Random Running Questions

Thepoet85 · 27-03-2019 10:10am

Morning all. I'm getting married in September and hoping to run/jog the Derry Half Marathon at the start of said month.

I can run 5k in around 30-35 mins and do 1-2 fitness classes per week.

I'm wondering how to approach this, I'm not worried about time and just want to finish it. I've no doubt it will be a jog/walk day.

Any advice would be much welcome. Do I simply do 3-4 runs per week and have one run where I go longer and slowly increase my long run distance?

Thanks in advance.

eyrie · 27-03-2019 10:12am

ReeReeG wrote: »

As I've been a couple of running books recently, the only other thing that springs to mind (if diet / sleep etc is ok as you say) is "overtraining" which seems to have some of those symptoms. But I wouldn't have thought you were guilty of that, going by Strava...?

Oooh whatcha readin? Anything you'd recommend?

Good point actually although I wouldn't be worried about overtaining in my case, I've been taking the training fairly easy.

ReeReeG · 27-03-2019 10:27am

eyrie wrote: »

Oooh whatcha readin? Anything you'd recommend?

Good point actually although I wouldn't be worried about overtaining in my case, I've been taking the training fairly easy.

The usual ones! Faster Road Racing at the minute, and finished The Art of Running Faster last week. Ones that get mentioned on here a fair bit.

No I think the grads plans are sensible in that respect, we're safe enough!

deisedude · 27-03-2019 10:31am

Thepoet85 wrote: »

Morning all. I'm getting married in September and hoping to run/jog the Derry Half Marathon at the start of said month.

I can run 5k in around 30-35 mins and do 1-2 fitness classes per week.

I'm wondering how to approach this, I'm not worried about time and just want to finish it. I've no doubt it will be a jog/walk day.

Any advice would be much welcome. Do I simply do 3-4 runs per week and have one run where I go longer and slowly increase my long run distance?

Thanks in advance.

3-4 runs a week is the right approach with one of these being a longer run at the weekend or whenever suits your schedule.

I think if I were you I would find a 10K plan online and build up to that for time being and then follow a half marathon plan

Here is a novice plan but you will find plenty other ones online too https://www.halhigdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Novice-2-Half-Marathon-Printable.pdf

Thepoet85 · 27-03-2019 10:37am

deisedude wrote:

Here is a novice plan but you will find plenty other ones online too

Brilliant thank you

Spirogyra · 28-03-2019 8:36am

Any suggestions for a safe way to store cards at race? Assuming your travelling alone across the country and by public transport. There would be a baggage area, but not sure about leaving essential cards, train tickets etc there. Any suggestions appreciated ðŸ™‚

robinph · 28-03-2019 8:43am

Never found a better idea than just having everything well hidden in the bag drop. Have had to do this with passport and plane tickets before. Just make sure it's wrapped up to be waterproof.

Kellygirl · 28-03-2019 1:52pm

Spirogyra wrote: »

Any suggestions for a safe way to store cards at race? Assuming your travelling alone across the country and by public transport. There would be a baggage area, but not sure about leaving essential cards, train tickets etc there. Any suggestions appreciated &#55357;&#56898;

Just get a flip Belt? I don’t even feel mine and I carry my phone and keys in it for every run I do. Perfect for cards if you get the zipped one.

Spirogyra · 28-03-2019 6:08pm

Thanks Kelly girl, are they very secure? And how much would one cost? Thinking of doing the Mini Marathon in June, but I'm from Limerick so security of vital bits would be paramount, SðŸ™‚

Kellygirl · 28-03-2019 6:43pm

Spirogyra wrote: »

Thanks Kelly girl, are they very secure? And how much would one cost? Thinking of doing the Mini Marathon in June, but I'm from Limerick so security of vital bits would be paramount, S&#55357;&#56898;

I find them really secure. Mine doesn’t budge and they are stretchy so very comfortable. I keep money and my parkrun barcode in the zipped pocket all the time and there’s a little key ring to attach your key to and then you tuck it into the belt. My iPhone in an Otterbox Defender (so big) cover fits into it too and I;ve carried gels etc too for marathons. Not sure what shops in Limerick would have them to try on but you’d get them online from the flipbelt webste for about €35 I think. As I said, I wear mine for every single run no matter how short so the price per wear is negligible.

