A marathon for little ol me?
FL_Hiker
Posts: 919 Member
Hi y'all!
My dear friend today on our 6 mile run asked me if I'd like to do a marathon with her in November ! It's something I've had on my bucket list for a very long time... so I think I want to at least try. The biggest thing I'm worried about is that I hate structured running plans... I'm kind of a go for a run and explore the town and find out where I'll end up type of gal. I'm currently running 20 miles or so a week (sometimes a bit more sometimes a bit less) and feeling pretty good. I usually do 3 miles MWF and 5 miles T/Th. My question here is can I do a marathon without a strict running plan? How many miles do I need to be running each week? Is it possible in my time frame without injuring myself? The marathon is November 25. I've been a competitive swimmer and runner all my life but never ran something official like this besides 5ks! Also how does fuel work, I imagine you need to replenish your electrolytes after so many miles? Do I have to wear one of those goofy utility belts with little drinks?
Thanks for your help fellow runners!!!
My dear friend today on our 6 mile run asked me if I'd like to do a marathon with her in November ! It's something I've had on my bucket list for a very long time... so I think I want to at least try. The biggest thing I'm worried about is that I hate structured running plans... I'm kind of a go for a run and explore the town and find out where I'll end up type of gal. I'm currently running 20 miles or so a week (sometimes a bit more sometimes a bit less) and feeling pretty good. I usually do 3 miles MWF and 5 miles T/Th. My question here is can I do a marathon without a strict running plan? How many miles do I need to be running each week? Is it possible in my time frame without injuring myself? The marathon is November 25. I've been a competitive swimmer and runner all my life but never ran something official like this besides 5ks! Also how does fuel work, I imagine you need to replenish your electrolytes after so many miles? Do I have to wear one of those goofy utility belts with little drinks?
Thanks for your help fellow runners!!!
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Replies
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It's not long, given that your mileage is quite low at the moment. You could modify a 16 week plan.
The main thing is to get the long easy miles in, possibly with back to back longs; 10mi followed by 10mi the next day, then building up.
I generally wouldn't recommend a marathon until you're consistently running 25-30 mi per week and 10K is your routine recovery. That is not to say that you can't complete the race but I'd be surprised if it's a fun experience.4 -
Do do any runs longer that 5 miles currently?1
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It's doable given that you already sound to be fairly fit and used to training but you will need to up your mileage very soon. Probably double what you're currently doing as a matter of course over the next 5-6 weeks and build from there. Even though you don't want a structured plan, you will need to add a gradually lengthening long run to your weekly schedule (for example, get yourself to 10 miles in a month and then gradually increase that distance such that you can do a comfortable 20 miler by the beginning of November). Maybe race a half marathon in early October.
In all honestly though, training for a marathon requires so many miles and time that it just kind of makes sense to follow a structured plan or to at least use one as a base before modifying to fit your schedule. It would be exactly the same effort as 'winging it'.
Yes - you will likely need to replenish during the race. There will be water stations for water/sports drinks such that carrying your own isn't really necessary though you will need to figure out how to take care of your energy needs with gels or fruit, etc. I think it's safe to say that nobody wears those 'utility' belts for the fashion of it - you'll quickly see the benefit of them once you're regularly running 2+ hours per session (even if you still opt not to use them).1 -
Thank you for the helpful advice everyone!!! I currently don't run longer than 5 miles right now, but very easily could... I haven't been increasing my mileage because my dog hasn't been able to keep up and has been lagging behind me on our runs. Thank you for that plan @mbaker566 that isn't complicated at all (printing it out now)!! I tend to shy away from the plans that are complicated and confusing... I have always just ran for fun and like to keep it that way. That plan is also very similar to what I am already doing plus a long run on the weekend, which I could leave my dog home to rest
. Other opinions on the plan posted? Is that a good one to follow? 2 -
I am in the last few weeks of training for my first marathon. I am following a plan and have a coach. I know a few established runners who have done marathons without following a plan and it hasn’t been a positive experience for them. I don’t know if you can do it without a plan or not. I wouldn’t want to try.
I have run a few half marathons and last year trained for a 26k (which ended up being 17 miles because I got lost). I’m not a stranger to following a training plan nor to long weekend runs, mileage builds, etc.
