DCM 2019 - Mentored Novices Thread

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

I've mentioned it before, but it's certainly worth repeating at this stage. I found it gave me a huge boost, especially over the closing miles, when a spectator would shout out my name in encouragement. So, whether it's getting your name put on your race top, or just writing your name on your number - do something like this so that the spectators can offer encouragement to you. Attached is what my number looked like last year

I like how you kept it subtle and understated

How was week 16 for you?

Week 16 was an odd one, the only time I felt comfortable was when I was out on my runs. The rest of the time I was a contrary mess, not sure if it was exhaustion from the 20 mile run or a bug of some sort but feel a lot better this week so hopefully I'll stay that way


- With two weeks to go, how are you feeling about the marathon?

How do I feel about the marathon, I am soo excited now. I'm chuffed that I have managed to get this far, even if things go drastically wrong on the day, the training I have put in is standing to me in so many ways. I love feeling fit, and it really impacts on your whole life, even though I am tired I dont have that unfit sluggish tiredness that I have experienced in the past. Two years ago I would have laughed at anyone who suggested I get up early to do a long run in the cold and rain, and this year I have done that on more than one occasion! I know we haven't made it to the finish line yet but I really think we are all winners. We have fought so many mental and physical battles and the positivity from forums like this really helps when the chips are down.

Now for some questions for the mentors! I have been watching the drive through of the course that has been shared in various forums lately and hope you can help with a couple of questions. Apologies in advance, if they seem a bit over the top.
Firstly, a lot of the roads seem to have ramps, is this difficult, as in is there much of a risk of tripping? I am terrified of coming a cropper on something stupid like tripping on a ramp.

Secondly, and probably a more practical question, the inclines throughout the course, are they long extended drags or short steep sections of road? For example, the drag in chapelizod is that long? It looks quite long on the video, I just like to have an idea in my head of where particular sections are going to be difficult and for how long this will last. Sorry if thats a bit garbled, hopefully you will know what I mean.


Finally I love the bling Mr Guappa, I think I'll do the same! we can have a competition who is the best at pimping up their number


Thanks in advance mentors, and thanks a million for all the advice you have given, it is very much appreciated.

For some reason I thought that our names would be printed our numbers. I now have an arts and crafts afternoon planned with my young lad the day before the race. Hopefully there's a responsible adult who can supervise both of us! :pac:

ReeReeG wrote: »

There aren't (m)any ramps in the first few miles where it's congested. By the time you hit the roads with the ramps, it will be more spread out so you should see them fine. That said, if you're running with a pacer, it may be more crowded but hopefully people give a little warning shout up ahead. I think you should be ok though!

Secondly, and probably a more practical question, the inclines throughout the course, are they long extended drags or short steep sections of road? For example, the drag in chapelizod is that long? It looks quite long on the video, I just like to have an idea in my head of where particular sections are going to be difficult and for how long this will last. Sorry if thats a bit garbled, hopefully you will know what I mean.
[/QUOTE]


The hills / drags at the start won't feel so bad on your tapered, fresh legs, but this is where you need to be careful and not attack them too hard or you'll find the latter hills and drags very tough![/QUOTE]

Super thats reassuring, thank you x

3boyz wrote: »

Secondly, and probably a more practical question, the inclines throughout the course, are they long extended drags or short steep sections of road? For example, the drag in chapelizod is that long? It looks quite long on the video, I just like to have an idea in my head of where particular sections are going to be difficult and for how long this will last. Sorry if thats a bit garbled, hopefully you will know what I mean.

I think it's St Laurence's hill that you're referring to, which is this strava segment. After watching the video, I knew I had to run it prior to the event so did so last week. it's a fairly gradual drag with the last 100 metres of the hill increasing in difficulty. When you get to the top of the road and turn on to Ballyfermot/Sarsfield road you are still climbing ever so slightly. It levels off at the petrol garage on your right.

At 11.9 miles, just past Kilmainham Gaol and before you turn on to South Circular Road there is a small incline but very short.

From the canal to Crumlin Children's hospital and then up to Walkinstown Roundabout is a very long drag but its gradient is steady throughout.

Pretty much 20 miles on the button in Milltown, is a short sharp incline similar to the one by Kilmainham Gaol.

Including that incline above you've got the journey through Clonskeagh up to "Heartbreak Hill".

There's also Chesterfield Avenue to navigate at the start.

Was going well. Did 5,8,4 and 15 last week. Now have sore throat and cough...............

DolG wrote: »

Was going well. Did 5,8,4 and 15 last week. Now have sore throat and cough...............

I'm the same myself and on antibiotics. Hopefully were lucky it's hitting now and not next week. Hopefully be back on the plan for the weekend.

- How was week 16 for you?
Week 16 went OK although I had to shorten one of my runs for logistics reasons. I did end up doing the planned mileage across the week, though. I did a speed session and was happy to find that I do seem to have a faster gear. I was a bit wiped out after it but with two and a half weeks still to go before the big day (this was last Tuesday) I felt I had sufficient time to recover.

