I didn't get this far to get this far.

ReeReeG · 12-09-2019 8:38pm

Been following the thoughts on this. You're well capable of sub 1.50 for a half, but totally understand the need for a confidence boosting race - particularly when there's a marathon at the end of the training cycle! Sounds like a solid plan to me.

Mr. Guappa · 12-09-2019 9:33pm

Bluesquare wrote: »

Not feeling very confident ahead of Saturday .

I know my training is going well, I know I haven’t missed a session , I know I have hit all the paces ( mostly with no bother). I know in paper my half marathon target should be very attainable.

The thing I have the issue with (apart from slightly elevated asthma symptoms, which I’m hoping will disappear before Saturday) is that I haven’t ran anywhere near what my PHMP should be for more then 2k in ages. I tried to do 2k last night (down a hill) to make myself feel better and only ended slightly coughy after. And it wasn’t even an aggressive pace. So how does your head just turn around those paces without practice ?

I've just looked back at my most recent HM - mid-marathon block too. In the seven weeks prior to that HM, I did a total of 271 miles - between all the various sessions and runs a total of 9 of those miles were at HM pace, and a further 12.5 at faster than HM pace. That's just 8% of the total miles in those 7 weeks at HM pace or faster - but on race day the pace was there.

Trust the training - you say yourself that it has been going well.

skyblue46 · 12-09-2019 10:01pm

As the others have said, trust the training. You haven't run at a pace recently to catch a soon to depart Luas or bus. You haven't run as fast as you would to assist a person being mugged...but you'd be able to do it if you have to. The body doesn't forget how to run faster no more than it forgets how to ride a bike. Once the training is done it's there waiting for the switch to be flicked!

Huzzah! · 13-09-2019 8:42am

Good luck. I think it will go better than you think.

Wubble Wubble · 13-09-2019 8:54am

The very best of luck tomorrow R, in case I don't see you. The marathon is the main thing, so don't put yourself under too much pressure

ariana` · 13-09-2019 9:15am

Best of luck tomorrow, hope you have a great run and come away with a much deserved confidence boost! Back yourself.

Younganne · 13-09-2019 9:49am

Good luck tomorrow and wishing you a lovely confidence inducing run. Remember the weather is given to be warm and sunny so take this into consideration too especially with the asthma symptoms later.

Bluesquare · 13-09-2019 5:31pm

Thanks All. Going between “it should be grand and yeah maybe I can pb in dramatic style” to “just don't bother going “all day ! Any excuse though to eat a mountain of pasta !

chickey2 · 13-09-2019 6:09pm

Best of luck!

Kellygirl · 13-09-2019 7:14pm

Best of luck tomorrow R. Hope it’s the perfect race for you.

Singer · 13-09-2019 11:27pm

Have a great run!

Bluesquare · 14-09-2019 7:51pm

Thanks all for the best wishes !

Yesterday I was going hoarse and throat scratchy. I had resigned myself to probably down grading the half to LSR. I am a very positive person. At the same time I spent half the day playing with my spreadsheet looking at pace combinations . Despite my very organized nature my club singlet was no where to be found . Whoops.

Slept all right if I’m honest - 6 hours grand . Woke up and forced myself to eat a big bowl of porridge to go with me tea. Heart rate was through the roof in the car ! (140 ish) Panic panic .

Got to Ratoath just in time to pee and do a tiny warm up. The plan was to run @ 5:20 for 10k and then pick up if it was plausible .

We managed to somehow get locked in to the middle of a pace group . There were 4/5 dunshaughlin runners leading . They were spread across the road with 4/5 other people just behind . We ran with that group for about 5.5miles - until the water station at the hill . The pace felt if I’m honest a bit effortless . We just ran as a unit for a bit and it felt good. I just checked the watch at each km to make sure it wasn’t too slow . A few times I had the urge to surge past but held back as I was determined to apply sensible pacing even if someone else was picking the pace lol ! First 8k - (5:15,5:15,5:11,5:15,5:12,5:21,5:16,5:19) Tried to run slowly drinking from those little cups but it wasn’t ideal- and logged 5:25 for the 9th km.

After 9k we made the decision to drive forward and try to keep the pace closer to 5:15.
(5:15, 5:12,5:13,5:09,5:15). The pace started to feel like hard work now and the race was really starting.

My run buddy moved ahead - and I was a bit unfocused without her for a while - literally drifting from one side to the other side of the road ( I managed to run longer then anyone else 21.2! ) . Garmin logged a 5:25,5:16 and 5:23 for Kms 15,16,17).I think I may have stopped here for more water but can’t really remember )

Once I drifted (again all over the road) back into fairy house I regained my focus and concentrated on getting it done .(Km 18 =5:16, Km 19= 5:08) . The race course bit at the top around the 12 mile mark was pretty unpleasant. The nasty little wind here really hurt me. My breathing was ragged and the strength was seeping from my legs. (Km 20=5:22, felt much slower at the time)

Last km there was a little respite from the wind and I recovered a bit to clock a 5:08. After a tricky sand path negotiation the tiny last bit (.2 for me) was 4:47 - Couldn’t believe the clock had 151xx on it . Deadly

Chip time 1:51:29 - 3 min pb

I’m very happy with the result after the drama that was the Frank Duffy . I would have liked a sub 150 but didn’t want to risk another disappointing race on the off chance I had it in me! I think I made the right choice . Looking forward to having a few glasses of wine now !!

chickey2 · 14-09-2019 7:59pm

Great stuff, enjoy the wine!

Kellygirl · 14-09-2019 9:22pm

I am so delighted for you. I was pressing refresh on Strava for ages waiting for you to upload your run. Very well done!!!

Do you take any gels or anything?

skyblue46 · 14-09-2019 9:45pm

Great result, well done on a solid if meandering race. It sounded like you were staggering like a drunk at times! Haha

Bluesquare · 14-09-2019 9:47pm

Thanks guys .

I’m off gels ! Taking Stacey Sims book on board .

I had Osmo in my bottle (70 cals) - as well as the water stops . Didn’t drink it all though .

I had three kinder bon bons . They are about 35 calories each - I meant to take more but didn’t . I also had 3/4 glucose sweets . They are really easy to eat when you are running at that pace , they melt in your mouth. Probably should have ate more .

Best of luck tomorrow K! You will smash it!

Kellygirl · 14-09-2019 10:05pm

Bluesquare wrote: »

Thanks guys .

I off gels ! Taking Stacey Sims book on board .

I had Osmo in my bottle - as well as the water stops . Didn’t drink it all though .

I had three kinder bon bons . They are about 35 calories each - I meant to take more but didn’t . I also had 3/4 glucose sweets . They are really easy to eat when you are running at that pace , they melt in your mouth. Probably should have ate more .

Best of luck tomorrow K! You will smash it!

Thanks R.

Wubble Wubble · 14-09-2019 10:31pm

That's a brilliant performance, with the PB it deserved! Well done you! Sorry I missed you.

Bluesquare · 16-09-2019 8:04am

What a week of highs n lows .

Tuesday 10th Sep
—————————
9 mile easy @6:15. A Grand easy run.

Wednesday 11th
—————————-
Should have been 4 mile easy. Starting to get nervous now - decided mid run to throw in 3k at PHMP . ( down hill in my defense )so slow 3.4k@6:25, fast 3k@5:19. The faster bit felt hard even though on a decline and coughed a lot afterwards. So the panic begins .

Thursday
—————-

4 mile actually easy @6:11

On Friday -As I had mentioned I was feeling a bit off with a scratchy throat but nonetheless went back through my training for the year . Looked at my last HM stats and tried to use the data to convince myself I could do this. I had adjusted my target to give myself a fighting chance (1:53)

Saturday
—————-
Ratoath Half Marathon .chip time: 1:51:29

I was a bit emotional when I got over that finish line - tears in my eyes. I had no clue what would be on that clock - I knew it would be a pb mind.

After the initial excitement and post race buzz I’ve had a chance to look at the race properly .

Lessons learned :

1. Running in a big group really worked for me mentally - I was connected to the external factors and concentrating on the next step - had to remain focused so wouldn’t trip anyone up.

2. My focus is awful when left alone in my own head and without company on the course. I think I could have dipped under 151 if I had of stayed alert and maybe found some people to run with .

3. My confidence needs a shake . I was still nervous even in the last 2 miles of going too fast - scared of blowing up. I need to relax more especially towards the finish and go with my legs .

Sunday
——————
6 mile recovery @ 6:23. I was too busy trying to get the heart rate to behave to pay attention to the pace - so ended up a tiny bit faster then I had planned . It did nothing to aid recovery as my legs still ache like hell. It felt grand running though if not a bit wet.

