928 replies to this topic

[scurry711]

There's a great atmosphere during the marathon but particularly at the end.

[Paul Every]

As per previous occasions, I'll be running the 10km/50km double. If I've paid for the marathon I'm going to get my money's worth. Like, that almost an extra 18km gratis!  

[The Sloth]

wombatoutofhell, on Jan 30 2008, 04:19 PM, said:

What I dont know is is it a good idea to run the evening before your first marathon?

I always try to have a 5k run the day before a marathon. Nothing strenuous, just to turn the legs over. I find an easy 5k good to loosen you up if you have been sedentary during the last stages of the taper.
My view only.

[wombatoutofhell]

entry printed out and filled in, accomodation booked and paid for (3 nights Forrest Inn Apartments, 2 bedroom apartment, $185 per night for 5 people.  http://www.forrestinn.com.au/)-I guess I'm officially in for my debut marathon.  I only hope I dont injure myself before then!  Oh-I also hope I finish and dont make a total dick of myself.
I've decided not to do the pasta party.  If there's a coolrunning dinner I'll probably go, otherwise I'll have a quiet night out with the family.
I did nothing last year for my 40th birthday-not even a party.  I'm making up for it this year!

Edited by wombatoutofhell, 31 January 2008 - 04:57 PM.

[Phoenix]

The Kids marathon entries are now open.  The fruit of my loins wants to do his second one, so I'll enter him in.

I think this is a spectacular initiative.  It's not like most 'kiddie' races where you turn up on the day and run.  This one asks you to cover 40 kms before race day.  So it begins teaching some discipline in terms of setting a goal and achieving it.

Edited by Phoenix, 31 January 2008 - 07:43 PM.

[superflake]

Nine weeks to go people. Hope all the training is going well.

Another six weeks of punishment then I can taper. My 10th run over 30ks this morning so my base is sitting very nicely.
I've started doing my marathon pace runs in the last couple of weeks and hope to keep increasing the distance. And to hold the pace I want for the race.

How is eveyone's training going?

[moh]

Have had a cold/chest infection since the beginning of January, which I've only just managed to shake - so it has put a serious ding in my training - bugger...But having said that this week was the first week where I've finally started to pick up a little speed - been putting in some speed sessions - painful!  I'll be right for the Canberra 50 (I hope!) but the time is still questionable at the moment. Hoping for a 4hr - 4hr 5min 50km- fingers crossed!

Cheers
moh

[BallaratFlash]

Canberra will be second marathon following my 'accidental' running in Melbourne last year. (had been training for the half but the field was full when I finally got round to entering so went the full marathon instead).

SuperGirl is entering the 10km which is fantastic as she started running last year when she turned 44 (don't let on that I told) and her times are really improving. Her time for the 6km aroung Lake Wendouree is getting closer to mine so I'll need to work on my fast sessions.

If I get through Canberra ok, my plan is to run the Great Ocean Road Marathon in Mid May - a short turn around but my goal is always to finish no matter what time so I'll see how things go.

For the Wombat family I hope to catch you in Canberra, I missed you in both Geelong and at Princes Park last week - it's wonderful that you run as a family. Keep it up you are inspiring!

Training is going ok, managed a 2.5 hour run today (Sunday, not the past 35 minutes!) and don't feel too bad at the moment.

[wombatoutofhell]

You need to get a coolrunning cap so I can spot you BF!
My trainings going fine-I haven't done any speed sessions as I'm trying to keep from getting injured.  I had last week off which took care of a few little niggles I had.  Yesterday I did my 4th 30km run -32km yesterday.  I haven't pulled up stiff today which is a nice surprise.
This week I have to get into the exercises my physio gave me 2 weeks ago-I've been too slack.  I also have to get used to my new orthotics which may take some time.  I'm hoping to do a 35/36 km run next weekend and build up to a 42 before Canberra-I'll be alot happier going into the race if I know I have covered that distance.
Aiming for 4 hours-might even do it!

