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Run Like A Girl!

MiniMonstera

Been meaning to start a log. I'm literally just putting down a marker so my adhd brain will actually see it through (at some point in the future time / space continuum). Maybe I'll never write here or maybe, just maybe, I'll be the Ann Frank of the Training Log forum 😄

A friend gifted me a sweatshirt last Christmas with the above emblazoned on the front and, as I'm unoriginal as feck, so it becomes my log title.

I'm doing Tallaght 5km on Paddy's Day, hoping for a pb. My last 5km pb was a whopper (for me) so I expect it to be marginal, but anything on the pb front is always great.

Lying here beside crazy toddler who's finally nodded off, now to make the dinner. Oh wondrous life! 😀

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MiniMonstera

Week: 16 - 22 September, 65km

Monday – 6-8km Recovery

6.41 p/km. Kept the pace v easy. Did 8km. If ever I get a distance range I’ll go for the high end. Bed early last night (story of my life atm – craving sleep). This dose that’s been hovering for weeks has finally exploded into life and is in my chest. Coughing up sh1te – the works. Calves very, very tender during this run. Took a few brief rest stops. It’s almost more difficult/painful to run easy when muscles are aching. I find I just want to belt out a fast pace and clear out the muscles, so going slowly is kind of torturous. No music etc. again today. Really enjoyable and amazing weather. Gotta love September. Some difference to yesterday.

Tuesday – 2km wu, 4 x HMP 5.25p/km, 3 min off, 2km cd

8.3km. Avg 6.34p/km, HMP element 5.17 – 5.23. Dose ongoing. Probably a little on the fast side for the HMP element. Calves absolutely screaming at me again today - I actually think I ripped myself a new pair on Sunday (didn’t feel like it at the time, far from it). I cracked out the new Lidl massage gun last night but only seems to have helped marginally. I’m not injured - just have to suck it up and let whatever adaptation that is occurring, well, occur. I jog / walked /stood the recovery elements as just wanted to keep heart rate down and was paranoid I overdid Sunday and won’t be repaired in time for the HM next Sunday. No music today. Another fabulous morning in the canal. Made sure I (and husband who also has dose) ate some superfood with dinner (full bag of spinach). Need to kick this awful dose.

Wednesday – 10 Easy, 6.16 p/km

Lovely run, finally the calf ache has reduced - significantly. Bit of a rushed morning and forgot to properly hydrate at breakfast. Stuck on a podcast. Was parched by halfway so stopped and got bottle of 330ml orange Lucozade. Got fizzy by accident but guzzled it anyway, got straight back into run, no GI issues from it - good to test that out. Practically wanted to sing for the second part of the run. Thank you lucozade! Very, very warm by the time I finished and was glad that run was done, I can’t do heat. I hope it gets much cooler for the HM!

Thursday – 8km Easy, 6.22 p/km

Nice sunny run. Calf ache present but just background noise now. Gentle on the way out and quite windy on the way back – nice bit of resistance. The reeds are still tall in places along some stretches of the canal and were swaying hard, can’t help but run my hands through them as I go by. I’m sure I look quite mad!

One run left tomorrow before the HM on Sunday. Apparently, the weather is to turn and there might be a drop of rain – wouldn’t mind tbh, much better than battling sun and heat.

Have been having some anxiety about the marathon lately and whether I can do it at pace. Last year was a case of ignorance is bliss but now I have the vivid memories of pain to look back on I’m starting to sh1t a brick, a little. My Achilles heel is not having taken up strength training this year, I’ll be beating myself up about that during my negative spells around the marathon course for sure.

Friday – 7km with 6 x strides. 6.14p/km

Lovely morning again. Calves 95% back to normal. Got home, changed and made coffee, then realised I forgot to do the strides. And I love strides! Doh. Would have gone back out had I not changed. That’s it now til Sunday morn race.

Saturday – Rest

Sunday Dublin Half Marathon Race Report –

Up at 6am for a shakeout only to realise its pitch dark now at that time. Had breakfast (muesli and banana), got organised and left shakeout (2km) until 7am, 20 mins before I was being collected. We picked up another friend and got to Parkgate Street and parked up for about 7.50am. Walked to the race location (about 4km – nice warm up for the legs). Unfortunately, I packed a lot of stuff (change of clothes, runners etc) as rain was forecast before and during the race, so my backpack was heavy on the walk. Whilst heavily overcast (ideal conditions) it didn’t rain at all. Following numerous random toilet stop for the 3 of us (nerves, nerves nerves) we dropped our bags and headed to the start. My friends were going with the 2.10 pacers. We said our goodbyes and I decided where to go in the pack. Took a gel at this point as hadn’t eaten in 3 hours by now (aside from supping on zero tab). I wanted to aim for an ambitious 5.10 p/km if I could but was worried about constantly monitoring the watch (my short sight has deteriorated massively in a tiny space of time, hello 45) and I struggle now to read my watch when running at pace, so I just decided in that moment to run with the 1.50 pacers and focus largely on them. Bit of a risk as my pacer experience isn’t great (pacers not an issue, its all me and my negative mind!) but I just thought chill out and go with it. Obviously the pacers had a tight crowd around them in the start pack which didn’t help my pre race anxiety. I told myself it’ll beak up as the race unfolds. In that moment I wished for a racing companion so much. Everyone around me was in pairs and groups, yapping away excitedly. Felt like I might vomit so I put my fingers in the ears and started doing calf raises to while away the time until the gun went.

1-10 km

Got going at 9.09am. Started really well and the pace felt totally manageable. Could have gone out faster so was glad the pacers were there to anchor me. Tend to go out too fast but I’m getting better at managing that. In retrospect the pace was fairly consistent - not from looking at the watch but just sticking with the pacers. The pacers were brilliant - no ongoing random chit chat (which makes me lose focus) but very encouraging and full of pertinent information, which was good given the slight course change. There was a downhill on the 5th km and we were well notified of that and encouraged to pull back on it and take a rest, and so the guidance went on like that, they were just great. The pack was fairly crowded - it didn’t dissipate like I thought it would. Got caught behind / in between people many times but what can you do. Just tried my best not to lose the pacers and weaved when I absolutely needed to. Took another gel at 8km. Smacked elbows with people as I had to reach under top into back shorts pocket while running to access the gels and also put my wrappers back in that same pocket. Won’t be storing them there again.

I started to feel the pinch well before the half way point but I just deployed some mind over matter and it worked for the most part. The usual negative thoughts didn’t flood me as they normally do, as in I was thinking how hard I was working and how difficult the effort was, but other non-running stuff didn’t come up, or negative self talk. Recently I listened to both audio books by David Goggins and some of the stuff he talks about I’ve taken on board – like callousing your mind for when it wants to quit etc. He’s a hard MF and some of his stories are batsh1t crazy, but he also talks a lot of sense. Also, I’ve been doing tons of consistent training and that has fed my confidence too, for sure.

11 – 20km

I lost the pacers on the 11th km. Not that I lost them exactly, but they got away from me by about a minute or so. It was just too packed. I kept them in sight and kept up the pace. There was no catching them up the Chesterfield path stretch but when we turned into the huge triangular open space there was more room to make small consistent gains, so I did. Checked the watch sporadically and was hovering around 5.15 so was happy with that. Really started to feel the burn around 16km and was breathing hard. At some point I shouted out Jesus Christ and some guy from Lambay club gave me some encouragement and I picked the head up and kicked on. I felt a niggle in the right hip, that I rarely get and only when doing sprinting drills, and I started to panic, but thankfully it went away. After the triangle it was all a bit of a blur. I really needed to catch the pacers now. By the 20th km there had long since only been one balloon (other one popped) and when the pacers went around a sharp bend at the little lake I heard the second one pop, 30 seconds or so later I was upon the burst balloon. I panicked and for some reason thought I’m never going to beat 1.50 now, however I quickly picked out the pacer in my sights, he was dressed all in red anyway so easy to keep an eye on.

21 – 21.2

Took the last hill, the hairpin one, just inside the 13th mile and it almost killed me, I slowed to a walk for about 12 seconds then gave my head a wobble and got back on it – but as a result had second thoughts about chasing the pacers as they were further gone now and felt my tank was near zero. I knew I was on for a good pb anyway. About .5k on, I just thought eff it, put whatever boot down you can – you’ve been with these pacers the whole time, more or less. I had a huge [recurring] blister on my big toe by now and an annoying cut on the other foot from tiny stone rubbing for most of the race. I thought it’s going to be all over soon, and I found a small kick. I gained on one of the pacers, Fozzy, who I could hear in the distance roaring frantically at people to keep with him, he was brilliant. He kept shouting Come on the One-Fifties!! And was practically running backwards beckoning us on. I pressed harder and harder. My form went to sh1t. There was snot and coughing. Picked off a few people and kept at it. With 400m to go I was at his feet and he was urging me to pass him, which I did – felt like I absolutely booted it, and got across the line with – in retrospect - 17 seconds to spare! 1.49.43. Fckn A! 16 min PB on last year! Kind of regret not hanging back to thank Fozzy, wasn’t really thinking straight and badly needed a drink, but I should have done so. I really wouldn’t have come in under 1.50 had it not been for him and the other pacer. Definitely not. They really kept me engaged and were the carrot at the end when I was really struggling. I bumped into Lambay Guy in the medal queue and thanked him for his words of encouragement half an hour back. It seemed lots of people who stuck with the pacers made it in under 1.50 which was great to see and a testament to the pacers.

4km walk back to the car loosened the legs nicely. What a great day. The atmosphere was fab as were the spectators. Won’t lie though – I’m bricking the marathon!

Laineyfrecks

Super strong performance there J,you should be so proud & full of confidence for the Marathon🤗 You have been so consistent with your training & now you are reaping the rewards. I hope you are still buzzing from that PB💛✨️

witnessmenow

awesome work, hope you are absolutely thrilled with that result!

I don't know if this is odd or not but I've actually been finding your progress and results this year very inspirational! Most people who post on here are at a completely different stage/level to me, and while their progress and results are obviously very impressive, it's hard for me to put myself in their shoes.