37 miles in total . That half sure took it out of me .

Big week ahead . Deep Breaths

ReeReeG · 16-09-2019 9:01am

Super result, and very well deserved. Hopefully it gives you confidence to trust the training you're doing.

Younganne · 16-09-2019 10:49am

Congrats R on the PB. Now take this forward and know that you can do it. Believe more in yourself. Well done.

Bluesquare · 16-09-2019 5:46pm

Thanks guys . I need to believe more in myself - and start to get notions about times I’m capable of. And of course embrace the pain !

ariana` · 17-09-2019 9:10am

Great result and much deserved for the training you're putting in, well done.

eyrie · 19-09-2019 4:08pm

PB!! Super stuff, well done! Sounds like you approached it the right way and I hope you're taking confidence from it now.

Bluesquare · 22-09-2019 10:59pm

Week Beginning 16th of September

Tuesday
—————-
10 mile @ 6:05 on a hilly route

A group run - this was way too fast on my tired legs. This should have been 6:20 ish . Managed to pull the pace back for last 4K but damage was done .

Wednesday
———————
Slept very badly Tuesday night - kept waking up with an ache in my right leg - couldn’t figure out exactly where the source of the pain was located but groin , butt, and top of thigh at the back were all moaning.

Pain continued all day and travelled further down leg at times . Didn’t help that I was sitting at my desk all day - and that I have a bad habit of sitting on my right leg !

Decided to be a grownup and not run . I was also exhausted but choosing to miss my first run of this training cycle was a big deal . The addiction is strong . Nearly strapped on the runners a few times but stayed strong . ( it was only 4 miles easy)

Thursday
—————-
Leg felt ok only a small bit twingee so did the session as scheduled .

8 (13k) miles - 2 mile AT, 4 mile MP, 2 mile AT

So two miles down a two mile hill more or less
(10:35,9;35)

The place I wanted to go to do the 4 mile MP was closed off. I had wanted to avoid hills as feeling sorry for self . So I decided to do 1k loops around a skate park type place . Took me three k to figure out that I was loosing signal going under the bridge. So that’s why the first 200m each 1k was flat out to hit 9:00. I’d be in a go fast zone so it would take a while to slow back down , eventually crawling to the end to hit marathon pace . What an idiot . I’m calling it a Fartlek session .

MP: 8:45,8:54,8:33,8:43 ( in fantasy land )

Then return home via two mile hill ( 10:31,10;03)

Leg ached half way through session but then the pain disappeared for the rest of the day.

Friday
————-
Leg a bit sore on and off - still couldn’t figure out where the source was but thinking maybe sciatica from piformis muscle .

Bit the bullet and rang physio- no appointment until Tuesday morning .

So the plan was to be stupid and chance the long run - bring the phone just in case !

Saturday
——————
20 miles with 10 mile @MP (9:31 overall)

Beautiful morning for it. I was covered in tiger balm - I just lashed it on everywhere as no idea where the origin of the ache was. Phone and nurofen in belt.

Took 100ml of caffeine before run after the porridge . First 5 miles chatting a lot but breathing was a bit labored. Then an emergency bathroom stop (not for me ) before commencing 5 mile at MP. Took first choc bon bon here. These miles were grand - too chatty which we paid for later . (8:51,8;52,8:48,8:49,8:58) . Took another choc and some more caffeine after the fast bit.

The next 5k was slow up hill before restocking on water and more choc at cars.
Then off again for five mile MP - now this hurt - maybe a little chatty at start but the nattering soon stopped . Had another sweet somewhere here and then started on the glucose tabs . Leg beginning to do its thing now and I just needed it to be done . Pushed hard to finish the MP ( 8:56.8:53,8:58,8:52,9:00) . Then of course up a two mile hill slow to finish. Just doing the death march - one foot in front of the other.

Very happy to have it done . Leg was ok after till later on that evening .Then start annoying me again - but now ankle involved - the one I sprained earlier in the year . Is this the culprit?

I think that run shocked me . I’ve suddenly realized how hard racing a marathon is going to be !!! Whoops

Sunday
—————
6 mile recovery @ 10:22.

No aches during run

It aches now though.

Roll on Tuesday for physio !

