Cold Weather
Thu, 07/01/2010 - 12:50
Was wondering if anyone else is having trouble getting the miles in during this cold spell? Have really done very littel training in the past three weeks due to the roads being so slippy. Am worried now about getting fully trained for Conemara in April! Anyone else in the same boat?
Thu, 07/01/2010 - 15:49
#2
Hi Guys,
Not sure what part of the country you are in but all the parks in Dublin at the moment are great for running. I have been out the last 2 days during lunch in the Phoenix park. About 2 inches of snow on all surfaces so even if you fall it softens the blow. Really great workout for the legs as well. Much tougher than normal track or road. I was wearing trail running shoes as well which are a great help.
Dont be afraid to get out there anyway is my advice.
Sean
Thu, 07/01/2010 - 23:16
#3
Yep..same problem, living out toward clifden and my mileage has suffered a lot these past few weeks..I have done a few circuits of the local pitch, but it just ain't the same, if we could get a wee dollop of snow, there might be a bit of grip on the paths or at least something to fall onto .
Fri, 08/01/2010 - 00:30
#4
i'm training for the connemarathon myself and i'm a first time marathoner. I'm relieved to see I'm not the only one who's training has suffered recently. I'm still getting out but not as much and for less miles. It's definitely harder on the legs running in snow. I'm not too worried because I was probably over training before now. Can anyone advise how best to catch up with a training programme after falling behind particularly the long runs. One more thing, can anyone recommend a doctor or centre to get a full health check that is relevant to marathon training?
Fri, 08/01/2010 - 10:09
#5
Also doing Connemara, but living in Dublin, so have managed to get to the Phoenix Park every evening. Running on snow on the trails is fine, have not slipped or even skidded, though the roads are bad. Over Christmas I tried circuits of a football pitch and a racecourse but gets monotonous, but seeing as this weather is due to last 10+ more days, I'd advise to find somewhere and keep the training up else it will be February and you wont be on schedule.
Fri, 08/01/2010 - 19:32
#6
Clifden would be my nearest gym, and thats still about 25 miles away, over bad roads. Have been doing a few miles on a forest trail, but even that is getting a fair bit dangerous in spots now. Done 2 loops of it today, which works out just under 8 miles, but its hard to do any pace, but at least a few miles are better than none.
What trail shoes do people recommend, got a few vouchers for Christmas, might invest in a pair.
Thanks All for the advise, keep safe!!!
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 11:43
#7
As bad as running on pitches can be, it works out kinda well being forced to do it! It's better on the shins (avoids shin splints etc.), especially if you think you've ben overtraining and employs some other muscles which are otherwise neglected! So, think positive! The boredom is serving a higher purpose! Make a funky playlist on your ipod and away you go! I did 17miles yesterday on a 1.5 mile grass circuit and with my tunes I didnt notice the time going by!
Happy running!
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 16:55
#11
Now thats fair good going on a circuit! Anyone recommend good trail running shoes?
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 17:01
#12
More like nightmares about it!! Ah it really isnt that bad, think of it as a cross country run! And a break from dodging traffic! Sorry pete, don't do enough trail running to justify such a purchase. Any running i've done in forests I've just thrown on my asics 2150s or whatever they are at now!?
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 20:03
#13
Can recommend pearl izumis i got last year in runways, cannot remember their exact name but they only had the one line. Keeps out water and a good treadn cannot ask for more
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 21:08
#14
Thanks, looks like this cold spell is on its way out, have not done more than 8 mile in 4 weeks, so going for 12 tomorrow to ease myself in! The belly has grown over Christmas also to add to the joy. Thanks all for the advice, might still invest in a pair of trail running shoes, started to enjoy the off road running with the dogs.
Tue, 12/01/2010 - 16:53
#15
BRING BACK THE ICE AND SNOW
Ran today in force 11 gales, think I passed Usain Bolt on my way out (Wind at my back), then got passed by 2 slugs and a turtle on the way back in. Had to cut it short (again), my feet were numb and the roads were still very slippy.
When will it end!
Tue, 12/01/2010 - 21:59
#17
Wondering are there many people living and training around Malahide/swords area and what routes and distances are they running?
Wed, 13/01/2010 - 21:10
#18
Does anyone have any tips for a first time marathon runner? I am trying my best to do some training but the weather is preventing me right now!!!
Thu, 14/01/2010 - 12:18
#19
Hi Priscilla, in the same boat as yourself, I think everyone is right now. It seems that the advise most people are giving is to get into a park where the ground would not be as bad and do some loops. I have been doing a bit of trail running myself on a gravel trail. Its not ideal cause its easy to twist the ankle, but it beats doing nothing. Others have been using a gym treadmill, which again is not ideal, I find it fair boring.
