2024 DCM Mentored Novices Thread

Mantis Toboggan

Out for a short run tonight in 16 degrees, what is going on?? Still looking dry for next week 🤞

mossiepark

I feel like it's an age since I posted on here but have been checking in and would add to the view that I really can't believe the marathon is now less than 2 weeks away. My calf injury appears to be improving but I'm nervous that it may creep back. After delaying my last long run I got out what should have been a 32k last Monday week. About 6k in I realised it wasn't great and by 16km I was hurting. I pushed on (probably not a good idea) and made it to 24km before calling it a day and getting a bleeper bike home. It was frustrating because apart from the tightness in my calf I felt really strong. I stayed off it most of last week and got physio which had helped alot. I got out for a 5k on Saturday, and a 12km run Sunday.

Much more improved this week so back on track or at least back to the taper. I felt good on my run today but it's funny how the mind works..…little niggles everywhere that I'm convinced is the mind playing tricks on me. I've more physio booked this week but ultimate aim now is to get to the start (and finish) line injury free!

comanche_cor

Last week was pretty unremarkable. I got through all the runs. I did not do any interval / tempo runs from my plan as I am still feeling my way through my injury. I did do some of my runs at a slightly higher than-easy pace and my long run as a progression to marathon pace as part of feeling out my injury.

The taper is gas - feeling twinges and niggles that are nothing. Also legs and aerobic systems feeling out of sync - i.e. lungs and heart saying 'lets go' and legs are a bit more 'meh, can we just go back to bed' :)

This weeks plan

Plan | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thru | Fri | Sat | Sun
Runna (Modified) | S&S | 9K (easy) | S&C, Yoga | 10k Tempo | Rest | 9K Easy | 13 K Easy

Injury is feeling better so will possibly do 10k tempo and I may cut the 9K on Sat down to a Park Run at easy.

My S&C seems to be working for me in helping injury, so will probably fit another session in on Friday / Sat. Massage booked in for Friday.

rosenallis

For someone who has never got a massage before, is it worthwhile?

All sessions going to plan, but still feel very leggy on a 6M run today. Have 1 tempo, 1 3M, 1 8M this week. Wouldn't mind just stopping now completly and resting up for the big day.

mossiepark

They are a game changer. You won't regret it

SimpleDimple

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122726505#Comment_122726505

Definitely recommend a massage!

Trampas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122726505#Comment_122726505

Depending on location you could struggle to get an appointment as lots will be booked well in an advance at this time of the year

Sunny Dayz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122726505#Comment_122726505

If you can get one in the coming days it would be good. You might feel a bit sore for a day or 2 after. Might be difficult getting an appointment though - my usual lad was booked out when I went to make an appointment.

Sunny Dayz

Midweek check in - how are we all doing? How is the taper going? I hope everyone is taking it easy. You might find as you are taking it easier and resting more that your legs might feel a bit fresher. While this is what the taper is for - just make sure that you keep an eye on your paces - it's easy for them to creep up a bit quicker as the legs freshen up. But keep those paces in check - you want those legs to be fresh on race day. You won't gain anything by throwing in a speed session at this stage.

Take the next few days or the coming weekend to get yourselves organised. Lay out your full race outfit from head to toe, inside and out - make sure it's clean, it's been tried and tested. If you're going to wear a hat, your running belt, the pins for your race number. You have your drinks bottle if carrying one and enough gels or fuel. Don't leave it to the day before and a panic trying to find the specific gels you use. Organise your change of clothes for after - whether you use the bag drop, have family carry it or just leave it in the car. Figure out if you need a layer or two before the race - an old hoody, beanie hat and gloves should suffice and you can leave them at the barriers in the starting pen as they are collected for charity.

Organise what time you need to be at the start for and how you are going to get there. The wave starts are Wave 1 - 8:45 2 - 9:05; 3 - 9:25; 4 - 9:45. Bag drops are as follows: Wave 1 - 7;15-8:00; 2 - 7:35-8:20; 3 -7:55-8:40; 4 - 8:05-9:00. Allow about 15mins walk to start zone and more time for a pre-race toilet visit. I know some public transport - I think the Dart - are affected by works so do double check. If you are driving Q Park give a discount for the marathon but book in advance. Lastly - don't forget to arrange when you will pick up your all important race number! Collection in the RDS on the Fri 12-7 and Sat 9-6.

If you can get yourself all organised this week - you can relax next week and avoid stress before race day.

