DCM 2018 - Mentored Novice Thread

degzs

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k - 18:32 May 2018
10K - 40:24 last saturday in Kinvara
Not raced over 10k
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.
Running 5/10 k twice a week. Play 5 aside a football and yoga.
What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
3:20 dream time and realistic 3:40/3:35
How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
4 days of running and one day Yoya. Need to find a plan where I add distance up over the next few months as I have a good speed base
What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?
The distance and injury
Why are you running this marathon?
Wanted to do one the last 10 years and feel I am in good place now

Kellygirl

aloooof wrote: »

Jumping back into this thread with an update. I completed the Cork Half Marathon on Sunday in 2:00:59! New PB by 3 mins 30, so I'm delighted with that! Was hoping to get sub 2-hours, but it was very hot on the day, it wasn't to be. Thanks to all the mentor's advice leading up to this one! (And KellyGirl, hope the full went ok for you, felt like a tough day out there).

So now with that out of the way, I'm trying to decide fully on a marathon plan. Was originally thinking of doing the HHN2 plan, but I think now I might try the Boards Plan as I think I'd be able for it; I've a decent 5-6 months training under my belt now and I had Pace runs in my Half-Marathon plan as well, which I'd like to keep doing. I also think I'd like to be on the same plan as others on here for moral support when everyone is dreading a weekend 20 miler, say. Any advice welcome.

Ah that’s brilliant news. Congrats. You did really well on such a humid day. Hope you enjoyed the celebrations after. I found it tough too in the heat and had to drop my pace after 16 miles but got a course pb anyway. Will hopefully get a marathon pb in DCM with all of you.

You are definitely able for the Boards plan so go for it.

skyblue46

Dealerz2.0 wrote: »

Just checking in:

Had a really bad lsr on Saturday morning with local running group.

Started at 7am, plan by group was 10 miles, I only wanted to do 8 per my warm up plan to boards plan, but said feck it I’ll do 10 to be social, ended doing 11 and the pace was way too fast and believe it or not the heat was savage. All in all felt exhausted and sore since. Lesson learned is that I need to be a little more selfish from now to October and stick to my plan.

Anyways, alarm set for 6:10am for me “easy” 3 miles!

Now is the best time to learn the lesson rather than in 3 or 4 months time. I had a quick look at your Strava and you definitely need to slow the paces down to allow for distances to increase and a heavier workload. On the other hand having a long run of 11 miles done is a great place to start from.

skyblue46

degzs wrote: »

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k - 18:32 May 2018
10K - 40:24 last saturday in Kinvara
Not raced over 10k
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.
Running 5/10 k twice a week. Play 5 aside a football and yoga.
What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
3:20 dream time and realistic 3:40/3:35
How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
4 days of running and one day Yoya. Need to find a plan where I add distance up over the next few months as I have a good speed base
What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?
The distance and injury
Why are you running this marathon?
Wanted to do one the last 10 years and feel I am in good place now

Welcome! As you say the speed element is certainly in place, now all that's needed is a sensible build up in distance and endurance. Keep us posted on what plan you choose. Train well and there could easily be a fantastic marathon in you.

Dealerz2.0

skyblue46 wrote: »

Now is the best time to learn the lesson rather than in 3 or 4 months time. I had a quick look at your Strava and you definitely need to slow the paces down to allow for distances to increase and a heavier workload. On the other hand having a long run of 11 miles done is a great place to start from.

Thanks, appreciate the advice

Helenasca

So, stupidly when I clicked on the boards plan and it brought me into the excel spreadsheet I didn't realise there was different pages. D'oh. So whenever I've looked at it, it was actually the hal higdon plan and it seemed easy to understand and manageable
Now I've realised I've been looking at the wrong one and the boards one seems a bit scary. Is there a big difference in results achievable with each one. I'm hoping for a sub 4.30 but unsure if that's achievable on the hal higdon plan? Thoughts??

skyblue46

Helenasca wrote: »

So, stupidly when I clicked on the boards plan and it brought me into the excel spreadsheet I didn't realise there was different pages. D'oh. So whenever I've looked at it, it was actually the hal higdon plan and it seemed easy to understand and manageable
Now I've realised I've been looking at the wrong one and the boards one seems a bit scary. Is there a big difference in results achievable with each one. I'm hoping for a sub 4.30 but unsure if that's achievable on the hal higdon plan? Thoughts??