I think since we started posting last year you've always been a step or two ahead of my progress and to see your results continuously improve definitely is a big motivation to try keep up! Although I think this half result puts you in a completely different league, poor old 2025 witnessmenow will have a lot of catching up to do

MiniMonstera

aw thank you @Laineyfrecks and @witnessmenow for those lovely words. I really do feel a lot more confident, knowing I've been putting in the work. My confidence has always come from seeing results, as opposed to believing I can achieve something that I haven't attained yet, and I'm trying to flip that on its head a bit. I swear most of the psychology of running is getting out of your own bloody way, putting the work in and just showing up consistently to every run, even on the hard, tired days.

Last year was so different - the goal being to get a handle on LSRs (that first 20 miler - sheesh!) and really just getting around the marathon course on race day, but this year has been full on with challenging my current paces and pushing consistently, little by little. Like for example, and easy pace for me know is 6ish mins, last year it was 7ish mins, and that is, in part, because I've been pushing my easy runs to the limit of HR Zone 2. I can really see the gains from the year of work, which is so encouraging. Also, training for and doing 5ks in early and late summer added so much more to my running and racing experience.

I honestly don't know if I have a sub 4 in me for the marathon (the endurance for that has me freaked out!) and I havent been doing S&C. However, I reckon if I can do a 16 min PB in the half then I should be able to do 4.15 in the full (30 min PB). So we'll see :)

Witness, just keep doing what you're doing. You're the same as me in terms of your consistency, just keep pushing for tiny gains and fuel fuel fuel. Lainey, you must be absolutely full of taper madness by now, but I know you're gonna smash Berlin this weekend you little rocket!🚀

MiniMonstera

Week: 23 – 29 September

Total KMs: 76

Monday – Rest. Nice to get it after the race. Still absolutely buzzing from the achievement -endorphins are high. Legs not feeling too bad. I felt way worse after the MP run last week where I’m sure I ripped a set of new calves. Drained the big toe blister (not sure what to do with that situation but am using it as an excuse to get some new socks!)

Tuesday - 10K Easy, 6.15pk/pm. Nice run. Had to make a trip to the bank so ran there. Two birds, one stone.

Wednesday – 12km Easy with 30 second surges @ 4.40 p/km after each KM – 6.08 p/km – thoroughly enjoyed this run even on tired legs. Temp dropped massively today – it was circa 7 degrees. Wore a long sleever.

Thursday – 6KM Easy, 6.11 p/km – lovely, short and uneventful!

Friday – 3km Easy, 8km @ 5.40 p/km, 3 km Easy. 6.02 p/km. Tired today. Race fatigue catching up with me at last. Still a very enjoyable run but I did get caught short with emergency loo pitstop so that was stressful.

Saturday – Rest. Two rest days this week – I don’t know myself! Although family life is hectic, ferrying kids to two parties and husband away on work trip, mam unwell. Well prepped for tomorrow’s long run - mapped out route on the OnTheGo app, and included a draggy hill for good measure. Even drove and left out water and supplies beginning the last third of route.

Sunday – 20 Miler - 6.13p/km. Didn’t get going til 8.52am, usually like to get a long run going earlier than that, but the extra hour sleep I’m sure did no harm. Packed a large bag as heavy rain forecast and plan was to stop back at the car at the 14km mark and switch out my top or jacket if needed. First mistake was having a bowl of muesli for breakfast. It sat in my tummy for first 5km and made me feel very sluggish. Too much fibre in it, I imagine. Simple carbs from now on, pancakes, bananas etc. As a result, I decided to get some Lucozade into me at about 6km so give me some pep. Annoyingly it took about 8 minutes to get served in the shop. I guzzled it and got going again. It did the job, but only marginally. Wore a running beak but ditched it in a bush as the rain didn’t come and it was very warm and overcast so it just became annoying. Collected it when I circled back at 11km and took a gel. Got back to the car at 14km and drank 500ml water. Didn’t need to switch any clothes - it drizzled on and off but the wind dried my jacket in jig time . Left the hat. At 16km I arrived at Boston Hill and slowed a bit to get up it. Nice downhill thereafter. Took second gel at 18km and immediately felt nauseous. Second mistake – had 3 different gels – Maurten, High 5, Kinectic. Just grabbed what was in the house. Sticking with Maurten solely from now on. Ran on but at circa 21 km mark I felt overwhelmed with nausea and intense tummy discomfort and stopped for a minute. Urgent loo break ensued, and I got going again. At 22km I derailed to my water and supplies only to discover they’d been taken! I thought the farmer maybe moved them and I saw him on his land with his dogs. Ran over to him and he said he saw the bag yesterday, but it was gone now (he lets me leave stuff there when I need to). He offered water up at the house and I was gasping so we jogged up – he nearly died but hid it well. Introduced me to his whole family and so we chatted for ten mins – wanted to get going much earlier but would have been rude to just drink and leg it. Lovely man, Anyway got going again and my body must’ve gone in to recovery mode because I really felt tired, when up until then the run had been going grand, nausea notwithstanding. Put the foot down, a small bit, to get me going again. Doubled back at 26km and bumped into friend of husbands. We ran together a bit, and him being faster than me, I did a couple of quicker kms, but it was actually the boost I needed to get the rest of the run done. We departed company, I had another drink of water at the farm (took a bottle with me from farmers house) and did the last 3km at normal pace. Last km was very tiring, but I guess a lot of that is psychological at that point. Heavy rain held off which was magical but the wind was something else. Grabbed a coffee and did a cooldown walk of 1km back to car. Felt good but had a bit of discomfort to left of pubic bone, something I only ever got in heavy pregnancy. Panicked a bit as that can escalate but it went away after and hour. Another long one in the bag!

p.s. one of my kids is coughing again. Seriously, I just can't with the ongoing school germ fests

crisco10

that is one eventful long run! read like a novel! well done for getting it done and not letting anything fully derail you. I couldnt do a 10 min stop, I just couldn't.

