DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

RayCun · 14-10-2015 08:33AM

If you're at the front of wave two, you'll have a clear run for a few minutes, less traffic over the first mile or so. You'll then start running into the back of the people in wave 1, but they'll have started spreading out a little

RayCun · 14-10-2015 08:34AM

Deleted User wrote: »

I walked my friends to their pens last year, and there was absolutely no one directing people to the correct waves. It was self policed. There were people with Wave 3 colours in Wave 2 etc (I was also in Wave 2 for a few minutes!). I don't know if this normal and I don't know if it will be the same this year, but it might be the case that you can still run in Wave 1 on the day?

Wave 1 is policed

14-10-2015 08:35AM

Firedance wrote: »

OK Whoops, will add oranges to the bag of strawberries .

Pre peeled or sliced now OK? :pac:

Aw I just remembered one girl throwing a gel at my friend last year and crying "please open it" - totally traumatised

14-10-2015 08:35AM

RayCun wrote: »

Wave 1 is policed

Makes sense!

Kennyg71 · 14-10-2015 08:47AM

Two runs so far this week running without pace set on watch
and Have been running on fast side with ease, only checked
Run when finished, effort felt comfortable and no pushing
Getting pmp and above.

One 4 miles and one just under 6

Think because in my head they are only short runs, and for
Some reason have disconnected from purpose of runs as taper
Begins. So the question, is it ok to run slightly on fast side , has
Only been between 15-20 sec or should be dailed back, should
they be at LSR pace. Also last 3 runs next week, should they be
Pmp or LSR pace.

Thanks

conor_mc · 14-10-2015 08:50AM

JacEim wrote: »

Target time!

My background:
Returned to training in January after a year out with meniscus injury/surgery after an Adventure race. Weighed in at 16 1/2st on Jan 1 and couldn't run 5k without stopping. Started cycling / running with the target of getting down to
14st.
Training went really well and had originally planned to do Gaelforce West in August, but was a little nervous of knees again. Always wanted to do a marathon so signed up in the first week of July. Downloaded the Asics sub 4 hour plan and felt I had a decent base done as I was running 3-4times per week for the previous 5-6 months.
I have pretty much hit every deliverable of the plan, and have for the most part felt very good in doing it. I have no injuries except a tight Achilles which I think I have had all year long so doubtful it's going to cause an issue now. Weight is down to 13 1/2st which is great also! I have probably done more than the plan mileage every week and did one extra 19M LSR more than the plan asked for. My paces have been much too fast for the Sub 4 plan and despite the good advice from here I have consistently not taken it. I have only run 1 race since starting the training program, it was only 4 miles and while I was very happy with it, it is not relevant for Marathon target setting. I did run a 1:37 HM training race over 2 months ago which I was very happy with. 1:37 x 2 + 20 gives me a projected time of 3:34. This is rubbish as it's not remotely achievable, but based on 2 of my 20M runs (2:46 and 2:43), I am feeling that 3:45 is my A target for the 26th, with 4:00 being the B target. What do people think of this as an A target based on my progress so far?
I have just realised that the pacers are 3:40 and 3:50. I feel like I should go out with the 3:40 Pacers and let them gradually pull ahead of me, as it is easier to keep an eye on something that is in front of you than something behind. Make sense?

You ran a HM at an avg pace of about 7:20/mile, and 3:40 would require 8:20 or so. If it's a good day for running (cool, dry, etc.) then I think you should go for 3:40. From what I've read here, McMillan times are too optimistic (giving you 3:26 or so) whereas the 2*HM+20 is pretty realistic.

I'm a few mins off your HM time (1:41) and I'll be targetting a 3:45 as my A-goal.

Firedance · 14-10-2015 08:53AM

Deleted User wrote: »

Pre peeled or sliced now OK? :pac:

Aw I just remembered one girl throwing a gel at my friend last year and crying "please open it" - totally traumatised

plan is to make little bags with orange segments & strawberries (halved) if there are a few of you in a pace group someone can grab a bag & share around, if you're on your own you can take a bag too. Will have some jellies too

and maybe a packet of jaffa cakes (for me to munch while I'm waiting

)

RayCun · 14-10-2015 09:01AM

Kennyg71 wrote: »

Also last 3 runs next week, should they be
Pmp or LSR pace.

LSR pace

menoscemo · 14-10-2015 09:02AM

JacEim wrote: »

Target time!

My background:
Returned to training in January after a year out with meniscus injury/surgery after an Adventure race. Weighed in at 16 1/2st on Jan 1 and couldn't run 5k without stopping. Started cycling / running with the target of getting down to
14st.
Training went really well and had originally planned to do Gaelforce West in August, but was a little nervous of knees again. Always wanted to do a marathon so signed up in the first week of July. Downloaded the Asics sub 4 hour plan and felt I had a decent base done as I was running 3-4times per week for the previous 5-6 months.
I have pretty much hit every deliverable of the plan, and have for the most part felt very good in doing it. I have no injuries except a tight Achilles which I think I have had all year long so doubtful it's going to cause an issue now. Weight is down to 13 1/2st which is great also! I have probably done more than the plan mileage every week and did one extra 19M LSR more than the plan asked for. My paces have been much too fast for the Sub 4 plan and despite the good advice from here I have consistently not taken it. I have only run 1 race since starting the training program, it was only 4 miles and while I was very happy with it, it is not relevant for Marathon target setting. I did run a 1:37 HM training race over 2 months ago which I was very happy with. 1:37 x 2 + 20 gives me a projected time of 3:34. This is rubbish as it's not remotely achievable, but based on 2 of my 20M runs (2:46 and 2:43), I am feeling that 3:45 is my A target for the 26th, with 4:00 being the B target. What do people think of this as an A target based on my progress so far?
I have just realised that the pacers are 3:40 and 3:50. I feel like I should go out with the 3:40 Pacers and let them gradually pull ahead of me, as it is easier to keep an eye on something that is in front of you than something behind. Make sense?

Jaceim, I know you have been probably been doing your long runs too fast but let's look at the facts here.
You Ran a 1:37 half marathon as a time trial. No doubt in a race you would have been faster again.
You have done 2 20 mile runs in 2:43 and 2:46. If your target is 3:45 you would have had an hour or more to make the last 10k on both occasions. Unless you were totally out on your feet at the end on both occasions then there is nothing to suggest that 3:45 will be hard, in fact 3:40 should be fairly handy on the day (all things being equal) since it means 'just' maintaining you LSR pace until the end.
I think it's not a bad idea to set a fairly conservative goal but there is absolutely no reason for you not to be confident of at least your A goal.

TLDR; sandbagger

14-10-2015 09:07AM

Firedance wrote: »

plan is to make little bags with orange segments & strawberries (halved) if there are a few of you in a pace group someone can grab a bag & share around, if you're on your own you can take a bag too. Will have some jellies too and maybe a packet of jaffa cakes (for me to munch while I'm waiting )

Share?

Oh. OK then.

hot buttered scones · 14-10-2015 09:09AM

menoscemo wrote:

Jaceim, I know you have been probably been doing your long runs too fast but let's look at the facts here. You Ran a 1:37 half marathon as a time trial. No doubt in a race you would have been faster again. You have done 2 20 mile runs in 2:43 and 2:46. If your target is 3:45 you would have had an hour or more to make the last 10k on both occasions. Unless you were totally out on your feet at the end on both occasions then there is nothing to suggest that 3:45 will be hard, in fact 3:40 should be fairly handy on the day (all things being equal) since it means 'just' maintaining you LSR pace until the end. I think it's not a bad idea to set a fairly conservative goal but there is absolutely no reason for you not to be confident of at least your A goal.

Interesting reading. I'm worried to my goal time is too agressive (3:30 if I have a super day). I raced the Charleville half in just under 1:35, and training has been pretty consistent. So 3:30 doesn't seem that outrageous now. Previous time was just under 3:50 but run very conservatively (Cork this year).

menoscemo · 14-10-2015 09:10AM

About the wave changes. You can ask at the expo and explain your situation (times in training, races etc) and if they are happy they put a little sticker on your bib to allow you to go into a different wave.

The bibs of the different waves are coloured and I'd imagine it'd be a nightmare for them at this stage to reprint the bibs so asking at the expo is best. The little sticker is normally just a small dot the colour of the wave you want to go into so that you can point it out to the 'wave police' volunteers in the morning.

Whoopsa, perhaps you saw some of these last year and didn't realise? It should also be noted that if you want to go back a wave you don't need to do anything. So if you have a wave 2 bib and decide you want to go into wave 3, no one will stop you.

Clearlier · 14-10-2015 09:13AM

JacEim wrote: »

Target time!