There is no reason why someone couldn't do 4:30 off the Hal Higdon plan. The boards plan would help someone capable of doing it to be stronger than on HH. But that's not really the important point. If anyone takes on a plan that is too advanced for them both in terms of paces and mileage it will do them more harm than good, leaving them fatigued and more susceptible to injury.

So the main question is whether you think you're capable of doing it without over stressing the body. I think if you ensure the easy days and recovery days are run at properly slow paces then there are only 2 tougher days a week...the pace run and the long run. Personally, based on your history, I think you should try it.

bucketybuck

Helenasca wrote: »

I'm hoping for a sub 4.30 but unsure if that's achievable on the hal higdon plan? Thoughts??

I did the Hal Higdon 1 plan in 2016. Goal time was 4.30, finished in 4.32, which included a few minutes stopped with family.

I was even being conservative with that goal time, will be going for 4 hours this time around, but there is certainly no reason why 4.30 isn't achievable on HH1.

Helenasca

bucketybuck wrote:

I did the Hal Higdon 1 plan in 2016. Goal time was 4.30, finished in 4.32, which included a few minutes stopped with family.

bucketybuck wrote:

I was even being conservative with that goal time, will be going for 4 hours this time around, but there is certainly no reason why 4.30 isn't achievable on HH1.

skyblue46 wrote:

So the main question is whether you think you're capable of doing it without over stressing the body. I think if you ensure the easy days and recovery days are run at properly slow paces then there are only 2 tougher days a week...the pace run and the long run. Personally, based on your history, I think you should try it.

Tks for that. I have never followed a plan before for a run, my half marathon training consisted of 2 mid week runs with my club and a lsr on a Friday. So the boards plan just seems like an awful lot and I'm afraid I'd begin to resent it and lose interest if I'm finding it too difficult to manage.

skyblue46

Helenasca wrote: »

Tks for that. I have never followed a plan before for a run, my half marathon training consisted of 2 mid week runs with my club and a lsr on a Friday. So the boards plan just seems like an awful lot and I'm afraid I'd begin to resent it and lose interest if I'm finding it too difficult to manage.

What do you mean by too difficult to manage? Your long runs are already ahead of the Boards plan. The easy days should be just that, easy. That basically leaves the pace runs and if you can't manage those then perhaps your target would be over optimistic. This is a marathon, nobody ever said it would be easy. :pac:

Trust the plan, embrace the challenge and it will be a very happy day in October.

racersedge

Like a few others, I have been watching this thread from the shadows. Figured it would be a good idea to nail my colours to the mast publican so that I can ensure I get encouragement and take on some experienced advice.

So, a little bit about before I answer the questions. I'm running since I decided to get out and go over Christmas of 2014. Started off working my way up to 5K and stuck at that. I was non-committal and wasn't helped by the long drive to work (then working full-time with kids - not exactly a role that saves energy) and on top of that, I went back to college part-time. I had weeks I'd get three runs in, weeks I got none. I wasn't until last year I really started to hit my stride. I just started signing up for races with my wife (who also runs). It was a great way to give me a reason to get out and to be prepared. I found it particularly useful in my final year just gone in college - that having races signed up made sure I gave my running adequate time.

So hear I am, standing at the bottom of a mountain I never thought I would be at. It might be the only one I ever decide to do, but I want to be able to say 'I did it'.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5K: 22:20 (April 2018)
10: 46:59 (March 2018)
Half-Marathon: 1:52:05 (March 2018)
*For the 5K and 10K, I'd tend to average out when pushing hard about 60 seconds slower. Those listed are my absolute bests to date.

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 have tried to keep up a schedule of getting out at least three times a week. I have had the juggle running with the long work commute, part-time study so it's only in the last few weeks that I now have flexibility in my schedule. I have upped a few recent weeks to four runs a week (been off for two weeks helped). Looking back on my stats since January, I have racked up over 100KM running in all bar one month.

I just run. I feel I would be best to incorporate some additional stuff to help out the body. Something simple, like an easy to do crossfit plan or something for the off-days to keep everything in check.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
First objective is to make it there without issue. Second objective is to finish it. I'd love to come in under four hours. I think that's possible and if I hit all the markers. So I plan to train to make that pace. However, I'm not stupid and will change that depending on how training goes.

How many days a week can you train?
I'm aiming to do four. Follow the plan. I think four is manageable. Three would be ideal but need to spread things out. For me the biggest thing is working it around the hour long commute to and from work.

And what plan do you intend to follow?
Can I say this was the hardest thing to decide? I was tempted to use the My Asics (now Runkeeper) training plan. Reason for that was I used it for the half marathon in Mullingar and it worked a treat. I liked it because it gave me target times to come in under. I prefer that than been told 'go easy/go hard' etc - I blame the sim-racer part of me for that!

However, I have ultimately stumped to play it safe and gone with the Hal Hidgon plan - specifically the Novice II one. Rationale for this is that there is a running group in my hometown that are using it. It makes sense to link in with them so I can have added company on the longer runs where I feel my sanity might be tested going solo. Hometown is only a quick spin, about 10 mins away so it gives me options. Four runs a week should be relatively simple to do. I've made some minor tweaks to the plan based off some of the races I've already signed up for to incorporate them into it.

What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?
The potential ramifications of an injury. I had an issue on the left side of the knee last year that stopped me running for about six weeks while the physio righted me. This year I have been trying to monitor the pains better. One slight niggle on my lower right heel that I am acutely aware of. I have taken the opportunity pre-official marathon training to have the physio look at it and ensure I'm taking the necessary steps to keep it right.

Why are you running this marathon?
Medal and the t-shirt, obviously! :pac::pac:

Joking aside, I never had any intention of running the marathon. Last year I was quite content to work my way up to 10K and just toddle along at that. However, I ran a half-marathon on short notice to pace my wife last November. After completing it, I just noticed the gaping hole in my records where I had recorded a time for everything but a full marathon. So I signed up when the DCM window opened. Haven't regretted the decision yet My wife might though by the end of it! Doing this was my way of ensuring I didn't something bat-crazy like sign up for a Masters or something!

whiskey_sour

skyblue46 wrote: »

I'm very interested in following all of your training over the next few months. So far I have only worked out who a few of you are on the Strava group. I'd love if you could PM me your names on Strava so I can complete the picture :-)

I've tried to join the strava group a week or so ago but don't think I've been accepted? Could my privacy settings be interfering I wonder?

Helenasca

skyblue46 wrote:

What do you mean by too difficult to manage? Your long runs are already ahead of the Boards plan. The easy days should be just that, easy. That basically leaves the pace runs and if you can't manage those then perhaps your target would be over optimistic. This is a marathon, nobody ever said it would be easy.

Maybe I'm not reading it right. Is it 3 easy runs, 1 pace and 1 LSR? And what about the other 2 days, they have rest/cross/recovery run, is it up to you depending what you feel up to or is it imperative that you do at least one of the those recovery runs. I think I'd struggle with 5 (or 6) days running a wk. Physically and mentally!

skyblue46

Helenasca wrote: »

Maybe I'm not reading it right. Is it 3 easy runs, 1 pace and 1 LSR? And what about the other 2 days, they have rest/cross/recovery run, is it up to you depending what you feel up to or is it imperative that you do at least one of the those recovery runs. I think I'd struggle with 5 (or 6) days running a wk. Physically and mentally!

Rest is rest, as in a day off It's not imperative to get out but I have an inkling that you might want to when the time comes.

skyblue46

whiskey_sour wrote: »

I've tried to join the strava group a week or so ago but don't think I've been accepted? Could my privacy settings be interfering I wonder?

Sent you a PM

Baby75

gypsylee wrote: »

I have not ran in two weeks due to holidays etc. so looking forward to getting out for a slow 10km run tomorrow. Will be consistent with my running from now til October and looking forward to starting the HH plan on the 26th of June.


Baby75 I think I remember from last year's novice thread (I was a big stalker!) that you gave details of an isotonic drink mixture. Can you let me know the quantities please as I would like to try it. Thanks.

Hope everyone's base training is going well.

How are you

I did indeed your memory serves you well and no problem at all
Isotonic drinks:
40 - 80 g of sugar
1 Litre of warm water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
splash of cordial (optional)

or another option which we have tried and tested many time's
500ml orange/apple juice
500ml water
1/4 teaspoon of salt


hope that helps

bucketybuck

I have a habit of drinking a pint of water+cordial after a run, is that actually any use for replenishing salts etc or is it basically just flavoured water?

Kellygirl

bucketybuck wrote: »

I have a habit of drinking a pint of water+cordial after a run, is that actually any use for replenishing salts etc or is it basically just flavoured water?