Total miles:44

Dealerz2.0 · 22-09-2019 11:09pm

A great week- hopefully nothing too serious at tuesdays Physio appointment. It’s peak Marathon training weeks, I think everyone is pushing it physically.

Kellygirl · 22-09-2019 11:10pm

Hope the pain is easily fixed by the physio. That was a great long run - really well done. When you say you are taking caffeine, in what form?

I think you are looking really strong for DCM.

Bluesquare · 23-09-2019 9:38am

Kellygirl wrote: »

Hope the pain is easily fixed by the physio. That was a great long run - really well done. When you say you are taking caffeine, in what form?

I think you are looking really strong for DCM.

Thanks ! We have been experimenting for a few weeks to try and get it right . Have disregarded all the jellies/sweets with caffeine cause just too hard to get through . This was the latest one : https://www.therunhub.ie/Powerbar-Caffeine-Boost-4029679669932-22262/

It is vile - but seem to work well as in legs didn’t feel as heavy at the end . Took it timed so it kicked in for MP bits both times . Half before started to run and half after 16k. Didn’t effect stomach so I think this might be the one !

Bluesquare · 24-09-2019 1:46pm

A not very exciting update on physio visit:

Piriformis muscle in butt causing the issues . Fortunately not too knotted - so a rub etc . Other than that everything looks good so zero excuses!

Comic Book Guy · 25-09-2019 8:52pm

Bluesquare wrote: »

Thanks ! We have been experimenting for a few weeks to try and get it right . Have disregarded all the jellies/sweets with caffeine cause just too hard to get through . This was the latest one : https://www.therunhub.ie/Powerbar-Caffeine-Boost-4029679669932-22262/

It is vile - but seem to work well as in legs didn’t feel as heavy at the end . Took it timed so it kicked in for MP bits both times . Half before started to run and half after 16k. Didn’t effect stomach so I think this might be the one !

Hi R,

I’m reading up on use of caffeine products at the mo so just a quick couple of questions for ya. Have ya used gels with added caffeine and if ya did how did ya find them on your stomach and did ya get a noticeable boost from them? No drawbacks from the product above apart from the taste?!

Thanks

Bluesquare · 26-09-2019 9:27am

Comic Book Guy wrote: »

Hi R,

I’m reading up on use of caffeine products at the mo so just a quick couple of questions for ya. Have ya used gels with added caffeine and if ya did how did ya find them on your stomach and did ya get a noticeable boost from them? No drawbacks from the product above apart from the taste?!

Thanks

The above product was good apart from the taste - I split the dosage in half though. I don’t get a noticeable boost - my legs just feel fresher for longer and don’t start to ache in the same way at the end of a long run . I’ve also tried shot blocs with caffeine, jelly beans with caffeine and another caffeine shot. The sweets take a long time to chew - so I thought I’d just go with the shot in the end .

I haven’t used gels in this training cycle - I have used them in the past and the caffeine probably had same effect.

Bluesquare · 28-09-2019 7:07pm

On the caffeine subject - I ran today for 18 miles no caffeine. Run was a nice pace and never felt hard but legs ached at the end much more then previous weeks . On the flip side though I feel much better after the run then I’ve felt in weeks - more energy and food going down nicely ( was struggling to eat or even have a few glasses of wine last few Saturday’s ) It will not be a problem tonight.

Bluesquare · 30-09-2019 7:34am

Week Beginning 23rd of September

Monday : 5 mile @6:21
Don’t usually run Mondays but was off to physio Tuesday and was factoring in that Tuesday would be a write off. Legs were shocking tired.

Tuesday : Physio- nothing drastic to report . Piriformis muscle tight causing a bit of sciatica.

Wednesday: 5 mile@ 6:14
Legs felt heavy and while run too much of an effort . Couldn’t manage the LT session on schedule .

Thursday: 13k@ 5:40 (2k w/u, 10k MP, 1k c/d)

Ticked off the MP kms - but it felt hard. Like 10k race hard . Fairly windy in one direction. Which is always the uphill part .

MP: 5:29,5:30,5:28,5:27,5:29,5:30,5:27,5:27,5:33,5:29

Saturday :

Long run :18 mile @ 6:13

Fairly calm run . Light drizzle kept us cool. Chatty all the way around - took in some hills (well no option really living in a valley).

Didn’t take any caffeine- and legs ached by the end . Energy levels were ok though. I was thoroughly bored running by the end just wanted it done .