I have lowered my expectations for the Marathon in Conemara to just finishing and have already decided to do another on in the summer, maybe Longford and to try to set a decent time in that one.
Good luck with the training!
Peadar
Thu, 14/01/2010 - 12:24
#20
Hi Priscilla, what do you mean when you say the weather is preventing you? If you mean it is too slippy, you will have to try the boring alternative of running circuits of a park/football pitch on the grass, which is fine or try and keep the distance up on a treadmill in a gym.
If you mean its dark and dangerous on the roads, then I'd recommend the same as above abnd maybe get a headlight and reflective jacket if you are going outdoors.
Unfortunately other than safety issues due to the above, the weather shouldnt interfere, rain, hail or snow you can go out. I would say that you can help yourself by getting the right gear such as base layer underwear for warmth, clothes to remove sweat from the body, jackets against the rain, trail runners to keep feet dry and hats and gloves. Depending on what marathon you are intending to do, you might not need to spend a lot of time on your feet yet, Dublin is a long time away but Connemara is in April, so you can adjust your training accordingly.
Also remember that you can\should do one day cross training, so you can choose something that you dont have to go out for, you can also do some speed work, so run hard but for a short while which means you would not be out for so long.
Best of luck anyway!
Fri, 15/01/2010 - 23:39
#21
Hi Guys I feel your pain! I'm supost to be doing the ultra in connamera in april and guess what guys you can't depend on the weather on the day there either! You could get hail rain and snow on the day so just put a smile on your face good music on the ipod and get out there and do the best you can. As dsedeath said put on the right gear and go for it! Me like so many of you I'm using the foothball feilds and running around in circles trying to keep up the mileage! Every 5 laps I changed direction which was 2miles and kept going until my feet went numb with the cold! I to am wearing trail shoes. My usual ones were mizuno wave harriers but I got the best present ever for the new year ( I bought them myself!!!) a pair of mizuno wave cabrakan they have waterproof toecaps which lessens the wetness into the shoe and the grip is amyzing so I'm a happy camper! Well as happy as you can be in this weather. This is my first ultra so let the adventure begin. Another place I've been running is on the beach which is very tough on the legs even more so than the snow cause it keep shifting and cold and windy and it made me run like a snail in fact i think one passed me by! I've also been doing a lot of swiming to keep up my aerobic capicity when I just couldnt face frozen feet again! Good luck to everyone on the day and remember we still have 12 weeks to go so chin up and keep on running!
Sat, 16/01/2010 - 11:17
#22
Great to see a bit of milder weather over the last 2 days, Hate running in the cold and snow.
Sat, 16/01/2010 - 23:09
#24
Yvonne, training for a first Connemara myself, so just trying to get mileage up and run the whole distancew, though I am told the hills might have something to say about that. Are you following any program, I have never really bothered, just went out and ran, so wondering what kind of long runs, daily runs someone else does? Aiming to get 30 miles in around second week of Feb and maybe last week of Feb and taper down from there. Any advice ?
Sun, 17/01/2010 - 16:41
#25
Hi dsedeath finally somebody speaking my language, this is my first ultra and hadnt got a clue so I got the schedual printed in Irish runner for marathons and added a half again! I did the full last year and loved it but have no memories of hills (except for Half way) or anything like that all I remember is golrious sceanery, friendly fellow runners and how bloody hungry I was 18miles in! Energy gels my arse I wanted real food luckely a car following a ultra runner gave me the mankiest banana ever seen but God it tasted better than a steak dinner! I'm aiming myself to do 2x24mile and 2x27mile in feb, then 2x30mile and 1x33mile in march! But in truth it's all just pure guess work!! At the moment i'm averaging about 67miles a week and uping that by about 9mile every second week! My only aim is to finish within the time limits for 13 and 26 miles and to suceed in finishing the 39miles run walk or crawl! I'm worried about hydration tho any ideas on that or on what you are doing ! All info greatly appreciated like the VdP all donations greatly accepted!!!