TheRef

I posted a variation of this last year, and hopefully folks will find it helpful again this year…

Some of the things I learned from running Dublin/marathons in absolutely no order:

• Realise that whatever time you cross that finish line, you will get a PB. Congrats!
• Enjoying the day lives longer than the finishing time.
• Start conservative and so what if you come in 10/15 mins behind your target? You’ve done something no one else can ever take away from you. Be proud whatever happens.
• An enjoyable day will be better encouragement to continue your marathon journey.
• Marathons are really hard. Training for one is much harder. 
• Mental strength is as important as physical strength over the last 10k.
• It is really important to get to the start line as fresh as possible. Better to be undercooked than overcooked.
• Carb loading is important but don’t overdo it.
• Assume you won’t get a great night’s sleep the night before the marathon.
• Don’t assume the pacers will run even splits and make sure to run your own race.
• Wear something warm that you can discard at the start. If cold, even an old pair of football socks could act as a warm pair of disposable gloves.
• The first set of toilets always have the largest queues.
• Double tie laces.
• Bring items: Shoes, socks, shorts, running belt, top, gels, number, pins, small bottle of water to sip on at start. Clothes to keep warm but throw away later. Anti chafe (vaseline and/or bodyglide), nipple protectors, tissues (just in case of need for toilets before start). Salt tabs, clear bag got at expo. Warm hat, jacket, gloves if a cold day. Change of clothes for after. Getting into something dry is so nice.
• Possible other items: Disposable poncho.
• Make sure you have everything you need a week before the race.
• Get everything ready a few days in advance.
• If wearing earphones, please make sure you can hear others, particularly over the first 10k. 
• If you wear airpods or similar and drop one, don’t just suddenly stop. Realise that there are people behind you. Someone will likely pick it up for you.
• Everyone wants you to do well, so if you have any problems, forgot something, or just have a question, ask someone around you. Everyone will be buzzing with excitement. That goes for as much in the race as it does before it. 
• It’s better to get into the starting pen too early than too late.
• Be disciplined at the start - know your pace and stick to it. Watch as hoards of people run by you over the first km and smile to yourself knowing you will be passing many of them out later in the race. 
• It is much more fun to be passing people than being passed.
• If you do get caught up in the excitement and go out too fast, seriously consider giving the time back. You can’t bank time in a marathon.
• Relax arms & shoulders every few km and take some deep breaths to relax. Deep chest and belly breathes - might help avoid stitches. 
• Every 5km, do a “body-check”. Start at the top of the head and ask yourself how are you feeling there, work your way down your body, checking shoulders, arms, hands, chest, stomach, hips, glutes, quads, knees, shins, ankles, feet. If there are any problems, ask yourself what you can do to mitigate them.
• You might miss the first water station. Don’t worry if you do, you probably didn’t need it anyway.
• If stones in your shoes, or socks aren’t right, fix them straight away. The stone won’t work its way back out.
• The early stages can be deceiving. What may seem easy in the first half will be a lot more difficult in the second. You will feel good on Chesterfield Ave, less so on Crumlin road, and probably not great on Clonskeagh road. Don’t worry - everyone around you probably feels the same (except for those lads who run around carrying speakers while chatting with their mates like it's a stroll in the park. #Jealous).
• After 10k, ideally you want to be questioning if you are going too easy. You’re almost certainly not.
• The halfway mark is not 13.1 miles but 20 miles.
• Watch out for other runners who will do stupid things. I was nearly taken out of it after 2km when someone decided to run across me to hug his family. Later on, some runners may slow to a walk in the middle of the road without consideration for what is behind them. But remember, most people are not thinking straight. Also remember, you could be one of those runners who do stupid things (I once accidentally dropped a water bottle in the middle of a pack of runners).
• Thank those who turn up to cheer you on. Without them Dublin would not be what it is.
• Be careful taking jellies or fruit from spectators. While they mean well, if you are not used to eating jellies when running, the marathon isn’t the time to try it.
• Refuel before you feel the need. Drink water before you feel the need. You should know from training how much water and gels you need.
• Don’t litter. Put gel packets into pockets till next bin.
• Do go slightly slower on the uphills and slightly quicker on the downhills.
• When running up Crumlin road, if there is a headwind, run behind someone/a group to make it a little easier. Let them do the hard work.
• Roebuck road (heartbreak hill) is a really short hill. It’s as much a marketing gimmick so don’t fear it. Just be aware as you approach that while it bends around out of view, what you see is all there is. Go for it. 
• Everyone can do with encouragement over the last 5k. Encourage others.
• The Purple Mile is brilliant. Believe that everyone is there cheering for only you. 
• Arms up as you cross the finish line like you’ve just broke the world record. 
• Smile for the finish line and pictures.
• Don’t be surprised if your lips turn blue at the end as your body will be diverting blood to the muscles.
• If meeting someone at the end, let them know it may take a while to get to them as your legs may not want to work.
• At the end, eat the banana & drink the drinks. 
• Keep moving as much as possible for the rest of the day. 
• Park on Clyde road or surrounding areas if collecting your number on the Saturday. It's free and generally plentiful.
• Take your time at the Expo - there are some intesting things to see/buy. Defo look at the pictures of previous years.
• Wear your medal for the rest of the day/week.
• Importantly, make sure you wear the medal on the outside of any top after the race so everyone knows you ran. They'll know anyway because of your funny walk, but still, just to be sure.
• Buy a display case for your medal and hang it proudly in your home.
• Decide on your next marathon.