But this marathon...training for this is a whole different animal. 20 mile long runs are no joke. My mid-week long runs are double digits. Last week I ran 52 miles (I drove 7...). And the next few weeks are more. I LOVE running and I’m just about done with this nonsense. But I wouldn’t want to be thinking about doing a marathon without putting in all these miles.
I’m not trying to sway you one way or another. I’m only sharing that as someone who has been running for a few years, has a typical weekly base in the 30 miles/week range, has trained for multiple other long races....this marathon bit is something else altogether. Just be prepared for that.
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Oh-and yes, you’ll need a way to carry stuff on training runs. You’ll need some water and some kind of fuel and other stuff you’ll find handy. It’s difficult to carry all that in your hands so you’ll probably want to look into a belt or vest of some sort.1
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Thanks for your input, I am no stranger to long distance exercise... I used to do long distance open water swims (10+ mile swims) and I did used to run 12 miles every day but that was many years ago and I'm much more out of shape! I think I have the determination in me though. Unforunately I don't have the extra funds for a coach.
In regards to this training plan https://www.nyrr.org/sites/default/files/Marathon Training Plans - Conservative.pdf
I have a few questions, I live in FL home of flat ground forever lol, what should I do instead of "Hills" ? I am also curious if I have to take those rest days?
EDIT: Nevermind I see the terms defined at the bottom now!0 -
Duck_Puddle wrote: »Oh-and yes, you’ll need a way to carry stuff on training runs. You’ll need some water and some kind of fuel and other stuff you’ll find handy. It’s difficult to carry all that in your hands so you’ll probably want to look into a belt or vest of some sort.
of if you can, loops. swing by your house or car, pick up fuel and fluid. i hate loops so i do have a belt that holds phone, cards, fuel, money, and bags(i run with dogs too). i'm considering a vest for this (i'm starting the second week of the posted plan)
i would say that i did post this in the monthly challenge thread and there was positive feedback but not a lot of it. i posted another one similar, this was the preferred. and this was after pouring for hours over online free plans. there is a long distance running group and monthly runners group. you might find more experienced advise there2 -
Duck_Puddle wrote: »Oh-and yes, you’ll need a way to carry stuff on training runs. You’ll need some water and some kind of fuel and other stuff you’ll find handy. It’s difficult to carry all that in your hands so you’ll probably want to look into a belt or vest of some sort.
of if you can, loops. swing by your house or car, pick up fuel and fluid. i hate loops so i do have a belt that holds phone, cards, fuel, money, and bags(i run with dogs too). i'm considering a vest for this (i'm starting the second week of the posted plan)
i would say that i did post this in the monthly challenge thread and there was positive feedback but not a lot of it. i posted another one similar, this was the preferred. and this was after pouring for hours over online free plans. there is a long distance running group and monthly runners group. you might find more experienced advise there
Thank you so much for your help! I like the simplicity of it. Appreciate all of your input, I also hate carrying things on my runs.. my dog wears a little back pack and usually carries our water lol.0 -
As stated above, your mileage is really low for a marathon. Since you aren't used to doing long runs, you will need to build up to them, so you don't get injured. Hal Higdon has free simple Novice level plans that work for low mileage first time marathoners. https://www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/marathon-training/novice-1-marathon/ The plan should get you to the starting line healthy, but you won't do as well as you would if you had more time to build your mileage and train well. Forget any expectations of time, just work to finish. That means that when you are doing your long runs, you need to practice slow and easy paces. Really slow. Practice fueling mid-run. Carry water on your longer runs and gels or fruit so you can find out how your stomach tolerates them. I find that some go down easily and some give me cramps; it took time to learn which was which. I take a gel every 45 minutes or so on runs over 12 miles but YMMV2
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Thank you for your advice , yes i'm really not worried about time! I just want to be able to cross the finish line. 0
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Duck_Puddle wrote: »Oh-and yes, you’ll need a way to carry stuff on training runs. You’ll need some water and some kind of fuel and other stuff you’ll find handy. It’s difficult to carry all that in your hands so you’ll probably want to look into a belt or vest of some sort.
of if you can, loops. swing by your house or car, pick up fuel and fluid. i hate loops so i do have a belt that holds phone, cards, fuel, money, and bags(i run with dogs too). i'm considering a vest for this (i'm starting the second week of the posted plan)
i would say that i did post this in the monthly challenge thread and there was positive feedback but not a lot of it. i posted another one similar, this was the preferred. and this was after pouring for hours over online free plans. there is a long distance running group and monthly runners group. you might find more experienced advise there
True. But if I did loops by my house at this point, I’d just stop lol.