Wed, 20/01/2010 - 17:21
#26
hi yvonne,well done on the first step of madness,entering an ultra.you seem to have a good base already,being up to 67 miles per week ,regarding your long runs, you mite be aiming to do do a little bit too much.i wouldnt be too sure about a30 miler and a 33 miler so late in your trainin program.if your aim is only 2finish in one piece id stay averaging at the milage your doin now with a 1 week of lower milage for every 3 weeks of high,maybe drop about 20 miles in your rest week.do yor longer runs on consective days follow by a day of rest or a swim.dont get too caught uop in the distance of the ultra,its only a number(a big number),,,,,
Wed, 20/01/2010 - 20:27
#27
Well as you know this my first ultra so what rest weeks are you talking about? I havent any rest weeks planned at all only tapering weeks at the end! thought the idea was to do 1xlong run and then lots of mid lenght ones thought the idea was to miles in the legs and use to time on the feet? think i should be at www,confused.com!
Fri, 22/01/2010 - 16:06
#28
do your long runs back to back as in sat-long run,sun-long run monday rest and build up again to the following week increasing ur long runs by about 10/12% in lenght,ull need a good two week taper so build this into your plan.have a rest week after about 3 or 4 hard weeks trainin to allow your body to recover from fatigue and any slight niggles you mite get from all the xtra trainin your doin.and it gives u bit of time to give to any other commitments you mite have like family or friends,u dont really feel like goin to the flicks after a 20 mile lsr.....
Sun, 31/01/2010 - 22:53
#30
How did you get on today in Dungarvan? Didnt do so well today myself but I finished it so happy enough with that considering how crap I felt! It was great meeting you today tho love the shorts!! :-) Are ya doing Ballycotton in March? Well if not I'll look out for ya in Connamara, good lick with the training, yvonne
Sun, 17/01/2010 - 18:29
#31
Jeez guys.. Those of you doing the ultras are making us mere marathoners look bad! Take yer problems elsewhere!! :) Yvonne, I've just started using high 5 energy drink for my long runs. Its working out great so far. Did 18mile today and used about 750ml of it. It ensured I was hydrated and got some fast carbs in to me too.. I found the trick is to work out where you start needing water/carbs (I'm at about 11miles in) and then take the drink 3-4 miles prior to that..Dont know if this is all stuff you know but I'm just after figuring it out this time round for Barcelona Marathon and now i'm in good enough shape energy wise to kick at the end! When I say kick, I mean try desperatley to go quicker without looking like an epileptic spider..
Keep up the good training and I hope you're enjoying the nice(r) weather!
Mon, 18/01/2010 - 19:58
#32
Thanks craprun (great name by the way!) thought I doubt its true! Never heard of high 5 energy drink. Do you buy it in a supermarket or where? A rowing coach and pharamists told me that dioralyte is a good electrolyte replacement cause a lot of energy drinks make me sick I just cant take them or coke or cafine. Got sick a couple of years ago with a virus and my bodies systems went off a lot of foods and drinks and just wont tolerate them any more chocolate is another thing I can't take so jelly beans are the thing for me! Just read an article that said the same thing as you just said so must try figure it out on the long runs, thanks for the info. And believe it or not rain is my fave weather go figure!
Mon, 18/01/2010 - 12:03
#33
Hi Yvonne, good to hear that I am not the only one that is trying to work out what the plan should be, its always easier if you have a rough idea of what you should be doing, you can then adapt to what suits yourself in the time available.
I tried to sign up for Connemara last year but didn’t realise the demand there would be and all entries were gone after Christmas. So I have no idea of the demands of the course, though I did drive it last year and its good to hear that the hills weren’t the main memory. Though I imagine the need to eat was probably tied up with it
Let me give you some thoughts on your plan and its only my opinion, but I think you are doing too much too close to the run. 2 30s and 1 33 in March will be hard hard runs no matter how easy you take it and I’m not sure that you have left enough time to taper down, recover your strength and be ready to go. Just using marathons as a guide they say you should taper down from 3 weeks out but given the tough last 3 runs you are putting in, I’d feel I would have to have 4-5 weeks to come down from that.
I’m thinking next weekend of trying 28, then a down week (doing 10m in Dungarvan so wont be putting in a long run), then two 30s, two 24s in February (alternate), March week 1 30, week 2 25, week 3 20, week 4 18 and then its Connemara practically. Thats the plan, but of course, might have to change it if I find I haven’t enough done by the end of February, we’ll see.
As for food, I’m trying a few things as I am doing the training run. Two things that work for me are Frys chocolate cream and Turkish delight, though they were tough to eat during the cold because they froze hard in my jacket pocket, mad ! I intend to leave some of these in my pack for whatever stage they deliver them for the ultras, but I also have an assistant on the road who is going to have drinks and food at the points I expect to want them, so thats sorting that out. Alternatively I got a backpack last year with a bladder, so if you had one, you could have it at the first drop point (assuming you are prehydrated and maybe carry a bottle for the first bit) and use it to get you to the next one where you can dump it again and then you will be within the marathon course.
