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DCM 2018 - Mentored Novice Thread

ariana`

Hello there, you're all very welcome to the DCM 2018 Mentored Novices Thread!

This is the 10th year that Boards has offered support and advice to DCM Novices. In 2009, -amadeus-- composed the opening symphony. Rainbow kirby took over in 2010, Raycun in 2011, followed by Younganne in 2012. career_move kept the show on the road in 2013, succeeded by Ososlo for the 2014 stanza. Dubgal72 with her expert coaching managed to get her crew through in 2015, while the 2016 edition was hosted by the notorious (not really!) nop98, in 2017 Wubble Wubble did a sterling job to bring Wubble's Wonders to the start line and me along with them which brings us to 2018...

About the Novices thread
This thread is aimed at anyone considering doing the Dublin City Marathon for the first time this year, on October 28th. It isn't limited to those who haven't run a marathon before, maybe you ran one but it's a few years ago and you're getting back into it or maybe you ran it but it didn't go well and now you're looking for a different approach...

The Training
Training for any marathon is tough, especially if it's your first! It helps if you can spare a lot of time to devote to it, it can involve a fair amount of running at stupid o'clock as your runs get longer.

Our training plans commence on Monday, June 25th, that is 8 weeks from today. I recommend that you have been running quite regularly for a year. Come June 25th, you want to be running comfortably 3-4 times a week, every week, covering at least 20 miles per week. If you want some advise on how to build your mileage up to 20 mpw over the next 8 weeks then we're here for that too

Have a look at the two training plans on offer and see if you can find a way to fit one of them into your life for 18 weeks. Can you fit this in your daily routine, your holiday plans, your family life? If you're unsure, just try it out for a couple of weeks and see how you get on. The mileage in the programs will go up, so be realistic in your self-assessment. If you have doubts post here and we'll give you our honest opinions.

Training Plans
The Hal Higdon Novice 1 plan is a widely used novice marathon plan. It's a simple, and straightforward plan, which slowly increases the weekly mileage to eventually include a 20 mile training run, and has step-back weeks built in to help the body adapt. It uses 3 mid-week runs, which will slowly increase in length, and a longer weekend run. Ideally, you mix in one day of cross-training, too.

The Boards plan for 2018 is for slightly more experienced runners. It includes more variety in paces (either "easy" pace, or PMP ("planned marathon pace")), it includes strides on some of the easy runs, and generally covers more miles - e.g. 2 * 20 milers.

Both plans include all the Race Series build-up races (the South Dublin 10k in Swords on July 22nd, the Frank Duffy 10-miler on Sept 2nd in Fingal, and the Race Series Half Marathon, on September 22 in the Phoenix Park). You don't have to run these races, but it's a good idea to try one or more of them or other races of similar distances during the program to give yourself a feel for running at race pace and to see how much you've progressed. If the dates of your choosen races don't tie in exactly with the plan then don't worry - we can advise you on how to restructure the plan as we go on.

There are many more plans out there of course, but we recommend that you choose one of the above and trust the plan you choose! Both of these plans have got countless runners across the line over the past 9 years and they can get you across the line in 2018!

General Guidelines
The longest runs are the most important. You can of course switch runs around within a week if you need to. If you have to skip a run, try make it one of the short runs. When it's gone, it's gone. Do not go chasing lost mileage in subsequent weeks.

Run slow. Once you think you run slow enough, run even slower. You will hear this on repeat for the next 26 weeks and for a reason, you will not be able to complete all the training miles if you don't run the majority of them slow (slower than you will run on the day itself and possibly slower than you have ever run).

Once the program is about to start, we'll talk about how to determine your training paces.

Be realistic. A marathon is no mean physical or mental challenge - hopefully you will have raced at some of the shorter distances already. Don't set your heart on hitting a particular time. You won't have a pace car in front of you to block out the wind, or have water bottles handed to you, a la Kipchoge and co. If you do want to set a target time, be conservative. The marathon has so many variables that can impact on your time.

Listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, stop your run. If it continues, seek professional guidance. As per general Boards guidelines, we cannot offer medical advice.

You'll have to make sure your wife/husband/partner is on your side. Believe you and me, it does make a difference when he/she is ready and willing to support what you're doing.

