4 marathons in 4 provinces of Ireland 2019

Rufus50 · 01-10-2018 9:34pm #1

Hi All

I am looking for some advice and information.
I am a fit male who plays a lot of G.A.A. but am looking to take a break from this for 2019 and hope to complete some marathons. This is something I have always wanted to do and now feel the time is right to get into them.

I would be looking to raise money, as so many people do, but I would be looking to challenge myself a good bit. I was looking at something along the lines of doing 4 marathons next year- 1 in each of the 4 provinces of Ireland.

Just looking for advice on how doable this would be and also if there is any marathons in particular you would say to make sure someone should do in Ireland. Obviously I am aware these would need to be spaced out as best possible etc. I would be a very motivated trainer and would do the training needed as I would be very determined. Just looking here at the Connemara marathon which looks amazing and is in April. Off the bat possibly this in April, Cork in June, Dublin in Oct and one up in Ulster at some stage depending when they are on. This is just very vague I know as I need to look into this in a lot more detail.

Have never run much more than say 6 or 7 miles at a time but really enjoy running and would find this to be one of my better qualities when training during year with G.A.A.

Any info or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Kellygirl · 01-10-2018 11:36pm

4 is a lot in one year though I did 3 my first year but at no great speeds. Racing four in your first year would be asking for trouble.

Derry is usually on the same day as Cork. Clonakilty is usually on the 2nd weekend of December in Cork then so you could do it that. Clon is fab though very different to a City Marathon. East Cork Harbour Marathon is supposed to be good in August but have never done it.

Limerick is the May Bank holiday weekend.

Marathon Club Ireland might be a good website to check out for info on smaller ones.

sixpack's little hat · 01-10-2018 11:51pm

Kellygirl wrote: »

Marathon Club Ireland might be a good website to check out for info on smaller ones.

2018 calendar will give you a good idea of the ones for 2019 and there will likely be a 2019 calendar up in the next few months

https://marathonclubireland.com/2018-marathons/

ger664 · 02-10-2018 12:29am

I would not space them out evenly over the year. Spend the first eight months getting up to the the distance and get comfortable with 3 hours running . then do the four in sep/oct/nov/dec with just recover runs between each race. Aim to pb run your fastest on the last one. First 3 just get them done.

To get the four provinces done
Late September Monaghan Pheonix (Ulster) or East Antrim seris
October Dublin or an EOI (Leinster
November/Early Dec Sixmilebridge/Clonakility
December MCI Portumna Connaught

The Noble Nudge · 02-10-2018 10:18am

You have to factor in Dublin as a must.

Rufus50 · 06-10-2018 9:26am

Thanks guys for the information. Think I'm going to try the 4 and get Cork and Dublin in if possible . Hopefully all will go to plan ðŸ‘

ThePiedPiper · 06-10-2018 12:35pm

To do this without getting injured, you’d want to start training now, build up a decent base, steadily getting your long run longer. Follow a good plan, set up a log, and listen to your body. Connemara will be tough as your 1st marathon, so don’t go aggressive, and don’t be disheartened when you will inevitably suffer on the last 6 miles of it, everybody does. Cork in June is a lovely race, much easier on the body, and you’ll likely run it faster. Monaghan or Armagh in September are small affairs, so slowly slowly and keep it all for Dublin to finish at Halloween. Sounds like fun, enjoy the year.

Rufus50 · 06-10-2018 10:00pm

Thanks

From looking at it I'd be agreeing- Connemara, Cork, marathon in Ulster and then Dublin looks exciting!!
I was going to start training maybe Dec / Jan time frame but thanks for the advice. May start start of November now to build up a good base.

Is there a particular site for guidance on training for something like this? I know there is local running sports shops who can give advice also so might be best heading into them for information

Thanks

Goose76 · 07-10-2018 7:09pm

Try googling the Hal Higdon marathon plans, I’ve been recommended one for my first half marathon and it’s a great plan so far. Free but still gives decent fairly detailed advice and it’s popular enough so you’ll find plenty of others online doing the same plan if you need further guidance.

Rufus50 · 17-10-2018 8:36pm

Just wondering is there a need to buy the Hal Higden guide or would I have enough in the free version information. Plan on using the novice 1 plan and then using the multi marathon plan for training in between the marathons (touch wood all will go to plan without injuries etc). Thanks for all the info... Much appreciated!!

Bobby1984 · 01-11-2018 2:44pm

This seems like a pretty interesting challenge that I am considering. I think the key thing is to reduce the chances of and try to prevent injuries at all costs. On that note, I would be looking to do some of the "easier" marathons, focus on recovery after each session and not trying to race them with the exception of the last one.

Based on my research so far, I was thinking of the following:
- Belfast (5th May) - biggest one up north
- Portumna (9th June) - nice flat course
- Waterford (30th June) - convenient!
- Dublin (27th Oct) - main one to finish it out

My concerns would be as follows:
1. Dates are too close together especially for Waterford. I had hoped to follow the rule of 26 days off after each race so I might need to select another Munster marathon
2. I have only done two marathons so far, Dublin in 2011 and 2017 and might be a bit ill prepared for the challenge (currently doing 25-30k per week)
3. I am still in the planning process so I don't know how much time would be required. Trying to find a balance between family, work and training can be hard to do
4. I wouldn't consider myself to be a super athlete and I am not someone who trains every day of the week. I am guy of average height, average weight and above average fitness (sub 20 5K and 3:35 marathon are my highlights). I would hope to base my training plan around 4 sessions each week - a long run, tempo run, easy run and interval session.

ted1 · 02-11-2018 8:23am

Kellygirl wrote: »

4 is a lot in one year though I did 3 my first year but at no great speeds. Racing four in your first year would be asking for trouble.

