Taming the marathon beast...

DOCO12 · 06-10-2013 08:57AM

Hope it all works out for you Runchick, really hope you make the start line. Think positive!

Runchick · 06-10-2013 05:31PM

Thanks for all the positivity guys, I think its working...

Sat - LSR

18.06m @ 9.35

Headed out early still feeling croaky but hoping for worst case 12m best case 18. Started off at a nice easy 10+ min/m pace and after 7 miles or so felt great so hid the watch (this is becoming a habit) and ran to feel. Felt strong all the way, well probably getting tired after 17, got home and was surprised to see a bit of a progression run, with the last few miles around 9.05 min/m. Delighted with this but fully expecting to feel cr@p afterwards - that didn't happen

Best thing though was that I didn't stop once for a pee - I think this is the first time ever on a long run and I really benefited from not breaking the rhythm.

Sun - recovery

4.53m @ 10.57

Lovely lazy recovery run, still lingering sore throat but nearly there.

So goalposts have changed - next week's 22m won't be a test of whether to run or not, it'll just determine what pace. DCM is on

Dilbert75 · 06-10-2013 05:37PM

Fantastic. That's great news A.

RedRunner · 06-10-2013 06:28PM

Runchick wrote: »

T
DCM is on

Hurray!:D:D

Witchburner · 07-10-2013 09:05AM

Slow down your long runs - theres no reason to be running any faster than 10min/m's - your recovery and tempos will look after the pace.
Oh - and well done too

New runner · 07-10-2013 08:01PM

Delighted for u! Well done !

Runchick · 07-10-2013 08:16PM

Witchburner wrote: »

Slow down your long runs - theres no reason to be running any faster than 10min/m's - your recovery and tempos will look after the pace.
Oh - and well done too

Thanks Witchburner the long runs have all been slower until now - getting to the pointy end though - time for some race day speed

Are you running DCM yourself?

Witchburner · 08-10-2013 04:16PM

Runchick wrote: »

Thanks Witchburner the long runs have all been slower until now - getting to the pointy end though - time for some race day speed Are you running DCM yourself?

I am RC - targeting sometime around 3:50 but anytime under 4 will suffice.
Try to keep your legs fresh - don't go running off at race day speed for long distances -
Are you working to a programme? If yes which one?

Murph_D · 08-10-2013 04:43PM

Runchick · 08-10-2013 08:28PM

Witchburner wrote: »

I am RC - targeting sometime around 3:50 but anytime under 4 will suffice.
Try to keep your legs fresh - don't go running off at race day speed for long distances -
Are you working to a programme? If yes which one?

Yeah I'm following a plan from boards, on the DCM 2012 Graduates thread. The marathon-pace work in LSRs has been built up to over the course of the plan, I have faith in it

Have you run a marathon before yourself? And btw best of luck with the target

Witchburner · 09-10-2013 04:39PM

Runchick wrote: »

Yeah I'm following a plan from boards, on the DCM 2012 Graduates thread. The marathon-pace work in LSRs has been built up to over the course of the plan, I have faith in it Have you run a marathon before yourself? And btw best of luck with the target

Ya, 2008 - for my sins and as per my opening post to you.
Good luck with the remainder of your training.

Runchick · 09-10-2013 08:50PM

Mon - rest

Tues - easy with strides

6.08m @ 9.50 includes 6 x 100m strides

Wed - session

10.87m @ 9.17

Included 7m @ MP, splits: 8.53, 8.48, 8.50, 8.37, 8.52, 8.51, 8.42. Only glanced at the watch, got a good feel for the pace and felt strong throughout. Didn't mind the rain but absolutely hate the wind, weather gods better play ball on 28th :rolleyes:

Runchick · 12-10-2013 03:39PM

Thur - recovery

5.12m @ 10.30

Fri - rest

Sat - 22m easy

22.05m @ 9.48

Originally wanted to do miles 10 - 20 @ MP but erred on the side of caution. Already conscious that its only 2 weeks til race day and I woke up yesterday with a head cold :rolleyes: So decided time on feet was the best option and as I've already done a 20m and 21m run, really wanted to get 22 under the belt.

Turned out the be a very enjoyable run. Started around 10.15 min/m and pace naturally drifted up over the course of the run to around 9.15 towards the end. Forgot to take the inhaler beforehand so any thoughts of MP miles were well and truly canned anyway.

Got home feeling quite refreshed :eek: Not particularly tired, no soreness, feel like I did 12 or 13 actually. Probably could have worked harder but glad I didn't push things and risk not getting to the start line healthy. That's the main goal now. Slightly concerned that lack of MP miles will cost me the sub 4 target but honestly all I'm after is a strong race. If it takes a bit longer I'm absolutely fine with that. Roll on 28th

Runchick · 16-10-2013 12:04PM

Sun - recovery

5.19m @ 10.30

Nice slow run to round off the week with almost 50 miles. Glad to get this under the belt after all the missed training. Taper time

Mon - rest

Tues - 4m easy

4.7m @ 9.27

Meant to run 10min/m but found myself at MP without much effort. Had to really try to slow things down.

Wed - rest

Not gonna do a MP session until tomorrow. Still not 100% and honestly 50/50 as to whether I'll run on 28th. Its driving me absolutely nuts - I've had 2 weeks on antibiotics and now, although the infection is cleared, have lingering congestion. Not enough to stop me running, RHR is fine, but I'm not quite right and certainly wouldn't run a marathon like this. So I'll just have to hope it clears up in time

On the plus side, when I run I feel strong, the effort feels easy and apart from the lingering illness, I feel in great shape. Had a rub at physio today and the legs are ready for action.

