DCM 2018 - Mentored Novice Thread

ASISEEIT · 10-05-2018 04:42PM

Kellygirl wrote: »

I don’t know of anybody who has done it that has regretted it and there is an incredible sense of achievement BUT it requires training and you have to have the motivation to do that or else the day could be a nightmare.

Why do you want to run a marathon? Are you prepared to do the training and put in the time? Did you enjoy the half marathons and more importantly the training?

Good question-do I enjoy the training. Answer-yes and no. I think like a lot of runners I enjoy the after effect more than the running.
I took a break running Nov-Feb and struggling to feel good after it at present. Tired a lot of times.

aloooof · 10-05-2018 04:49PM

skyblue46 wrote: »

How's it going. Paces for long runs vary according to plans but for novice runners they shouldn't be faster than your easy runs. Keep them at a pace that you could chat away if someone was with you without having to pause to grab a breath.

Have you done any races recently? Training paces should be based on where you are now fitness wise not on any target time in the future.

Is the plan your own or one you picked up elsewhere? If it's any comfort I recently did a half and had not done 30 minutes at pace in any one training run. I had doubts too about my ability to hold it for another 70 minutes but it worked out on the day. It's about the accumulation of your training.

Cheers for the reply!

I did the Great Ireland Run last month in 52:38 (8:28 min/mile pace) so I think the 9:09 I'm targeting for the Half is achievable? I'm following the Hal Higdon Half-Marathon Novice 2 plan from here. Good to know tho that it's more the accumulation than just the pace runs themselves. It worked out grand for the 10k race for me to be fair!

skyblue46 · 10-05-2018 05:17PM

aloooof wrote: »

Cheers for the reply!

I did the Great Ireland Run last month in 52:38 (8:28 min/mile pace) so I think the 9:09 I'm targeting for the Half is achievable? I'm following the Hal Higdon Half-Marathon Novice 2 plan from here. Good to know tho that it's more the accumulation than just the pace runs themselves. It worked out grand for the 10k race for me to be fair!

Well done. Achievable? Yes. A certainty? Definitely not. It will need good training. My own opinion is that 10:30 for a long run or an easy run is as fast as you should go. Personally I would actually slow it down a bit. Don't be afraid to be above 11 min/ miles. This would give you more benefit in the long term.

Corbally · 10-05-2018 05:36PM

Hi all.
I'm not sure if I'm ready to start training for a marathon but I'm going to give it a go. I've been running for 4 weeks after 4 or 5 years of no running. I'm on my feet all day in work and I am fairly active outside of work so on a scale of couch to 5k I am towards the 5k end.

When I was 23/24 I used to run a couple of times per month but I ran way too fast. Every run was a hard run. I still struggle to keep the pace slow.

For the last 4 weeks I have ran 5-6k 3/4 times. I will keep adding mileage for a few weeks and then decide if I will commit or not. Am I mad to think I can start a plan with only a few weeks base training?

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?
No race but doing 5ks approx 24mins at the moment. Doing Spar 5k next week so I'll know then.

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training?
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
3/4 times per week, around 5k. 6.5k is the furthest I have run this year (but I think I could run 10k no problem).

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
I want to run the marathon. I don't want to run/walk. I'm not sure of a target time.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can train 7 days per week if needed. I will follow the HH Novice 1 or the boards plan.

What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?
Biggest worry is finding out half way through the plan that my lack of base training will hold me back and I won't be able to do the milage.

Why are you running this marathon?
It's something I've wanted to do since I was a teenager.

ASISEEIT · 10-05-2018 06:50PM

Why run a marathon ?

brownbinman · 10-05-2018 09:03PM

anyone know when it sold out last year? still 50/50 but thinking ill sign up as have 5 months to go

quickbeam · 10-05-2018 09:12PM

brownbinman wrote: »

anyone know when it sold out last year? still 50/50 but thinking ill sign up as have 5 months to go

About 11th July - a day or two after I signed up. I cut it fine!

I'd expect it to sell out sooner this year though. It sems to be earlier and earlier every year from everything I've read.

brownbinman · 10-05-2018 09:15PM

quickbeam wrote: »

About 11th July - a day or two after I signed up. I cut it fine!