I hear you on the last point, re kids being sick. I am carrying the nerves on that one! Espeically when we start to approach midterm and kids get more and more tired and more and more sick.

MiniMonstera

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122668831#Comment_122668831

yes sorry a bit of a novella alright!🤣

Second child now coughing 🙃

MiniMonstera

Mon 10km Easy 6.29p/km

On tired legs but not too bad at all. No screaming calves just overall fatigue. A very wet one and the rain got particularly heavy in the last km. T'was fine though as temp was good, not cold at all.

Tuesday: 2k easy, 1,2,3,2,1,2,3 mins at 4:30-4:50 off equal jog recovery, 2k easy

Found this a wee bit tough. Tummy feeling iffy since last night. Lower belly pains and strong nausea throughout the session. Enjoyed it and weather was super, but was also glad when it was done. Didn't hit the second rep but otherwise it was doable.

Wednesday: 15k easy 6.23 p/km

A very nice run. Great weather. Can't shake this feeling of nausea and illness, definitely a bug in my system for sure, albeit a mild one hopefully. Appetite also not great at all.

Thursday: 6k v easy, 6.40 p/km.

A nice gentle run and about all I could manage. Felt like vomiting a few times. Unreal nausea.

Friday: 5k easy, then 10k very gradually picking up from 6:05 to doing the last 2km at MP.

Really enjoyed this. Programmed the progression and it was great to focus on it. Ended the last kms probably a bit too fast - think MP is going to be around 5.38, but ended with 5.29 and 5.26.

Saturday: Rest. Not feeling great but still mild enough illness. Wish it would just p1$$ off now though.

Sunday: 2k easy, 24k @ 5:50, 2k easy

Set off at 8.30. Decided that my route would involve me running back to the car twice for water, after last week's incident I didn't was to risk leaving it out for someone to take. Stupidly, I read this run incorrectly on my plan and did the 24km at marathon pace (5.37). Don't ask me how.

Again with the bloody nausea and the first 8km I found very difficult and just felt awful. It was also very warm. I had music on but felt it was distracting me from the challenging pace and how awful I felt so I put my buds away and really focusssed on some positive self talk and continual body scanning. It helped a lot. Took a gel at 8km, then guzzled 500ml zero tab at 13km at first stop back at car, that also helped a lot. I included a long drag with a very steep hill at the top, in the middle of the run, as I wanted to test myself in terms of in-run mindset before and after tackling it (didn't quite reach marathon pace close to the summit but didn't do too badly). The hill was ever present in my mind for the first half of the run but I didnt feel at any stage that I was dreading it, so that was good. l took another gel on the flatter part of the hill, this goes on for a bit and then the hill gets steep. It was a tough one. On the descent I felt a bit weird, like I physically over did it, my shoulders were very tense and I had to mindfully relax them before they dropped back down naturally, but that wore off after about a km. I had 7km still left to do at marathon pace and 2km Easy. I initially panicked a bit over it but mentally I dealt with that better as I ran on. Circled back to the car at about 22km for one last quick stop for water (I was probably 20 seconds at the car) and continued on. For some reason I thought I was inside the last 2km of MP, when actually I had 4km to go. My head was getting a bit weird by now. I really had to mentally pivot from beating myself up over yet another mental miscalculation and just get on with it. Two voices in my head argued it out but self compassion won out in the end! I put the head up, shoulders level and leaned right into the fatigue, the pace and this last leg of the run. Sporadic drizzle saved my life and at one point I shouted thank you god! I got to the end of the run and went straight into the easy but I was so wrecked. The easy was a slog. Back at the car I stretched. A bit sore sore for sure. I then had to sit for a few mins before I felt I could drive as I was dripping sweat. Just needed to chill for 5. All was good then and I headed home.

First 50 mile+ week, delighted😊

Edited: to fix the 482 typos. Types this out last night in the dark whist trying to get my kid to sleep

MiniMonstera

Mileage: 69km

Monday - Rest

Tuesday: 2km Easy, 2 x 15 min @ HMP, with 3 minutes off, 2km Easy. Pace - 5.45 p/km

Again with tummy pain and nausea but got through it. Felt great after. Might start a probiotic to reset my gut, seems to be lingering too long this nausea.

Wednesday: 12KM Easy. Pace - 6.16 /km

Thursday: 8KM Easy Pace 6.29/km. Took this one super easy.

Friday:2km Easy, 8km at MP 5.38 / km, 2km Easy. Pace - 5.45 / km.

First day in 10 days that I haven't felt unwell. Long may it last. Finding the MP runs tough which isn't filling me with confidence. Maybe I'm just tired.

