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DCM 2017 Mentored Novices Thread
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Have to pop in here to add my massive congratulations to all of you who ran on Sunday. I was out cheering and the feeling even just watching it was incredible. I've followed this thread from the start and you've all made me determined to follow in your footsteps next year. Thoroughly enjoying reading the race reports so far.
Hope the aches and sore muscles have started to ease, but the warm glow hasn't started to fade yet
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Does this mean your taking us novices under your wing now that your a marathon runner and starting up the DCM Novices Thread 2018 ;)0 -
The race series isn't open for purchase is it? I wonder how that's going to work out whenever they put that deal together - they didn't start that till December last year if I remember correctly.
Did training for the marathon, and the marathon itself, meet your expectations? Why/why not?
Yes. I decided to follow H1N1 and advice in this thread was invaluable. My own ability to follow the plan however leaves a lot to be desired. Be in the weather, the daily burn that is commute, work related stress, other demands on your time with kids/family - I had a long list of reasons to skip runs. Looking back I don't see even one full week where I stuck to the plan. That shows it's not all work/commute/life - there was a bit of lazyness too. I also found it hard to run three days in a row - which is crucial to train your body to run on tired legs. This I think is one of the key points of the training that I lost out on, even if I did most of the LSR runs. I also fell in love with cycling as soon as I started the plan. I immensely enjoyed exploring scenic routes in the north and scored couple of 200k+ rides starting off with zero base. I have absolutely no regrets.
I treated the plan as a guide and made sure to listen to my body - which I think was absolutely the right thing to do - but on the flip-side I should have tried harder. I have no illusions - mental limitations are as real any other limitations - I just will have to work with what I have and improve. On the plus side, I have plenty of room to improve
If you could do anything differently in relation to your training or your race, what would it be?
As above, be more disciplined and work harder. Keep the main thing the main thing, and stay happy like I am with the current results!
Any future plans in relation to running?
During this training, I met my 5k target of 25 minutes and 10k target of 55 minutes. Finishing a half and even a full was also targets for 2017 at the top of the year and I have done it all. Super thrilled.
New targets: 5k under 23 minutes. 10k under 50 minutes. Half marathon under 2 hours. And marathon under 4h 30m. And cycle a bazillion miles in between... when I am not motorcycling that is.0 -
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Sorry for the lateness - I must be the last! But here goes:
Race Report.
I finally signed up for DCM at the 11th hour at the end of June. My older brother had done the previous 2, and I'd gone in to cheer him last year and the atmosphere was just incredible. I think that was the day the first seeds were planted. A friend had done 2016 as his first and he also continued the gentle prodding throughout the year. Then my little brother seemed to be getting in a bit of running and the suspicions that DCM might also be on his mind started! Up until last summer I hadn't really done much more that the odd 5k, usually on a treadmill when away for work, and usually to shake off the jet lag, and, yeah, maybe the results of the excesses of the night before. I also got a bit of a kick in the ass last year in the form of a few crappy blood results - not awful, but enough to make me think - Ok, time to take control here. So I started running a bit more, outside too, despite my purple running face, and cut back on the excesses. And it felt pretty good. So when DCM 2016 came along, i suppose I was primed I did the Raheny 5 in January - my first race since I was in school, which was quite a long time ago! Next up was the Ballycotton 10 and I was into unknown territory. I had no idea and was delighted to finish that in 1:25:xx. But in the process I injured my knee and ended up having to hang up my runners for 2 months, with a very gradual return to play program after that. So by the time I got back up to speed, I really felt I'd missed the boat. I'd planned to have run a HM and had a really good base for DCM and combined that with the warning that my knee injury may recur and would then need surgery, I really though that the planets weren't to align this time. But when the Facebook notifications and the posts on this thread, and the texts from my brother keep warning me that DCM 17 was about to sell out, I decided to bite the bullet anyway - if it wasn't this year, it might never be, so go for it!
Pre Race:
Taper went fine, although I keep expecting to feel reinvigorated and full of energy for the task at hand. Instead, the short runs felt as hard as any of the long ones and I did begin to doubt myself. Trust The Plan they said.... By wednesday I had a blotchy scratchy throat, and had convinced myself that a bout of strep throat was on the way. But I was away from home so made do with gargling whiskey. It seemed to work and by saturday there was just a slight head cold and a bit of pressure in my sinuses. Nothing that was going to stop me. Saturday night was possibly the worst nights sleep I've ever had. I wasn't stressing over the race, or my mind wasn't racing, sleep would just not come. So I lay there reminding myself that AMK (i think) had said its not sleep but rest you need, and I was resting, and amazingly I was perfectly calm at the idea of running 26.2 miles on what turned out to be about 2 hours of sleep!