And Here Is Your Host...
I jumped on the 2017 Novices bus for my first and to date only marathon. I joined a fantastic group of fellow novices, DCM was only the beginning of the journey for most of us... The support, encouragement, advice along the way was incredible as was the day itself which surpassed my expectations in every way possible. I trained for a faster time than i achieved but i had no idea of how much MORE i would achieve than a finishing time which in the end was irrelevant because i had the most amazing experience running my 1st marathon and made friendships that it seems are for life (for better or worse i can't seem to shake them off :P). You may go on to run many more marathons in the future, but as the saying goes "You never forget your first".

Let me tell you this time last year i had many doubts; 3 young kids, a full time job, my OH had a full time job, a commute to his job, a part-time job and a hobby or two (how dare he

)... so seriously fitting in the training was my biggest worry but i discovered that if you want something badly enough you will find or make the time for it... a good time for a cliche? Here it is - "where there is a will there really is a way"!

And just to let you know it's not just me you will be behind you, skyblue46 (the elder statesman of the 2017 bunch :P) and KellyGirl who is about to embark on her 4th marathon in a few weeks time will also be around to share their knowledge and experiences. As will many more of the 2017 novices and other experienced runners from these parts

If i can do it, anyone can, anyone including you!

Over to you now
To finish, I'd really appreciate if you could tell us a little bit about yourself, and answer the following questions.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training? (No problem if you do)
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.
What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
How many days a week can you train? And what plan do you intend to follow?
What is your biggest worry/fear/doubt (if you have any!) in signing up?
Why are you running this marathon?

Thanks for reading. Once again, welcome to the thread, should you choose to accept the challenge i guarantee you will not regret it!

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NyOmnishambles

Morning all, lovely aul day for a run

I broke the pace run into two 4K half's, partly because I had mucked around with the settings on my watch and wasn't happy with it

I had set out with a range between 6.15 and 6.45 per K as my aim, I struggle with pace so I thought best not to pick an out and out target

I averaged slap bang in the middle of the range so can't be too unhappy with that

eyrie

roosterman71 wrote: »

I've done 3 runs in the last 2 weeks. Am I screwed? New baby born on Thursday last has scuppered my training

Congratulations!

skyblue46 wrote: »

Ok folks I'll throw this out there and see what ye can come up with. I think a get together might be a nice idea for ye. I'm free the weekend of the 25/26th and would love to meet some of the gang for a little run. I know some do long runs on a Saturday, some on a Sunday.....maybe a meet for a gentle recovery jog would be best. It'd give you a chance to put names to faces before the Frank Duffy. So the ball is in your court, tell me what day to meet ye!

Ah I'd love a meet up but I'm hoping to get to a race that weekend.

whiskey_sour

NyOmnishambles wrote: »

Morning all, lovely aul day for a run

I broke the pace run into two 4K half's, partly because I had mucked around with the settings on my watch and wasn't happy with it

I had set out with a range between 6.15 and 6.45 per K as my aim, I struggle with pace so I thought best not to pick an out and out target

I averaged slap bang in the middle of the range so can't be too unhappy with that

I averaged about where I wanted to too but Jesus the consistency was awful....really need to work on that! I did end up having to run up and down steps to cross bridges though so I'm kind of blaming that :P!
For those of us running half marathons next weekend should we do the pace run next week or keep them as easy miles?

ariana`

whiskey_sour wrote: »

I averaged about where I wanted to too but Jesus the consistency was awful....really need to work on that! I did end up having to run up and down steps to cross bridges though so I'm kind of blaming that :P!
For those of us running half marathons next weekend should we do the pace run next week or keep them as easy miles?

Yes keep them easy but you could throw in 4-5 strides towards the end on the Wed or Thurs runs. Are you racing the HM or planning to do it as a MP session or other?

whiskey_sour

ariana` wrote: »

whiskey_sour wrote: »

I averaged about where I wanted to too but Jesus the consistency was awful....really need to work on that! I did end up having to run up and down steps to cross bridges though so I'm kind of blaming that :P!
For those of us running half marathons next weekend should we do the pace run next week or keep them as easy miles?

Yes keep them easy but you could throw in 4-5 strides towards the end on the Wed or Thurs runs. Are you racing the HM or planning to do it as a MP session or other?

