Anyone training for a Marathon or upcoming race?

Also, I am thinking of doing Insanity at the same time but I'm not sure if I will be able to find time to do both.

You could definitely mix Insanity into your running schedule. In fact, it's a great workout to incorporate into a marathon training. I used it to train for my 2nd race. Send me a message and I can share my experience.

Also- and I'll likely post a separate thread about this as well- I want to warn people about P90X. I think the program is GREAT! I wish I could do it. I just want folks to remember that it is an advanced program, not one for those of us who haven't been working on a fitness routine for a while. I'm watching a friend tear himself down physically, mentally and emotionally because he is trying to do the program when he simply wasn't fit enough to handle it.

I support the P90X program, but like with ANY advanced program, I encourage everyone to work up to it. That said, don't shy away from it because it's hard. If it was easy, it wouldn't be worth doing.

You are right. P90X is not a program for anyone. Definitely takes one that is physically active and has been. I really feel for the ones that dive into P90X without any guidance or support to know otherwise. I always advise my customers on the most appropriate workout system for them, based on their CURRENT phyiscal ability. P90X is always something to strive towards. That's why I wrote this blog post: http://choose2befit.com/2010/02/15/program-comparison-find-yours/.

On that note, P90X can always be modified, so if your friend needs help on how to do that, without totally burning out or injuring himself, sending him my way. Happy to help.

All the best to training!
Taryn

Help! I need some real advice and direction for my goals. I want to do a marathon October 17th. I started running 2 weeks ago at the gym. I am trying to build up my endurance first, slowly adding time, which in turn will add distance. I am not worried about food yet, I am still losing weight. But I know there will come a time when I need to be eating the right foods at the right times. So I guess my questions are:

How often should I be running?
How far should I be able to run to know that I can complete the marathon?
What are the most recommended foods to aid in me un my journey?
What are common mistakes people make?
What is the best advice you have ever recieved in order to train for such an amazing event?

I would definitely run no more than 4 x's a week, like gym_rat mentioned, although making that 4th run a longer endurance run. One that increases in distance each week, although tapers every couple weeks. There are a ton of excellent running schedules out there, likely for the exact race you are running as well. If you can run 2-3 20 mile distances (over a span of the 6 month training) you have that marathon in the bag. Adrenaline will kick in as you start to smell that finish line. TRUST ME!! Be sure you nourish yourself with wholesome foods. Not the quick easy grab-n-go type stuff. But do a carb load the night before a longer run, to be sure you have enough energy stored to get you through. YOu'll also want to eat a little something before your longer runs. A commons mistake people make, is they don't strength training. I think it's ESSENTIAL in building up stamina and endurance. Especially in doing core strenght. I would recommend doing a strength training program at least, 3 x's a week, to accompany your runs, but also consider doing an interval cardio workout that involved a bit of plyometrics. That will do wonders in building up your leg strength and build your fast and short twitch muscle fibers. I used P90X to train for my first marathon, and it did me wonders. Crossed the finish line in 4 hours...check out my blog article at the top of this post to read my experience. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Best of luck to you!