Sunday morning was really as perfect as you could hope for. Beautiful morning in Dublin, and the bag drop and waves etc were brilliantly organised. I met with my brothers and 2 friends for the pre race formalities, all dressed like hobos in our throw away clothes, exchanged a bit of nerve quelling banter, then friend No 1 headed off to wave 1 and the 4 of us continued to the portaloo queue in wave 2. Just before the official start time, the three lads headed up to hang with the 3:40 pacers and there I was, all alone with 20,000 others.
My plan was based off the pace plan on findmymarathon.com - with an even effort which takes into account the elevation profile of Dublin, and I'd inputted a slightly conservative start. I really wanted to go sub 4, I really felt I had it in me if I had a Goldilocks day, but I knew that my training and base could have been better, and I was worried about overcooking it early and ending up in a heap of misery. I figured that if I didn't feel good when the plan asked me to increase pace, I could just keep the easy early pace and still come home in a time Id be happy with, and enjoy the day. I'd simplified the plan thought - it all looked a bit complicated, so i grabbed a band at the expo and wrote on the back of it: pace to 7 miles, 13.1miles, 22 miles and finish, and the crossing times at 7, 13.1 and 22. That was it. That was my plan. I hung at the back of wave 2, used the portaloo again, did a few dynamic stretches, ditched the warm clothes and got ready to go, still feeling a little bemused that here I was about to run a marathon!
Miles 1-7
Over the start line, started my watch and just settled into a nice easy pace. No weaving in and out, I expected carnage at the first corner into lesson street so I stayed wide there and promised myself I could keep the racing line for the rest of it:D. I spent the first few miles just soaking it all up - the atmosphere, the crowds, the other runners - it was almost a surreal feeling. I remember turning onto Patrick street (I think) and seeing the road rising infront of me, filled with thousands and thousands of runners. I was filled with a mix of awe (the runners) and trepidation (the hill - is that supposed to be there??). Over the bridge into DNS, I was expecting to see my husband around the Aughrim Street, so I moved over to the right side of the pack and had my eyes peeled. The peeling continued along the NCR and I finally gave up all hope by the time I got to the PP. He'd planned to take his bike and see me there and then catch me at a few more points around the city, so I wasnt too worried - I'd catch him again. I was keeping an eye on the watch - I was looking to average 9:20/m pace for the first 7 miles, so as each mile ticked over I'd look and see: "9:15 - thats 5 seconds up, 9:02, 23 seconds up now, 9:23, thats ok, there was a hill there, still 20 seconds up", and so it continued. Into the PP park then, I'd run this part of the course in training so was comfortable enough with what to expect and tried to tuck in behind some big fellas when we turned onto Chesterfield Avenue as I was expecting the forecast NW wind. I made the mistake of following the big fellas over the cobblestone roundabout at the PP monument - note to self - running on cobbles is not comfortable! Into Castleknock and I knew to expect that the support would be immense here, but no amount of telling can prepare you - Wow - goosebumps central, hairs standing on the back of my neck, and I actually felt shivers - after 7 miles running! After turing the corner at Myos, and up the hill I was at 7 miles, the highest point of the course and time decide about pace. Well I felt great! So on to 'A' goal and up the pace to 9:00/m average for the next 6 miles.
Miles 8-13.1
Down the hill then, feeling good and just letting my legs turn over, It was no effort to increase the pace here and the next few miles were all seconds for me to add to the cache, and I remember being about a minute up when I noticed the first official mile marker (I just hadn't seen any up to here) - which coincided with that mile + .1 on my watch! So a quick bit of mental arithmetic and I knew I was still ok, but begrudgingly gave most of my minute back! Every marker after that I was careful to check that my watch was still showing just 0.1 mile over, and so I was confident that my planned paces would keep me right. The second loop into the park was just spectacular in all its Autumn splendour. Turned out my husband was waiting at the Chapelizod gates - the sun in my eyes left me no chance of seeing him, and he completely missed me, so on I ran, and on he cycled!