The kids and OH have the same thing, we're all congested, so I don't think its something I have from too much training, just the joys of family life.

Anyway moan over. I'm planning a shortened taper week, probably just 5m @ MP tomorrow instead of the prescribed 8, and a very easy 12m on the weekend...I'm keeping fingers crossed to make the start :rolleyes:

overpronator · 16-10-2013 12:29PM

Sensible thinking RC, fingers crossed that you make it to the start line though!

Murph_D · 22-10-2013 08:09AM

How are you feeling now, Runchick? All ok?

Runchick · 22-10-2013 01:22PM

murphd77 wrote: »

How are you feeling now, Runchick? All ok?

Hey Murph my dcm dream is over for this year unfortunately

Still not feeling well, been to doctor and have to undergo more tests, chest xrays and things to try to get to the bottom of things...my gut feeling is my body's had enough and is screaming for a break. I kinda hoped it would hold out until after next week but I think it knows what I'm planning and its telling me to pi$$ off :eek:

Doc reckons I've underestimated the effects of running until I collapsed in Limerick as I haven't been right since...big lesson in listening to your body and knowing when things aren't right...time for a break :rolleyes:

So while all of you bust a gut getting over that finish line, I'll be there on the sidelines cheering you all on...very best of luck to everyone

ncmc · 22-10-2013 01:37PM

Ah, gutted for you Runchick. It was funny, I was just thinking about you and RedRunner this morning and wondering were either of you going to be able to run. Very, very disappointing after all your hard work. Definitely sounds like you need to rest up a bit, maybe three marathons in one year is a bit too much of a stretch for relatively ‘newbie’ marathoners like us, it does mean you’re going from one training plan to the next without getting any real break.

Take a proper break now, cut the mileage back and run for pleasure rather than training for something specific. I’m sure you’ll be back to your best and planning your next marathon before you know it!

Runchick · 22-10-2013 01:50PM

ncmc wrote: »

Ah, gutted for you Runchick. It was funny, I was just thinking about you and RedRunner this morning and wondering were either of you going to be able to run. Very, very disappointing after all your hard work. Definitely sounds like you need to rest up a bit, maybe three marathons in one year is a bit too much of a stretch for relatively ‘newbie’ marathoners like us, it does mean you’re going from one training plan to the next without getting any real break.

Take a proper break now, cut the mileage back and run for pleasure rather than training for something specific. I’m sure you’ll be back to your best and planning your next marathon before you know it!

Thanks ncmc yes definitely planning a proper break, plenty of walking with the dog and some slow short runs for fun...I haven't taken a proper break since dcm last year and clearly this is a problem! OH thinks he can get me in to cycling now - that's never gonna happen

...having a ballot place for London kind of softens the blow so here's hoping I can get back on track properly this time and get to the start line in London happy and healthy

How are you? Have you found the love for running again yet?

New runner · 22-10-2013 01:57PM

Aw gutted for u Runchick after all your hard work, however glad you've been sensible n listening to your body, would be a bigger blow to go do DCM n suffer n be disappointed with the result esp if that resulted in a DNF, it would knock your confidence so relax now, give your body a break n look ahead to London '14

blockic · 22-10-2013 03:00PM

Sorry to hear that Runchick, very disappointing! Looking forward to meeting you hopefully this weekend anyway. You'll be back with a bang soon!

RunningKing · 22-10-2013 03:18PM

sorry to hear that, no doubt you'll be back stronger.

Gavlor · 22-10-2013 03:24PM

Ah f€ck. sorry to hear that.

P&D sucks!

On a serious note, mixing some cycling into your plan might well be the way to go

career_move · 22-10-2013 03:28PM

Hard luck A. I expect you're very disappointed but as you say having London to look forward to softens the blow a bit. And you'll be well sorted with Meno's plan for next year.

dazza21ie · 22-10-2013 04:05PM

Sorry to hear that Runchick, hope you get yourself sorted soon. Real shame for you after what happened in Limerick but we will all be well jealous reading your report from London next year.

RedRunner · 22-10-2013 05:43PM

Really sorry to hear that RC. And I had visions of us cruising through the finish line together in 3;55 with the Chariots of Fire music in the background heading straight for McGrattans and plonking ourselves at the bar and downing a pint, followed by a "Ahhh...worth waiting for"

:D

Will let you knwo how I get on in the physio later. I could be joining you on the DNS list.

Take care.

Dilbert75 · 22-10-2013 06:42PM

Never mind A - all the cool kids get scraped off the ground in GLR and then get injured or sick before Dublin. I think we should form a club and deliberately exclude anyone who finishes all of their marathons and is perfectly healthy.

overpronator · 22-10-2013 06:49PM

Bad luck but sounds like you made the right call with this RC. Rest up now and enjoy the runs for what they are for the next while. I always enjoy your log so im looking forward to following your London buildup and your crowning glory!

DOCO12 · 22-10-2013 07:30PM

So sorry to hear your out Runchick but agree it's the best decision when you've been under the weather for so long. All that great training will stand to you later down the road and hey London 2014 now that's something to be looking forward to. Hopefully get to meet you in the pub after

Mind yourself.

Murph_D · 22-10-2013 08:05PM

Terrible news but obviously the right decision. Hope the rest does the trick. Everything's a learning opportunity in the long run.

Taming the marathon beast...

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