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DCM 2017 Mentored Novices Thread
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Wow. What a morning day that was.
Well done all on the PBs in spite of all the madness in and around the HM. Who knows what you'll be able to do when you're not worrying about where to park your car, or if you'll get to a race on time, or when it might even start?
Plenty more good news to come I hope!
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All the chaos aside, between the 4 mile tailback on the M1, the shambles of a start and the 7k walk back to the car on dangerous roads, I loved every minute of that.
The running bit anyway.
Realised late yesterday that my idea of a 1:40 was bananas so settled on a target of 1:45. Came in 1:46:14.
Very happy, more because I felt really strong today, the break has turned out to be a wise move, zero calf issues after that.
Well done everyone.0 -
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Unthought Known wrote: »
Make sure your watch is picking up a signal 10-15 minutes before the start. No point panicking at 9:29
This was great advice - prevented me having a panic attack at beginning!
Well done to everyone with the amazing times! A 2.5hr finish for me - was my first half so it was gonna be a PB anyway. Wasn't too concerned about speed as I was thinking ahead - 2.5hrs will be easy to beat next year!
I've not got a marathon in me just yet, so it is at this point that I will bid this thread adieu (was only ever a lurker anyway, so won't be missed) and wish you all the best of luck over the remaining 5weeks. YOU CAN DO THIS!!
Bananaleaf0 -
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Great reports from everyone, so glad to hear it after the traffic problem at the start.
I was stuck on M1 for over an hour, queuing up on the emergency lane. Saw a lot of people jumping over the barriers into thick hedge to do the business, and at least one person got off the car and walked up the slip road. Once we got off M1 at the first roundabout, there were couple of gardai and volunteers out there trying to sort out the situation. They had just blocked off the Donabate road and asked us to drive on the other lane - which really helped, except for those who were walking that way after abandoning their cars somewhere else like Swords road etc. They were a bit peeved off I guess, and some of them didn't want to give way, making it somewhat tricky but still, got into the parking space without much delay. Walked over to the field where the start/assembly area was and at that stage the 2:00 pace group was about to leave. I had to use the facilities, and by the time I was ready, the 2:00 group had moved on. I was undecided between 2h and 2:10, and I didn't fancy hanging around, so I joined the tail end of 2:00 pacer group. Never saw the pacer, just plodded along with the crowd really.
Couple of minor drags were fine, and the first water station was a welcome sight. Then that frigging hill came out of no where. Kept moving, and kept hoping water will be around the corner but nothing. Overall everyone was slowing down around me at this stage, and eventually the climb to ManO'War pub came and half the people were walking. Again kept jogging along hoping that there would be a lucozade station right after Man O'War - I had no food, jellies or gel on me - I was completely at the mercy of couple of mouthfuls of sweet sweet lucozade to carry me along. Picked up speed as soon as crested the hill, making maximum benefit of the downhill even if it was getting windy against me. There was at least one person who was getting medical assistance at this stage, and then someone was on the ground between the ambulance and the aid station - there were a few already helping her and shouting for medics attention. Motored on still looking for that Lucozade stand but then I see R132 again, fire force's drizzle, and I knew it then I have to finish this run on the "empty" - no gel or goodies, just water.
At around 15k mark I could feel myself struggling a bit, so I started the 'Run Index' again. It wasn't too hard to score - all you had to do was keep running as there were a constant stream of walkers. Soon I hit 50, and later on 100 - went up and down around 100 for a while, but eventually my run index got up as far up as 134, which includes an ex-colleague as well, and finished at 131. It really helped me focus on moving along at the final stages of the run.
Finish was nice. Herself and kids could see me coming thru in the big screen further up. Got my medal - my first medal ever - despite doing two dozen various races, this is the first medal, I am in love with it to be honest!! Again, there was no water at the finish either. Oh, getting out of the car park too another hour and half...!
