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DCM 2019 - Mentored Novices Thread
Comments
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Ais_Byrne7 wrote: »Hi guys,
Well done all for yesterday - hope you are all resting up and eating your celebratory meals
It was a bittersweet day for me.
With a target of sub 5 hrs,I decided to start off with the five hour pacers. I met Dolores there (Hi Dolores!) so that was lovely. The pacers were great fun and helped keep a firm and steady pace for the first few miles. I took the hills as an opportunity to push out in front of them, and reeled them back in on the uphills. I kept the five hour pacers in sight for all the race and I was really happy with my pacing throughout. The atmosphere was amazing and the support from both runners and supporters was unbelievable.
But alas, this is where the bittersweetness comes in. Passing 22 miles now and starting to feel a bit tired, to be expected of course. I pushed through it, almost there, keeping steady. Getting to the RDS and the 25 mile marker seemed to take forever but alas I get there and started to push for home. I could see the line, I waved at my friends at the 700m to go sign, I was on target to finish sub 5, let’s do it Aisling, let’s give it socks - and that’s all I can remember. Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a medical room, attached to a drip. I honestly don’t have a clue what happened - how did I get here? What happened? Did I finish the race?
It took me a while to come back to my senses. The medic explained that they found me at the finish line and that I’d passed out due to dehydration. I was upset about this,I had really worked hard on my hydration during the few days previous, lots of water, zero tablets, salty pretzels, tuc crackers...and stopped at every water stop during the race. I was being mindful not to drink too much water during the race as it upsets my stomach so I was sipping my bottles till about half way before throwing away, whereas cups I was drinking the whole lot. For a while I couldn’t string two words together, but eventually I managed to ask ‘did I finish the race?’ They believed I did. I started crying because I simply couldn’t remember. I then looked at my garmin which tallied at 27.3 miles. This wasn’t enough, I really needed to see the finish chip time register to confirm.
Obviously the more I came back to life, the more upset and worried I got. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen? I’m meant to be out with my friends, taking photos, showing off our medals, heading for pints! The medics then came in with my medal. I didn’t want to take it without knowing if I had actually finished. With a few encouraging words from the medic crew, and Ronan who had now come to the rescue, I reluctantly let them place the medal over my head and after another half hour or so of monitoring I was allowed to go.
Turns out, I didn’t finish. I must have fallen somewhere between the 600m mark and the line, and I guess that’ll haunt me forever. Needless to say, I’m gutted, I’ve been crying a lot, especially because I felt like I ran a really good, paced race and had done everything in my power to prepare myself for the day. I have tucked my medal away in a drawer and that’s where it will stay until I feel like I’ve earned it. I know I technically ran the distance of a marathon but without that finishing chip time it just feels like I don’t deserve it.
I’m going to take a wee breather from this forum just so I can re-gather, but I want to take this opportunity to thank our amazing mentors. Your guidance and support has been invaluable to me and I know I would not have reached the start line without you. I also want to thank my fellow novices, we’ve made quite a little support group, haven’t we? A huge well done on your amazing achievement yesterday….I’m proud of every single one of you.
1 - 11.31
2 - 11.13
3 - 11.22
4 - 10.52
5 - 11.08
6 - 11.19
7 - 11.34
8 - 10.52
9 - 11.08
10 - 11.00
11 - 11.25
12 - 11.34
13 - 11.28
14 - 11.40
15 - 11.43
16 - 11.52
17 - 11.25
18 - 11.08
19 - 11.00
20 - 11.02
21 - 10.57
22 - 11.43
23 - 11.13
24 - 11.08
25 - 10.44
26 - 10.03
27 - 5.48 ( this doesn’t look right so I’m assuming this is where the issue happened, I couldn’t have been running that fast, it certainly didn’t feel like it)
Final distance: 27.31
Time: 4:58:05
Some race. You can be mightily proud. You pushed yourself so hard you passed out. More than earned that medal! Hopefully you'll get a nice surprise when the finisher pix go up and you'll actually see you cross the line.0 -
Bananaleaf wrote: »*Sorry for the essay*
I finished my first marathon yesterday in a time of 5:16:10. The time wasn't what I had hoped for and wasn't what I had trained for, but that doesn't bother me. I do, however, sit here this morning with mixed feelings- I feel like I have achieved something, although this has yet to sink in I think.
- I feel grateful that I was able to be part of the day.
- I feel very proud of the grit and determination I showed yesterday because from mile 14 it was NOT easy for me.
- But I'm going to be very honest and say that I also feel resentful of how yesterday went for me, because I really don't feel that I deserved to have the day I had.
Here is my race report for DCM 2019. My heart and soul poured out on a page. Apologies in advance for its length.
The final week of the taper was so difficult for me mentally. I was panicking a lot and not sleeping well. I was feeling pain in all different parts of my legs.
Pain where there shouldn't have been pain. There was never pain before.
Why is it here now? Is it in my head? It must be in my head. However, the final 2 days before DCM a calm descended on me. I was ready. The night before, I got a great sleep.
The morning of the race I was feeling okay. Had breakfast, although it was tough to get it into me. Porridge and coffee, then a banana and a half before starting the race. A lot of hanging around at the beginning but I'd loads of layers on so I was warm enough. A couple of selfies with Fraggle and met up with DBB and Kemcloughlin. We were ready to #runthistown.
:D
The rough plan was to get to half way in 2.5hrs and avail of the natural negative split that is the Dublin course :rolleyes:
miles 1 - 7 (11:31, 11:28, 11:52, 11:37, 11:55, 11:40, 11:40)
I felt so excited as we passed under the start line. I was concentrating really hard on keeping the pace 11:30min/m or more here because I had remembered the advice given to me so many times: "Don't start off too fast". I wasn't going to do that - I wasn't going to be the casualty at mile 20 who tore off at the start and was like the walking dead later on. Kept checking the pace. All good. Kept checking in with how I was feeling. All good. I was also concentrating hard on remembering to fuel every 3miles - I had learned from Longwood a few weeks ago how the excitement can result in you forgetting to take a gel at the right time. All gels taken at exactly the right time. Coming off the North Circular road and into the park was lovely. I had some supporters planning to be at mile 5 so looking out for them took my mind of the Chesterfield Ave drag. Spotted them and gave them a huge wave Felt the smallest amount of discomfort in my glutes here. The smallest amount. More supporters were lining the Castleknock gate and they got some great photos of me. Castleknock was incredible. I felt like a superstar!
miles 8 - 12 (11:02, 11:00, 10:57, 11:37, 11:16)
Miles 8 and 9 through the park flew by. My watch was beeping for 9miles before the 9 mile marker was in sight :eek: But again, I had remembered not to worry - we were going to be running more than the 26.2 today and the mile markers aren't positioned exactly accurate to the mile. Decided to gently up the pace as we were past the 7mile mark. Felt good. In all the reading I did about the course, and after all the warnings I received about Roebuck Hill - St Laurence Road never once got an honourable mention. A hill which - in my view - is far far worse than Roebuck. Maybe because it is so early in the race? It doesn't help that it is followed by Sarsfield Rd which felt like a bit of a drag to me. Mental note to self: Maybe the flat canal wasn't the best place to be doing most of my LSRs.
Heading down the Inchicore Rd I was approaching unknown terriroty. In my head, miles 12 to 20 were going to be somewhat of a no-man's land until I reached Clonskeagh, so I planned to just zone in, focus and get there. Somewhere on that South Circular Rd I felt a sensation around my knee that I had never felt, in all my training. Not a pain. Discomfort. I checked my watch.