Saturdays: Rest

Sunday: 26KM at 5.50 - 6.00 /km. Pace: 5.53 / km, Included a long, draggy then steep hill again.

Really enjoyed this run. My marathon shorts arrived from Decathlon so I tested them out, and included 10 gels and 1 pack salt chews. Initially I was worried they were a bit tight on my thighs where they end (cycling short type of shorts with numerous built in pockets [2 x zipped] at the waist) but comfort wise they felt fine for the whole run. They have a drawstring too which I love (female bloat is real - lol )- always good to have the option to loosen and tighten as required.

Only made one pitstop at car at 13km. Guzzled a Zero tab, dumped some bits (it was cold starting out) and was off again quickly. Felt a new niggle in the inside of right knee for about the last 5km and was panicking. It subsided a few hours after the run, thankfully.

Had a few loo stops unfortunately. It's becoming more and more of a worry for DCM. Really need to plan out marathon morning strategy to address the issue. Hopefully nerves and adrenalin will naturally help, and maybe a 5am double espresso!

MiniMonstera

Mileage: 44km

Monday - Rest

Tuesday - 1km Easy, 1 2 3 2 1 2 3 mins @ 5k-10k pace, equal mins recovery, 1km Easy.

5.44 /km pace. Challenging but very enjoyable. Body and legs definitely feeling the taper tiredness now, GPS was patchy and my watch completely skipped over the 4th recovery (even though programmed correctly) which threw me off a bit.

Wednesday - 8km @ 5.50 - 6.00 p/km

5.52 p/km pace. very warm out but a lovely run. Isn't it mad how 8km can feel like hard work when you've been used to doing 15s 20s 25s and 30+ runs. The mind is mad.

Thursday - 6km Easy

6.04 p/km pace. Another sloggy one but the location made up for it. Got some bodyglide on my way home and new Steigens

Friday - 1km wu, 2 x 5km @ MP + 5 seconds, 5 mins off recovery, 1km cd

5.50 p/km pace. Nice session, very windy, and almost got attacked by a dog! all in a days work.

Saturday - Rest

Sunday - 10KM Easy

6.02 p/km pace. Blown all over the place by Storm Ashley, heart rate a bit higher than usual a a result, especially running west. Bought a little toe protector thing for my big toe as I got a huge blood blister on it both in the 10 mile and half races. Tested it out on this run. Felt good. I'll put vaseline or bodylide on my toe before I put it on to minimise rub/friction during the marathon.

It's all systems go and just need to manage the taper anxiety now! So happy I stayed injury free throughout this training block

crisco10

Training wise you're there!

Just need to get your head in the game this week. :-)

MiniMonstera

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122743817#Comment_122743817

Yep, all about the mind this week. And I'm going to re- listen to some David Goggins stuff about callousing the mind 😃

MisterJinx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122741565#Comment_122741565

Well done J, you'll do great, races have really gone well so far and your training has been really consistent and you're hitting all the paces. Keep those nerves in check, nothing to be nervous about, you'll have a great day out on Sunday. Might see you on the day at some stage

MiniMonstera

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122745517#Comment_122745517

ah thank you P! Sure I might see ya. I'll be the one walking sideways 😆

You've done brilliantly yourself this block.

Don't forget your change of runners this year! 😁

MisterJinx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122745675#Comment_122745675

Might just throw a pair of slippers in the bag :-)

SuspectZero

Very best of luck tomorrow, go smash it 🙌

Sunny Dayz

the very best of luck tomorrow. You’ve put in mighty training. Enjoy!!

MiniMonstera

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122766325#Comment_122766325

Thansk so much! Xx

MiniMonstera

Thank you, same to you!

MiniMonstera

DCM 2024 Race Report

I should be paid a book advance this is so long!

TL/DR – happy out!!!

Week of the marathon:

Kept the mileage low, total of 25 km up until the Friday. Felt lethargic for most of these short runs and put it down to taper. Sleep routine this week and last week has been amazing, went to bed most nights with the 4 year old so that kept my evenings nice and short, and minimised phone scrolling.

Settled on wearing a 5km split pace band, weighted to a conservative start and neg split, with a 3.58.30 finish. I wanted to keep the data points to a minimum.

Husband convinced me to turn off HR for race (to save battery) and to have only 2 data points on watch (face is small) – Time and Pace. I normally have Time, Pace and Distance.

Went to the Expo on Friday, nice experience, but just had a general feeling of anxiousness about everything. Also started to feel a tickle in my throat and a bit nasally, and husband suggested it was maranoia. I agreed.

Saturday woke up not feeling great, but the more worrying thing was the overwhelming anxiousness that persisted for the entire day. Husband had to talk me down from the ledge a few times (at 7pm I dramatically announced I was backing out altogether!) and in fairness to him (after laughing at me) gave me tons of positive feedback and reassurance using real examples (wildly consistent training block, don’t drink alcohol, great sleep habits, super half marathon result last month etc. etc.) I’d say he was sick of me by the end of the day, and he was doing the marathon too! 😊 The taper anxiety that Saturday was Off. The. Chart. I was close to tears at times. Can’t explain it really – fear of failure, fear of letting people down, fear of the pain, fear of blowing up, fear of DNFing due to toilet emergency - All of the above! I was truly wishing away this day from hell.