CassieManson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122728344#Comment_122728344

That's fantastic makes me feel really excited!

nullObjects

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122728344#Comment_122728344

I actually had this bookmarked from last years thread too I found it so useful to read, thanks a lot for taking the time to write it up

T-Bird

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122728344#Comment_122728344

The disposable poncho was very apt for last year and came in very handy waiting for the start whilst it down poured. Most of the newsagents have them for sale around there if needed.

rosenallis

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122728344#Comment_122728344

No backing out now really is there?! Thanks for putting this together

Sunny Dayz

https://runrepublic.com/news/the-home-stretch-common-mistakes-to-avoid-10-days-before-dublin?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1fcnCVOaJzt2bqLZSRwBsSH-Wub0609hJyP4FD-OTzT0d9x40uSTUXt18_aem_aI9MdcVJO2d5YZF6QzB56Q ..

slingerz

I’m still sick and on antibiotics but I’m still thinking of going to do it. Will leave it till late to admit defear

solidasarock

Been having some niggling pain on my right leg and foot the last week so I have lowed my intensity and hoping things heal up before the big day.

Feels much better then it did earlier in the week but I hate late game injuries so much. Felt great all training block.

Whatdoyoumean

Looking for advice (if not some reassurance!) about the taper phase.

This is my first time marathon training and I have found my last two short runs incredibly hard. The legs are feeling heavy and seized up and I feel generally tired. I mean, it’s not surprising given what I’ve put my body through over the last few months. Still, it’s hard to process feeling like that when doing distances I can normally run no bother. I know there can be off days too…

I guess the question is, is this normal? Is my body telling me to rest more or do I persevere through more of these short runs until the big day? I was hoping to do 12k today but am two minds about it, as the legs are feeling sore after 6k yesterday. My heart wants to run, but the heads telling me to rest. I’m not sure of any impact of missing a run at this stage given we are so close.

I’m trusting everything come together next week, but the doubt is setting in big time. Starting to question everything because of how I feel. I guess this is the taper self doubt I’ve read about!!

SuspectZero

It's completely normal WhatdoYouMean. When you start to cut down your mileage in the taper, your muscles start to store up glycogen(fuel) because you aren't depleting it like you used to with tons of running before the taper so the legs can feel superheavy. Contrary to what you would think, cutting back even more will just increase that feeling because your muscles will be holding even more glycogen.

It's a good thing though, you will need those fuel stores packed up on raceday to run your best race. You've the hard work done, trust in the training and the taper and keep going as is planned, make sure to keep those runs nice and easy.

I personally like to throw in a few warm up strides when my legs feel heavy, it gets your central nervous system primed and helps with your leg turnover. Something like 4-5x50m @90% of full sprint, taking a few minutes between each one. Maybe once a week.

You're in a good spot, no need to worry

Mantis Toboggan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122704126#Comment_122704126

Any reason why you're going flat out a week beforehand? 😬

marathon2022

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122741154#Comment_122741154

I didn't get the all clear to put big sessions in till September, too late for Dublin. Only testing the water now. Just been enjoying the grind really . Very jealous of all you guys at the tailend if a block .

gabbo is coming

I've one of those water back packs. Didn't use it in half marathon but have used it for all the long runs. Kind of missed it in half, prefer to be able to get water when I want it

What would be advice on carrying that extra weight versus the familiarity benefit

Trampas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122742305#Comment_122742305

Don’t rely on people to hand you stuff. Nice if they do but always a risk. They arrive late to parking issues or public transport. Not in exact spot you said them to be. You miss them. Wrong side of road.