Pace was fine. I was feeling fine. It can't be that. I'll ease up a little bit anyway, just in case. I was later to learn that this was most likely posture related. More on this in a while.
miles 13 - 20 (11:43, 12:29, 12:12, 12:05, 12:22, 12:36, 13:05, 12:46)
This block was excruciating. The discomfort in my knee area had simultaneously traveled down to my calf and up to my quad and hip flexor. What the HELL is going on? I'm getting really annoyed now and even a bit upset. It wasn't supposed to be like this. It isn't fair. I trained so hard for Dublin 2019. I really did. I gave it my life for 5months. I didn't just follow the training plan religiously but I cut out alcohol and improved my nutrition, I upped my hydration and slept more. I took up Yoga. I stretched and foam rolled. I got regular sports massages every 6-8 weeks. I gave it 5months of my life and more and it betrays me in the most spectacular fashion. And at MILE 12! I know they say to expect the unexpected, but I never expected this. I was so confident that I wouldn't blow up - I was almost smug about it. It wasn't pace related. I kept saying this to myself over and over. Sort of like assuring myself that this wasn't my fault. I was so mad, but there was no time to be mad. This marathon was giving me shít and it needed to be put back in its box! But how? I passed through half way in 2:31 but I knew already that a negative split was not on the cards for me. Plan A was to be sub 5 - I knew that was off the table. Plan B was to enjoy the day - I knew this was most likely not going to happen either. So, it became simply about survival. I wasn't experienced enough to know if I should have stopped for a stretch or not at this point. It was so early on in my race that I knew if I stopped and it got worse, I was done for. A DNF? I've never DNF'd. I'm not starting today. What now? A and B goals are gone. I didn't have a C goal in mind. What can I hope for at this stage? To not stop running and finish. Strong if I can. So that was what I did. I didn't stop. I pulled back the pace. It genuinely took spades of grit and dogged determination. I knew I was strong-willed, but I even amazed myself yesterday. I saw ReeReeG and Huzzah! at Milltown and ladies - if I thought you'd let me, I would have collapsed at yer feet, cried my eyes out and quit. And ... I'm crying now as I type this. The first emotional release since crossing the finish line yesterday
miles 21 - 23 (12:43, 13:17, 13:25)
One day during the training block, all those weeks ago, I headed out to Roebuck Hill. I ran it and remember thinking that it was "easy". I thought it might be slightly different though, after 20miles. It wasn't. It was still relatively easy. Foster Ave - the part of the course I had visualised since back at mile 1 - the lovely downhill I had been looking forward to - was agony on my leg. This was bizzare! I had reached Foster Ave and I was asking for more hills :eek: I was holding a banana and a bottle of water at this stage and I had the life squeezed out of both as I battled through the pain. Every so often I could feel the leg wanting to give way. If I changed my running pattern at all I would surely hit the ground. I recall telling myself - as I came up the UCD flyover - "You're probably in big trouble when you stop after the finish line". I was going to be well over the 5hr mark. I wasn't disappointed with myself. There was nothing more I could have asked of my body that day. It didn't let me down. The problem was that in all my preparation to keep the pace right and the nutrition appropriate, I never once checked my posture. My inexperience got the better of me.
miles 24 & 25 (12:12, 12:15)
As I passed St Vincent's Hospital I thought that if I walked in there and got them to chop my leg off, It'd have been less painful. It was awful. Resentment rose in me again. I didn't deserve this. It wasn't fair. I was now running in a sea of walkers. I felt a bit pathetic. I was trying my hardest, struggling so much, yet I was just about keeping pace with walkers. I quickened as much as I could. I met a friend at Merrion Square who was thrilled to catch me (I think she thought she had missed me as I was quite behind my schedule) I poured my heart out to her as I ran up Embassy Road and she ran alongside me on the path. She remarked that she couldn't keep up with me and here I was heading into mile 26, running and talking! She told me to go for it and I did. Feck the pain. One mile left. Lets go. Get your strong finish at least.
mile 26.2 (11:34 for mile 26)
I passed so many people out on that last mile. I went for it. I had actually made it home, having spent over half the time in agony. So many would have had similar setbacks. Not all would finish. I am finishing. Of that I can be proud. The blue carpet took forever to appear, but when it did I bolted for the finish. I must have looked amazing coming in. Bittersweet. I didn't feel amazing. I felt robbed. I can't keep saying it wasn't my fault. Ultimately, it was. I was being sensible and I was focused and paying attention, but I took my eye off the ball with the posture and I paid for it. When I crossed the finish line and I stopped, I was able to keep myself upright. Success. It was a very slow and painful walk to meet my other half at Nassau St and by the time I got there, I just didn't have the strength to head back to McGrattans. There was also the matter of a very lonely doggy to head back home to
One thing though, when I think back to how awfully wrong it went for me, a 5:16 finish is not too shabby at all. It's less than 20mins shy of my sub 5hr target. And, as we agreed in the weeks before DCM, what's 20mins in the scheme of things when you're talking about a marathon? I have no doubt that had it not been for the sensible advice I was plied with from Mr Guappa, ReeReeG and Huzzah! I wouldn't have kicked into survival mode as quick. Take a bow, mentors. You are amazing!
Like I said previously, later that evening, in the pub, (I went to the pub for a pint :eek: ) doing the post mortem with my club mates, one of the coaches remarked that it sounded like a posture issue. He believes that it sounds like I could have been leaning forward, thus stacking and putting too much weight on the legs and that it took its toll by mile 12. I would be inclined to agree with this. On my training runs, I would check in with my posture every so often, and when I did, it always needed correcting. The fact that I never checked once during DCM says it all really.
I'm currently sitting in bed, drinking coffee and looking at my finishers top hanging up on the wardrobe handle. I did #runthistown and I am a proud finisher, but Dublin and I now have unfinished business :cool:
As someone once said: "I'll be back"
To complete a marathon in that much pain is an amazing achievement in itself. Don't beat yourself up, you should be very proud. Wear your top and medal with pride, you earned it. I think posture with me was a major issue too, I had major pain in my back. We live and learn. Enjoy the rest . You have amazing spirit, your posts have given me so much laughs and encouragement. Thank you0 -
Laineyfrecks wrote: »Great race report & brilliant race! You should wear your top & medal with pride, you so deserve it. Personally i am so happy to have meet you there because I was feeling extremely overwhelmed & upset that i didn't see my son but seeing a friendly face helped me so much. So i would like to thank you for that! Dream big
& again huge well done
Aw shucks thanks. I was delighted to spot you to be honest. Your training, fundraising and everything else was seriously inspirational and you got the result you deserved to match it. I'm sure out paths will cross again at future events, you'll just be miles ahead of me finishing them all!!0 -
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passinginterest wrote: »Aw shucks thanks. I was delighted to spot you to be honest. Your training, fundraising and everything else was seriously inspirational and you got the result you deserved to match it. I'm sure out paths will cross again at future events, you'll just be miles ahead of me finishing them all!!
Just when i thought i had no tears left, one falls! I did nothing special, no more than everyone out there running the marathon for their own reasons I have absolutely no doubt our paths will cross & it will be an absolute pleasure to chat again 0 -
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Ais_Byrne7 wrote: »Hi guys,
Well done all for yesterday - hope you are all resting up and eating your celebratory meals
It was a bittersweet day for me.
With a target of sub 5 hrs,I decided to start off with the five hour pacers. I met Dolores there (Hi Dolores!) so that was lovely. The pacers were great fun and helped keep a firm and steady pace for the first few miles. I took the hills as an opportunity to push out in front of them, and reeled them back in on the uphills. I kept the five hour pacers in sight for all the race and I was really happy with my pacing throughout. The atmosphere was amazing and the support from both runners and supporters was unbelievable.
But alas, this is where the bittersweetness comes in. Passing 22 miles now and starting to feel a bit tired, to be expected of course. I pushed through it, almost there, keeping steady. Getting to the RDS and the 25 mile marker seemed to take forever but alas I get there and started to push for home. I could see the line, I waved at my friends at the 700m to go sign, I was on target to finish sub 5, let’s do it Aisling, let’s give it socks - and that’s all I can remember. Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a medical room, attached to a drip. I honestly don’t have a clue what happened - how did I get here? What happened? Did I finish the race?
It took me a while to come back to my senses. The medic explained that they found me at the finish line and that I’d passed out due to dehydration. I was upset about this,I had really worked hard on my hydration during the few days previous, lots of water, zero tablets, salty pretzels, tuc crackers...and stopped at every water stop during the race. I was being mindful not to drink too much water during the race as it upsets my stomach so I was sipping my bottles till about half way before throwing away, whereas cups I was drinking the whole lot. For a while I couldn’t string two words together, but eventually I managed to ask ‘did I finish the race?’ They believed I did. I started crying because I simply couldn’t remember. I then looked at my garmin which tallied at 27.3 miles. This wasn’t enough, I really needed to see the finish chip time register to confirm.
Obviously the more I came back to life, the more upset and worried I got. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen? I’m meant to be out with my friends, taking photos, showing off our medals, heading for pints! The medics then came in with my medal. I didn’t want to take it without knowing if I had actually finished. With a few encouraging words from the medic crew, and Ronan who had now come to the rescue, I reluctantly let them place the medal over my head and after another half hour or so of monitoring I was allowed to go.
Turns out, I didn’t finish. I must have fallen somewhere between the 600m mark and the line, and I guess that’ll haunt me forever. Needless to say, I’m gutted, I’ve been crying a lot, especially because I felt like I ran a really good, paced race and had done everything in my power to prepare myself for the day. I have tucked my medal away in a drawer and that’s where it will stay until I feel like I’ve earned it. I know I technically ran the distance of a marathon but without that finishing chip time it just feels like I don’t deserve it.