Offloaded the three kids circa 6pm, got home, made dinner, could only pick at it, went to bed circa 9pm with an Electrolyte drink to be supped through the night. Fell asleep relatively easy, even though neighbours were having a Halloween party.

Sunday morn – Great sleep. Alarm went of at 5am. Nerves completely gone! Excitement in full swing. Plan was to leave at 6.20am and do park and ride Luas to town at 6.50am. Forced down sliced banana on toast with honey and did a few laps of my local roundabout in pitch dark to encourage a bowel evacuation (successful!). Arrived at Luas to many bobble hatted people in shorts in 6 degrees, emerging from their cars. Cursory nods abounded. A great sight and a feeling of electricity in the air! Sipped another electrolyte drink on the way in – but didn’t over do it. Didn’t want ongoing peeing and flushing out of said electrolytes.

Parted ways with husband (Wave 1), met up with two mates, and headed to top of Wave 4. Bag drop etc went smoothly, gentle stroll to start (almost 3km but didn’t mind – nice leg loosener). Had a pee. Just as we muscled our way to the top, a steward shouted ‘anyone who wants to go in Wave 3 come under the tape now!!’ The three of us looked at each other and nodded and all hopped into the back of Wave 3, which had already started two mins ago. Was delighted to get going; zero static time in the pen was ideal. We bumped fists and went our separate ways. I saw 4.10 balloons in the distance, couldn’t even see the 4.00 balloons, but didn’t pay heed as I was going to pace myself with the band.

1 – 5km (Target 5.54/km avg)

Actual: 5.58 /5.53 /5.50 /6.06 /5.58 /

Don’t remember much of this, the pace obviously felt easy enough, back of the wave with the addition of a fair few Wave 4 people meant some congestion but nothing major. Loved running by City Hall and turning onto the quays that way. Decent few spectators out but nothing major (my preference). Took it handy up Stonybatter – and was passed by many people. On ye go - I had no interest in ploughing up the hills at all. Dipped over 6 min p/km on fourth km and was happy to do so. I took a Maurten gel and grabbed 2 water bottles at the first station, drank one, carried the other. The bottles are great – sip at your leisure, no slowing needed. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I would carry that second full bottle more or less to the end of the race either in hand or in shorts (like a security blanket I guess), I ditched it with about 2km to go.

6 – 10km (Target 5.43/km avg)

Actual: 5.47 /6.02 /5.46 /5.46 /5.47 /

From this point the pace band began to confuse me, compounded by (1) my watch face not showing me my distance (unless I toggled to the next face) and (2) the course only being marked in KMs at 5km junctures (I knew this was the case but didn’t consider it might cause confusion when using the pace band). I decided then, that save for the odd cursory glance at the band, I’d just focus on my overall target avg of 5.37 on the watch. I remembered my husband’s words: don’t be a slave to the band.

A guy sidled up beside me for the long Chesterfield stretch and for some reason started to somewhat pace me. At first I was glad of the friendly interaction but as I tried to pull away he admonished me for picking up the pace on the drag. This went on for a good bit. I knew exactly what pace I was doing and so being schooled by this fella began to annoy me. He kept saying “Save yourself for the Castleknock Hill”, and I felt like shouting “I know mate!”. At the top of Castleknock the crowd was electric and I took it all in. Normally crowds don’t energise me but this was amazing. YMCA was blasting out and all the runners were doing the silly arm dance. I joined in. I also did a ‘let me hear you roar!’ hand gesture to the crowd as I ran up the hill and they roared back at me in total delight. It was fckn deadly. Pacer Guy then shouted “Enough of that – THEY are not running this race, YOU ARE, don’t waste ENERGY!! It was in that moment that I ditched this chap, I’d had enough. He slowed to taker a gel and I put the foot down.

Grabbed another bottle of water. Could feel the gentle need for a pee creep into my bladder, and had no intention of stopping, so eased up a bit on the water and just took sips. Didn’t want to lose the precious electrolytes - hoped it would reabsorb and it did. I took two salt capsules that my husband gave me, very strong ones (5x stronger than regular chews). Bit risky as hadn’t tested them in training but they were fine. He gave me eight, but I only planned on taking four, as I don’t suffer cramps, but also didn’t want to salt out at any point. Took another gel. A stitch pain crept in between my left shoulder blade and collar bone. It was more annoying than sore, but it lasted a fair while which had me a bit worried. Eventually it faded.

11 to 20km (Target 5.36 p/km)

Actual – 5.44 /5.42 /5.32 /5.33 /5.39 /5.40 /6.01 /5.33 /5.26 /5.40 /

Really enjoyed this part of the run as we were back in the park and there was lots of downhill. About 1km beyond the Furry Glen I was approaching the 4.10 pacers and that was quite congested. It was downhill and I had to overtake four times (into the soggy grass bank which was a bit risky) to try and maintain pace and get through the pace pack. Once I got by them it felt lovely and open and I can honestly say I never gave pacers another thought – behind or in front. It was just me and my two data point watch now – pace and elapsed time (the latter not meaning a jot until the last half hour of the race where I knew my brain would cope with some simple maths) - that’s all I could manage strategy-wise. Took another gel at 15k. Chapelizod was a buzz, but the hill at the end I had completely forgotten about from last year. The head wind was unreal, I slowed right down for it. Great crowds out in Kilmainham and a woman I worked with years ago who was handing out cups at the station screamed my full name at me. It was a mighty boost! Took another gel as was focused on taking one every 5km, whether I felt I needed it or not, and I took a cup or bottle at every water station. I slowed almost to a stop to drink from cups – really dislike them – messes with your rhythm so much I find.

