DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

Firedance · 14-10-2015 04:23PM

PJD wrote: »

After 20 miles id say I will be confusing myself never mind the pacers... metric is the future tho and 42 sounds much better than 26!!! :-)

26.2 will sound much better on the day

aquinn · 14-10-2015 04:45PM

Firedance wrote:

26.2 will sound much better on the day

Well really 26.5 on the day but you'll all figure that one out.

PJD · 14-10-2015 04:50PM

aquinn wrote: »

Well really 26.5 on the day but you'll all figure that one out.

Wtf....?? That extra bit has me worried now!

aquinn · 14-10-2015 05:07PM

PJD wrote:

Wtf....?? That extra bit has me worried now!

You'll be grand. Sure you were finishing after 26 not so long ago. No weaving or cutting corners though.

14-10-2015 05:34PM

runnerholic wrote: »

A guilt free Snickers bar, which used to be called a Marathon Bar back in the day which is quite apt.

I think I'd need someone to chew a snickers for me.

Might be better with a tub of custard.

rovers_runner · 14-10-2015 06:40PM

Personal experience leads me to the following for post race bag packing:

No liquids, you'll get some at finish and unless you are at the top end of the field you'll be sick at the sight of lucozade or gels.
Bananas - perfect for clearing taste of above
Chocolate - dark
Crisps/Nuts/Bombay mix - salt

Waterwipes
Vaseline for chafing
Hand towel for face, arms, neck etc
Hat
Light jacket

runnerholic · 14-10-2015 07:36PM

Dubgal72 wrote: »

runnerholic wrote: »

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!

Thanks Dubgal.

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 07:48PM

chinguetti wrote: »

Ah I miss not training for a marathon after reading the last few pages but I've retired with honour since last year:).

Folks, for your first spin on the block, you'll learn so much from running it that if you're debating about going 3.50 or 4 hrs, go 4 hrs. Much much better to finish your first marathon enjoying it and remembering it. There is no description for the agony of pulling something/getting sick/blowing up & struggling home because you didn't run conservatively. Its harder to be wise than brave when you're like a coiled spring.

The important sleep is Saturday night, not Sunday. You'll be too nervous Sunday night so do nothing on the feet on Sunday if at all possible. Know everything you're wearing, eating, drinking, where people are meeting you before this week is out. Eliminate anything you can to avoid stress.

Time drags, you'll wreck your own head between now and then, you'll convince yourself you have every disease going and that you've forgotten how to run.

Tis all normal, well normal if you're doing a marathon or so you should tell your family:D

Just bumping this, thanks chinguetti!

runnerholic · 14-10-2015 08:09PM

What should you do if during the race you start to feel any of the leg muscles start to tighten up or stiffen or get sore/tired in any way. Is it advisable to stop and stretch out the muscle and maybe try and give it a bit of a rub or is this just part of the experience so you should just ignore the issue and plough ahead?

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 08:28PM

JMSE wrote: »

hi dubgal & co, havent been logging into boards at all as I havent been able to run, I find it hard to read running reports the instant my own training goes off the rails a bit. I've done maybe two good runs in 3 weeks since I picked up a knee bother. I dont even think its running related, I think I banged it once too many times at work and running then aggravates it. Find walking on it even a problem all last week.

So u mightnt hear from me til after the day, either way, best of luck to one and all.....

Hey Jim, really sorry only getting round to you now. Nooooo...have you made a final call yet? Marathon or no, sounds like you need to get it seen to.
Look, I understand that checking in is hard, especially now, but let us know how you're getting on won't you? Your energy will be missed round these parts, not to mention your really interesting midnight run reports. Don't suppose we'll see you on the day for a pint? I'll keep you company as one of the few non-sweaty, straight-walking runners

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 08:34PM

Duanington wrote: »

Just popping in here to say good luck to everyone on the 26th, I've been following the thread for a while now and the advice\guidance being dished out is really something else. ( loved the tapering and target posts DG!)

Really enjoyed seeing the progress people have made as they worked their way through their plans.

The marathon journey ( and it is a journey ) represents something different to everyone and we all have our own targets, hopes and dreams for the big day, enjoy the rest of the taper and well done for getting this far ( coz it ain't easy!). for anyone who is missing out with injury - there will be other marathons, don't fret!

Fingers crossed for favorable conditions on the day but as others have already said in the thread - there are uncontrollables that we just have to put up with.

Give it socks!

