Should I do a marathon in 2014?

AwesomeSquirrel
AwesomeSquirrel Posts: 644 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,
I've been toying with the idea of doing a marathon in 2014 for a few months now but I've not reached a conclusive decision. I'm sure I could do one, but I might be better off waiting another year and have a better experience... It would most likely have to be a spring marathon, the 2 I'm tossing up between are the second to last and last weekend of May respectively, both have generous maximum time of at least 6 hours which I'm confident I can finish within.

Running experience:
- Started running regularly again in Aug 2012 with C25K having done stints of running before for a year or two at a time.
- Regularly run 3+ times per week and have done so pretty much for the last 15 months.
- Currently run 30-35 km per week, some weeks closer to 40.
- Have done 2 half marathons in 2013, 02:52 in March and 02:47 in October (this one should have been a lot faster but I had been taking it easy for a month with a back injury and went out to hard, enjoyed some stitiches and leg cramps like never before)

I have another half marathon for the first weekend of March so I'm already committed to running and training through the winter (this is the reason I do such an early half)

My lifestyle will be able to accommodate the increased training time etc during the first half of 2014 and work and life commitments stand at the moment.

I currently have about 13 kg left to lose to reach a healthy BMI (I was a LOT heavier when I started running, obese class 2 I believe), so it might be sensible to lose this weight before starting marathon training, especially since most people will not lose during training and it is not advisable (?) to do so.

People with marathon experience, what do you think? Would it be better to get another year of solid running under my belt before starting training? I don't want to run-walk the entire thing and I don't really want to finish a minute ahead of the sweeper bus either. I want to Run a marathon. Looking forward to your input :smile:

Replies

  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    Given that you will have 3 Half done, why not? You might want a real life training partner or club? But you sound ready to commit.
  • AwesomeSquirrel
    AwesomeSquirrel Posts: 644 Member
    You might want a real life training partner or club?

    I forgot to mention that my schedule is shifting meaning I can join a local running club who have several runs a week, including joint Sunday long runs building up for a late spring marathon. So that's good too!
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    So, it sounds like you have a plan! Jitters, huh?
    Go do it.
  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
    Go do it.

    He's right.

    The time is now.
  • CollieFit
    CollieFit Posts: 1,683 Member
    Sure, why not? You've got enough miles in your legs.

    If you were able to remain injury-free during your Halfs then it's a natural progression if distance is what you're after and you fancy the challenge.

    I've done a couple but personally I usually injure once my training takes me past 15 mile runs, and to be honest by the time I've been on my feet for 3 hours I do get a bit bored. :laugh:

    But it's entirely up to you.

    You've got enough miles in the legs, enough experience of pacing a race (although hitting the wall at 20 miles will be a whole new ball game) and you've got the time and motivation... so do it. :drinker:
  • Saree1902
    Saree1902 Posts: 611 Member
    I'm naturally cautious so my suggestion would be to wait till autumn if you can. Having said that, you are one of the most determined friends I have on here so I reckon that you easily have what it takes to crack on with training for a spring one!

    Have you joined the long distance runners group on here? Really knowledgeable and supportive bunch with lots of tips.

    Also, if you haven't already, find a good physio who also does sports massages as this is indispensable for making the leap to the full 26.2.

    Runners world and asics have good training plans. It's worth looking some up before getting started.

    Keep us posted!
  • rockstarginaa
    rockstarginaa Posts: 1,529 Member
    I say yes. You already have a few 1/2's under your belt. Go for it :)
  • aarar
    aarar Posts: 684 Member
    If you can do a half, you can do a full.

    I started running at the beginning on 2013 (from no previous running experience) and ran a full marathon in August. It can be done.
  • AwesomeSquirrel
    AwesomeSquirrel Posts: 644 Member
    You guys are really persuasive :smile: *wanders off to go sit and stare at the registration website*

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