21 – 30km (Target 5.42 p/km)

Actual – 5.45 /5.58 /5.38 /5.30 /5.34 /5.29 /5.44 /5.30 /5.31 /5.36 /

Crumlin Road was fine. I did find the need to tuck in behind someone so the wind must’ve been strong enough – can’t remember. Tucking in was unsuccessful as the runners were too spaced out. When I found a big guy to tuck behind they were usually running too fast or slow, so it just didn’t work. I was weaving to do this and so wasting energy, I just let go of the idea of tucking and cracked on. Passed the halfway point and didn’t even look at my watch to see elapsed time, no point, as trying to cross check with pace band and do maths would distract me and I actually didn’t really care, I was confident enough with the km splits that I was doing ok. A really positive thing was how I was feeling – which was that I was working hard but felt good. No panicky feeling at this spot like last year, when I couldn’t wrap my head around doing it all over again for the second half. @Laineyfrecks spotted me and we high fived, and fair play she took a decent running pic of me. Just at McGregors pub we all had to quickly fall into single file due to an oncoming ambulance – It got through fine. Up the Walkinstown stretch before the roundabout I saw a pal from parkrun and high fived, I remember telling him I was tired. He slapped me on the back and told me my husband @Lazare was doing great – which was a great update to get at that point – it spurred me on. Cromwelsfort Road, Terenure etc were a blur. I have no memory really except fuelling and watching the kms. A pain deep in my right hip joint did creep in however but was manageable and I knew it was just fatigue. Kept on with the gel and water intake and popped another two salt tabs.

31km to 35km (Target 5.35)

Actual: 5.48 /5.23 /5.31 /5.41 /5.46 /

Mainly a blur, but I do remember needing to dig really deep mentally because some negative thoughts were creeping in that I could not let spiral – mainly about other runners that were distracting me with talking and also the spectators shouting (I’m ashamed to say). This happened last year too, but this time it wasn’t as intense, and I wasn’t wishing for the headphones like last year. I kept flipping my thinking to positivity and it worked. I recalled a lot of the learnings I took from David Goggins’ two books which I listened to over the course of my marathon training – like leaning into the pain and discomfort to get through it and out the other side. I also showed self-compassion and this helped a lot too – I’m a natural introvert who likes solitary time and bitesize interactions with people. At this point in the race I’ve run in many packs, listened to many conversations, and received 3 hours worth of shout outs and bell ringing from spectators. Whilst that energises sometimes, I find it eventually becomes overwhelming, especially when you’re pushing the envelope, as it were. I know this is a me problem and not a them problem and I planned for it - to overcome it I visualised running up a tree lined mountain, with just nature and rivers and soft woodland floor underfoot, and it helped a lot. I then happened upon the section that I was bent over rubbing my quads last year. I remarked to myself how comfortable I felt (in comparison) and that was another fabulous boost.

Heartbreak Hill was a non-event (I still slowed right down) and I remember a spectator shouting at the crest “That was the last hill, you made it!” and that was a great boost. Go9t another shout out from an ex co-work and that was lovely. At 20 miles I had the sense to remember there’s only 10km left and I sense checked if I could keep the pace for another 10km - I was full of confidence that I could, but I figured sub 4 has slipped away marginally. Either way If I kept at it I’d be on for a big PB.

36 km to 40km (Target 5.38)

Actual: 5.48 /5.19 / 5.19 / 5.14 / 5.18 /

Again more of a blur, just getting through it km by km, but generally felt ok. Repeated a few mantras over – “Youve trained for this”, “Pain is temporary”, “You’re on the home straight” etc. I really got into the zone. Head up, straight gaze, relaxed (ish) body except for legs. Zoned out from the fanfare. Hip pain was to the forefront now but I managed it well. Had a mild headache develop (I think that was down to the mental overwhelm more than anything physical). N11 stretch was grand, up over the bridge to RTE and beyond Vincents Hosp. I looked at my watch at some point and it was about 3h 30 min elapsed. There was about 6km to go. I did some very simple maths thinking if I speed up I might make 4hr. I just remember thinking I can do 6km in 30 mins no bother – a push at that point in the race but I was confident. I haven’t checked back to see if that thinking even made sense. There was no logic or calculation applied so probably not. I just went faster, as fast as I could handle, which in retrospect seemed to be circa 5.18 pace. I really wanted it to all be over now and that kept my pace fast! The faster you go the quicker its over I told myself as I questioned all of my life decisions heretofore. I took full advantage of the downhill kms with a slight forward lean and got a great helping hand from gravity.