Thanks ariana! Yes I'm going to race it...my only race this year so far has been a parkrun so really need to see where I'm at to figure out a goal time!

roosterman71

Firstly, thanks all for the best wishes. Everyone doing good here

skyblue46 wrote: »

First of all a big congratulations to you and your good lady. I hope all are healthy and well.

As for DCM....going forward how many runs a week do you think you will be able to do? Would you be happy to just get around or have you your heart set on a time?

I had hoped for 3.45 or thereabouts. Wouldn't be happy to just do it. To keep me motivated, I'd need a time to aim for

Kellygirl wrote: »

Congrats on the new baby.

I suppose you have to weigh up how soon you can get back running and if you can get out as many times as you need to a week. Maybe you can change the times of your runs to suit your wife or something.

ariana` wrote: »

Congratulations on the new baby, it's a very exciting time for you! Is it your 1st? We had a DCM Novice Baby born last year during training too so Lazare might be able to offer some advice if he pops his head in

Are you back at work - is running on your lunch hour an option for you? You could do the mid week runs done with minimal impact on the family that way. And for the long run it really is a case of sitting down with your better half and figuring out if there is a way it can be done with least impact to her.

I'm sure the training can be done, it's not a case that it can't but a new baby is a very special time and need to weigh up what can be done, maybe as others pointed out it's a case of doing it with lowered expectations. And if you decide to park it, DCM will still be there next year and any training you've done will still stand to you.

Not in work until the 14th, so I could get to do lunch runs then. The weekend one is a problem as the time away grows and grows each week, and the weekend long run is the most important of course. I'd normally do it Sunday morning. Mon-Fri I'd have my day job, then Saturday back on the farm doing what needs to be done. So running that day is out.

To be honest, I don't know what I'm going to do really

ariana`

roosterman71 wrote: »

Firstly, thanks all for the best wishes. Everyone doing good here

I had hoped for 3.45 or thereabouts. Wouldn't be happy to just do it. To keep me motivated, I'd need a time to aim for

Not in work until the 14th, so I could get to do lunch runs then. The weekend one is a problem as the time away grows and grows each week, and the weekend long run is the most important of course. I'd normally do it Sunday morning. Mon-Fri I'd have my day job, then Saturday back on the farm doing what needs to be done. So running that day is out.

To be honest, I don't know what I'm going to do really

Oh dear. I've been on the other side off your situation. My OH has a full time job, he's a part-time farmer and is a hobby cyclist. I'll be honest and tell you i would have divorced him if he'd contemplated training for a big (in his case cycling) event in the early months after the births of any of our 3 kids :P

It seems to me that you have 2 options

get up ridiculously early on a Saturday and do the long run before the farm work or

chase a different goal for this year - such as 10k. You could tackle the marathon next year with a strong base, faster paces etc.

There is a training technique that you could investigate which may help if you go with the first option - I'm not an expert on it but it involves splitting the long run over 2 runs - a PM run followed the next day by an AM run - so for example 16m run might become 8m on a Friday evening followed by 10m on a Saturday morning. It is probably not ideal though but it might help some weeks.

yido1882

roosterman71 wrote: »

Firstly, thanks all for the best wishes. Everyone doing good here

skyblue46 wrote: »

First of all a big congratulations to you and your good lady. I hope all are healthy and well.

As for DCM....going forward how many runs a week do you think you will be able to do? Would you be happy to just get around or have you your heart set on a time?

I had hoped for 3.45 or thereabouts. Wouldn't be happy to just do it. To keep me motivated, I'd need a time to aim for

Kellygirl wrote: »

Congrats on the new baby.

I suppose you have to weigh up how soon you can get back running and if you can get out as many times as you need to a week. Maybe you can change the times of your runs to suit your wife or something.

ariana` wrote: »

Congratulations on the new baby, it's a very exciting time for you! Is it your 1st? We had a DCM Novice Baby born last year during training too so Lazare might be able to offer some advice if he pops his head in ;)

Are you back at work - is running on your lunch hour an option for you? You could do the mid week runs done with minimal impact on the family that way. And for the long run it really is a case of sitting down with your better half and figuring out if there is a way it can be done with least impact to her.

