DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

This Fat Girl Runs · 04-09-2015 04:05PM

So I've been working on a little project in my downtime. I took some of my most favourite, positive, encouraging comments from the thread and turned them into a desktop wallpaper. Just wanted to share. Feel free to use too if you want.

Stay positive people, we've got serious running to do this month! Last full month before DCM! :eek:

JacEim · 04-09-2015 04:29PM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

So I've been working on a little project in my downtime. I took some of my most favourite, positive, encouraging comments from the thread and turned them into a desktop wallpaper. Just wanted to share. Feel free to use too if you want. Stay positive people, we've got serious running to do this month! Last full month before DCM! :eek:

It's amazing the different characters that exist on this board - and even though I've never met you, based on your posts I am not surprised that you have done something like this. This is fantastic and i thank you very much!!

diego_b · 04-09-2015 04:34PM

JacEim wrote: »

It's amazing the different characters that exist on this board - and even though I've never met you, based on your posts I am not surprised that you have done something like this. This is fantastic and i thank you very much!!

Here here, really like that!

Mrs Mc · 04-09-2015 05:23PM

Murph_D wrote: »

I'd play it by ear at the moment. There would be no harm in adding the extra 2 miles if you feel up to it. But see how you feel after the first one. A lot of plans go to 22 miles (the one I've followed the past few years has 2x22, 2x20 and at least 3x18, many of them with MP miles added) but first time out it's all about getting your body used to the gradually increased stress of running these distances. While changing things around is often unavoidable, generally I feel it's best to trust the plan and commit to it.

Yeah Dave Carrie plan has us going to 22 after the 20 and then back to 20. Trying to not think about it to be honest already starting to get anxious about 17 miles this weekend.;(

Mrs Mc · 04-09-2015 05:30PM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

So I've been working on a little project in my downtime. I took some of my most favourite, positive, encouraging comments from the thread and turned them into a desktop wallpaper. Just wanted to share. Feel free to use too if you want. Stay positive people, we've got serious running to do this month! Last full month before DCM! :eek:

That is great what an encouraging bunch we are

Singer · 04-09-2015 06:58PM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

So I've been working on a little project in my downtime. I took some of my most favourite, positive, encouraging comments from the thread and turned them into a desktop wallpaper. Just wanted to share. Feel free to use too if you want. Stay positive people, we've got serious running to do this month! Last full month before DCM! :eek:

This is beautiful! There are 51 days left to the marathon. It's now September (!!!), which is when we'll all do the most running we've ever done in our lives. I've been dreading and looking forward to this month in equal measures. The time is now, let's do this thing

diego_b · 04-09-2015 07:07PM

Singer wrote:

This is beautiful! There are 51 days left to the marathon. It's now September (!!!), which is when we'll all do the most running we've ever done in our lives. I've been dreading and looking forward to this month in equal measures. The time is now, let's do this thing

Left foot, right foot and repeat...

Kennyg71 · 04-09-2015 07:11PM

menoscemo wrote: »

No, you are on a more advanced plan than most here ( I wouldn't advise anyone on a novice plan to do this!!), and the idea is to practise running at race pace when tired.

Try to get in your Marathon pace miles towards the end of your run.
Also to avoid going off on those miles too fast; build into the pace. So say your PMP is 9 min/mile and you're running your easy sections at 10 min/mile do the mile immediately preceeding PMP section at a steady pace (say 9:20-9:30 min/mile). If you do this 'steady' mile too fast you can count it as your first PMP mile.

Thanks Meno, have done one of these runs at 16 miles, with
6lsr 6 PMP & 4 LSR. But building from mile 4. but first
3/4 miles went way to fast.

This Sunday is 18, so would 8 LSR , then 8 PMP & 2 LSR , and
Starting to get to PMP between mile 8 & 9 be good. We have
Decided to put pace on second watch to 9.15 this time to
Keep closer to 9 mins, as when set to 9 min, miles start coming
In at 8.40.

