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DCM 2014: Mentored Novices Thread

Ososlo

Welcome to the by now legendary DCM Mentored Novices Thread for 2014 and I am your host, Ososlo

History of this thread:
There have been 5 legs of the DCM Mentored Novices Thread starting in 2009 when Amadeus kickstarted as the first mentor. He passed the baton in 2010 to rainbow kirby who in turn passed it into the trusty hands of Raycun in 2011. 2012 saw Younganne taking the lead with a huge group of runners behind her and passed the baton to career_move who sprinted ahead like lightening to take the novices to the 2013 DCM. The baton hasn’t been dropped yet and the mentors and novices haven’t stepped out of their lanes so let’s hope we continue to surge ahead in the same vein for the 6th leg for DCM 2014!

Who is this thread for and what happens on this thread:
If you are doing Dublin City Marathon for the first time this year, then this thread is especially for you. If you are a little more experienced having already done a marathon, you are also welcome to join in the fun.We have two possible training plans for you to follow and we are here to guide you in your training. This forum encourages discussion about all aspects of your training and we are lucky to have a plethora of experienced runners and expert on running technicalities available to answer your questions so don’t be afraid to ask any about anything you like, no matter how stupid you think it might sound. We are here to help:) You are also invited to keep track of your mileage from June 23rd until DCM on the Google Doc tracker sheet linked to at the bottom of this post.

Should you do DCM this year:
To run DCM this year, ideally you'll currently be running a few days a week at this stage, be able to comfortably run 20 miles per week by the time the plan starts on June 23rd and you will have been running at least a year. However, if you're not currently at that level, but feel you can get comfortably up to running 20 miles per week by June 23rd then this thread is for you too. You might be fit from other sports and be able to get up to speed quickly enough.
If you want to do DCM this year but you would struggle to get up to 20 miles per week comfortably by the end of June and you're not very fit, then you should strongly consider putting it off for another year. Yes you will still be able to complete a marathon on October 27th, but as this is a running forum we want all the novices to attempt to fully run their first marathon or at least the majority of it.
Look ahead at the schedule for the 18 weeks. Have you many social events which might impinge on getting your long runs done at the weekends? It might be ok to miss one, but you really don't want to be missing more than that, so can you fit them in around your busy lifestyle? If the answer is yes and you're willing to make some sacrifices to get them done then you'll be fine.
Running a marathon is a fantastic goal to have but you must be prepared for it. Anyone can complete a marathon but not everyone can run one from start to finish at a good (it’s all relative) pace. To run a successful marathon you should be committed to your training and take it seriously whilst enjoying it. The key to this is to follow a plan and train smart.

Some Golden Rules for Marathon Training:

Follow a plan and stick to the plan. You can use one here or any other one, but follow a plan
Don’t miss runs (especially your weekly long run which is integral to the build up to the marathon)
Don’t make up for missed training as this is a recipe for injury and/or illness
Don’t run on an injury or ignore a constant niggle and don’t run when sick and seek professional help about your problems sooner rather than later. If there is something abnormal going on with your body during training, seek professional help
Prepare and practice in every way you can so that there is very little element of surprise on the day
Run your training runs at the correct paces (see my next post on Training Paces)

If you want to set yourself a goal time for DCM, ensure it is a realistic and fairly conservative goal. You are entering unknown territory on your first marathon. Look at Mo in London this year! He can shoot for the stars in his second marathon but he shouldn’t have been so hard on himself for his first! Don't be over-ambitious. You don’t want to be saying ‘never again’ on the finish line.

Don’t rely on McMillan calculators or other calculators for determining your marathon goal. Yes it may work for a few but not for the majority

·Take your training seriously and commit to it whilst enjoying it!

