25 replies to this topic

[arrtgrrl]

Hi everyone!
Well im getting excited!  the sydney marathon is going to be my first official marathon (finished two in training early in the year) and at the moment  my training is gong really well..
Last couple of 30k runs have been under 2:50 so im pretty happy about that..
I dont have a time in mind for the marathon just to finish and enjoy the day..
Is anyone else doing there debut in Sydney?..
Its so exciting getting so close now.. only a few more long runs then into the taper.. im sure im not going to be able to sleep at all the days before!
Anyways just wanted to say hello to everyone else running!
Naomi

[MsMook]

Hi Naomi,

I'm also attempting Sydney as my first marathon.
You're lucky that you've already got two marathons under your belt! How was it?
There's another topic called,"calling all first time marathoners"
which IMHO is full of great advice.

Regards
MsMook/Sharon

[arrtgrrl]

Hi Sharon :-)

I will check that thread out thankyou :-)
The marathons i did in training  was a little silly in hindisight.. didnt build up quite enough.. i had planned to run 33 ks felt good so kept going for the 42.. i have a garmin so that encouraged me i think lol..
The second was a month later on a very hilly course .. needless to say i ended up with achilles tendonitis and had to stop running for three months ..
after physio and a gentle lead up with the ks im back in shape for the marathon and running over a minute faster than i was before... so thats really exciting.. and some major lessons learnt!
Are you excited about the marathon!  not long to go :-)
are you aiming for any time or just to finish?..  it looks like so much fun running over the bridge and ending up at the opera house!
Naomi

[ceemonkey]

Hello fellow first timers!

Its my first marathon too - I have previosuly run the Sydney half (about 2 years ago now), but since then a daughter arrived on the scene so the training took a serious dive, as well as my fitness.

Anyway, I am back into it now, and managed my longest ever run on the weekend which was 30kms - must admit I was dead afterwards so finding another 12kms on top of that is going to be very tough for me!

I would love to be able to finish in 4hrs 30 or faster (unlikely), so I have been training at a reasonable pace (my 30kms run took 2hrs 46mins - that's probably why i was dead afterwards). Everything is going well so far, and yep I am getting pretty excited now!  

Cheers,
Chris.

[arrtgrrl]

Hi Chris :-)
Looks like we will probably be running at the same pace!  are you getting nervous?.. i am..the longest  i have run in the last 4 months is 30ks  and yeah im wondering how im going to tack on the next 12 lol.. im running 35 next saturday and that will be my longest run before the marathon..  im planning to keep with my 30k pace and see how i hold up..
I dont know if you have them.. but i tell you what i find amazing for the long runs are skins!..  coming back from an achilles injury they were awesome.. i feel much less sore afterwards.. i thought they were a gimmick till i bought some and tried them out..
Though im wondering if they will be too hot for the marathon as everyone keeps saying its gets really hot..
but so far im still running in them and its only a few weeks away so im sure it wont get too hot between then and now..
Anyways best of luck!  we might be running next to each other lol
Naomi

[MsMook]

Hi Naomi & Chris,

I'm feeling rather nervous.
I've only got a 34km & 30km run under my belt & I was completely knackered.
I'm just looking to finish and I'll be waaaay behind you both!
Please save me some fruit at end..Lol

Regards
Sharon

[ceemonkey]

Hi guys,

Yes getting very nervous now as its only 6 weeks to go and I still defintiely have work to do...  Like yourself Naomi I will be attempting over 30kms this weekend, but probably not 35 - I don't think I will make it! Will probably go for around 32 at my usual pace, then maybe next wekeend try for 35 (which will be the max distance for the training runs for sure). Yeah it does sound like we'll be at a similar pace though - mine varies but averages around 5 to 5:10 per km... If I can keep that up for 42ks i will be chuffed - its very unlikely though, that would be a sub 4hr time I think! :-0

I agree Skins are fab yes, and I not only do I find that i am not as sore if I have worn them during the run - they are also great for recovery! Might be too hot for them on the day though (the marathon starts later than the half, right?).

Today will be a 12k run during lunch break, and its fantastic outside, so looking forward to that.