I use a flipbelt for most runs. I have been using a Camelbak for long runs because it’s been 1000 degrees and 10000% humid for every freakin one of them. I’ll use just the flipbelt for the race.
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oh i hate loops too, thus the trail belt. i'm out and back sorta runner1
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Duck_Puddle wrote: »I know a few established runners who have done marathons without following a plan and it hasn’t been a positive experience for them.
I've done 15, including some ultras and back to backs (Saturday and Sunday). I'd avoid winging it.4 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »Duck_Puddle wrote: »I know a few established runners who have done marathons without following a plan and it hasn’t been a positive experience for them.
I've done 15, including some ultras and back to backs (Saturday and Sunday). I'd avoid winging it.
Solid advice. These people do a fair amount of weekly mileage, and did pack in some long runs, but they all fell apart at about mile 16 in the race.
The last race I decided to wing it I almost got beat by a half naked dude wearing angel wings, a multicolored tutu and a turkey as a hat.
Never again.
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Okay so I need a plan. Got it lol, no winging it! I do NOT want to get beat by a half naked dude with wings, no way jose! Any changes or suggestions you all would make to this one that was suggested? @meanderingmammal , @duck_puddle It fits my schedule nicely.... and I like its simplicity. Also what are my alternatives to hills? My state doesn't have those. I just want to be able to cross the finish line without injuring myself.
https://www.nyrr.org/sites/default/files/Marathon Training Plans - Conservative.pdf0 -
I’m not the brains of my operation. My therapist-i mean coach-is.
But I personally wouldn’t worry about any of the speedwork on that plan. Your base is quite low and you’re going to be increasing mileage quite a bit quite quickly. All that speedwork is not going to really be a huge benefit for you and increases your risk of injury. So I would just do all those (intervals, tempo runs, hills) as regular runs. A couple fartleks or pickups at the end of some longer runs probably isn’t a terrible idea, but I wouldn’t worry about all that other stuff.
And if your marathon is also in FL, it won’t have hills either. Hills are good as a speedwork tool, but I don’t think you need to worry about that.3 -
Duck_Puddle wrote: »I’m not the brains of my operation. My therapist-i mean coach-is.
But I personally wouldn’t worry about any of the speedwork on that plan. Your base is quite low and you’re going to be increasing mileage quite a bit quite quickly. All that speedwork is not going to really be a huge benefit for you and increases your risk of injury. So I would just do all those (intervals, tempo runs, hills, as regular runs.). A couple fartleks or pickups at the end of some longer runs probably isn’t a terrible idea, but I wouldn’t worry about all that other stuff.
And if your marathon is also in FL, it won’t have hills either. Hills are good as a speedwork tool, but I don’t think you need to worry about that.
Awesome thank you!!!! I have been doing speed work already on our short runs, and yes it will be here in FL . 0 -
I am using the attached. I was previously a runner and fell away from it. I did my first marathon on little to no training aside from a month or so prior- I had been on a plan but two family members ended up in the ICU derailed all of that. I wouldn't advise running on no plan like I did. . .I finished and ran the whole time, took me 5 hrs and a half, but it certainly hurt.
I am training for my second one in November, and I am using the plan from this link. It said it's for people who were runners, fell away from it, and want to get back to it. (me!)
runningafterlukas.com/20-week-marathon-training-plan-for-beginners/0 -
Duck_Puddle wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »Duck_Puddle wrote: »I know a few established runners who have done marathons without following a plan and it hasn’t been a positive experience for them.
I've done 15, including some ultras and back to backs (Saturday and Sunday). I'd avoid winging it.
Solid advice. These people do a fair amount of weekly mileage, and did pack in some long runs, but they all fell apart at about mile 16 in the race.
The last race I decided to wing it I almost got beat by a half naked dude wearing angel wings, a multicolored tutu and a turkey as a hat.
Never again.
Ten years ago I was beaten in a 5k race by a girl dressed as a taco. I'm still not over it.
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Check out any running stores near you. They often have training groups, free or nominal fee.0
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BruinsGal_91 wrote: »Duck_Puddle wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »Duck_Puddle wrote: »I know a few established runners who have done marathons without following a plan and it hasn’t been a positive experience for them.