(I have, on another course, not a marathon, dropped off some water at a recognisable point before the race and picked it up during. You need to partially hide it though or else someone else might pick it up. This has happened to me a few times training in the Phoenix park and it wrecks your head. You are looking forward to drink/food and then its gone )
Dont know if any of that helps or hinders, but see what you think.
Mon, 18/01/2010 - 20:44
#34
Hi dsedeath, no I can honestly say that the hunger was not the factor that made me forget the terraine, hills whatever! Last year was only my second marathon ever just decided in January what i was going to do and then booked it! if ya havent done it before its hard to explain the athmosphere of the race its just magical! I know it sounds mad but it was brillant and the place was just buzzing with really great people, everyone so friendly. The bus to the start all the different nationalities, the crack, the jokes fantastic. The support from the other runners it's just amyzing. When i was hungry help came from every direction ultra's, marathoners, half marathoners and believe it or not even the Garda on duty such is the spirit of the race, what can I say it was just pure magic! I used an ultra runner as my pacemaker as he ran at the same speed that was comfortable for me. He stopped to offer aid to someone so I did to and told him what I was doing he just laughed, once the lady was sorted he started and I followed! I took my lead from him and walked when did, I did exactly as he did. A mad strategy that worked for me, and he didnt mind as I was far enough behind him so as not to interfere with his own plan of action. At the end I went up to him and thanked him and he just so no problem glad to have helped, crazy and so friendly! And to boot I did my best time ever in a marathon and WALKED away a very happy girl! Enjoyed it so much that I signed up for the ultra as soon as the enteries opened for this year and I'm hoping to follow a similar pattern. I'm a donkey not a racehorse but once I make the 13 and 26mile time limits I'm a happy camper!........... Ya I see where you are going with your plan and its far better than mine so I'm robing it if ya don't mind? It does make more sense than mine and the taper is longer which in mine was only a week crazy when I think about it! Really appreciate the help! Luckey you with an assistant to help tell then to bring extra in case a savage in a yellow RNLI vest raids their car haha. No think my problem was last year I didnt eat enough the day before not knowing what to expect this year I'll fill up more the day before but still extra is always good with your assistant just incase!!!! Yeah I gor an xmas present of a bladder backpack with extra pockets for food and bars etc so I'm trying that out on the longer runs, also have a belt like thing that takes a bottle with 2 pockets in it for bars, gels etc for the shorter runs. I'm doing Dungarvan to so might se you there. I'm luckey I get my long run in on a tuesday as usually I row on a sunday. Picked up a bit of a back injury so am walking for this week and next doing the same distances just takes longer, hopefully the physio will work his magic and I'll be gud to go for the 31st to start with! Trust me the weather is good and I'm injured great huh!
Mon, 18/01/2010 - 12:34
#35
Just a small bit of info on the course, from my memory from running it 3 years ago. Along the full marathon course there is a lot of smaller hills, nothing to major until about 4 or 5 miles from the end where you turn right at maam heading for Maam cross and the finish line. There is about a 2 or 3 mile climb here with very few places where it levels of. I live not to far away from the course so plan on doing a few training runs along it, Will post any info I think might be good here. Bear in mind, my lvel of fitness is well below any ultra marathon runner so it may be taken with a pinch of salt!
Mon, 18/01/2010 - 12:55
#37
Wouldnt count myself or Yvonne as ultra marathon runners yet, this is the first attempt for both of us, so you dont get the medal till you cross the line :) Ultras in training !
Mon, 18/01/2010 - 20:30
#39
Well, my cap is doffed to you both. I hope it goes well and you get that medal..Never know, you might see me next year! I'll be the one asleep at the side of the road...
Mon, 18/01/2010 - 20:57
#40
Do you know what, you are a mad bunch this race is going to be some crack! Here's a mad idea why dont we all put our names on our shirts so when we are in line starting off or running along we can say hi to each other. Be killer fun to try and spot familiar names when the going get tough it might give us something to do other than moan about another mile, hill whatever I missed first time round? Any takers on the idea? That way when we spot dsedeath assistant we can raid the car of all its goodies and tell him/her that they said it was ok....like I said before better to much than to little goodies in that car!..... I'm a bit jealous I havent got an assisant any offers?
Tue, 19/01/2010 - 14:34
#41
Not sure that running around the ultra course with a name that includes "death" in the title would work well :) I will be very easily spotted as I got a Christmas present of flourescent orange shorts with black and orange top for racing this year, should make me visible from outer space.
