To run or to roll?!

Despite not wanted to carry on I've been sucked back in.

To address a few points:

Yes people die in endurance events, I actually work in cardiology and most who do have an underlying condition which they are unaware of. An army captain died, someone who is probably fit. Most if you as runners will of seen and know that usually the people getting medical attention are young fitish guys, mainly because of poor training yes but also as they aren't sensible, they go all out and also don't take on the right nutrients and fluids.

Also most professional fitness experts will tell you, as much as runners may not like to think it, that endurance running is bad for us all long term. There are a few genetically blessed exceptions of course. My dad ran over 50 sub 3hr marathons when I was a child and stopped due to injuries, he would also certainly had better joints now had he not done this sport for years. None of my PT friends (bar 1) who ever suggest anything longer than a 10k to clients because of the damage it does to your body, not to mention the deminishing gains.

As I said previously I'm new to mfp and posting, I didn't think I needed to put every detail in my first post, as I stated I was merely looking to connect with people doing a similar distance. I never asked for words of support or 'go at it girl'. As that was my objective I saw details as irrelevant, I've since learnt the these forums aren't what I expected hence stopping on it.

I said I was annoyed I hadn't started sooner, I know I should have. I signed up in May and found out in October, to get over feeling guilty I pushed it to the back of my mind while pushing to much food into my face instead, hence not being focused on when it actually is.

It baffles me as to why someone who want to put a fake post like that up, what would they gain?! I also gave my details for those who believe oddly that I'm a 'troll'.

I never thought that someone like me could run a half marathon, but I did without stopping (I even cried while doing it). The first few miles were actually the hardest and it was only mental strength and a fear of failure which kept me going. I know had I not signed up on a wim I would still think I couldn't. It was once believed no human could run 26.2 miles but the views changed. A few of my friends are doing half this year after I did one, as if I did anyone can!

As I said constructive options are fine but you never know who you are talking to or how they are feeling so please just think how you phrase things.

lporter229 wrote: »

There is a saying that goes: "Train hard...easy race. Train easy...hard race."

I think the reason a lot of people get bent out of shape over post like these is that many of us spent the majority of our free time training for endurance events. Our lives are a constant cycle of train, race, repeat, all in the name of improving our performance and pushing ourselves to the limits. We get so caught up in this mind set that it is hard for us to admit that some people may be able to pull themselves off the couch and accomplish what appear to be the same thing in a matter of a few months. But the truth is, it can be done and I have seen it happen.

But then again, this all goes back to the saying above. You can get out there everyday and train hard and prepare and have an enjoyable race. Or you can put in the minimal training effort and suffer through the 26.2 miles. You can still cross the finish line and, in the end, is the accomplishment of completing 26.2 miles any different? That comes down to a matter of opinion. I myself think that anyone who can get out there and will themselves through that distance, regardless of how it was done or if it took 6 hours or 3-4 hours, has made an admirable achievement.

I think that if the OP has made her mind up that she wants to do this, it's not our place to discourage her. I think enough points have been made regarding the risk of injury from over training, that she would be foolish not to keep that in mind as she progresses through her training. A few other bits of advice that I would give to the OP:

1. A marathon is not quite the same as two marathons put together. Fueling requirements and pace strategy play a far more important roll. Definitely educate yourself on these and practice them throughout your training.

2. Have realistic expectations on how long it will take you to complete the race and how hard it is actually going to be. You will not likely finish anywhere close to 2 times your half marathon time and it's very doubtful that you will be able to complete the race without having a plan for walking some of it. You may want to check out the Jeff Galloway method of run/walk. I am not trying to be negative here, just realistic if everything you have said thus far is true.

3. Good luck and have fun! Please don't forget to check back and tell us how it went. It would be nice to finally see one of these threads where the OP returns to prove all of the naysayers wrong.

Thank you for your post and suggestions. I completely agree.

We all have different goals and different reasons for running. I'm sure I will be no where close to those that dedicate all year to this and for them shaving a few minutes off an already amazing time will be a great achievement. For me doing it, ideally with little walking (although thanks for the reference I will check it out) would be a massive personal achievement. Just the same as a 10k is a massive achievement for some.

I will be sure to check back in :-)

cwolfman13 wrote: »

chinupsforchinese wrote: »

I have stopped posting as this has turned into something I wasn't expecting, I was mere looking to connect with people also training. I appreciate the concern and also those who wished me luck.

As I said last year I did races in 10k, 10 mile and half marathon all fine within a few months of starting training. A marathon seemed like a logical step, not to mention getting caught up in the momentum.

I'm sure a marathon is a different ball game and yes I planned to start training earlier, I'm annoyed at myself I haven't. I may injure myself, as will a substantial percentage of people training, and if I do then I will be gutted to of not achieved it.

[Edited by MFP moderator]

In your OP you said you couldn't even remember the last time you ran...the above is about 180* from your OP.

I can't remember a date no, all those were the first half of last year. Also as I said I didn't realise people would pick on each detail, the objective was to meet people also training not demotivate myself.