I've done 15, including some ultras and back to backs (Saturday and Sunday). I'd avoid winging it.
Solid advice. These people do a fair amount of weekly mileage, and did pack in some long runs, but they all fell apart at about mile 16 in the race.
The last race I decided to wing it I almost got beat by a half naked dude wearing angel wings, a multicolored tutu and a turkey as a hat.
Never again.
Ten years ago I was beaten in a 5k race by a girl dressed as a taco. I'm still not over it.
I feel this in my soul.
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Lots of good advice... One thing not mentioned--maybe the elephant in the room? Your dog probably will not be able to keep up with you for marathon training in under 16 weeks. That's not to say that he can't go on any of your runs--but he shouldn't be going on all of your runs, especially the longer ones. Don't be afraid to break up some of your long runs (2 x 6 miles in a day instead of a single 12 miler).0
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BruinsGal_91 wrote: »Duck_Puddle wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »Duck_Puddle wrote: »I know a few established runners who have done marathons without following a plan and it hasn’t been a positive experience for them.
I've done 15, including some ultras and back to backs (Saturday and Sunday). I'd avoid winging it.
Solid advice. These people do a fair amount of weekly mileage, and did pack in some long runs, but they all fell apart at about mile 16 in the race.
The last race I decided to wing it I almost got beat by a half naked dude wearing angel wings, a multicolored tutu and a turkey as a hat.
Never again.
Ten years ago I was beaten in a 5k race by a girl dressed as a taco. I'm still not over it.
On Fourth of July I was beaten out in my age group by a woman dressed in red, white, and blue sparkly spandex with deely-boppers on her head. That should never have happened.
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Okay so I need a plan. Got it lol, no winging it! I do NOT want to get beat by a half naked dude with wings, no way jose! Any changes or suggestions you all would make to this one that was suggested? @meanderingmammal , @duck_puddle It fits my schedule nicely.... and I like its simplicity. Also what are my alternatives to hills? My state doesn't have those. I just want to be able to cross the finish line without injuring myself.
https://www.nyrr.org/sites/default/files/Marathon Training Plans - Conservative.pdf
There's nothing really special about that plan. It's pretty much par for the course as far as training plans go. Also check out Hal Higdon plans. They're just as simple and offer a number of varieties depending on your skill level and goals (for example, hills/speedwork isn't really necessary given what you want to accomplish).1 -
Okay so I need a plan. Got it lol, no winging it! I do NOT want to get beat by a half naked dude with wings, no way jose! Any changes or suggestions you all would make to this one that was suggested? @meanderingmammal , @duck_puddle It fits my schedule nicely.... and I like its simplicity. Also what are my alternatives to hills? My state doesn't have those. I just want to be able to cross the finish line without injuring myself.
https://www.nyrr.org/sites/default/files/Marathon Training Plans - Conservative.pdf
Similar boat. Marathon planned on Nov 18. Fell off the running wagon last year and currently clambering back on.
This looks like a good solid plan, and will probably suffice for finishing. Whatever you do, try to hit as many of those long runs as you can!
Fueling is a... complicated topic. Everybody, eventually, ends up with a different fueling strategy... basically, you'll need to replenish water, electrolytes and carbs. Do some reading (this might be a good place to start), and try different combinations.2 -
There are some plans that work based on minutes vice mileage, that might work for you and feel less than a plan. The book I used was "How to Run your first Marathon" by Ardy Friedberg. I modified the schedule because I had more time between start and goal race. Because I'm a slow runner, I couldn't always do 6 miles at a time on weekdays, so I broke it up into two sessions. My race went according to plan for the most part.0
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Okay so I need a plan. Got it lol, no winging it! I do NOT want to get beat by a half naked dude with wings, no way jose! Any changes or suggestions you all would make to this one that was suggested? @meanderingmammal , @duck_puddle It fits my schedule nicely.... and I like its simplicity. Also what are my alternatives to hills? My state doesn't have those. I just want to be able to cross the finish line without injuring myself.
https://www.nyrr.org/sites/default/files/Marathon Training Plans - Conservative.pdf
It's a reasonable plan, although the mileage is pretty low, which will lead to a pretty rough experience in the race. As the terrain is flat it makes things a bit easier, although your challenge then becomes consistent pacing.
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