Would like to run a marathon!

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  • tenunderfour
    tenunderfour Posts: 429 Member
    It sounds like it might be doable.... but don't plan on it being a great race unless you happen to be a very talented runner.

    And for those comparing a half to a full...... they are completely different animals. They say your first 20 miles is the first half of the race..... and the last 6 is the second half which separates the men from the boys so to speak. A half is long, tiring, etc. But, a full is absolutely grueling and drains you physically and mentally in a way you can't imagine unless you've been there. LOL

    I'd say enter a half marathon then see if you still have the bug to go another 13.1
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I'm going to jump in here are the voice of reason. I think that, if you want to run a marathon and actually enjoy the experience, you shouldn't start training for one (meaning a typical 16 week program) until you have a base of at LEAST 25 miles per week for 12 to 18 months consistently. The marathon is a completely different animal from a half marathon, which can be done on much less base and far fewer training miles.

    There are a few different things that can happen if you try to run that marathon before you body is truly ready for it.

    1. You get hurt and never make it to the starting line and vow to never do another one.
    2. You hate the training because it's too much too fast and never make it to the starting line and vow to never do another one.
    3. You make it to the start and have to DNF the race because you are under-trained and vow to never do another one.
    4. You make it to the start, but slog your way to the finish in gut wrenching agony because you are under-trainedand vow to never do another one..
    5. The least likely to happen, is you run the race, finish, and have enjoyed the experience.

    Take your time building up. Don't rush it. Fall in love with running before you take on something as huge as the marathon. You don't have to do a marathon to be a "real runner". There are many intermediate goals that will require just as much dedication to training as training for a marathon, but without the huge mileage. Maybe try for a 25 minute 5K or a sub 2 hour Half Marathon. There is a lot of joy to be had in running. Find it first before you make that leap.

    What he said

    yes its doable, but the risk of having a not good experience is high.
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