We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

First Time Marathon Training

chrissyh
chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I ran a half, last year in March, "life" slowed me down but i am eager to get back to running. I turn 40 in July - and I will run my first marathon as a 40 year old....Disney World Marathon, January 2012. I've been researching programs and this is what I've come up with...

MarathonJanuary2012_Page_1.jpg
MarathonJanuary2012_Page_2.jpg
MarathonJanuary2012_Page_3.jpg
MarathonJanuary2012_Page_4.jpg
MarathonJanuary2012_Page_5.jpg

Basis of it came from Smart Coach on Runners World using my Half Marathon time. I used Smart Coach to train for my half also.

Those of you who have run a marathon, what's your best tip in training?
What do you think of my program...realistic? Are my "rest weeks" resting enough or too much?

Wish me luck!

Replies

  • aharageones
    aharageones Posts: 1
    I'm working up to a half this year. All my marathon running friends swear by Hal Higdon's website. Not sure how they compare. Good luck!
  • slimyfishy
    slimyfishy Posts: 114 Member
    First of all, WAY TO GO on your first marathon! Wooohooo! For my 40th, I ran the Walt Disney World Goofy Races (half marathon on Saturday, full marathon on Sunday). I HIGHLY recommend those races. It was a race of lifetime. I'm actually planning on doing it again in either Jan 2012 or 2013.

    I second Hal Higdon and his free programs. I've run 3 marathons and 5 halves, and have used Hal's programs for all of them. You might also want to look in the Jeff Galloway program. His plan encourages short "walk breaks" during a race. Both of these men are amazing and have run a bazillion marathons. These plans also encourage cross-training and rest days.

    WAY TO GO!!!
    Shan :wink:
  • shannahrose
    shannahrose Posts: 585 Member
    Chrissy you are AWESOME!!! Best of luck with your training! I'm using Hal Higdon to train for a 10K in May and love his approach - might check im out and see if you can work it in... But what you have looks great! You are an inspiration!
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    Isn't Hal Higdon's 4 days a week?
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    Bump
  • pixiestick
    pixiestick Posts: 839 Member
    I used Hal Higdon for my first marathon--very good program.

    My biggest tip is to make sure your training conditions are as close to the actual race conditions as you can possibly get them. I had run several half-marathons prior to my full marathon, but nothing really compares to the 26.2 miles... nothing. And take it easy on the race day: your first time is not the race to set records and impress yourself. That first time is about surviving.

    Good luck!
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    Pixie-what's your favorite gels/chews for your long runs. At what distance do you eat them?

    I read somewhere to try to replenish about 45 carbs per hour???? (Average of a range)

    The training program sets time goals but I am TOTALLY about just finishing. The times give me something to strive for in the training.
  • misssuperstitious
    misssuperstitious Posts: 178
    fellow first time marathoner here with a "bump" :flowerforyou:
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    Hi misssuper!

    Day 1 of official marathon training complete. Ran 3/walked 1.5
    In Mizunos 12
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Good luck!
    I am 72 days away from my 1st marathon.
    I followed a VERY loose hal higdon program last year for my half, this year I have been a lot more strict (still with a couple minor tweaks) follwing his marathon program. I am very excited to see how I do.
  • misssuperstitious
    misssuperstitious Posts: 178
    Hi misssuper!

    Day 1 of official marathon training complete. Ran 3/walked 1.5
    In Mizunos 12
    Great job! I'm 3+ months out from Grandma's, so I'm on week 3 of training.
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    Completed week 1 - working on week 2. So far so good. I am in baby mileage still but a great mindset to go with it.

    I did my first magic mile 10:46

    It's a mile where your working hard but not ready to puke, you could keep going for more miles after
    (goal by Galloway to finish marathon in under the 7 hour time limit by the end of your training is 11:00)

    Feeling good about my training. Changed it up a bit - more of a start with half marathon program (again) then proceeding to the full. Afraid to have too many of the high 20+ mileage runs that I am opening myself up to injury so this new way I've eliminated so many at the end. My program is coming from Smart Coach on Runners world-looked in Hal Higdon, Galloway, just feel good about Smart Coach since that's how I was able to finish the half last March. I've realized that the program is a guide, most important is to run during the week at least twice, and work on increasing the mileage for the long run. Simple enough.....yeah, right!

    Registration for Disney full opens up 3/15...I'll be on there first thing.

    I will do 26.2!
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    Week 2 complete. Great week. Registration opens at noon tomorrow - very excited to make that REAL commitment.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories