2024 DCM Mentored Novices Thread

mossiepark · 25-10-2024 04:53PM

Just back from the expo aswell. In and out fairly quick as I have a cold and a splitting headache aswell. It was hard to match the enthusiasm of the volunteers but hopefully I can shake it by Sunday morning. Talk about bad timing

Sunny Dayz · 25-10-2024 05:13PM

in at 4 and done by 4:45 after having a good mooch around. Himself isn’t running the marathon but picked up a few T-shirts in Ronhill. No queues at all for the number collection and the volunteers were so friendly. Love their jackets.

ILikeBoats · 25-10-2024 07:18PM

Got in around 5.15, traffic and parking were fine. No queues anywhere.

Had a nice look around. Got my mug!! Had the kids with me so spent some time in the kid zone. Was a grand hour in all, well set up

Excited!

The Muppet · 25-10-2024 07:22PM

The best of luck to all on Sunday. Enjoy.

SoundOfSilence · 26-10-2024 06:33AM

Hey all, is it possible to collect a friend's race pack at the expo once I have his eventmaster ticket?

Mantis Toboggan · 26-10-2024 06:59AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122764613#Comment_122764613

Apparently it's possible, I've heard of people being able to collect multiple packs but I've heard of people being rejected too. I'd say you'd be fine once you have the other person's id.

Lazare · 26-10-2024 07:49AM

Bet y'all can't believe you're at this point, 24 hours to go. Awesome isn't it.

That Christmas Eve when you're a kid feeling.

You're bound to be full of nerves, excitement, maybe even a little fear. That's totally cool. The travelling Africans that will lead the thing are feeling that way too this morning. It's how you should be feeling.

Remember this though, because of the work you've put in, the vast majority of tomorrow will feel like a breeze. There will be tough moments, but that's fine too. If it wasn't for those tough moments everyone would be at it. You'll power through them.

Go high five some kids.

Oh, and my number one tip…. Put some new bedsheets and pillow cases on the bed today. Can't beat a crisp new bed 😊

Mantis Toboggan · 26-10-2024 09:16AM

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

This deserves to be reposted

Louis 2018 · 26-10-2024 10:07AM

Morning All,

Hope the carb loading has begun and the excitement/nerves have well and truly kicked in. 2023 Novice here & running tomorrow myself. Couple of points I would like to share which I hope you find useful

Firstly well done on getting this far, probably the hardest part of the whole process
Trust your fitness & the programme that you have followed & the expert advice you have received along the way
Run your race, not someone else's race and try and reduce or remove the number of articles and podcasts today - you don't want to start doubting yourself at this stage especially listening to others strategies
Miles 2 to 7, may seem flat and you are full of excitement but this is a very tough part of the run as you are climbing for 5 miles up to the highest point of the marathon. If you do not respect this section you will pay for it later on. Climbs at 10 miles and 13-15 need to be respected also, just pull it back a little.
Anyone following pacers I believe they are holding back a little for the above section (miles 2-7) but ask them first, if they are not holding back then pacers are not for you, and if you have never used them don't start tomorrow!!
Take in water at every station, even if you don't think you need it. Small sips & often.

I have dipped in and out of the group and the advice has been spot on for the whole process, well done to all involved.

Best of luck and enjoy the celebrations.

j2 · 26-10-2024 10:09AM

Last long run of the training plan tomorrow 😂

MiniMonstera · 26-10-2024 10:10AM

Hi all, 2023 novice here. Wishing you all the very best for tomorrow! Only one more sleep! Time to relax now and reflect on all the hard work done - the hay is in the barn, as they say.

Although I found last year tough, I signed up for 2024 within the hour of finishing! You'll love running even more once you've your first marathon under your belt.

All the best and hope to see you out there! j 🥰💪🏽

P.s. hats off to @Sunny Dayz, @TheRef and all the other experienced contributors to this thread, fair play to you🤩

SimpleDimple · 26-10-2024 11:48AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122764613#Comment_122764613

I picked up mine and a friend’s yesterday, I had a copy of his passport.

DBB · 26-10-2024 01:09PM

All the very best for tomorrow to the 2024 Novices' Crew! A lot of hard work has gone in to get you all to this point... the eve of your first marathon! 😊

There will be times that it feels rough, that there seems to be endless miles still left to do... these are the times, whether you know it or not, that your training has taught you to dig deep.

These are also the times to really tap into the tremendous energy of the great DCM supporters... thank them, wave at them, smile at them... you'll be amazed how this will help restore your positivity!