Brought - 500mls of Osmo , stopped to buy a bottle of water after about 20k . Ate about 4/5 choc sweets and maybe 3/4 glucose sweets near the end.

When I stopped running I was straight into the car to get home - legs started to feel very uncomfortable whilst driving . Thankfully only had a 2 minute drive . Once I was in the house , the legs were screaming at me and I had to sit down till it passed . Not pleasant .

Strangely then the legs were grand for the rest of the day and I was full of energy , even managing a few glasses of wine . ( haven’t been able to manage this in weeks )

Sunday : 6 mile @ 6:15

Disappointed I couldn’t manage to do this slower as very conscious that I needed a proper
Recovery run. I kept slowing down , then would slip into a daydream in speed up again .

Happy though that I can run faster then recovery pace - as last marathon I did I was incapable of moving faster then a shuffle the day after the long run . So it’s some kind of an improvement.

Right leg was acting up on Sunday and was very achey .

Kellygirl · 30-09-2019 10:31pm

Bluesquare wrote: »

Week Beginning 23rd of September

Monday : 5 mile @6:21
Don’t usually run Mondays but was off to physio Tuesday and was factoring in that Tuesday would be a write off. Legs were shocking tired.

Tuesday : Physio- nothing drastic to report . Piriformis muscle tight causing a bit of sciatica.

Wednesday: 5 mile@ 6:14
Legs felt heavy and while run too much of an effort . Couldn’t manage the LT session on schedule .

Thursday: 13k@ 5:40 (2k w/u, 10k MP, 1k c/d)

Ticked off the MP kms - but it felt hard. Like 10k race hard . Fairly windy in one direction. Which is always the uphill part .

MP: 5:29,5:30,5:28,5:27,5:29,5:30,5:27,5:27,5:33,5:29

Saturday :

Long run :18 mile @ 6:13

Fairly calm run . Light drizzle kept us cool. Chatty all the way around - took in some hills (well no option really living in a valley).

Didn’t take any caffeine- and legs ached by the end . Energy levels were ok though. I was thoroughly bored running by the end just wanted it done .

Brought - 500mls of Osmo , stopped to buy a bottle of water after about 20k . Ate about 4/5 choc sweets and maybe 3/4 glucose sweets near the end.

When I stopped running I was straight into the car to get home - legs started to feel very uncomfortable whilst driving . Thankfully only had a 2 minute drive . Once I was in the house , the legs were screaming at me and I had to sit down till it passed . Not pleasant .

Strangely then the legs were grand for the rest of the day and I was full of energy , even managing a few glasses of wine . ( haven’t been able to manage this in weeks )

Sunday : 6 mile @ 6:15

Disappointed I couldn’t manage to do this slower as very conscious that I needed a proper
Recovery run. I kept slowing down , then would slip into a daydream in speed up again .

Happy though that I can run faster then recovery pace - as last marathon I did I was incapable of moving faster then a shuffle the day after the long run . So it’s some kind of an improvement.

Right leg was acting up on Sunday and was very achey .

A good week. I did a similar MP run today that you did above. So do you reckon the lack of caffeine contributed to the pain in the legs?

Bluesquare · 30-09-2019 10:41pm

For sure - and it has obviously been playing havoc with my stomach after the run for a few weeks . But sod it if it gets me over the finish line I handle it for another day !

I also think I might be going nuts though with regard to the leg pain . Pre taper phantom pain perhaps .

Bluesquare · 07-10-2019 10:51am

Week Beginning 30th of September

Tuesday
—————-

10 mile with 4m @MP
5k @6:15 , 6.4k @ 5:27,5k@6:25

A bit of front loading going on here in anticipation of the storm that never was.

This was a super run - chatted all the way through , MP pace felt handy and I felt strong . A high five run.

Wednesday
——————

6 mile @ 6:25

Still in front loading mode - a very reluctant run - always wrecked on Wednesday’s and getting myself back out the door after long commute torturous.

Thursday
———————
1 mile W/u , 3 * 1 mile LT (90 secs AT), c/d
5 mile in total @ 46:15

Like a few other guys on here dusted off the treadmill , removed the clothes hanging on it , found the key and did a session . Made easier by watching Netflix , there was nobody else in the house so I had the volume on the tv up super high .