Spirogyra · 28-03-2019 6:59pm

Thanks, 'Kelly' Will enquire

Down South · 29-03-2019 9:08am

Kellygirl wrote:

I find them really secure. Mine doesnâ€™t budge and they are stretchy so very comfortable. I keep money and my parkrun barcode in the zipped pocket all the time and thereâ€™s a little key ring to attach your key to and then you tuck it into the belt. My iPhone in an Otterbox Defender (so big) cover fits into it too and I;ve carried gels etc too for marathons. Not sure what shops in Limerick would have them to try on but youâ€™d get them online from the flipbelt webste for about â‚¬35 I think. As I said, I wear mine for every single run no matter how short so the price per wear is negligible.

i picked up a v similar addidas version. great product

Spirogyra · 30-03-2019 2:46pm

Got off the bus early, near a sports store after Parkrun. And they have 2 'belts' that would probably do the job. They both cost e20. Didn't really have a spare e20 today but will do next week. So will get one then, thank you ðŸ™‚

Itziger · 30-03-2019 4:06pm

Spirogyra wrote: »

Got off the bus early, near a sports store after Parkrun. And they have 2 'belts' that would probably do the job. They both cost e20. Didn't really have a spare e20 today but will do next week. So will get one then, thank you &#55357;&#56898;

Spiro, was that you getting off a bus earlier?

Sunny Dayz · 01-04-2019 11:50am

Is it ok to split a long run into two runs on one day?
Hubbie is following a plan that calls for 17km long run this weekend but we are doing a 10km race. I know people make up the mileage either side of the race. But I quite like taking in the atmosphere before and after a race. So would it be ok to do the race and then when we get home, step out to do the remainder of the mileage before getting changed and showered. But it will mean a break of probably 3 hours as we've to collect the child from my parents and they will keep us a bit of dinner!

Singer · 01-04-2019 12:32pm

If you are racing the race, race it and don't worry about the rest of the milage. Sure if you run it all out you won't be in the mood for running for a while

Otherwise, splitting up a long run into two negates a lot of the benefits of a long run, but doubles the washing, showering etc. It's better than not running, but not really a replacement. You could try doing the 17k run a few days before or after the 10k race, but you're probably messing around the the plan a bit more then. It's probably easiest to give the 10k a good go (maybe with a km or two warmup and cooldown) and not bother with the long run.

RayCun · 01-04-2019 1:28pm

Warm-up 1-2k
Cooldown 1-2k
race 10k

no need to do an extra short run

Goose76 · 02-04-2019 6:54pm

Spirogyra wrote: »

Thanks, 'Kelly' Will enquire

Any running belt will do - don’t see the appeal of the expensive flip belts myself

AhhHere · 03-04-2019 9:54am

Cheap Flipbelt alternative: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ZID6EFO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Been using one myself for 3 years and got the missus one too. Work a charm and 1/3 of the price of a flipbelt

LaHaine · 03-04-2019 9:06pm

Can anyone recommend any good marathons in Ireland in August/September/October? Dingle sold out, Galway bay seems to get dodgy reviews. Longford looks promising but a bit worried about heat.

LaHaine · 03-04-2019 9:19pm

pac_man wrote: »

Dublin have additional entries that will be released around the summer time.

Cheers, but im looking for an alternative really. Great as dublin is, I’d like to try something new.

TFBubendorfer · 03-04-2019 9:45pm

LaHaine wrote: »

Can anyone recommend any good marathons in Ireland in August/September/October? Dingle sold out, Galway bay seems to get dodgy reviews. Longford looks promising but a bit worried about heat.

There's a very scenic one in Monaghan at the end of September, if you don't mind a few hills and 4 loops of the same course

Goose76 · 05-04-2019 5:46am

Struggling to decide between joining club as senior or joining the same clubs Fit4Life. Has anyone else been in this position and how did you decide?

Slow_Runner · 05-04-2019 7:06am

Goose76 wrote: »

Struggling to decide between joining club as senior or joining the same clubs Fit4Life. Has anyone else been in this position and how did you decide?

It really depends on the club and what range of levels the seniors cater for and what your ability is. Talk to the coach in the club in question and see what they think. You should find a group at a similar pace to you.