Special Ososlo Tip! Set yourself a secondary goal for the year or plan something else to look forward to in the Autumn. The reality is that not everyone who signs up to this thread is going to make the start line. A few will get sick, a few will get injured for whatever reason or life might just simply get in the way. Therefore, I advise everyone to think about a secondary goal this year if DCM does not happen for you this year, be it a marathon later in the year, a half marathon, a 10k, a holiday or a dirty weekend-away to look forward to later in the year

A little about your mentor
I ran DCM last year as my first and only marathon and I had a good training period in the lead up, had no injuries in training, ran the whole thing without stopping on the day and enjoyed myself. I did have a small blip on the startline where my tfl started hurting me out of nowhere so I couldn’t run to my planned marathon pace (pmp) on the day but I remembered the advice that I had heard a billion times here and that was to ENJOY the experience of your first and not worry about a time. I slowed down to my jogging/lsr pace and lapped up the cheering from the crowds and as I was jogging up Roebuck Hill, my leg miraculously stopped hurting so I passed people from there until the end with a smile on my face and could have run another few miles at the end which shows that I had built up a good aerobic base of endurance due to running lots and lots of very slow miles. I had planned and trained to run at 4:10 pace but jogged around at my lsr pace in 4:34. My tale goes to show that no matter how prepared you are (and believe me I was VERY prepared for DCM), anything can happen right up until and during the last minute. So be prepared to re-evaluate your goal at all times.
So I have a certain amount of useful advice to impart to you all but am still very much a novice myself, however, luckily there are far more experienced runners than me on here who will be helpful to you in different aspects of marathon training. I also have a team of back-room advisors:cool: ready to jump in and help you all out too (especially the faster novices) and lots of other boardsies and last years novices will share their advice and experiences also. It really is a Boards.ie Athletics/Running Forum group effort. I’m co-ordinating the effort and will share my limited knowledge.

Pre-Marathon Plan this plan will bring you up to 20 miles a week by June 23rd when our marathon plan starts. Jump in on the appropriate week if you wish. Alternatively, continue with your current training as you might already be running more miles than what's required for the start of our Marathon Training Plans so no need to decrease your current mileage. Remember: Miles make champions:D

THE PLANS FOR 2014:
The plans we will be using will be Hal Higdon Novice 1 and for slightly more experienced runners, the 2014 Boards Plan which is based on career_move’s super plan from 2013 with some minor adjustments made by myself and approved by the mods. You can use one of these plans or any other plan as long as it involves mostly running!

Hal Higdon Novice 1 Training Plan:
A tried and tested plan for novice marathon runners. It’s a simple plan to follow and many Boardsies have followed this plan over the years with great success. All runs in this plan are done at the same pace, which is a pace that should feel very comfortable and you should be able to chat while running (to yourself or your running buddy!). If you can’t chat while running then you’re running too fast. Slow down. If you’re not enjoying the majority of your training runs, you’re probably running them too fast. Slow down! Please see my next post with more detailed infoarmtion about why you should be running slowly most of the time.

Boards 2014 Training Plan:
Includes a little bit of speedwork and marathon pace running. The changes to last year just include some warm up and cool down miles for the sessions and races. Everything else is pretty much the same and many novices followed this plan with much success last year. Please see my next post with more detailed information about paces to run for each of the specific runs.

So, if you’re on board for DCM this year or just thinking about it still, please jump in and answer the following so we can get an idea of where you are with your training currently and get the chatting underway:

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
How many days a week can you train?
Why are you running this marathon?

To conclude
They say, everyone has 5 minutes of fame. Running DCM makes you feel like you are a superstar for hours with the crowds cheering you on in adoration shouting your name (it’ll be on your bib!) You are in for the most special experience of your life. And I’m very jealous! Enjoy the ride run

Index of useful posts and links to useful sites:
Here is an list of useful websites and past threads which I thought might be handy to have on the main page for easy access. The list covers some of the key topics that frequently arise in discussion on the novices' thread. I have pilfered posts and ideas all around me from other boardsies so if you’ve not been credited as being the owner of the post then apologies in advance and please don’t sue me:o There’s no need for me to re-invent the wheel as it’s all been said so well by you all before!