I'm sure the training can be done, it's not a case that it can't but a new baby is a very special time and need to weigh up what can be done, maybe as others pointed out it's a case of doing it with lowered expectations. And if you decide to park it, DCM will still be there next year and any training you've done will still stand to you.

Not in work until the 14th, so I could get to do lunch runs then. The weekend one is a problem as the time away grows and grows each week, and the weekend long run is the most important of course. I'd normally do it Sunday morning. Mon-Fri I'd have my day job, then Saturday back on the farm doing what needs to be done. So running that day is out.

To be honest, I don't know what I'm going to do really

Congrats on the new arrival! In my experience of having new born babies, it was a challenge not to fall asleep standing up in the first few weeks, let alone train for a marathon!
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

juke

skyblue46 wrote: »

Ok folks I'll throw this out there and see what ye can come up with. I think a get together might be a nice idea for ye. I'm free the weekend of the 25/26th and would love to meet some of the gang for a little run. I know some do long runs on a Saturday, some on a Sunday.....maybe a meet for a gentle recovery jog would be best. It'd give you a chance to put names to faces before the Frank Duffy. So the ball is in your court, tell me what day to meet ye!

I'd be up for a meet up - I think it would be good for people and get a good camaraderie going.

However:

I feel a little bit in crisis mode :eek:. Bear with me, I may be my own worst enemy.

I have pretty much constant nerve pain in arm or shoulder. The only time my shoulder isn’t hurting is when I am running/moving about. I’m not in a position to take time off work for a week or two. I went to the gym on Monday, and for me, it was a light session. I decided (without much approval*) to try to add a runmute into my Tuesday/Wednesday schedule, to fit in the sessions better. I drove to work Tuesday, left the car, ran home (uphill), and did the reverse this morning (downhill).

Things I learned:

12 hours between runs at my level was not enough.
I hate running.
I hate running uphill.
Even worse, my idea of uphill is probably routine for many
Running downhill can feel as bad as running uphill, when done 12 hours just later.
I have 2 paces, LSR slow and easy slow. Even downhill.
My splits are atrocious.
There is not a hope in hell I will be able to run at anywhere near my last 5k or HM pace ever again - not even for 1k. I am going backwards.
The idea of running again makes me want to cry and eat figrolls

Is it just a bad day, that will stand to me, or do I just cut my losses now?

*I thought about it, but did not run this runmute plan on here or my log first. I was pretty sure I would be shouted at!

Kellygirl

juke wrote: »

I'd be up for a meet up - I think it would be good for people and get a good camaraderie going.

However:

I feel a little bit in crisis mode :eek:. Bear with me, I may be my own worst enemy.

I have pretty much constant nerve pain in arm or shoulder. The only time my shoulder isn’t hurting is when I am running/moving about. I’m not in a position to take time off work for a week or two. I went to the gym on Monday, and for me, it was a light session. I decided (without much approval*) to try to add a runmute into my Tuesday/Wednesday schedule, to fit in the sessions better. I drove to work Tuesday, left the car, ran home (uphill), and did the reverse this morning (downhill).

Things I learned:
12 hours between runs at my level was not enough.

I hate running.

I hate running uphill.

Even worse, my idea of uphill is probably routine for many

Running downhill can feel as bad as running uphill, when done 12 hours just later.

I have 2 paces, LSR slow and easy slow. Even downhill.

My splits are atrocious.

There is not a hope in hell I will be able to run at anywhere near my last 5k or HM pace ever again - not even for 1k. I am going backwards.

The idea of running again makes me want to cry and eat figrolls

Is it just a bad day, that will stand to me, or do I just cut my losses now?

*I thought about it, but did not run this runmute plan on here or my log first. I was pretty sure I would be shouted at!

Oh boy. You are having a bad day.

Firstly the shoulder - have to tried acupuncture? The minute I saw nerve pain that’s what I thought of. You are going to have to figure that out or it will drive you crazy.

Secondly, stop worrying about paces. You will get back to the faster paces but right now you need to just worry about time on your feet anyway so the slower the better. Splits on hills whether up or down are hard to control and keep even.

Downhill is hard. It might feel easy at the time bit it’s harder on the legs.

