I'm running a marathon...
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i am a long distance runner, and i can assure you that a lot of the above is bull**** and fear mongering. i have never purchased a single pair of running shoes from a "specialty running store" i have never had my gait "analyzed". I don't pay more than $60 for my running shoes. I run 10+ miles per day.Just to reiterate what the others have said, did those shoes come from a running specialty store (many are mom and pop shops) wear they personally watched you run and fitted you with the correct shoes?
Do not buy your running shoes from a big box store wear all the employees do is just bring you the shoes and watch you put it on. You need someone to analyze your gait.
I would still be super careful trying to do a full in a year right now since you do not run at all.
I have being running for 2 years with the last year being pretty serious and will only just now be doing my first half this coming October.
I mean, people die doing these things when they don't prepare correctly. Also, see your doctor to get cleared to do this....that's always a good idea.
You can do it much more simply than the above implies. using the C25K programs and progressing with other various running and marathon training programs and apps is probably a good idea. i think if you're determined enough, which you seem to be, you can do this and be prepared in a year.
good luck!
Bull**** and fear mongering? Just because you, an experiment of one, has had success with the shoes you have bought off the shelf does not discount the dozens, no, hundreds of runners who I have seem impacted by being in the wrong shoe.
OP, If you had just said you wanted to run a marathon just because you wanted to, I'd come right out and tell you that I think it's a bad idea. But, since your intentions are pure and selfless, I'll give you a piece of advice. Go with the Galloway plan. This is probably going to be the only way you will successfully go from nothing to 26.2 in a year. If you follow his plan to the letter, and you have a little luck along the way, you'll be able to get through 26.2 and help out your friend.
I wish you nothing but the best.0 -
Good for you for wanting to help your friend I wish you the best. I am a runner and have entered but not actually got to marathon day 3 times. My furthest run is 18 miles and it was absolute hell. I would still love to run a marathon but I find it to be incredibly hard on the body. I am not trying to put you off just reading this makes me think about entering again but I am trying to be honest. I have been running 3 years and done 2 half marathons but psychogically marathon training is hard not to mention time consuming. I wish you the best let us know how it goes.0
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Bull**** and fear mongering? Just because you, an experiment of one, has had success with the shoes you have bought off the shelf does not discount the dozens, no, hundreds of runners who I have seem impacted by being in the wrong shoe.
OP, If you had just said you wanted to run a marathon just because you wanted to, I'd come right out and tell you that I think it's a bad idea. But, since your intentions are pure and selfless, I'll give you a piece of advice. Go with the Galloway plan. This is probably going to be the only way you will successfully go from nothing to 26.2 in a year. If you follow his plan to the letter, and you have a little luck along the way, you'll be able to get through 26.2 and help out your friend.
I wish you nothing but the best.
OP: you know how I told you to join the long distance running group. One of the reasons is this guy. Listen to him.0 -
First off I wish you the best. Secondly, in my experience with triathlons, 10k's, and half-marathons, I've found that the best training incorporates strength training with running. I'd recommend, running 4 days a week-each week containing a long run day (i.e saturday's for me) and two days of strength. This would include a leg day, and an arms/core day. To complete a marathon, you'll need the endurance that only comes with lifting weights and doing squats-otherwise an injury may result from the wear 26.2 miles takes on your body. Since you said you don't have access to weights, I'd recommend a few "home gym" exercises-dips, push ups, squats, lunges, planks, and superman's are just a few to use. Also, most likely you'll need a new pair of running shoes mid-season, so going to a running store for a fitting is always great. Having shoes that are tailored to you reduces the chance of injury and a more comfortable run equals a faster, stronger pace. Overall, do the best you can and enjoy the accomplishment when you complete your marathon and the hard work that went into it.0
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What an awesome goal, good luck! :flowerforyou:
For a first Marathon with little experience to date, I can't recommend Jeff Galloway's Run/Walk method highly enough. In fact, friends who've run dozens of marathons get faster adding walk breaks!
Here's a link to his marathon training programme with recommended run/walk ratios, but under "training" he starts with 5Ks and 10Ks so you can build up slowly.