Best of luck to you guys too - heh, if I find myself running next to someone at the same pace I will have to ask their name... Sharon - don't worry we'll save you some fruit and also a place in the queue for massage after the race! LOL.

Chris.

[kazd]

Hi Guys,

I'm only doing the half marathon in Sydney, but I finished my first marathon (M7) a few weeks ago. I had trained in, and wore on the day, my 2XU compression tights and a long sleeved shirt. Most mornings when I trained were pretty cold, but the morning of the marathon was quite warm and I got a bit warm but not uncomfortably so.

Hard to predict what the weather will be like on the day, but in my preparation someone told me to wear in training what I was going to wear on the day. The other thing I did was made sure that I did my long training runs at the same time that the race was starting so I was acclimatised. It was good advice and worked for me.

I loved my marathon. I hope yours all work out well. Just to finish is such a big thing and to get a good time is something else again.

Enjoy it all  

[backofthepacker]

Hi All,
Sydney was my first marathon last yr. Loved the experience!!
Citywest link was torture but I don't think we'll be heading that way this year..

btw - I'm hoping to do my long run in Parramatta park area next Sunday 22nd Aug around 6.30 or 7am. I will be doing it around the 4hr15 (or 30) marathon pace. Parramatta park is a nice 3.1km loop and can get a bit boring towards the end but I like it as I find it easy to hyderate. Will be great to have some company if anyone is interested to join in

[arrtgrrl]

Hey guys :-)
I'm a bit slow on the reply.. life has been a little crazy at this end!

Sharon - with a 34k under your belt your going to do fine! how did you go with your long run this weekend? im doing my longest this weekend coming 35ks..
I did 30 ks on saturday and was really happy i did it in my best time of 2:45 .. though was a little sore the next day!... but that could be because i have just started rpm classes at my gym..
I think i will have to drop the pace to cover the full marathon distance though as i felt pretty stuffed at the end... its all a big experiment i guess.. im just going to be happy to finish!

Chris -  thats an awesome average pace! i would be really happy to be able to sustain that.. but thats a little fast for me lol.. maybe for my next marathon :-)
But if we do cross paths i will be wearing  a shirt thats says "i love to run" funnilly enough :-)

Kaz - Thanks for the hints re clothing.. i have been doing my training runs the same time as the race so hopefully it will be ok.. im keen to wear my skins if i can get away with it as thats what i have been training in.. fingers crossed for a mild day :-)

Hi backofthepacker :-) yeah it looks like its going to be a bit flatter this year which im grateful for as its my first.. im a bit far south for a training run but i hope you have fun!!

One thing i have found the last three long runs is that i can seem to stomach the gu like i used to.. kinda weird.. its making me sick just thinking about it lol.. im going to try it diluted this weekend to see how that helps..  weird as i used to really like them.. i sweat a lot so i have to try and take something in i think..

Naomi

[ceemonkey]

Hey guys!

I guess we are all busy training huh?

Managed my longest run yet on Sunday which was 34kms in 3hrs02 - and yes I was just hanging on to finish. I am more confident now of actually finishing the whole 42 now though, and I have to thank the very very kind lady with the injured foot (if she is on these forums) who gave me a gel pack for my last 7kms as I don't think i would have had the energy to go much further otherwise!

backofthepacker - would have been good to join you (the pace sounded just right for me too), but Parramatta Park is a bit out of the way for me, and I am lucky enough to have the Bay Run right outside my doorstep, which is a nice 7km loop.

Naomi - after that last training run, I really don't think I will be able to sustain low 5 minute kms, so that pace was just totally unrealistic! Nice to be optimistic though he he...

Should mention I bought some BSC (Body Science) compression tights last week and I think they have defintiely helped - I don't know maybe it is just me getting fitter from the training, but I seem to have less sore/fatigued legs the next day if I have worn them during a run.

Not long to go now guys - I hope everyone's training is going well! Also does anyone have a fund raising page? Seems like all this effort should generate some cash for charity, so I set one up...

Cheers!
Chris.

Edited by ceemonkey, 24 August 2010 - 10:36 AM.