Overall I finished 2h 7m, a PB of course this being my first half, and it's completely in line with my starting position at the tail end of 2:00 wave. I had some excruciating pain on my right shoulder (deltoid muscle?), but it's gone now. My dreaded headache is coming on now, it was absolutely awful after FD10, I hope it doesn't get that bad this time around. Delighted with how the run went overall, but can not imagine how I will manage doing this twice back to back. In four weeks!!
PS: Sorry about the wall of text.0 -
Great reports from everyone, so glad to hear it after the traffic problem at the start.
I was stuck on M1 for over an hour, queuing up on the emergency lane. Saw a lot of people jumping over the barriers into thick hedge to do the business, and at least one person got off the car and walked up the slip road. Once we got off M1 at the first roundabout, there were couple of gardai and volunteers out there trying to sort out the situation. They had just blocked off the Donabate road and asked us to drive on the other lane - which really helped, except for those who were walking that way after abandoning their cars somewhere else like Swords road etc. They were a bit peeved off I guess, and some of them didn't want to give way, making it somewhat tricky but still, got into the parking space without much delay. Walked over to the field where the start/assembly area was and at that stage the 2:00 pace group was about to leave. I had to use the facilities, and by the time I was ready, the 2:00 group had moved on. I was undecided between 2h and 2:10, and I didn't fancy hanging around, so I joined the tail end of 2:00 pacer group. Never saw the pacer, just plodded along with the crowd really.
Couple of minor drags were fine, and the first water station was a welcome sight. Then that frigging hill came out of no where. Kept moving, and kept hoping water will be around the corner but nothing. Overall everyone was slowing down around me at this stage, and eventually the climb to ManO'War pub came and half the people were walking. Again kept jogging along hoping that there would be a lucozade station right after Man O'War - I had no food, jellies or gel on me - I was completely at the mercy of couple of mouthfuls of sweet sweet lucozade to carry me along. Picked up speed as soon as crested the hill, making maximum benefit of the downhill even if it was getting windy against me. There was at least one person who was getting medical assistance at this stage, and then someone was on the ground between the ambulance and the aid station - there were a few already helping her and shouting for medics attention. Motored on still looking for that Lucozade stand but then I see R132 again, fire force's drizzle, and I knew it then I have to finish this run on the "empty" - no gel or goodies, just water.
At around 15k mark I could feel myself struggling a bit, so I started the 'Run Index' again. It wasn't too hard to score - all you had to do was keep running as there were a constant stream of walkers. Soon I hit 50, and later on 100 - went up and down around 100 for a while, but eventually my run index got up as far up as 134, which includes an ex-colleague as well, and finished at 131. It really helped me focus on moving along at the final stages of the run.
Finish was nice. Herself and kids could see me coming thru in the big screen further up. Got my medal - my first medal ever - despite doing two dozen various races, this is the first medal, I am in love with it to be honest!! Again, there was no water at the finish either. Oh, getting out of the car park too another hour and half...!
Overall I finished 2h 7m, a PB of course this being my first half, and it's completely in line with my starting position at the tail end of 2:00 wave. I had some excruciating pain on my right shoulder (deltoid muscle?), but it's gone now. My dreaded headache is coming on now, it was absolutely awful after FD10, I hope it doesn't get that bad this time around. Delighted with how the run went overall, but can not imagine how I will manage doing this twice back to back. In four weeks!!
PS: Sorry about the wall of text.
Well done P. You kept the head so treat it well and make sure to get re-hydrated fully. You should get some medical advice about the headaches at this stage.
I enjoyed your "wall of text" so congrats on both counts. 0 -
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I still enjoyed it the whole day it has made me rethink DCM and seeing if I can stay in Dublin the night before so I am there early I can always stay at my Dads and get the train in or with my sister in the city centre
positron I saw a lot of people being helped and one runner being wheeled away as well that is a good tip on the run index I was not counting just focusing on someone ahead catching them and moving forward, I saw a lot of walkers near the finish as well
I think the water was in our goody bags, at least that is where mine was along with a Lucozade sport and some other drink I love the medal as well is is fantastic and the t-shirt 0 -
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Hey Guys!!!