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/marathon-training/
Don't be afraid to go at your own pace and repeat any week you find tough - you have plenty of time.
I'd recommend getting some miles under your belt even if it's only walking. If your longest run starts off at, say, half an hour of run/walk, either tag on some walking at the end or make another day a much longer walk, say two hours.
If you find running isn't for you - and it isn't for everyone - consider a walking marathon, like the London Moonwalk - I've done it and believe me, it's at least as tough as running one!
Here are my beginner's running tips, some of these might help. Especially point 1:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936
When you start out, it’s HARD! Even if you think you’re fit, running is so different to anything else you’ve done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can’t manage a minute? Go slow. Still can’t? GO SLOWER!0 -
I have run a little bit, just wasn't motivated to continue I suppose. I managed to get up to running about 5k in about a week, I run really, really slowly though, I think a 5k run would take me about an hour or so.
Hence the having running shoes.
I know its going to be a lot of work, I am prepared for that, I am very determine though and I think if I run three times a week and one long run at the weekend I will manage it. I have a really clear goal now, I've already been pledged £300 by friends and family, so I can do this!0 -
As for walking, well that is okay, my aim is to get money for a wheelchair for my friend, my personal goal is secondary to that.
And that's my favorite part, although I neglected to say so above. A terrific goal. Please let us know your progress, both in training and in collecting funds for your friend.0 -
One thing I would add that I don't think has been mentioned is to make sure you're fuelling your runs... Please don't do marathon training on 1200 cals!0
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He is looking at a lifetime of being confine to a chair, he is stuck in a random part of the county because of the ridiculous stipulations of the local council and he has all these battles to face, mental and physical... I think that in light of that, me running/walking/crawling 26 miles in a years time is pretty doable.
So I am going to do it. I am starting this evening (eek) by running/walking for 20 mins and I will gradually build myself up, really I need to be able to run for at least 2 hours and feel I can keep going in order to run for the 4 or 6 hours it will take for me to run the marathon. There is a marathon in Paris on the 15th April next year, I am thinking of entering that one.0 -
You may need to get your entry in dead quick if your want to do one of the big ones (like Paris) - they fill up fast. There are loads of smaller ones that you could use as a backup.
Also maybe a good 'easy' 1/2 (or 2) round about October or November?0 -
Yes definitely looking to do a half in the Autumn, because if I'm not ready for that, I'm not going to be ready for a full in the spring!
I am going to get my entry in as soon as I possibly can afford to. Which might restrict the ones I can do but that is okay, I will find one!
What is the time limit?0 -
Seriously perfect advice!I really wouldn't just 'wing' marathon training. You are likely to end up with an injury. You have to be careful about increasing pace/distance.
Do you run at all? If not, I would start with the C25K programme and work from there. Book yourself into a 5K for after the plan (about 8 weeks), and then move onto a 10K programme.
Also, make sure you have the right kind of running shoes. Go to a running shop and get your gait analysed. When I started running I just wore cheap runners and ended up with Plantar Fasciitis which is not nice at all and meant no running for 6weeks. Since getting my new running shoes I haven't had any problems.
When you finish your 10k programme google Hal Higdon and follow his Half Marathon and Marathon Plans.
Marathon training involves a lot of time and a lot of miles - its just so important you don't just suddenly jump into running 40-50miles a week. You need to build up to it and following some tried and tested plans is definitely the way I would advise going!0 -
I'm not trying to nit pick you in any way. I think your goal & reasoning is so admirable. But you said you think you'll be able to run/walk this marathon in 4-6 hours. Yet you said it takes you one hour to run a 5k. That's 3.1 miles in one hour. If you do the math, I think you'll find that you're more apt to finish this marathon in 8-9 hours. Many marathons have time limits. I don't think anyone is trying to discourage you either. I just think you might be underestimating the marathon. Good luck to you0
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You seem to be ignoring the YEARS training I am going to do in the mean time. Right NOW I could run 5k (I am sure I have said all this) in an hour, but i am sure after a lot of training I would be able to do that much quicker. There is a 5k race coming up in 8 weeks, I intend on doing that in 40mins.0
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You seem to be ignoring the YEARS training I am going to do in the mean time. Right NOW I could run 5k (I am sure I have said all this) in an hour, but i am sure after a lot of training I would be able to do that much quicker. There is a 5k race coming up in 8 weeks, I intend on doing that in 40mins.