I’m going to take a wee breather from this forum just so I can re-gather, but I want to take this opportunity to thank our amazing mentors. Your guidance and support has been invaluable to me and I know I would not have reached the start line without you. I also want to thank my fellow novices, we’ve made quite a little support group, haven’t we? A huge well done on your amazing achievement yesterday….I’m proud of every single one of you.
1 - 11.31
2 - 11.13
3 - 11.22
4 - 10.52
5 - 11.08
6 - 11.19
7 - 11.34
8 - 10.52
9 - 11.08
10 - 11.00
11 - 11.25
12 - 11.34
13 - 11.28
14 - 11.40
15 - 11.43
16 - 11.52
17 - 11.25
18 - 11.08
19 - 11.00
20 - 11.02
21 - 10.57
22 - 11.43
23 - 11.13
24 - 11.08
25 - 10.44
26 - 10.03
27 - 5.48 ( this doesn’t look right so I’m assuming this is where the issue happened, I couldn’t have been running that fast, it certainly didn’t feel like it)
Final distance: 27.31
Time: 4:58:05
So sorry to hear this, and glad to hear that you are okay. That is the main thing.
You ran a great race and that is something to be so proud of yourself for. Mind yourself0 -
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DCM 2019
Mile 19 to 26.2
(Paces of 11:25,11:46, 11:34, 12:05, 10:49, 10:41, 10:34, 10:49, 9:56)
I was so excited to see the family at Milltown. The kids cute faces and excited waves when they saw me coming!! I took it easy going up Milltown hill. I was more worried about that stretch than heartbreak hill cause I am familiar with Milltown. It was funny heading up towards UCD, I had no idea where or what Heartbreak hill was. At one stage I thought I might have already ran past it and then I saw the "wall" signs The hill was fine. The sticky road from all the spilt energy drinks annoyed me more!! Once onto the flyover I just picked up the pace and went for home. I gave it my all on that stretch. I overtook so many people and honestly don't think a single person passed me in the last 3 miles. Exactly the finish I wanted. Came in at 04:57:55.
A big thanks for all the support on this thread especially to Mr. Guappa, Huzzah and ReeReeG. It's been invaluable and thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait to read all the race reports. Sorry about not making McGrattans. Hope ye had a great night!
Congratulations to the novice marathoners of 2019!!
Another one who sounded completely in control. Well done you! Especially after missing those weeks, that's a wonderful result.0 -
Thoughts
- I completed my first marathon. I started running last November. This is a win and success. I've a huge sense of pride. I am a runner now, it's a part of my life.
- I'd suffered before on long cycling events but nothing like yesterday. I learned that I have resilience and mental fortitude.
- First half was too quick if I really wanted the sub 4, I don't think by too much but definitely too quick.
- The pain I'm feeling now is mostly muscular/doms. I need to get my hip flexor looked at it but it's nothing major. Most importanly, that pain is temporary.
- I wore a set of "racing" runners which I'd used at FD10 and DCHM. I wasn't going to get close to the pace required to see some benefit from them. A stupid mistake.
What's next- Rest. I might get some really light cycling done over the next few weeks to get the blood circulating in the legs a bit more.
- I've been watching my diet a good bit for the past 12 weeks after a bit of a panic after almost reaching 105Kg early in the training plan. I was 95Kg at the start of week 18. I've definitely got more changes that I can make to lower the body mass, in a healthy way though. This week will be lax though, still ensuring I get protein consumed to help the body recover.
- Run the Line is in a few weeks but I need to see how the body is. If I'm still in pain or my hip flexor is not close to 100% then I'll skip it.
- I need to start doing S&C and mobility work as soon as my body has recovered. My aerobic system (recent lab based VO2 result proved that) is good but my durability is what let me down yesterday.
- Next year's plans start early with Donadea 50k in February and then Comrades in June. I might get another marathon/ultra in between those to prep my legs for June. Pending how that goes I think I'd like to do another DCM training cycle so I may just pick up an entry this month to ensure that is a possibility.
- I'm a little unsure on my training paces moving forward so if someone has guidance that would be great.
Was so sorry to see your race didn't finish to plan, but well done on finishing it out! As you said, you've learned you have resilience you didn't think you had! Don't worry about training paces right now, definitely avoid running for a couple of weeks (or more ideally) considering the hurt you were in yesterday. And just pass the time staring at your MARATHON medal 0 -
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To be honest I wasn’t even going to write a report because I’m trying really hard not to be disappointed today that I didn’t meet my target because of something completely unrelated to running or training or preparation. Marathons are a funny beast... so many variables! And it was missed by 5 minutes... to a non runner that would be crazy thing to be upset by, right?!
I hope you get over the disappointment and appreciate the achievement fully You did great considering something happened to affect your day, and only let it affect the result by 5 mins!! Congrats 0 -
Happily sitting in powerscourt hotel sipping on prosecco ! My race report is short! Miles 1-10 loved it pace was good, from then on knees really hurt, as per usual, I ran with my sister, and she struggled a bit too. I found pack of paracetamol on road and I'm not ashamed to say I took two !! But throughout , despite the pain, I knew I could do it. I ran last 6 miles for different people , and just felt grateful through out . I grew up watching my Dad running marathon, and now my kids have seen me do it. I ran walked last few miles . Time was never a priority for me, finishing strong and in one piece was I never wanted my kids to see me dragged across finish line, and I did finish strong . I soaked it all up, because dont think I could do it again !!
Congrats, and good shout with prosecco Sure the person who dropped the paracetamol as hardly going to turn back for them anyway :pac: You looked pretty strong running through Milltown, super run, well done! 0 -
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Ais_Byrne7 wrote: »Hi guys,
Well done all for yesterday - hope you are all resting up and eating your celebratory meals
It was a bittersweet day for me.
With a target of sub 5 hrs,I decided to start off with the five hour pacers. I met Dolores there (Hi Dolores!) so that was lovely. The pacers were great fun and helped keep a firm and steady pace for the first few miles. I took the hills as an opportunity to push out in front of them, and reeled them back in on the uphills. I kept the five hour pacers in sight for all the race and I was really happy with my pacing throughout. The atmosphere was amazing and the support from both runners and supporters was unbelievable.
But alas, this is where the bittersweetness comes in. Passing 22 miles now and starting to feel a bit tired, to be expected of course. I pushed through it, almost there, keeping steady. Getting to the RDS and the 25 mile marker seemed to take forever but alas I get there and started to push for home. I could see the line, I waved at my friends at the 700m to go sign, I was on target to finish sub 5, let’s do it Aisling, let’s give it socks - and that’s all I can remember. Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a medical room, attached to a drip. I honestly don’t have a clue what happened - how did I get here? What happened? Did I finish the race?
It took me a while to come back to my senses. The medic explained that they found me at the finish line and that I’d passed out due to dehydration. I was upset about this,I had really worked hard on my hydration during the few days previous, lots of water, zero tablets, salty pretzels, tuc crackers...and stopped at every water stop during the race. I was being mindful not to drink too much water during the race as it upsets my stomach so I was sipping my bottles till about half way before throwing away, whereas cups I was drinking the whole lot. For a while I couldn’t string two words together, but eventually I managed to ask ‘did I finish the race?’ They believed I did. I started crying because I simply couldn’t remember. I then looked at my garmin which tallied at 27.3 miles. This wasn’t enough, I really needed to see the finish chip time register to confirm.
Obviously the more I came back to life, the more upset and worried I got. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen? I’m meant to be out with my friends, taking photos, showing off our medals, heading for pints! The medics then came in with my medal. I didn’t want to take it without knowing if I had actually finished. With a few encouraging words from the medic crew, and Ronan who had now come to the rescue, I reluctantly let them place the medal over my head and after another half hour or so of monitoring I was allowed to go.
Turns out, I didn’t finish. I must have fallen somewhere between the 600m mark and the line, and I guess that’ll haunt me forever. Needless to say, I’m gutted, I’ve been crying a lot, especially because I felt like I ran a really good, paced race and had done everything in my power to prepare myself for the day. I have tucked my medal away in a drawer and that’s where it will stay until I feel like I’ve earned it. I know I technically ran the distance of a marathon but without that finishing chip time it just feels like I don’t deserve it.
I’m going to take a wee breather from this forum just so I can re-gather, but I want to take this opportunity to thank our amazing mentors. Your guidance and support has been invaluable to me and I know I would not have reached the start line without you. I also want to thank my fellow novices, we’ve made quite a little support group, haven’t we? A huge well done on your amazing achievement yesterday….I’m proud of every single one of you.
1 - 11.31
2 - 11.13
3 - 11.22
4 - 10.52
5 - 11.08
6 - 11.19
7 - 11.34
8 - 10.52
9 - 11.08
10 - 11.00
11 - 11.25
12 - 11.34
13 - 11.28
14 - 11.40
15 - 11.43
16 - 11.52
17 - 11.25
18 - 11.08
19 - 11.00
20 - 11.02
21 - 10.57
22 - 11.43
23 - 11.13
24 - 11.08
25 - 10.44
26 - 10.03
27 - 5.48 ( this doesn’t look right so I’m assuming this is where the issue happened, I couldn’t have been running that fast, it certainly didn’t feel like it)
Final distance: 27.31
Time: 4:58:05
OMG Aisling, I hope you are okay, what an amazing pace throughout. You so deserved that medal. Mind yourself0 -
I had an amazing day yesterday out in the sun watching some amount of heroes completing their first (or a red-do of their first) marathon!! Well done to each and everyone of you, you are all amazing. I hope you're all still smiling over what you achieved yesterday, regardless of the pain or cramps or heartaches you endured. You got there. You're all my inspiration for DCM 2020 :pac:
It was really lovely to meet so many of you in McGrattan's yesterday too, and thanks so so much for the very generous gift! I'll have to wear the t-shirt on a run soon
Recover well now lads, don't be rushing out to get the miles back in. Take a well deserved break, tell everyone you meet that you ran a marathon (One of my fave jokes: How do you know someone ran a marathon? They'll tell you.), and listen to your bodies when you do eventually head out.0 -
Hi folks,
Great to read your race reports, am so sorry the day didn't go well for banana leaf and ais_byrne, you both are amazing to have finished what has to be one of the most difficult experiences you will ever encounter. Be very proud of yourselves, you have managed something that only a small minority of people ever do.
Yesterday was the strangest day, it was the best day ever and yet it was mixed with complete pain, discomfort and hardship, marathon runners we must be sadists! The day started off well, up after not too bad a nights sleep, myself and my husband were running so the run up was a bit busy to say the least trying to organize the kids etc. But our gentleman taxi driver arrived and dropped us off just after 8 where we headed up to bag drop and met up with my friend. Hubbie headed off to wave 2 where he was chasing a sub 4 hour marathon, he had 2 previous DCM's of 4.04 so sub 4 was something he really wanted. Myself and my friend headed up to wave 3. We agreed to run our own race, but stayed together until the last minute, she is faster and stronger so I didnt want to hold her back at any stage. We wished each other well and all of sudden the race had started.
I was a bit nervous about starting in wave 3 as I was worried that I would be trampled on, it was ok in the end, I just did my best to keep my pace easy and try and not go out too fast.
Miles 1-8 were ok, I was conscious of going to fast but I went on feel, and I wasnt breathing too heavily or working too hard so I just ploughed along conscious all the time that I would go to fast and blow up. The crowd support was amazing and some friends popped up in Castleknock that I wasnt expecting and that gave me a great boost. Met another dear friend at Knockmaroon Hill and this again gave me a huge boost. Was feeling good at this stage. Took a gel at mile 5.
Miles 9-14 were a mix of good and bad. I was still feeling great, took a gel at the 10 mile mark and continue on and hit the hill on St. Laurences Road, oh my god, that flipping hill, it absolutely drained me and I took it as slow as I could. Miles 11 and 12 passed and I felt a bit like , flip how am I going to get to the end of this. I passed the half way mark and two women ran past me and said to each other, pity this isnt the finish line, I was thinking the very same. I also clocked at this stage that my first half had definitely been too fast. I had done exactly what I was told not too, :eek: I could have cried. All I could think of was Frash's race report where the exact same thing had happened to him, at a very similar pace, and all I could think was how in gods name I would get to the finish line. I stopped at mile 14 and took a gel, water and stretched and got back running. At this stage I just had to pull up my big girl pants and keep going. I decided I would just slow down and try and keep going for as long as I could. I had always had a plan that if I just made it to mile 20 I would walk, run and crawl the last 6 miles.
Miles 15-22 are a blur, this area was all unfamiliar to me so I had no idea where I was and my mind went blank as to where to expect hills, drags or inclines of any sort. It was also at this point that the water stations appeared to vanish, up to this point the stations seemed to be fairly regularly, but somehow I seem to have missed a station or just didnt take some water when I should have. Anyway at mile 18 I needed to take another gel but only had a mouthful of water to wash it down with. This I did and continued on desperately scanning the crowd for anyone that had a bottle of water in their hand. Then we passed a section that was full of empty water bottles and I nearly cried, they were all empty and I would have drank out of any one of them if there was water in them. I trudged on and eventually saw a sign for water station, yippee, and I nearly cried again as i got near it, flipping plastic cups, I was really annoyed here. At the end of the day we were the slower runners so had been on course for longer and it was warm at that stage, plastic cups really didnt cut the mustard at this point. (Sorry for the rant but this was really a low point for me). I think it might have also been at this point as I passed a couple watching us run, the woman commented to the man she was with, "christ half of them look dead" not what you might want to hear but I realised at this point that I was at the worst point if I got through this I was very nearly there.
I hit so many walls at this stage I had no idea if I had hit heart break hill or where the hell it was. I want to add though that I was still actually enjoying the whole experience, this is why I think we are a bunch of sadists. The support along the way and people shouting your name gives you such a boost and while I was struggling I still kept telling myself I was so lucky to be running a marathon on a beautiful sunny day, something this time last year I would have never said I would manage. I was amazed how I could go from barely moving my legs, at one point my arms were going faster than my feet, to suddenly be back in a fairly comfortable stride and be back running at a reasonable pace again. Anyway with my mind still on water I made it to Fosters avenue and prayed that my friend would be at the bottom of it with water, it was a long shot but I flew down fosters avenue and there she was I literally grabbed the water thanked her and kept going.
Mile 23-26.2 - I couldnt believe it I was still moving!! I just had to get to mile 25 and the embassy and I wouuld see my boys, I gathered myself, walked a little bit, took out a bag of jellies, struggled to open the bag, nearly choked on a tiny jelly, how can kids inhale bags of these things, when it must have taken me 5 mins to eat one and that neary killed me. Got myself toghether and shuffled on until I came to my brother and the boys, stopped to hug each of them, eldest told me how proud he was and younger two ran along the path beside me for a few metres, it was amazing and made the whole experience so worth it. At that moment in time I was supermom, not the usual nagging one :rolleyes:. They gave me such a lift and this is my proudest moment, it was like they were a power bank and I just took off and literally sprinted the last half a mile, I was soo thrilled to see the finish line. I was buzzing, I'm sure people thought I was nuts but I was just so absolutely thrilled that I had done it, I'd run a marathon and omg look at the time, what the heck, I could have done a dance, except the rigour mortis literally kicked in by the time I'd got my tshirt.
Anyway apologies for the essay, running a marathon was a major itch I've needed scratch, its done now, I will be happy to stick with halfs, maybe a 10 mile or two but really don't think I'll do another.
Incidentally my other half achieved his sub 4, just about 3.58 he is thrilled and my friend too came in on target at 4.17 so it was a great day all round.
Thanks again to the mentors for the advice and encouragement it really was greatly appreciated. The best of luck to everyone in all your future running xx0 -
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Should i be in bed asleep...yes but for some reason i can't sleep so will get my race report up!
I think it was safe to say i was pretty excited about running my 1st marathon...think i may have mentioned it once or twice
I went to bed about 10 conscious that the clocks went back. Woke at 1, 2, 3 & 4 but thankfully it wasn't a problem falling back asleep! Got up at about 6.15 & went to make my porridge & the kids 'hilariously ' had left this bloody scary looking Halloween woman decoration right at the kitchen door which scared the life out of me! Put it in the group whats app & got some very funny replies...mainly god the marathon training has really affected you & even braver was 'is that a mirror:eek:
Made my porridge & drank some water with a zero tab in it! Got dressed & headed off to meet my work mate at the luas! He was on his 3rd Dublin marathon hoping for a sub 4 this time. Was a relief going in with him as i have been known to get lost so was nice to be with someone who had done it all before. Dropped off our bags went to the loo then headed off to our wave 3. Thankfully there wasn't much waiting around, we wished each other the best of luck & headed off. The excitement was unreal - finally i was running my 1st marathon!