Lastly figrolls - they are nice but make sure you have a cup of tea with them! (Don’t try eat them while running which is what I tried to do training for DCM last year as somebody told me they are better than gels - too dry to eat while running - and I needed the cup of tea).

After your figrolls and tea what about an Epsom salts bath?

juke

Kellygirl wrote: »

After your figrolls and tea what about an Epsom salts bath?

:eek: That's exactly what I need, my heads such a mess It never occurred to me. Thank you

skyblue46

juke wrote: »

I'd be up for a meet up - I think it would be good for people and get a good camaraderie going.

However:

I feel a little bit in crisis mode :eek:. Bear with me, I may be my own worst enemy.

I have pretty much constant nerve pain in arm or shoulder. The only time my shoulder isn’t hurting is when I am running/moving about. I’m not in a position to take time off work for a week or two. I went to the gym on Monday, and for me, it was a light session. I decided (without much approval*) to try to add a runmute into my Tuesday/Wednesday schedule, to fit in the sessions better. I drove to work Tuesday, left the car, ran home (uphill), and did the reverse this morning (downhill).

Things I learned:
12 hours between runs at my level was not enough.

I hate running.

I hate running uphill.

Even worse, my idea of uphill is probably routine for many

Running downhill can feel as bad as running uphill, when done 12 hours just later.

I have 2 paces, LSR slow and easy slow. Even downhill.

My splits are atrocious.

There is not a hope in hell I will be able to run at anywhere near my last 5k or HM pace ever again - not even for 1k. I am going backwards.

The idea of running again makes me want to cry and eat figrolls

Is it just a bad day, that will stand to me, or do I just cut my losses now?

*I thought about it, but did not run this runmute plan on here or my log first. I was pretty sure I would be shouted at!

Sweet divine mother of the holy baby Jesus! :eek:

Give it 24 hours and then revisit that list above. If you hate something then don't do it. Life is too short.

Things that I can however comment with some level of certainty are....

1. 12 hours between runs can be too much for some. No need to feel bad about that.

2. Most dislike hills. That's why any race that can will advertise it's route as flat and fast. It also explains the comments about the RnR half course being a pig of a route.

3. You will run faster again...training over time generally reaps rewards.

4. Nearly everyone except a chosen few and my good self struggle with pacing. This especially applies to Novice DCM runners :pac:

5. Never eat Fig Rolls. They are the devils spawn, terrible bloody things! :eek:

6. Running beats gym, everyday

RayCun

What are you doing in the gym?

juke

Kellygirl wrote: »

Oh boy. You are having a bad day.

Firstly the shoulder - have to tried acupuncture? The minute I saw nerve pain that’s what I thought of. You are going to have to figure that out or it will drive you crazy.

Secondly, stop worrying about paces. You will get back to the faster paces but right now you need to just worry about time on your feet anyway so the slower the better. Splits on hills whether up or down are hard to control and keep even.

Downhill is hard. It might feel easy at the time bit it’s harder on the legs.

Lastly figrolls - they are nice but make sure you have a cup of tea with them! (Don’t try eat them while running which is what I tried to do training for DCM last year as somebody told me they are better than gels - too dry to eat while running - and I needed the cup of tea).

After your figrolls and tea what about an Epsom salts bath?

Well that feels better, in hindsight, I should have had a salt bath last night.

Acupuncture: no - and it hasn’t been suggested by my GP or either physio. Dry-needling freaks me out.

I’ve read these novices threads for 3 years - I know this sort of panic comes up all the time. But when you’re slogging along, and passed with a smiling ‘hello’ by someone who’s running along ‘effortlessly’, and out of sign in minutes, the doubts creep in

skyblue46 wrote: »

Sweet divine mother of the holy baby Jesus! :eek:

Give it 24 hours and then revisit that list above. If you hate something then don't do it. Life is too short.

Things that I can however comment with some level of certainty are....

1. 12 hours between runs can be too much for some. No need to feel bad about that.

2. Most dislike hills. That's why any race that can will advertise it's route as flat and fast. It also explains the comments about the RnR half course being a pig of a route.

