2013 the year for a marathon?

Erica_theRedhead
Erica_theRedhead Posts: 724 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I started my journey in Dec 2011 and could not run to save my life. I lost some wight (thanks to running) and thought, why can't I turn myself into a runner? I spent 2011-2012 getting my distance and speed up and finished my first half marathon in May 2012 in 2:23.

I was very proud, yet pretty tired/sore. I got a little bit of joint pain, which worried me so I backed off for a few weeks. Needless to say, I've lost a lot of my conditioning and motivation. I wanted to start running again and I was thinking that my goal this time would be a marathon in 2013. My question is this, if I was getting joint pain at a half distance, would it be safe/possible to even get to marathon distance?

Also, I basically did not do any special training regimen for my half, but know that a full is a completely different monster. What kind of training should a first timer do? I'm basically starting from the beginning, I've gone back down to only doing 5-8 mile runs. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Replies

  • tauress26
    tauress26 Posts: 9
    First, congrats on all the goals you've accomplished!

    I don't have much to post on the marathon part, as I'm a few steps behind you. My first half is in March, but I'm already commited to the first full in August so I'll definitely be following this post for advice as well!
  • kevin3344
    kevin3344 Posts: 702 Member
    You can do what I did....train (and run) another half, then plan for your marathon within 3-4 months after! You've already done 13.1 might as well keep going from there. I think there is a 12-16 week marathon training guide online. Definitely plan (and do it) withing 6 months after your half.

    I just want to encourage you (and anyone who's done a half) to go for the full....you'll doubt yourself at first but once you complete the 26.2 you'll realize there's nothing you can't do...
  • megan1869
    megan1869 Posts: 166 Member
    Maybe you should sign up for a few 5Ks and another 1/2 in the near future.... than go for the full?

    I find that just putting the $ out and putting a date on the calendar really helps me get motivated to train. Additionally, running 5Ks helps remind me that its going to be work but I enjoy the experience so it will be worth the time and effort.

    After you complete the 1/2 you can see how you are feeling and where you are at and decide whether to continue and sign up for the marathon... just a thought
  • hkulbacki
    hkulbacki Posts: 187 Member
    Congrats on your half!
    A couple basic questions on the joint pain. Have you been to a store that specializes in running shoes and been fitted for the shoe that is right for the way you move? A good running store will have you walk without shoes on to watch your foot movement and recommend the right shoe, they should also let you test them out on a treadmill or even outside before buying.

    If you've done that have you been to a sports massage therapist? As you progress in speed and distance things will most certainly get tight and cause pain somewhere if not loosened up.

    5-8 mile runs is a fine place to start training for a full. There are lots of websites with training plans (some free, some not) that will give you the recommended number of miles to run each day, usually with 1 speed day and 1 long run built in.
  • Erica_theRedhead
    Erica_theRedhead Posts: 724 Member
    great thanks guys! I've been doing some 10k races which are fun, but maybe just having the date on the calendar will be motivating. The joint pain could have been due to being overweight for most of my life...just have to watch it I guess.
  • kdkyzer
    kdkyzer Posts: 137 Member
    I can't speak to your joint pain...but here's the marathon training plan I used for my first marathon. Worked like a charm.
    http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51137/Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program
  • meganmorsey
    meganmorsey Posts: 75
    I'm doing my first marathon in March this year. I'm a little more than half way through my 18 week training plan. I'm using Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Plan.

    I've been having some issues with my hip flexors lately, so I'm doing focused stretching and general strength training in my legs to help with it. So far so good! If you can do a half, you can work your way up to a full. I am by no means an athlete! But I know I can do it, even though I'm slow :)
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I used to get pains running but changed two things that have virtually eliminated pains while increasing mileage.

    1. I changed my running form. Google Good Form Running This eliminates overstriding and heel striking and relieves impact forces on the joints.
    2. I started running my easy runs at an appropriate intensity. I used to run them all too fast. Not only did this relieve the pains, it broke the plateau I was on and restarted improvements.

    The second thing is that the primary influencer of aerobic fitness, and marathon success, is average weekly mileage. The more miles you can run each week the better the race will go. As a first time marathoner you should aim for a weekly mileage of between 40 to 50 miles for at least the 20 weeks leading up to the marathon. So, you need to build your running base to the point where you can run at least 40 miles comfortably during the week before the marathon starts.

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