122 replies to this topic

[djwilson303]

Paid and ready to go for my first full marathon.

who else?

Edited by djwilson303, 21 May 2008 - 11:46 PM.

[WhiffyFuzzball]

djwilson303, on May 22 2008, 12:25 AM, said:

Paid and ready to go for my first full marathon.

who else?

Paid but not ready

[TFive]

I've decided to do Melbourne Marathon in Oct as my 2nd Marathon - I'll do SFR 1/2 as I loved it last year.  

[snickpreview]

I've upgraded to the full...looking forward to my first!

[Beki]

Undecided.  Either will give it a go as my first full or try and run a decent HM - I'm going to just train my butt off see what happens.  Figured last minute entry is the go, that way if I get injured or sick I won't have wasted $130 (better to spend the extra $20 than lose the whole lot)

[djwilson303]

snickpreview, on May 22 2008, 03:33 PM, said:

I've upgraded to the full...looking forward to my first!

YAY another first Marathon runner,

I Just went for my first run after the SMH 1/2... man it felt good to not have a time to aim for, I have not even worked out my pace :-)

[mrscruff]

i did my fish 1/2 last wkend (SMH) and am mulling it over. seems pretty daunting, but i think i should do it. how are the other 1st timers training for it?

[mosmanmum]

I'm in. It will be my second following Canberra. I don't fancy the hills, but I plan to train much more efficiently this time round. I'd like to improve my time from Canberra if at all possible (just scraped in under four hours I think - no net time, but gun time was four h and 22 seconds) but more importantly I'd like to finish strongly. I felt like I was going to die last time!!

[djwilson303]

mrscruff, on May 22 2008, 04:21 PM, said:

i did my fish 1/2 last wkend (SMH) and am mulling it over. seems pretty daunting, but i think i should do it. how are the other 1st timers training for it?

I have the Intermediate Pat Carroll one from the web site. Hope that I did the right thing not going for the beginner!!!

[hidalgo]

YAY this is going to be my first marathon too!  I've done two HMs and am just going to get my ITBS sorted out and then I'll sign up.

[enduro]

Yes I'm in too, have wanted to complete my first marathon for some years.

Really felt the last few k's of SMH half so looking at doing longer training runs over the coming months. Anyone have some tips for first timmer's going from the Half to a Full Marathon ?

[hidalgo]

mrscruff, on May 22 2008, 04:21 PM, said:

i did my fish 1/2 last wkend (SMH) and am mulling it over. seems pretty daunting, but i think i should do it. how are the other 1st timers training for it?

I'm taking it easy this week, then next week I'll start building mileage again.  I'm going to follow Brian Schepsi's 16 week program for beginners from Runners World but factoring in some fun runs, the Melbourne half,  City 2 Surf, Sydney tower run-up and whatever else comes up.  

If someone more experienced is around - all the programs I've looked at have the longest run at around 32km: is it foolhardy to do the whole distance (even really slowly) before the race?

Edited by UpAndAtom, 22 May 2008 - 06:56 PM.

[PlodBod]

UpAndAtom, on May 22 2008, 06:55 PM, said:

If someone more experienced is around - all the programs I've looked at have the longest run at around 32km: is it foolhardy to do the whole distance (even really slowly) before the race?

I'm not saying that I'm "more experienced" here, but why would you want to run the whole distance before your first marathon race? Isn't part of the excitement the fact that you're going beyond what you've ever run before?  I know it is for me.  Trust the training.  I'm sure the more experienced will weigh in here, but I think (and hope!) that the adrenalin of race day and the huge personal achievement factor will get you over those last few kms. Those programmes have the longest run at 30-35km for a reason - I'm not questioning it!

[mosmanmum]

PlodBod, on May 22 2008, 07:05 PM, said:

I'm not saying that I'm "more experienced" here, but why would you want to run the whole distance before your first marathon race? Isn't part of the excitement the fact that you're going beyond what you've ever run before?  I know it is for me.  Trust the training.  I'm sure the more experienced will weigh in here, but I think (and hope!) that the adrenalin of race day and the huge personal achievement factor will get you over those last few kms. Those programmes have the longest run at 30-35km for a reason - I'm not questioning it!