When I seen 3 hr of running debate I thought this was reason,
Won't get to stressed so. We also have 1 22 mile option, as
Plan says 18/20. & 20/22 for couple of runs, do u reckon 20
Miles enough.
Thanks
G

Peter D61 · 04-09-2015 07:13PM

Doing a 16 mile lsr on Sunday, I'll be using gels for the first time. I was going to use a gel at 4, 8, and 12 miles. Does that sound right ?

duffer247 · 04-09-2015 07:28PM

Appreciate a bit of advice here.my plan this week was to rest Mon, run 4m Tues,run 8m Wed, rest Thurs another 4m Friday and then lsr this weekend. Due to a family event I wanted to leave a bit of flexibility on weekend regarding lsr eg either Sat or Sun. What's come up now is that I've been asked to do a parkrun on Saturday and can't really say no. So what do I do? Rest up tonight, do the 5k easy tomorrow and lsr Sunday?
Appreciate any advice

Mrs Mc · 04-09-2015 07:29PM

Peter D61 wrote: »

Doing a 16 mile lsr on Sunday, I'll be using gels for the first time. I was going to use a gel at 4, 8, and 12 miles. Does that sound right ?

I just take one after an hour and half running.

duffer247 · 04-09-2015 07:31PM

Peter D61 wrote: »

Doing a 16 mile lsr on Sunday, I'll be using gels for the first time. I was going to use a gel at 4, 8, and 12 miles. Does that sound right ?

Do you really think you'll need one @4? I would have thought that around the 90 minute mark you would consider gelling up if you feel you need it. Just my thoughts - I've no quals in this area

Peter D61 · 04-09-2015 07:31PM

duffer247 wrote:

Appreciate a bit of advice here.my plan this week was to rest Mon, run 4m Tues,run 8m Wed, rest Thurs another 4m Friday and then lsr this weekend. Due to a family event I wanted to leave a bit of flexibility on weekend regarding lsr eg either Sat or Sun. What's come up now is that I've been asked to do a parkrun on Saturday and can't really say no. So what do I do? Rest up tonight, do the 5k easy tomorrow and lsr Sunday? Appreciate any advice

I had a similar problem a few weeks ago and that's exactly what I did. No problems.

Mrs Mc · 04-09-2015 07:32PM

duffer247 wrote: »

Appreciate a bit of advice here.my plan this week was to rest Mon, run 4m Tues,run 8m Wed, rest Thurs another 4m Friday and then lsr this weekend. Due to a family event I wanted to leave a bit of flexibility on weekend regarding lsr eg either Sat or Sun. What's come up now is that I've been asked to do a parkrun on Saturday and can't really say no. So what do I do? Rest up tonight, do the 5k easy tomorrow and lsr Sunday?
Appreciate any advice

If it messes with your plan why not just volunteer at park run so that you're still there but not messing up your plan ?

Dubgal72 · 04-09-2015 07:32PM

Peter D61 wrote: »

Doing a 16 mile lsr on Sunday, I'll be using gels for the first time. I was going to use a gel at 4, 8, and 12 miles. Does that sound right ?

Hi Peter, it's very much an individual thing. Some runners don't take them until after 90 minutes and some - very experienced too - runners take them every five miles. The main thing for you now is finding out what works and what doesn't. Hopefully you'll get on ok with the brand you have picked and won't have any stomach issue. You will also be able to practise the mechanics of opening it, slurping and following with water (depending on the gel type).

Whatever you do, don't take two too close together and don't take a sports drink too close to a gel either = sugar overload :eek:

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Dubgal72 · 04-09-2015 07:34PM

duffer247 wrote: »

Appreciate a bit of advice here.my plan this week was to rest Mon, run 4m Tues,run 8m Wed, rest Thurs another 4m Friday and then lsr this weekend. Due to a family event I wanted to leave a bit of flexibility on weekend regarding lsr eg either Sat or Sun. What's come up now is that I've been asked to do a parkrun on Saturday and can't really say no. So what do I do? Rest up tonight, do the 5k easy tomorrow and lsr Sunday?
Appreciate any advice

Why can't you say no?? :eek: sounds serious.....

duffer247 · 04-09-2015 07:37PM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

So I've been working on a little project in my downtime. I took some of my most favourite, positive, encouraging comments from the thread and turned them into a desktop wallpaper. Just wanted to share. Feel free to use too if you want. Stay positive people, we've got serious running to do this month! Last full month before DCM! :eek:

"You'll never have another first marathon"- I love that one

menoscemo · 04-09-2015 07:39PM

Kennyg71 wrote: »

Thanks Meno, have done one of these runs at 16 miles, with
6lsr 6 PMP & 4 LSR. But building from mile 4. but first
3/4 miles went way to fast.

