Training for Full Marathon

running_mom

I've done a couple of half marathons and tons of other races. But my goal is to do a full one in October 2012. When should I start training? And how should I fuel for it? I've never used gu (or however you spell it). Only water or gatoraid. Just didn't know if I should try and increase slowly or take it by the horns and go all out?

Also, what would be a realistic time to finish? I did my first half in 2:30 and my last in 2:50. I was on pace to beat my first time but I hurt my knee and had to walk the last 4 miles.

TabbyDunn

Hi! I haven't actually ran a marathon yet. I signed up for my first one yesterday. I picked up a bunch of books at the library about marathons. Most of the books suggest either a 16 week or 24 week schedule. I'm following a 16 week schedule I found in the book "How to train for and run your best marathon" by Gordon Bloch. I also read Jack Daniels' "Running Formula" and "Running World's: Complete book on Women's Running" by Dagny Barrios. They are all easy to find on Amazon or through the library. I'm sorry I can't give you firsthand knowledge though.

Good Luck!

Emme727

I highly recommend this site for training information: http://www.halhigdon.com/

it has everything from 5k to ultramarathon training. I have used it many times for my training (when I was running longer distances).

Edit to add: I would learn what is being offered on the course and then train with that. You do need to replace potassium while on the run. Time? I was always a believer in "you race as you train." If you set a 12 min/mile pace on training runs, you will be accustomed to that on your race pace (add a little adrenaline).

lipglossjunky73

I am also training for my first marathon after running 2 halfs and many races. My husband is my coach, as he is very knowledgeable in running.... He said I need 20 wks to train, but he does not like the Hal Higdon training guide.... I will let you know which training regimen he is using for me.....