Miles 1 - 7 8.58,8.32,8.57,8.44,8.44,8.39,8.45
Started off fine, slow but steady. It wss very congested for a couple of miles but wasn't too panicky about time as i wanted to e marginally slower for my 1st half. The weather was fab, discarded of my home made arm warmers & gloves fairly lively. I took a water at the 1st station handy enough & put half a zero tab init & just sipped on it, never through it away. Took a gel at 30mins & decided to go with this the whole way around. Going through the park was nice, a fair bit of support so the smiles & high 5's began Read somewhere about little things bothering you...in the park a man in front of me was running his marathon with lots of coins bouncing around in his back pocket!! Very very annoying, who the hell brings a load of change running a marathon???? I really really wanted to go behind him, open the zip & watch the coins fall out one by one but i didn't instead i got ahead of him!
Miles 8 - 14 8.31,8.12,8.18,8.37,8.21,8.18,8.36
The buzz & support in Castleknock was amazing!! Who ever thought of getting your name put on your top is pure genius! People called my name & cheered, keep smiling elaine, great pace elaine, amazing charity elaine! It really was a lovely boost & did make me grin from ear to ear! Passed through inchicore & got an almighty cheer from a friend in work which meant the world to me!Had to use the toilet as my bladder felt so heavy, was raging as I'd never had to stop for loo breaks on my training runs but felt so much better when i came out! Continued on through Crumlin & felt good, it actually just seemed to pass so quickly & all of a sudden i was at walkinstown roundabout being called again by friends with their kids who all got high 5's & smiles! Honestly i couldn't believe i was half way there & practically spot on timewise:eek:
Miles 15 - 21 8.25,8.24,8.30,8.15,8.14,8.09,7.55
Again the crowds & support along the whole way were amazing! I ate quite a few jaffa cakes along the way which was a nice alternative to the gels! I took a water at almost every station and added half a zero tab and carried it with me till it was gone, constantly sipping it! Got to Milltown & still felt very comfortable, ran up the hill & some woman commented my god elaine thats some pace coming up that hill, was straight away worried i might pay for that later on! Headed on up to Roebuck road where my hubby said he'd be with my son, frantically scanned each side but couldn't see them.
Miles 22 - finish 8.26, 8.39,7.42,7.59,7.49,3.07
Continued on still frantically searching. My heart was thumping, i felt like crying! My boy has Sensory processing disorder & anxiety issues a long with it so up till a few weeks ago getting him to willingly want to come to a crowded area with lots of noise would have been impossible. He worked so hard on his signs & i knew he'd be heartbroken not to see me. The smiles & high 5's stopped, i couldn't even hear if people were calling my name! I hoped & prayed i would see him but nothing. All of a sudden i felt so deflated! After the Stillorgan road i thought nope you're not gonna see him:( i ran with a heavy heart but knew i had to snap out of it! I had trained hard so had to keep going! Then i thought the quicker i get to my phone the quicker i can speak to him. I seen Skyblue again here & he gave me a few words of encouragement so I started picking up pace & smiling again as the cheers from the crowds also spurred me on! Grat pace Elaine keep going, strong running almost there it truly was amazing. I seen the finish but my god it felt like the longest mile ever!!! Finally i got to the blue mat & smiled the biggest smile ever when i seen my time!! Holy s#@t 3:42:47...i had smashed it!!! I'd achieved my dreamtime & more
I kept walking towards the medals & burst out crying, all i wanted was my phone! I meet passinginterest here & i was so happy to see a friendly face!! We chatted while i composed myself & congratulated eachother before heading off:)
I got to my phone & rang my hubby they were all in the car! I lied & told my son i seen him because he cried when he didn't see me! I got them to send me pics of the posters & i described them to him so he was thrilled & i could hear the excitement in his voice:D My smile was the biggest it had been all day & when i put the phone down it hit me properly...holy s@#t i just ran a marathon!!! My marathon training song was one moment in time & i truly felt this was MY moment in time
I headed off then to meet my daughter her boyfriend & some other friends including Sandra for whom i was running for her choosen charity...well i presume yis can all guess what happened next...yep i cried again!
Once they left i headed off with my Google maps to find McGrattons. Was so nice to finally meet so many people. Treviso can i just say i absolutely love Fiona & tell her i told Scott about the superpowers & he loves the idea!
For my very 1st marathon physically & mentally most of the way I felt great! I am so grateful to have had such an amazing experience as i know how easily things can go wrong!
I would like to thank the mentors & every single person who helped me along the way. I was truly humbled by the messages of support & well wishes from people...all it takes is one kind gesture
DCM 2019 you were amazing!! Will i be back for more...hell yeah 0 -
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I had an amazing day yesterday out in the sun watching some amount of heroes completing their first (or a red-do of their first) marathon!! Well done to each and everyone of you, you are all amazing. I hope you're all still smiling over what you achieved yesterday, regardless of the pain or cramps or heartaches you endured. You got there. You're all my inspiration for DCM 2020 :pac:
It was really lovely to meet so many of you in McGrattan's yesterday too, and thanks so so much for the very generous gift! I'll have to wear the t-shirt on a run soon
Recover well now lads, don't be rushing out to get the miles back in. Take a well deserved break, tell everyone you meet that you ran a marathon (One of my fave jokes: How do you know someone ran a marathon? They'll tell you.), and listen to your bodies when you do eventually head out.
In my novel of a race report I forgot to mention seeing you guys and your Mr G sign in Milltown and shouting Boardies coz everybody's usernames and re ask names were blurred in my brain. Thanks!!0 -
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Mile 23-26.2 - I couldnt believe it I was still moving!! I just had to get to mile 25 and the embassy and I wouuld see my boys, I gathered myself, walked a little bit, took out a bag of jellies, struggled to open the bag, nearly choked on a tiny jelly, how can kids inhale bags of these things, when it must have taken me 5 mins to eat one and that neary killed me. Got myself toghether and shuffled on until I came to my brother and the boys, stopped to hug each of them, eldest told me how proud he was and younger two ran along the path beside me for a few metres, it was amazing and made the whole experience so worth it. At that moment in time I was supermom, not the usual nagging one :rolleyes:. They gave me such a lift and this is my proudest moment, it was like they were a power bank and I just took off and literally sprinted the last half a mile, I was soo thrilled to see the finish line. I was buzzing, I'm sure people thought I was nuts but I was just so absolutely thrilled that I had done it, I'd run a marathon and omg look at the time, what the heck, I could have done a dance, except the rigour mortis literally kicked in by the time I'd got my tshirt.
Anyway apologies for the essay, running a marathon was a major itch I've needed scratch, its done now, I will be happy to stick with halfs, maybe a 10 mile or two but really don't think I'll do another.
Incidentally my other half achieved his sub 4, just about 3.58 he is thrilled and my friend too came in on target at 4.17 so it was a great day all round.
Thanks again to the mentors for the advice and encouragement it really was greatly appreciated. The best of luck to everyone in all your future running xx
Congrats, you did it!! And a lot of us say we'll never do another... give it a few days :rolleyes:0 -
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A huge thank you to Huzzah, Mr Guappa and ReeReeG for the last few months of invaluable advice during the course of the training!!
Target Time: 04:39:59
Chip Time: 04:13:58
I'm going to try keep it as brief as I can. I made some decisions up to 48 hours before hand which certainly effected me both positively and negatively on the day.
My target time was more than achievable after running a 1:49:41 in the Half. I wanted to go out and enjoy myself - but how often am I going to do a marathon - once or twice a year - I wanted to see what limit I could hit without exhausting myself and set a decent target for next year.
I was due to start in Wave 4. As I was running solo, I was at the start nice and early (approx 8:45, after dropping bag off) to avoid any delays/if I got lost etc.
After stretching and activation exercises,I had great chats with the 4:10 pacers. Really nice guys, we were talking about the training, the Boards group and target times. They said I was more than capable of under 4:30 so I said I'd plod along with them and drop back when/if I needed to during the race. Was feeling very fresh and no niggles, albeit the day before it felt like I had two minor pulled calves but an excellent sleep, super hydrated all week and diet plan on point seemed to half resolved this!!
09:20/5 came along and made our way towards the start line - wasn't I supposed to be in wave 4 to start 09:45?! I said this to the pacers as I made a mistake and didn't want my chip time affected in anyway - I was reassured it will be fine, but definitely don't want to be in that situation again next year!
Had the gels in the belt and planned on taking every 5km.
I wanted to stick under the 6:00min/km as much as I could but within my comfort zone.