3. You will run faster again...training over time generally reaps rewards.

4. Nearly everyone except a chosen few and my good self struggle with pacing. This especially applies to Novice DCM runners :pac:

5. Never eat Fig Rolls. They are the devils spawn, terrible bloody things! :eek:

6. Running beats gym, everyday

Figrolls are my re-discovered ‘cake’.
You are wrong about the Gym

You are of course most likely right about everything else

RayCun wrote: »

What are you doing in the gym?

Completely scaled back from training to compete in powerlifting competitions, to give this marathon training a chance - and nurse the shoulder. Monday was a closely monitored:

Legpress, seated row, hamstring curls, neutral dumbbell shoulder press, one arm row, neutral lat pull-down. All at about 40% usual effort, except legwork - maybe 60%. 45 min session, loads of stretching & foam-rolling.

NyOmnishambles

juke wrote: »

I’ve read these novices threads for 3 years - I know this sort of panic comes up all the time. But when you’re slogging along, and passed with a smiling ‘hello’ by someone who’s running along ‘effortlessly’, and out of sign in minutes, the doubts creep in

I certainly wouldn't worry about this, happens me all the time, at least people are polite about it

Besides you aren't "racing" against anyone but yourself in something like this, there will always be someone faster and indeed slower in most cases

Plus you never know how far that person has run or will be running, could be a lot less than you

coogy

skyblue46 wrote: »

5. Never eat Fig Rolls. They are the devils spawn, terrible bloody things! :eek:

How can you say such a thing???? I eat those things by the sleeve!!!

Dealerz2.0

coogy wrote: »

How can you say such a thing???? I eat those things by the sleeve!!!

I thought it was a shocking thing to say....and Lidl fig rolls are so cheaply addictive

Alorra

skyblue46 wrote: »

I was.. the whole city will be in a heap! Maybe ye'll just have to organise your own meet up another weekend

I will try and come along if this happens if can at all. i will let the decision be made and jump on the bandwagon if it works.

julie2tubz

eyrie wrote: »

Welcome back from your holidays! Hope the LSR went well this morning too!

Question for you about the migraines if you don't mind! I used to get them and then stopped for ages, but over the last few months I've had quite a few straight after running. Are yours related to exercise do you think? And does eating/drinking beforehand help prevent them?

I was meaning to write back to these messages, about migraines. I got so many of them in June - at the start of upping my exercise. Came in middle of run or just at end.

And nothing since... until last night... when I was at my furthest point from my house - BOOM it strikes.

Such a pain. but i did nearly the whole 7 miles (5 miles paceish) boards plan. Half blind for most of it. But had to get home.

I have been nursing a swollen ankle since last week - Rested thursday to tuesday - sadly missed the LSR. But i am very wary of injuring myself. So strapped up this week and am setting off nice and steady each day. All going ok at the moment.

I truly feel I am destined to not run. migraines, swollen ankles etc... either way I will persevere!!! And i promise to stop moaning whenever I come on here. I am feeling positive nonetheless, and i have the excitement about training back... kinda... absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that.

I have a sports massage next week. I am really looking forward to. Had one around a month ago also. Amazing!!!

Loosened up legssss sooooo much.

Then I am off on my holidays to the alps - mountaineering in just over a week. I am very excited about that and I hope the days up high up will 1. help strengthen my legs etc and also 2. some high altitude training is practically doping

so looking forward to my natural increase in red blood cells

))))

So anyway thanks for listening to my ramblings. I am hopefully BACK on track.

brownbinman

first run in a week or so. Shins have calmed down. Bought and wore the calf sleeves for first time. Next day or so will tell me where I am overall

Wedding at weekend really awkward run wise, 4m last night, will do 6-8m tomorrow evening all going well

Huzzah!

juke wrote: »

I'd be up for a meet up - I think it would be good for people and get a good camaraderie going.

However:

I feel a little bit in crisis mode :eek:. Bear with me, I may be my own worst enemy.

I have pretty much constant nerve pain in arm or shoulder. The only time my shoulder isn’t hurting is when I am running/moving about. I’m not in a position to take time off work for a week or two. I went to the gym on Monday, and for me, it was a light session. I decided (without much approval*) to try to add a runmute into my Tuesday/Wednesday schedule, to fit in the sessions better. I drove to work Tuesday, left the car, ran home (uphill), and did the reverse this morning (downhill).