Link to Hal Higdon Novice Training Plan:
Link to Boards 2014 Novices’ Training Plan
Link to Mileage Tracker
The Route
Please note that the route for DCM (start and finish) has slightly changed this year due to luas works. Keep an eye on Dublin City Marathon Facebook for updates
Contacts for Dublin Marathon Office:
office@dublinmarathon.ie
Tel: 00 353 1 6232250
Breakdown of the DCM route by Boardsie Tunguska (route start and finish will change)
Marathon Prep and Course Breakdown by Eagle AC
Video of Dcm Route (start and finish of route will change)
Roebuck Hill Garmin Elevation (commonly known as Heartbreak Hill which is BS…don’t listen…it’s like a speedbump
Boards Discussion on Roebuck Hill
Mcmillan Running Calculator. One way to work out your training paces
Most people would discourage you from using this calculator for predicting marathon pace. It’s pretty accurate up to the half marathon but after that you'd want to be running 60+ miles per week to see the marathon fall into line. Use it as a very general guide with caution.
Determining Marathon Pace – half marathon time and First marathon goal time. A google doc created by career_move last year which compares some Boardsies' half marathon times with their full marathon times. This will be very useful when it comes to working out a realistic marathon pace later in the year.
Race Calendar for Irish Races
Running Shoes
Get yourself to a proper running shoe store (if you haven’t already) (Amphibian King, Runworx, Runways etc.) and have them recommend a pair of shoes suitable for you. Don’t just pick a pair off the shelf that seems comfortable. Every shoe is as different as every person, so it is impossible to make blanket recommendations. A proper running shoe shop will examine your gait, establish your running patterns and make educated recommendations that suit your needs.

I’d advise all novices to have 2 pairs of trainers if your budget allows. Your trainers might get wet and it’s not very pleasant putting them on wet the next day plus they’ll last you longer if they have a chance to breath between runs and regain their form.
Foam Rollers
Standard Foam Roller
Grid
Rumble roller
Trigger point
Why should you foam roll and some exercises
Where to buy foam rollers www.amazon.ie www.elverys.ie https://amphibianking.ie
The best marathon running shorts in the world
How to create a training log
Boards discussion on blisters
Water belts
Balanced article on running your long run on an empty stomach or not
Stretching and Corework
My personal favourite type of stretching is AIS or Activated Isolated Stretching.
AIS Videos
PART1
PART II
Tips on Running Form and Boards Discussion on Running Form
Gels and drinks on the long run - Boards Discussion

I hope (with the assistance of the mods) to be able to keep this list updated and add to it as other popular topics/useful websites come to my attention.

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Comments

Nicsx

Thanks Ososlo for setting up this thread. I've been looking out for it and now that it's here I guess it means that the beginning of the training approaches.

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5K Parkrun May 13 - 25.25
10K Great Ireland Run April 12 - 52.14
Wexford Half Marathon April 14 - 1.59.04

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do) No
How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. At present, I'm averaging about 3 times per week. On a good week it could be 4 (and sometimes 5) but when real life interrupts it might only be twice. I try to get one long run in and the others are 8-10K (I'm also trying to switch to miles at the mo)

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? I would love to get around in 4.15-4.20 however that may be unrealistic. 4.30-4.45 may be a little more on track.

How many days a week can you train? 4-5

Why are you running this marathon? I think this is a bucket list gig for me. I was talking to a pacer last year at the Kildare Half last year who was basically saying why not do it that October as anyone running/jogging a half would have a good base to build on. I made the usual excuses- not enough time, the thought of doing a 2nd lap of the half course, too far etc and was happy with that. Then in October we went up to Bushy Park to see a friend who was running DCM and I thought I could do that.

TRR

best of luck everyone. Holy $hit ososlo, those first two posts could provide the basis for "a complete guide to running" book

Ososlo

floatwinner wrote: »

Have been waiting for this thread, got really excited when I saw it.

Thanks to Ososlo for an excellent opening post!

Male, 44, stopped smoking 2 years ago and started running.

•Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
PB's:

5K Parkrun 5k 19/4/2014 22:37
10K Samsung Night Run 51:20

Times? Dream 4:15, realistic 4:45

•How many days a week can you train?
4-5

Congrats on staying off the smokes. Same story as myself with my 2 year anniversary just a while ago. Running is a the best replacement EVER!

I know we're encouraging everyone not to focus on a goal time but no harm having an idea of what you'd like to achieve and no reason in the world why you can't aim for your dream time above if training goes well. The next few months will tell a lot. Best of luck

Ososlo

TRR wrote: »

best of luck everyone. Holy $hit ososlo, those first two posts could provide the basis for "a complete guide to running" book

I felt like I had run a marathon myself by the time I'd finished them:D

vitani

Woohoo! Been waiting for this to start up, and couldn't have asked for a better mentor!

Too excited to read over the rest of the thread. Will do so after answering the questions:

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k: (A soft) 24.57 (December 2013) and an unoffical 24.17 (January 2014)
4 mile: 33.21 (March 2013)
5 mile: 40.02 <-Grrr! (January 2014)
10k: 50:44 (June 2013) - On a possible short course
10 mile: 1.28.57 (August 2013)
HM: 1:53:52 (March 2014)

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
Not usually, no.

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
One club session (usually intervals), one longish run and a few other easy runs. Training has been hit and miss this year due to various illnesses, but I'm fighting fit again and ready to start marathon training.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
A Goal: Sub 4
B Goal: Sub 4:15
C Goal: Finish it without crying in pain

How many days a week can you train?
5

Why are you running this marathon?
For the tshirt

I love running and I've found that the longer a race is, the more I enjoy it - all of the race photos I have from my half-marathons have me beaming in joy. I've been dreaming of running a marathon since I took up running 16 months ago, and this year will be the best opportunity for me to give it a bash, in terms of the time needed to commit to the training.

Ososlo

vitani wrote: »

Woohoo! Been waiting for this to start up, and couldn't have asked for a better mentor!

Too excited to read over the rest of the thread. Will do so after answering the questions:

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)
5k: (A soft) 24.57 (December 2013) and an unoffical 24.17 (January 2014)
4 mile: 33.21 (March 2013)
5 mile: 40.02 <-Grrr! (January 2014)
10k: 50:44 (June 2013) - On a possible short course
10 mile: 1.28.57 (August 2013)
HM: 1:53:52 (March 2014)

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)
Not usually, no.

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level.
One club session (usually intervals), one longish run and a few other easy runs. Training has been hit and miss this year due to various illnesses, but I'm fighting fit again and ready to start marathon training.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?
A Goal: Sub 4
B Goal: Sub 4:15
C Goal: Finish it without crying in pain

How many days a week can you train?
5

Why are you running this marathon?
For the tshirt

I love running and I've found that the longer a race is, the more I enjoy it - all of the race photos I have from my half-marathons have me beaming in joy. I've been dreaming of running a marathon since I took up running 16 months ago, and this year will be the best opportunity for me to give it a bash, in terms of the time needed to commit to the training.

Yay vitani's here:D
What happened your log

I think you should revive it. One regret I have is not starting my log earlier, especially to have my marathon training logged in one place.
I know you've been waiting for this thread for quite a while now

and you were very sensible last year deciding to put DCM off until this year. You've built a super base now and will fly through the training. Not a bother on you and those club sessions are obviously paying off too. Great half marathon time:D
Best of luck! Get logging!

vitani

Ososlo wrote: »

Yay vitani's here:D
What happened your log I think you should revive it. One regret I have is not starting my log earlier, especially to have my marathon training logged in one place.
I know you've been waiting for this thread for quite a while now and you were very sensible last year deciding to put DCM off until this year. You've built a super base now and will fly through the training. Not a bother on you and those club sessions are obviously paying off too. Great half marathon time:D
Best of luck! Get logging!

Eesh! That's me told! :pac:

You're right, I really should revive it - planning a nice run home tomorrow so will update it properly then.

Delighted you've been chosen as mentor! And I'm so excited that I finally get to take part in one of these threads!

denis160

Woowhoo, so glad to see this thread going!! Decided against the DCM last year but loved reading the thread, great advice, great comraderee & fantastic success stories. Hopefully this year will be just as good!

Bit about me: Nearer to 40 than 39, mam of 4. Took up running in 09, only to be rudely interrupted by a twin pregnancy

which knocked everything on the head until 2012 when I promised myself i'ld run a half, which I did & haven't looked back since....so...

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?
3 x half's, pb clontarf 2013 - 1.57.08
10 mile - dungarvan 2014 - 1.30.34 mins
10k - GIR 2014 - 55.39 mins
5k- SLOTS 2014 - 26.27mins
5 mile 2013 - 41.57 mins

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ?
Not usually, no.

How much training do you currently do ?
Was bootcamping 3 days a week & running 2/3 days depending on whether I was training for half or not. but have knocked camp on the head & decided to run 5 days a week & c how that goes. Usually short runs 3/4 mile, with a long run thrown in, nothing longer than 6 miles at the moment though!! But have started a plan for half in July.