I can safely say the first half of the race was easily the most enjoyable run I've ever done. The crowds on the streets were amazing and really pushed me on. The name written on the bib number seemed to be working!! My HR was low and I was soaking everything in. I zoned out but I knew I was in and around where the pacers were. 01:57:18 for the first half.
Once we hit 28km I was still feeling comfortable, well hydrated, gels going to plan (and agreeing with me!!) - I was now going into unknown territory.
Also, not sure if it was around this mark or further up, I seen 2 or 3 people hold a white sign that I'm sure said ''Mr Guappa says ...... '' ?? I was on the other side of the road so forgive me!!
All my Kms from 1-29 were in the 5:xx bracket. Around the 30km mark I had to stop for toilet break, as I was getting back into the run , bang - my left hip & thigh went into convulsions of cramps and I was hobbling a bit. I knew my time was good and there was around 11km left. I was going to just push myself and pay for it afterwards. I stopped 3 or 4 times at the side of the road for stretches , but everywhere started to cramp if stretched for more than a few seconds. The next 8 or 9 kms are a blur. A mixtures of almost jogging on the spot , to walking , to running again when the crowds were there shouting my name - really was a game changer. Was almost in tears while running at some points. I knew I was going to finish no matter what and it was mind over body at that stage.
On the home stretch I went over to the other half and my mam then made my way towards the finish line. KM number 42 was my second fastest in the entire race - 05:18 - that says it all about the crowds giving people a push and the need to get over that line!! Words can't describe getting over that line, was almost an out of body experience. I hobbled towards the tshirt and post race bag collection area andelevated the legs for a few minutes before getting the bag and walking down to Stephens Green to meet family.
Sorry I didn't get the McGrattans.
Positives and Negatives:
- I did 3km walk before hand to the location and over 9000 steps tallied before the race began. Arrange transport or stay closer to start.
- Pick the correct Wave and stick with it!!!
- Practice more with gels - the most I did before hand was 3 on a long run
- The most I ran before hand was 28km and I was in bits during the training. Really need to hit that magic 32km but lucky it didn't effect me too much,
- STICK TO THE TRAINING PLAN - avoid missing or reducing/increasing milage. the plan works!
- Part of me was disappointing not to get under the 4:10 after a solid 30km (02:52:xx at that point) - In saying that OF COURSE I would have taken my chip time at the end of the day
- Need to get comfortable on the legs in the higher milage - the last 12km is what separated me from where I was to 100% prepared and on for a very very decent time.
I'm sure there is a lot of detail I'm missing and I will edit in as I can think of it.
Again, a huge THANK YOU to everyone on the group, for encouraging each other and all the helpful tips. Roll on next year 0 -
COMRADES! Please do think about starting a training log. You'll get loads of advice from some very experienced Boardsies.
Done.Was so sorry to see your race didn't finish to plan, but well done on finishing it out! As you said, you've learned you have resilience you didn't think you had! Don't worry about training paces right now, definitely avoid running for a couple of weeks (or more ideally) considering the hurt you were in yesterday. And just pass the time staring at your MARATHON medal
Thanks. The earliest I'll be back running will be at Run the Line and that's up in the air pending recovery. That'll be 3 weeks off from running. If I need more I'll take it. I asked about training paces as I like to plan so I've started to look at what I'm doing next year.0 -
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I hope you get over the disappointment and appreciate the achievement fully You did great considering something happened to affect your day, and only let it affect the result by 5 mins!! Congrats
Thanks for that. Actually feeling much better today. No more moping. Now really hoping I am lucky in the lotto for next year 0 -
DCM 2019
Goodness, where do I start. I signed up for DCM last November. Last years 2018 novices thread really inspired me. I was just after breaking my hand in a running fall and whilst recuperating I decided I'd give it a go, and what a journey it has been!
My training went really well up until week 8. I ended up taking four weeks out with tendon issues and got back in at week 12. It really was an emotional rollercoaster at the time. I had almost given up on my chances of being fit and ready. Another tendon issue flared up with two weeks to go. My leg still niggled right up to yesterday. I took a paracetamol at the start and at half way just in case. Thankfully it didn't give me any bother.
I had a great night's sleep and woke five minutes before my alarm at 5.40. Had breakfast and got ready. I foam rolled my sore leg for a bit and headed down to get the bus that our club had organised. The banter and excitement was great!
Bananaleaf was with me, she was on the club bus as well. We made our way to toilets, baggage, toilets and to wave 4 (I dropped back a wave based on my revised target time). It was great having company beforehand to chat and make the time go quicker. We also met DBB and kemcloughlin in the wave section. We were positioned quite a good bit back from the red 5 hour pacers. I've never ran with pacers before but it was nice having them in sight and hopefully to reel back in later on. At 9:48 off we went!!!
Mile 1 to 7
(Paces of 11:08, 11:28, 11:49, 11:28, 11:37, 11:22, 11:19)
I was conscious of taking the pace handy as advised for this stretch. It was hard! The crowd support was unbelievable. I loved the run up Chesterfield Ave, the crowd spread out nicely and it was a lovely bit of quite time between the madness of North Circular and Castleknock. I randomly came across my aunt in Castleknock. She didn't know I was running so it was a nice surprise for both of us My leg felt a bit stiff for the first 3 miles. I took a painkiller just in case. After 3 miles it loosened up and I felt good!
Mile 8 to 18
(Paces of 10:36, 10:52, 10:46, 11:34, 11:19, 11:28, 11:58, 11:40, 11:28, 11:28, 11:22)
I picked up my pace as planned after Castleknock. I was nicely warmed up and felt good. The support along the way was just amazing. Came across an old college friend supporting in Crumlin and a neighbour in Terenure which was just lovely. I ate a few too many jellies on this stretch My tummy wasn't liking them and felt a small bit queasy. I stuck to water and gels after that I had reeled the 5hr red balloon pacers in at the half way mark unintentionally at 02:28:40. This worried me as I wondered did I do the first half too fast. I decided to slow pace a bit to conserve energy for Milltown and beyond. The red balloons bobbed off ahead in the distance. I picked up a 5hr pacing band at the expo. It was a great help in guiding me on where I should be at each mile. It kept me focused.
Mile 19 to 26.2
(Paces of 11:25,11:46, 11:34, 12:05, 10:49, 10:41, 10:34, 10:49, 9:56)
I was so excited to see the family at Milltown. The kids cute faces and excited waves when they saw me coming!! I took it easy going up Milltown hill. I was more worried about that stretch than heartbreak hill cause I am familiar with Milltown. It was funny heading up towards UCD, I had no idea where or what Heartbreak hill was. At one stage I thought I might have already ran past it and then I saw the "wall" signs The hill was fine. The sticky road from all the spilt energy drinks annoyed me more!! Once onto the flyover I just picked up the pace and went for home. I gave it my all on that stretch. I overtook so many people and honestly don't think a single person passed me in the last 3 miles. Exactly the finish I wanted. Came in at 04:57:55.
A big thanks for all the support on this thread especially to Mr. Guappa, Huzzah and ReeReeG. It's been invaluable and thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait to read all the race reports. Sorry about not making McGrattans. Hope ye had a great night!
Congratulations to the novice marathoners of 2019!!
Wow - that's a brilliantly managed run from you. Delighted you had the finish you wanted after a couple of tricky weeks with injury. Congratulations.0 -
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passinginterest wrote: »Dublin Marathon Race Report
Pre-Race
There was so much good advice on Boards over the course of this plan and I learned a huge amount. This really came into play for marathon week, I was conscious of sensibly eating carbs, salty foods, not eating too much protein the day before, not drinking too late the evening before or drinking too much the morning of the marathon. I suffer quite badly from dehydration, so it was a worry for me, I picked up some Precision Hydration tablets at the Expo and I feel this was really worthwhile too, much higher concentration than zero tabs (I think they were recommended in a YouTube vid shared to the novices what's app group). I hadn't slept well Friday night, but slept pretty soundly Saturday and woke up feeling good around 5.25.
I'd had a touch of man-flu on Thursday too but that seemed to pass quickly (probably maranoia too). Purple hydration tablet in the morning, one tab split over two 250ml bottles, the second one that I brought to the start and sipped until I finished it around 4 miles in. Bagels with peanut butter and some proteinella for breakfast, with a banana and a double Nespresso. Not eating too late and eating clean meant my stomach was ready and cleared out well before leaving the house, which was a great bonus, it's always a worry for me. Got the gear on, including hideous luminous yellow visor and black arm-warmers I'd picked up at the expo.