TheRef

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122742305#Comment_122742305

Its a personal preference. Plenty of people wear them in the marathon. There's no right or wrong answer. You know yourself the difference between running with and without one so definitely do whatever you prefer.

I wore one at Connemarathon this year and had no regrets.

Sunny Dayz

WEEK 18 - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN   

I honestly can’t believe that we are onto our last week of Dublin marathon training! The last 17 weeks have flown by! Imagine this time next week it’ll all be over and you’ll now know what all the fuss is about! 

Your final week of your training plan is as follows: 

Plan|Monday|Tuesday|Wednesday|Thursday|Friday|Saturday|Sunday 

HHN1|rest|3m easy|4m easy|2m easy|rest|rest|DCM 2024! 

Boards|rest, cross or 2m rec|2m easy|1m easy, 3m pace, 1m easy|3m easy|rest|2m easy|DCM 2024! 

Please please please keep the paces super easy or recovery pace. You just want to shake out the legs, keep the blood flowing. Chasing miles or upping the pace is of no benefit to you come race day. Really do keep an eye on those paces, while the legs are resting and recovering and feeling fresher – it's easy for the pace to start creeping up – I was really trying to dial back the pace at parkrun yesterday. If you're worried about a niggle then rest.  

If you're injured, it's simple. Don't run. If you're very sick, don't run. If you're just a little bit sick or you wake up with a cold that morning, then readjust your goal a bit but you should be fine. 

It would be really great if all novices could check in with us on the thread. How are you feeling? How are you set for race day? Have you any questions, concerns, musings? Use this week to look back over your training to remind yourself of everything you've accomplished, of the hard work that you have put in and to reassure yourself that you are as ready as you can be. The very best of luck this week 

Sunny Dayz

I'm going to borrow this tried and tested checklist as prepared by @ariana` a few years ago. If you can get yourself organised in the earlier part of the week to avoid any last minute panic: 

- Race outfit is clean and ready to go 

- Any additional race kit - waist belt, sun visor, sunglasses etc. 

- Body glide if you use it 

- Throw away clothes to keep warm beforehand 

- Race fuel & hydration 

- Evening before meal (you may need to book a restaurant if you're staying in Dublin over-night?) 

- Pre-race breakfast (if you're staying in a hotel you may want to check if they provide breakfast or bring your own - porridge pots are very handy for this) 

- Pre-race snack (something to eat in the half hour before you start) 

- Book bus/train if you're using it to get to Dublin on Saturday 

- Check and double check public transport times if you're using it 

- Cut your toe nails on Tuesday! 

- Pin down arrangements for your supporters to see you on the course 

Sunny Dayz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122742305#Comment_122742305

if it’s something that you’ve already trained with and find it works for you then there should be no problem should you decide to use it on the day. I’ve just checked the FAQs and they are allowed in the race.
If having access to water when you want it meaning one less thing to worry about.

sugarman20

Sorry if this was covered already but what time should we be there at? According the instructions we should be there for 8am, is that correct?

SimpleDimple

How are you feeling?
I probably echo a few others here in that my legs are feeling heavy. It’s reassuring to see that it’s likely glycogen being stored and all part of the taper process.
I’m tired from the long training block, but headed out for the boards plan 8 mile yesterday and felt completely fine once I warmed up.

How are you set for race day?
I’m rearing to go! Have a sports message tonight and parking booked for the day. I know it’s going to be tough, very tough, but I am confident I’ll make it around.

Have you any questions, concerns, musings?

My main concern is how to get breakfast on the day. Normally I have a bagel and jam, then head out an hour after, but since I’ll have to leave probably 2 hours or more before the wave starts it’s just a matter of figuring out when to have food on the morning.
One other thing for me is I’m still in two minds on what time to aim for / pace for on the day. I don’t want to over egg it but at the same time I suppose I don’t want to feel like I left too much in the tank, although it’ll probably be a better feeling to end the race not completely wiped.
Apart from that I’m on weather watch now, seems like it could be a pleasant enough day for it, light drizzle to cool us down but not windy from the forecast I checked anyway

nullObjects

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122742305#Comment_122742305

I'll be using one of those vests as well but I actually just use it to pop my phone and gels in the side pockets and grabbing water on the route. For whatever reason when I wore a belt around my waist it was never comfortable.

Just a heads up in case it's better but some of the stations have water bottles (every second one or so) so if the weight of it was an issue you could grab a bottle on route to pop in the pocket or refill as you go