DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

Singer wrote: »

I'm thinking of heading along to the paced mile event in Morton Stadium on Tuesday - I know that running a fast mile is not exactly part of marathon training, but it looks like a fun event (I'll be dragging the 5 year old along) and I think I've got a chance of doing a 6 minute mile (I did 6'37 during the Fingal 10k) - How awful is this idea? Will I be booted off the thread?

Sorry Singer, totally agree with BG. It's a tempting little number alright but it's not part of the plan. A significant part of the discipline of marathon training is sticking to the plan. As AMK says the main thing is 'keeping the main thing the main thing' (or something like that, sorry if I murdered that ).
Secondly, by doing this, you interrupt the plan to an extent that you don't want: August is a pretty crucial month in terms of training.
Finally, there is a reasonably serious risk of injury by suddenly running flat out for a mile on a surface you're not used to and at a pace that requires you to do a certain amount of running on the ball of your foot.
So, you may well be booted of the thread but it will be yourself does the booting if it all goes pear-shaped

PS, you may well do a risky 6 min mile now but if you wait til after marathon training, you'll do a safe 5:40. Promise

Bungy Girl wrote: »

Probably *

Seriously though, why risk it ? Plenty of time and opportunity after DCM to go for a fast mile time. The Aalsa winter series on the track would be perfect.


* although I think one of your novice team might have got away with something similar a couple of pages back

Nope, 'twas noted but twas done, nothing much I could do.....

Kennyg71 wrote: »

Did not get it, MRSMC , sent me invite for park run & also
One of Novices put up link for DCM novice, have joined both
But will have to ask J or G to help sort out posting etc.

Question. I have not eaten or taken any Gels up to now
Before long run, plan on porridge & banana before tomorrow
LSR, do u think gels necessary, or should I just see how
I go over next few weeks, have not felt need up till now.

Just looked at plan, was reading ahead last night, hence
Question on time trial, skipped on with Saturday run, should
Have been week after Frank Duffy.
Note. Skipped on in error, not to be rebelious

Hey kennyg, I had a little giggle when I saw FBOT's post, I was - gently of course! - going to inquire about the purpose of this tempo run on the weekend
Have a look at this post from week !T-17 Now is the time'
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=96051326&postcount=1207

It's probably more important to find out what doesn't agree with you in terms of fuelling.

Now g'wan and rebel

Wow, you guys are really nailing these lsrs. From nop's report earlier in the week to all those rolling in today, thank you for taking the time to post in such detail. I know I am really enjoying reading them.
Firstly, we are collectively learning so much more than an individual, isolated experience would and secondly, it is so satisfying to mark your progress week on week.

Frash, great to see your pace (pmp + 67 secs) settling down. I presume this is an average and you're working within a range? Well done, now off and enjoy your holliers...like you need telling....

Chrislad, you've really got the hang of moving within the range and your phrase "felt really comfortable" is a really good sign. As you found, it is better to start too slow and move through the range, well done.

Ratracer, you're starting to tick all the boxes, delighted to see your progress. Pace: check, comfortable: check, niggles: nope. All good, and good prep and planning re fuelling too. Just one thing that stood out (uh oh...no, not really)
If your lsr pace at its slowest is 6:45/km and pmp is 5:40/km, it is ok to organically increase the pace a bit as you warm up and the run progresses.*



*yes, I just gave permission to go faster, must've worked - going back to bed and getting out the right side

Diego b, perfect start time this morn. Yes, it is a lot tougher doing a lsr on your own and you are right, it is a necessary evil which will make you a much stronger runner on the day.
Awwwww, you melted me with your mental imagery (I do have a heart y'know ). Sonia O'Sullivan, later in her career after a number of well-documented mental and physical struggles, frequently asked herself 'do you want this, do you really want it' when putting herself through the mill....again. So you're in good company. Don't forget that
Good thing to know about the Lucozade sport. Pretty sure that's on offer on the day. I agree, it's yuck stuff.
And why didn't I include that tip about hearing dogs when running in my no headphones post??!! Brilliant!

Phoebas, you're absolutely right, the last two miles should hurt so don't worry, you're doing it right
Funny enough, Sonia O'Sullivan used to let her mind wander too....during races :eek: so you're in good company there too but the bad news is, she generally didn't run to her full potential when she let her mind wander
Again, keeping focus is part of the discipline of marathon training. It is possible to let your mind wander but you have to scaffold this process by nailing down the rudiments such as form and pace first so these become nearly instinctual. Not to worry, it's all a learning curve and you are aware of this so half way there.

Eyeball kid, again, you're aware of the need to slow down and are working on it so well done You don't really need to add on a recovery at the end of a lsr, that part is built in to the actual run but if that's working for you, carry on. Maybe reduce it to 800-1000m with some walking. 'Walking it out' is always a good way to end a lsr, even if it's a short walk to the shop to get bread and eggs for your post-lsr scrambled eggs

BobDylan, well done and like the advice above, the last few km are going to be tough so you're doing it right too

TheBazman....TheBazman...you know my money's on you for the Battle of the Bazmen in tullamore. But no pressure of course....;)
Well done on persevering on the pace front. You still have a little way to go but hopefully this year you'll be able to contrast DCM 2015 with last year and say 'yup, they were right, slower is better'
Keep an eye on the stride adjustment tho, that can lead to a whole cascade of knock on loading/adjustment-related injuries. Have a chat with your physio about this sooner rather than later if you can.
Great general feedback, thanks for that!

Denis b, absolutely loved reading this post as am sure many others on here did too. Invaluable feedback on the course, thank you. Now, will you ever go out and finish off the rest of the route next week for us?!
You're another ticking all the boxes: route, pace, recce, cadence, most notably, THE ADVICE ON THE HORRIBLE WINDY SECTION FROM 13 miles :eek: take note everyone, this is where everything can go terribly wrong if you're not prepared for it. So happy to see that you're noticing all the elements of training coming together at this stage.

Thanks again denis

Have a great rest of the weekend everyone, you deserve it