Marathon Ready??

lindaamarie
lindaamarie Posts: 114
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay long distance runners, I have a question for you! I plan on doing a half marathon in November...my first EVER!! I was able to run 6 miles no problem so I knew I could do it then, but I got in a car wreck and couldn't workout for a while, so now I can only run 2 miles without dying. Still going to try to do the half in November though. BUT my gym instructor, booty kicker, healthy friend wants some of us girls to do a FULL marathon in January. Do yall think I could do it or should I wait?? I don't want to hurt myself, but I dont want to hold myself back either.

Replies

  • miracole
    miracole Posts: 492 Member
    Wait on it till you're ready, 3 months between first half and full marathon is NOT enough training time. Especially if you've had setbacks on your half training. You don't want to push too hard and hurt yourself. Let me know if you want marathon training tips, I'm running my 4th in 3 weeks and have a good program to follow.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    You will be setting yourself up for a miserable experience.

    I suggest a base of at least 25 miles per week for a period of 12 to 18 months before even starting a marathon training program.
  • wolfgate
    wolfgate Posts: 321 Member
    Wait. This one is pretty easy. You might get through it (others have and I'm sure someone will post their story) but it will not be as good an experience as it should be and the risk of injury will well outweigh the reward. No need to rush into the marathon.
  • rjmudlax13
    rjmudlax13 Posts: 900 Member
    Okay long distance runners, I have a question for you! I plan on doing a half marathon in November...my first EVER!! I was able to run 6 miles no problem so I knew I could do it then, but I got in a car wreck and couldn't workout for a while, so now I can only run 2 miles without dying. Still going to try to do the half in November though. BUT my gym instructor, booty kicker, healthy friend wants some of us girls to do a FULL marathon in January. Do yall think I could do it or should I wait?? I don't want to hurt myself, but I dont want to hold myself back either.

    That's pushing it! Train for the Half. You have plenty of time. See how you do in the half first before deciding if you want to do a full. A full marathon is a completely different animal.
  • KathleenMurry
    KathleenMurry Posts: 448 Member
    You don't want to hear this, but you probably shouldn't even do the half in November. Maybe do the half in January. You're setting yourself up for disappointment and injury. If you can only run about 2 miles right now, start with a goal of doing a 5 km in November. My 5 KM training program has me running at least 30 miles a week. If you're trying to run a half or a full, I think you need to run double or more than that...
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    You will be setting yourself up for a miserable experience.

    I suggest a base of at least 25 miles per week for a period of 12 to 18 months before even starting a marathon training program.

    +1
    You don't want to hear this, but you probably shouldn't even do the half in November.

    Agree completely.....
  • PeteWhoLikesToRunAlot
    PeteWhoLikesToRunAlot Posts: 596 Member
    Agree with everyone above - much better to work yourself into shape at your own speed, especially after an injury, rather than force it. My first 13.1 attempt was scheduled last minute, without having built enough of a base. As a result, I ramped up way too quickly, overtrained, and aggrivated an old ankle injury that resulted in me missing that race.
  • lindaamarie
    lindaamarie Posts: 114
    You don't want to hear this, but you probably shouldn't even do the half in November. Maybe do the half in January. You're setting yourself up for disappointment and injury. If you can only run about 2 miles right now, start with a goal of doing a 5 km in November. My 5 KM training program has me running at least 30 miles a week. If you're trying to run a half or a full, I think you need to run double or more than that...

    Ohh I really didn't want to hear that! It's mainly my mind that makes me stop at 2 because it keeps telling me I cant do it, but I did just sprain my ankle Thursday. I ran a mile yesterday though without it causing a problem
  • lindaamarie
    lindaamarie Posts: 114
    Agree with everyone above - much better to work yourself into shape at your own speed, especially after an injury, rather than force it. My first 13.1 attempt was scheduled last minute, without having built enough of a base. As a result, I ramped up way too quickly, overtrained, and aggrivated an old ankle injury that resulted in me missing that race.

    Ouch! Okay no marathon for me then until next November which is when I originally planned mine. I definitely don't need any more ankle injuries
  • Alderaic
    Alderaic Posts: 294 Member
    before even attempting the half, make sure you can run 10/12k without any issue by mid october, else, just cancel the half.
    Later you will be grateful.
    If you cannot run 10/12 by mid october and feel ok, you will get hurt on your half. I know it sucks that races are not refundable, but your long term health matters more than completing that specific run!

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