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I Heart Running!

BrownEyes79

I’m finally following in my fellow 2017 novice’s footsteps and starting a running log.
Having been completely bitten by the running bug, particularly over the past year, and now that I’m running better than I imagined, I thought it was time to keep note of my progress!

So a bit of background. I’m 39 and I’ve stayed relatively fit over the years, my job was pretty active and after having kids I was in and out of the gym or doing yoga or exercise videos at home.

I ran as a teenager with Donore Harriers but only started back running properly in 2016.
I made a miserable attempt at DCM 2016 so made a promise to myself to run (without stopping) DCM 2017.

Wubble Wubble kindly allowed me to join his novice group even though I wasn’t a true novice and I was delighted with my finishing time of 4hr25mins.

Since then I’ve done 3 cycles of the Grads plan, which I love and my race times have been coming down.

I haven’t done a lot of races but these are my times over the last 3 years

2016
Frank Duffy - 1:41:10
Dublin half - 2:08:33

2017
Frank Duffy - 1:34:01
Dublin half - 2:01:30
Marathon - 4:25:40 (PB)
Jingle Bells 5k - 25:39

2018
Bohermeen half - 1:53:39
Dunboyne 5mile - 39:50 (PB)
South Dub 10k - 50:53 (PB)
Kilcock 10mile - 1:22:03 (PB)
Dublin Half - 1:48:47 (PB)
WorldDisney Half - 1:51:28
Park run PB - 23:47 (PB)

My dream goals for 2019 are
Sub 23 5k
Sub 50 10k
Sub 1:45 half marathon
Sub 4hr marathon

My plan for the next few months is to do a 3/4 weeks of the grads base plan and then start the grads HM plan for Bohermeen in March. I then want to concentrate on 5-10ks (they really scare me) before starting into training for the Dublin marathon

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ariana`

Good luck on Sunday C, hope you have a great run.

ReeReeG

Good luck, hope it goes well!

BrownEyes79

ariana` wrote: »

Good luck on Sunday C, hope you have a great run.

ReeReeG wrote: »

Good luck, hope it goes well!

Thanks girls

BrownEyes79

4th-10th March

Monday: 45mins S&C class
Tuesday: 45mins easy @ 10.16, 4.3miles
Wednesday: 6x1min@VO2, 2min rec I got a bit carried away with these
VO2 pace 7:00-7:08, actual 7:05, 6:34, 6:46, 6:48, 6:52, 7:00
Thursday:45minseasy @10.20, 4.4miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 20mins easy @ 10.05
Sunday: Bohermeen half marathon

Total: 28.3miles

Race Report

When I left my house it seemed like a lovely morning for a race but by the time I got to Bohermeen the wind had picked up and the temperature had dropped. I'd planned on wearing shorts and a t-shirt but after a lengthy discussion with Baby75 (I'm sure I wrecked her head with my indecision) I decided to go with leggings, merino wool long sleeve top with a pair of calf sleeves on my arms, t-shirt, gloves, neck buff, head band and cap and I was still shivering :eek:
15mins before the start there was a lovely sleety shower but luckily that cleared to lovely blue skies. Said a quick hello to Skyblue and Sheep and then jogged down to the start line with Baby.

Apart for running under 8:11min/miles, I didn't have a full plan for the race. Actually I never have a plan for racing (they stress me out too much) I just like to run by feel, glance at my watch every so often and run as well as I can.
My previous half PB was 1:47:26 but the course measured a little short.

The first mile (7:39) was probably a little fast but it was hard not to get carried away and it was a lovely downhill with the wind behind us.
Mile 2 (7:53) I settled into my pace, there was a bit of a blustery side wind but it was ok. I started into mile 3 (7:53), all was good until we turned to corner - wham- head on wind. I took Skyblues advice and stayed tucked behind a small group and I managed to keep my pace within range.
Mile 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (7:51, 7:52, 8:03, 7:56, 7:51) I was still going good but into the second loop of the course.
Into mile 9 & 10 (8:03, 8:06) how quickly things can change!! I could really feel my legs working now and was starting to slow. I was trying to calculate in my head what pace I had to stay at to get in under 1:46. I thought with the time I'd banked earlier I still had a good chance of making it.
Mile 11 (8:39) back into the wind again, it seemed oh so much worse this time round and I'd no group to shelter behind - disaster - at one point I looked at my watch and I saw my pace was 9min/miles. My legs were aching and all I could think about was stopping - nightmare

I had to give myself a good talking to and I tired to imagine how I'd feel if I missed out on my sub 1:46 especially after doing so well so far.
Mile 12 (8:14) I was still struggling but I tired to push on, I couldn't even look at my watch at this point.
Mile 13 (8:11) I still didn't look at my watch until I turned the final corner. The wind was finally behind me and I only had half a mile to go. I knew then I'd reach my target and maybe a little extra.
My official time was 1:44:46.
To say I was delighted is an understatement. I was actually on the verge of tears when I crossed the line, I was so happy.