Most of all, enjoy every moment as much as you can! Even the bits that don't feel too enjoyable. Focus on and savour that moment when you see the Finish line looming up ahead, the crowds roaring, yelling out your name! 🤯

You've got this! 💪💪💪

Mantis Toboggan · 26-10-2024 03:12PM

Lads I'm convinced I've buckled myself. Woke up this morning with hip pain, it's not something I've had. Hoped it might be maranoia but unfortunately the pain is real. Spent the last hour on the massage gun. Baffled were the pain came from, I did very little yesterday. Very annoying, sore just walking around.

TheRef · 26-10-2024 04:17PM

Mantis, don't worry too much just yet. Last year I did something to my neck on the Thursday night and it was bad but it cleared up. It could be just a minor niggle that will disappear by tomorrow.

Im not a physio but I'd be careful with using a massage gun in it in case you make it worse from the impact. I'd try rest it and apply some tiger balm or a little voltarol or a water bottle even, and maybe some paracetamol.

That all this though with a pinch of salt as I'm no expert and I have no idea what your pain is from.

If you have private health insurance, maybe you could call the help lines they offer and speak to them.

Again though, don't stress it too much. Probably just slept on it the wrong way.

Mantis Toboggan · 26-10-2024 04:25PM

Cheers, just going to rest for the evening, I've taken some anti inflammatories and applied deep heat. Will see how I am in the morning before calling it.

MisterJinx · 26-10-2024 04:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122765922#Comment_122765922

I think you'll be fine. Rest up and see how you are in the morning

comanche_cor · 26-10-2024 05:01PM

Best of luck to everyone tomorrow!

SuspectZero · 26-10-2024 06:04PM

Best of luck tomorrow all! The nerves will be gone the very minute the klaxon goes so try not to stress too much tonight if possible.

My only advice is to take the first 12k handy, it's the hardest part of the course and it will reward you hugely later on if you do. Being a minute or two slower than planned pace through there is nothing and if you hold back, you'll be flying past hoards of people who didn't in the last 6 miles which is such a psychological buzz.

You'll all do great and have fun!

Sunny Dayz · 26-10-2024 06:11PM

hi all!!

Checking in with ye all one last time before the big day. hope ye have all collected your race numbers and have all your bits and pieces organised and ready for tomorrow.

You have all put in great work and training. There’s been good runs and bad runs and they have all shaped your training in some way. On the day, deep breath, ease out on the route, and believe that you got this. Don’t try to bank time at the start, treat the first part as your warm up. Remember all that you have practiced - your fueling, hydration, pacing- you’ve trained for this. Dig deep at the end, know that you gave it your best shot. Lastly - enjoy it!! You are a part of this big event! Enjoy the crowd that is out there cheering for you!
To those who are sick or injured - I hope ye are ok and that you will get your day out soon.
Thanks to @TheRef , @MisterJinx and @marathon2022 for their help and guidance on this thread.
Lastly - thanks to the wonderful 2024 DCM novices here who took a chance on themselves, embraced their plan, showed up every week and put in the hard work. Thanks for letting me be a part of your journey.

Let’s go run a marathon!!!!

mossiepark · 26-10-2024 06:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122766316#Comment_122766316

Thanks @Sunny Dayz and all the mentors. It's been a remarkable journey and personally I've achieved so much from embarking on it. I have ran times and distances I never thought i had in me and enjoyed every bit of it. A dose of a cold the last few days has me not Operating at 100% but I'll be on the start line tomorrow with a single goal of making it the 26.2 miles. I've spent too much time wondering what pace I'll run or what time I'll finish in but tomorrow will be about making the distance.

#trust the plan

slingerz · 26-10-2024 08:48PM

I can’t believe I’m going to try and run a marathon in the morning.

Just hope I can make it to the finish

ILikeBoats · 26-10-2024 08:58PM

Hope you're ok for tomorrow Mantis.

Nearly bed time for me. Been pumped most of the day! I'm fueled and all the gear is ready after 20 checks. Our bus leaves at 7 so I'll be up early, as everyone will I'm sure.

Thanks to @Sunny Dayz , @TheRef and all mentors and contributors. Good luck to us all tomorrow. We're privileged to get to do this, let's enjoy it. I intend to. See you on the other side. LFG

Unthought Known · 26-10-2024 09:02PM

Best of luck to everyone tomorrow. Remember to smile!

SoundOfSilence · 26-10-2024 09:04PM

Lads I'm late to this thread but it's been giving me nerves, making me excited and actually it's been inspirational listening to the words of people here. I've been training the past 6 months for the marathon. My training hasn't been ideal but feck it, we're here now.

It was a great buzz at the expo and around the city today. So excited for tomorrow.

Listening to the great advice here, I'm just going to sit tight for the 1st 10 to 12 km. Even if I'm a minute split under what I expect. Just soak it up and enjoy the atmosphere.

Have a deadly race everyone. It's a massive achievement and something everyone should be proud of.