I'd expect it to sell out sooner this year though. It sems to be earlier and earlier every year from everything I've read.

Never mind, I just signed up. Balls to it

Kellygirl · 10-05-2018 10:09PM

hanksy123 wrote: »

Hi all.
I'm not sure if I'm ready to start training for a marathon but I'm going to give it a go. I've been running for 4 weeks after 4 or 5 years of no running. I'm on my feet all day in work and I am fairly active outside of work so on a scale of couch to 5k I am towards the 5k end.

When I was 23/24 I used to run a couple of times per month but I ran way too fast. Every run was a hard run. I still struggle to keep the pace slow.

For the last 4 weeks I have ran 5-6k 3/4 times. I will keep adding mileage for a few weeks and then decide if I will commit or not. Am I mad to think I can start a plan with only a few weeks base training?

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?
No race but doing 5ks approx 24mins at the moment. Doing Spar 5k next week so I'll know then.

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training?
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
3/4 times per week, around 5k. 6.5k is the furthest I have run this year (but I think I could run 10k no problem).

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
I want to run the marathon. I don't want to run/walk. I'm not sure of a target time.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
I can train 7 days per week if needed. I will follow the HH Novice 1 or the boards plan.

What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?
Biggest worry is finding out half way through the plan that my lack of base training will hold me back and I won't be able to do the milage.

Why are you running this marathon?
It's something I've wanted to do since I was a teenager.

Welcome Hanksy123.

We are probably all half mad here. It is a big undertaking though and the one thing I’d say is be extremely careful building up the mileage as you could be very prone to injury if you build too fast. Last thing you want is to end up with shin splints or something. Make sure you are running slowly and easy. You should not be pushing yourself in your training runs.

The Black Oil · 10-05-2018 10:26PM

ASISEEIT wrote: »

Why run a marathon ?

To see what all the fuss is about
To line up with a few thousand others on a day that could be beautiful or damp
To chat to the pacers
To amuse yourself
To have structure to your training and enjoy the journey to the big day
To have something in the diary to aim for
To juggle different bits of a course
To be ready the night before
To feel the emotional bits

To yap away on here and know you're not completely alone
To be so knackered some evenings your brain/body goes...ehh

coogy · 10-05-2018 11:38PM

Ok, so on the back of the sound advice from some folk here, I tried my best to peg it back a little for my run this evening. It was a lot more difficult than I thought and I had to keep reminding myself to slow down when it felt like I was slipping back into my usual pace (which, I must add, always felt like an easy going enough pace to me).
I covered 8 miles but I was only less than a minute slower for my average pace per mile which surprised me. I definitely felt much better than I normally would and had more than enough left in the tank to stretch to the 10 miles.
I think I will try to slow things down even more for my next run and see how I get on.

Kellygirl · 11-05-2018 08:24AM

coogy wrote: »

Ok, so on the back of the sound advice from some folk here, I tried my best to peg it back a little for my run this evening. It was a lot more difficult than I thought and I had to keep reminding myself to slow down when it felt like I was slipping back into my usual pace (which, I must add, always felt like an easy going enough pace to me).
I covered 8 miles but I was only less than a minute slower for my average pace per mile which surprised me. I definitely felt much better than I normally would and had more than enough left in the tank to stretch to the 10 miles.
I think I will try to slow things down even more for my next run and see how I get on.

Well done for trying Coogy. I found it very hard at the start to slow down and it does feel really strange but you get used to it and it becomes enjoyable after a while to be going out for a nice slow run and to barely break a sweat.

coogy · 11-05-2018 09:00AM

Kellygirl wrote: »

Well done for trying Coogy. I found it very hard at the start to slow down and it does feel really strange but you get used to it and it becomes enjoyable after a while to be going out for a nice slow run and to barely break a sweat.

Yeah, I felt a lot calmer on this run and way more in control of my breathing too which I barely had to think about.
I'm enjoying running so much, my only regret is that I didn't take it up sooner. It feels so natural to me to run these kind of distances, anyone else feel that way?

sumsar · 11-05-2018 11:32AM

coogy wrote: »

Kellygirl wrote: »

Well done for trying Coogy. I found it very hard at the start to slow down and it does feel really strange but you get used to it and it becomes enjoyable after a while to be going out for a nice slow run and to barely break a sweat.