[mosmanmum]

Gosh - sorry. I'm trying to respond to you Plod Bod but keep emailing in the wrong spot or, er, something. But, I'm with you on the not going the distance beforehand. None of the programs suggest you do it and that's for a reason. I figure they know better than me. And just for reference, I followed the Brian Schepisi beginner's training plan from Runner's World for the Canberra Marathon and it suited me fine. I plan to step it up considerably for Sydney though.

[hidalgo]

PlodBod, on May 22 2008, 07:05 PM, said:

I'm not saying that I'm "more experienced" here, but why would you want to run the whole distance before your first marathon race? Isn't part of the excitement the fact that you're going beyond what you've ever run before?  I know it is for me.  Trust the training.  I'm sure the more experienced will weigh in here, but I think (and hope!) that the adrenalin of race day and the huge personal achievement factor will get you over those last few kms. Those programmes have the longest run at 30-35km for a reason - I'm not questioning it!

I guess I'm afraid my body and brain will turn to mush and just shut down when I get to the furthest I've run before, whereas if I'll be more confident if I go into the race knowing I can make it.

But yes I take you and mosmanmum's point - I'll stick to the plan like glue.  Can't wait to parade around wearing my marathon finisher's shirt!

[snickpreview]

mrscruff, on May 22 2008, 04:21 PM, said:

i did my fish 1/2 last wkend (SMH) and am mulling it over. seems pretty daunting, but i think i should do it. how are the other 1st timers training for it?

Great to see so many first timers!

I've just been looking for a few training programs (even Pat Carroll's program posted on the Blackmores website) but still not fully sure which one to take. Will have to give it a few days to hear what others are doing/suggest...

Edited by snickpreview, 22 May 2008 - 07:38 PM.

[walshy2]

Im still to decide. I have now done 7 halfs and not yet done a full. Am confident I can without too much trouble, but would really like to do myself justice timewise at my 1st attempt, so need to consider if I can ramp up my training sufficiently to give this a real good crack

[kolya]

djwilson303, on May 21 2008, 11:25 PM, said:

Paid and ready to go for my first full marathon.

who else?

Count me in - Bib Num 05885!

Wow! This will be my first full marathon - and I haven't ever done any race greater than 10k. Been running since Oct 06, and loving it - and been reading and reading posts here. Finally decided - you know what - I'm going to do it!

So I'm going to get offline, tell my wife, and start training! :-)

See you there!

[Eagle]

UpAndAtom, on May 22 2008, 06:55 PM, said:

If someone more experienced is around - all the programs I've looked at have the longest run at around 32km: is it foolhardy to do the whole distance (even really slowly) before the race?

Not many do it - if any at all. It is not necessary. Do all the right training, trust the taper and you will be fine. The last 10k takes it out of you no matter the pace and then the time to fully recover - that means recovered not just no mucles sorness can takes weeks - so why take that chunck of time out of your training for no real physical benefit.

You may gain a menatl benefit from such a run.

Also the distance invites an injury. All can see is negatives. Just build up the long run as the program suggests and experiment when you have the benefit of experience. Although I love your enthuasim - don't lose that.

[Fiona]

I am in too, have not had actually entered the race, but booked my flight from Perth, so race entry will be next month probably, and then we just have to decide where we are staying..... Ran Melbourne last year which was very flat, not sure about this course.  Will there be pacers in this run does anyone know?

[hidalgo]

Fiona, on May 23 2008, 08:39 AM, said:

and then we just have to decide where we are staying..... Ran Melbourne last year which was very flat, not sure about this course.  Will there be pacers in this run does anyone know?

There'll be pacers for:

Sub 3.00hr
Sub 3.15hr
Sub 3.30hr
Sub 3.45hr
Sub 4.00hr

Also there's a course description and elevation map here: http://www.sydneymar....asp?PageID=829

The closest hotel is the Vibe Hotel (about 200m from the start ) http://www.vibehotel...el north sydney

Otherwise Harbourview Hotel is about a 10minute walk away http://www.viewhotels.com.au/hp_hv.asp

I live pretty much next to the start so if you need any more info about the area let me know!

