DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

paulers06 · 13-08-2015 11:53AM

libelula wrote: »

visualise yourself crossing that finish line with the glory of all your preparation behind you

That's how I spent the last 5 miles of my LSR on Saturday!

Clearlier · 13-08-2015 12:08PM

Emsy 1 wrote: »

Thanks for the replys ladies it's reassuring to know u both are feeling the same. I guess I will wait till the half and then make a decision. I wonder should I try pmp for half of my lsr also?? I have only ever done the 3 miler at that pace.

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Hi Emsy, don't panic. Stick to the plan. Inserting a pmp section into your lsr at this stage could do a lot of damage. I'll ask Clearlier to have a look at your progression in a bit. Until then, sit tight

Hi Emsy,

What prompted your question?

As Dubgal says it's a pretty good general rule to stick to the plan unless you have good reason not to.

Phoebas · 13-08-2015 01:17PM

nop98 wrote: »

17M LSR done & dusted. OMSG.

Well done. I'm feeling a little bit apprehensive about my 17m LSR on Saturday, it'll be my longest ever run - ever.

There should be a rule against getting these really long runs over with so early in the week.

chrislad · 13-08-2015 01:29PM

Phoebas wrote: »

Well done. I'm feeling a little bit apprehensive about my 17m LSR on Saturday, it'll be my longest ever run - ever.

There should be a rule against getting these really long runs over with so early in the week.

I'm in the same boat as you. Even though each second weekend at this stage has been longer, it's still a bit nerve wracking!

Good news for me is that I'm just back from the physio and she was happy with the condition of my shins/legs. Next to no pain/tightness, and another session booked in for after the Dublin half.

Emsy 1 · 13-08-2015 02:04PM

Clearlier wrote: »

Hi Emsy,

What prompted your question?

As Dubgal says it's a pretty good general rule to stick to the plan unless you have good reason not to.

Hi, I guess what prompted my question is when I'm doing my lsr at 11mm or slower I think I could just about finish 26 miles at that pace but I can't visualise myself going any quicker. Maybe it's because I haven't had to push myself as such I'm happy plodding a long. I will 100% stick with the plan it is my life atm lol. So should I be doing anyruns at pmp? I do 6 x 70 meter strides once a week and I get in a lot of hills (there unavoidable here) Thanks so much for ur time.

Clearlier · 13-08-2015 02:24PM

Emsy 1 wrote: »

Hi, I guess what prompted my question is when I'm doing my lsr at 11mm or slower I think I could just about finish 26 miles at that pace but I can't visualise myself going any quicker. Maybe it's because I haven't had to push myself as such I'm happy plodding a long. I will 100% stick with the plan it is my life atm lol. So should I be doing anyruns at pmp? I do 6 x 70 meter strides once a week and I get in a lot of hills (there unavoidable here) Thanks so much for ur time.

Which plan are you following Emsy?

nop98 · 13-08-2015 02:33PM

Phoebas wrote: »

Well done. I'm feeling a little bit apprehensive about my 17m LSR on Saturday, it'll be my longest ever run - ever.

There should be a rule against getting these really long runs over with so early in the week.

I was very nervous for this run, and slept very bad as a result. However this was my only opportunity for such a long run.

Trust your training! You've gotten this far in the program, you can do it. And when you feel low, just put the head down and run. Worked for me..

Good luck!

Emsy 1 · 13-08-2015 03:17PM

Clearlier wrote: »

Which plan are you following Emsy?

Hals novice one

Dubgal72 · 13-08-2015 03:18PM

Clearlier wrote: »

Which plan are you following Emsy?

Pretty sure it's Hal Higdon Novice 1 so no pace runs in this programme. But Emsy may have posted back along about adjusting it.
As he says himself, this plan has got umpteen runners from start to finish successfully. (It can be very hard when you see so and so doing this and so and so doing that!)

Edit: no, just HHN1. She did consider HHN2 at the start though (first post).

The Slow One · 13-08-2015 03:34PM

I'm afraid I'm out.

2 weeks ago I collapsed (not running related) and ended up in hospital. Not a new thing for me as I have collapsed before but this was the first time in 7 years. Hyperactive thyroid gland has returned which for most people isn't a big deal for me it seems to trigger something (possibly in the rhythm of the heart) and so they are going to operate on me to try and fix it once and for all. Won't be able to run again until the new year.

To be honest I've known for over a week but logging on this thread and reading the excitement and progress of everyone on the road to the marathon is tough when you're out of it. I've absolutely loved this thread for the support it gives. No one in the family has any interest in running so its tough to explain what its like to be annoyed that you are struggling to get the pace right on a 5 mile easy run and so on, so its lovely to log on and see someone experiencing the same difficulties and know its not just you.