Yeah, I felt a lot calmer on this run and way more in control of my breathing too which I barely had to think about.
I'm enjoying running so much, my only regret is that I didn't take it up sooner. It feels so natural to me to run these kind of distances, anyone else feel that way?

Right now I'm back as base level but when I was fit, I enjoyed jogging / running, but I've always been overweight and hated any sport or exercise so it was a surprise to me how much I enjoyed it..

skyblue46 · 11-05-2018 11:35AM

coogy wrote: »

Yeah, I felt a lot calmer on this run and way more in control of my breathing too which I barely had to think about.
I'm enjoying running so much, my only regret is that I didn't take it up sooner. It feels so natural to me to run these kind of distances, anyone else feel that way?

Yes I share those feelings! You're still relatively young though, enjoy the years ahead. Keep us posted on how the runs go and try to get a few races in over the next few weeks.

ariana` · 11-05-2018 01:50PM

Hi and welcome hansky123. Marathon training is a big undertaking on the back of 4 weeks running, i would suggest you use the HHN1 plan this time, have no fear of that it will get you around but it is the easier of the two plans and i think it will suit you. My big fear for you is the injury risk with the sudden increase in mileage (kellygirl has already mentioned the dreaded shin splints). Please build up your runs slowly over the next few weeks and keep everything nice and easy, the mileage will be ramp up once we get started into the plans so we need you in good shape come June 25th

ariana` · 11-05-2018 01:52PM

coogy wrote: »

Yeah, I felt a lot calmer on this run and way more in control of my breathing too which I barely had to think about.
I'm enjoying running so much, my only regret is that I didn't take it up sooner. It feels so natural to me to run these kind of distances, anyone else feel that way?

sumsar wrote: »

Right now I'm back as base level but when I was fit, I enjoyed jogging / running, but I've always been overweight and hated any sport or exercise so it was a surprise to me how much I enjoyed it..

Ah the running bug takes a few more victims....

Kellygirl · 11-05-2018 02:27PM

coogy wrote: »

Yeah, I felt a lot calmer on this run and way more in control of my breathing too which I barely had to think about.
I'm enjoying running so much, my only regret is that I didn't take it up sooner. It feels so natural to me to run these kind of distances, anyone else feel that way?

That’s brilliant you are enjoying it. I’d say try going a whole minute slower per mile next run and see how you go and how you feel after.

Redzer27 · 11-05-2018 04:37PM

Have I raced before yes Balbriggan 10k and 1.16
Training breaks are needed
2x5k and 1x10k per week
I just want to finish a marathon
I can train 3/4
My biggest fear is I give up
It’s on my bucket list

Lazare · 12-05-2018 12:17AM

roosterman71 wrote: »

She thinks I'm crazy of course but I've convinced her the long runs would be only around 3 hours so I might just get away with it

Hey Roosterman, I'm the guy from last year that welcomed the bambino and added madness to the madness.

My situation was a little different to yours in a couple of ways. Our little one arrived mid September, paternity leave gave me a good bit of flexibility to get the quality running in, by the time I was back in work it was almost taper time. Plus, she wasn't our first baby.

I won't sugar coat it, It will be tough for you, no doubt, there's a lot of hands on work for both parents on your first but it is doable. You may find yourself reassessing goals, but tbh, you won't care about it. You'll be floating on a such a high from the new bundle.

If you don't currently run early mornings I'd get used to that as you'll likely be running at various different times of the day depending on when the new boss naps.

Very best of luck with everything.

Mr. Guappa · 12-05-2018 10:38AM

I signed up for DCM a few weeks back and have been keeping an eye out for this thread since.
I'm mid-30's, started running 3 years ago, completed a couch to 5k, and got up to a 59:00 10k after about a year. Let the running drift almost completely then for another year, before re-focusing last May, and I'm really enjoying it this time around.

Similar to RunningFlyer, I work shift in a very inactive role. A mix of long days and nights where I don't have the time or energy before or after work to do much training.