What do you want to achieve?
Oh lord, i'ld be lying if i said i had no time, would love to do 4hrs, realistically probably 4.30.

How many days a week can you train?
5

Why are you running this marathon?
Because I want skinny runners legs : ), ah no seriously, to prove to myself & my kids that anything is possible if you really want to do it. I sometimes struggle with the longer mileage, even though I'm physically able I mentally give up, so this is my year to work on it!

Ososlo

denis160 wrote: »

Woowhoo, so glad to see this thread going!! Decided against the DCM last year but loved reading the thread, great advice, great comraderee & fantastic success stories. Hopefully this year will be just as good!

Bit about me: Nearer to 40 than 39, mam of 4. Took up running in 09, only to be rudely interrupted by a twin pregnancy which knocked everything on the head until 2012 when I promised myself i'ld run a half, which I did & haven't looked back since....so...

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs?
3 x half's, pb clontarf 2013 - 1.57.08
10 mile - dungarvan 2014 - 1.30.34 mins
10k - GIR 2014 - 55.39 mins
5k- SLOTS 2014 - 26.27mins
5 mile 2013 - 41.57 mins

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ?
Not usually, no.

How much training do you currently do ?
Was bootcamping 3 days a week & running 2/3 days depending on whether I was training for half or not. but have knocked camp on the head & decided to run 5 days a week & c how that goes. Usually short runs 3/4 mile, with a long run thrown in, nothing longer than 6 miles at the moment though!! But have started a plan for half in July.

What do you want to achieve?
Oh lord, i'ld be lying if i said i had no time, would love to do 4hrs, realistically probably 4.30.

How many days a week can you train?
5

Why are you running this marathon?
Because I want skinny runners legs : ), ah no seriously, to prove to myself & my kids that anything is possible if you really want to do it. I sometimes struggle with the longer mileage, even though I'm physically able I mentally give up, so this is my year to work on it!

I'm sure you'll achieve your goal and get the skinny legs;) That'll happen automatically as you up the mileage! An added bonus:D
Great commitment there with looking towards a 5 day week and training towards the half. You're well set!

AuldManKing

Great start Ososlo, that was some opening!!
there's a great bunch forming already, so looks like fun times ahead.

I've (been) volunteered to help out, so I look forward to helping as many as I can not only hit there goals, but enjoy the experience.

Ososlo

AuldManKing wrote: »

Great start Ososlo, that was some opening!!
there's a great bunch forming already, so looks like fun times ahead.

I've (been) volunteered to help out, so I look forward to helping as many as I can not only hit there goals, but enjoy the experience.

thanks AMK. Great to have you helping out:)

RedRunner

It's been said already but I've got to say it again.. IMPRESSIVE opening posts there Ososlo. Will be following with great interest from now. You are all in great hands folks. A rock of sense our Ososlo is!

blockic

I've been waiting for this thread for the last couple months! Great to have Ososlo as mentor!

Currently running about 12 miles a week average although hoping to get over 20 in the next few weeks!

Injuries have been on and off and have not had any race in last 8 months... Signed up for marathon in October...eek..and at the moment I'm just hoping to finish! Really looking forward to your guidance Ososlo and hope I can get some great advise from my idol RunningKing also! Excited! :pac:

On a serious note best of luck novices and ye are in fantastic hands with Ososlo!

Finnt

Fair play ososlo, great opening posts! Will be following this with great interest hope to run dcm myself if I can get back running in time to start training for it.

AuldManKing

Hi All

There was a very useful thread started by Ososlo that should be included here.

It gives advice from people who have done Marathons and asks the question;

(1) If you could run your first marathon again, what would you do differently in training/preparation?

(2) if you were happy with your first marathon, what were the factors (in training and prep) that you feel led to your success?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056962716

Some good advice and great food for thought.

frash

I've also been keeping an eye out for this thread!

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? Have done 4 or 5 10k races - best time being 52:56 in the Samsung Night Run last month.

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? The odd time if I'm pushing the LSR out a bit but generally no.

How much training do you currently do ? Distances, how many days a week, cross training - whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level. Lunchtime run of 5 miles three times a week. LSR at the weekend - currently up to 13.5 miles

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time? Just run the whole thing really - time will probably be around 4:30 ideally by the time it comes around.