Things I learned:
12 hours between runs at my level was not enough.

I hate running.

I hate running uphill.

Even worse, my idea of uphill is probably routine for many

Running downhill can feel as bad as running uphill, when done 12 hours just later.

I have 2 paces, LSR slow and easy slow. Even downhill.

My splits are atrocious.

There is not a hope in hell I will be able to run at anywhere near my last 5k or HM pace ever again - not even for 1k. I am going backwards.

The idea of running again makes me want to cry and eat figrolls

Is it just a bad day, that will stand to me, or do I just cut my losses now?

*I thought about it, but did not run this runmute plan on here or my log first. I was pretty sure I would be shouted at!

I've been runmuting for three years. Previously to the Northside and more recently to Stepaside and I cried the first time I did the Stepaside runmute, if it makes you feel any better! Stopped at a bus stop and had an old blub for myself.

I'd love a figroll right now.

(It's just a bad day. You got it done. It will, of course, stand to you. I'm feeling quite one paced myself at the moment.)

ariana`

juke wrote: »

I'd be up for a meet up - I think it would be good for people and get a good camaraderie going.

However:

I feel a little bit in crisis mode :eek:. Bear with me, I may be my own worst enemy.

I have pretty much constant nerve pain in arm or shoulder. The only time my shoulder isn’t hurting is when I am running/moving about. I’m not in a position to take time off work for a week or two. I went to the gym on Monday, and for me, it was a light session. I decided (without much approval*) to try to add a runmute into my Tuesday/Wednesday schedule, to fit in the sessions better. I drove to work Tuesday, left the car, ran home (uphill), and did the reverse this morning (downhill).

Things I learned:
12 hours between runs at my level was not enough.

I hate running.

I hate running uphill.

Even worse, my idea of uphill is probably routine for many

Running downhill can feel as bad as running uphill, when done 12 hours just later.

I have 2 paces, LSR slow and easy slow. Even downhill.

My splits are atrocious.

There is not a hope in hell I will be able to run at anywhere near my last 5k or HM pace ever again - not even for 1k. I am going backwards.

The idea of running again makes me want to cry and eat figrolls

Is it just a bad day, that will stand to me, or do I just cut my losses now?

*I thought about it, but did not run this runmute plan on here or my log first. I was pretty sure I would be shouted at!

Juke i sincerely hope you ate the figrolls and felt better afterwards! Today is a new day

Constant pain would wreck anyone's head, i don't know how you're getting out of bed every morning never mind functioning through the day so don't be so hard on yourself, you're doing mighty.

I hate hills too :mad: The roads around me are all flat - i have to force myself to look for hills cos i know they are good for me :rolleyes: They will stand to you but slow down for them and use your arms, that can help a lot, swing your arms to power you up them. And keep reminding yourself that when DCM comes around the hills will be like little speed bumps to you

And i bet most of this group feel like they have just 1 pace right now. I know i did last year. My body went to that pace automatically at the start of every run and never left it. You will run faster again i can guarantee you that, the body doesn't forget, it will need a gentle reminding after DCM but for now you are training for an endurance event and that is the main thing!

Hope today is a better day for you x

Rossi7

Seeing as the thread has turned into 24 Hours in ER, I may as well add that I'm too on the sidelines since Monday night after my last run. Smothered with a head cold that I can't shake off. A bit better today so might loosen the legs tonight as I'll be doing my LSR come hail rain or shine tomorrow evening as I have a 2 day wedding this weekend. The running gear will be packed to sweat the alcohol out Sunday morning.
For the folks that complain of headaches, I usually take sugary cup of tea and normally clears up. Might be an idea to try a few glucose sweets before you head out for your runs

gypsylee

A few posts about injuries and/or colds etc. at the minute. Hope you all feel better soon and are back pounding the roads at the pace you want.

I'm looking forward to the "short" LSR of 7 miles this Saturday. Never did I think I would refer to a 7 mile run as short.

Managed to get myself lost on my run yesterday, 3 miles from my house! In a town where I have lived all my life! Only me. Had to ring for a lift home as I was under pressure time wise. That's what I get for trying a new route on a whim! Sure it provided a laugh to my family anyway.