Until very recently I tended to run every run flat out, which I now realise is not the correct approach.
I ran 15k on Thursday at an easy 6.28/km, would previously have been doing that at about 5:40/km.
Should I change my thought process to miles as opposed to km? Seems that most people here go by miles?

I've had knee trouble due to running in the past, but this seems to have cleared up now, thanks to a better choice of runner, some physio and increased stretching and foam rolling.

I don't really have a typical week, given my shift pattern, but it would approximate to something like:
RUN--REST--RUN--REST--RUN--WORK--WORK--WORK--WORK--RUN--REST.. if that makes sense.

I had been reluctant to run during the REST days, preferring to RUN every second day, in part due to concern over my knees, but mainly to allow recovery following what would have been a pacy run the day before. I'm now thinking that more easy runs will allow me to add sessions on the REST days.

I'm also currently training for a HM in early July. Not really following a strict plan. I try to fit in one long run every 8-10 days, adding a km or so each time (15km most recently). Then I'll fit in whatever short runs (6-9km) I can around that.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)

10 mile April 2018: 1:23:17
10k March 2018: 48:30
5k February 2018: 23:19

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
No

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.

Approx 21km per week at present, working on gradually increasing this.
Average runs per week is 2.5 at present.
I'd also throw in the very odd walk, maybe two a month.
I try to do at least some bit of stretching and foam rolling every day.
In an 8-10 day period I'll typically do a long run (12k+), a 9k and a 6.5k.
Most of these would have been at 5:30/km or faster.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?

I'd like to do it under 4:00:00. This seems a realistic aim looking at some calculators I've checked.

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?

Days available per week depends on shift pattern, but typically 3-4, condensed together. I want to try and squeeze in a short home yoga session on one of my WORK days also.

I'm currently reading the Hal Higdon book, and I've looked at some of the various plans on here, but nothing currently decided. It will probably be some mutated combination of different plans, adjusted to suit my schedule.

What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?

Not getting to the start line.
Not getting to the finish line.

Why are you running this marathon?

I like running. I like the sense of achievement in running a long distance.
It's been a goal of mine for a number of years. It was a pie-in-the-sky type of ridiculous target a few years ago, but now it feels attainable.
I've 2 young kids, and want to set a good example for them.

whiskey_sour · 12-05-2018 02:18PM

[justify]Hi there, thanks for starting the thread Ariana…I’m sure this will be my lifeline over the next few months. I’m not sure if I’m definitely going to go ahead with the marathon this year but I said I’d join and start out the training and see how I get on. I’ve been running (slowly!) on and off for the past 5/6 years or so but last year was a complete write off. I’ve been getting out consistently 4/5 times a week since January and have been slowly building up the mileage since I didn’t get out much last year…Ideally I know this isn’t much of a base to work off but every year I’ve wanted to run it something has come up… this year I feel like I can definitely commit and God knows when that’ll happen again[/justify]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)[/font]
I’ve done plenty of races over the years but none recently…my last times are from 2016
Irish Runner 5 mile 2016: 45min
Parkrun: 27min
10k: 56min
[font=Arial, sans-serif]
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)[/font]
No just to cross roads and take water on hot days
[font=Arial, sans-serif]
How much training do you currently do? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.[/font]
I run 5k 4 times a week and have been doing a 5miler on the weekends the past 3 weeks. I also do pilates/yoga once or twice a week.

[font=Arial, sans-serif]What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time?[/font][font=Arial, sans-serif] Or just complete it in no specified time?[/font]
Dream is to get under 4 and a half hours but realistically I know I should be happy just to run the whole thing.
[font=Arial, sans-serif]
How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?[/font]
I’ve been running 5 days a week and can keep that up but most novice type plans only have 4 days running…I’m not sure if I should just cut back to 4 days or add an extra day to those plans? The boards plan is definitely too advanced for me so I’m thinking HHN2…
[font=Arial, sans-serif]
What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up? [/font]
Getting injured!!
[font=Arial, sans-serif]
Why are you running this marathon?[/font]