Left the house a bit later than planned at about 7.40. Handy enough getting into town, although it was a bit confusing if we'd be able to get to our planned parking just off Kildare St (work spaces). Made it anyway, parked up and started heading to the start area by about 8.10. Left my wide at the barriers and arrange to see her in the first few miles and again at Dolphin's Barn. Bag drop was hectic but nice and quick and slowly strolled up towards wave 2. Queued for the portaloos near the front of the wave and by the time I got in and out it was pretty much go time. Stripped off the hoody and trackies, and strolled along at the back of the wave towards the start. I was surprised at how relaxed I was and really enjoyed the atmosphere and chats with a few people along the way.
The Race
Before I knew it Wave 2 was on the move. I ate a little energy bar on the way to the start. I stayed well at the back, didn't waste any energy starting to run before the line, I knew most in this wave were going to be setting off quicker than me. I had my pace band and all the advice from here so I made sure to keep the start easy and controlled.
Mile 1 (Target: 9.20 Actual: 9.22)
By starting easy and at the back of the wave there was little or no congestion, didn't have to slow at all really. Pace felt ridiculously easy and I found it creeping under 9 now and again so I had to slow myself down a few times. I was determined to run the racing line as much as possible too so was tight to the inside of the bends as much as possible. Great buzz all along here.
Mile 2 (Target: 9.20 Actual: 9.16)
With the big downhill in this stage I didn't mind speeding up a little more that the pace band. Had a text from the wife before the start to say she's be at Ellis Quay so was looking at for her at that point (yes I carried my phone, Decathlon marathon shorts were brilliant). More great support all along here. Spotted my wife just over the bridge and slowed for a quick peck. First little boost and feeling great.
Mile 3 (Target: 9.29 Actual: 9.33)
Hill was steeper than I expected and I was happy to slow things down and not get carried away. Didn't bother with the water station as I was carrying my bottle from the start. Some good support in parts, quite a few twists and turns too. Watch was already beeping a good bit before the markers. I think there was about 17 seconds difference between my pace band and the 3 mile marker. I think the whole way it was between about 12 and 20 seconds difference.
Mile 4 (Target: 9.20 Actual: 9.19)
Into the park now and quite a twisty section. Trying to follow the racing line still, pretty quiet support wise, quite peaceful really. Still feeling really good and controlled. Took my first gel just before the 4 mile mark.
Mile 5 (Target: 9.22 Actual: 9.20)
First of the straight miles up Chesterfield, some pockets of support but again pretty quiet. Had a chat about the lovely conditions and the joy of running in the park with a guy along here, he was running quicker than me but his target was 4.30, I've a feeling he might have had a tough finish. Despite starting in Wave 2 I didn't feel like I was going backwards at any stage, yes, there was probably more people passing me than I was passing but it wasn't enough to be disheartening or to make me want to speed up.
Mile 6 (Target: 9.20 Actual: 9.18)
Water station along here, so I took a bottle and dropped in a half an orange hydration tablet. A bit fiddly getting it out of the Ziploc, especially with gloves on, but got there in the end. A few more supporters and got a nice cheer and an offer of a bottle of water from one of my workmates. I was looking forward to getting to the cheering zone at Myo's now.
Mile 7 (Target: 9.20 Actual: 9.19)
Lovely stretch through Castleknock with the live band on stage and then the huge crowds at Myo's. Loved acknowledging the crowds, got a bit emotional for the first of quite a few times! It's amazing seeing all the people out supporting, the different causes, the different motivations for runners, it's amazing to be a part of. Ate another little energy bar here.
Mile 8 (Target: 9.01 Actual: 8.55)
The first of the downhill miles and a chance to open the legs a bit. Second gel at mile 8. Feeling really good, based on the mile markers I was a bit behind the pace band, even though I was on schedule by the watch so I didn't mind being a bit quicker than plan. Didn't force things at all, just let gravity do the work. Think there was another water station just before mile 9 but I skipped it as I'd carried my bottle from the previous one.
Mile 9 (Target: 8.58 Actual: 8.55)
Back into the park, little climb and then downhill again. The DJ at the to of the hill helpfully told us there was only 18 miles to go, had a bit of a laugh with a woman running alongside me at this. Used the downhills again, pace was creeping up a bit too much the odd time so had to check myself a few times.
Mile 10 (Target: 9.05 Actual: 8.53)
Still going downhill, I think coming down towards the exit to the park was where I found myself speeding up a bit too much. Turning into Chapelizod was the first time I started to feel the effort a little bit and a couple of doubts crossed my mind. Great crowds in the village again which was a booster and spotted another work colleague and got a big cheer.
Mile 11 (Target: 9.10 Actual: 9.17)
This was a very quiet mile and came with the added bonus of the hill out of Chapelizod. I was really aware of the advice that this one could be a killer. I also remembered flying up it 5 years ago and the pain the last 5 miles brought, so I backed right off the pace and just chugged up the hill gently. Didn't panic to get back on pace, just gradually would it back up.
Mile 12 (Target: 9.06 Actual: 9.01)
More support again and a nice mainly flat or downhill through Kilmainham. Reminded me that I've still never gone to visit the Gaol and it's on my to do list. Gel at mile 12. Working a bit but not feeling too bad. I knew this was going to be tough, so I'm well prepared, remind myself to trust the training and the plan. Looking forward to seeing my wife again at Dolphin's Barn, keep smiling, acknowledging the crowds, high fiving a few kids etc.
Mile 13 (Target: 9.08 Actual: 9.08)
A lovely mile through Rialto and the South Circular. The old lady's singing Molly Malone in Rialto bringing a huge smile. Knew my wife was going to be at the petrol station at Dolphin's Barn, made sure there was nobody behind me a slowed for another reassuring peck! Set off again with a big smile on my face and feeling good. Everything was going pretty much to plan.
Half Way (Target: 2.00.58 Actual: 2.00.51)
Spot another work colleague who offers a bottle of water just before the half. The actual time here is taken from the Marathon app. I think it was pretty similar by my own count too. Quick check of the systems and all is still feeling ok. Remind myself to take this drag to Walkinstown handy enough and conserve as much as possible for the closing mile.
Mile 14 (Target: 9.12 Actual: 9.15)
Water station early in this mile I think. Take a bottle and drop in another half a hydration tablet and take a salt capsule here too. Had it on my pace band to eat another energy bar here too. I can't really remember if I did. I think I most likely did though. Very familiar with this stretch of road, it's the worst of the drag and I don't push it.
Mile 15 (Target: 9.06 Actual: 9.05)
Course flattens a bit through Drimnagh and pace picks up before easing into the drag to Walkinstown Roundabout. A few people starting to struggle now and have to be careful avoiding the walkers. I know there's a couple of friends at the roundabout so looking out for them as I get up to it. Sun is in there eyes so I see them before they see me and I think I frightened the life out of them. Quick high five and push on to the 15 mile mark and another gel.
Mile 16 (Target: 9.01 Actual: 8.58)
These were the miles I was looking forward to. I'd run them in training a few weeks back, it's mostly flat and it's time to really start racing. Body knows it's working, there's no hiding that, a few aches here and there but nothing worrying. I'm really starting to make progress now and passing people. I remember hearing a few people mention the 4 hour pacers so I have a feeling they're not too far behind and might even be visible if I look back, but I'm not looking back. They won't catch me.
Mile 17 (Target: 9.06 Actual: 8.59)
Another water station early in the mile. I think I took a bottle and added half a hydration tab. I remember a few people taking gels from the gel station. I had a lot of stuff sloshing in my stomach and wasn't keen on taking on too much more. Support is mixed along here, a couple of good spots, it's a boring enough stretch. Spot another work colleague and give her a fright with my shout, another offer of sustenance, jellies this time, but I decline again and push on. Really looking forward to the turn towards Terenure and the downhill sections.
Mile 18 (Target: 8.57 Actual: 8.54)
Lovely support at Bushy park and Terenure village. Poor soul down getting his legs massaged at the park. Also a tub of Vaseline on the wall for anyone having chaffing issues, it looks well used! Lots of high fiving kids and hitting power up signs along here. Feeling pretty good and keeping things nice and steady.
Mile 19 (Target: 8.56, Actual: 8.54)
Just keep motoring through Rathgar and the leafy streets of Orwell. Think there's another water station at mile 19, took a bottle but only had a few sips and chucked it, felt like I couldn't stomach too much more and was confident I was pretty well hydrated. Took another gel. Nice steady paces. Body was complaining a bit but still felt confident there was nothing that was going to stop me. It was around here the wheels starting coming off five years ago, and I knew I was in better shape this time.