This Sunday is 18, so would 8 LSR , then 8 PMP & 2 LSR , and
Starting to get to PMP between mile 8 & 9 be good. We have
Decided to put pace on second watch to 9.15 this time to
Keep closer to 9 mins, as when set to 9 min, miles start coming
In at 8.40.

When I seen 3 hr of running debate I thought this was reason,
Won't get to stressed so. We also have 1 22 mile option, as
Plan says 18/20. & 20/22 for couple of runs, do u reckon 20
Miles enough.
Thanks
G

Your plan to pick up the pace on mile 8 or 9 sounds good. I have no idea what you mean by second watch though??

As for the 20/22 miler you will probably have more long runs done than many on here, so maybe you will be capable of it but at the same stage I would just plan for 20 if I was you. If you finish the 20 and feel fresh than maybe do a mile out and back at the end to make up 2 miles? But this will only be a mental boost; physically you'll get the same boost from just doing 20 IMO.

duffer247 · 04-09-2015 07:39PM

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Why can't you say no?? :eek: sounds serious.....

Ah it's my father in laws months mind and I don't have a huge amount in common with my brother in law except running- so when he asked I felt I couldn't say no

Dubgal72 · 04-09-2015 07:46PM

duffer247 wrote: »

Ah it's my father in laws months mind and I don't have a huge amount in common with my brother in law except running- so when he asked I felt I couldn't say no

Ah I see...and sorry for your wife's and your loss.

What sort of pace is easy and what is the likelihood of you being able to stick to easy pace? A rest tonight and 5k Sat followed by lsr Sun is fine....as long as the 5k (+ warm up etc) is at easy pace. You don't want to jeopardise your lsr at this stage

Peter D61 · 04-09-2015 07:47PM

Mrs Mc wrote:

I just take one after an hour and half running.

duffer247 wrote:

Do you really think you'll need one @4? I would have thought that around the 90 minute mark you would consider gelling up if you feel you need it. Just my thoughts - I've no quals in this area

Dubgal72 wrote:

Hi Peter, it's very much an individual thing. Some runners don't take them until after 90 minutes and some - very experienced too - runners take them every five miles. The main thing for you now is finding out what works and what doesn't. Hopefully you'll get on ok with the brand you have picked and won't have any stomach issue. You will also be able to practise the mechanics of opening it, slurping and following with water (depending on the gel type).

Thank you all, I'll let you know how it goes.

menoscemo · 04-09-2015 07:50PM

duffer247 wrote: »

Do you really think you'll need one @4? I would have thought that around the 90 minute mark you would consider gelling up if you feel you need it. Just my thoughts - I've no quals in this area

If you are going to take gels it's much better to take them early. If you are going to need them, leaving it until you really need them will be too late (it still takes the body 15-20 minutes to metabolise the sugar).
Also the longer in the marathon you leave it to take gels the more chance of your stomach rejecting them.
It doesn't matter at what stage you take the gels in terms of their effect. Taking on 100 calories at mile 1, saves your body 100 calories from it's glycogen stores. You don't need to wait for the tank to be empty before refilling it....

duffer247 · 04-09-2015 08:05PM

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Ah I see...and sorry for your wife's and your loss.

What sort of pace is easy and what is the likelihood of you being able to stick to easy pace? A rest tonight and 5k Sat followed by lsr Sun is fine....as long as the 5k (+ warm up etc) is at easy pace. You don't want to jeopardise your lsr at this stage

Thanks dg
Anything with a 11 at the start is easy, my brother in law will be looking to be at the top of the the race so there's no pressure to keep up with him. Doing a 30min parkrun is probably harder than doing a quick one especially with the race nature of it, but I'm so focused on the lsr this weekend I won't let anything jeopardise it!

Kennyg71 · 04-09-2015 08:40PM

menoscemo wrote: »

Your plan to pick up the pace on mile 8 or 9 sounds good. I have no idea what you mean by second watch though??

As for the 20/22 miler you will probably have more long runs done than many on here, so maybe you will be capable of it but at the same stage I would just plan for 20 if I was you. If you finish the 20 and feel fresh than maybe do a mile out and back at the end to make up 2 miles? But this will only be a mental boost; physically you'll get the same boost from just doing 20 IMO.