Honestly, if you are running 5K in a hour right now, or even in 50 minutes, your goal of a 4 to 6 hour marathon is unrealistic even with a full year of training. The marathon is unlike any other race distance. It takes people years of consistent running (like 1500+ miles per year over the course of several years) to attain the fitness to run a marathon in the 4 hour range.
If you are dead set on doing this for your friend, you need to have realistic expectations going in. I feel you should use Galloway and prepare yourself to be more in the 6 to 7 hour range.0 -
I'm not really worried about how long it takes me, more thinking about finishing it!
Thats why I asked whether there are time limits? I suppose the best way would be to find one that is either for walkers or for runners.0 -
Can I just reiterate AGAIN that i have NO TIME GOAL my only goal is to FINISH IT
I am going to go back and read my posts now to understand why people are talking about things I am fairly sure I haven't actually said.0 -
He is looking at a lifetime of being confine to a chair, he is stuck in a random part of the county because of the ridiculous stipulations of the local council and he has all these battles to face, mental and physical... I think that in light of that, me running/walking/crawling 26 miles in a years time is pretty doable.
So I am going to do it. I am starting this evening (eek) by running/walking for 20 mins and I will gradually build myself up, really I need to be able to run for at least 2 hours and feel I can keep going in order to run for the 4 or 6 hours it will take for me to run the marathon. There is a marathon in Paris on the 15th April next year, I am thinking of entering that one.
OP, the 4 to 6 hours came from your post right here. Having a goal of just finishing is much more realistic. I, and some of the other posters on this thread with lots of running experience, are just trying to give you an idea about how long that is actually going to take you.0 -
Ah I see, well I got the 4-6 hour figure from the equation that it takes 15mins to walk a mile so
26.2 @ 15mins = 6.5 hours.
Which I do think is doable, I think at a push I could probably walk that now (I like walking)
But yes, time is not an issue, finishing is the issue0 -
You seem to be ignoring the YEARS training I am going to do in the mean time. Right NOW I could run 5k (I am sure I have said all this) in an hour, but i am sure after a lot of training I would be able to do that much quicker. There is a 5k race coming up in 8 weeks, I intend on doing that in 40mins.
Honestly, if you are running 5K in a hour right now, or even in 50 minutes, your goal of a 4 to 6 hour marathon is unrealistic even with a full year of training. The marathon is unlike any other race distance. It takes people years of consistent running (like 1500+ miles per year over the course of several years) to attain the fitness to run a marathon in the 4 hour range.
If you are dead set on doing this for your friend, you need to have realistic expectations going in. I feel you should use Galloway and prepare yourself to be more in the 6 to 7 hour range.
Carson is giving very sound advice here. The wear and tear training for and running or run/walking a marathon is a very daunting task. It took me almost 4 years before I built up enough stamina and trained my ligaments and muscles to endure 26.2 miles. I am not saying it can't be done faster, all I am saying is that Carson is someone who knows what he is talking about and giving solid advice here. Your goal is very admirable, however taking just 1 year to prepare for a marathon is not as long as you think. Heck, when I am training for a marathon, my training schedule is 12 weeks long. And when I am not training for a marathon, I usually do about 25 miles a week. It still takes me 12 weeks to get my body ready for a marathon from there. Galloway is a great program. Using it and guidance from people like Carson will pay big dividends.
I wish you nothing but the best and truly admire your goal to help your friend. Good luck.0 -
I did the jimmy fund walk last year to raise money for cancer patients. it was the boston marathon route. it was a walk not a run. I trained for 6 months. every weekend I went a little further. it's a big commitment. I had to forgo a lot of family events on weekends to get ready for it. it took 10.5 hours to complete the 26.2 mile course. it was a fabulous experience. and i'll be doing it again this year. good luck!0
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Ah I see, well I got the 4-6 hour figure from the equation that it takes 15mins to walk a mile so
26.2 @ 15mins = 6.5 hours.
