Dublin Marathon 2016 - Mentored Novices Thread

tony1980 wrote: »

I went for a 2.5 mile handy run this morning to test the knee out. No issues on the run and two hours later, all seems good, no stiffness, just a little tender but certainly no pain.

I am really happy with that, I have missed running so much! Do you think an LSR would be ok tomorrow?

I'm another one that doesn't know what he's talking about but I will give my opinion .obviously the mentors will be best to answer your question tony.


I dont think I would try a lsr if it were me. I probably try 4 or 5 at recovery pace for a first run and take it from there. Lsr though slow still put strain on the body and might set u back .

Don't forget next week is a step back on plan with the half so I woild be gearing to get back on track for the following week with an easy build up .

Hope all goes well for you tony.

Sounds good to me, thanks all for the input. I will do a 5 or 6 miles nice and handy tomorrow and see how the next week feels as I go along.

It does feel good to be back though

PaulieC wrote: »

Mrs Mc wrote: »

Hey Nop hope it's ok for us 2015 novices to ask the pacers questions ?????



Pacers (well me anyway ) will generally try to keep the pace as steady as possible, but will adjust up or down depending on the gradient. Dublin doesn't really have any big hills, but Chesterfield Road/Crumlin/Clonskeagh are pretty long drags so the pace won't drop off too much or it would be difficult to make the time back as there aren't really any long downhills to compensate. I would say the pace shouldn't be any more than +/- 10 seconds per mile (depending on the pace). The pacers will aim to finish approx. 30 seconds under the goal time.



Not really any adjustments (again for me) in pace, except if it's very windy. The training period of 16 or so weeks should have given you enough experience in different weather to cope on the day. If it's wet, make sure you use your favourite anti-chafing solution as wet material can start to cause problems as time goes on. I highly recommend zinc oxide tape for nipples, it works brilliantly in my experience.



I have a more relaxed attitude towards fuelling when pacing than I would with running my own race. Last time I paced DCM (4:40) I didn't have anything of my own, but I took a lot of jellies and chocolate that were offered by the crowd.

Singer wrote: »

Why do you do it? Are you crazy?! You could be racing out there![/QUOTE/

I do it because I like it. I haven't analysed why, but it's good fun. I could be racing, but this year I didn't have enough prep to race it myself and I missed out on running last year and was well jealous of those who did.



For me, the same as normal, but just not as intensely as I would if going for a PB. I have 3 20+ mile runs penciled over the next couple of weeks and do two sessions during the week, be it hill reps, tempo runs, 800s etc.



I'd say maybe half. You start off with a crowd, then some push on (a lot of whom you pick up again later in the race) and some fall away. Within the group you get folks who chat with each other and you find that they are the ones encouraging each other as the race goes on.

Thanks so much for answers PaulieC very insightful and much appreciated.

A great morning to be running 16 miles done in the Phoenix Park in stark contrast to my last two long runs in the rain.

Lovely breakfast in the Cowtown Cafe in Stoneybatter afterwards to finish off the nice morning.

Good luck everyone this weekend.

12 miles done! By canal and Phoenix park. Great morning, great temperature.
My calf is giving me some problems for last 2 weeks but it is not getting worse. I will get a proper massage and hopefully it will teach my calf a lesson! (As long as the calf does not teach me the lesson).
It is funny how we think this week is 'only' 12 miles and we are as wrecked as with 19 ;0))) Happy running!!

Thu 15/9 - 3 miles in 8:49 p/m average.

This consisted of six laps of a park known locally as Tír na nÓg. I wasn't feeling too young trundling around it, especially in the first shocking 4:50 lap! However, I managed to pick it up a bit for the others.

Fri 16/9 - Rest.

Sat 17/9 - 16 miles LSR in 9:06 p/m average

This was an out and back run which I've done a few times over the years. Roughly summarised, it consists of an extended route from my house to reach the Royal Canal between Castleknock station and the 12th Lock; follow the canal to Binns Bridge, take a minor diversion between there and Jones's Road (Croke Park) then go back alongside the canal to Newcomen Bridge (North Strand) before turning around and doing the same thing in reverse.

I set off shortly after 7, with a bit of a breeze at my back as I made my way along the canal. Mostly flat, with a few ups and downs around the locks. For the most part, the hardest part of the way into town was avoiding swallowing any of the millions of midges between Ashtown and Cabra in particular. Good for practicing your breathing though 1:11:44 at the turn, although I must admit I was concerned that I might have gone too fast.

Turning around also meant, of course, that the breeze would be against me for the next 6 miles or so. I did however think positively as we will no doubt have extended stints into the wind in DCM. Just before I reached Croker on the way back, I passed a lady with two little Westies. Next thing I know, the one not on the lead is barking her head off and going for me. According to the owner, I "disturbed her going to toilet" Lesson learned! Thankfully no other major issues with animals, although I did have to tiptoe around a group of three swans just before the new bridge in Cabra :eek:

I'd been slowly catching a guy up ahead for a while, eventually pulling alongside him at the little hill beside Lock 11. Turns out it was an old GAA team mate, and it was nice to have some company for the next while. Mick Clohessy went whizzing past us during this stint, although I'd say it was a slow jog for him! Anyhow, myself and GAA man parted ways at the turn for Laurel Lodge, and I got myself home in a second half of 1:13:50 - not bad considering dog issues, and an extended traffic light stop in Phibsborough.

Overall, 2:25 on the road is a lot quicker than I've ever gone over that route before (15 minutes at least) and I felt a lot stronger even in the closing miles. 3 miles recovery in the morning will bring it to 40 for the week - I'm feeling right back in the game after last week's abandoned LSR. Up The Dubs!!#COYBIB

Wubble Wubble wrote:

This was an out and back run which I've done a few times over the years. Roughly summarised, it consists of an extended route from my house to reach the Royal Canal between Castleknock station and the 12th Lock; follow the canal to Binns Bridge, take a minor diversion between there and Jones's Road (Croke Park) then go back alongside the canal to Newcomen Bridge (North Strand) before turning around and doing the same thing in reverse.

Oh! I must try that. We did today Ashtown to Cabra... and sometimes we start at the 12th lock... That's it! Next week's run!
Well done on your run!
I am sure it was your fault disturbing the dog.... bloody runners ;0)))

Great work T, well deserved. Don't feel guilty about having a pint later!

Bunny Colvin wrote: »

On the way to Dublin now. Serious business to take care of tomorrow, wish us luck folks! A Mayo win might mess next week's plan up a little

You.'ll be grand next week' running will help drown the sorrows

The Muppet wrote: »

You.'ll be grand next week' running will help drown the sorrows

We shall see bud Been in Croke Park for six of them and yet to see us get over the line, here's to a lucky seven!

Physio said I could do 10-12 miles today but I had to pull up after only 8. I feel a bit stupid, my hip was sore but I think I let the fear get to me. I might try again tomorrow, see if I can get my weekly milage back up to the twenties :'(

I think 5 or 6 would be enough to keep me happy. Alarm set for very early tomorrow, I didn't go out til 3 today and the heat didn't help. Hip already feeling a lot better - I swear by the power of an ice bath!