41km to 42.2 (Target 5.36)

Actual: 5.25 / 5.14 / Last 400m 4.39 /

This part of the race was simply sublime. I was so focused. I started interacting with the crown – LGBTQ group were buzzing and I grabbed a small flag from the Palestinian supporters group. The woman said nothing other than screaming “FREE PALESITNE!” It was electric. The noise was bouncing from one side of the crowd to the other and back again and vibrating from my solar plexus outward. Then the shouting was replaced by screaming. None of it decipherable anymore. Turned left onto the canal and saw the countdown markers. Someone shouted “Great running!” Another boost. Turned right and ran by the church and noted a pothole and two pools of vomit to be avoided, otherwise a blur. The purple mile was trippy (in the psychedelic sense), I found it trippy last year too. I found one final kick, where it came from I have no idea. Maybe I was buoyed by the fact that the finish line was imminent once I saw it, rather than a long stretch as per the original finish chute. Crossed the line, pressed the watch, and saved it without even checking the time or the overhead clock. I really didn’t care.

Aftermath

I stumbled on, got my medal, top and bag, and a few mins later fell into a doorway where a few lads were getting changed/resting up. One lad had his phone out and I asked him to look me up as I didn’t know my time. He handed me the phone and I searched myself on the app. Could barely focus on the screen, as if I were drunk. “3.59.37!!!” I roared and everyone around me cheered and gave me back claps! It was epic.

Stumbled up to McGrattans and met Lazare, MrJinx and my mentor SkyBlue46. It was a fair walk but it did me good. We all hugged and celebrated. Everyone was delighted with how they did. Creamy pint of Guinness to celebrate! Sure you’d have to.

Took me many days to do this report as I got so sick for a few days, all good now though.

Stats of interest (from TDL)

46 minute PB!

First Half: Second Half:

Time: 2.05.20 1.56.36

Pace: 5.56 p/km 5.31p/km

Position:11063/ 17824 6,114 / 17628

Overall Position:

8343 / 17723

Gender Position:

1532 / 5644

Gender/Age Group Position F/45:

292/1021

Learnings / Keys to Success

Probably could’ve gone faster in first leg, but who knows how that would have affected the second leg.

Don’t make changes to your watch face at the 11th hour

Amazed at never stopping, save for slowing right down for water cup drinking. Like, how?? Not even a pee stop.

Got into the mental zone early on and save for friends, Castleknock and the finish chute I didn’t really engage spectators or other runners.

Running 5 or 6 days per week the entire block was key to success I feel - You can do a mix of all type of running when running almost daily.

Full commitment to the training block – I think there was only run one I didn’t finish due to feeling unwell and having an emotional day.

Racing – I think I did 9 or 10 races this year – all helped to build up my confidence, banish the imposter syndrome. Running in club runs like St Coca’s and Johnstown 5Ks really made me feel like a proper runner. Also, rocking up to some of these races by myself, and then heading home was a big deal for me (introvert) Had to chat to people and let the barriers down a bit.

Being mindful to run Easy when the plan dictates, but also, always running near the threshold of Easy tipping in to Steady. Gotta be always pushing in order to make consistent gains.

2 Long marathon paced runs in the block.

Prioritising sleep throughout the entire block, not just as race week approached. I turned into a right granny and adored my sleep!

Ate well and never ran hungry - not my jive at all.

Running, running, running – I’ve clocked 2100 KM YTD

What’s Next?

Jingle Bells 5k. Cannot wait to start training for this!! But I’m still recovering from both the marathon and this dose, for now.

Huge shout out to @Lazare and of course @SkyBlue46 for your expertise, mentorship and above all belief! Oh and David Goggins, he needs a shout out too. STAY HARD!!!

crisco10

fantastic job! Love the community cheer at the end!

Lots of nice mental techniques in there too

MiniMonstera

Thanks @crisco10 , Still on such a high. Are you?

I remember last year after the marathon I got a bit depressed (I struggle with the shorter winter days and whilst I did Jingle Bells 5k I'd no training plan for it to focus on) - need to make sure I'm back out and at it ASAP 😁 I've not run at all since last Sunday but I'm ok with that (for now)

crisco10

A little. Still lie awake replaying the whole day in my head.

Have also realised no one else cares anymore. Lol.

I get you on the listlessness, doing Jingle Bells also and was going to just slot into Garmins daily workout for a mini experiment. It's not long enough to do a training cycle so not that fussed.

Laineyfrecks

Brilliant report and so happy you got your sub 4 hour marathon. You put the hard work in & deservedly got the rewards! I was delighted to spot you & high five you, smiling as always. Recover now & best of luck with your training for Jingle Bells 😊

passinginterest

congrats on the sub 4 and what a brilliant negative split! Great mentality to keep pushing on. Your race reports are brilliant reading.

Lazare

So very proud!!!

Awesome hard work, awesome results, awesome runner. ❤️

MiniMonstera

Ah thank you guys 😊

Murph_D

Well done J, an epic report and a fantastic performance. Many congratulations.

MiniMonstera

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122808180#Comment_122808180

Thanks a million D! 😊

Kellygirl

What a report and what a run! Absolutely super. I was so thrilled for you on the day. I haven’t been on Boards in a year possibly but somehow ended up browsing tonight and went looking to see if you wrote a report. Really enjoyed the read. What an improvement in a year!