[Gronk]

My entry has been received and I'm sending off two entries for the Kids Marathon today.

Goals ?

sub 4:23 would give me a PB

sub 4:15 would make me verrry happy

sub 4:00 and I'd do a little dance.

[Eagle]

superflake, on Feb 10 2008, 11:10 PM, said:

Nine weeks to go people. Hope all the training is going well.

Another six weeks of punishment then I can taper. My 10th run over 30ks this morning so my base is sitting very nicely.
I've started doing my marathon pace runs in the last couple of weeks and hope to keep increasing the distance. And to hold the pace I want for the race.

How is eveyone's training going?

None at the moment unless walking counts. SF keep up those long runs and the MP runs and I am sure you will find the 3 odd mintues you need.

[Luckylegs]

superflake, on Feb 10 2008, 10:10 PM, said:

Nine weeks to go people. Hope all the training is going well.

Another six weeks of punishment then I can taper. My 10th run over 30ks this morning so my base is sitting very nicely.
I've started doing my marathon pace runs in the last couple of weeks and hope to keep increasing the distance. And to hold the pace I want for the race.

How is eveyone's training going?

Your 10th run over 30km, SF!!    That's truly terrifying for someone like me who's only done one 30km & one 32km, but I have a 30+k this coming Sunday & with only 8 weeks to go!  Training going well though &  no injuries...that's the important element now.

My training for this week is a rest day today, Monday;  Tuesday, an easy 6km; Wednesday, 12km;  Thursday, 4km easy + strides; Friday, Track session : 8 laps lane 8 'sitting on' HR 83% of Max.; Saturday, Rest!  Sunday, 30km or more if feeling good!  The long run is the key session, so everything else is a little easier this week   LL

Edited by Luckylegs, 11 February 2008 - 10:52 AM.

[glenda]

Pleased to say I think I am back on track finally with training which has been a bit inconsistent with too many holidays. Brisbane put on a perfect day for a long run yesterday.Finished up at 2hrs 50 mins feeling great. I think I will send off my entry now for Canberra.

[mosmanmum]

Gronk, on Feb 11 2008, 09:51 AM, said:

My entry has been received and I'm sending off two entries for the Kids Marathon today.

Goals ?

sub 4:23 would give me a PB

sub 4:15 would make me verrry happy

sub 4:00 and I'd do a little dance.

Uh oh. Everyone's looking mighty speedy. Will there be anyone trailing along at the back of the pack or will that pack simply consist of well... me? I'm planning to wear a CR cap so if you see me out there, dragging myself about, please tell me to get moving! And I'd like to see that dance Gronk!

[philk]

not enough training & too many niggles means no 6 Ft as originally planned.

focus shifts to Canberra which I last ran in 1991 !

goal ? would be ecstatic with sub-4 , but to be realistic would have to put in a lot of hard yards to make that happen. plus gotta get over negative associations with loopity-loop marathon courses, which makes GOR attractive.

decisions, decisions

[mosmanmum]

glenda, on Feb 11 2008, 11:53 AM, said:

Pleased to say I think I am back on track finally with training which has been a bit inconsistent with too many holidays. Brisbane put on a perfect day for a long run yesterday.Finished up at 2hrs 50 mins feeling great. I think I will send off my entry now for Canberra.

Lordy! I'm only at the two hour 15 minute mark. Am I off schedule?? And can I ask - how much ground did you cover in that time? I know I need to run my own race but I'm feeling mighty nervous reading these posts and seeing just how far everyone's running already. Eek!

[Johnbo]

mosmanmum, on Feb 11 2008, 12:02 PM, said:

Lordy! I'm only at the two hour 15 minute mark. Am I off schedule?? And can I ask - how much ground did you cover in that time? I know I need to run my own race but I'm feeling mighty nervous reading these posts and seeing just how far everyone's running already. Eek!

Don't allow yourself to get intimidated mosmanmum! You are doing well.