I wish everyone of you all the best on the journey over the next 10+ weeks and especially on the day itself. A big thank you to you DG for all your help. Please god I'll make it back for 2016.

Dubgal72 · 13-08-2015 03:34PM

I'm getting a vibe that internal doubts are creeping in and also that there is some apprehension about the long runs as the mileage increases most weeks.

This is all natural. You wouldn't be serious about this if you were skipping blithely through the programme. So pat yourselves on the back for doubting yourselves and your plan

Now sit up straight and listen
If you have been following 90% of your particular plan - you can do this:
The first week (T-18) and the pre-marathon training provided you with a solid platform.
The second week built on this with just the right amount of increased intensity and mileage.
The third week did the same.
The fourth week brought you on a little more.
The fifth week put another brick in the wall.
The sixth week (or any particular step back week) consolidated, in itself a form of building.
The seventh brought you on a little more again, just the right amount.
The eighth week....still here? Chances are you've been doing most things right and you'll still be here next week.
And the next week.
And the week after that....

You are doing this and you are doing it well. It's hard work but you knew that right?! Now it's getting real but so is your training and so is your discipline and application.
It's ok to doubt but place it in context and remind yourselves how far you've come. As has been said earlier, keep the faith and not only trust in the plan but

TRUST IN YOU!

Dubgal72 · 13-08-2015 03:42PM

The Slow One wrote: »

I'm afraid I'm out.

2 weeks ago I collapsed (not running related) and ended up in hospital. Not a new thing for me as I have collapsed before but this was the first time in 7 years. Hyperactive thyroid gland has returned which for most people isn't a big deal for me it seems to trigger something (possibly in the rhythm of the heart) and so they are going to operate on me to try and fix it once and for all. Won't be able to run again until the new year.

To be honest I've known for over a week but logging on this thread and reading the excitement and progress of everyone on the road to the marathon is tough when you're out of it. I've absolutely loved this thread for the support it gives. No one in the family has any interest in running so its tough to explain what its like to be annoyed that you are struggling to get the pace right on a 5 mile easy run and so on, so its lovely to log on and see someone experiencing the same difficulties and know its not just you.

I wish everyone of you all the best on the journey over the next 10+ weeks and especially on the day itself. A big thank you to you DG for all your help. Please god I'll make it back for 2016.

Hey TSO , it's been a real pleasure having you on board. Really sorry to hear you're out but the main thing is that you have a full recovery. Thank you for your kind words and yes, it is so good to be part of a group that 'gets it'....
Please let us know how the op goes and if you can bear it, pop in and say hello now and then?
Take care and the very best to you....

diego_b · 13-08-2015 03:45PM

The Slow One wrote: »

I'm afraid I'm out.

2 weeks ago I collapsed (not running related) and ended up in hospital. Not a new thing for me as I have collapsed before but this was the first time in 7 years. Hyperactive thyroid gland has returned which for most people isn't a big deal for me it seems to trigger something (possibly in the rhythm of the heart) and so they are going to operate on me to try and fix it once and for all. Won't be able to run again until the new year.

To be honest I've known for over a week but logging on this thread and reading the excitement and progress of everyone on the road to the marathon is tough when you're out of it. I've absolutely loved this thread for the support it gives. No one in the family has any interest in running so its tough to explain what its like to be annoyed that you are struggling to get the pace right on a 5 mile easy run and so on, so its lovely to log on and see someone experiencing the same difficulties and know its not just you.

I wish everyone of you all the best on the journey over the next 10+ weeks and especially on the day itself. A big thank you to you DG for all your help. Please god I'll make it back for 2016.

Really sorry to hear that The Slow One, wish you the very best with getting over the thyroid issues. My mother had to have surgery on hers to address similar issues but she had this done a lot later in life than you and she is getting on grand now so fingers crossed for you. Getting that sorted is far more important than any race. When all is well again you will no doubt be an even better runner.

13-08-2015 03:59PM

Best of luck on your recovery Slow One. There will be many more marathons, and there will be a group just as willing to give you support next year. Mind yourself.

Clearlier · 13-08-2015 04:25PM

Emsy 1 wrote: »

Hals novice one

As Dubgal says it's designed to get you from start to finish and hasn't got anything vaguely fancy like a marathon pace run.

11 days ago you were happy to have the step back week which suggests that the plan is probably at about the right level for you so I would stick to it and forget about pace runs for this marathon cycle. Once you have this one done and dusted you can focus on shorter distances for a while and as part of that introduce a greater variety of runs into your plan and potentially build back up towards another marathon with a more varied training plan.