Into unknown territory now for me, the two hills under the underpasses were a bit unexpected, but with my 'even effort, average pacing' strategy, I just slowed up and took it easy going up them. I finally heard my husband shouting at me at the corner in Kilmainham and I was just passed him on the other side of the road when I picked him out in the crowd and gave him a big grin and a wave. Before I knew it I was at the half way mark and feeling great 1:59:35 - thats 40 seconds up for me - Ooh Rah!
Half - mile 22
Half way was also the cue for my next pace target - ease off to 9:10/m now until mile 22. I knew Crumlin road was a bit of a drag, but it was fine, I felt good and the crowds there made it easy. The jellies and other offers of refreshments were several deep at points here and the miles flew by. I remember around 16 miles feeling the slightest feeling of panic when I realised that it was getting a little bit hard. Then I had a bit of a talking to myself - it's a marathon ffs, it's supposed to be hard! I reminded myself that it was just a Ballycotton to go, and luckily my psyche blocked the fact that i ended up on crutches after that one...... So on I went, holding the pace easily enough and feeling that I really could maybe do this! Before I knew it we were facing up to Heartbreak Hill, again I slowed the pace a bit and went for it. About half way up the DJ called out my name, so that gave me a boost, and I punched the air and powered on. I knew once I got to the top it was downhill from there, and psychologically I was on the home straight.
Mile 23 - The Finish Line
Having conquered HH, an upping of pace was called for again -9:00/m to the finish which seemed doable and I got a bit of a surprise when I turned onto the Stillorgan road and got a face full of head wind! The field had thinned out a bit and big fellas were in short supply, but I found a series of them, (Yep, I was really overtaking here). Got a great lift from the fire brigade lads at the bottom of the UCD flyover and was almost at it when I noticed the mast at RTE - I knew then that we were turning into Nutley Lane, and it would be more sheltered, and there really were no more hills. A quick look at my watch and calculation told me that so long as i didn't F this U now, I would get my sub 4! Turning onto Merrion Road I was feeling great and almost giddy with excitement, and while I was tempted to 'empty the tank', I resisted, afraid that the wall would catch me and I would just run out with a mile to go. So I kept my pace steady until I could almost see the finish and enjoyed every second of the last run to the line. My sister in law was screaming at me and I waved over at her as she somehow managed to separate two small children while simultaneously waving at me (still fighting over the jelly babies - the irony - the one day of the year when the streets of Dublin are literally covered in jellies) . Two other sisters in law were also screaming, but I missed them over the noise of the most amazing crowd of supporters, and it really did feel like each one was rooting for me. I crossed the line, arms in the air, big grin on my face feeling fantastic. I'd got my Goldilocks day, my A goal (3:58:32) and enjoyed every minute of it. I got my medal and asked the volunteer if I was too sweaty for a hug - no way she said and she duly obliged! Picked up my goodie bag and my finishers T shirt, which I am immensely proud of and am wondering how I can incorporate it into my daily wardrobe without being a complete pain in the arse! I wandered up towards the bag drop and met my friend for the first of many Sunday afternoon back patting sessions and then caught up with my brothers and other friend, and was delighted to see that they were all happy campers too. I wondered before if i'd ever do another - as my brother said "when you crossed the line did you swear you'd never do that again? No? Then you will!"