Mile 20 (Target: 8.56 Actual: 8.54)
Milltown mile. Still mostly downhill, spot the Mr Guappa sign and shout at the Boardsies! Feeling pretty good and keeping the pace nice and steady. More and more walkers and people struggling, I'm still making good progress. Some good crowds along here too.
Mile 21 (Target: 9.02 Actual: 8.54)
Don't remember much about this at all. Pace still steady, had it on the pace band to eat another bar here but wasn't feeling like it at all so didn't bother. With five miles to go I knew I was on track and I remember being confident I was going to make it, even though the effort levels were definitely increasing.
Mile 22 (Target: 9.05 Actual: 9.03)
Heartbreak hill. Not so heartbreaking. I think some of the drags before it were almost as bad. I was conscious of not using too much energy to push here, I knew it could be made back on the downhills if needed. Last gel around the hill, skipped the Lucozade and wanted water now but either missed it or couldn't get to it. People walking all over the place now and the biggest issue was not running into the back of people coming to a sudden standstill. Once I crested the hill I was just thinking keep it steady and bring it home.
Mile 23 (Target: 8.48, Actual: 8.51)
Big downhill off Hearbreak hill couple of little incidents. Just at the start a woman stopped in front of myself and another woman, we were close enough to all being taken down, but just about avoided disaster. Then as I started to pick it up I could feel my hamstrings really tightening and I though they might cramp so eased off the gas a bit. The time was still in the bag with a steady pace, so there was no point trying for a few more seconds and getting a cramp. Great crowds here again and sure there's only a parkrun to go. Discarded my lovely luminous headband/visor here. Just wanted to have the breeze on my head. Didn't have the room in my pockets, I'd already taken gloves off and pocketed them.
Mile 24 (Target: 8.51 Actual: 8.55)
Over the UCD flyover and I was feeling it a bit. There was a wind in my face, the effort was high, the hamstrings were tight, but I knew with the turn onto Nutley lane it would be downhill so just told myself to keep working. Nutley was a bit of a relief, took water from the station, took a few sips and poured some on my legs and arms. I've run these last few miles plenty of times in the last 18 weeks, I know I'm going to make it but I know it's not going to be easy.
Mile 25 (Target: 9.00 Actual: 8.56)
Merrion Road, the RDS, crowds really picking up again. Just keep working. There's a few people in a really bad way now, being cared for by medics or random strangers at the road side. There's a poor woman on the ground with a few people trying to help here. I'm glad I'm not feeling like that. I know it's painful but the pain is what we trained for, I'd ready and I'm finishing this. Another work colleague just before the mile marker, a big cheer and a high five. It's one of the lads I've run with a fair bit, he's a near 3hr marathoner himself and I've been out cheering him the last few years, it's another little boost.
Mile 26 (Target: 9.01 Actual: 8.59)
God this mile seems to drag on forever. I'm maybe too wary of pushing on and coming a cropper so I just keep it steady, the time is in the bag, it's all about trying to soak in the cheers and just getting to the line. The support is fantastic. There's a mixture of super strong finishers and people just desperately trying to keep moving now. What an amazing feeling. Emotions are high, looking out to see if I can sport more faces in the crowd but don't see anyone. Wife and friends were there though just lost in the crowds.
Finish (Target: 3.58.54 Actual: 3.59.08)
Target was the pace band time, real target was anything starting with 3! Finish line came into view a bit sooner than I expected which was a huge relief. I was wrecked, but so, so happy, the training had got me to exactly where I wanted to be. I was going to cross the line sub 4. It was quiet a journey. Two years ago I wouldn't have believed I'd have been able to run regularly, there was days I could barely put my foot on the ground with the pain. Finally finding out a cause and a treatment just over a year ago changed everything. The psoriatic arthritis is under control and I'm getting my fitness back. So grateful to be able to do this, thoughts turn to those who can't, to friends and family who've been lost, to loved ones and the emotions are so high. Forget stopping the watch, put your hands in the air and celebrate the moment. Soak it in.
Post Race
Oh dear God my legs, have to come to a sudden stop to avoid running into other finishers. Then the shuffle starts, everything hurts, but it's so worth it. Making my way very gingerly to the medal queue and I think I hear the announcer calling out Lanieyfrecks name, so I start looking out for her. Sure enough before we make it to the t-shirts I spot her. Some good chats from there to collecting the goodie bags, part ways to collect the bags from the drop and bump into each other again after. Great to at least meet one person from the Novices thread! Surprise then at the exit chute as I hear my parents calling me from the barrier, they've come up from Wexford to surprise me. Then the parents in law when I get out, who've braved the overcrowded Luas to get in too, and then my lovely wife and our friends who've come in to support.
The marathon is such a huge commitment and a worry to an extent for family. It means so much to have all their support, and in a way it drives home just what a small club the marathon club is and how few people will actually ever experience it. I'm wearing my finishers top and medal today as I write this, it's something I'll forever be proud of.
Thanks again to all the boardsies, the novices, the mentors and the other experienced boards heads who are always so full of useful information and wisdom. I think that's it for me and the marathon for a few years at least. I've already set out a plan for the next few months, starting with the boards base building plan, followed by the 10k to half plan with the Great Ireland Run 10k as my next target race. I'd love to get to sub 20 for 5k and close to 40 for 10k and take it from there. If I come back to the marathon it'll be with a view of taking it to sub 3.30 or maybe even 3.00 (a man can dream).
As Mr G said on your Strava: Boom! So happy after a tough couple of years that you had a great run. Congratulations!
Now you've loads of spare time, you really should make that visit to Kilmainham 0 -
I did not edit this so apologies in advance if it’s a doozy to read!
To be honest I wasn’t even going to write a report because I’m trying really hard not to be disappointed today that I didn’t meet my target because of something completely unrelated to running or training or preparation. Marathons are a funny beast... so many variables! And it was missed by 5 minutes... to a non runner that would be crazy thing to be upset by, right?!
It was just one of those things that happens and if I didn’t laugh about it I could cry. I couldn’t have been more ready for that marathon and that’s something I’m proud of. I trained well and was so consistent and dedicated. Around mile 5 my chance of reaching my goal was lost and I didn’t want to ruin the rest of the day trying to catch up and blow up. I decided I wasn’t going to dwell on what could have been and to just try to enjoy myself (as much as you can enjoy running for 5 hours that is!) I chose to be grateful for being able to run at all and just get on with it.
I took it fairly handy then, chatted to random runners around me, high fived the kids, took a gigantic mars bar thrown to me by a steward (?) driving by which I shared amongst 5 runners around me and all those other nice things you can do to make yourself feel better about not getting what you worked so hard for.
The middle of the race was the toughest mentally. I wanted to go home to be honest. But I hadn’t a clue where the hell I was or what mile I was on so just kept putting one foot in front of the other. The crowd support was fantastic I do remember that and without them I think I would have called it a day.
Around Orwell Rd I saw some familiar faces and knew from there to the home stretch would be the easiest. Something suddenly clicked (seriously) and I didn’t have to fake the smile anymore, I was truly enjoying the experience now.
I saw ReeReeG and Huzzah! at Milltown and shouted to them. I ran up the hill by Wilde and Green although felt a little self conscious since most around me were walking at that stage. I saw a good friend and her son at the turn onto clonskeagh rd and got a big hug. I nearly cried tears of joy. This part of the course I was well familiar with and ran strong. Got up my old friend heartbreak hill and down fosters. Turned onto nutley and down merrion rd...
One of my best friends was there and she was so encouraging I’ll never forget her words and kindness. Another friend was by the US embassy (I’m from the US originally) with her kids and homemade signs... I had my best running at this stage and if anything I’m happy I finished that race strong and healthy and truly chuffed.
I nearly cried when the nice lady put the medal around my neck and I had some really nice chats with finishers around me as we made our way to the bag drop. I FaceTimed my husband and 3 kids and they were so proud of me that I actually cried. I wish I’d made it under 5 hours but that’s for next time.
Was nice to meet some of you at McG’s and thank the mentors. I met my friends for dinner (we all missed our goals by about 5 minutes ranging from 3:20 to 5:05 so that was “funny”) and collapsed into bed at 8
Without you my internet running pals and my running mates from my real world I wouldn’t have gotten this far so thank you.
Waiting impatiently for registration for next year to open, I’ll be back for another try.
Edited to add—saw the same two novices both before and after the race don’t know your boards names only your real ones anyway it was nice to meet you in person too as well as those at the pub
I missed my goal by a similar amount and I don't give it a second thought. I'm sorry you're disappointed but you had a really strong run. How many people can say they finished their first marathon, "strong"? It's an incredible feat and an even better feeling. Congratulations!0 -
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