[walshy2]

walshy2, on May 22 2008, 08:00 PM, said:

Im still to decide. I have now done 7 halfs and not yet done a full. Am confident I can without too much trouble, but would really like to do myself justice timewise at my 1st attempt, so need to consider if I can ramp up my training sufficiently to give this a real good crack

ok have now done it, entered for my 1st "full"

Now just need to settle on a time goal.

Have a 1/2 pb of 84.33 and have done 7 in total all under 90.

Any advice as to a realistic full target?

rgds

[mrscruff]

walshy2, on May 25 2008, 10:37 PM, said:

ok have now done it, entered for my 1st "full"

Now just need to settle on a time goal.

Have a 1/2 pb of 84.33 and have done 7 in total all under 90.

Any advice as to a realistic full target?

rgds

hey walshy, i reckon you should just aim to finish it strongly, and not really worry about the time too much. i've just committed too, and that's my approach. the reason being yesterday i was wondering if i could do it at all. now i've committed, i just want to finish and do so in good shape, without adding any additional pressure! but then again, your pbs and experience suggest you'll leave me gasping at a water station!

good luck with the training!

[PlodBod]

I'm in for the half to give my pb a good spanking

[UltimoJogger]

I registered for the Half Marathon a few weeks ago....I am hoping to improve my time on this course...although that may be a bit of a stretch as I wil be doing the Gold Coast Full Marathon and the City to Surf before this.....I am excited though...

[Fiona]

The closest hotel is the Vibe Hotel (about 200m from the start ) http://www.vibehotel...el north sydney

Otherwise Harbourview Hotel is about a 10minute walk away http://www.viewhotels.com.au/hp_hv.asp

I live pretty much next to the start so if you need any more info about the area let me know.

These hotels work out a bit expensive for us, there are 4 of us currently who are going to share, so we are looking for an appartment.  Have looked at some at Milsons Point but again appear quite expensive, so now thinking of staying in the city at the Waldorf appartments in Liverpool St, where rates are a bit more reasonable and acomm looks good.  How long do you think that would take us to get to the start from there?  Will we be able to get public transport at that time or will we need to get a taxi?  
Be grateful for any advice.   Also glad to hear there will be pacing groups, I ran with the 3.45 person in Melbourne and got 3.43, not expecting the same time but would love to give it ago again.

[hidalgo]

Fiona, on May 29 2008, 08:33 AM, said:

These hotels work out a bit expensive for us, there are 4 of us currently who are going to share, so we are looking for an appartment.  Have looked at some at Milsons Point but again appear quite expensive, so now thinking of staying in the city at the Waldorf appartments in Liverpool St, where rates are a bit more reasonable and acomm looks good.  How long do you think that would take us to get to the start from there?  Will we be able to get public transport at that time or will we need to get a taxi?  
Be grateful for any advice.   Also glad to hear there will be pacing groups, I ran with the 3.45 person in Melbourne and got 3.43, not expecting the same time but would love to give it ago again.

It'd probably be a 5 min walk from the Waldorf to Town Hall station, and then a 10 minute train over the bridge to Milsons Point.  There'd better be plenty of trains running since the bridge will be closed to traffic from 4am!

[Eagle]

Its better to walk accoss the bridge and watch the sun rise over the horizon. A lot do it and it really does not take that long and is a wonderful way to warm up and a bit odd as there is no trafiic on the bridge.

[Fiona]

Thanks for that decision made now, we will stay at the Waldorf, another group have booked at the Oaks and that looks about the same distance, so we can all catch the train or walk over the bridge to calm our nerves before the race.  Love coming to Sydney so looking forward to the run, but not all the training that has to go with the marathon.  See you all there and thanks again for the advice.

[Tim 2]

UpAndAtom, on May 22 2008, 03:55 AM, said:

If someone more experienced is around - all the programs I've looked at have the longest run at around 32km: is it foolhardy to do the whole distance (even really slowly) before the race?