Thanks Meno, are 3 of us running, so usually put one watch on
Pace time for LSR time, and one of us sets for PMP so to try
Keep pace in check. Plenty of time to decide on 22 as not till
After half.

Thanks
G

menoscemo · 04-09-2015 08:46PM

Kennyg71 wrote: »

Thanks Meno, are 3 of us running, so usually put one watch on
Pace time for LSR time, and one of us sets for PMP so to try
Keep pace in check. Plenty of time to decide on 22 as not till
After half.

Thanks
G

Ah, do you programme your watch to keep a certain pace?
I'd never do that myself, I'd just run easy on the easy sections and have the odd glance every 2-3 miles.
For PMP I'd just check the split after each mile to make sure I am approximately on target pace and play it by feel apart from that.

Not saying what you're doing is wrong btw, if it's working for you; carry on!!

Dubgal72 · 04-09-2015 09:09PM

Good luck you guys running in Dingle tomorrow! You should be on the way to bed shortly with everything prepped for the morning

Those of you using it as a training run, keep it slow: when all around you are losing their heads...keep yours.*

Everyone else, enjoy that lsr and remember, start conservatively.**

All of you:
Don't forget to get some protein and carbohydrates into you immediately post run: chocolate milk/regular milk (no need for skimmed etc, hit the full fat), nuts and dried fruit etc and try eat something substantial - and again protein-based - an hour to an hour and a half after. This will help repair and recovery and also prevent 'eat the fridge syndrome'.
Don't forget to rehydrate too.

Look how far you guys have come...

*cos if you don't I'll have it at the finish line

**try do some walking around during the rest of the day but no harm booking in some sofa-parenting either at some stage for those of you with active kiddies...

Kennyg71 · 04-09-2015 09:14PM

menoscemo wrote: »

Ah, do you programme your watch to keep a certain pace?
I'd never do that myself, I'd just run easy on the easy sections and have the odd glance every 2-3 miles.
For PMP I'd just check the split after each mile to make sure I am approximately on target pace and play it by feel apart from that.

Not saying what you're doing is wrong btw, if it's working for you; carry on!!

Never had watch till stared Marathon training
but find it keeps on pace a little better. But that's
difference between Mentor & Novice. Will proabaly
Ditch after Marathon, our first few 12 milers where
Avg, 9.15 pace, so following advise to try stick in
Zones.

Sunny Disposition · 04-09-2015 09:27PM

Sometimes I get Friday's off so did my 16 mile lsr today. Averaged 9:33 per mile, happy enough with that, find it a bit hard to pace myself at times.
Took a gel at 11 miles but found it upset my stomach, am going to have to either go without gels or try at least one more brand, are there any that are v easy on stomach?
Found the run grand, had plenty left in the tank afterwards. Great to have it done with two days off work still ahead.
Am living in Clare and won't get to check out DCM course until the day before. How intimidating is this Heartbreak Hill? Live up to its frightening name?

Dubgal72 · 04-09-2015 09:32PM

Sunny Disposition wrote: »

Sometimes I get Friday's off so did my 16 mile lsr today. Averaged 9:33 per mile, happy enough with that, find it a bit hard to pace myself at times.
Took a gel at 11 miles but found it upset my stomach, am going to have to either go without gels or try at least one more brand, are there any that are v easy on stomach?
Found the run grand, had plenty left in the tank afterwards. Great to have it done with two days off work still ahead.
Am living in Clare and won't get to check out DCM course until the day before. How intimidating is this Heartbreak Hill? Live up to its frightening name?

Hi Sunny D, great to have that lsr done and dusted, well done! I'm going to pass the gel talk over to meno and co. They're not something I am not too familiar with - I used them during one or two lsrs in training and on the day but that was a bit of a blur.... Anyone come across a gentle gel? What was the one you used?
You don't have to confine yourself to gels, there are other methods of refuelling too such as natural foods, jelly babies, mashed sweet potato......

Heartbreak Hill - on its own - is not that bad at all. It all depends what state you arrive at it in. The support and general carnival at this point will get you up it anyway

This year's course is different, anyone know what stage it's at this year?

diego_b · 04-09-2015 09:35PM

Dubgal72 wrote:

Good luck you guys running in Dingle tomorrow! You should be on the way to bed shortly with everything prepped for the morning

Thanks Dubgal, hitting the hay soon!
Good luck to anyone else racing over the weekend, and those on the LSRs!

DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

Comments