Which I do think is doable, I think at a push I could probably walk that now (I like walking)
But yes, time is not an issue, finishing is the issue
I did a 30 mile walk last summer... I had done insanity before that, so thought of myself as reasonably fit, and we did practice walks, and it was still TOUGH... it took 10 hours, (20 minute mile which is 'average' walking pace) and by the end it hurt...
I admire anyone who wants to do a marathon, I know I couldn't do it! But the other posters who are seasoned runners are just trying to show you some realism.0 -
Ah I see, well I got the 4-6 hour figure from the equation that it takes 15mins to walk a mile so
26.2 @ 15mins = 6.5 hours.
Some races do have time limits. I think you will see that that equation is a bit simple to calculate finishing time. I am currently training for a half marathon. I know that on a long run of 10-11 miles my early miles are a much faster pace than my last few. You will need to account for slowing down as you burn through fuel and get tired.
I do think your goal of raising money to help you friend is a fantastic one. I haven't read anyone on here responding that has said otherwise. I think that we all just want to make sure you don't underestimate just how far a marathon is, and that it is much more than just physically going the distance. Though, having your friend as your motivation should certainly be a big morale boost along the way.
From reading the responses, folks I think don't want to see you end up getting yourself hurt in trying do this.
As I said before, I really do hope you are able to achieve this goal you have set out for yourself and that you stay healthy of the course of it.
Best of luck.
ETA- I think it was Carson who mentioned using Galloway... I am using his training plans now for my half. I would definitely recommend that as well.0 -
I admire your spirit! Yes, the seasoned runners are giving you GREAT advice, but I get what you are saying. Your goal is only to finish and raise money for your friend. Train for the year, do the BEST that YOU can do, and see where you finish at. I don't think your goals are unrealistic, but they will take your full focus and dedication for the year.
For all the seasoned runners, (I'll probably get shot saying this), I don't think she is setting unreasonable goals, I think she is well aware it will be A LOT of work, but if she tells herself now that she can't accomplish it what kind of impact will be negative about it have on her goals. I'm not saying we should embrace any unsafe behavior, but clearly she realizes she may be off on the times, and realizes it is quite the undertaking. So OP test your limits, see what you can do, be conscious of the possibilty of injury from going too far too fast, but in the end if you do your best and you meet your fundraising goal it's a win!0 -
I admire your spirit! Yes, the seasoned runners are giving you GREAT advice, but I get what you are saying. Your goal is only to finish and raise money for your friend. Train for the year, do the BEST that YOU can do, and see where you finish at. I don't think your goals are unrealistic, but they will take your full focus and dedication for the year.
For all the seasoned runners, (I'll probably get shot saying this), I don't think she is setting unreasonable goals, I think she is well aware it will be A LOT of work, but if she tells herself now that she can't accomplish it what kind of impact will be negative about it have on her goals. I'm not saying we should embrace any unsafe behavior, but clearly she realizes she may be off on the times, and realizes it is quite the undertaking. So OP test your limits, see what you can do, be conscious of the possibilty of injury from going too far too fast, but in the end if you do your best and you meet your fundraising goal it's a win!
I am not a seasoned runner, having only run for one year or so. Running is great for cardiovascular fitness and many people, including myself, have pushed too hard once the heart pounding, chest pain and the heavy breathing is behind us, only to find out that our muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones haven't adapted to the stressed of running, and have been in pain or actually injured due to ignoring this.
It takes the body time to adapt. The bony adaptations to the stress of running can take years. Sprains, strains, stress fractures: these happen regularly.
Good luck OP! Don't get hurt.0 -
Ah I see, well I got the 4-6 hour figure from the equation that it takes 15mins to walk a mile so
26.2 @ 15mins = 6.5 hours.
