The Pacers' Guide To The Dublin Marathon
- Join The Dots Coaching
- Oct 21, 2018
- 2 min read
Ahead of the Dublin Marathon on Sunday, everywhere you look online, you will see heaps of advice, not all of it good - but importantly, it can be hard to focus when there is so much information.
Join The Dots Coaching has done the hard work for you, and talked to some of the Dublin Marathon pacer team for Sunday to ask for their key tips, which are set out below. I (Jamie) will be pacing 3:20. If you've any pacer related questions we'd love to hear from you! (Just ask via our website, Facebook or Instagram).
Jamie's Top Tips:
Talk to us: Tell the pacer your name; tell us if you are struggling mentally and/or physically. Don't be shy - we've been there before and we can help - we can make a difference (unless you've not read our advice and gone out too fast... refer below :) )
Keep your cool: The first c.10 KM/c.6.5 miles takes you to the highest point on the course (Myo's/Castleknock). Don't burn your energy out getting to that point.
Take care and stay aware: If in a large group, watch the water stations! There will be big groups hanging on to us at the water stations.
Never question a pacer: They are always right :)
Joe Cawley (Dublin Marathon 3:00 pacer)
Joe's Top Tips:
Targets: If you're chasing a goal finish time, set your self 3 targets instead of one. i.e. an A, B & C target. If A target is slipping or unlikely, reset your goal to your B or even C target.
Hydration: Hydrate at every water station. Don't skip any! Dehydration happens even in cold conditions.
Groups: Better to run in a group rather than on your own. You can save energy by drafting off in a group. Be watchful of other runners similar to your style and pace. This can be beneficial as you could work together in the race.
Space: If running with the pacers there is no need to stick too close as you may get tripped up. It can get very congested but will thin out as the race progresses. Keep pacers in sight maybe 50 - 70 m behind.
Niall Larkin (Dublin Marathon 3:10 pacer)
Niall's Top Tips:
Respect the course: It's not the toughest in the world, but its far from the easiest - the high point is at 10 KM in Castleknock. After that, it is (net) downhill.
The first half is tougher: There is a few miles from 15-20 to make up time.
Embrace the nerves: They will come but that's a good thing. Just don't let them control you.
Don't do anything new on race day: Don't try a new breakfast, new runners, singlet etc.
Believe in yourself and back yourself: You put the work in, the money is in the bank. Now is time to cash it in.
Try to enjoy it. And be proud of yourself.
Perhaps this advice from my fellow Dublin Marathon 2018 3:20 pacer, Chris Grayson sums it all up well, both from a marathon perspective and in life in general: Surround yourself with positive people, ask questions and work hard. The rest will follow.
Best of luck to all!
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