I would think it’s just flavoured water. I only worry about replenishing salts after my longer runs really and just use zero tablets for that. Baby75’s drink would be great too.

whiskey_sour

I had my first marathon nightmare last night....dreamt that I'd miscalculated my dates and all of a sudden the marathon was here and my longest lsr was 11miles . Will have to double and triple check my schedule today to give myself some peace of mind :P

ariana`

whiskey_sour wrote: »

I had my first marathon nightmare last night....dreamt that I'd miscalculated my dates and all of a sudden the marathon was here and my longest lsr was 11miles . Will have to double and triple check my schedule today to give myself some peace of mind :P

:pac::pac::pac::pac:

Kellygirl

whiskey_sour wrote: »

I had my first marathon nightmare last night....dreamt that I'd miscalculated my dates and all of a sudden the marathon was here and my longest lsr was 11miles . Will have to double and triple check my schedule today to give myself some peace of mind :P

This is probably the first of many and wait until the week of the marathon!!

Baby75

Kellygirl wrote: »

This is probably the first of many and wait until the week of the marathon!!

yep then you have taper madness

coogy

Hey folks,

sorry if I am revisiting old ground here but I constantly have concerns about the amount of distance I am covering in the run-up to my training schedule.

Since November, the furthest distance I have run is 11 miles, which was about two weeks ago. Suffered a bit of a set back with shin splints so am back up to about 6/7 miles and plan to do a 10 mile run at the weekend.

Ideally, I would have liked to have been up to the 13 mile mark at this stage, especially as I will be doing the half marathon in September. I'd like it to be relatively used to that distance by then.

Right now, I'm still getting out for four runs a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (park run) and Sunday (long run)

The closer October gets, the more excited/nervous I'm becoming!!!!

I think there's a question in there somewhere.......:D

skyblue46

coogy wrote: »

Hey folks,

sorry if I am revisiting old ground here but I constantly have concerns about the amount of distance I am covering in the run-up to my training schedule.

Since November, the furthest distance I have run is 11 miles, which was about two weeks ago. Suffered a bit of a set back with shin splints so am back up to about 6/7 miles and plan to do a 10 mile run at the weekend.

Ideally, I would have liked to have been up to the 13 mile mark at this stage, especially as I will be doing the half marathon in September. I'd like it to be relatively used to that distance by then.

Right now, I'm still getting out for four runs a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (park run) and Sunday (long run)

The closer October gets, the more excited/nervous I'm becoming!!!!

I think there's a question in there somewhere.......:D

Haha, not sure what the question is but you're doing grand! That's about where I was at this time last year. Relax and enjoy the journey. Keep the pace down as you up the distance.

bucketybuck

coogy wrote: »

Right now, I'm still getting out for four runs a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (park run) and Sunday (long run)

Thats 5 runs? Are you doing 4 days in a row?

coogy

bucketybuck wrote: »

Thats 5 runs? Are you doing 4 days in a row?

Oops! Yeah, you're right but I would consider the parkrun an easy going workout.

Now that I have a sub 20 under my belt, I tend to take it a lot easier than I used to!

skyblue46

coogy wrote: »

Oops! Yeah, you're right but I would consider the parkrun an easy going workout.

Now that I have a sub 20 under my belt, I tend to take it a lot easier than I used to!

Just followed you on Strava. Try slowing down those runs a bit for now. You're fast. You might well do a fantastic marathon. But very soon you'll have a decision to make. Training fast and risk injury to do the best time possible or train slower, practically guarantee completing DCM in a slower time and come back a year later to improve your time.

coogy

skyblue46 wrote: »

Just followed you on Strava. Try slowing down those runs a bit for now. You're fast. You might well do a fantastic marathon. But very soon you'll have a decision to make. Training fast and risk injury to do the best time possible or train slower, practically guarantee completing DCM in a slower time and come back a year later to improve your time.

You think I need to go easier on the pace?

I honestly thought I was at a reasonable, steady pace but if you think I could slow it down a bit more then I'm all for it. Have been enjoying my longer runs at a slower pace a lot more too!

skyblue46

coogy wrote: »

You think I need to go easier on the pace?

I honestly thought I was at a reasonable, steady pace but if you think I could slow it down a bit more then I'm all for it. Have been enjoying my longer runs at a slower pace a lot more too!

Yes you are at a steady pace but some runs should be easy, really easy. You should nearly be embarrassed if a friend sees you running so slow. I'd expect as the race series goes by your training paces will increase, probably quite significantly. For now use really slow to help build endurance for the increased mileage ahead.

Dealerz2.0

Does anyone else find it hard to slow the pace down, anyone??? I am!