My background:
Returned to training in January after a year out with meniscus injury/surgery after an Adventure race. Weighed in at 16 1/2st on Jan 1 and couldn't run 5k without stopping. Started cycling / running with the target of getting down to
14st.
Training went really well and had originally planned to do Gaelforce West in August, but was a little nervous of knees again. Always wanted to do a marathon so signed up in the first week of July. Downloaded the Asics sub 4 hour plan and felt I had a decent base done as I was running 3-4times per week for the previous 5-6 months.
I have pretty much hit every deliverable of the plan, and have for the most part felt very good in doing it. I have no injuries except a tight Achilles which I think I have had all year long so doubtful it's going to cause an issue now. Weight is down to 13 1/2st which is great also! I have probably done more than the plan mileage every week and did one extra 19M LSR more than the plan asked for. My paces have been much too fast for the Sub 4 plan and despite the good advice from here I have consistently not taken it. I have only run 1 race since starting the training program, it was only 4 miles and while I was very happy with it, it is not relevant for Marathon target setting. I did run a 1:37 HM training race over 2 months ago which I was very happy with. 1:37 x 2 + 20 gives me a projected time of 3:34. This is rubbish as it's not remotely achievable, but based on 2 of my 20M runs (2:46 and 2:43), I am feeling that 3:45 is my A target for the 26th, with 4:00 being the B target. What do people think of this as an A target based on my progress so far?
I have just realised that the pacers are 3:40 and 3:50. I feel like I should go out with the 3:40 Pacers and let them gradually pull ahead of me, as it is easier to keep an eye on something that is in front of you than something behind. Make sense?

JacEim wrote: »

I originally signed up for wave 2 based on a sub 4 target (Wave 2 is for sub 3:50 onwards). Rang the marathon helpline this morning to see if I could change to wave 1, and they told me that wave 1 is now full

Advice on the call was to position myself near the front of the wave 2 start and get away relatively easily from this.

Does this make sense? Assume there be loads of people in wave 2 who are targeting a sub 3:50 time or much faster than this ?
I don't want to be in a situation where a smaller number of people are running out on their own with a gap to the people in wave 1 in front. Sorry if this is a silly question, have no idea how these things work....

Hi Jaceim, I knew what you would do in the 4 mile race - I'm a lot less sure as to how you'll do in the marathon but on a good day where everything went right 3:34 wouldn't be out of the question for you.

I think that the decision with regard to pacers has been taken out of your hands - you should definitely start at the front of wave 2 and there's no point in following the 3:50 pacers. Ask around at the start to see if there's anyone in the same boat as you and there might be opportunities to work together. The challenge that you'll have will be not to go off too quickly so make sure that you take the first couple of miles to warm up. After a few miles you'll find that you naturally fall into a rhythm. When that happens check your effort levels and if you find yourself breathing hard or muscles straining dial it back a notch. Also be sensible about pace, if you find yourself running 7:20 miles dial it back a bit

. When thinking about your effort levels think about how you're going to run faster in the second half of the race.

If you're not falling into a rhythm and looking for actual pace guidance then I'd suggest that you start the race at about 3:40 pace which you'll find steady but not hard - if it's still fairly easy at the halfway point then pick it up a little and aim for that negative split.

Edit: Just read meno's post. We're on the same page.

FBOT01 · 14-10-2015 09:13AM

Kennyg71 wrote: »

Two runs so far this week running without pace set on watch
and Have been running on fast side with ease, only checked
Run when finished, effort felt comfortable and no pushing
Getting pmp and above.

One 4 miles and one just under 6

Think because in my head they are only short runs, and for
Some reason have disconnected from purpose of runs as taper
Begins. So the question, is it ok to run slightly on fast side , has
Only been between 15-20 sec or should be dailed back, should
they be at LSR pace. Also last 3 runs next week, should they be
Pmp or LSR pace.

Thanks

Hi G, you should try to keep your taper runs at "easy" pace. They don't have to be as slow as LR pace but I wouldn't be doing them all at PMP either so pick somewhere comfortable in between. If you want to stretch the legs a bit throw in a few strides at the end of a couple of them which will be good for both form and leg turnover without taking too much out of you........it is all about recovery from here on in and getting nicely rested up for the big day.

RayCun · 14-10-2015 09:16AM

meno, when was the last time you ran Dublin as a pleb :pac:

The numbers aren't assigned until the expo these days.

But wave 1 is by far the biggest, at least half of all entrants say they want to run in wave 1, so they have to draw a line on numbers.
(I think the wave system is a bit broken, they keep widening the times for wave 1 and more people keep joining it)

Clearlier · 14-10-2015 09:18AM

hot buttered scones wrote: »

Interesting reading. I'm worried to my goal time is too agressive (3:30 if I have a super day). I raced the Charleville half in just under 1:35, and training has been pretty consistent. So 3:30 doesn't seem that outrageous now. Previous time was just under 3:50 but run very conservatively (Cork this year).

