Dublin Marathon 2016 - Mentored Novices Thread

Hey all, I feel a little like an impostor posting my report here given my extremely late arrival to the group with less than 4 weeks to go but I'm still on such a high so I hope ye don't mind. I've yet to read your reports properly so I hope I do this process justice. I think writing "my marathon" down in words (as opposed to telling anyone that'll listen!!!) is almost like the final step on my journey so here goes.

Why did I do the marathon?
My dad started running in his late 30's. He was guided by one of the elite athletes in the country at the time and fell in-love with running. I was just 7 when he did his first DCM in a time of 3:46:15. He did 5 DCM in a row finishing in 1988 with a time of 3:23:06. I never gave it any thought; I was a child after all so running was just what my dad did. Growing up I could never have been accused of having been bitten by the athletic gene or any sports related gene for that matter. The closest I came to fitness was the dance floor in a niteclub where strangely enough I had infinite reserves!!!! I later married an ex-rugby player/coach who then turned referee. His commitment to his training was phenomenal...he thrived on the buzz of match weekends yet still I surfed the couch drained by his enthusiasm!!!! When his refereeing came to an end 3 seasons ago thru injury all exercise stopped in our house. Every now and then I'd get an attack of the "my jeans are fairly snug" and the dog's lead would come out for a few strenuous weeks of walking (as opposed to the halfhearted usual meanders!!!!), which bless him he accepted with the look of "here she goes again" and went along with it. I live in Waterford. My parents in Meath. Dad retired 8 years ago and had often spoke about running the DCM the year he retired "for old times sake" but a bad back put paid to that. When he did retire he became a once monthly visitor to my home. He often reminisced of his marathon days and spoke about stopping running (thru injury) being the saddest time of his life. He once said how 2016 would be a lovely year to run it being the 100 yr of the 1916 rising etc. I listened to him talk but never paid heed. Until last year when dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer and C.O.P.D. In the early days of his diagnosis he spoke to me a lot about when he ran. Last December when he came down to watch my youngest son in his Xmas school play he again mentioned the marathon and how it would've been a nice one to do. I promised him that day I'd do it for him...I'd get him that medal. This marathon was never about times. It was about getting that medal for Dad.

