2024 DCM Mentored Novices Thread

witnessmenow

I will also be wearing mine, but I possibly won't use them, but I'd like the option. I'd say do whatever you feel comfortable doing.

I often need to distract myself to focus, as little sense as that makes. Even in work I need to be listening to music or every little thing distracts me. The crowds are great but sometimes you just need something more constant.

Mine are bone conductive so you can hear basically everything around you anyways. I have worn them for basically every run I have done this year, including races, but I'm pretty sure I haven't used them in any races.

crisco10

My last, and first, DCM I carried my headphones around in my pocket the whole way. Wanted to have them "just in case"….didn't even occur to me to use them on the day. The only quiet section was out around the back of Terenure College, and a bit of Orwell Rd.

DBB

For people wearing them but not listening to anything so that you can chat with others or engage the silliness going on around you, just bear in mind that if your fellow runners see you wearing headphones/earphones, they're unlikely to try to engage with you! Maybe that's a good thing for some 😁 but if chattin' is the reason you're not listening to anything, you may be defeating the purpose by wearing them!

It seems to me that sticking them safely in a pocket, belt or whatever for when you feel you need them seems the best compromise. Just don't fumble and drop them when the glycogen is running low 😬

slingerz

the fear is real. Like really real.

i have a mental battle that I won’t make it around, even watching the route video on socials I was like that’s a fierce long video I’ll never manage that

nullObjects

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122755850#Comment_122755850

Think most of us are feeling the same

We'll be grand once we get going, be no stopping us

TheRef

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122755850#Comment_122755850

Two words: Terry Fox

https://youtu.be/f1QOtPDAAeY?si=eU15rG_5uUSYT3RU

comanche_cor

Another podcast here on the DCM build up, starts off with the fears and nerves!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5PCwiS4B6xYG8zs0wbZNWE?si=0f7e17974bc44f67

This is from the 'Any Given Runday' podcast.

ILikeBoats

I'm having a bit of "maranoia".

I only did a 3 run per week plan, so while my combined mileage is probably less than most, I hit all my long run milestones (delighted about that) but unfortunately, hurt my foot on the last one about 3 weeks ago. I've battled through only 2 runs since then. So definitely feeling underprepared even though the hay may be in the barn. I've done a lot on the bike turbo in place of the runs but it's not the same return I feel. So I'm just in a strange place.

On top of that, I got the virus of the week from the creche towards the end of last week, so had a lousy weekend. Only feel strong again today. Motivation is back and kind of looking forward to Sunday despite the health and body challenges.

Foot is much better this week so going to go for a wee jog today and that'll be that.

TheRef

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122757032#Comment_122757032

So, what I'm hearing is you are feeling strong today, you're motivated, and your foot is much better.

Well, that's better than many people going into Sunday 😉

Have you decided on your race pace and feel comfortable with that?

ILikeBoats

Haha one way to look at it.

I'm not going to make any changes to my pace, it was slow anyway and will hopefully be manageable 🍀

gabbo is coming

Got a blister on my foot and quite a bit if pain now, fingers and toes crossed

ILikeBoats

Final little jog went well. Feeling much better about Sunday now!

Sunny Dayz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122756931#Comment_122756931

listened to some of it in the way to work this morning, will listen to the rest on the way home. I remember their one from last year being really good. And The Runners Diary podcast from last year or the year before where they go through the route in detail was very good.

But it’s very easy to get overwhelmed and overloaded with Dublin marathon info between podcasts and different social media accounts and groups. I know I can be guilty of it myself. It really doesn’t help the “maranoia” and you start second guessing your plans, your pace, your fuel etc. The Dublin marathon website, Facebook page and of course this thread and the DCM thread has all the info you need! If you can - switch off from the doom scrolling and watch something on Netflix to relax.

witnessmenow

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122758119#Comment_122758119

I think if I listen to another DCM podcast i might actually explode

nullObjects

Ive been looking up clips of the route on YouTube from last year's marathon to put my mind at ease

I think I've lost my tiny little mind 😅

Found one of people going under the bridge

https://youtube.com/shorts/deawsA4GHjM?si=aIhpeJX1_jmwx5RA

Mantis Toboggan

Don't think there's a video on the DCM on YouTube that I haven't seen 😅

Dublinlad1989

Hey Everyone

Just wanted to drop in and say good luck for Sunday! I was part of the Boards Novice group in 2022 and doing my 3rd Dublin Marathon this Sunday.

All I can say to all of you is, the hard work is done. it doesn't matter if you missed some of your runs or if you don't feel as confident as you'd like. That is all completely normal and happens to everyone. Its taper madness, its even happening to me right now but have some trust in your ability and have trust in how far you've come over the last 3/6/9 months. Whether you've been a seasoned running or if you only started in June - what you're about to do is one of the best things and best feelings in the world.