I am training with a pal for our first marathon in Canberra, and completed our first 31 Km this weekend / 2 hrs 45 mins (previous couple of about 25 km length at faster pace)

Felt great though, as i believed at the end that at least I could do the distance continuing at that pace (no. 1 proirity finishing intact!). My problem before now psychologically is believing that becasue I ran just over 93 mins in my first half last September, that I should be able to run under 3 and 1/2 in Canberra.... therefore feeling wrecked at the end of a 25 km at under 5 minute average was very discouraging! Easing back the pace in my training run  and running longer was a boost I needed. Now just need to build up speed slowly and steadily while doing the long runs.

Johnbo

[Whippet gal]

I'm a bit short on my long runs at the moment. Gotta get some decent ones in soon or I'll die in the back half.
Feeling a little unprepared at the moment, but hoping I can fix that and (fingers crossed) do about 2:57. Hopefully.  

[Eagle]

Luckylegs, on Feb 11 2008, 11:51 AM, said:

Your 10th run over 30km, SF!!    That's truly terrifying for someone like me who's only done one 30km & one 32km, but I have a 30+k this coming Sunday & with only 8 weeks to go!  Training going well though &  no injuries...that's the important element now.
  LL

I may get a looooong run in later this week of 3K - yep I said 3. Maybe I won't make it the start    but don't place a bet on that yet. Where there is a will there is a way.

Edited by Eagle, 11 February 2008 - 11:58 AM.

[glenda]

hey mosmanmum, don't panic, still time to get in a few more runs and of course it's all relative to your finishing goal. Better to go in a little underdone than overdone. I'm a seasoned (old) long distance runner and do a few runs of that time , up to 3hrs sometimes.  Probably cover about 36km in the 2h50mins.  No real idea of length. You don't want your long runs compromising your other sessions (voice of experience). No time predictions till after my half marathon race early March.  Good luck and see you on the start line.

[mosmanmum]

glenda, on Feb 11 2008, 01:16 PM, said:

hey mosmanmum, don't panic, still time to get in a few more runs and of course it's all relative to your finishing goal. Better to go in a little underdone than overdone. I'm a seasoned (old) long distance runner and do a few runs of that time , up to 3hrs sometimes.  Probably cover about 36km in the 2h50mins.  No real idea of length. You don't want your long runs compromising your other sessions (voice of experience). No time predictions till after my half marathon race early March.  Good luck and see you on the start line.

Glenda and Johnbo, thanks for the encouragement! I think I might stop reading now. I was planning a 15km this weekend but maybe I'd best crank it up a bit. Crikey!! Anyway, I'm determined to be there on the day... hopefully in one piece.

[Luckylegs]

Quote

Uh oh. Everyone's looking mighty speedy. Will there be anyone trailing along at the back of the pack or will that pack simply consist of well... me? I'm planning to wear a CR cap so if you see me out there, dragging myself about, please tell me to get moving!

mosmanmum, I've held that position at the very back of the pack for 4 years now & no one can take that away from me!  LL

Quote

I may get a looooong run in later this week of 3K - yep I said 3. Maybe I won't make it the start sad.gif but don't place a bet on that yet. Where there is a will there is a way.

No bets at all on that, Eagle!  Tally-ho!      LL

[Anne Victor]

Another run over 31km completed in the challenging Sydney weather early Saturday morning!   Gronk, good to see you (twice) on the La Perouse run - obviously the training for Canberra is going well.

Eagle - I'm confident that I'll see you at the marathon start line at Canberra - like SF said, you still have another 9 weeks to go - heaps of time!
AV

[mosmanmum]

Luckylegs, on Feb 11 2008, 02:06 PM, said:

mosmanmum, I've held that position at the very back of the pack for 4 years now & no one can take that away from me!  LL
No bets at all on that, Eagle!  Tally-ho!      LL

I believe I will be giving you some very stiff 'back of the pack' competition this year!! Every now and again turn back and look behind you... see that girl way, way back? That's me!