Derry is usually on the same day as Cork. Clonakilty is usually on the 2nd weekend of December in Cork then so you could do it that. Clon is fab though very different to a City Marathon. East Cork Harbour Marathon is supposed to be good in August but have never done it.

Limerick is the May Bank holiday weekend.

Marathon Club Ireland might be a good website to check out for info on smaller ones.

I did three in the last 12 months. And I wouldn’t have a running back ground

My previous running back ground was:
Dublin airport 5km 2017
Glen da lough half marathon 2016
And the first Samsung 20km night run 201?

4 would be very achievable. I did my second 4 weeks after my first.

In fact op.

If you did them in batches off 2 you may find the training easier , as you could take a break for 2-3 months after the 2nd and then ramp up again for the 3rd and 4th.

ted1 · 02-11-2018 8:26am

Rufus50 wrote: »

Thanks guys for the information. Think I'm going to try the 4 and get Cork and Dublin in if possible . Hopefully all will go to plan ðŸ‘

Treat yourself to a foreign marathon. Lots of big and small ones around Europe.
Paris, Milan, Bordeaux, Barcelona, San Sebastián are all on my radar. Easily accessible and easy entry snd great location

wiggy123 · 02-11-2018 10:40am

Belfast
Connermara
Cork
Dublin

all good marathons, I think a good spread time wise

Rufus50 · 09-11-2018 4:43pm

Thanks lads for the replies.

Just into week 1 of training!! I myself have never done more than 6 miles and have a 5km time of sub 20 minutes. Other than that no other running experience bar G.A.A. but I feel, once I can stay injury free, I will do it. I would be looking at 3hrs 30mins as my goal but that is very hard to know as I have never experienced more than 6 miles. Off hand though I would be hoping for that time or close to it.

I am going with:

Connemara 14 Apr (Tough one to start with I know)
Cork 02 June
Either Armagh (25 Aug) or Monaghan (30 Sept)
Dublin to finish 19 Oct

I am using the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan which is 18 weeks of training. I started this week to get 5 weeks of base training in before I start this so then in total I will have 23 weeks of running before my first one. There is then Hal Higdon training plans between multiple marathons so I intend, all going well, to use these.

It's all completely new to me so am at moment researching energy gels and running gear. Have bought a good pair of running shoes for a running shop specialist and also good running socks.

Great to see others considering it!!

wiggy123 · 09-11-2018 4:48pm

don't over think it to much... as it will be come a chore like! to run 26.2 miles, you have to at least enjoy it

Enduro · 10-11-2018 12:21am

Rufus50 wrote: »

It's all completely new to me so am at moment researching energy gels and running gear. Have bought a good pair of running shoes for a running shop specialist and also good running socks.

Running is a simple sport fundamentally. Hard work (Focused training) makes the biggest difference by far in terms of things you can control (Natural talent being the other big impact). Don't sweat the minor stuff unless you actually enjoy that part of the process, and even then don't let it turn into a negative.

My recommendation on gels would be don't use gels. Don't build an unnecessary dependency by thinking you need them.

Jfrost · 26-11-2018 10:46pm

Do the quad in Donegal, 4 marathons in 4 days, Ulster sorted.
Ballina has a 3n2 (3 marathons in 2 days) so Connemara sorted
Wicklow Hospice has 4 in 4 days, that's Leinster....
I'm sure Munster has something ridiculous too.....
This might sound insane but ive done the first 3 and genuinely, the best fun of my life..... I went from Fat fecker to running a sub 4 in 6 months and I said never again, a month later I did my 2d....and for 18 months, every 2nd week was at least 1 marathon.... Sometimes 2 Ultras in the one weekend..... Do it for personal challenge, but have fun..... If you want to go to th Olympics then different training required.
But start with Parkruns, then local 10kms.... Try a 10 miler, then a half marathon.... Use the events as training but like a previous comment, don't do gels, real food all the way.
PS. F the books, each of us is different, as you build your distances, you'll learn what works for you

Bobby1984 · 08-05-2019 1:57pm

Did anyone doing the 4 provinces do Belfast on Sunday. Course wasn't too bad but the organisation of it was a bit of a shambles, course too long, bag drop and pick up stations were disasterous, goody bag wasn't so good, lack of toilets.

Next up is Portumna Forest marathon so I would be interested to know what the course is like. I see that it is 5k loops but would like to know if it is all forest trail and also if it is hilly.

ger664 · 08-05-2019 10:51pm

Bobby1984 wrote: »

Did anyone doing the 4 provinces do Belfast on Sunday. Course wasn't too bad but the organisation of it was a bit of a shambles, course too long, bag drop and pick up stations were disasterous, goody bag wasn't so good, lack of toilets.

Next up is Portumna Forest marathon so I would be interested to know what the course is like. I see that it is 5k loops but would like to know if it is all forest trail and also if it is hilly.

Portumna is a mix of road and solid forest trail. No need for any special runners. Course is flat with a few inclines nothing major a couple of feet here and there

4 marathons in 4 provinces of Ireland 2019

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