Hi Duanington, on behalf of the team, thanks for the kind words. You're spot on about the journey part and how it affects your approach re pacing etc on the day, thanks for that

Gillo · 14-10-2015 09:24PM

I haven't been posting but keeping an eye on the thread. This is my first marathon too, despite not getting as much training in as I'd have like too, I'm looking (nervously forward to it).
The biggest problem I found with the training was actually finding the time, but having finally got my last long run out of the week last weekend I'm feeling pretty confident (31km in 3:01.02).

One complete noob question's I'd love to ask; pre-race, there'll be a certain amount of hanging around, is there any good way to keep a bit warm as standing around in shorts and a t-shirt at the end of October doesn't sound the best! I had thought of buying the cheapest hoody I could find in Pennys and just before the race dumping it- but to be honest that's just wasteful.

With all the talk of preparation and advice people have give, one thing I hadn't seen or may have just missed, batteries, whether it's your phone, watch or whatever I'd actually thought of replacing the battery for my polar this weekend figuring that it was probably getting a bit low and hey it started dying out on a run thought. I'd have been gutted if that happened on the day and I wasn't able to save the race along with all my training sessions:eek:

Either way, thanks it's been great reading other people's experience to date.

menoscemo · 14-10-2015 09:29PM

Gillo wrote: »

One complete noob question's I'd love to ask; pre-race, there'll be a certain amount of hanging around, is there any good way to keep a bit warm as standing around in shorts and a t-shirt at the end of October doesn't sound the best! I had thought of buying the cheapest hoody I could find in Pennys and just before the race dumping it- but to be honest that's just wasteful.

That's what most people do Gillo. All the clothes are collected after and donated to the homeless. If It's raining just wear a black bin bag over you or a cheap €1 poncho.

hot buttered scones · 14-10-2015 09:31PM

Gillo wrote: »

I haven't been posting but keeping an eye on the thread. This is my first marathon too, despite not getting as much training in as I'd have like too, I'm looking (nervously forward to it).
The biggest problem I found with the training was actually finding the time, but having finally got my last long run out of the week last weekend I'm feeling pretty confident (31km in 3:01.02).

One complete noob question's I'd love to ask; pre-race, there'll be a certain amount of hanging around, is there any good way to keep a bit warm as standing around in shorts and a t-shirt at the end of October doesn't sound the best! I had thought of buying the cheapest hoody I could find in Pennys and just before the race dumping it- but to be honest that's just wasteful.

With all the talk of preparation and advice people have give, one thing I hadn't seen or may have just missed, batteries, whether it's your phone, watch or whatever I'd actually thought of replacing the battery for my polar this weekend figuring that it was probably getting a bit low and hey it started dying out on a run thought. I'd have been gutted if that happened on the day and I wasn't able to save the race along with all my training sessions:eek:

Either way, thanks it's been great reading other people's experience to date.

I'll be wearing one of these, but I hear a black bin liner does as good a job:

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 09:31PM

runnerholic wrote: »

What should you do if during the race you start to feel any of the leg muscles start to tighten up or stiffen or get sore/tired in any way. Is it advisable to stop and stretch out the muscle and maybe try and give it a bit of a rub or is this just part of the experience so you should just ignore the issue and plough ahead?

From what I've heard, stretching them out is the way to go runnerholic. I've a feeling that if you ignore tightness, you'll feel a lot worse sooner rather than later....

menoscemo · 14-10-2015 09:33PM

runnerholic wrote: »

What should you do if during the race you start to feel any of the leg muscles start to tighten up or stiffen or get sore/tired in any way. Is it advisable to stop and stretch out the muscle and maybe try and give it a bit of a rub or is this just part of the experience so you should just ignore the issue and plough ahead?

From my own experience of cramps, stopping and stretching rarely helps.
If you walk instead you can normally stretch out the leg just as well plus you lose less time as you are still moving forward

The same advice applies if you are tired, always try to move forward; stopping dead makes it much harder to get going again.

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 09:33PM

Gillo wrote: »

I haven't been posting but keeping an eye on the thread. This is my first marathon too, despite not getting as much training in as I'd have like too, I'm looking (nervously forward to it).
The biggest problem I found with the training was actually finding the time, but having finally got my last long run out of the week last weekend I'm feeling pretty confident (31km in 3:01.02).

One complete noob question's I'd love to ask; pre-race, there'll be a certain amount of hanging around, is there any good way to keep a bit warm as standing around in shorts and a t-shirt at the end of October doesn't sound the best! I had thought of buying the cheapest hoody I could find in Pennys and just before the race dumping it- but to be honest that's just wasteful.