[Luckylegs]

Quote

Every now and again turn back and look behind you... see that girl way, way back? That's me!

No chance, mosmanmum!  Look waaaay, waaay, waaay back in pity....That's me!      Almost no one takes  5.5 hours (or more) to finish as I do.  Now that should give you some joy!  But then I take heart from the fact that there probably won't be many other female 78 year olds running the marathon!   But never say never!     LL

[wombatoutofhell]

I dont know-i'm aiming at around 4 hours but thats assuming it doesn't all go wrong-I might be looking at your heels yet LL!  It's a first marathon-who knows what will happen?

[THE KEG]

mosmanmum, on Feb 11 2008, 03:53 PM, said:

I believe I will be giving you some very stiff 'back of the pack' competition this year!! Every now and again turn back and look behind you... see that girl way, way back? That's me!

I know I will be a long way behind you.Still managed to beat 14 runners last year but am running much slower than last year. But will be trying my best to beat last years time.

[RunsWithScissors]

Training has been going well for me (touch wood).  Managed a 41km easy traing run yesterday and felt good.  5km races are also going well.  I am looking forward to the SMC race this weekend as a solid tempo run.  Too ealry to predict times yet.  I will wait 'till it gets closer.

RWS

[TFive]

RunsWithScissors, on Feb 11 2008, 07:49 PM, said:

Training has been going well for me (touch wood).  Managed a 41km easy traing run yesterday and felt good.  5km races are also going well.  I am looking forward to the SMC race this weekend as a solid tempo run.  Too ealry to predict times yet.  I will wait 'till it gets closer.

RWS

Great your training is going well RWS

Now I'm really starting to panic - have only done two long runs 2.30 hr - one at a decent pace and the other much slower.

[italianstallion]

TFive, on Feb 11 2008, 03:11 AM, said:

Great your training is going well RWS

Now I'm really starting to panic - have only done two long runs 2.30 hr - one at a decent pace and the other much slower.

I think you will find that there is a huge divison of opinion about whether you need to or should do the dstance before the race. Some say go further, some say go shorter, some say do the distance . . . anyway there is still two months to go so DONT PANIC!!!!!

[Horrie]

Training is going very well. I have switched from a speedwork based training to Lydiard training and feeling as though I am building good endurance.

Managed to knock out 64km at the Caboolture 6 hour event on the weekend. It was good feedback to tell me the training is working.

Looking forward to a nice run at 6 Foot with BlueBel on route to what will hopefully be a marathon and 50km PB.

[Phoenix]

Hope everyone's training is going well.

Starting to ramp up the kms.  The last 2 weeks have seen 2 x 3 hr runs + some speed work.  easy does it.

[PEEKIE]

Did my first 30km run on Sunday on the Capital City Trail with some of the Melbourne coolrunning crew in just over 2 hours 45 minutes, feeling pretty good about Canberra but taking all the precautions to stay injury free and make it to the start line

[Brick]

Might need to re-evaluate my goals was going for a sub 3:00 but that is not looking like a go.
Maybe start thinking about a sub 3:10.
First a nice easy 6' Track Marathon and then think about more speed work.
All going OK, not good just OK, bit disappointed with my lack of speed still with all the work I have been putting in.

This faster running stuff is hard work soon time to get back to lots of long slow trails.

Shame to hear that you are still injured Eagle was looking forward to trying to stay close to you for the whole Marathon now who can I pace off.

Brick

Edited by Brick, 12 February 2008 - 06:51 AM.

[Rags]

I'm in for Canberra and may attempt the 50k provided I get through Six Foot in one piece, I have a few demons to bury from 07.

[GraeGrae]

Horrie, on Feb 11 2008, 09:09 PM, said:

Managed to knock out 64km at the Caboolture 6 hour event on the weekend. It was good feedback to tell me the training is working.