[dickyboy]

Although it should be less exposed to the sun than previous years due to the Western Citylink section being canned, Sydney is traditionally (tempting fate) surprisingly warm so do not be overdressed. Elementary though it sounds, I'm a big fan of sunnies & peaked cap as the low sun drives me nuts.

For your training runs (and the real thing), I'm a big fan of ice baths, or more simply, wading into a harbour/ocean pool/beach. I'm sure it aids recovery - even if only psychologically.

[aDrain]

32.5k today, middle of the day (definitely not race time ), and an ice bath afterwards.Well a cold water bath, which is as close to ice as I go. Agree with dickyboy though it does help.

And then into the compression tights. I've got a pair of CW-X Stabilyx longs which were a trifleexpensive but they're good and have a couple of nifty supports panels around knees and lower back. Actually they were quite expensive.

ceemonkey - in your zone today. Route took in a couple of laps of the Bay Run with ANZAC Bridge and Darling St. When are you normally out? Say hello if you see a CR cap.

[bigbaz]

My first marathon too, did 31kms this morning, took 3 hours 5 minutes, my biggest issue at the moment is my motivation to run drops when i get about 3kms from my house, it is wreaking havoc on my times, i could easily run more but it is more of a mental challenge for me, this challenge will not be an issue on race day as stopping to walk during a race is more of a mental challenge for me than it is to keep running, this has caused me much pain after some races

[jetjackson]

Sydney will also be my first Mara... have been hanging round the frist timers thread though. Did my longest run on Sunday with 35k at 5min46sec pace. I was sore at the end but my last 5k's were as fast as the first 5. Slept for 11.5 hours on Sunday night. Going to aim for 3:50 marathon.

Ceemonkey - I would think with a 2:45 training 30k and a taper you should easily be able to go sub 4?

Good luck to everyone

[SuburbanKid]

Morning Folks - Long Time listener, first time caller.

I too am doing the marathon for the first time. Have done 2 half marathons (1.28 and 1.23) and just did City to Surf in 57. I have been aiming for a Sub 3 Marathon, but I think im getting a bit too big for my boots. Have had niggles in left achilles and a niggle in the right calf. Longest run to date has been 26km - of that the last 4km was a walk due to lets cramping up! Am attempting that same run this weekend and am looking to complete it, the next week 30km and then taper off for the last 2 weeks with a light 21.

While I have heard people say the race starts at the 30km mark, I am hoping *fingers crossed* that the crowd cheer extra hard to bring everyone home in the last 5-10kms.

Dunk

[HughB101]

Hi guys,

The Syd M is my 1st too. I took up running this year, did the SMH Half (1:48) after 11wks and I've kept training for my 1st full.

I'm also getting nervous as I recently spoke to someone who failed on their first couple of attempts even though they trained at the distance ok.

But I am thinking positively as my training seems to be progressing ok. I've been following the Blackmores program from the outset - http://www.blackmore...ing_program.pdf

My long run on Sun was about 42km in 3:50 - I can't say it was "comfortable" but I ran the full distance. I've done a couple of previous long runs of 35km @ 3:00.

I would like to catch a bus...but should I try for 4hrs which I think I can achieve or expect a lift from the race and try for a faster time?

thanks for any advice!

Hugh

[SuburbanKid]

HughB101, on Aug 27 2010, 12:14 PM, said:

Hi guys,

The Syd M is my 1st too. I took up running this year, did the SMH Half (1:48) after 11wks and I've kept training for my 1st full.

I'm also getting nervous as I recently spoke to someone who failed on their first couple of attempts even though they trained at the distance ok.

But I am thinking positively as my training seems to be progressing ok. I've been following the Blackmores program from the outset - http://www.blackmore...ing_program.pdf

My long run on Sun was about 42km in 3:50 - I can't say it was "comfortable" but I ran the full distance. I've done a couple of previous long runs of 35km @ 3:00.

I would like to catch a bus...but should I try for 4hrs which I think I can achieve or expect a lift from the race and try for a faster time?

thanks for any advice!

