Official Dopey 2017 Thread

[Z-Knight]

D for me, as expected. Moved up 80 spots from previous year with a 3 min half marathon improvement.

Will likely end up running with a horrible pace and probably will fall on my face somewhere around mile 20. Hopefully, I finish the Dopey but my last sims were horrible because i was forced to run/walk. My fitness is so shot right now, time to cram.

 

[camaker]

D for me, as expected. Moved up 80 spots from previous year with a 3 min half marathon improvement.

Will likely end up running with a horrible pace and probably will fall on my face somewhere around mile 20. Hopefully, I finish the Dopey but my last sims were horrible because i was forced to run/walk. My fitness is so shot right now, time to cram.

My suggestion would be not to cram. I'd take where you feel like you are fitness-wise and do the next week of training, maybe a week and a half, then spend the last half week to a week tapering. You're not likely to gain a whole lot from the workouts with just two weeks or so left, but you have a LOT to lose if you try to cram and end up injuring yourself or overtiring your legs so they're dead come race day.

 

[Z-Knight]

My suggestion would be not to cram. I'd take where you feel like you are fitness-wise and do the next week of training, maybe a week and a half, then spend the last half week to a week tapering. You're not likely to gain a whole lot from the workouts with just two weeks or so left, but you have a LOT to lose if you try to cram and end up injuring yourself or overtiring your legs so they're dead come race day.

Oh I know, I was just kidding about cramming. I will like be dropping my mileage by 40% each of the next two weeks....from 55 miles, to like 35 to 20.

Also I've given up hope of a sub-4 marathon - ever. I think my Garmin is joking with me saying I can do like a 3:20 or less with my VO2max being 50. Their #math must be way off. If I sniff a sub-5 hours it likely means I took a short cut or got a ride. At this point I just want to survive.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I think my Garmin is joking with me saying I can do like a 3:20 or less with my VO2max being 50.

Yea, those Garmin race predictors sell false hope. They're based on ELITE capabilities and running the marathon at ~85% vVO2 which is near impossible except for a very few. Essentially it's an estimate to say if VO2max was the only thing not maximized that's how fast you could run. But none of us mortals maximize everything. Most of us run around 60-70% vVO2max. And with your VO2max at 50, thats a range of 3:52-4:31.

With that being said I'd love to work with you on creating a custom training plan, and if you want the sub-4 hr marathon then I will map out how to get there. It might not happen after one training cycle, but you may not be as far off as you think. I'd have to see your data before being able to give you a full prediction on when it could occur. I'm here if you want me.

 

[Z-Knight]

Yea, those Garmin race predictors sell false hope. They're based on ELITE capabilities and running the marathon at ~85% vVO2 which is near impossible except for a very few. Essentially it's an estimate to say if VO2max was the only thing not maximized that's how fast you could run. But none of us mortals maximize everything. Most of us run around 60-70% vVO2max. And with your VO2max at 50, thats a range of 3:52-4:31.

With that being said I'd love to work with you on creating a custom training plan, and if you want the sub-4 hr marathon then I will map out how to get there. It might not happen after one training cycle, but you may not be as far off as you think. I'd have to see your data before being able to give you a full prediction on when it could occur. I'm here if you want me.

I'll take you up on it on Feb 5, 2017. that's 1 day after my next half marathon, and when I hope too actually run a race not being hurt. Current data that is somewhat valid is from my last 10K, which I finished in 51 min, but was also running through soreness, so not exactly an accurate representation of my ability. Previous to that was a HALF PR of 1:49 in Nov 2015...since then I've been hurt. Also need time to get used to running in my new orthotics, and that will likely a little time.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I'll take you up on it on Feb 5, 2017. that's 1 day after my next half marathon, and when I hope too actually run a race not being hurt. Current data that is somewhat valid is from my last 10K, which I finished in 51 min, but was also running through soreness, so not exactly an accurate representation of my ability. Previous to that was a HALF PR of 1:49 in Nov 2015...since then I've been hurt. Also need time to get used to running in my new orthotics, and that will likely a little time.

Sounds like a plan. Based on these numbers it may only take a single 18 week cycle. I've got you at a fitness matched 3:48 marathon based on your HM. So it's definitely within reason if we can get you healthy and with a solid consistent training cycle. So, come Feb 2017 just let me know when you're ready and let's talk. A sub-4 could happen as soon as Fall 2017 and I could almost guarantee I think I could get you there by Spring 2018.

 

[AmynVal]

@DopeyBadger Do You program your own training or do you have a coach? Or are you a coach? I wanted to really improve on my running in 2016 and I did but not as much as I would have liked. I used an online coach for a little bit. It was working ok until I got stubborn.

 

[DopeyBadger]

@DopeyBadger Do You program your own training or do you have a coach? Or are you a coach? I wanted to really improve on my running in 2016 and I did but not as much as I would have liked. I used an online coach for a little bit. It was working ok until I got stubborn.

I make my own training plans based on a lot of different running philosophies (Hansons, J Daniels, Pfitz, Magness, Seiler, Marcora just to name a few) and scientific research that I have evaluated. I have created and "coached" many DISboard members to great results. I am not certified as a coach. I'm just a guy who has done anything and everything to learn the "why" behind all the running so that I can unlock each person's unique puzzle.