Looking forward to a nice run at 6 Foot with BlueBel on route to what will hopefully be a marathon and 50km PB.

Well done Horrie

I hope to do the 50k if I recover from 6ft

[Johnny Dark]

Like Horrie I'm also taking the Lydiard approach, with several 30k plus Sunday runs already behind me. I may not be any quicker than last year but I'm feeling a good deal stronger.

And like Rags I'm also seeking redemption this year after 2007's momumental stuff up.

JD

[RunsWithScissors]

Johnny Dark, on Feb 12 2008, 07:10 PM, said:

Like Horrie I'm also taking the Lydiard approach, with several 30k plus Sunday runs already behind me. I may not be any quicker than last year but I'm feeling a good deal stronger.

JD,

I haven't been working quite to a Lydiard standard but have been trying to maintian 100km weeks.  Like you, there hasn't been a great improvement in speed but the additional volume has left me feeling much stronger.


RWS

[mosmanmum]

THE KEG, on Feb 11 2008, 06:58 PM, said:

I know I will be a long way behind you.Still managed to beat 14 runners last year but am running much slower than last year. But will be trying my best to beat last years time.

Hey there Keg, my apologies if I've responded to this post already - I'm so tired I can barely see let alone retain any information. But, just wanting to say I would very much doubt you'll be behind me. I'm glad to hear there are at least a couple of people not flying through the whole event though. As much as I'd like to do that I think, given this is my first marathon, just starting and finishing on the same day will do me fine. Looking forward to seeing you on the day!

[Rock Doctor]

The time has come to put my intention to run into the public domain. There, cant back out now. I have been in hard training for 2 weeks. Yes 2 whole weeks. No surprises when I dont run a PB. Just looking to finish (and maybe try the 50k again) after initially not intending to run at all. Someone put the crazy idea in my head that a slow 50k might be fun  

[runrtom]

Lining up for my second Canberra Marathon after really enjoying the whole experience in 2004.  Been training well until I injured my back 10 days  ago (ruptured a disc) getting the milk out of the fridge!?    But I think the constant pounding on the lower back was the root cause. Ran 15km easily last Saturday and 10km Mon and 13km today, and will try to nurse the back over the next few weeks.  If it "goes" again I'm not confident of starting.  Plan to run 30km this Saturday so I will have a better idea then.  No time goals and focus is not on outcomes but just enjoying the day.  Hope to see you there.

[billsy]

Training going rubbish....almost non existent. Havent entered yet but accommodation is booked so i will be there. 8 or 9 weeks left to train...hopefully it will get me across the line. The 50km was an option but its looking pretty damn bleak at the moment.

Should still be a great weekend!

[mosmanmum]

Rock Doctor, on Feb 12 2008, 08:48 PM, said:

The time has come to put my intention to run into the public domain. There, cant back out now. I have been in hard training for 2 weeks. Yes 2 whole weeks. No surprises when I dont run a PB. Just looking to finish (and maybe try the 50k again) after initially not intending to run at all. Someone put the crazy idea in my head that a slow 50k might be fun  

Oooh how about a really, really slow 50km? I had toyed with the idea of trotting along just for fun, but I spoke with a pro coach for work yesterday and he ensured me there was absolutely no way I could pull that off. I said maybe no, and he said, 'er, that's a definite'. It was not the most encouraging conversation I've ever had but then I guess maybe someone needed to tell me to wake up to myself! Best of luck with the training.

[Brick]

mosmanmum, on Feb 13 2008, 08:20 AM, said:

Oooh how about a really, really slow 50km? I had toyed with the idea of trotting along just for fun, but I spoke with a pro coach for work yesterday and he ensured me there was absolutely no way I could pull that off. I said maybe no, and he said, 'er, that's a definite'. It was not the most encouraging conversation I've ever had but then I guess maybe someone needed to tell me to wake up to myself! Best of luck with the training.

OK, why do you think he said definitely NO?