A 1:35 should convert to a sub 3:30 marathon if you have the necessary endurance. Did you follow the myasics plan in the end?

menoscemo · 14-10-2015 09:35AM

RayCun wrote: »

meno, when was the last time you ran Dublin as a pleb :pac:

The numbers aren't assigned until the expo these days.

But wave 1 is by far the biggest, at least half of all entrants say they want to run in wave 1, so they have to draw a line on numbers.
(I think the wave system is a bit broken, they keep widening the times for wave 1 and more people keep joining it)

Oops, disregard my previous comment on wave changes so (or is that still possible?)

I am still pretty sure that you can move back a wave (or two) on the morning of the race though? They only police those trying to move forward afaik.

Edit: I rememeber manning the pacers stand last year and there was a girl who had a sub 1:30 half but had a wave 2 number. I remember advising her to ask for a wave 1 'dot' at the info desk last year and she came back to tell us she had got one. So I am pretty sure this is still possible. You just have to be very convincing when you talk to the person at the info desk

hot buttered scones · 14-10-2015 09:42AM

Clearlier wrote: »

A 1:35 should convert to a sub 3:30 marathon if you have the necessary endurance. Did you follow the myasics plan in the end?

I started out with the myasics plan, but got bored with it. I was ok for the first couple of weeks, but was just more of the same only a bit faster - I'd followed it for Cork and just wasn't enjoying it. I ended up following one of the McMillan 12 week plans on Strava. I felt 12 weeks was enough, give that I was just coming out of another marathon training programme, and had a few weeks of the myasics plan done. It was a bit more challenging and had more variety. I did a good bit of racing too (Ballycotton summer series, Cork BHAA races and the like), and used some longer races (such as Cork to Cobh) as practice sessions - didn't race them all out, tested race gear, gels etc.. I raced two halves (rock n' roll in August (1:39:5x) and Charleville in Sept (1:34:39). Started doing weekly s+c session with a trainer about 10 weeks ago and have been doing sessions at home as well. I have 1x20, 2x22 LSRs done, some shorter LSRs, a couple of fast finish long runs, speedwork etc - averaging about 42 miles per week. With hindsight, other than the fast finish long runs, I'd have been as well if not better off following the boards plan and getting all the support here that comes with that, but I can be a bit stubborn about changing things once I've made a decision.

RayCun · 14-10-2015 09:50AM

Yeah, its still possible to change your wave from the wave you put down on your entry. It's just they handle the number differently. It used to be you were assigned a number as soon as you entered, and you'd collect that number at the Expo. Now they assign you a number at the Expo.
That number is still related to the waves, and the default is that they will give you a number for the wave you initially entered. If you want to change waves, you should tell them when you check in, before they assign you a number. They might still refuse...

oh, and moving back a wave is always allowed, it is only moving up that could be a problem

14-10-2015 09:54AM

menoscemo wrote: »

Whoopsa, perhaps you saw some of these last year and didn't realise? It should also be noted that if you want to go back a wave you don't need to do anything. So if you have a wave 2 bib and decide you want to go into wave 3, no one will stop you.

Entirely possible. Though I know one of the lads with us had a wave 3 colour and was in wave 2. It was more that there was actually no one doing the policing at all where we entered.

menoscemo wrote: »

You just have to be very convincing when you talk to the person at the info desk

And bring a packet of coloured markers just in case :P

Clearlier · 14-10-2015 10:02AM

hot buttered scones wrote: »

I started out with the myasics plan, but got bored with it. I was ok for the first couple of weeks, but was just more of the same only a bit faster - I'd followed it for Cork and just wasn't enjoying it. I ended up following one of the McMillan 12 week plans on Strava. I felt 12 weeks was enough, give that I was just coming out of another marathon training programme, and had a few weeks of the myasics plan done. It was a bit more challenging and had more variety. I did a good bit of racing too (Ballycotton summer series, Cork BHAA races and the like), and used some longer races (such as Cork to Cobh) as practice sessions - didn't race them all out, tested race gear, gels etc.. I raced two halves (rock n' roll in August (1:39:5x) and Charleville in Sept (1:34:39). Started doing weekly s+c session with a trainer about 10 weeks ago and have been doing sessions at home as well. I have 1x20, 2x22 LSRs done, some shorter LSRs, a couple of fast finish long runs, speedwork etc - averaging about 42 miles per week. With hindsight, other than the fast finish long runs, I'd have been as well if not better off following the boards plan and getting all the support here that comes with that, but I can be a bit stubborn about changing things once I've made a decision.

