Runners Diary Week 1: How I’m Preparing to The Dublin City Marathon

Slowly!

I thought it would fun to document my training for the Dublin City Marathon in October. It could also become an interesting side-project too.

This will be my fourth attempt at the race, which takes place around the streets of Dublin this October. It’s also the fortieth anniversary of this race.

So what better place to fail than publicly?

Here’s where I’m at:

I ran the Leixlip 5k road race on Wednesday evening in 24m 30. That’s the fastest time I’ve managed in over a year. It helped that I tucked in behind the 25 minute pacer, an ultra-runner who eats a 5 minute per KM pace for breakfast.

Anyhow, I’m still pleased with it. Last year, I struggled with shin splints which I think were due in part to lousy runners.

Side note: is there a more pleasing way to procrastinate about training than worrying about having the right gear?

It’s a sign that CrossFit training has improved my fitness, as has the recent increase to my weekly mileage.

As much as I love it, I’m skeptical about being able to rely on CrossFit as a core part of a marathon or endurance training programme though. The two disciplines are distinct.