My first race was the WMM about 7 years ago and I’ve wanted to run the DCM ever since! I’m a Dub so have always wanted DCM to be my first marathon as I think the atmosphere will really help get me through.

mrs happyfeet · 12-05-2018 04:25PM

Hi Everyone - delighted to be part of this group.
I'm a 38 year old mam of 3. Joined my local fit4life group back in September . Before that I had been doing the very odd parkrun and did Dublin 1/2 marathon and Munich 1/2 back in 2012.
Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? 5k PB is 27.20 which was about 2 years ago, theses days I'm happy to get under the 30min
10k PB was 1.01 in 2016
Dublin 1/2 was 2:10
Munich 1/2 2:18
Trim 10 mile 2018 1:43
Bohermeen 1/2 earlier this tear was 2:40 but upset tummy and toilet stop etc
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? for the trim 10 mile and Bohermeen 1/2 I did run 6min walk 1 min which I found brilliant but since then I've been running and taking a small break maybe every 5k or so to get water etc.

How much training do you currently do ? try to get out for 2 short runs maybe 7-8 k usually Mon and Thurs and long run on Saturday mornings which is up to 9 miles. have done this long run 4 times.
What do you want to achieve? finish the marathon
Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? Just complete it and hopefully run most of it
How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow? 4 days a week and hoping to follow HHnovice2
What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up? really want to avoid injury
Why are you running this marathon? something I've wanted to do for the last few years - I go in to watch it every year and always feel super motivated after watching everyone.

skyblue46 · 12-05-2018 05:49PM

Good to have you here Mrs happyfeet and whiskey sour. I can't wait to see how your training develops. It'll be worth it for sure and will make all the sacrifices worthwhile.

The Black Oil · 13-05-2018 09:17PM

Good to hear about the efforts at slowing down. You'll get used to and slip into this rhythm easily after a while, the reward for doing so will come later.

Kellygirl · 13-05-2018 09:49PM

Welcome Redzer27, Mr. Guappa, Whiskey Sour and Mrs Happyfeet,

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

Should I change my thought process to miles as opposed to km? Seems that most people here go by miles?

I've had knee trouble due to running in the past, but this seems to have cleared up now, thanks to a better choice of runner, some physio and increased stretching and foam rolling.

Totally upto you whether you want to do miles or kilometers. I used to do kilometers but when I did DCM last year I wore a paceband and 42kms meant a lot of info. Wasn’t a serious problem but changed to miles after. Has taken ages to get used to and still working on it. Go with whatever suits you.

whiskey_sour wrote: »

How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?[/font][/size]
I’ve been running 5 days a week and can keep that up but most novice type plans only have 4 days running…I’m not sure if I should just cut back to 4 days or add an extra day to those plans? The boards plan is definitely too advanced for me so I’m thinking HHN2…
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What do you think is too advanced about the Boards plan out of interest?

I don’t see why you’d have to cut back a day if you do say HHN2 as you could do as the Boards plan does and have that day as rest, cross training or a 3 mile recovery run which is just a really slow run.

skyblue46 · 13-05-2018 09:57PM

Yes whiskey_sour I agree with K on this. If you are used to running 5 days a week there is no reason to drop back to 4. The only thing that could make the boards plan too advanced is over ambitious paces for the PMP sessions. If you are realistic with this then the plan is very doable.

coogy · 13-05-2018 10:21PM

Just completed my first 10 mile run.
Great feeling!!!
Really feels like this is another milestone in the build up to the actual training schedule. Bring it on!!

Kellygirl · 13-05-2018 10:27PM

coogy wrote: »

Just completed my first 10 mile run.
Great feeling!!!
Really feels like this is another milestone in the build up to the actual training schedule. Bring it on!!

Well done Coogy! 10 miles is a great distance. Nice start to the week for you.

whiskey_sour · 13-05-2018 10:30PM

Hi Kellygirl and skyblue46, thanks for the advice! My worry about the boards plan is that the long runs increase very quickly for me! I haven't gone longer than 10k in over a year and I'm worried if I take on too much too soon that I'll get injured. I guess I still have a few weeks before I decide which to go with so can see how training goes until then....

DCM 2018 - Mentored Novice Thread

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