All of that suggests that you should be capable of 3:30 should everything go right on the day.

coolhandspan · 14-10-2015 10:06AM

Okay folks,

Pacing talk... ha ha.

I have been working off the Runkeeper sub 3.30 plan, I have missed a few mid week runs and have been unable to maintain fast pace sub 07.45 for long periods of time during training due to general fatigue in legs.
The plan had lsr's at 08.10 per mile pace I dialed this back to 09.30 min mile pace.

Anyway did frank Duffy 10 in 01hour .12min 07.12 min miles
Did Dublin half in 01.36.5x 07.20 min miles

Did my two 20 mile lsr at 09.30 min mile pace, felt tough but doable.

Haven;t run in 6 days due to hip flexor problem, using a cross trainer tonight for an hour then physio tomorrow for all clear hopefully. Hip feeling a bit better each day.

I am planning to set an A Goal of sub 03.45 , Is this a good idea..?

:eek:

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 10:13AM

unaaine wrote: »

Last interval session done! Was not up for this at all and really dragged my feet going out but glad I went. 9km with 3* 1,600m @ 4.45 p/km with 70% of interval time recovery. Left calf a little tight but nothing serious and have physio tomorrow who'll hopefully work on that a bit. Good one to have over & done with.

Hi unaaine, sorry, I feel I have been neglecting you, it's been a busy couple of days! I was meaning to ask you how the calf and itb are, how did physio go? And how's the nail, have you finished the antibiotics? They should be well out of your system by the 26th.

I see you got a reply re pacing. We'll do a bit more general chat on using - or not - pacing groups. My take fwiw is to use these as a support/tool, much like you do your gps watch. Run your own race, don't rely on them 100% and use them as a guide.

And I can't believe you'd give denis b a run for his money in the age category (not fishing, promise!) but he did get his course overview in first, just saying, no pressure

:pac:

You remind me of one of my clubmates who is a super triathlete and winning her age category road and championship races left, right and centre. Don't suppose you're related?!

nop98 · 14-10-2015 10:16AM

Firedance wrote: »

plan is to make little bags with orange segments & strawberries (halved) if there are a few of you in a pace group someone can grab a bag & share around, if you're on your own you can take a bag too. Will have some jellies too and maybe a packet of jaffa cakes (for me to munch while I'm waiting )

LEGEND!

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 10:17AM

RayCun wrote: »

meno, when was the last time you ran Dublin as a pleb :pac:

^^^^ this!

Clearlier · 14-10-2015 10:20AM

coolhandspan wrote: »

Okay folks,

Pacing talk... ha ha.

I have been working off the Runkeeper sub 3.30 plan, I have missed a few mid week runs and have been unable to maintain fast pace sub 07.45 for long periods of time during training due to general fatigue in legs.
The plan had lsr's at 08.10 per mile pace I dialed this back to 09.30 min mile pace.

Anyway did frank Duffy 10 in 01hour .12min 07.12 min miles
Did Dublin half in 01.36.5x 07.20 min miles

Did my two 20 mile lsr at 09.30 min mile pace, felt tough but doable.

Haven;t run in 6 days due to hip flexor problem, using a cross trainer tonight for an hour then physio tomorrow for all clear hopefully. Hip feeling a bit better each day.

I am planning to set an A Goal of sub 03.45 , Is this a good idea..?:eek:

I don't suppose you have a log of the training that you've done?

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 10:26AM

nop98 wrote: »

What an EPIC post, DG, my word, you're exceeding your own dizzying high standards. I was in work when I saw it come in and have been trying to read it ever since

IMHO, this sums it all up: "DONT BE TOO ATTACHED TO THE OUTCOME".

Here comes a bit of waffle. We all want to do great things on the day, times and performances that all our efforts over the past months deserve. But really, the first, and foremost thing, is to listen to our bodies during the event itself and do what they tell us to do. Who cares about whatever arbitrary finish time we have in mind, what's important is that we don't do any physical harm to ourselves. As I was reading last years' race reports, it struck me how many runners ended up in first aid, and worse. It's just a run, folks, at the end of the day - let's get home safe and sound. The second goal is to finish it, enjoy it, meet you all for a pint - if not two, and have a story to tell our grandchildren. Everything else is irrelevant.