What a day. What a journey. I do feel I've gone on a bit here, so sorry for keeping you if you're still reading! A massive thanks to this group of strangers who have had each others backs for the last 6 months. To Wubble for taking the helm and guiding us to the finish line, and to his collaborators who have rowed in with some gems of knowledge that prepared us, calmed us down, stoked us up and generally got us to the line and around the course in the best possible shape. 3 days later and I'm still kind of floating. Wow. Just wow!0 -
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Whoa there! Someone robbed 10 seconds off me - table up dated to reflect superior finish time 3:58:32
Bib No.| Username | Target Time | 10k | hm | 30k | Actual Time
3012| skyblue46 | 03:54:59 | 56:41 | 1:57:10 | 2:44:39 | 3:47:20
xxx | quickbeam | 05:59:59 | xxx | xxx | xxx | 5:44:56
9240| candamir | 03:59:59 | 58:01 | 1:59:35 | 2:49:59 | 3:58:32
17824 | kellygirl | 04:29:59 | 1:05:19 | 2:13:58 | 3:08:14 | 4:20:05
12429 | Damo 2k9 | 03:59:59 | 57:10 | 1:59:21 | 2:49:14 | 3:57:57
13388 | Positron | 04:29:59 | 1:01:57 | 2:11:42 | 3:20:51 | 4:55:27
6501| Lazare | 03:58:xx | 59:58 | 2:00:31 | 2:49:02 | 3:58:08
xxx|Leesider| 04:59:59|
2629| clickerquicklic | 03:16:29 | 47.29 | 1.39.47 | 2:21:18 | 3:19:28
17523| stampydmonkey | 03:56:xx | tbc | tbc | tbc | 3:53.29
14189| RolandDeschain | 03:54:xx | 57:07 | 1:59:33 | 2:49:03 | 3:56:12
xxx| Yevon | 04:09:59 |
14503| BrownEyes79 | 04:20:xx | 1:01:36 | 2:09:45 | 3:04:32 | 4:25:40
19822|statina| 04:55:59| 1:05:44 | 2:21:27 | 3:27:05 | 4:59:21
13758|ariana| 04:39:xx| 1:08:10 | 2:21:56 | 3:19:10 | 4:37:06
18070|heebusjeebus| 04:20:00| 00:58:18 | 02:05:22 | 02:59:26 | 04:11:27
19946|henrietta| 04:35:00| 1:03:32 | 2:14:35 | 3:13:24 | 4:32:42
1073|Sheep1978| 03:29:59| 50:15 | 1:45:18 | 2:28:38 | 3:28:29
xxx|deisedude| 03:29:59|
4442|conti| 03:19:59| 46.04 | 1.34.49 | 2:15:16 | 3:16:20
xxx|drkpower| 03:40.00|
4801|Podgec10| 03:19:xx| 48:26 | 1:41:23 | 2:22:52 | 3:29:08
xxx|Battery Kinzie| 03:19:59|
9261|dos29| 03:40:00|53:43| 1:51:05| 2:37:27| 3:39:27
13386|Omeceron| 04:29:59| 1:03:36 | 2:14:46 | 3:19:11 | 4:48:41
xxx|nedsgarden| 04:40:00|
xxx|Thunderdog| 03:49:59|
8263|choons| 03:29:59| 53:24 | 1:49.23 | 2:35:29 | 3:49:29
9026|Halloween Jack| 03:59:59| 56:41 | 1:58:51 | 2:47:48 | 3:54:39
21169|muddypaws| 05:59:59| 1:15:10 | 2:52:23 | 4:13:30 | 6:01:32
14014|ted1| 04:29:58| 1:02:16 | 2:10:59 | 3:11:37 | 4:44:42
4967|Amirani| 03:44:59| 54:27 | 1:54:06 | 2:42:22 | 3:52:02
xxx|excitementcity| 04:29:59|
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El Caballo wrote: »It puts the experienced marathon runners tables in other threads to shame;) Wise heads on young shoulders:)
And wise heads on not so young shoulders!! 0 -
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- Did training for the marathon, and the marathon itself, meet your expectations? Why/why not?
The training was what i expected. I followed the novices thread a little bit last year and i had browsed training plans in the past so these gave me some insight. The long runs were tough, mentally as much as physically, but this i expected as i was training on my own. Sometimes fitting the runs around family/work was a challenge but i was amazed how there is nearly always a way to get it done when the stimulus is there. Having this group to account to was very motivational.
The marathon itself exceeded my expectations by a long mile. The buzz of it. It's 4 days later and i'm still buzzing
- If you could do anything differently in relation to your training or your race, what would it be?
The main thing is in hindsight i'd have done more some S&C and maybe i'd have avoided injury in the final weeks :rolleyes:. The taper was a write off, i spent it in Physio, any runs i did were to test the knee, in the end i ran out time to really test the knee and lined up after being given a 50/50 chance to finish. Not ideal really :cool:
However, my race couldn't have gone any better aside from losing the pace group in the first 2 miles :rolleyes: I got faster at each timing point, i never felt like dying stopping and i finished smiling, it was my dream 1st marathon.
- Any future plans in relation to running?
Yes build endurance and strength. I'd like to do 2 HMs in Spring/early Summer next year. I'll be targeting sub 2hr in these.
A possible other goal will be sub 50 min 10k but i think right now the focus will be on the longer distance(s) with a view to building a better base for a more aggressive marathon attempt in late 2018 (Dublin) or 2019.0 -
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Just caught up with the reports over the last few days. Great stuff, plenty of inspiration for 2018's novices. Moderator: Television, Psychology and Dublin County North.
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