How many days a week can you train? 4 days

Why are you running this marathon? Started running 14 months ago to lose a bit of weight & with the aim of doing a 10k. Now 2 stone lighter I've signed up for a half marathon in July as my next goal. Once I've done that I think I'll need the marathon planned to keep me focused.

adrian522

AuldManKing wrote: »

Hi All

There was a very useful thread started by Ososlo that should be included here.

It gives advice from people who have done Marathons and asks the question;

(1) If you could run your first marathon again, what would you do differently in training/preparation?

(2) if you were happy with your first marathon, what were the factors (in training and prep) that you feel led to your success?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056962716

Some good advice and great food for thought.

Yeah, that's a good thread, remember reading it at the time.

Younganne

WOW, That time of year again.
Best of luck to everyone who goes on this journey to their first marathon, its one you won't regret. There will be highs and lows and times when you think you're mad, certainly lots of others(mainly non running kind) will think that, but the reward at the end when you cross the finish line, no matter what the time is, will be so worth it. You are all in great hands here and remember no question is too silly to ask/not worth asking, if you are wondering about something, so is someone else.
Enjoy the ride and remember SMILE along the way:)

adrian522

On the subject of Gels, apparently high 5 sponsor the race and they have gel stations towards the nd of the race, can anyone who did the race last year let me know what they give out/ flavour/ with caffeine or without and also were they the isogels or the normal ones?

Thanks.

blockic

adrian522 wrote: »

On the subject of Gels, apparently high 5 sponsor the race and they have gel stations towards the nd of the race, can anyone who did the race last year let me know what they give out/ flavour/ with caffeine or without and also were they the isogels or the normal ones?

Thanks.

One tip would be to not rely on the gels that are handed out...I personally bring my own as then it is one less variable to have on race day. The less variables, the better...

What if you arrive at the gel station and there are no gels left or wrong flavour that does not sit well with you etc.

That said I think it is just the regular high 5 gels, not the iso ones. Not sure if they had the with caffeine ones also

adrian522

Yeah, was just wondering as it would mean not having to carry as many, but I guess your right about not needing to rely on them.

Ososlo

adrian522 wrote: »

On the subject of Gels, apparently high 5 sponsor the race and they have gel stations towards the nd of the race, can anyone who did the race last year let me know what they give out/ flavour/ with caffeine or without and also were they the isogels or the normal ones?

Thanks.

Agree with blockic entirely on this. Not worth depending on them being there. There were High 5 gels (don't know any more details)

If you buy a pair of the super shorts I mentioned in my opening post, you can easily carry your own (6-+) with no discomfort of gel belts etc.
Great to be thinking about his stuff early on adrian522:D
Preparation is the key;)

adrian522

I've been trialing a few gels on my long runs and am happy enough with the high 5 ones. 4 is about as much as I'd want to carry though I'd imagine that would be enough.

Vico1612

If I remember correctly, they had various flavors and types [ ISO and non ISO , not sure about caffeine as I had one with me for Mile 20 ... ]
Keep in mind that the Gel stations were at Mile 15 and 21 last year so you probably want to be on the safe side with a belt.
Ah the memories ! Good to see the 2014 edition of the thread ... Good luck Ososlo :-)

adrian522

I was thinking about stuffing 2 gels into each pocket. Grab one at one of the gel stations if another is needed. Possibly position family members at some point on the course if it comes to it!

Firedance

has anyone used anything other than gels to get through long runs and the marathon? I've tried the high 5 and wasn't overly fond of how I felt. Is it possible to eat ordinary stuff like chopped up apple/sultanas and drink a high energy drink instead?

Ososlo

Firedance wrote: »

has anyone used anything other than gels to get through long runs and the marathon? I've tried the high 5 and wasn't overly fond of how I felt. Is it possible to eat ordinary stuff like chopped up apple/sultanas and drink a high energy drink instead?