With all the talk of preparation and advice people have give, one thing I hadn't seen or may have just missed, batteries, whether it's your phone, watch or whatever I'd actually thought of replacing the battery for my polar this weekend figuring that it was probably getting a bit low and hey it started dying out on a run thought. I'd have been gutted if that happened on the day and I wasn't able to save the race along with all my training sessions:eek:

Either way, thanks it's been great reading other people's experience to date.

Hi Gillo, very best of luck to you! Fire away with any more questions you might have

Gillo · 14-10-2015 09:42PM

menoscemo wrote: »

That's what most people do Gillo. All the clothes are collected after and donated to the homeless. If It's raining just wear a black bin bag over you or a cheap €1 poncho.

Ah if it's collected and donated, not only will I keep warm but get to make someone else a little warmer too! Perfect:
Yeah, I'd thought of the bin bag all right. Luckily the long term forecast looks pretty decent at the moment, not particularly warm and dry, obviously that may change though.

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 09:48PM

*comes up for air 10 pages later* Slow down guys, haven't you heard, it's taper time!! :pac:

So, going to start with diego, just to requote what I think is just beautiful:

"my brain has always been smarter than my ego" Perfection, thank you!

That's for all you 'coiled springs' out there

healy1835, you've convinced me that your approach is the right one...for you. Nearly...
Don't underestimate what 'easy/enjoy yourself pace' will take out of you. 20 miles is 20 miles, you're going to be a certain amount of fecked when you get to that point, no matter what pace you set off at. Don't forget - and this is for ALL of you - to respect the distance. And then some.

I said to mobfromcork earlier that the marathon is like a sleepy, hibernating bear. It can knock you down with one swipe, despite filling in all the 'pieces' and a bit more.

Saying that, you have weighed up your 'risk and reward' balance: if it goes well, you go forward and do another one. If it doesn't...you learn, go forward...and do another one

Now start a log here, ok?!

Mrs Mc, great news, sure you were always a real runner. Now run tall! :mad:

Neady, definitely agree with you re the run 'with your own rhythm' thing. You sound like you're an expert pacer-tool user!

calle c, well done, fantastic half! Recover well and the best of everything to you!

kennyg....so....you and nop 4h -> 3:5x smackdown, eh?!

Denis b and unaaine...another smackdown: 3:55 for the crown

Mac Swifty, thanks for that. 100% agree about the potential for pain but my last horrendous 10k made me want to go back and erase it all...just not this year!

Jake1970, you're well capable of this, text book capable

That sleepy bear will find it hard to swipe down 3200 miles!

Go for it!

Toulouse....no losing your mind....not allowed :pac: Great to hear you may have beaten it...still, plenty of rest!

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 09:55PM

Hi TFGR. I would recommend that you introduce 'effort' into your strategy too. I agree with the 'ease into it' recovery pace approach but keep that to 3-4 miles. Then ease into your easy/medium pace and you can go to either end of that range (upper or lower) as effort levels and terrain dictate. Try and keep your overall pace even throughout (after the first 3-4 miles).

Come 20 miles, you won't be entering 'hard pace' zone, you'll have been gradually digging deeper into the 'effort level' zone in order to maintain the same pace. This is normal and what most other runners will be doing too.

Would you consider fuelling every hour, five miles might be a bit long. You could take a 3-5 min walk break here too. What were you doing on your lsrs?

Dubgal72 · 14-10-2015 10:11PM

Hi JacEim, haven't much to add, you've had some really good advice. You've had a really good training cycle with not many interruptions if I remember and *only* a small - but recent - injury worry. This for me - on top of an absence of a couple of continuous training cycles - would flag a slightly conservative approach but I am really interested to see how you go on the day. Start very comfortably, as Clearlier and meno recommend, and let everything fall into place along the way.

hot buttered scones, you've been well taken care of too

Great training, tune up and racing record there btw

coolhandspan, hope it all goes well. If you follow Clearlier's advice, I imagine your hip flexor will last out a lot longer than otherwise. Best of!

denis b , all smackdown joking aside, you are another whose steady, patient and constant approach throughout this plan I really admire. All the best, you deserve!

coolhandspan · 14-10-2015 10:27PM

Clearlier wrote: »

I've crunched your numbers a little. In the 93 days between your first run and the most recent one you've run 47 times or approximately every second day for an average of 26.5mpw and have long runs of 20, 20, 18 and 16. Your weekly averages are all over the place unfortunately.

My best pace suggestion is that you head out with the 3:50 pacers with a view to negative splitting but not really picking it up until the 23 or 24 mile point but the best advice is to see how you feel, settle into a rhythm over the first few miles, back off a notch and hold that pace as long as you can.

Thanks Clearlier, much appreciated.