Spirogyra · 05-04-2019 8:01am

I see Run Galway Bay offer a double entry for their 10k at 10.30 and their half marathon at 12.15. Could one possibly keep warm in the interval? What could one do? It's early October and an interesting idea. But I'd have close on an hour between the finish of one and the start of the next

TFBubendorfer · 05-04-2019 8:19am

Spirogyra wrote: »

I see Run Galway Bay offer a double entry for their 10k at 10.30 and their half marathon at 12.15. Could one possibly keep warm in the interval? What could one do? It's early October and an interesting idea. But I'd have close on an hour between the finish of one and the start of the next

Would you have the possibility to have someone waiting for you there with a jacket and trousers for the break? Also, if possible, I'd definitely change tops between the 2 runs.

bucketybuck · 05-04-2019 8:21am

Spirogyra wrote: »

I see Run Galway Bay offer a double entry for their 10k at 10.30 and their half marathon at 12.15.

I'm genuinely curious, why on earth would anybody want to do that?

Dudda · 05-04-2019 8:40am

bucketybuck wrote: »

I'm genuinely curious, why on earth would anybody want to do that?

After a guy in my club did the Ballina 3 in 2 (three marathons in two days) a few weeks ago nothing surprises me.

ariana` · 05-04-2019 8:44am

bucketybuck wrote: »

I'm genuinely curious, why on earth would anybody want to do that?

It's probably aimed at people training for Dublin Marathon who want to do it as their last long run 3-4 weeks out from Dublin. It would be the equivalent of doing a 3/4 marathon which a lot of people do around that time. It'd work better though if they could enable participants to continue running after the 10k so there isn't a waiting period between the 2 events.

TFBubendorfer · 05-04-2019 8:48am

bucketybuck wrote: »

I'm genuinely curious, why on earth would anybody want to do that?

Because you can?

bucketybuck · 05-04-2019 10:43am

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Because you can?

Because they can... run a 10k, wait for an hour and then run a half marathon?

People can do whatever they want but 99% of the time there is some rhyme or reason to what they are doing, this just seems like the worst of all worlds, all neither one thing nor the other.

deisedude · 05-04-2019 11:43am

Goose76 wrote: »

Struggling to decide between joining club as senior or joining the same clubs Fit4Life. Has anyone else been in this position and how did you decide?

Surely they would let you try out a few sessions before you join and then you can decide. Most clubs are fairly relaxed that way

Huzzah! · 05-04-2019 12:23pm

Goose76 wrote: »

Struggling to decide between joining club as senior or joining the same clubs Fit4Life. Has anyone else been in this position and how did you decide?

In my club, it's based on pace, so the decision was made for me.

TFBubendorfer · 05-04-2019 1:02pm

bucketybuck wrote: »

Because they can... run a 10k, wait for an hour and then run a half marathon?.

Yes, exactly. And then can say they ran 2 races in one day. No harm in that.

Rossi7 · 05-04-2019 1:46pm

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

bucketybuck wrote: »

Because they can... run a 10k, wait for an hour and then run a half marathon?.

Yes, exactly. And then can say they ran 2 races in one day. No harm in that.

And then let everyone on social media how awesome they were #bling

shotgunmcos · 05-04-2019 6:21pm

Probably a zillion answers to this in DCM threads but they are vast.

Is there a park and ride on the morning of DCM? Perhaps I'm late but any accommodation within a km of the bag drop is double price already. What do folk do from around the country? Been a while since I've run any marathonand a bit soon to start a DCM19 one. B&B better options as that is literally what you need? If someone knows where the relevant discussion is I would be much obliged if you can post a link to it, thanks

healy1835 · 05-04-2019 7:14pm

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Probably a zillion answers to this in DCM threads but they are vast.

Is there a park and ride on the morning of DCM? Perhaps I'm late but any accommodation within a km of the bag drop is double price already. What do folk do from around the country? Been a while since I've run any marathonand a bit soon to start a DCM19 one. B&B better options as that is literally what you need? If someone knows where the relevant discussion is I would be much obliged if you can post a link to it, thanks

Coming from Limerick I'd say the Red Cow is your best bet for a P+R. Don't think the Luas Red Line is affected until close to the race start time.

skyblue46 · 05-04-2019 7:32pm

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Probably a zillion answers to this in DCM threads but they are vast.