I would go beyond 32km in training.
My logic is that most people start to run out of glycogen at 30-35km unless they do longer training runs that then force the body to adapt and store more glycogen. A longest run of 32km will start that process but doing several runs in the 30-35km range and 1 or 2 in the 35-40km range will do it that much better.
I admit i'm at the hard core end of the spectrum and my approach probably doesn't suit everyone but having been there and done that previously when you're at 38km and struggling to keep running will make it that little bit easier.
Possibly just as important as following some generic plan on the internet is to listen to your body.  There are times when not doing that long run will be better in the long run (excuse the pun) than doing it despite a niggling injury.
Sydney marathon is on my radar but haven't commited yet.  24hr race 3weeks prior is not ideal but i suspect i won't be able to help myself.  I need something to keep me sane.

Tim

[Owly]

I'm considering it but am wary of prepaying after my Melbourne Marathon experience (DNS due to injury).  Also, I'm planning a trek in Bhutan in October so have to consider the "do nothing stupid" clause when considering an event prior to a target event (the target event being the Bhutan Trek).  I suspect that entering the half is the sensible option.

I'll consult The Oracle (aka Tiger Angel) and see what she has to say.

[enduro]

I'm following Brian's Schepsi's 16wk begginers training program and are also wondering if I should add a couple of run's over 32km. On training for my previous Half Marathon's my longer runs have been only about 17km or so and I really struggled on the last few k's. Would running 32km then walking for a futher 7 or so km's help in preparing my body for the marathon ?

[Tim 2]

enduro, on May 30 2008, 03:23 AM, said:

I'm following Brian's Schepsi's 16wk begginers training program and are also wondering if I should add a couple of run's over 32km. On training for my previous Half Marathon's my longer runs have been only about 17km or so and I really struggled on the last few k's. Would running 32km then walking for a futher 7 or so km's help in preparing my body for the marathon ?

You have to build up to them.
You could do yourself more harm than good adding extra long runs to a program that does build up to them adequately.  Also consider rest or relative rest periods for recovery after them which will not be in the program.

Tim

[slowmo]

djwilson303, on May 22 2008, 04:40 PM, said:

I have the Intermediate Pat Carroll one from the web site. Hope that I did the right thing not going for the beginner!!!

I hope so too because I'm doing the same thing !

The beginner's program just looked too light on in the first few weeks for an athlete of my standard... er, that should be even for an athlete of my standard.

I've made a start on it a bit early, mainly because the speed work is a big shock to my slow system !  So I'm sort of doubling up on the first few weeks.  This week I just did the first speed session (puff, gasp...) and replaced the second with a comfy 1 hour run.  Next week I'll do Week 1 again and attempt both speed sessions.  No idea at all if that makes any training sense

slowmo

[hidalgo]

Tim 2, on May 30 2008, 12:05 PM, said:

I would go beyond 32km in training.
My logic is that most people start to run out of glycogen at 30-35km unless they do longer training runs that then force the body to adapt and store more glycogen. A longest run of 32km will start that process but doing several runs in the 30-35km range and 1 or 2 in the 35-40km range will do it that much better.
I admit i'm at the hard core end of the spectrum and my approach probably doesn't suit everyone but having been there and done that previously when you're at 38km and struggling to keep running will make it that little bit easier.
Possibly just as important as following some generic plan on the internet is to listen to your body.  There are times when not doing that long run will be better in the long run (excuse the pun) than doing it despite a niggling injury.

Thanks Tim, I think I'll follow the general plan and knock the long runs up a notch if I'm feeling good and injury free, as my long runs which I really enjoy are around 21-23km now, and Schepisi's plan starts at a 15km long run.  

EDIT: just found a thread on this very topic http://www.coolrunni...showtopic=18394

Consensus was generally to only go above 30km more often than the plan if you've got the endurance base and not to panic because if you can make 32km you can make 42km.

Edited by UpAndAtom, 30 May 2008 - 10:47 PM.

