Just nine days to go now to the marathon, and I'm sure I’m feeling like many of the others signed up for Dublin; you just want it to be over!
The runs aren’t as long in the tapering period, but you’re still out training. Truthfully, the runs are now getting a bit boring. I feel like I have covered every blade of grass in Marlay Park at this stage.
The anticipation is there as you feel you are just ready, yet you also have time to over-think. Am I tired? Is that a niggle?
There is nothing else you can do now and while there isn’t much that can be gained in the last week by going off-script, there is a lot that can be lost.
The goal is to relax, acknowledge that the work is done and the computer is programmed.
With a little more extra time, put it towards the recovery, and nothing taxing on the body. Don’t go building the garden shed, or don’t take the kids up the mountains.
I have been pretty regimental with my plan in getting out on the days I am down to do so, yet at times there needs to be some flexibility.
Last week for example I was feeling a little sluggish and shortened my run, on another I hopped on the bike for some cross training. That can be good if you are carrying a niggle, or if you’re feeling a little tired. Don’t be afraid to get on the bike or in the pool, to do something that is cardio, but off your legs.
People have been asking me a lot, why am I running the marathon? It’s often assumed that because I ran in the past, I’m a really motivated person. But I’m not. I struggle like anyone else.
I sometimes need to remind myself that it's not about where I’ll finish in the race
As we came through the pandemic, I just found I wasn’t fit. As someone who enjoyed a good level of fitness, this was something I grappled with. I wasn’t really feeling great about myself and I knew I needed to improve my lifestyle.
I got out for a few runs, but I wasn’t really feeling it. Deciding to go for the marathon changed all that.
I fancied the challenge of it and that then motivated me. Coming from a sprinting background, could I manage it?
I sometimes need to remind myself that it’s not about where I’ll finish in the race.
Yes, the aim is go sub-three hours, and if I get that, great. If I don’t, who really cares? I have given it a go and that’s the main thing. It’s a personal thing for me.
I’m running for Breakthrough Cancer Research, an Irish-based charity whose motto is 'let’s make more survivors’.
#dublinmarathon in aid of @BreakthroCancer
— David Gillick (@DavidGillick) October 16, 2023
If you can spare anything, it will go a long way! Thank you 🙏 https://t.co/XNnlQRndkE #iDonate_ie pic.twitter.com/8P9RGCmgeA
It has given me renewed motivation and people have been very generous on my donation page.
I think a lot of people on the day will be running for a deeper meaning, and not themselves.
My wife Charlotte asked me last year if I was going to run another marathon. Before I could even answer her, she jumped in and said, "I think you should, it’s good for you."
That was important as she saw the benefit in me going out running for physical wellbeing and mental health. I’d like to think it has made me a better person as a result.
I don’t see next week as the end of my running journey. I’d love to do one of the big-city marathons abroad.
Doing a marathon is fantastic, but that’s the investment. The following year you get that back. I see it for others, I see it in myself. I have built on my base from last year. You should get a better return in the second year, maybe more again next year as I get more comfortable with running longer distances.
I love having to dig deep and hopefully that will stand to me on the day.
FIVE TIPS FOR NEXT WEEK
1) Increase the carb intake early in the week, don’t leave it until the day before. Start on the Monday
2) Bank sleep. Some people will be getting up very early to make the startline. Arguably the 24 hours before the race could be disrupted, so try and bank a little during the week. Can you go to bed maybe an hour earlier next week?
3) Have a plan. What does the week look like? Your food intake? The morning? Write it all down and have it all boxed off 48 hours out. Take a layer of stress out of the final few days.
4) Wear your race kit as many times as you can in the next week. Try get used to everything. It happens so many times, that for whatever reason, things can irritate.
5) Don’t forget to enjoy it and soak up the atmosphere (without getting too carried away in the first couple of miles!). For me, the Dublin marathon is right up there with the Olympics and World and European Championships as one of the best experiences I have ever had. It can get emotional, but think of the reasons you are doing it and who you are doing it for, and that should help you through.
DAY BEFORE THE RACE
In the morning I’ll have a big bowl of porridge. Mid-morning I’ll have a carb snack, maybe toasted fruit bread, and I’ll probably get a smoothie in there somewhere.
Lunch will probably be a chicken pasta dish, and another carb snack, possibly a bagel mid afternoon. I’ll have a tin of pineapples to hydrate and get sugar in, while dinner will probably be pizza. Later on in the evening I’ll probably have granola before I go to bed.
I’ll be carb-loading from the start of the week, so my body will be used to that level of fibre and carbohydrates. If your body isn’t used to that level of intake, I wouldn’t recommend it as you could feel bloated and uncomfortable. It should be an incremental increase.
MORNING OF THE RACE
On the morning of the race, I’ll take an electrolyte tablet with a pint of water and a big bowl of porridge. I’ll bring a bit of a sandwich and a banana with me, and a bottle of water before getting through the gels as I’m running.
That's my plan ahead of the run and I've peace of mind in having my 24 hours scheduled out like that. All I need now is to put it into action.
I'll be back with my column after the race to outline how the day went for me. I wish everyone taking part the very best of luck, to believe in yourself and be proud of even making it to the startline.
As a man once said to me, funnily enough you'll hear him on the tannoy next weekend - Liam Moggan - "miles to run and promises to keep".
Godspeed.