Is there a park and ride on the morning of DCM? Perhaps I'm late but any accommodation within a km of the bag drop is double price already. What do folk do from around the country? Been a while since I've run any marathonand a bit soon to start a DCM19 one. B&B better options as that is literally what you need? If someone knows where the relevant discussion is I would be much obliged if you can post a link to it, thanks

As J said the Red Cow is probably best for park and ride...4 euro for all day parking and about the same for a return Luas fare into town. Travelodge in Blanch have rooms and breakfast on the night before DCM for 126 and it's about 800m from the commuter train to Connolly Station.

RayCun · 05-04-2019 8:10pm

Plenty of free on street parking in the city centre on a Sunday, but I'd be looking for accommodation on a luas line and staying the night before.

deisedude · 05-04-2019 8:48pm

RayCun wrote: »

Plenty of free on street parking in the city centre on a Sunday, but I'd be looking for accommodation on a luas line and staying the night before.

Stayed at the Louis Fitz 2 years ago and they ran a shuttle bus on the morning and you can just get a luas back

Lazare · 05-04-2019 9:13pm

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Probably a zillion answers to this in DCM threads but they are vast.

Is there a park and ride on the morning of DCM? Perhaps I'm late but any accommodation within a km of the bag drop is double price already. What do folk do from around the country? Been a while since I've run any marathonand a bit soon to start a DCM19 one. B&B better options as that is literally what you need? If someone knows where the relevant discussion is I would be much obliged if you can post a link to it, thanks

I parked in Citywest hotel and got the Luas in last year. Luas terminus is a five min walk away.

Seesee · 09-04-2019 2:43pm

Going to post a couple of questions here hope the right forum.

Long Background: Been back running almost a year now, had taken a long break due to sciatica/bulging disk issue and before that multiple breaks due to achilles. In this year have just had one break due to achilles and that wasn't injured due to running and I know what caused it so hopefully can avoid that injury in the future. 47 F In the last year have gotten good few parkruns done and pb is now 25.14, I've done two 10ks both tough ones fat turkey and sandymount run in the dark, pb 56 in howth. I'm now training for Half using HH novice. Have signed up for mini-marathon more to support a cause rather than the run itself, the Dubin Night run and RnR Half. HH Novice plan is really good and sticking to it really working for me. Running most runs at 6.30/km trying to go slower on the long runs and doing one interval session a week plus one s&c (need to do more s&c tbh). Heart rate is going down, staying injury free so far and building up the mileage.

Questions are:
1) As well as the Half goal I want to improve my pb at 10k and make 10k something I am more comfortable with, have achieved that with 5k and 8k. Anything in particular I should do to meet that goal or will the half training get me there anyway?
2) There's such a choice of races over the summer, and tbh I have half an eye on DCM now though I would have to get one of the returns at the start of the summer, are there any particular races that are favoured by DCM novices? I've heard Frank Duffy 10 mile is popular, any others?
Going to join the novices mentored thread when it starts up, even if I don't make or get into DCM.

aquinn · 09-04-2019 4:06pm

Seesee wrote: »

Going to post a couple of questions here hope the right forum.

Long Background: Been back running almost a year now, had taken a long break due to sciatica/bulging disk issue and before that multiple breaks due to achilles. In this year have just had one break due to achilles and that wasn't injured due to running and I know what caused it so hopefully can avoid that injury in the future. 47 F In the last year have gotten good few parkruns done and pb is now 25.14, I've done two 10ks both tough ones fat turkey and sandymount run in the dark, pb 56 in howth. I'm now training for Half using HH novice. Have signed up for mini-marathon more to support a cause rather than the run itself, the Dubin Night run and RnR Half. HH Novice plan is really good and sticking to it really working for me. Running most runs at 6.30/km trying to go slower on the long runs and doing one interval session a week plus one s&c (need to do more s&c tbh). Heart rate is going down, staying injury free so far and building up the mileage.

Questions are:
1) As well as the Half goal I want to improve my pb at 10k and make 10k something I am more comfortable with, have achieved that with 5k and 8k. Anything in particular I should do to meet that goal or will the half training get me there anyway?
2) There's such a choice of races over the summer, and tbh I have half an eye on DCM now though I would have to get one of the returns at the start of the summer, are there any particular races that are favoured by DCM novices? I've heard Frank Duffy 10 mile is popular, any others?
Going to join the novices mentored thread when it starts up, even if I don't make or get into DCM.