Tue, 19/01/2010 - 22:43
#42
Ya but you picked the name so you gotta live with it, it's not as if you can blame your mom for naming you Death! Right flourescent orange shorts and a black vest you obviously have a sense of humour or do a lot of running in dangerous places:-) Rite so I'll look out for that in dungarvan and as stated before I'll be in a yellow RNLI vest so maybe we'll see each other there!? no offers for your assistant no?.....ok thanks bud!!
Tue, 19/01/2010 - 18:09
#43
Hi reading the recent posts and am training along with other running friend for our first ultra.We have come from running marathons but have to say the training from what we have read is totally against what you do for marathons as they say do back to back long runs,which i have been attempting and certainly hard but do feel getting stronger.also do as many hills as possible as this boosts your endurance.I need to ask what sort of drop offs is there for connemara and feed stations will there be.
Tue, 19/01/2010 - 22:38
#44
Hi reddobbin, could you explain what you mean by back to back long runs? I'm doing say this week 12 mile, 21m, 12 easy, 12 fartlek, 11 easy and 12 fartlek normally over different terrains, hills, sand, road and mixing it with swiming so not to overstrain any particular muscle group. Next week it a mix of 12's, 15's and 1x28miles. Any info greatly accepted. Last year there was water stations every 3miles and unlike many races they were where they said they would be! Looking at the information there are 3 drop points for the ultra's but where they are I'm not sure but I think possible you decide at what water stations you want your stuff but again I dont know for sure it was just last year there lunch boxes with numbers of the ultra and by the looks of it, but then again last year's race was just my second marathon so maybe so who knows for sure could post a reply!
Wed, 20/01/2010 - 09:24
#45
Will catch in Dungarvan and sort out life, the universe and everything! Cant speak for my guy till I talk to him.
Wed, 20/01/2010 - 20:48
#46
Tell him his mammy should have thought him to share:-) Jesus sort out the universe and life, it's only a 10mile run and I can't even sort out a proper training plan for this ultra:-( Maybe we could sort out the ultra in dungarvan and the on the ultra sort out the rest of the world! Am still hoping for a miracle with my back for dungarvan might be a walk/run strategy anything that eats up the miles but as long as I cross the finish line I'm happy!
Wed, 20/01/2010 - 15:53
#47
yvonne thanks for the info on the energy stations and drop off points,I usually carry a camel bac which i think i will still do as i dont want to be short of fluid and leave food at drop off points. As with back to back runs the theory is to train your legs to run when tired but seeing from your training you dont need to do this. Good luck with the training before we know the race will be here.Then it becomes interesting
Wed, 20/01/2010 - 20:56
#48
Thanks for that I know what you mean now! Always find that the day after the long run its harder to get going but I still put in the miles. The water stations are every 3miles and some have energy gels/drinks all in bottles but your right to do as you always do changing on the day isnt the best thing. Good luck in your training and your right the day itself will be very interesting. Am looking foward to it but nervous all the same!
Wed, 20/01/2010 - 20:09
#49
Hey Yvonne! A rowing coach?? I'm a former rower of 13 years! Well, I was a cox. Had to do lots of running to make weight, hence the transition to marathon! High 5 is a pretty common energy powder that you can get in many specialist sports shops. Triathlon shops, running shops etc. Its about 40e for a massive tub of the stuff an I find it great. Gels etc. make my stomach go cazy so I turned to this stuff. It's great. As I said, when you choose to take it is crucial though..if you feel thirsty or weak it's too late!
Fri, 22/01/2010 - 23:43
#50
Yeah Craprun a rowing coach, Mark's his name. I'll take help from where ever it comes, help is help and this guy is really great for info regarding anything to do with sport. He's been a blessing in disguise for me especially since he's my pharmacist to so he knows what crap going into my system and the demands of endurance sport! Must try some of that high 5 my system cant take any of the energy drinks so thats why d info from Mark is so valuable! Hey I've just started sea rowing myself am absolutly crap at it but love it! If this was a rowing forum I'd rob your name and be craprower haha! Will take any tips on rowing as well if you have any! Tried to cox the boat once felt like an WW2 sea captain trying to avoid torpidos I do a great zig zag pattern have a huge prob with straight lines tho!!
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Hi Pete,
Yeah, this weather is seriously interfering with my mileage. Luckily I kept up my gym membership but do not like doing over 6 miles at a time on the threadmill as find it hard on the knees and is quite boring compared to running outdoors! My biggest fear is slipping in the ice (when walking to/from work) and breaking, tearing or fracturing something. That would really ruin the schedule!