My key philosophy is that custom training is the key to getting better along with evaluating training as relative training intensity * time (not mileage). So I have people interested in working with me answer 20 questions that helps me understand them as a runner and as a person. Then based on that person's current fitness, available time, and goals I create a custom training plan unique to them. I've made plans for first timers, veterans, slow, fast, 5k'ers, marathoners, and anything in between. If you or anyone is interested I do it for free (as a hobby) and usually need about a week or two lead time (dependent on the number of people who contact me). Just PM me.

 

[camaker]

@DopeyBadger Do You program your own training or do you have a coach? Or are you a coach? I wanted to really improve on my running in 2016 and I did but not as much as I would have liked. I used an online coach for a little bit. It was working ok until I got stubborn.

I will happily vouch for @DopeyBadger and his training methods. If you'd like specific info on how he's helped me this past year drop me a PM and I'll answer any questions you might have.

 

[Chasing Dopey]

Count me in as well @DopeyBadger. Like @Z-Knight, the Garmin estimates my VO2 at 50, and everything that goes with it. (Our times are also similar.) I'll hit you up after Dopey. We might even want to put a group together next year?

 

[DopeyBadger]

Count me in as well @DopeyBadger. Like @Z-Knight, the Garmin estimates my VO2 at 50, and everything that goes with it. (Our times are also similar.) I'll hit you up after Dopey. We might even want to put a group together next year?

Sounds good. Just let me know when you're ready and just send me a PM. If your data is similar to Z-Knight then I would anticipate a similar timeframe for a sub-4. Just will depend on the answers to the questions.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Looks like last year's Dopey Challenge (unofficial) winner is back to defend his title: Jeff Martinez. Although none of the other top 10 are back in Dopey this year (a few doing other distances). Our Strava pal Dawes is registered for Dopey as well.

 

[Z-Knight]

Looks like last year's Dopey Challenge (unofficial) winner is back to defend his title: Jeff Martinez. Although none of the other top 10 are back in Dopey this year (a few doing other distances). Our Strava pal Dawes is registered for Dopey as well.

 

[Diskidatheart]

I'm in Corral D. This just got real now that bib numbers are available. Good luck to everyone running their final long runs this weekend. Not sure I'll get the full 10 in tomorrow with high chance of freezing rain, but 20 on Sunday is still a good possibility.

 

[FFigawi]

RACE - 5k
NAME - John
DIS'er name - FFigawi
Costume/Clothing - undecided
Corral - A or B
Early Bird or Late Arriver - Late
Front, Middle, or Back of corral - Back
Expected Pace - 9:30

RACE - 10k
NAME - John
DIS'er name - FFigawi
Costume/Clothing - undecided
Corral - A or B
Early Bird or Late Arriver - Late
Front, Middle, or Back of corral - Back
Expected Pace - 10:00

RACE - Half
NAME - John
DIS'er name - FFigawi
Costume/Clothing - undecided
Corral - E
Early Bird or Late Arriver - Late
Front, Middle, or Back of corral - Back
Expected Pace - 8:45

RACE - Full
NAME - John
DIS'er name - FFigawi
Costume/Clothing - undecided but will certainly include my red sparkle skirt (tagging @CheapRunnerMike)
Corral - E
Early Bird or Late Arriver - Late
Front, Middle, or Back of corral - Back
Expected Pace - 10:00

Note: all paces assume no photo stops or park rides, which will only be true for the half.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

RACE - Full
NAME - John
DIS'er name - FFigawi
Costume/Clothing - undecided but will certainly include my red sparkle skirt (tagging @CheapRunnerMike)
Corral - E
Early Bird or Late Arriver - Late
Front, Middle, or Back of corral - Back
Expected Pace - 10:00

Note: all paces assume no photo stops or park rides, which will only be true for the half.

Oh yes, there will be Sparkle skirts

 

[DopeyBadger]

View attachment 210563

Although, I do have bad news...

Jeff Martinez POT qualified him at 20010 (10th), although 20001-20005 don't show up in the list.

Although, the number #2 qualifier is Paul Piper whose marathon PR appears to be 2:28:11. He is the #1272 running in the UK. I found another Paul Piper from London with 85 marathon+ distance runs, but his marathon PR appears to be 3:18ish.

Jeff ran last year's Dopey in 2:36.

So, yea there might be a few people who can beat us. FYI, Jamie is the #2 ranked female Dopey runner.

 

[StartedByAMouse]

I figured that since this is my Dopey simulation weekend that I should practice walking around a theme park all day too so I got up early and headed to Disneyland. Don't know if it will help my muscle memory or not but I'm enjoying myself all the same.

 

[Keels]

I figured that since this is my Dopey simulation weekend that I should practice walking around a theme park all day too so I got up early and headed to Disneyland. Don't know if it will help my muscle memory or not but I'm enjoying myself all the same.

UGH I AM SO JEALOUS RIGHT NOW.

 

[Keels]

RACE - Half
NAME - John
DIS'er name - FFigawi
Costume/Clothing - undecided
Corral - E
Early Bird or Late Arriver - Late
Front, Middle, or Back of corral - Back
Expected Pace - 8:45

Somebody's going for a PoT finish ...