I met Skyblue and Baby afterwards for some tea and cake. Although neither of them were racing they both had brilliant performances.
I told S that I thought I reached my limit when it came to half marathons and he quickly brought me back down to earth by telling me according to my age grade I should be running 1:35 LOL

:D

So now I've to decide what to do next. I haven't signed up to anymore races yet but I'm thinking even though I hate 5k & 10ks I might try to get those times in line with my half.
I nearly forgot to mention that I also did my fastest 10k (48:53) and 10mile (1:19:04) in yesterdays half with I thought was pretty funny since I've been dreaming of a sub 50 10k for a while now

Kellygirl

Your Strava was full of PRs with your 10k, 10mile and HM times yesterday. Brilliant running. You deserve it though and as I said earlier - your consistency is really standing to you. Delighted for you.

skyblue46

Haha. I didn't say you should run 1:35...I said it's a starting point! :-D I ran alongside an over 50 female running 1:35... there is a 1:30 in your future....and mine please God! Now when are we doing that sub 23 5k?

chickey2

Fantastic! That's a great pb. Lol at getting a 10k and 10 mile pbs too! You should definitely aim to get a "proper" pb in those races, you'll be well able.
I got a 5k pb in a 5 mile race and then easily beat the 5k pb as I knew I could do it. Sometimes it's all in the head!

ReeReeG

I was looking forward to this report!! Very impressed with how you kept it together when you were feeling tired. Well done again!!! This will sound cheesy but you're totally someone on Strava who inspires me to try harder

coogy

Well done C on a great performance, you certainly gave it socks! Sorry I missed you at the end!

As for 10k's, the Great Ireland Run is coming up in just over a month's time?

BrownEyes79

Kellygirl wrote: »

Your Strava was full of PRs with your 10k, 10mile and HM times yesterday. Brilliant running. You deserve it though and as I said earlier - your consistency is really standing to you. Delighted for you.

Thanks so much K

skyblue46 wrote: »

Haha. I didn't say you should run 1:35...I said it's a starting point! :-D I ran alongside an over 50 female running 1:35... there is a 1:30 in your future....and mine please God! Now when are we doing that sub 23 5k?

Oh really? :pac: I missed the starting point bit.... No pressure then!!:eek: (Did I mention I'm turning 40 in a few weeks so that should give me a few extra minutes!!) but I'm liking the sound of the we and sub 23

I can safely say without a shadow of a doubt there is 1:30 and more in your future.

chickey2 wrote: »

Fantastic! That's a great pb. Lol at getting a 10k and 10 mile pbs too! You should definitely aim to get a "proper" pb in those races, you'll be well able.
I got a 5k pb in a 5 mile race and then easily beat the 5k pb as I knew I could do it. Sometimes it's all in the head!

Thanks chickey, your right it is in my head, I was really surprised when I saw my 10k time yesterday. I'm more comfortable running halves, the speed of 5 & 10ks scare me but they are distances I'd like to get good at.

ReeReeG wrote: »

I was looking forward to this report!! Very impressed with how you kept it together when you were feeling tired. Well done again!!! This will sound cheesy but you're totally someone on Strava who inspires me to try harder

Aww thanks so much, that's such a lovely thing to say.
I hope my report lived up to expectations, I'm so crap at writing them and the first time I typed it up Boards logged me out so I lost it, this was my second attempt!

BrownEyes79

coogy wrote: »

Well done C on a great performance, you certainly gave it socks! Sorry I missed you at the end!

As for 10k's, the Great Ireland Run is coming up in just over a month's time?

Thanks K, I'll look that one up

Murph_D

Imagine what you’d have run without all that gear on!

Congrats, a fine performance.

ariana`

Murph_D wrote: »

Imagine what you’d have run without all that gear on!

Congrats, a fine performance.

This exactly :eek: Did you shed any layers during the race - were you melting by the end? I was out the weekend before in similar conditions in a vest & shorts :pac: Mind you i was cold to the bone at the start and for a lot of the early kms :cool:

I think i can safely say you can tick sub 50 10k off the list and go straight for sub 45

And you don't need a pacer to run sub 23 5k either, that will be no bother to you... But that's just my opinion

Well done on a super result, consistent training = consistent improvement, it's a fairly simple formula but you do it exceptionally well, savour the moment

Younganne

great running and great report. Well done. With that half time you can go sub 47 - 10k and sub 23 - 5 k no problems.