My journey to Sunday 30th October
My friend runs in a local running group where the coach does a 4 week 0-5 km programme. I started this programme the 2nd week of January this year. I graduated into their regular Tues/Thurs running group. In March their focus turned to the Waterford Viking Full & Half Marathon. This was where the weekend runs came into play and this is where my journey became almost my own. They did their long run training every Saturday but I work every Saturday so I was doing the distance runs on my own. At the time I remember finding the SSE Airtricity FB page and that led me to the ASICS marathon training planner. I put in my basic details and it gave my a plan for the half marathon based on running 3 times per week. I slogged away running twice a week with my group and then doing my long runs at the weekend on my own...well me and my I-pod!!! A month before the half marathon at mile 4 of my 1st 10 miler I felt a ping in the cheek of my ass. I kept going thinking it'd be fine but thankfully hubby was meeting me at mile 7 with more water as the pain got worse. I jumped in the car and came home. Saw a physio who told me I did not have the right build for running and had a very weak core (no arguments there). He said problems were stemming from my back and did a few sessions of massage on my back. I ran the half in 2:23 on 25th June. I talked the talk for weeks after but forgot the end goal of the marathon and tipped away twice a week with the club until my hubby asked when my long runs were starting again. So 4 weeks after the 1/2, I started long runs again. On July 31st I booked my place in DCM and the 3/4 in Longwood. I put my details into the ASICS planner again and I trained away but my ass started niggling away again. I found a new physio who was amazing. He agreed that my core was weak but the problem was actually i had damaged both piriformis muscles in my ass. The work he did on that was amazing...excruciatingly painful (not to mention slightly embarrassing!!!) but he fixed me. I stuck to the plan. Got my 1/2 down to 2:19 and then came the first 15 miler. Boy did that teach me something. The 1st 5 miles I ran in 48mins because it was a local charity run but I kept going for 10 more. Ouch ouch but I did it. Tipped away until 1st October. While out for 6.5 miles I felt pain in my foot at mile 3 like it was bruised. Ran thru it but it remained for the day. Text my physio who was on hols and could see me the following Thursday. I was due to do the 3/4 in Longwood 3 days after that. Panic set in so where did I go...Dr Google. Nothing matched my symptoms. What was wrong with me. Hubby just kept saying R.I.C.E. which I did that night. The following night I woke with chest pain and pins and needles down my arm. Rush to hospital, kept for the weekend and let out on the Monday with instruction not to run the 3/4. That's where my confidence was shattered into a million pieces and that's also when I found ye. I saw my physio on the Thursday. I had peroneal tendonitis. Lots of dry needling and massage but no running the 3/4. I was in bits with the upset and shattered confidence but I was determined. On 10th Oct I started again and did 15 miles that Sunday. That was my last long run. It went ****e and I was in a glass case of emotion. That's all I had in the bank. I was shattered with self doubt but a promise is a promise. My dad kept forgetting when the marathon was or that I was even doing it but he remembered I was running and rang me every week to see how I was progressing. Every week delighted that I was thinking of doing the marathon and reminiscing his own. There was no pressure from dad...just me and my stubbornness. My hubby had every faith in me. He talked me off the ledge. I read "it's not the distance that kills you; it's the pace". I tried and tried to slow my pace in the taper. 10:40 min miles was as slow as I could go but I knew that'd kill me. My plan was to go with the 5hr pacers at 11:22 min miles for as far as I could go. Finishing was all I could hope for...whatever the time.

The Expo
I was numb. I collected my dad to bring him up for the day. He thoroughly enjoyed it especially the archives where his memory was clear as water. My hubby was alive with excitement...wanted to run the marathon himself. I remained numb because I could feel the doubts. I got the odd flutter while driving some of the course route to the RDS but mostly numb. The hubby wanted to buy me an official t-shirt. Good idea I said given I might not actually get the finishers one!!! We met friends for lunch after and went home to rest.

The night before
Don't do anything different so I browsed here and went to bed about 11pm.