That's all away in the future though and for the moment I'd recommend sticking to the plan that you're following.

Clearlier · 13-08-2015 04:29PM

The Slow One wrote: »

I'm afraid I'm out.

2 weeks ago I collapsed (not running related) and ended up in hospital. Not a new thing for me as I have collapsed before but this was the first time in 7 years. Hyperactive thyroid gland has returned which for most people isn't a big deal for me it seems to trigger something (possibly in the rhythm of the heart) and so they are going to operate on me to try and fix it once and for all. Won't be able to run again until the new year.

To be honest I've known for over a week but logging on this thread and reading the excitement and progress of everyone on the road to the marathon is tough when you're out of it. I've absolutely loved this thread for the support it gives. No one in the family has any interest in running so its tough to explain what its like to be annoyed that you are struggling to get the pace right on a 5 mile easy run and so on, so its lovely to log on and see someone experiencing the same difficulties and know its not just you.

I wish everyone of you all the best on the journey over the next 10+ weeks and especially on the day itself. A big thank you to you DG for all your help. Please god I'll make it back for 2016.

Hope the operation goes well for you and that you're back out running in the new year.

Don't underestimate what you will have gotten out of the training that you have done so far. You'll have learned more than your realise about what it takes to train for a marathon. Build yourself up slowly and surely from the new year and you'll be flying around DCM '16.

ZV Yoda · 13-08-2015 04:35PM

Ah, that's a shame Slow One. Hope everything works out OK for you.

eyeball kid · 13-08-2015 04:38PM

Sorry to hear hear that Slow One. Hopefully the recovery goes well and you are back out running soon. Best of luck with it all.

hillsiderunner · 13-08-2015 04:45PM

Good luck with the operation Slow One. There are a few of us delaying to 2016, don't worry. We'll have the time to do the perfect buildup with all those months

Toulouse · 13-08-2015 04:47PM

Clearlier wrote: »

Hi Emsy,

What prompted your question?

As Dubgal says it's a pretty good general rule to stick to the plan unless you have good reason not to.

I think Emsy is feeling the same way I am. I'm following HHN1 too and I've said it before, it's just so samey.

So while I do have faith that the plan will get me to the start line and hopefully across the finish, it doesn't really allow me to have any faith that I'll be able to do it in the time that I want (4:30) because every run is at the same pace more or less. I think I've been coping pretty well with the training, meh, I just want to be sure that I can do what I think I'm capable of.

Toulouse · 13-08-2015 04:48PM

So sorry to hear that The Slow One. Best of luck with the op and sure once it's fixed for good there'll be nothing stopping you for DCM 2016!

KingMambo26 · 13-08-2015 04:52PM

Really sorry to hear about your health problems Slow One. Best of luck with the operation and the recovery. Do everything the doctor tells you (a bit like Dubgal but with a white coat) and you'll be back on the saddle next year.

ZV Yoda · 13-08-2015 05:42PM

Toulouse wrote: »

I think Emsy is feeling the same way I am. I'm following HHN1 too and I've said it before, it's just so samey.

So while I do have faith that the plan will get me to the start line and hopefully across the finish, it doesn't really allow me to have any faith that I'll be able to do it in the time that I want (4:30) because every run is at the same pace more or less. I think I've been coping pretty well with the training, meh, I just want to be sure that I can do what I think I'm capable of.

I'm on HHN1 too, but I view it a bit differently. I agree that it's more samey than other programs, but it is possible to vary the paces a little bit. Sometimes I'll push myself a good bit on a mid-week 5-8k (mindful not to overdo it & risk injury). I'll only do this once a week (sometimes not at all).

Having said that, I've been working hard to slow my lsr pace, and I have to say, it's paying dividends now. My form has improved and and I'm much more aware of my pacing.

The other big change I made is varying my routes. I rarely run exactly the same route more than once a week. This adds variety to the plan.

I was dubious about the "slower training = faster races" advice at the start, but I've significantly improved my 8k & 10k PBs already this year by following HHN1. I'm hoping to get a new PB on the upcoming race series 10 mile.

I find I'm really looking forward to my lsr every week. I never thought I'd hear myself say that.

So, stick with it.

Uh oh, did I just turn into Dubgal72? :eek:

Toulouse · 13-08-2015 06:13PM

Thanks Yoda. I totally get what you're saying about the LSRs and I'm getting pretty good at running them at a slow pace and I understand all about them allowing us to recruit the right kind of muscle fibres etc.

