Running

[ballinaman]

Ballinaman how you getting on now? You recovering from the injuries?

Delicate. Rested from Tuesday until Sunday morning. Felt pretty good so tried a gentle jog, got about 2 miles in and could feel it coming so bit the bullet and walked home. (jaysus, walking places takes forever by the way).
Sore Sunday night and going up the stairs got a sharp pain into the achilles, calf was like Iron again.
Rested yesterday and went on the anti inflams.
Feeling the best it has been today and getting a friend to hammer it out later.
Will try a jog on Thursday.

Absolutely atrocious preparation but what can you do. If it blows on Monday I may have to hobble home, may get some plan Bs and Cs ready. 2.45 goal is out the window I reckon. Pretty tough to take but such is life, I'll get another go someday.

[take_yer_points]

2nd last training run for Belfast marathon done. I fell through the door in 2 hours 45 minutes having done just over 20 miles (the last mile or two all uphill). There's a bit of doubt creeping in now as I was totally wrecked after that

Your story is very familiar to Mr-Rois-to-be's - he's going to do his final 20 miler this weekend having already done one of them, and it was very tough on him. He might be about your pace in the marathon as well actually but he's not going up to 22 miles, 20 is his limit as he doesn't want to injure himself.
It'll be a nice busy last six miles for you and even if you had to half-walk, half-run, you'd still get a fierce time.

Is he going with one of the pacers? I'm planning to head with the 3 hr 45 minute one which I think should be about 10 seconds slower than my training runs. Hopefully that'll leave a wee bit for the last 6 miles.

I know what you mean about not going to 22 as well - I hurt my calf a couple of weeks ago and don't want to risk anymore damage, but at the same time I want to get closer to 26 than just doing the 20 - 6 more miles is the guts of an hour further than the longest training run and it seems like an awful lot of running

[Bingo]

2nd last training run for Belfast marathon done. I fell through the door in 2 hours 45 minutes having done just over 20 miles (the last mile or two all uphill). There's a bit of doubt creeping in now as I was totally wrecked after that

Your story is very familiar to Mr-Rois-to-be's - he's going to do his final 20 miler this weekend having already done one of them, and it was very tough on him. He might be about your pace in the marathon as well actually but he's not going up to 22 miles, 20 is his limit as he doesn't want to injure himself.
It'll be a nice busy last six miles for you and even if you had to half-walk, half-run, you'd still get a fierce time.

Is he going with one of the pacers? I'm planning to head with the 3 hr 45 minute one which I think should be about 10 seconds slower than my training runs. Hopefully that'll leave a wee bit for the last 6 miles.

I know what you mean about not going to 22 as well - I hurt my calf a couple of weeks ago and don't want to risk anymore damage, but at the same time I want to get closer to 26 than just doing the 20 - 6 more miles is the guts of an hour further than the longest training run and it seems like an awful lot of running

I'm no pro but I think that you are probably running too fast on your LSR. It would appear that you are planning on running slower on the day that your actual training pace. Have you run the long runs at a steady pace or started slowly and built into marathon pace?

Ideally you should run parts of the LSR at your marathon pace - at preplanned stages. Run the shorter runs at faster pace but again it depends on the plan you following.

To me the long runs was all about the distance rather than the time. You are preparing to build up to a distance and the long run is key to that. I'd ease off the pace on the run and focus on feeling as comfortable as possible throughout, then when you do get to the day, you have the time in the legs and have a bit in reserve. Don't exert too much training to hit 22.

On the day, you'll have the taper and rest under your belt, makes all the difference on getting the remaining distance down when you do run out of steam.

[imtommygunn]

Ballinaman how you getting on now? You recovering from the injuries?

Delicate. Rested from Tuesday until Sunday morning. Felt pretty good so tried a gentle jog, got about 2 miles in and could feel it coming so bit the bullet and walked home. (jaysus, walking places takes forever by the way).
Sore Sunday night and going up the stairs got a sharp pain into the achilles, calf was like Iron again.
Rested yesterday and went on the anti inflams.
Feeling the best it has been today and getting a friend to hammer it out later.
Will try a jog on Thursday.

Absolutely atrocious preparation but what can you do. If it blows on Monday I may have to hobble home, may get some plan Bs and Cs ready. 2.45 goal is out the window I reckon. Pretty tough to take but such is life, I'll get another go someday.