Marathon Day
I woke at 2.50am. I dozed thereafter. I rose at 6am, had my porridge, went to my friends in Phibsboro, got a taxi with hubby and sons and arrived to Fitzwilliam Sq at 8.15. Took a few pics, bid them goodbye at the entrance to the bag drop and there I was...alone in a sea of groups of people. As if by magic I passed Kittyclaws getting their group pic taken. I remembered her vest so I said hi and then went to the bag drop. Made my way to the purple zone and queued for the loos. I could see the 5 hr pacer balloons. They went down past me so that was fine. The queue was taking forever. At 9.21am the pacers passed back up past me again. There was 30 ahead of me so I thought nah...the pacers are getting further and further away from me towards the start line so I jumped outta the queue and jogged after them literally catching them as they got to the start line. I introduced myself to Ann and Paul and threw my imaginary magnets at them in my head thinking "do not leave them" and I didn't. Before I knew it we were in the Park. I'm thinking it's true what the say about walking being quicker than driving around Dublin!!!!! I'm taking water on board at the stations...just 3 or 4 sips cos I can feel the heat rising but I'm conscious I haven't been to the loo and I don't wanna lose these pacers. Thru the gates and out of the park into Castleknock where I'm blown away by the support. People calling my name...I'm a legend!!!!!!!!!!! At mile 8 the 1st of my cheers squad are there. I'm buzzing to see them. Quick kisses and back into the park with the pacers. I'm feeling good. Somewhere around mile 10 and there were toilets and I saw the pacer stop. Yup I'm going too. I thought I went as quick as lightening but obvs not. As i came out I could see him maybe 300 mtrs in front of me and gaining on the others. Could I push...should I push to catch them. There was a slight incline so I thought no...i'll be wrecked catching them so just keep them insight. Which I did until mile 12. That's when I lost them and at 12.5 my calves started seizing. I knew my hubby and sons were around the 13 mile mark. I had to be running when they saw me so I kept going. They were probably a 1/3 of a mile from the half way gantry positioned just before the turn. I smiled, gave kisses and high 5's until they were out of sight. I walked and cried a little. I wasn't sure where or if I'd see anyone else so I felt no motivation. OMG I'm thinking...I haven't even got to mile 15. I heard my dad's voice saying "you must keep going,even if it's walking, don't ever stop". I took 2 painkillers for my calves that were screaming at me. Next thing I saw a guy handing out bananas. I passionately hate anything to do with bananas yet my head said bananas = potassium = helping legs so I ate that banana. It was beautiful. Soon I saw Crumlin Children's hospital where I had recently been with my darling 21 month old goddaughter. I thought about her and my eye's filled again. I had a word with myself about her and I started running again. She was my motivation at that very moment. Just around 14.5 I saw a sign with my name on it. I had seen that sign at mile 8...I thought "am i seeing things? I'm frikin hallucinating". No I wasn't. It's was my friends again with said goddaughter. They had tracked me and bombed it over to Crumlin from Knockmaroon Rd to see me again. If ever there was an angel on my side it was then. The tears rolled for me and my bestie but from that very second I smiled and I didn't stop. Every cheer station people screamed my name. I turned off my ipod when there were crowds. I soaked it all up. I ate 2.5 more bananas!!!! I bounced off the gantry at 30km and shouted "BOOM" with a huge smile..."there's your 3/4 marathon done" I said. Just 12km to go. I have this in the bag I thought. Smiling, singing, thanking people and running...I'm STILL running waaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!! Oh I can see a sign for heartbreak hill. I'm thinking no you wont and as I started up it i knew it wouldn't because thankfully my "heartbreak hill" here in Waterford is far worse. There's 22 miles...I'm almost home. The crowds are amazing and next thing i'm past UCD and the RDS. I can see the 25mile sign. Sweet Jesus I'm there. People still screaming my name egging me on. This is frikin SURREAL. I'm loving at. 600mtrs to go and I see my hubby and boys. Quick hugs and kisses but where's my dad. Hubby points to the other side of the road. i can see him but he can't see me. I make my way over and the emotion just completely took over. My friends were also there and they took photos of that moment. I kissed mum and dad and I went those last few meter's. I lifted my hands and I cried "YEEEEEEEEEEES". I did it. 5:13:16. I am a marathoner and I just burst out crying. Jim Aughney the race director happened to be there and scooped me up into the biggest hug. I collected my medal, goodie bag and t-shirt and started my journey around to the bag drop. I was still smiling and crying, people were still saying well done. My bag drop was the very last so furthest away. All I wanted was my cuppa tea and family. Luckily my hubby and boys were on the right side of the run to the finish line so they were just there as I collected my bag. Huge hugs, more tears and THEE NICEST CUPPA TEA EVER while I waited for my dad. My dad, mum, brother and more friends arrived about 30 mins later, lots of photos and hugs but the moment I had done it all for was putting the medal around dad's neck. He cried and I cried and then he showed me he was wearing his last pair of marathon runners and joked how he should've ran with me. God how I wish we could've but then if he was fit I wouldn't have had to do it. We walked to Grafton Street. I passed McGrattens where I think ye mentioned meeting but I hadn't the balls to go in. Kids needed feeding so a quick stop in BurgerKing...downstairs I might add lol and then I eventually got back to pick up my car in Phibsboro to pick up the car and drive back to my brother's in Navan. Dinner and a hot bath plus some more ibuprofen was all I could handle. I went to bed elated but my gos did i sleep.