I have been training for the marathon in a fairly simple way. In fact, I would go as far to say as I've shown a bit of disrespect for the event, partly because- I just want to complete it. Or that's how it started anyway!!!
I have always wanted to run a marathon before turning 30. I am heavily involved in sports and have on occasion ran half marathons. As years ticked by, I waited to "want to want to run a marathon" but this dedication to running (sacrificing other sports) simply did not arrive. I decided to sign up anyhow, aim for it and see if it was possible.
I approached training with a very basic plan considering my circumstances (and being honest- dislike for running at times). I would complete 3 runs pre-week. Two 5kms, one long run and possibly look at extending the 5km's later in the plan. I hoped this was realistic for me to stick with, and would not overload my week to the point I began to hate running.
I was left with an unrealistic 12 weeks to marathon having been away on a trip but chanced rapidly jumping up through the long runs. Touch wood I have been able to complete each, some comfortably, some not so comfortably and am currently on track for the marathon without any injuries. I can only speculate that a solid base of fitness from other sports and some running has been my saviour - so far. I have been also taking the runs nice and slowly- with completion the sole aim to build my confidence.
Now, with the marathon in sight, I am beginning to think more of nutrition, pace and dedicating a tiny bit more to training. I am lucky to have a friend with a lot of knowledge in the area of nutrition who guided me in fuelling for todays long run, while previously I have been trying to haphazardly figure it out myself (the thirst returning from a 15 miler without a drop of water was something else).
I have previously ran a half marathon in 2 hrs and do a 5km in about 26mins. I have always said that for the marathon to sneak inside the 5hr mark would be great, training time considered. But deep down- I hope for a little better. And while I have chatted at length I have finally arrived at my questions....................
1) what pace should my long runs be at? If I set out to run the marathon at 4hrs and 40 mins, than would be a pace of 10m 40 a mile.....but should I run the long runs about a minute slower? I have ran two 15 milers at 10m 24s (2hr 36 mins), but today a friend kindly offered to cycle with me from mile 10 of an 18 miler. Conscious of not racing the bike I slowed right down and and chatted away continuously. But I completely lost track of my pace and it took 3hrs 48 mins!! I was very confused by this, but obviously felt very comfortable finishing which I suppose will build confidence, so is maybe worthwhile. However, having never paced myself previously, I think I would like to have some idea to try avoid this again, if possible! I know that to have an aim for a first marathon (especially with my "give it a go" attitude) is not advisable. But it would be nice to have a pace in mind to TRY stick to. Rather than running too slow or too fast without reason bar lack of knowledge.
2) Should I introduce a tempo run into my week? Should I introduce a longer run (10km) into my week? Or am I messing with the system and upping the mileage too late in the game. I play soccer, so that has taken up some time that should be running time. But perhaps that is interval training?
3) Less of a question, more of a statement! I am petrified of the marathon. I am well aware that I have under prepared. Another time, I would love to follow a proper schedule and shoot for the stars. But- today I ran 18 miles with my friend cycling alongside me. That's 3.5 miles further than I ever travelled by foot until I signed up to the marathon. And had I not looked
reality in the face and decided to temporarily ignore it..........I wouldn't have done that! So, while I am my own worst critic- disappointed by todays time, I'm achieving more even if the bigger goal falls apart from lack of prep.
Long and slow is good, don't worry about that. There are no prizes for training times but lots of benefits from time on your feet. My easy runs are 90secs a mile slower than my half today, my long runs are over 2 mins slower. There's a Boardsie here, Choons, whose times are even slower relative to his race pace. Don't get sucked into running fast every time you're out. One pace run (marathon pace) is enough as your only kinda fast day.
PS. I'm over 50 so plenty of time to get your first done....I've waited this long!
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Personally I prefer something useful to come with the bag - loved the bandana at Fingal (actually wore it today) and the cup at FD. I'd rather that than a medal which doesn't actually do anything.
Though with everything that went wrong today, it's far, far from top of my list of worries.
A can of Guinness would be good 0 -
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