The thread was a huge help to me as I was mostly training on my own, but managed to find an LSR buddy through the group and she was a great help to keeping on track! (Hi FiiFii if you're out there! )

After DCM2012 I pretty much stopped running, as if I'd "accomplished" running, like finishing a computer game! :P But over the last few years, around September / October, I see loads of runners out in the Phoenix Park & I know they're training for the marathon and I get a bit jealous. So last summer I decided to get back into it, and have been running to work 3 times a week to get my base running fitness back, and have a half-decent foundation for this summer.


Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
I've done the DCM race series a few times, last time was in 2012, and a few other half marathons (I've done the Paris one 3 times, any excuse! :P) I'm a fairly slow runner. I don't keep great records of PBs but these are some times I saved in some old training file somewhere!
5m (2007) - 0:51
10k (2012) - 0:58
10m (2011) - 1:49
Half marathon (DCM series 2012) - 2:11
Marathon (DCM 2012) - 4:58

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
Nope, although running uphill I might be faster to walk sometimes.

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
I have a fairly regular workday / weekday routine:
3 days I run to work (just under 5m), short swim 500m
2 days I cycle to & from work (about 10m round trip), longer swim 1km to 1 mile (depending on how early I leave the house, can't be late for work!)
I do vinyasa yoga once a week for the last year & a half.
A few weeks ago I added a strength session once or twice a week.
For the last month I've been trying to add in some weekend run, just to get back in the habit of planning my weekend to fit in a run.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
First goal is to stick with a training plan and make sure I'm organised & prioritise my weekend runs! So get enough sleep and feed / fuel myself properly. Get to the starting line in good shape!
Second goal is to run the whole marathon again. If I can do it in less than 4:58, that'll be great. If I grow wings out of my ankles, aim for 4:30.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can run 4 days a week: 3 runs to / to & from work when the mid-week distances get longer, and one weekend run.
I may follow the HHN2 plan but I'll take a look at this boards plan too.

Why are you running this marathon?
When I signed up in 2012, I didn't know if I could, but I wanted to try. Now I know that if I stick with the plan, I can do this. Anyone who can stick with the plan can do this.
It's such a fantastic feeling, arriving to the start line on race day with thousands of other excited runners. I guess I'm chasing the buzz of crossing the finishing line again.


Alors, en marche!

Wubble Wubble

DCM17DREAMER wrote: »

Hi Everyone!
Im 43 year old Momma of 3. Im running about 4 years. Im no Bolt or Radcliffe after a bad year plagued with injury im just glad to be able to lace up and go. Im hoping to do my first (and last) Marathon this year. For me its all about the finish line and not the time anymore.
ive completed 11 half marathons, (7 of them in 2016) 5 10 milers and numerous 10K & 5K.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5K 28:30 (last week)
10K 56.00 (Nov 2016)
Half 2:10 (Dec 2016)

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
In general no but I do walk hilly hills!

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
Normally I run three times a week - haven't been as disciplined as id like for the last couple of months and life just seems to get in the way. But I did make a promise to myself that by Mid-May id cop myself on! so this thread has come about at the right time - a sign surely??? :-)

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
My dream is to finish - Im saying 5 hours but if its more its more but I doubt if it will be less.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
My intention is to do 3 mid-week runs, cross train 1 or 2 days, and a long run on weekends.

Why are you running this marathon?
I am running this marathon for me - I like setting challenges for myself and I think this is a pretty big challenge.

Best of luck to everyone on the thread - heres to a few months of safe injury free running!
See you at the finish line x

Hi DCM17DREAMER,

Welcome aboard! That's some number of half marathons in the one year! My best in the one year is four (also 2016), 11 in total. A distance I really enjoy.

There's not that many "hilly hills" on the course. Most of the tougher ones are in the first half, so don't be too worried about walking!

Life can and does get in the way of running from time to time. But the plans have a bit of give in them like that. Hopefully the timing of the thread will help you along

Both plans include the long run at weekends, as well as midweek runs. With the cross training in there too, your fitness should come on in leaps and bounds.

DCM is indeed a big challenge, but I found it to be a very worthwhile one, and what an experience! Thanks again for signing up, and best of luck!

jamser58

Fair play for doing this, no doubt it will help a lot of people again this year.