Since then
Recovery has been ok thus far given it's just over 48hrs. Hips were singing a merry song yesterday and there were tears getting outta the car after the journey back to Waterford but I gritted my teeth and went Trick or Treating with the kids just to stop them seizing. Another bath last night during which I read you should avoid hot baths for 48hrs...Rookie mistake!!!!
Legs good today...I wouldn't be able to run or go clubbing all the same!!! Aside from that I've been stalking the FB page looking at pics, telling anyone that'll listen all about it and being mammy again. All the way from January to Sunday morning at 9.30am I was only running this marathon. I'm not ashamed to say I've been bitten!!!! It was thee best experience. Whomever said your 1st marathon is your most special is grossly under-estimating it.I loved every minute. Even those few minutes between 13 & 14 miles when I thought it was all over. I've realised that I'm stubborn and determined (pretty sure the hubby would say that's standard!!!!) as I effectively did this all on my own.

I'm now gonna go read all ye're reviews and probably come to the realisation that I've either just written a novel or left loads out. Either way that's my marathon story and if you've taken the time to read it then thank you.
I'd like to thank ye for the late welcome. I'm only sorry I didn't find ye earlier as it's very clear that ye hold each other in high esteem. It's clear that amazing advice and friendship was on offer and everyone benefits from that kinda positivity. Whatever your running plans are from here; and in life in general I wish ye the best.

This running thing is just way too addictive. I just signed up for the Clontarf Half Marathon! It's in three weeks! I can't wait!

Lachlan Deafening Pig wrote: »

Not enough long runs and you are running them too slow. Why not have some of your long runs with MP included or some long progression runs? You are not magically going to start running a minute quicker on race day to what you have been training at. You should be able to comfortably knock out 15miles of a 22 miler at MP towards the end of your training, otherwise its not a realistic MP to go at! If you want a sub 4hr you need to train differently to what you have been doing up to now.

EDIT: Also looking at your shorter distance race results it suggests to me you need to run more, run longer more frequently, endurance is your issue. You should be closer to 3.30 marathon pace than struggling under sub 4hr.

What is your recommended pace for an LSR to achieve sub4? I thought 10-10.30 would be spot on for approx 9 min effort.

All of my long runs had a start slow finish fast element to them - usually the last 3 miles were between 8.30/9 min miles.

Couple that with 2 x 9 mile midweek runs that were MP or 30 secs (I alternated)

Thanks for the response

faithmc wrote: »

Why did I do the marathon?
It was about getting that medal for Dad.

Faith, that is such a beautiful reason for running on Sunday. I am so happy you got your medal for your Dad. Congrats!!!

Faith , you are a ledge , best of luck

Of to work now - Still on a high despite being sore - can I wear my medal to work and for how long ? I need to tell more people about my marathon - you know I am a marathoner now right ? Poor hubby and sister are getting alittle bit tired of my stories at this stage so looking forward to tell anyone and everyone I meet - I am sure they are all dying to hear every detail of my day .

I lurked on this thread having stumbled across it in July while training for my first marathon. It was a huge help and thanks to everyone for all the practical advice.

I am as slow as a boat, overpronate to such an extent that the staff in running shops pale in horror during my gait analysis and I run primarily because of the wonderful head clearing effect it has. Yet here I am with a DCM 2016 medal and finishers t-shirt!

It was tough as hell from mile 20-21. I think I ran out of electrolytes and got a touch of heatstroke (in 13 degrees Celsius, how Irish is that?!) but I got going again after Clonskeagh and ran like a drunk turkey to the finish.

That's not what I'll remember though. I'll remember the crowds of people cheering along the way and making me feel like an absolute rockstar. I'll remember the Eiffel Tower guy, and the lunatic running in bare feet, and another lunatic in flip-flops, some guy running in a zip-up plastic dog suit(?), and Elvis singing "Suspicious Minds" to the crowd in Castleknock, my sister's boyfriend and mates cheering me on in Milltown, meeting my running buddy and her husband (after I puked at mile 16), my brother and his family waving at me in Clonskeagh, wanting to steal my friend's bike when she appeared alongside me at mile 21 and hugging my sisters after the finish line.