This is interesting to me because I have always said to people you can do it if you want to enough.
This is a lot better way of looking at things than being so negative.
But maybe he has a real good reason in believing it is impossible!!! Confused.

He is a pro coach for work, what does he coach?

Just to add If you can run a marathon you can run a 50KM race just slower and if you can run a 50Km race then you can complete a 100KM race.

Brick

[mosmanmum]

Brick, on Feb 13 2008, 08:29 AM, said:

OK, why do you think he said definitely NO?

This is interesting to me because I have always said to people you can do it if you want to enough.
This is a lot better way of looking at things than being so negative.
But maybe he has a real good reason in believing it is impossible!!! Confused.

He is a pro coach for work, what does he coach?

Just to add If you can run a marathon you can run a 50KM race just slower and if you can run a 50Km race then you can complete a 100KM race.

Brick

Well, he's an elite athlete coach and seemed to think that to do a 50km I would need to have worked my long runs up to at least 38 to 40kms and then work in a five week taper before the day. Also, as this marathon is my first, he said I needed to clock up a marathon (or two or more) first and then work from there. He also felt that if I focused on the 50km then I'd do myself a diservice on the marathon itself... but I'm not really concerned about that. I have no intention of running the marathon quickly... god knows I couldn't if I tried. I was thinking, four 15 to four and a half and then if I felt like I could still walk, a very slow 8km after this. Hmm... I guess I'll just have to wait and see how I feel on the day but I've got to say, thanks for your encouragement. It's very, very much appreciated.

[Brick]

mosmanmum, on Feb 13 2008, 09:52 AM, said:

Well, he's an elite athlete coach and seemed to think that to do a 50km I would need to have worked my long runs up to at least 38 to 40kms and then work in a five week taper before the day. Also, as this marathon is my first, he said I needed to clock up a marathon (or two or more) first and then work from there. He also felt that if I focused on the 50km then I'd do myself a diservice on the marathon itself... but I'm not really concerned about that. I have no intention of running the marathon quickly... god knows I couldn't if I tried. I was thinking, four 15 to four and a half and then if I felt like I could still walk, a very slow 8km after this. Hmm... I guess I'll just have to wait and see how I feel on the day but I've got to say, thanks for your encouragement. It's very, very much appreciated.

Hope fully your longest run training for a marathon will be about 36-38KMs anyway and you would have maybe 5 runs over 30KMs so just run the Marathon for a PB and keep walking/jogging for a nice easy 8KM stretch.
This is what happened to me last year.

As you say see how you feel at the end, but I think you will surprise yourself if you try the 50.

Good luck maybe see you in Canberra.
Brick

[GraeGrae]

runrtom, on Feb 12 2008, 09:13 PM, said:

Been training well until I injured my back 10 days  ago (ruptured a disc) getting the milk out of the fridge!?    But I think the constant pounding on the lower back was the root cause.

Hi Runrtom

Did you get some expert advice?  My wife has a back problem and has to do exercises to keep the supporting muscles strong.  I suspect you may have built up strong leg muscles and neglected the back.

Hope this helps.

[runrtom]

GraeGrae, on Feb 12 2008, 04:59 PM, said:

Hi Runrtom

Did you get some expert advice?  My wife has a back problem and has to do exercises to keep the supporting muscles strong.  I suspect you may have built up strong leg muscles and neglected the back.

Hope this helps.

Thanks GraeGrae, you are spot on.  The physio has given me some "pilates" type exercises to do to strengthen the back and core muscles in general to assist the back to cope with the rigours of marathon training especially as I am not as resilient to the physical stresses as I was a few years ago.

[Running Angel]

Managed my longest run to date (35k) at the weekend so feeling a lot more confident about the marathon now. So what's the deal with the 50k? Do you have to enter or can you just decide to carry on when you finish the marathon? Depending on how I am feeling it would be good to have the option to carry on and do my first ultra if I wanted to, even if it is mega slow!