Sorry to hear that. You're young enough and will have plenty more opportunities and you never know... maybe that extra 5 days will give you enough of a window to get you into shape that will get you through it. The fitness you have won't disappear in 1-2 weeks.

TYP I would agree with Bingo. You shouldn't be doing your training runs quicker than the pace you're going to run the marathon at! Also I wouldn't worry about feeling terrible in training - you'll feel much better on the day with adrenaline, crowds etc etc. and those feelings you get in training will stand you in good stead.

[ballinaman]

Ballinaman how you getting on now? You recovering from the injuries?

Delicate. Rested from Tuesday until Sunday morning. Felt pretty good so tried a gentle jog, got about 2 miles in and could feel it coming so bit the bullet and walked home. (jaysus, walking places takes forever by the way).
Sore Sunday night and going up the stairs got a sharp pain into the achilles, calf was like Iron again.
Rested yesterday and went on the anti inflams.
Feeling the best it has been today and getting a friend to hammer it out later.
Will try a jog on Thursday.

Absolutely atrocious preparation but what can you do. If it blows on Monday I may have to hobble home, may get some plan Bs and Cs ready. 2.45 goal is out the window I reckon. Pretty tough to take but such is life, I'll get another go someday.

Sorry to hear that. You're young enough and will have plenty more opportunities and you never know... maybe that extra 5 days will give you enough of a window to get you into shape that will get you through it. The fitness you have won't disappear in 1-2 weeks.

Aye, not going to throw my hat at it just yet, has been ok today and every piece of work I do today, i'm standing in a calf stretch position..haha.
Went from running 1 day a week and gym 3 days in December to hoping for 2.45 in a marathon in April so Monday isn't last chance saloon for me just yet.

[Father Jack]

2nd last training run for Belfast marathon done. I fell through the door in 2 hours 45 minutes having done just over 20 miles (the last mile or two all uphill). There's a bit of doubt creeping in now as I was totally wrecked after that - I'd find it hard to believe I'll get another 6 mile done on top of that. The only hope I'm holding on to is I'll be doing slightly more before the marathon (planning 22 next weekend) and I did a fairly fast 10 mile on Friday past (fast for me anyway) so I won't be recovering from that come 5 May. Really looking forward to doing it, but also looking forward to it all being over and getting back down to 5k/5 mile runs

I did my first (and only) ever marathon last year.  The first time I did a 20 mile training run, I was shocked at how hard it was near the 20 miles and I was finishing slightly downhill for the last 2 miles.  Got home in about 2hrs 56mins, doing just over the 20 miles.  I'd always heard ones saying about hitting the 20 mile wall!  I think there was 5 walls!!  The next week I did a 22 mile run (same route just a bit farther out of town), I was expecting the same again, but I was prepared for it this time.  Got through the 20 mile mark no bother as I was "ready" for it.  Although I just hit a 22 mile wall instead!!

You'll be grand.  I did about 20 miles of Belfast marathon last year (last 4 legs of relay run), I would definately say that if you know any of the route that you are running its a big help (maybe all in the head).  Also, don't get carried away at the start because (certainly in my case), it'll come back to haunt you in the final stages.  Good luck.

[take_yer_points]

2nd last training run for Belfast marathon done. I fell through the door in 2 hours 45 minutes having done just over 20 miles (the last mile or two all uphill). There's a bit of doubt creeping in now as I was totally wrecked after that - I'd find it hard to believe I'll get another 6 mile done on top of that. The only hope I'm holding on to is I'll be doing slightly more before the marathon (planning 22 next weekend) and I did a fairly fast 10 mile on Friday past (fast for me anyway) so I won't be recovering from that come 5 May. Really looking forward to doing it, but also looking forward to it all being over and getting back down to 5k/5 mile runs

I did my first (and only) ever marathon last year.  The first time I did a 20 mile training run, I was shocked at how hard it was near the 20 miles and I was finishing slightly downhill for the last 2 miles.  Got home in about 2hrs 56mins, doing just over the 20 miles.  I'd always heard ones saying about hitting the 20 mile wall!  I think there was 5 walls!!  The next week I did a 22 mile run (same route just a bit farther out of town), I was expecting the same again, but I was prepared for it this time.  Got through the 20 mile mark no bother as I was "ready" for it.  Although I just hit a 22 mile wall instead!!

You'll be grand.  I did about 20 miles of Belfast marathon last year (last 4 legs of relay run), I would definately say that if you know any of the route that you are running its a big help (maybe all in the head).  Also, don't get carried away at the start because (certainly in my case), it'll come back to haunt you in the final stages.  Good luck.