I'll definitely never say never again. But I now have a much better idea of what to focus on in training to try and make the next one a bit smoother. My hamstrings, calves and quads are sore but there is not a bother on my glutes. I don't think they did a thing! First step will be to try and recruit them into helping out with this whole running thing!!

I will also definitely recommend this forum to anyone thinking of lacing up the runners in 2017, thanks again!

faithmc wrote: »

Hey all, I feel a little like an impostor posting my report here given my extremely late arrival to the group with less than 4 weeks to go but I'm still on such a high so I hope ye don't mind. I've yet to read your reports properly so I hope I do this process justice. I think writing "my marathon" down in words (as opposed to telling anyone that'll listen!!!) is almost like the final step on my journey so here goes.

Why did I do the marathon?
My dad started running in his late 30's. He was guided by one of the elite athletes in the country at the time and fell in-love with running. I was just 7 when he did his first DCM in a time of 3:46:15. He did 5 DCM in a row finishing in 1988 with a time of 3:23:06. I never gave it any thought; I was a child after all so running was just what my dad did. Growing up I could never have been accused of having been bitten by the athletic gene or any sports related gene for that matter. The closest I came to fitness was the dance floor in a niteclub where strangely enough I had infinite reserves!!!! I later married an ex-rugby player/coach who then turned referee. His commitment to his training was phenomenal...he thrived on the buzz of match weekends yet still I surfed the couch drained by his enthusiasm!!!! When his refereeing came to an end 3 seasons ago thru injury all exercise stopped in our house. Every now and then I'd get an attack of the "my jeans are fairly snug" and the dog's lead would come out for a few strenuous weeks of walking (as opposed to the halfhearted usual meanders!!!!), which bless him he accepted with the look of "here she goes again" and went along with it. I live in Waterford. My parents in Meath. Dad retired 8 years ago and had often spoke about running the DCM the year he retired "for old times sake" but a bad back put paid to that. When he did retire he became a once monthly visitor to my home. He often reminisced of his marathon days and spoke about stopping running (thru injury) being the saddest time of his life. He once said how 2016 would be a lovely year to run it being the 100 yr of the 1916 rising etc. I listened to him talk but never paid heed. Until last year when dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer and C.O.P.D. In the early days of his diagnosis he spoke to me a lot about when he ran. Last December when he came down to watch my youngest son in his Xmas school play he again mentioned the marathon and how it would've been a nice one to do. I promised him that day I'd do it for him...I'd get him that medal. This marathon was never about times. It was about getting that medal for Dad.