Have a great day everyone. Enjoy your run if running today.

smashiner

Just a quick note to say that feeling a bit overwhelmed/crappy/tired/can't do this marathon thing, is pretty normal for a lot of Novices particularly around the jump from 10-20 miles as the body starts to give out a little and a planned LSR or run may not go as well as intended.

I personally had a speed wobble on my first DCM prep when after weeks of decent progress, I went out and tried to do a 23K LSR and felt exhausted and 'I can't do this' and I almost stopped and threw in the towel on the whole thing. I took a few days off from running and skipped a shorter run, ate well for the week, had a few early nights, had vitamin C etc. and then went out and did a 25K LSR the following weekend and felt great and never looked back.

Even if you miss the odd run due to sickness/injury/busy schedules, you will be amongst the best prepared people at the start line of the DCM as plenty of people I know just rock up on the day and 'give it a go' with nowhere near the effort that you guys are putting it.

Stay positive Novices.....only a few more weeks of this madness left......you can and you will do this!!

Applegirl26

bucketybuck wrote: »

If anybody finds they don't much like the taste or texture of energy gels I would recommend "Clif Blok" energy chews. Its the same stuff but instead of a runny gel they are more like eating a soft wine gum, I much prefer them.

Thanks for the recommendation. My order of these gummies just arrived and I tried one; they taste really good, very sweet but that's to be expected of course!

If anyone uses the flipbelt, would you recommend it? Are sizes true?
Thanks

yido1882

Applegirl26 wrote: »

bucketybuck wrote: »

If anybody finds they don't much like the taste or texture of energy gels I would recommend "Clif Blok" energy chews. Its the same stuff but instead of a runny gel they are more like eating a soft wine gum, I much prefer them.

Thanks for the recommendation. My order of these gummies just arrived and I tried one; they taste really good, very sweet but that's to be expected of course!

If anyone uses the flipbelt, would you recommend it? Are sizes true?
Thanks

I bought a Flipbelt a few weeks ago, I find it really good, it's very comfortable and you can store your phone, keys etc. in it if needed. I've only used it for Gels so far.

Kellygirl

For all those sick with head colds etc - it’s quite common for this to happen a few weeks after ramp up of training. Just make sure you allow yourself recover and you’ll come back stronger.

Headaches and Migraines - I used get these on my first marathon training cycle I think it was. Used have the whole migraine aura and all. I’m convinced it came down to hydration and it was then I started taking zero tablets a couple of days before long runs and on the day obviously. I’d been to my gp about it and he recommended diorolye twice daily - I use zero tabs instead.

Applegirl26 wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendation. My order of these gummies just arrived and I tried one; they taste really good, very sweet but that's to be expected of course!

If anyone uses the flipbelt, would you recommend it? Are sizes true?
Thanks

Flip belts are brilliant. Best running item ever. Sizes are true I think. I have a small and a medium and would be a size 12. Both fit but when I want to carry water as well as my phone and maybe gels etc the medium is better. I’d recommend the one with the zipper and also the curved water bottle you can buy with them.

julie2tubz

Kellygirl wrote: »

For all those sick with head colds etc - it’s quite common for this to happen a few weeks after ramp up of training. Just make sure you allow yourself recover and you’ll come back stronger.

Headaches and Migraines - I used get these on my first marathon training cycle I think it was. Used have the whole migraine aura and all. I’m convinced it came down to hydration and it was then I started taking zero tablets a couple of days before long runs and on the day obviously. I’d been to my gp about it and he recommended diorolye twice daily - I use zero tabs instead.

Absolutely agree re zero tabs. Find them great. I also find the weather change - pressure affects me with migraines. I get the aura also and im running practically blind when they spring up. And of course if I havent slept well. But I have to remember to keep hydrated. Essential and I often forget. Thanks for the reminder

I will be guzzling them now as part of my routine.

coogy

julie2tubz wrote: »

Absolutely agree re zero tabs. Find them great. I also find the weather change - pressure affects me with migraines. I get the aura also and im running practically blind when they spring up. And of course if I havent slept well. But I have to remember to keep hydrated. Essential and I often forget. Thanks for the reminder I will be guzzling them now as part of my routine.

I always question the amount of water you need to add a Zero tab to. I think it's something like 750 ml. That's seems a lot to me!