Sheep1978

Great stuff C. Was looking forward to your report after you seemed so delighted on whats app. and deserved with your ever consistent running the last year. Onwards and upwards.

eyrie

Such an impressive run and time, well done! You held it together so well to power on when it got tough. No wonder you were delighted at the end!! That's a brilliant PB, I'm very envious!

eyrie

skyblue46 wrote: »

Now when are we doing that sub 23 5k?

Let me know when and where to stalk ye tag along if this is happening

ariana`

eyrie wrote: »

Let me know when and where to stalk ye tag along if this is happening

You're another one who doesn't need a pacer to run sub 23. Back yourselves ladies, you both have bucket loads of potential and with the quality of training you've been putting in there's no reason to doubt yourselves :cool:

BrownEyes79

Murph_D wrote: »

Imagine what you’d have run without all that gear on!

Congrats, a fine performance.

:pac::pac: I never thought of that!

ariana` wrote: »

This exactly :eek: Did you shed any layers during the race - were you melting by the end? I was out the weekend before in similar conditions in a vest & shorts :pac: Mind you i was cold to the bone at the start and for a lot of the early kms :cool:

I think i can safely say you can tick sub 50 10k off the list and go straight for sub 45 And you don't need a pacer to run sub 23 5k either, that will be no bother to you... But that's just my opinion

Well done on a super result, consistent training = consistent improvement, it's a fairly simple formula but you do it exceptionally well, savour the moment

Thanks for the vote of confidence E, I'll start believing in myself if you promise to do the same!

I was hoping I wasn't going to be too overdressed but I didn't chucked the cap and gloves until around mile 7 and I rolled down the arm sleeves but I was glad I had the base layer on, its so hard to know what to wear when the weather is like that.

Younganne wrote: »

great running and great report. Well done. With that half time you can go sub 47 - 10k and sub 23 - 5 k no problems.

Thank you

Sheep1978 wrote: »

Great stuff C. Was looking forward to your report after you seemed so delighted on whats app. and deserved with your ever consistent running the last year. Onwards and upwards.

Thanks D

eyrie wrote: »

Let me know when and where to stalk ye tag along if this is happening

:pac: yes we'll definitely let you know! I'll have to do a bit of research and find a nice flat 5k, pb friendly course for us

skyblue46

BrownEyes79 wrote: »

:pac: yes we'll definitely let you know! I'll have to do a bit of research and find a nice flat 5k, pb friendly course for us

Fr Collins Parkrun!

ariana`

BrownEyes79 wrote: »

:pac::pac: I never thought of that!

Thanks for the vote of confidence E, I'll start believing in myself if you promise to do the same!

I was hoping I wasn't going to be too overdressed but I didn't chucked the cap and gloves until around mile 7 and I rolled down the arm sleeves but I was glad I had the base layer on, its so hard to know what to wear when the weather is like that.

Thank you

Thanks D

:pac: yes we'll definitely let you know! I'll have to do a bit of research and find a nice flat 5k, pb friendly course for us

Haha fair point, i will try anyhow

eyrie

BrownEyes79 wrote: »

Thanks for the vote of confidence E, I'll start believing in myself if you promise to do the same!

I second this!!

BrownEyes79 wrote: »

:pac: yes we'll definitely let you know! I'll have to do a bit of research and find a nice flat 5k, pb friendly course for us

Now that's the kind of course I like the sound of :pac:

BrownEyes79

11th-17th March

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 45mins easy, 4.3miles @10:28
45mins S&C class
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Rest, 45mins S&C class
Friday: 75mins easy, 7miles @ 10:36
Saturday: 60mins easy, 6miles @10:20
Sunday: 60mins hill run, 5miles @ 11:29

Total: 22.5miles

Easy enough week. It was nice to have a rest after Bohermeen.
The hill run on Sunday was the highlight of my week and hopefully I'll be able to fit more of these in.

18th-24th March

Monday: 60mins easy, 6miles @ 10:06
Tuesday: 60mins easy to moderate, 6.2miles (10:14, 10:01, 9:54, 9:39, 9:04, 8:55)
45mins S&C class
Wednesday: 70mins easy, 6.7miles @ 10:25
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 50min mix, 9mins easy(approx 10:13) & 1min hard (approx 6:39), 12miles, I added so extra miles at the end because I knew I wouldn't get out over the weekend
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Rest

Total: 30.9miles

I'd nothing planned for this week and I'm still not 100% sure what to do next so I decided to go back to the grads base plan to build up my mileage and tide me over for the next few weeks until I decide whether to do the Faster Road Racing plan or the grads 5k-10k plan again

BrownEyes79

I cant believe its been 7 weeks since I've updated my log :eek:

A quick overview of the last 2 months!