LT felt hard enough - technically the pace was 7:55-8 but who knows what it really corresponded to. It was a tough sweat fest - which for me is novel as tend more towards the glow end of the sweat spectrum .

Saturday
—————-
20 mile with 10 mile @ MP intervals

Started with 500 ml of Osmo (70 calories). No caffeine today.

3 mile @ 6:20,6:12,6:15,6:20,6,11(.8)
Warmup , chatty etc

5 mile @ 5:32,5:31,5:23,5:24,5:26,5:28,5:29,5:28,
Kms 3/4 had a giant downhill in the middle so not true MP but didn’t fancy going up equivalent hill ! On strava it looks like I found a giant five mile hill and went down it . This was certainly not the case lol . Well apart from the 1k hill . My route is very hilly so it’s constantly up and down - a net down hill doesn’t mean there wasn’t a huge slog during the mile . ( two bon bons taken after this 70 cals)

7k @ 6:21,6:11,6:20,6:30,6:18,6:15,6:08

A random number here timed so we could stop for more water - didn’t want to break up the MP bit.

Took two more chocs and a jelly baby - so 85 calories .

5 mile @ 5:42,5:35,5:31,5:31,5:34,5:30,5:30,5:25

This was tough enough - started slow due to a bit of route confusion but we got stuck in quick enough. This five mile again was undulating but
last km was more or less down hill - a sweet reprieve .

Legs were achier for second set and calf was starting to ping . I had to pull back several times as kept finding myself at @ Hmp. Have no recollection if I ate more during this bit , but I drank loads . I was in the zone and focused and whilst it felt like I was working I felt strong . I kept trying to memorize the feeling of the effort - so I’d recognize it on the day.

4.3k@ 6:41,6:31,5:59,5:52,5:15(.3)

After the MP - I had to bend down to tie lace - ouch , everything pinging now ! Route was flat for a bit then had a steep climb again for just under a mile. There is always a climb at the end. It’s heads down no chatting let’s get it done time . I got to the top of the climb and realized I was running by myself. The others were way back and clearly flagging . I slowed my pace for a bit to see if they would catch up but it wasn’t happening so I drove on as going slower hurt me more. I was taking glucose sweets at every km. They deffo help right at end give a boost to get the pace moving . I was feeling strong , and I finished strong - with more left in the tank.

Once I was done mind I was hobbling like a 90 year old . Missed the caffeine but didn’t miss it later on when I was able to manage a few glasses of wine !

Delighted with the run - a great long run to end on!!

Sunday
—————
10k @ 6:20- grand n chatty . Was very tired yesterday though!

Weekly total = 47.5

Happy to have made in one piece to to the taper . Delighted to end on a good week. I can safely say this is the fittest I have ever been . Yeah I have had bad runs but I still nailed the prescribed paces ( Frank Duffy being the exception) .

I have come to the conclusion that in training I am machine like . 100% focused - totally engaged , incredibly anal about pace hitting but at the same time not wasting energy on hills etc .

Then in races I loose the plot . In ratoath I was focused for a bit , then I started to day dream , pull back from paces and stop engaging actively in the race ( some of this was confidence I think) Dunshaughlin was the only race I was 100% engaged in and my concentration didn’t waver.

So I need to turn DCM into a giant training session and I’ll be good! I think physically I’m 100% ready but I might need a good sports shrink !

chickey2 · 07-10-2019 11:04am

Your training is going really well, you just need to trust it!
That long run should be a real confidence boost. Remind me what your goal is, I'm guessing well under 4 hours?
Keep it going!

Kellygirl · 07-10-2019 11:30am

Brilliant week and fantastic long run. Only just went to Strava to look at it. I missed it on Saturday and I find it easier now to look at miles on Strava than your km paces here. It was a very strong run. Lovely confidence building one too.

Are you running DCM with the same group or will you do it on your own? I make a habit of doing training runs better than races too. Don;t know what it is.

Bluesquare · 07-10-2019 11:53am

chickey2 wrote: »

Your training is going really well, you just need to trust it!
That long run should be a real confidence boost. Remind me what your goal is, I'm guessing well under 4 hours?
Keep it going!

Thanks .Still wavering . Sub 4 hours would be sweet though .

Bluesquare · 07-10-2019 12:12pm

Kellygirl wrote: »

Brilliant week and fantastic long run. Only just went to Strava to look at it. I missed it on Saturday and I find it easier now to look at miles on Strava than your km paces here. It was a very strong run. Lovely confidence building one too.