My journey to Sunday 30th October
My friend runs in a local running group where the coach does a 4 week 0-5 km programme. I started this programme the 2nd week of January this year. I graduated into their regular Tues/Thurs running group. In March their focus turned to the Waterford Viking Full & Half Marathon. This was where the weekend runs came into play and this is where my journey became almost my own. They did their long run training every Saturday but I work every Saturday so I was doing the distance runs on my own. At the time I remember finding the SSE Airtricity FB page and that led me to the ASICS marathon training planner. I put in my basic details and it gave my a plan for the half marathon based on running 3 times per week. I slogged away running twice a week with my group and then doing my long runs at the weekend on my own...well me and my I-pod!!! A month before the half marathon at mile 4 of my 1st 10 miler I felt a ping in the cheek of my ass. I kept going thinking it'd be fine but thankfully hubby was meeting me at mile 7 with more water as the pain got worse. I jumped in the car and came home. Saw a physio who told me I did not have the right build for running and had a very weak core (no arguments there). He said problems were stemming from my back and did a few sessions of massage on my back. I ran the half in 2:23 on 25th June. I talked the talk for weeks after but forgot the end goal of the marathon and tipped away twice a week with the club until my hubby asked when my long runs were starting again. So 4 weeks after the 1/2, I started long runs again. On July 31st I booked my place in DCM and the 3/4 in Longwood. I put my details into the ASICS planner again and I trained away but my ass started niggling away again. I found a new physio who was amazing. He agreed that my core was weak but the problem was actually i had damaged both piriformis muscles in my ass. The work he did on that was amazing...excruciatingly painful (not to mention slightly embarrassing!!!) but he fixed me. I stuck to the plan. Got my 1/2 down to 2:19 and then came the first 15 miler. Boy did that teach me something. The 1st 5 miles I ran in 48mins because it was a local charity run but I kept going for 10 more. Ouch ouch but I did it. Tipped away until 1st October. While out for 6.5 miles I felt pain in my foot at mile 3 like it was bruised. Ran thru it but it remained for the day. Text my physio who was on hols and could see me the following Thursday. I was due to do the 3/4 in Longwood 3 days after that. Panic set in so where did I go...Dr Google. Nothing matched my symptoms. What was wrong with me. Hubby just kept saying R.I.C.E. which I did that night. The following night I woke with chest pain and pins and needles down my arm. Rush to hospital, kept for the weekend and let out............

Love the report faithmc very emotional stuff.

I remember you posting on the thread about you hospital visit and some of us me included suggested you put it off for a year. If i'd know then what I know now I wouldn't have made that suggestion. Sorry about that.

One other problem with your post. In your closing paragraph you refer to us novices as ye when talking about the esteem we have for each other You should edit your post and change that
Ye to We. I'm sure all the other novices here would agree.

I wish you dad all the best and good luck with the running .

The Muppet wrote: »

Love the report faithmc very emotional stuff.

I remember you posting on the thread about you hospital visit and some of us me included suggested you put it off for a year. If i'd know then what I know now I wouldn't have made that suggestion. Sorry about that.

One other problem with your post. In your closing paragraph you refer to us novices as ye when talking about the esteem we have for each other You should edit your post and change that
Ye to We. I'm sure all the other novices here would agree.

I wish you dad all the best and good luck with the running .

Graduates.:cool:

Faith, I don't have many words after reading that but I have tears...thank you for sharing your story and I wish you, your family (especially your Dad) the very best.
WELL DONE

aceygray wrote: »

This guy Gary O'Hanlon had a fall and wrecked his ankle at 4 miles:
https://www.facebook.com/garyohanlon12/posts/1314922505198598

He still finished, and in 12th place overall :eek:

How did he do that for 22 miles?? It's amazing, but god he could permanently damage himself.

Give the running a break for this week at least if you can!
Felt like running yesterday but not today...keeping up with my 4yr old daughter is enough quick movement for now.

JPlinders wrote: »

Help Needed!

Herein probably lies my problem. I believe I underfuelled. We all know how bad 2014 was weather-wise and I learned from that and since then I've run with a camelbak. 3 gels is my limit so my training LSRs were a cocktail of gels (isogels without caffeine) + dioralyte + water in the camelbak. I trained that way therefore I race that way.

The other guys have commented on mileage etc, so no need for me to go over that, but this comment struck me - do you train with 3 Isogels on your LSR's? Your 10m and HM PB's are both 3-4 mins faster than mine, but I've gone sub-4 in both 2015 and this year. On Sunday I had 1 gel and maybe a dozen or so jellies out on the course.

It does sound like your endurance is the problem, and if you're running LSR's loaded up on gels like you race, then you're not improving your body's fat-burning capacity.

For what it's worth, my LSR pace tends to be 9:30-10 m/m. But I frequently ran LSR's before eating in the morning, certainly the 12-16 mile runs, maybe not the longer ones.

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

Anyone else dying to get back running? I thought I'd be glad of the forced break afterward.

There's always the Clontarf half marathon in two and a half weeks :P