Good man. My 20 mile was from the Antrim Road down to the Albert Clock and then followed the route from High Street to Corporation Street - another few mile back up to the Antrim Road made it up to 20 so that's most of the route covered. For this weekend I think I'll get dropped off in town and run the route from beginning to the end of the tow path at Dargan Road and then up home - think that should be in around 22.

I'll only get carried away if the pacer does too - planning to stick with him the whole way if I'm able to

[muppet]

Some light humour:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/thoughts-every-jogger-has-while-out-for-a-running

1. What a beautiful day for a run!
2. This sucks.
3. Well, five miles is only two and half miles each way, which is basically two miles each way, so I'm really only running four miles. That's not too far.
4. It's starting to feel far.
5. How long have I been running? A year?
6. SIX MINUTES?!
7. I can barely remember what my life was like before I started this run.
8. OK, concentrate. There are still four-plus miles to go.
9. But who counts the first and last mile? This is pretty much an easy three miler.
10. Oh, shit! A fellow jogger!
11. Should I wave?
12. I'm totally gonna wave.
13. OOOK, they didn't wave back. Never doing that again.
14. Just keep running, no one saw. Except that old guy who may or may not be averting his eyes.
15. Man, I think I'm hitting that "second wind" thing my gym coach was talking about.
16. Wait, never mind. I've been running down a decline.
17. If I leap to avoid dog shit, does that make me a CrossFit athlete?
18. What the heck is CrossFit anyway?
19. Mental reminder: Google CrossFit when I get home.
20. If I ever get home.
21. If I had a heart attack right now, I wonder who would find my body.
22. OMG, I hope I never find a dead body. Joggers always find dead bodies.
23. Bodies. Body. Bod-ay. Runnin' all day, no one can catch ... may.
24. OK, I must be halfway done by now.
25. What?! Only two miles in?
26. Alright, stay focused. What am I going to eat when I get home?
27. I'm running five miles so I should probably eat five slices of pizza.
28. Or I could buy one pizza and ask them to cut it into five slices.
29. I should probably get a side salad too.
30. ...
31. f**k the salad actually.
32. Man, what are these people doing in front of me? Walking?!
33. Is this a contest to see who's the worst at walking? Because you are both champions in my heart.
34. Maybe if I pound my feet on the ground they'll hear me coming and let me pass.
35. Oh, God. They didn't turn around and now I'm right behind them. They're going to think they're getting mugged by the world's sweatiest criminal.
36. You know what? Now seems like a good time to run in the street.
37. * Jumps off curb * Parkour!
38. Hi hi hi please don't hit me with your car.
39. Pedestrian pedestrianizing over here, let me cross.
40. Thank you, Mr. Blue Honda. I'm trying to smile at you but it probably looks like I'm having a stroke.
41. Actually, I wonder what I look like right now.
42. * Checks out reflection in shop window * Yeesh.
43. Is that what I look like when I run? What am I, a newborn deer with a drinking problem?
44. Whatever, I must be almost done by now.
45. Heck yes. Three miles down, two to go. It's all downhill from here.
46. Except for that very real uphill in front of me. God damnit.
47. Wait, is that... Is that...
48. A DOG!
49. Hi dog! You are so cute. You are now my mascot. I will finish this run for you, pup.
50. And — hello — what do we have here? Your human is pretty cute too.
51. Hope you like drunk fawns, Cute Human.
52. Watch my bambi ass prance up this hill.
53. Holy shit, prancing is exhausting. I am exhausted.
54. Honestly, I don't even like running.
55. Why do I even run?
56. Why does anyone even run?
57. Why are we even alive?
58. OK, let's not go down that road.
59. Focus. Focus on that sweet, delicious 'za waiting at the finish line, calling your name with its cheesy breath.
60. Wait, less than one mile to go? I am KILLING this run.
61. I AM THE SWIFTEST GOD OF ALL TWO-LEGGED CREATURES.
62. YES, including ostriches.
63. Honestly, I should sign up for a marathon.
64. What is it, like 30 miles?
65. That's just 15 miles each way, which is practically 10, and 10 is twice five, and I can run five miles EASY.
66. That's it, I'm doing it. Thirty miles.
67. Thirty-mile marathon...30-mile marathon...30 Rock marathon.
68. On second thought, I'll probably just binge-watch every episode of 30 Rock. That takes a lot of dedication and I will be winded from laughing so hard.
69. But I could probably do a marathon IF I wanted.
70. OK, almost home. Should I shower first and order pizza or order pizza and shower before it shows up?
71. Yep, definitely ordering first. I earned that shit.
72. Oh, no. Oh god no. Another runner. Should I wave?
73. No, be strong! Do not get burned again.
74. OMG, SHE waved first! Hello! Yes! We are both runners! Look at us run!
75. I guess running's not so bad.