Having thousands of people you don't know shout your name and cheer you on will give you such a boost and will bring you home on Sunday when the going gets tough. Dublin is known as the friendly marathon for a reason and come sunday afternoon you'll know exactly why people say that.

The best advice i can give is simply keep your head focused, you've done the training and your legs have the ability to complete this, think positive thoughts throughout the whole run and you'll finish with a smile and a huge sense of achievement. High five as many people as you can, if you see someone holding a sign that says hit here for a boost then you hit there and get that boost! If you see someone struggling a little as you're going past them give them some encouragement, tell them to keep going and they've got this.

But most importantly, you only get to run your first Marathon once so enjoy the hell out of the day and be proud of yourself no matter the outcome!

Have a great day and soak it all in :)

Sunny Dayz

so we have 2 days to go!!! 😁

I hope you’ve been trying to eat, drink and sleep well this week. Don’t leave it all til Sat eve. It’s nice to see the last of the easy runs on Strava.
The number collection and Expo is on today Fri and tomorrow Sat. As much as I’ve grumbled about having to go to Dublin to get my number - there’s a bit of a buzz about the expo, especially for a first timer.

when you go in, keep to the right and get your race number straight away! Don’t forget to bring ID with you. You’ll then pick up your clear plastic drawstring goodie back which is to double up as your bag drop. There will be a sticker with your race number to stick on this bag. Before your leave the number collection area there’s official DCM merch. It’s by Ronhill so it’s really good quality. Last year I treated myself to a short sleeved T-shirt €30 and a running jacket €70 and have worn them so much and they are still in perfect condition.
Have a look around the expo stands. If you do treat yourself to some new kit - for god’s sake don’t wear it on race day!! I thought the Ronhill and 42K stands had nice stuff. Don’t spend too long there on your feet.

i’d recommend stopping by the pacers stand, usually around the middle of the floor. Some of the pacers do be there to chat. They give out wristbands with pacing times on them which I found handy last year.

Before you leave make sure to get your pic taken with the props. If you are going to have kids out supporting you, pick up a few of those plastic clappers. Keep them hidden until race morning and after race day make sure they are very well hidden away for your own sanity 😁

Edit - I’ll be there myself this later afternoon - in an Athlone AC blue top and shoulder length blonde hair

ILikeBoats

How much stuff would you fit in the drawstring bag? A change of clothes and spare shoes?

I do like the Ronhill gear, it fits well and lasts long so might pick up something. What are the odds of a Dublin Marathon mug?!

The Black Oil

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122761263#Comment_122761263

My club gear fits - leggings, top, down jacket too. Other stuff like merino layer, wooly hat, neck buff. Usually put the important stuff into a dry bag. Haven't tried spare shoes. Then everything else, wipes, car keys, etc.

ILikeBoats

Thanks. Sure I'll test it out tomorrow

Sunny Dayz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122761263#Comment_122761263

ah you’d fit a bit! I was able to fit in runners and a change of clothes but bear in mind I’m a bit smaller than many here! I will say put your change of clothes in a bin bag into your clear bag. It rained last year and my change got wet bar one top so lesson learned for me!

Yes there is a Dublin marathon mug!! Last year the stand near the front for them! I got one and have gotten plenty of use!!

Mantis Toboggan

Got my last run in last night, was grand felt ok. Bit strange no more training runs for the foreseeable. Did manage to get some random Strava Kudos from Sonia O Sullivan so if Sonia thinks I'm ready then maybe I am!

Picked a bad night to get 2 hours sleep, both kids were up getting sick, will have to catch up over the next few nights as I feel wrecked today, not looking forward to the expo just want to get in and out of there as quick as possible.

Trampas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122761405#Comment_122761405

adrenaline will get you through. Back in 2017 my young lad was born around 2am on the Saturday morning. Ran the marathon on the Sunday and 8 minutes off my pb and collected him to bring them home after it. So don’t underestimate adrenaline on the day will help you. Relax and you’ll be fine

ILikeBoats

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122761574#Comment_122761574

Amazing! Hardly in Holles St?!

Trampas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122761578#Comment_122761578

coombe

ILikeBoats

Brilliant, nearly ran past it

Mantis Toboggan

Got through the expo, wasn't too bad, busy spot, managed to get parking handy enough. Lot's of gear in there, could definitely spend a few hours. Lot's of free stuff too.

nullObjects

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122762570#Comment_122762570

The little area on the fast side with the names of all the winners and a bunch of photos is a nice touch. But I was the same, grabbed the number, anything that was free and out the door :)

SimpleDimple

Expo done and dusted, now back to plying myself full of carbs!

Great atmosphere there, all the volunteers and staff were so supportive and we haven’t even hit the start line yet.