Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon and Marathon Relay 2009....Part 3 of 12 by Mick Dooley, Cork BHAA

(Mick Dooley of the Cork Business Houses Athletic Association wrote a 12 part series of articles for the Evening Echo last year. Needless to say, they are as valid this year as last year so I will be republishing them here (...with a few changes) on this website. They are written with the beginner in mind. Part 3 is based on 10 weeks to go, about the 23rd of March).

Week 3...Bord Gais Energy Cork City Marathon and Team Relay Event

Team Relay Event...

The Cork City Marathon saw the introduction of the team relay event in 2007 and this was a great success again last year in 2008. It was a bit of a shot into the unknown for race organisers at first but thankfully with a bit of research and planning, this proved to be a very worthwhile and rewarding experience for all concerned. This year’s marathon will once again include the team relay event and as the name suggests is a marathon for everyone. It should be noted that there is no half marathon event incorporated. Similar to last year, there will be 5 relay legs which can be completed by teams of between 2 and 5 runners. Full details of official change over points will appear on the website shortly. Entry Fee for teams is €90 up until 31st March. Please ensure that your entry form is fully complete with the correct entry fee enclosed and cheques made payable to Cork City Council. If you are in the relay event you must put down the names of your other team members and ensure that the form is signed by the team captain.If you are in training or considering taking part this year relay you should enter in some of the events been organised locally. There are many events listed on the Cork Bhaa website www.corkbhaa.com which will have events taking place right up to and including the marathon. This will give you an opportunity to meet and run alongside other local runners who can offer lots of advice and encouragement and even give you details of group training sessions which may be of interest to you.

Bord Gais Energy Cork City Marathon Training Guide

Week 3 of the 12 week training plan (...intended for the 23rd of March)

Beginners

Week 3...Mon 30mins easy, Tue Rest, Wed 60 mins easy, Thurs Rest, Fri 6x3 mins fast Sat, Rest jog, Sun 90mins easy.

Improvers

Week 3...Mon 45mins easy, Tue Rest/jog, Wed 75mins steady, Thurs 8x2mins fast, Fri Rest, Sat 60mins include 30mins fast, Sun 2hours very easy

Serious Runners

Week 3...Mon 45 mins easy, Tues Hill 8x2mins, Wed 75 mins easy, Thurs 5x5 mins fast, Fri Rest/jog, Sat 45 mins steady, Sun 2 hrs 15mins easy.

Please note you should use a reasonable recovery time between your repetitions.

Regards........Mick Dooley, Cork BHAA 087-9790806 , Cork City Marathon