Hugh

Hugh - The Sydney Marathon is pretty flat from 11-36KM which will be good so you can get into a comfortable stride and try to zone out. Not to mention the crowd will be cheering you on at nearly every KM so that will get the adrenaline going. If you've done 3.50 already then considering you stay injury free, id have no doubt youll beat that time

Good luck!

[HughB101]

SuburbanKid, on Aug 29 2010, 02:25 PM, said:

Good luck!

Thanks. I'll try to catch a 3:45 bus (is there one?) and drop out if it gets too hard. Good luck to everyone else running too!

thanks,

Hugh

[MsMook]

Hi,

Well I did my last long run on sunday.
I just went out & did an easy 3hrs without stressing about how many kms I had to do.
It felt good mentally & physically.

Congratulations everyone, we've all got this far & that's something pretty special.


Good luck all with the taper & thanks for all your support.
MsMook

[jetjackson]

HughB101, on Aug 31 2010, 09:05 AM, said:

Thanks. I'll try to catch a 3:45 bus (is there one?) and drop out if it gets too hard. Good luck to everyone else running too!

thanks,

Hugh

Hugh, check the thread on pace runners... I believe there are 2 x 3:45 pacerunners planning to go out somewhat faster in the first half as the second half can be a bit slower.

Looking forward to meeting other CR's in Sydney

[arrtgrrl]

hi everyone!
Sorry i have been missing in action.. the computer died.. needed some cpr and a new hard drive .. im pretty nervous as i have had a cold the past two weeks and had to stop running.. so a very low key taper for me..
I was hoping for a close to 4:00 hour time but now im just hoping to make it to the end lol will be taking it a bit slower for sure..
good luck everyone!!! im leaving for sydney tomorrow morning so im off to pack my bags!
Naomi

[ceemonkey]

So how did we all do?

I had a goal of 4hrs in mind at the start, but found myself feeling pretty good after half way so even tried to up the pace a little. Pushed myself rotten at the end (cramp in both legs, but stubbornley refused to stop and walk at any point) and managed 3hrs 39mins!! Can't believe i managed a time like that I would never have thought it possible.

Of course I am paying for it today. I have to take escalators/lifts whenever i can, and standing up is rather painful! Definitely worth it though

Anyone else meet their target?

[arrtgrrl]

Wow awesome time!!!  you should be so proud of that!!! i know what you mean about the escalators and lifts lol.. im in a world of pain lol..
I finished in 4 hours 12 mins which im stoked with as i didnt run for almost three weeks prior due to a horrid flu and only got better the day before..
I found the run harder than my training runs from the start.. one of my worst runs but im so proud that i hung on and made it.. i honestly felt like pulling the pin at 15ks lol...
IM so proud of myself ... glad i finished my first marathon i really didnt think i was going to be able to.. i tried to go out at my normal pace before i got sick.. obviously a silly mistake.. but im stubborn!
I was really feeling it at the 37k mark going up that hill..
I cant wait to do my second with hopefully lots better prep.. and im also looking forward to regaining the use of my legs ...
Naomi

[MsMook]

Fantastic-CeeMonkey & Arrtgrrl, now that's a great result!
I beat my target too which was sub 5hrs (just scraped in 4:57:40 Lol). I was so late that they had run out of fruit!
Anyway my family was there to greet me with a banana & yoghurt so all ok.
Walking downstairs is a challenge today.

Regards
MsMook/Sharon

[arrtgrrl]

Hi Sharon :-) awesome that you beat your goal time!  the fruit was gone when we finished also.. just what i felt like was an orange too :-( .. oh well the powerade was great..
I know what you mean about the legs.. i have to walk down stairs backwards.. so painful!!  wasnt the hills around the 37 k mark a killer.. i really didnt think i was going to make it to the end .. at 14ks i was like oh no im dying already :-(.. i dont think i have ever been as proud of myself that i made it to the end!
Such an awesome atmopshere and i cant wait to do another one.. i noticed that my time qualifys me for the 6 foot track so im hoping i can get an entry into that for next year.. so fingers crossed thats my next goal.. i see lots of hill training in my future :-)
Naomi