[enduro]

Tim 2, on May 29 2008, 06:34 PM, said:

You have to build up to them.
You could do yourself more harm than good adding extra long runs to a program that does build up to them adequately.  Also consider rest or relative rest periods for recovery after them which will not be in the program.

Tim

Thanks your right I'm comfortable running 16km runs and a gradule build up to 30km does sound sensible. To be honest with all my Half Marathons I haven't followed any real training Schedule just a 40 min run on Sat and a longer run of about 15km on Sunday. I guess by adding in the Weekday runs that are included in Brians program and bringing up weekly total k's would help significally ?

[Jo C.]

I'm in for the marathon. It will be my second marathon (I did melbourne last year in 3.29.46 - phew - just got under the 3.30) But I also did the Ironman at Port mac in April. And it is true - the straight marathon hurt far more than the marathon at the end of the ironman!
Anyway I decided I wanted my second to be a different one from my first. Not sure how I will go. I'm not putting in as many kms as I was pre Melbourne, but as a point of interest for those questioning the 30+km runs - I managed 2 of them (with adequate rest in between) about 2 months out from melbourne, but then developed a calf strain, which almost made me drop out and meant that my bigest run from 8 weeks out was 22km. Realistically I was only aiming for 3.40 on the day, and I smashed that, and although I had some ITB issues on the day, I didn't "hit the wall" until 39km. Not much further to go by then!!
I think if you have been running for many years, you have the kms in your legs to cope with huge mileage and/or several 30+ km runs. But I have only been running for 4 years, and I built from several halfs, and probably wasn't quite ready. Hing now done the ironman, and clocked 70+ km a week running (on top of all the swimming and cycling) in the lead up to it, I feel quit confident that my current base will allowme to step up. That said, work commitments mean I am only running about 40-50km a week at the moment and my longest runs have only been about 20km. Hope I still have time!!!!!
Primary Goal - to finish strong and enjoy it as much as I did melbourne
Secondary - well a PB would be nice!!!

[Leofisio]

just got injured playing tennis (hamstring tear), very disappointed, the best case scenario now would be the half, but at the moment I think I won't race this year in any event...

[Ewoksta]

Hi all,

Need to find some cheap accommodation in the City/Nth Sydney area as I dont fancy catching a train from the coast at 4am . Anyone out there looking to share a room/apartment for the night of the 21st to lower the cost. I stayed at the North Shore Hotel Sydney with a mate last year. Its about a fifteen minute walk from the start, but has no restaurant/brekky facilities.

Anyone interested let me know and we can do some research.

Cheers
Andrew

[ShanksPony]

Leofisio, on Jul 5 2008, 01:02 AM, said:

just got injured playing tennis (hamstring tear), very disappointed, the best case scenario now would be the half, but at the moment I think I won't race this year in any event...

That's really bad news Leofisio - must be a bad one if you know it's going to take you out for so long.
I'm sorry.

btw - are you generally a stretcher or a non-stretcher?!

[Leofisio]

ShanksPony, on Jul 7 2008, 04:03 PM, said:

That's really bad news Leofisio - must be a bad one if you know it's going to take you out for so long.
I'm sorry.

btw - are you generally a stretcher or a non-stretcher?!

I am a stretcher... I have already started treatment and hopefully will be back to running ASAP... the sad bit is that I was very fit and with a good mileage in my legs... I will return progressively and will look for another marathon next year... thanks for your kind words!

[BEFORE40]

Hey all,
Yep Im in, registered pretty soon after Canberra (my first marathon), strike while the iron is hot and all that. Im using Pat Carroll intermediate, really enjoying the speed work, early days but the program seems much more suited to me than the Hal Higdon. I was a little disappointed with my Canberra time, although excuses of Man-flu may have played some part, but i have already improved my times (1hr 40 for a half marathon, from 1hr 55 previously) the other day. Just being careful, lots of stretching and watching for injury...heres hoping Sydney can be a sub 4 or close to it.

[twodogs100]

I'm in for the Full - bib # 6319.
3rd Marathon for 2008.

[slowmo]

twodogs100, on Jul 8 2008, 08:03 PM, said:

I'm in for the Full - bib # 6319.
3rd Marathon for 2008.