Are you running DCM with the same group or will you do it on your own? I make a habit of doing training runs better than races too. Don;t know what it is.

I have been training with one girl in particular for 2 years now . ( more peeps in larger group) I’d say our fitness is similar but she can actually convert it into races . I’m good at planning and she’s good at making sure we follow the plans ! So a good team. The other peeps we run with in the club are a little less into following plans !

The current idea is for us to start with 2 other guys. One of which is way fitter but has offered to pace us until at least half way - I suspect he will take off at 30k . He’s incredibly steady and renown for his negative splits . He’s paced us for two long runs so far and it’s worked out well. He wasn’t there Saturday as his wife just gave birth !

The current plan is 4:10 pace till 7 mile . Haven’t decided after that what to do yet . On the fence - but I want to have no regrets ! Unless I feel absolutely crap on the day I suspect I’ll go for it .

I’ve had a good year so it’s not all hanging on one race !

Kellygirl · 07-10-2019 12:21pm

Cool. Hope I get to meet you on the day. Are you starting in wave 3? I’m wave 2 but planning on dropping back. Will be in McGrattans after anyway.

Bluesquare · 07-10-2019 12:31pm

Kellygirl wrote: »

Cool. Hope I get to meet you on the day. Are you starting in wave 3? I’m wave 2 but planning on dropping back. Will be in McGrattans after anyway.

Plan to start at back of wave 2. Well I’ve been told I am lol . Are you running with a group ? Our club usually go to some hotel that name escapes my brain . I’ll deffo pop into McGrattans for a bit ! I guess your staying in Dublin as your up from Cork ?

Kellygirl · 07-10-2019 1:02pm

Bluesquare wrote: »

Plan to start at back of wave 2. Well I’ve been told I am lol . Are you running with a group ? Our club usually go to some hotel that name escapes my brain . I’ll deffo pop into McGrattans for a bit ! I guess your staying in Dublin as your up from Cork ?

I think I’ll run myself this year and loosely use the pacers but not intending staying a group. A friend offered to pace me to 4 hour but she’d be more inclined to do even pacing and is a stronger runner. I’m afraid I’ll use too much energy talking then too even though on Saturday in Galway I mattered away to various people in the way round.

Yes, staying in Dublin Saturday and Sunday nights.

Bluesquare · 07-10-2019 1:15pm

Your totally welcome to come with us if you change your mind. We have a non talking rule in races lol - outside of a few short instructions or sarcastic muttering . Our pacer though natters a bit but he knows better then to expect a reply . We are not really expecting to finish together mind .

Kellygirl · 07-10-2019 1:22pm

Bluesquare wrote: »

Your totally welcome to come with us if you change your mind. We have a non talking rule in races lol - outside of a few short instructions or sarcastic muttering . Our pacer though natters a bit but he knows better then to expect a reply . We are not really expecting to finish together mind .

Thanks a mill. I’ll definitely consider it.

Huzzah! · 11-10-2019 8:59pm

Some fab training going on here. Lots of reasons to be confident that you’ll have a good run.

Bluesquare · 11-10-2019 10:33pm

Huzzah! wrote: »

Some fab training going on here. Lots of reasons to be confident that you’ll have a good run.

Ah Thanks ! Questioning everything now lol ! Great advice over on the Novice thread - quietly following and it’s helping to keep me grounded!!

Bluesquare · 11-10-2019 10:41pm

Was at the physio today for sports massage .

I had a few complaints lol and he had me doing some stretching first. He looked horrified at my pathetic calf stretching and did some measurements . He was panicked then saying not much he could do at this stage - calves very tight etc etc , shaking his head a bit . Then during the massage he was like your calves are grand - not a bother - he was very puzzled all together . I think he thinks I was winding him up .

Anyways everything looks good . So two weeks to go !

Comic Book Guy · 13-10-2019 10:56am

Tried one of those Caffeine shot drinks you mentioned a few weeks ago before my LSR this morning. You weren't lying about the taste!!

Bluesquare · 13-10-2019 11:49am

Comic Book Guy wrote: »

Tried one of those Caffeine shot drinks you mentioned a few weeks ago before my LSR this morning. You weren't lying about the taste!!

Did it help !

I didn't get this far to get this far.

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