[imtommygunn]

Muppet your maths etc are bang on. If you're starting of I would recommend you work in the aerobic zone though. The aerobic zone is 70% and lower. If you work in this zone, and it will feel incredibly slow to begin with, your fitness will improve very quickly. It will also be very beneficial to weight loss and your runs will feel much easier so you will enjoy them more. You will be amazed how quickly you improve too despite the fact you are going "slow". Seriously you should try it.

I started of doing 8:45s at 70% when I started this heart rate caper. I can run ~7 minute miles and sometimes below at this now. It takes the discipline to keep below 70 though...

Basically when you start of and have a goal think of the benefits of the training and forget about the pace for the while (in fact write it off for a while).  It's all about the effort levels and not the pace. We have coaches who religiously are telling us that we must be working within certain zones and if you run your sessions too fast you won't see the benefits but it is very true.

When you do a month or two block of this then worry about 85s and 90 %s etc. (That would be my advice anyway!)

[magpie seanie]

So what is the cheapest HR monitor that will do what you want/need it to do when running?

[Tony Baloney]

Muppet your maths etc are bang on. If you're starting of I would recommend you work in the aerobic zone though. The aerobic zone is 70% and lower. If you work in this zone, and it will feel incredibly slow to begin with, your fitness will improve very quickly. It will also be very beneficial to weight loss and your runs will feel much easier so you will enjoy them more. You will be amazed how quickly you improve too despite the fact you are going "slow". Seriously you should try it.

I started of doing 8:45s at 70% when I started this heart rate caper. I can run ~7 minute miles and sometimes below at this now. It takes the discipline to keep below 70 though...

Basically when you start of and have a goal think of the benefits of the training and forget about the pace for the while (in fact write it off for a while).  It's all about the effort levels and not the pace. We have coaches who religiously are telling us that we must be working within certain zones and if you run your sessions too fast you won't see the benefits but it is very true.

When you do a month or two block of this then worry about 85s and 90 %s etc. (That would be my advice anyway!)

Assume a HRM is the only reliable means of finding your max heart rate?

[Rois]

If you're starting off or are coming back from injury personally i think 70% is where you will see the benefits. Basically it is to improve fitness and specifically targets your aerobic system. When you're happier with fitness move to higher hr sessions but you won't see the true benefit of them unless you are fit which is why i believe in starting off slower. Build fitness first then work on the rest.

I think I'm going back to the start to do this.  Nothing much has changed in my running (which I really don't take seriously) apart from picking up about half a minute per mile since I first started.  I don't have any difference between an easy run and a hard run - it's just a run. 
Need to get myself one of those heart rate jobs too.

[take_yer_points]

Bingo, imtommygunn, missed those posts yesterday - thanks for the advice. I've been varying my pace throughout the long runs with the only constant being a lack of pace in the last few miles. Whilst I'm aiming for 3 hrs 45 I'd also like to push on a bit if I'm feeling comfortable and get close to 3 and a half if I can. The pace I'm running at feels very comfortable for the majority of it apart from those last few miles so I've been happy enough plodding away at that. Im certain I could've trained better but I've only the one long run left so will probably stick with that now.

Will definitely plan the pace in training a lot better for the next one

[Milltown Row2]

Bought a new pair of trainers today, GT 2000 Asics. Haven't had a run on them yet but they feel grand.

On another note has anyone used the Amino acid tablets? Been taking them the past few weeks, I've not had any muscle injuries since but that could be a fluke.

Oh and good luck to Ballinaman. Should be a great event and hopefully things have got a lot better

[ballinaman]

Unfortunately I've run out of time.

Tried a 30 min run there are felt like calf was going to snap after 6 mins. V sore now. Have tried everything but it's just too soon. Don't know what's going to happen on Monday.

Going to neck a load of painkillers and will hobble/walk as best as I can. Will only drop out if things get silly. Gutted isn't the word but shit happens, will be back. Cheers for the well wishes lads..