Which I do think is doable, I think at a push I could probably walk that now (I like walking)
But yes, time is not an issue, finishing is the issue
That's great and all, but mile one and mile 20 are two completely different animals
Familiarize yourself with the sweep crew rules of engagement as most marathons have a 6-8 hour time limit. If you don't meet the time limits you will probably get the option to get hauled off in a golf cart by the crew, or simply be on your own with no official marathon support (police, aid stations, etc).0 -
Yes definitely looking to do a half in the Autumn, because if I'm not ready for that, I'm not going to be ready for a full in the spring!
I am going to get my entry in as soon as I possibly can afford to. Which might restrict the ones I can do but that is okay, I will find one!
What is the time limit?
Really depends upon the event.. some sell out over night, I'm afraid.0 -
I think I am going to look for a marathon that is walking or runnable, so will make the time-limit less.
Who would have thought finding a marathon would be one of the difficult bits!
No point signing up for London, I am sure0 -
I am currently 17st and very out of shape, I intend on doing a marathon in exactly a year.
Given the dual challenge, quite a lot of weight to lose and go from non-running to completing a marathon, you'll need to do some research on an appropriate race, and there are a few stages that you can use to work towards that. That said, you're on the edge of Salisbury Plain and there are a lot of good trails around that will help your training.
In part it depends how far you want to travel, there is a run in the New Forest later in the year, and that'll be fairly flat, Bournemouth is in October. Brighton is already programmed for April of next year.
I would suggest combining the suggestion from Carson to use a Galloway walk/ run plan with one of those, with New Forest probably being the flattest of the three.0 -
I'm almost afraid to post, as it seems you really only want encouragement to do it, and aren't really listening to the advice of experienced runners that are worried for you. Carson has given you fantastic advice, go back and reread every one of his posts. Your REASON for doing it is the only thing that is keeping me from telling you not to even try it.
Here's what it comes down to. Expert advice will be you've been running for a year, of 25-30 miles every single week, before you even start training for a marathon. So if you want to run an April 2015 marathon, a marathon training program is about 4.5 months long, so that would start in early December 2014, so you should have been running 25-30 miles a week since December 2013, which means you should have started the c25k program in early fall 2013 to get to that point in December. You are already about 7+ months behind where I suggest you should be. That doesn't mean you CAN'T do it, it means you are at a very, very high risk of injury. All the pounding of training takes a toll on your body and you need that base under your belt in order to strengthen your bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. It is very likely you'll get hurt and not even make it to the starting line of the marathon. I know you don't want to hear that, but that's the truth. I ran casually for 11 years, and had a base of 25-30 miles a week for 2.5 years (and had run 8 half marathons) before I started training for my first marathon. Thankfully I made it through injury free, but it hurt. Those last 6.2 miles of the marathon is no joke. The training is no joke. I felt like all I did was eat, sleep, work, and run. No energy for much else. You give up a lot to train. I know you're willing to do that, I get the passion for WHY you're doing it. I think all the experienced long distance runners are just concerned you really aren't grasping the difficulty of what you're about to undertake and are underestimating it, as we've all done it, and we've all done it with far more running base than you have. And honestly, just planning to run when you can, and walk when you can, will probably be a more painful way to complete a marathon than those of us that run the entire thing, as that implies you aren't properly trained and it's even more time on your feet. You'll hear world class runners say their 2.5 hour marathon times seem easier to them than those of us that are on the course for 4.5 hours, as it's so much harder on your body. If you're talking 6-8 hours, that is a lot of time on your feet and will be so much harder than you might think.
I will highly recommend Galloway as others have. It's a way to train that is dedicated to run/walk intervals and I think will be a great way for you to train from the beginning, being an inexperienced runner and as you build your mileage. It will also help by not being so hard on your body and help you to try to stay injury free. Also, the $ price of the shoes doesn't matter if you didn't go get fitted for them. And yes, you are asking for even more injury by not running in the shoes that are right for you. Again, experienced runners talking here.
I think you're going to do it no matter what anyone says to the contrary, so good luck.0
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