I think I'll be doing the Hal Higdon one because there is more rest days, less long runs and less confusing abbreviations in the activities : ( WTF is 1m w/u, 5m pace, 1m c/d ):D

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k - 22.30 in training March 2017,23:45 in racing
5 Mile - Training in March 2017 42:36
10k - Glounaguillagh National School fun run 2nd April 48:30
10 Mile- Tralee Valentines Run Feb 2017 1:26:31
Half Marathon - Dingle September 2016 2h 17mins

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ?
2-3 runs a week. Normally 5-7 miles.
2-3 hours of fairly high intense soccer games.
2 hours walking approx.


What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time?
Dream 4:15. Realistic 4:32

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can train 4 to 5 days a week. I plan to use the Hal Higdon plan loosely taking in as many events as possible over the next few months.

Why are you running this marathon?
To achieve something for myself. To maintain fitness and keep weight down and to have a goal.To run for those who can't.

kin9pin

Best of luck to all the novices this year from a 2016 novice. The next 5 months will absolutely fly and I can guarantee you'll never forget the journey you're about to start. You have a great mentor in WW and I'd certainly recommend skimming through his training log to get tips on writing the all important race reports

I'm signed up for Dublin again this year and I'll be following this with interest so feel free to ask me anything about the experience.

J, good luck yourself and enjoy it. I see you're already working hard on the replies!

Singer

Battery Kinzie wrote: »

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can do 6 days, and I'm not sure on which plan. Possibly the boards one, or maybe a P&D plan from the book (though maybe these are a bit too much for now). I like the layout of this 3:15-4:00 one with the rest day on Friday and long run on Sunday. I'm open to suggestions on this front though.

Hey BK,

The 3:15 - 4:00 plan looks pretty light on sessions and milage to me (more so the latter) for a 3:15 attempt. It starts at 30 miles, and peaks at 58 miles, with no MP paced miles prescribed. Maybe with your speed and relative youth that'd be enough, but I think you could consider a plan with more miles and marathon specific workouts. If possible, drop the 5 a side too

Wubble Wubble

Just to add briefly to the bit on 5-a-side, and anything else that can involve a lot of twisting and turning.

A friend of mine from my GAA club (late 30s) ran DCM one year, while at the same time continuing to play football and hurling. While he finished it out in something like 4:11, for his next marathon cycle he took a break from the GAA to prepare for Belfast. On a much tougher course, he knocked about 20 minutes off his DCM time. So not to say it can't be done, but it can be done better if you concentrate on the one, as opposed to trying to combine the two.

ToriV

2017 Novices!! Buckle up - its an amazing ride!

2016 grad here and i am so jealous of you lot starting this journey. Being part of this thread last year was so great - support, advice, banter, feeling guilty about not being in bed at 11pm !!

We all shared the same worries about doing it - the training looked insane, but trust me - there will come a day soon when you say "only a short one this week 13 miles!". The advice from experienced runners on how to approach DCM is invaluable and the day itself was one of the best of my life. The closest thing to being a rock star for a day!

Enjoy it all, think positive, run slow, eat well and bed early - its will be great!

Baby75

Good Morning all
I am a mum to 7 ! yep you read that right LOL I am 41 years old and only really got in to running last summer when I used a c25k app on my phone so very much new comer. I have always been active worked with horses, hill walking, Zumba, cycling over the years. but I gained a bit of weight during my pregnancies which I have lost a lot of and after the birth of my son and a difficult recovery I wanted to get back exercising and feeling inspired from one or two friends on facebook who ran I decided I would start! think I caught the bug looking at them LOL I love it now wish I had started sooner though!


Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
yes a few 5k
March 12 St Laurence OToole 5k time 29.09 minutes
I have got under 29 minutes since but was not a race

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No ( although I did use them recently when I started Hill training )

How much training do you currently do ?
3 -4 runs a week, distance ranging from 5k to 10K slowly building distance
2-3 classes of boootcamp
2 to 3 times a week cycling

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time?
I love to be able to run it in 4 hours but I think 5 or just under would be more realistic! but my main aim would be finishing

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can train 4 to 5 days a week. I have not picked a training plan yet as honestly not sure where to start

Why are you running this marathon?
I guess because it is a huge challenge and I would love to achieve it, nobody is promised tomorrow and if your able to do something then do it. live life to the fullest.

jake1970

Best of luck with the mentoring WW, the class of 2017 are in safe hands.
Good luck to all the novices, this wont be an easy journey but nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line after your first marathon. Enjoy!!

tailgunner

Another 2016 graduate here. Best of luck everyone, you're all in safe hands with Wubble Wubble. Training for your first marathon is an incredible experience, and you'll pick up a wealth of valuable knowledge from the thread. I'll be following this with great interest!

chrislad

Best of luck to everyone. Best advice I can give is to listen. For most of you, this is the first time doing this distance. It's humbling, and there's nothing worse than a tired last few miles (Well, you will be tired, but there's managed tiredness and not! )

I did Dublin in 2015 as my first, and again in 2016. I won't be there this year as I'm doing Berlin, but you will have a great day out if you listen to the advice here. Best of luck and enjoy!

John McClane

Thanks Wubble Wubble, what time did you do DCM in the end or what was your target time going into it ?

Omeceron

Is there a cut off date before the plans start date for when we should stop doing races (not including the race series/or equivalent).

Have none in mind yet, just wondering is it better to build a base up or do a race or two before the plan starts

The Black Oil

ToriV wrote: »

2016 grad here and i am so jealous of you lot starting this journey. Being part of this thread last year was so great - support, advice, banter, feeling guilty about not being in bed at 11pm !!

To add to this, get used to early starts for your long runs. If you're still lurking in the thread at 9:30/10am we'll be on your case. But, it's fun to be up before half your town is awake, you'll get out those back roads and be on the return just as others are starting their Saturday walks. After a while, double digit runs will feel grand altogether and you'll wonder how your body is doing this.

Battery Kinzie

Singer wrote: »

Hey BK,

The 3:15 - 4:00 plan looks pretty light on sessions and milage to me (more so the latter) for a 3:15 attempt. It starts at 30 miles, and peaks at 58 miles, with no MP paced miles prescribed. Maybe with your speed and relative youth that'd be enough, but I think you could consider a plan with more miles and marathon specific workouts. If possible, drop the 5 a side too

Hey Singer,

Yeah I haven't decided on which plan yet, and tbh I didn't look at that one in too much depth yet, I just liked the layout of that one as it pretty much matches what days I do what now. Though I suppose most plans can be altered to fit what I do now.

As for the mileage, considering the most I've ever done in a week is just under 60k, the idea of 90 odd k as a peak being on the low side is...:eek: But yeah, I'll take that into account, as I said I haven't looked at it in depth. Tbh, I can't see me doing well with a plan that quickly gets to 70k+ a week and peaks over 100k as I feel that'd be too much too soon for me. Or maybe it wouldn't, I'm not too sure, but I dread the thought of having to take a week or two off because of doing too much. As for the sessions, I agree. I don't do enough sessions at the moment really, but I definitely plan to run a lot of MP/tempo miles for this.

I have the P&D Advanced marathoning book on the way, so I'll have a look at the lowest mileage plan in that (peaks at 55mpw I think?). I also have notions of making my own plan as I've yet to successfully follow a plan and the structure of most plans seem to be quite same-y. I also like the idea of coming up with my own plan based on what I've read and what I know about myself, but perhaps that's a bit foolish for my first.

As for the 5-a-side (same to you WW), I plan to stop that around June/July. Even at the moment I'd only play once a month or so, but I'll definitely be knocking it on the head a couple of months out from the marathon.

Cheers

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

Just to add briefly to the bit on 5-a-side, and anything else that can involve a lot of twisting and turning.

A friend of mine from my GAA club (late 30s) ran DCM one year, while at the same time continuing to play football and hurling. While he finished it out in something like 4:11, for his next marathon cycle he took a break from the GAA to prepare for Belfast. On a much tougher course, he knocked about 20 minutes off his DCM time. So not to say it can't be done, but it can be done better if you concentrate on the one, as opposed to trying to combine the two.