Welcome to the Athletics forum.

If I understand you right stick with your half training and focus on that at the minute. As your fitness improves your times will too if all going well. Focus though at the minute on the half as that is your main goal. If at the end of the block you can then start a 10km training block or in the run up to the half do a 10km race and your time should improve if training is going well and you're following the plan.

There is the Dublin race series that leads to the marathon. They have a 10km, 10 mile and half. The half is normally the busiest out of these. All great races and well run. You can buy a bundle for these or enter individually.

If you have a nose on th sub-forum you'll find Athletics and running events, there is also a page updated by users with local races around the country so keep an eye on this.

There are plently of races as you say. Follow pop-up races and there is a Kia race series too. I think Athletics Ireland have one now too if I'm right.

All the very best and good luck with the goal. Have a read through others training logs and find people around your times and track their progress. Open a log yourself.

The half you are targeting is the RnR? That was a ferocious course last year so one of the toughest. Hopefully they have changed that. They night run can be a bit of a mess so mind yourself. You have picked two big events. Maybe have a look at a smaller one and club ones especially. There is the Terenure 5 mile in May and the Docklands 5km in June both run by clubs.

Zebra3 · 09-04-2019 5:43pm

skyblue46 wrote: »

As J said the Red Cow is probably best for park and ride...4 euro for all day parking and about the same for a return Luas fare into town. Travelodge in Blanch have rooms and breakfast on the night before DCM for 126 and it's about 800m from the commuter train to Connolly Station.

Usually no service on the Maynooth line for participants on the morning of the marathon.

Seesee · 09-04-2019 6:02pm

Thanks aquinn for the reply. Looking back I was on this forum before way back in 2015, plenty of stop starts since then but this year has been the most consistent for me so fingers crossed.

I had a feeling I had picked two tricky ones which is why I wanted some advice before signing up for anything more. The night run should be ok, I did the run in the dark (mark pollock) last year and it was ok even though it was a huge crowd. I also did the sandymount run in the dark which is pretty hairy in parts but I survived. Rock n Roll sounds tough but I have plenty of time between now and then to get used to the distance and I could even run some of the route for training once they announce it.

I'll have a look at the sub-forms and maybe the Terenure. 5ks not so interesting now as parkrun fills that need!

chris85 · 10-04-2019 6:58am

Zebra3 wrote: »

Usually no service on the Maynooth line for participants on the morning of the marathon.

There was last year. I believe it got into Connolly about 8am (didn't go further than Connolly due to Irish Rail maintenance going on that weekend for some reason!). It was an option for me but drove in as suited better.

Zipppy · 12-04-2019 10:59pm

So how many miles/k's do you get out of your running footwear?

deisedude · 13-04-2019 3:20pm

Zipppy wrote: »

So how many miles/k's do you get out of your running footwear?

I generally replace mine every 500 miles. Good to have another pair or 2 of shoes in rotation too

Sunny Dayz · 14-04-2019 10:35am

Why was I trying to be clever and register for a local race in advance - pizzing rain here, the thoughts of going out in it!!

Baby75 · 20-04-2019 10:59pm

Seesee wrote: »

Thanks aquinn for the reply. Looking back I was on this forum before way back in 2015, plenty of stop starts since then but this year has been the most consistent for me so fingers crossed.

I had a feeling I had picked two tricky ones which is why I wanted some advice before signing up for anything more. The night run should be ok, I did the run in the dark (mark pollock) last year and it was ok even though it was a huge crowd. I also did the sandymount run in the dark which is pretty hairy in parts but I survived. Rock n Roll sounds tough but I have plenty of time between now and then to get used to the distance and I could even run some of the route for training once they announce it.

I'll have a look at the sub-forms and maybe the Terenure. 5ks not so interesting now as parkrun fills that need!

The irish 5 mile is another one I really enjoyed in the lead up to DCM it might be a bit of a spin for you but the waterford viking run is also another one I enjoyed, it has a 1/4, HM and full but I am sure you find somthing closer to home

As far as I am aware, the RnR route has changed this year so back to its old one I think. I believe it was changed last year due to the Popes visit. I could be wrong though.

wont be long before the new DCM thread starts up again! I say the new mentor is being picked or contacted around now! should be a great thread looking forward to it again this year myself

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