Just started running-Can I run the Dublin Marathon in October?

donothoponpop wrote: »

it includes all mods who get in under 4 hours (Woddle's target)...

That's me ****ed then.

This is directed to the new runners, not to experienced guys like Woddle.

Probably wasting my time because despite how much we seek it runners don't usually take advice, we are kings of denial and like making our own mistakes. The answer is "no". You shouldn't rush into any marathon, especially not your first.

A lot of us have been there. You take up running in e.g. June you and get to thinking "crikey.. I've never been this fit. I might actually be able to do a marathon in october! wow -who'da thunk it! Me! A MARATHON runner! Who's a nerd now eh? Have to sign up - I might never again be this fit".

Running a marathon (and ramping up to marathon training mileage) from non-runner background over a few months can really mess you up. I've seen lads get mystery tiredness illnesses, chronic itb, chronic achilles injury, etc after doing it.

It's not your one and only chance. You develop into a runner over a period of about 2-4 years, not 2-4 months. You might think you're fit but you're not, you're nowhere near your potential. Spend 2 years regularly running 5ks, 8ks, 10ks and the odd half and build a strong base - and then start an 18 week program for a marathon.

This is the advice I got when I started running - good advice that I promptly ignored when I did my first marathon a few weeks later.

Either way good luck!

Woddle wrote: »

I'll take that deal

Right here's the plan I'm hoping to do, maybe we can get a few of the more experienced heads to have a look and alter it as they see fit. I also think that if there's any hint of an injury you should reconsider doing the DM as time out running is priceless at this stage.

Program based on running 5 days a week and the mileage peaking at 45 so not too bad.

No expert, but given that speed isn't an important factor, but endurance always is (in a marathon) would you consider tweaking the program to give you longer runs and less speed-work? Also, do you really need a step-back week the week before the half marathon? Wouldn't you be better off using the half marathon week as a step-back week, with a long run either side? e.g.:

*Edit* Just read the bit about the tri's. Maybe your existing plan/mileage fits better with the planned tris. If that's the case, the plan is probably as good as it's going to get (with Peckham's feedback above taken into account).

donothoponpop wrote: »

How about an "On Topic" forum?

That's enough talk about my largesse, lets get back to the question at hand. I certainly think 10 or 11 weeks, while not ideal, is sufficient for a newish runner who wants to knuckle down. The HH program (and Woddle's plan) look good- best of luck to the OP (and others) who want to try it out. Finishing your first marathon is life-changing- go for it!:)

Good thread...I have 100miles done early in the year ranging from 4-9mile stints.
After 2mth of 'hols' back on the HH for the final 11weeks..pace is way down over the 10mile this w/e.
Still comfortable after it though.

calistro wrote: »

Jaysus! Yis are great lads for gettin' around a question and applying it to your own need!!!!!!!!!!!:D Ninanyways. My problem is: just back from the Physio with ITB and 3 weeks off any serious running. Was up to 14 miles LSR and have done 2 PB's of 10K @ 45 mins and Half M'thon @ 1.41 (Achill = Hills) this year. So question is should I still aim for DCM 10 or forget it and reschedule for early spring marathon.

My 2c: Reschedule. 3 weeks off now will take you up to mid-September, at which stage you're supposed be doing 18-20 mile LSRs on most training programs. It's too much to expect to come back from injury, jump up in terms of LSR distance, and then taper before DCM.

calistro wrote: »

Nice one Rainbow. Honest answer to an honest question. Will probably reshedule. Breaks my heart though after all the training but as the Ma says "what's for ya won't pass ya". Cheers:)

You can still make use of your training, what you've already done will stand to you! Ease yourself back into it after the injury, go for some shorter-distance PBs, and training for a spring marathon (depending on what you choose) will begin in earnest in late November or early December.

Holy Jaysus!!!!!!!!!!!! Rainbow Kirby = 13,284 post. Morse 3 = 3 posts = decisions, decisions????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

If you've walked the distance many times, then you'll be able to complete it walking. But if you're alternating walking and running, you'd be using different muscles, putting more stress on your joints, and using up your energy stores much faster. It is really, really late to start that kind of programme. You run the risk of injuring yourself, and being unable to finish.

Is there any reason why you couldn't wait until next year, and train properly, giving yourself enough time?

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I really cannot understand why anyone would want to be out there for 7 hours, walking a marathon. It would be so much better to wait for next year, start training several months in advance and do it properly.

What's the point of walking, or mostly walking, a marathon on little or no training? We already know that it's possible, and that it is no athletic achievement whatsoever. So again, why would you want to do it that way?

+1
Hear hear - good advice for sure

If it were me I'd be getting up earlier, having breakfast, and then doing the run. 15 miles is a long way to go on an empty stomach

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I do virtually all my runs in the morning on an empty stomach, including runs of 20 miles or more. It's no problem whatsoever.

We're not all mile-munching ultra-legends!

I would usually get up an hour or two early and have a big bowl of porridge and a steaming cup of joe before a run. I could probably manage a 6 mile recovery run with no food but I wouldn't even think of attempting 15+ miles. That's probably why all my runs take place either in the evening or early afternoon on weekends. It does make sense to do some of your LSRs starting at the same time as your goal race, so you can get your brekkie strategy right.

I once tried to take a gel on an empty stomach instead of waiting for breakfast. It was a disastrous experiment that resulted in a dash for nearby bushes. Not pretty. Not pretty at all.

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

On the other hand, I have never, ever run out of energy while running on an empty stomach. To say that you need to eat before running to provide energy for that run is just bull.

Perhaps you could elaborate. If a gel takes 15-20 minutes to hit the stomach, surely a breakfast (including liquids) eaten two hours before a run is going to provide some level of energy and hydration for a two+ hour run (potentially some 3-4 hours later), or are you saying that the energy used during a run will come from energy reserves consumed the day(s) before a run? Probably deserves a separate topic. I think you're in danger of tar'ing us with your brush TFB. I may be wrong but I don't believe that I could achieve the same early morning distance runs that you can carry off, without taking on some fuel beforehand.