18th-24th March
I started into week 3 of the grads base plan and did 2 45mins S&C classes
Total mileage: 30.9miles

1st-7th April
Week 4 of the grads base plan
2 45mins S&C classes
Total mileage: 37:3miles

8th-14th April
Week 5 base plan
2 45mins S&C classes
Total mileage 37:1miles

15th-21st April
I was away this week so mileage was down
1 45mins S&C class
Total mileage: 21.1miles

22nd-28th April
All easy running this week finished off with a 15mile run on the Wicklow Way
2 45mins S&C classes
Total mileage: 44.4miles

29th April-5th May
Low mileage again this week because I was away
Easy running and one 30mins tempo run
2 S&C classes
Total mileage: 18.1miles

6th-12th May
Mon: 7miles easy @10.27min/mi
Tues: 7.53mles, 6x2mins@AP (7:07-7:16), 3 min rec pace 7:04,7:11,7:10,7:13,7:16,7:33 My first speed session in a long time!
45mins S&C
Weds: 7miles easy
Thurs: Rest
Fri: 10miles easy @ 10.03min/mi
Sat: Rest
Sun: 8miles recce of leg 6 of Wicklow Way relay

Total mileage: 40.4miles

I feel like I've been all over the place with my running, I don't know quite what I'm doing. I think I really need to get some more speed work in. I have to WW relay next Saturday so I'm looking forward to that and then starting into a plan for the South Dublin 10k

BrownEyes79

I’m so bad at keeping my log up to date but I want to make an good effort to record my DCM training!

I’ve been running consistently for the last few months. In April & May I finished the Grads base plan and a bit of hill running. I ran in the Wicklow Way relay in May. I ran leg 7 which is 12.5 miles. It was probably the toughest thing I’ve ever done. I was on my own for all of it and it included lots of hills, forests, undulating roads, farms, climbing over stiles, and opening & closing farm gates and to top it all of the last mile included the aptly named Steps of Sorrow. It’s safe to say I will never forget the experience!!

I then jumped into week 8 of the grads 5-10k plan and I raced the South Dublin 10k last weekend. I finished in 49:47. I wasn’t very happy with my time since I ran a faster 10k during a HM in March. I need to spend more time learning how to race properly.

Week 1 of DCM training
July 22nd-28th
Monday: 6miles@ 10:35min/mi
I wasn’t planning on going out but ariana suggested I do a recovery run after racing on Sunday. I felt good so decided to keep going and use it as my first day of marathon training
Tuesday: 7miles @ 10:19min/mi
Wednesday: 9miles, 10x2mins@CV, wu&cd, my warm up was a bit all over the place. I went to the Phoenix Park to do this session and ended up Qing for the toilets for 20mins!! I changed into my Hokas for the session and I really enjoyed it!
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 16miles @ 10:19min/mi I had to switch around my days so my long run was on Friday. I went to the park again all was good but it was so so hot and in the last 5miles I had to make a couple of pit stops at the car for water. I upped the pace slightly for the last 3 miles
Saturday: 7miles @ 10:07min/mi
I ran this with a few friends and with all the chatting I forgot to restart my watch so I only recorded 6 miles
Sunday: Rest

Total: 44.2miles

Mr. Guappa

Plan buddies!

Best of luck with the training. Is sub 4 still the goal?

BrownEyes79

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

Plan buddies!

Best of luck with the training. Is sub 4 still the goal?

YAY... I saw that on Strava, and Coogy’s doing it too!

Sub 4 is the goal and if I get it I’ll never run a marathon again

coogy

BrownEyes79 wrote: »

Sub 4 is the goal and if I get it I’ll never run a marathon again

You heard it here first folks!!! :pac:

Bluesquare

BrownEyes79 wrote: »

YAY... I saw that on Strava, and Coogy’s doing it too!

Sub 4 is the goal and if I get it I’ll never run a marathon again

Same - and I’m deadly serious too!!

ariana`

BrownEyes79 wrote: »

YAY... I saw that on Strava, and Coogy’s doing it too!

Sub 4 is the goal and if I get it I’ll never run a marathon again

Haha that sounds very final... 3:45, 3:30 not appeal at all then, no

Great first week there. I'll think you rock the training anyhow and the day will day care of itself