Alan30 · 15-10-2015 12:23AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubgal72 View Post
We'd love to hear from previous marathon novices' personal experiences.

I never actually really sat down to think about the marathon last year until quite recently. At the time I was so disappointed with my performance that i suppose i kind of wanted to forget about it. I was told to stop all exercise 6 days out from the marathon and was only given the all clear to run on the Friday but with a warning, I don't think my head was in it when the going got tough. I also started to struggle at about the half way point which after so much training was a kick in the teeth. It then became a case of walk/run for most of the rest of the way as i felt more angry with myself for even thinking i could do this. I remember at about 16 mile saying to myself just finish this thing and go home, throw the runners in the bin and never run again. i was running without music for the first time and all i wanted was music so i couldn't hear the crowds " you`re doing great" , "nearly there". That is how I felt at the time it was the hardest thing I ever did.

But as i thought about it the last few days the only thinks i could remember where all the good things. Its like when i play my one game of golf a year at the end you only remember the great drive you got away, the long putt, the lovely chip.
I could remember the buzz at the start , the emotion when the anthem was played, the amazing support in Castleknock, the lad singing Proud Mary somewhere, the chats with fellow runners, powering up Roebuck because that wasn't going to beat me as well, kids playing drums in their driveway. Then a young girl give me a segment of orange outside St Vincents and suddenly starting to feel a bit better. I was running again. Felt ok the last couple of miles but was delighted to finish. Even with struggling so badly i was still only about 20 odd minutes outside my goal time so looking back i suppose the glass was half full.

Sorry about the inane ramblings I suppose what I am saying is even when it gets tough enjoy the day, soak up the atmosphere and be proud off what you achieve. Now roll on the 26th i have some unfinished business.

15-10-2015 07:21AM

Lads, ever night since Saturday I have dreams about things going wrong during the marathon. Last night it was that I had no fuel with me, and had to stop at a shop but they had no jellies just fruit gums (those really hard ones that are impossible to chew!).

The night before was that by the time I got to the start line on the Monday morning, I hadn't slept in 48 hours and was like a zombie starting.

I had another where I couldn't find my race number. Things like wearing the wrong clothes. Having no water. Thinking I was halfway but had only run 3 miles!

I seem to be fairly calm when I'm awake, but enter panic mode in my sleep.

Is this normal enough??!!

healy1835 · 15-10-2015 07:30AM

Anyone else started to check the weather forecast for the Monday yet? Been having a little nose at Accuweather

9*C and Cloudy at the moment! Subject to change

....haven't checked a forecast like this since my Oxegen camping days

BIRDCAGE1 · 15-10-2015 07:32AM

How are folks planning on getting to the start line on the 26th, with it being a bank Holiday and no public transport that early in the day?

15-10-2015 07:44AM

healy1835 wrote: »

Anyone else started to check the weather forecast for the Monday yet? Been having a little nose at Accuweather 9*C and Cloudy at the moment! Subject to change ....haven't checked a forecast like this since my Oxegen camping days

God no. Boss lady would bate us

Firedance · 15-10-2015 07:53AM

Deleted User wrote: »

Lads, ever night since Saturday I have dreams about things going wrong during the marathon. Last night it was that I had no fuel with me, and had to stop at a shop but they had no jellies just fruit gums (those really hard ones that are impossible to chew!).

The night before was that by the time I got to the start line on the Monday morning, I hadn't slept in 48 hours and was like a zombie starting.

I had another where I couldn't find my race number. Things like wearing the wrong clothes. Having no water. Thinking I was halfway but had only run 3 miles!

I seem to be fairly calm when I'm awake, but enter panic mode in my sleep.

Is this normal enough??!!

absolutely :P I find it helpful to write down the things your worrying about in your dreams (little checklist) so you know you won't forget them on day

Mrs Mc · 15-10-2015 08:19AM

Did anyone see that amazing sky this morning was out running at 7.30 on Clontarf Coast it was orange and red absolutely amazing ....had one of those ..... It's good to be alive runs..... Loving this tapering not feeling as tired this week and feel the legs starting to enjoy the reduced miles too. 4 miles easy this morning 6 easy last night (nearly fell on an uneven path in the dark ... Phew!) and 4 miles easy tues. Rest day tomorrow and family wedding so off to the beautician now:). A few days off too to catch up on sleep and get the runs done.

Peter D61 · 15-10-2015 08:21AM

BIRDCAGE1 wrote: »

How are folks planning on getting to the start line on the 26th, with it being a bank Holiday and no public transport that early in the day?

I was thinking a taxi is probably my best bet.

DCM 2015: Mentored Novices Thread

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