Speaking of last years' reports, here's a confession: I read them all in the weeks following DCM 2014, and subconsciously made the decision to run this year. So there - I actually can't believe we're here.

Having said that - I have done some thinking about personal targets.

Training has gone well beyond expectations. Early on in the program I was struggling to try and fit it all in, but that was only temporarily. I checked all LSR boxes, ran further and longer than ever before, and ran some modest PBs on 5k, 10k, and 10M in the process. I actually entered those run-times in one of those online race result calculators and the outcomes make me laugh, they're so unrealistic.

The training run I enjoyed the most was the 13M @ >PMP I ran instead of the DCHM. I nearly ran a HM PB while joking around with a friend and that gave (still gives) me plenty of confidence - I had so much left in the tank. Had we pushed the pace a bit, I am sure I'd take a chunk off. I am also immensely proud of the 2x 20M runs (one in the company of fellow Novice-greatness).

The hardest run, by a mile (har-har), was the 11M @ PMP I ran in the soaring heat in Seattle. Actually it was a great warning sign against hot and humid weather (not likely to be repeated on the day, in fairness) but also the feeling of "this is not going very well". If I recognize that on the day I am going to drop the pace by at least a minute/mile. The most "HTFU" run of all was 17M through far West Beara, my calves still haven't forgiven me for that one.

So, I think most controllables are under control. I have been leaning to go with conventional wisdom and calculate (HM * 2) + 20 min =~ 4 hours, based on a pre-training HM PB of 1h49 in Connemara (April this year). All going well, I hope to line up somewhere behind the 4 hour balloons and see where it takes me - hopefully outrun them. There'll be some awesomeness in wave-2, too, and I hope to see you all at the start AND finish - none more so than diego_b, I am so impressed with your willpower, mate!

But one thing is for sure, if it feels like it isn't my day time-wise, I'll drop my goal faster than I set it, and will just aim to finish it, and soak up the atmosphere.

N, you're in great shape, you're a *model pupil* (mostly

) and you have a deadly outlook and approach to the whole thing.

Remember that ad a few years back: 'You can't sing, you can't play, you look awful....You'll go a long way!'

Well in running terms, you CAN sing, you CAN play and you look....well, you look Dutch :pac: but you'll still go a long way...all 26.2 miles

Go for it and if it all wraps together nicely, we'll see a low 3:5x for you

coolhandspan · 14-10-2015 10:29AM

Clearlier wrote: »

I don't suppose you have a log of the training that you've done?

Yeah clearlier, I have it all backed up on plan, what way will I put it on. Just list it??

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 10:32AM

runnerholic wrote: »

Dubgal72 wrote: »

I see meno advised not to reduce your frequency too much and he's got a good point, however as you have missed quite a few midweek runs, on no account increase your running frequency at this stage either How's the ankle holding up now you've stopped the lsrs?

Thanks for the reply DG. Yeah meno's point makes perfect sense for someone that has done all their midweek runs but unfortunately that does not apply to me. I am going to try and do 3 more runs of around 6 miles and get to the start well rested and pain free. The ankle will be okay on the day if I am careful with it from here on in. I have decided not to go for the 3.30 as originally planned and to go with the 3.40 pacers. If things go well I might dip into the 3.30's and if not I may still come in under 4.00 which I would have to be happy with considering how miserable my training has been.
I am wondering though that going with the slower time means all my LSR's have been too fast, will this be a problem on the day?

Hi runnerholic, imo, lsr pace is only one aspect you need to be worried about. I'd recommend an approach from the other end of things: start off with the 4h/3:50 group and work your way down. Far less painful! You've done the lsrs but not much else to bolster your general aerobic fitness and endurance but as you've said, this is a 'do or bust' attempt!

nop98 · 14-10-2015 10:41AM

Dubgal72 wrote: »

N, you're in great shape, you're a *model pupil* (mostly ) and you have a deadly outlook and approach to the whole thing.

Remember that ad a few years back: 'You can't sing, you can't play, you look awful....You'll go a long way!'

Well in running terms, you CAN sing, you CAN play and you look....well, you look Dutch :pac: but you'll still go a long way...all 26.2 miles

Go for it and if it all wraps together nicely, we'll see a low 3:5x for you

Thank you for the vote of confidence! Not sure about the model pupil part (don't let hillsiderunner see that, she'll have a field day) but this really means an awful lot .

I guess I'll wear orange on the day to underline the Dutchness

DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

Comments