It's the other runs, the shorter ones during the week although I do throw in some strides every week now. They just feel the same as an LSR. Don't get me wrong, I am loving the training, I look forward to it. I suppose I am gaining a respect for the task at hand and now that there's doubts creeping in I just want to be sure that I'm doing everything that I can. Does that make sense? Should I be doing another day?

neilthefunkeone · 13-08-2015 06:17PM

The heat... Is lovely...

chrislad · 13-08-2015 06:48PM

neilthefunkeone wrote: »

The heat... Is lovely...

:mad:

Mrs Mc · 13-08-2015 07:36PM

The Slow One wrote: »

I'm afraid I'm out.

2 weeks ago I collapsed (not running related) and ended up in hospital. Not a new thing for me as I have collapsed before but this was the first time in 7 years. Hyperactive thyroid gland has returned which for most people isn't a big deal for me it seems to trigger something (possibly in the rhythm of the heart) and so they are going to operate on me to try and fix it once and for all. Won't be able to run again until the new year.

To be honest I've known for over a week but logging on this thread and reading the excitement and progress of everyone on the road to the marathon is tough when you're out of it. I've absolutely loved this thread for the support it gives. No one in the family has any interest in running so its tough to explain what its like to be annoyed that you are struggling to get the pace right on a 5 mile easy run and so on, so its lovely to log on and see someone experiencing the same difficulties and know its not just you.

I wish everyone of you all the best on the journey over the next 10+ weeks and especially on the day itself. A big thank you to you DG for all your help. Please god I'll make it back for 2016.

Such a bummer at this stage so sorry you've to pull out but your health is your wealth and there's always next year. Not a consolation I know but keep well and get yourself back in full health is the most important thing.

annapr · 13-08-2015 07:45PM

Toulouse wrote: »

Thanks Yoda. I totally get what you're saying about the LSRs and I'm getting pretty good at running them at a slow pace and I understand all about them allowing us to recruit the right kind of muscle fibres etc.

It's the other runs, the shorter ones during the week although I do throw in some strides every week now. They just feel the same as an LSR. Don't get me wrong, I am loving the training, I look forward to it. I suppose I am gaining a respect for the task at hand and now that there's doubts creeping in I just want to be sure that I'm doing everything that I can. Does that make sense? Should I be doing another day?

I did HHN1 last year and I know what you mean... I did most of the midweek runs early morning before work and I found my paces varied quite a bit, just depending on how I was feeling, energy levels, etc.. If you concentrate on running at an easy/comfortable level, you might find the same. For the most part, the shorter runs were naturally a bit faster than LSR pace. (hope DG doesn't give out to me for that).

Firedance · 13-08-2015 08:07PM

Toulouse wrote: »

Thanks Yoda. I totally get what you're saying about the LSRs and I'm getting pretty good at running them at a slow pace and I understand all about them allowing us to recruit the right kind of muscle fibres etc.

It's the other runs, the shorter ones during the week although I do throw in some strides every week now. They just feel the same as an LSR. Don't get me wrong, I am loving the training, I look forward to it. I suppose I am gaining a respect for the task at hand and now that there's doubts creeping in I just want to be sure that I'm doing everything that I can. Does that make sense? Should I be doing another day?

I also know what you mean (did hh1 last yr too) however....its samey for a reason and that's to get you to the startline uninjured and prepared to run 26 2, you shouldn't be overly concerned about a time, I understand you feel you want to do 4.30, and I hope you do on the day, but if you don't it wont matter because your primary goal for your first marathon is enjoy & complete - trust the plan, millions of people have run marathons with this plan and you will too

Emsy 1 · 13-08-2015 08:24PM

Clearlier wrote: »

As Dubgal says it's designed to get you from start to finish and hasn't got anything vaguely fancy like a marathon pace run.

11 days ago you were happy to have the step back week which suggests that the plan is probably at about the right level for you so I would stick to it and forget about pace runs for this marathon cycle. Once you have this one done and dusted you can focus on shorter distances for a while and as part of that introduce a greater variety of runs into your plan and potentially build back up towards another marathon with a more varied training plan.

That's all away in the future though and for the moment I'd recommend sticking to the plan that you're following.

Thanks Clearlier (another marathon! Ur off ur rocker lol) I will stick with the plan as it is. I do trust and believe in the plan and I am really enjoying it.I think toulouse hit the nail on the head when she says 'its a bit samey ' but as someone else pointed out its for a good reason. I guess what ur saying is just be happy to finish and if I come in at the 4.30 mark it's a bonus. I think I lost sight of this a bit. Thanks also Dubgal I truly would be lost without this forum u guys are awesome.

DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

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