So I want to run a marathon one day...

musicpixie162
musicpixie162 Posts: 1
in Getting Started
I've never done a running event before, and I'd really like to. I think the companionship of fellow runners, the health I would be feeling, and the energy and vibe of such an event would be exhilarating.

But how do I start?

I've looked into half-marathons, but they still seem daunting to me. I could go five miles at a moderate running pace before I poop out, but I can't foresee myself doing any better than that. How does one get to a half-marathon fitness level?

I have no timeline. I'm just running as often as I can in the mornings before I go to work. Right now it's averaged to 1-3 times per week for up to 2.5 miles. I just don't wake up early enough to go any longer.

I consider myself healthy and capable. But at 26 years old, I've just never done this sort of thing before and I'd like to do it safely and efficiently. Any tips/pointers would be awesome!

Replies

  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    https://www.jennyhadfield.com/training-plans/half-marathon/
  • Samstan101
    Samstan101 Posts: 699 Member
    Something like the C25K programme would get you capable of running for 30mins non-stop Edit: Just re-read your original post and saw you said 5miles not 5mins so skip C25K!. I believe there is also a C210K programme although I haven't tried it. I went from unable to walk up stairs without panting to now able to run (slowly) from 2hrs without stopping. I do various shorter runs during the week (sprints, threshold, etc), a 5k on a Saturday and then a long run on a Sunday. In the longer runs I either do the same distance as the previous week but try to pick up the pace or I add extra distance. My longest run to date is just over 9miles so its working so far! I'm signed up for a Half Marathon and a 30K this year and if they go well want to do a marathon next year. I've achieved this in around 9 months and started at around 300lbs so you should see improvements quicker than I did being younger and fitter! Good luck :flowerforyou:
  • bananahb33
    bananahb33 Posts: 28 Member
    I just ran my first half marathon a few weeks ago and I'm now thinking about running the Chicago Marathon in October. If you had suggested running a marathon to me even just 2 years ago I would have laughed in your face. I have been using this training schedule:

    http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51130/Half-Marathon-Training-Guide

    That's the training schedule for the half marathon but he also has one for a novice marathon runner. But there are a lot of others out there that I'm sure work just as well. My suggestion is to pick a few races and sign up for them. You are going to be much more motivated to train if you have a goal. I'm sure there a several half marathons and marathons in your area in the fall that you could start training for now. The hardest lesson I learned training for my half is that you just have to make time for it, if you don't, you won't see any results. But if you do, you will be surprised how capable and strong you are. Good luck. :wink:
  • Carolyn_79
    Carolyn_79 Posts: 935 Member
    I second the Hal Higdon training programs. I used a similar type program to train for both my half and full marathon. Good luck!
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    Since you're not on a timeline, and don't want to rush into anything, try shorter distances first. Sign up for a local 5k. Then build up to a 10k. There are lots of online training plans. I wouldn't recommend jumping straight into half or full distances anyway. You're more likely to get injured and have a bad experience by doing such a huge jump.

    You will find that as you start to run longer, those distances won't feel so monumental anymore. You'll look back one day, after a 10 mile run, and wonder why you ever thought 5 was a long way.

    Get good shoes though- fitted from a running store. Go slow to avoid injury.

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