Jeepers - that's pretty impressive twodogs ! It sounds as though you're a good person to ask about recovery tips

slowmo

[twodogs100]

slowmo, on Jul 8 2008, 08:16 PM, said:

Jeepers - that's pretty impressive twodogs ! It sounds as though you're a good person to ask about recovery tips

slowmo

Recovery - here goes.

Straight after the race, fruit, sports drinks, water etc. Massage if you have time, big lines. If no massage, get legs into cold water, the foreshore will do, or later ice bath. Luke warm shower - not too hot - hot will worsen inflammation.
I'm a fan of protein powder for recovery. I have x1 protein powder within 2-hours of finishing. Then say x2 a day for 3-days post race.
Plenty of stretching for 2days after. I have been stretching in the pool - easier.
Lots of good quality sleep.
Good food, limit alcohol.
1st & 2nd day after - I have been using the spa/sauna/pool for hot to cold to hot to cold etc etc. Now its Tue night after a Sunday race and by doing this my legs feel great. (I went & played 9-holes of golf today - Tue).
And get out and about walking as much as possible - although yes stairs and hills are hard.

Maybe its different after each race, this recovery has been much easier than Canberra 2008.

Hope this helps - I'm new to this, so please let me know if wrong or other tips?

[twodogs100]

slowmo, on Jul 8 2008, 08:16 PM, said:

Jeepers - that's pretty impressive twodogs ! It sounds as though you're a good person to ask about recovery tips

slowmo

Recovery - here goes.

Straight after the race, fruit, sports drinks, water etc. Massage if you have time, big lines. If no massage, get legs into cold water, the foreshore will do, or later ice bath. Luke warm shower - not too hot - hot will worsen inflammation.
I'm a fan of protein powder for recovery. I have x1 protein powder within 2-hours of finishing. Then say x2 a day for 3-days post race.
Plenty of stretching for 2days after. I have been stretching in the pool - easier.
Lots of good quality sleep.
Good food, limit alcohol.
1st & 2nd day after - I have been using the spa/sauna/pool for hot to cold to hot to cold etc etc. Now its Tue night after a Sunday race and by doing this my legs feel great. (I went & played 9-holes of golf today - Tue).
And get out and about walking as much as possible - although yes stairs and hills are hard.

Maybe its different after each race, this recovery has been much easier than Canberra 2008.

Hope this helps - I'm new to this, so please let me know if wrong or other tips?

[twodogs100]

slowmo, on Jul 8 2008, 08:16 PM, said:

Jeepers - that's pretty impressive twodogs ! It sounds as though you're a good person to ask about recovery tips

slowmo

Recovery - here goes.

Straight after the race, fruit, sports drinks, water etc. Massage if you have time, big lines. If no massage, get legs into cold water, the foreshore will do, or later ice bath. Luke warm shower - not too hot - hot will worsen inflammation.
I'm a fan of protein powder for recovery. I have x1 protein powder within 2-hours of finishing. Then say x2 a day for 3-days post race.
Plenty of stretching for 2days after. I have been stretching in the pool - easier.
Lots of good quality sleep.
Good food, limit alcohol.
1st & 2nd day after - I have been using the spa/sauna/pool for hot to cold to hot to cold etc etc. Now its Tue night after a Sunday race and by doing this my legs feel great. (I went & played 9-holes of golf today - Tue).
And get out and about walking as much as possible - although yes stairs and hills are hard.

Maybe its different after each race, this recovery has been much easier than Canberra 2008.

Hope this helps - I'm new to this, so please let me know if wrong or other tips?

[slowmo]

Many thanks twodogs - that's great info and very much appreciated.  You may consider yourself inexperienced but this will be my first attempt so I'm keen to get as much advice as I can from those, like yourself, who have successfully completed the distance.

A quick search uncovered this recent thread with more on recovery.

slowmo

[Loco66]

Im in for my first Go at the half marathon..

bib 1340   m 40-44.

two dogs will catch up with you for a game of golf shortly.....played last week very ordinary

Cya