On Sunday I was participating in an organised "last hurrah" long run with a group from my club, which was planned to be 17 miles, incorporating the last 16 miles of the DCM route. I was a bit worried that this would be too long but I said I'd play it by ear on the day. In the end, as we got to mile 14 we were just at the flyover at UCD, and I could see from the real-time display on the bus stop that there was a bus due, so I just stopped and hopped on the bus. There followed my worst experience of the entire training block. Having got completely wet through on the run (Sunday morning was wet, as you may recall, and I forgot to bring a jacket), I stood through two bus journeys and was freezing cold and still dripping by the time I got back to my house, only to find that I didn't have my key. My husband was out in the car and around 40 minutes away, and I tried to call my dad but he was at mass and had his phone switched off. By this time I was so cold I couldn't use my phone at all as my fingers were too numb. Luckily, after about 15 minutes my dad got the message on his phone and came along to bail me out. I have never enjoyed a shower as much as that post-run shower!

- With two weeks to go, how are you feeling about the marathon?
Apprehensive, mostly about pacing. And also things that might go wrong on the day. It was so wet on Sunday's LSR that again I had problems opening my gel as my fingers were half-numb and slippery from the rain. I had tissue in my pocket but it didn't do a great job of drying my fingers as the rain was coming down so hard. I'm not really sure how I would get around this on the day so I'll just have to hope it doesn't rain.

I also haven't decided about my water strategy. I've always carried a 350 mL bottle on my long runs containing water with a Zero tablet. I know I'll find this annoying on the day, especially if I'm trying to go a bit faster. Also, it probably won't be enough. My husband is happy to stand at a prearranged spot with a new bottle for me, but I haven't decided where yet. I may just end up throwing the bottle away on the day if it annoys me too much, and using the water stations only. Given my problems opening the gels, I can't see that carrying a Zero tablet, unwrapping it and getting it mixed with the water would be manageable for me.

I've also left it too late (I think) to get a pacing band, as they have to be posted from the US as far as I can see? At least, the ones on findyourmarathon.com that have the course-specific pacing. I might do a bit more research on this tonight.

skyblue46 wrote: »

Plenty of water bottles on course. No need to carry your own. A few half Zero taps in little plastic bags (the type that spare buttons often come in, or better known as 'Score' bags to some) which you can pop into the bottles as you run.

Skyblue gave me this tip in 2017 (maybe because I'm from Finglas:pac:) , and ive been using it in races ever since. Half a zero tab into the 250ml bottles which they give out work a treat. Last year I drank a bit of the water before remembering to put the tab in, lets just say my stomach didnt agree with it, as it was very concentrated, so be careful with that.

kyomi wrote: »

- How was week 16 for you?
Week 16 went OK although I had to shorten one of my runs for logistics reasons. I did end up doing the planned mileage across the week, though. I did a speed session and was happy to find that I do seem to have a faster gear. I was a bit wiped out after it but with two and a half weeks still to go before the big day (this was last Tuesday) I felt I had sufficient time to recover.

On Sunday I was participating in an organised "last hurrah" long run with a group from my club, which was planned to be 17 miles, incorporating the last 16 miles of the DCM route. I was a bit worried that this would be too long but I said I'd play it by ear on the day. In the end, as we got to mile 14 we were just at the flyover at UCD, and I could see from the real-time display on the bus stop that there was a bus due, so I just stopped and hopped on the bus. There followed my worst experience of the entire training block. Having got completely wet through on the run (Sunday morning was wet, as you may recall, and I forgot to bring a jacket), I stood through two bus journeys and was freezing cold and still dripping by the time I got back to my house, only to find that I didn't have my key. My husband was out in the car and around 40 minutes away, and I tried to call my dad but he was at mass and had his phone switched off. By this time I was so cold I couldn't use my phone at all as my fingers were too numb. Luckily, after about 15 minutes my dad got the message on his phone and came along to bail me out. I have never enjoyed a shower as much as that post-run shower!

- With two weeks to go, how are you feeling about the marathon?
Apprehensive, mostly about pacing. And also things that might go wrong on the day. It was so wet on Sunday's LSR that again I had problems opening my gel as my fingers were half-numb and slippery from the rain. I had tissue in my pocket but it didn't do a great job of drying my fingers as the rain was coming down so hard. I'm not really sure how I would get around this on the day so I'll just have to hope it doesn't rain.

I also haven't decided about my water strategy. I've always carried a 350 mL bottle on my long runs containing water with a Zero tablet. I know I'll find this annoying on the day, especially if I'm trying to go a bit faster. Also, it probably won't be enough. My husband is happy to stand at a prearranged spot with a new bottle for me, but I haven't decided where yet. I may just end up throwing the bottle away on the day if it annoys me too much, and using the water stations only. Given my problems opening the gels, I can't see that carrying a Zero tablet, unwrapping it and getting it mixed with the water would be manageable for me.

I've also left it too late (I think) to get a pacing band, as they have to be posted from the US as far as I can see? At least, the ones on findyourmarathon.com that have the course-specific pacing. I might do a bit more research on this tonight.

Try partially tearing the gels before the run?

On the pacing band, mine came too late last year but I was able to print a version off and fashion a band using sellotape. Might work for you?

passinginterest wrote: »

I’ve made my own a few times. “Laminated” with sellotape, worked perfectly well. All that’s really needed is a printer.

I suggested laminating because mine which was 'laminated' with 5 layers of clear packing tape still managed to let sweat in and the ink ran. So if using sellotape make sure the ink doesn't run! :pac:

I'm not thinking of using a pace band or being too specific about paces. Was planning on following 4hr30 pacer, letting them do the work for me and then taking it up if I can from mile 18 or so. However if it's too congested around the pacers I may have to go it on my own - I wonder should I be looking up those pace band times to have just in case. I know the average pace of a 4hr 30 is 10:18 so was thinking of just hanging there or thereabouts for the first half of the race.