Can't comment on eating actual solid foods on a long run as I've never done so, but why don't you try different gels? I tried lots and found Powerbar suited me best. People must take gels rather than food for a very good reason. Easy to carry, easy to digest (if you find the one most suitable for you). You have lots of time to practice different strategies. Also, make sure you take plenty of water with them so they go down (and stay down!) easier. I've heard of people eating raising alright so why not give that a go but I'd say you'd want a lot of them to get sufficient calories on board for 26.2 miles!
Sports beans might be another option but you wouldn't want to be doing too much chewing and they do require a lot of chewing!
Now's the time to experiment to see what works best for you!

Finnt

Firedance wrote: »

has anyone used anything other than gels to get through long runs and the marathon? I've tried the high 5 and wasn't overly fond of how I felt. Is it possible to eat ordinary stuff like chopped up apple/sultanas and drink a high energy drink instead?

I've taken jellys on long runs with no ill effects, the only thing was can be hard to chew when your under pressure!!

Laois_Man

OK, I am tempted to answer these questions. I'm not saying I am going to do DCM this year. But I'll put myself into the pot as a possibility (even though I think I have already bugged the life out of last years’ mentor with every marathon training question known to man and I can't possibly still have more left to ask

)

I did say on a thread somewhere that I would be giving DCM a miss this year. One of the reasons for that was we were expecting our second baby which was literally due the very day after DCM. Well that didn't work out so that excuse is gone. But that wasn't the only reason why I'm not sure to do it. One of the Dublin HMs on either August bank-holiday Monday or the one in September was to be my main focus of the year. I completed a HM 11 months ago and it I got injured in the process and I was out for 2½ months after it and it put an end to my DCM 2013 ambitions. I think I took a big hit to my confidence of completing a marathon training program or an actual marathon because of it....and because of the fact that I have had numerous other injuries since I started running nearly 2 years ago. But I feel myself getting stronger and I think the injuries will be less frequent – but I still think another years work on it would be my best chance and I am building up my LSR distances a lot slower than most people probably do. I’m gonna stay plugging away at it anyway and see what falls into place if anything.

So, even though some people will have a good idea about me already, the questions:

Have you raced before? If so what are your PBs? (Date and distance please!)

After all this time, I’ve still only done 5 races.

PBs:

Distance|Date|Time
5K|08/12/2013|23:03
8.8K|23/02/2013|48:16
10K|15/03/2014|49:40
HM|16/06/2013|2:06:13*

*Struggled through the last 2½ miles or so of this one with that injury mentioned above.

Do you still need to take walk breaks in your training ? (No problem if you do)

No

How much training do you currently do? Distances, how many days a week, cross training – whatever you think is relevant to your current fitness level

I run 3 or 4 times a week. Various different types of running. Weekend LSR (which is at 10 miles at the moment), Easy runs, midweek interval/fartlek type session and some recovery runs (but not as many recovery runs as I probably should)!
I also do plenty of Ososlo’s recommended ‘AIS’. Also a glute strengthening routine with resistance bands before every run (it has become a habitual part of my warm-up) and I have recently started using an exercise bike missus Laois_Man got......which is a bit boring really.

What do you want to achieve? Dream finishing time and realistic finishing time? Or just complete it in no specified time?

I’d like to think my dream finishing time and my realistic finishing time are the same. 3:59:59 or less. But I wouldn't be devastated with a sub 4:15:00 either

How many days a week can you train?

Running wise, 4 I suppose. But I have other types of training I do on some of these 4 days as well as hopefully 1 to 2 other days too.

Why are you running this marathon?

As I said, might not be THIS marathon....but whichever it is, it’s unfinished business from 2013....which in turn came about because it was something I wanted to do many years ago but was something that only ever occurred to me once in a while or on DCM day. Then I made a promise to myself to do one before I turned 40. Well, I turn 40 exactly a week from today :eek: so I have missed that goal. But not gonna let that be a reason to let it all slip now.

Hasta la vista. :cool:

AuldManKing

Firedance wrote: »

has anyone used anything other than gels to get through long runs and the marathon? I've tried the high 5 and wasn't overly fond of how I felt. Is it possible to eat ordinary stuff like chopped up apple/sultanas and drink a high energy drink instead?

Energy drinks could work but there are a myriad of different gels out there, it takes time to find the right ones.
I cant stomach the ISO ones myself, so I'd use kinetica (cola flavour

) or Gu - which are thicker and you need water, but dont give me that sickly feeling.

This thread may help.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055486917