First time marathon advice please...

ATLMel is right about training (and after marathon beers for that matter :happy: ) For my last marathon I followed Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 training plan and felt very prepared for it. One of the problems you'll face is that you'll be training through the hottest part of the year so you want to make sure your routes are planned out and you have plenty of water available. Doing 20 miles when it's 80+ degrees out will be hard on you.
If you search Youtube, you can find a pretty funny video of people trying to walk around the day after a marathon. I didn't really have too much of a problem walking after about 24 hours. My biggest problem were some pretty severe cramps - I yawned and my jaw cramped up on me! After you run, make sure you get plenty of fluids (even more than you think you need) and lots of fuel. Oh, and I wouldn't want to get on an airplane the day after the race either - I understand the the changes in pressure can be pretty hard on you.

The best advise is to build up your mileage as high as your body is able to recover from and which you are willing to devote the time to. The better prepared you are the more enjoyable the race will be because 26 miles is a long way and it is even longer for someone on a minimal training plan. If you go into the marathon with a good mileage base then post race soreness is minimal.

I rushed into my first marathon (and second as I was already signed up for that one before finishing my first) without adequate base mileage. It wasn't pretty. I cried during the first one and was hurt. Anywho, after that I was a bit gun shy (as one should be) with the distance and made myself be comfortable at a weekly mileage of mid 40 before even considering doing it again. Those marathons since have gone so much better. I am now training for my 8th and do 50-70 mpw.

#1 Question - How supportive is your family of you doing a marathon during or just before vacation? You never know what'll happen- good run, bad run- and yes you'll be sore- mentally bed ridden, probably. Physically bed ridden, possibly. If they are grumbling about it... not good. The benefit of the vacation will be you would probably be forced to do some leisurely walking afterwards- which will help A LOT. The downside- if you actually get injured (past the usual soreness) it's a little more troublesome to either self treat (epsom salts) or to go visit a doctor. I've done a half on a vacation and it was great- however it was the reason for our vacation (Disney World Wine and Dine). We had two family members that wanted us to go out and meet up which we had to decline, and honestly a large part of our vacation was resting before, being picky about what we ate, Hydrating, hydrating, hydrating. It's a vacation but you have to be really really conscious about what you do the day before and the day after. It's great if everyone is understanding, it's bad if they aren't willing to make a run to the closest wal mart for an ice pack and wrap.

The marathon itself, pssssh, that's the easy part Be prepared for some long runs, be okay with spending 6-7 hours running slowly if it's hot outside (you'll need to slow down a lot to not over-exert). I actually did a practice 26 miler 3 weeks before my race (I use galloway interval method). Worse run of my life- It was uncharacteristically hot and I had to walk for about 15 miles. took forever. Miserable. Actual race was much better- came through the finish line smiling and happy. We used the camel backs (in training) which are great but you'll still need to refill them so you'll need to map out that. You need to learn how to eat and pack for it and get used to carrying it. And there is something about the milegae. Honestly- up to 20 miles- piece of cake. 22 miles- not the worst thing. But something happens between that 20 and 26 that rocks your world (not always in a good way). And this is coming from someone who isn't even running the whole time. Just be realistic and be prepared to take as long as it needs. It's so worth it, and I strongly encourage you to commit and go for it!

Our vacation is to the Black Hills and Yellow Stone. So, a lot of walking will be taking place. I have been there many times but my hubby and kids have not. So I would hate to be a burden on their new experiences if I were to be extremely sore. Secondly, the marathon is the Leading Ladies. So, obviously all ladies but what drew me to it was it will be such a beautiful run! Yet, being in August, very HOT! There are the pros and cons. There is a half option too.

i've always wanted to do that one - it however is always on the same weekend as the Ragnar I do. One of these days.

From what I have heard, the heat isn't a huge issue on this one despite the time of year. HOWEVER, it is a downhill and you need to train for the pounding your quads will take

There is also the "First Marathon Training Program" from First, Furman Institute of Running. It is a training program for first time marathon runners. You might find it by Googling "Finish with First".

And yes, this plan calls for running only 3 days a week. I know I heard someone on here say that doesn't work, but that's simply not true. I have heard people tell me it worked great.

I didn't say it didn't work. I said it wouldn't be the best way to be prepared. Accumulating mileage is an important factor in a marathon training plan. I'm sure you could follow FIRST and drag yourself through 26 miles. Anyone in relatively decent shape can COMPLETE a marathon. The challenge lies in being able to get through the training healthy and run the race to the best of your ability.

IME, 2 short runs during the week are not enough to support long runs of 14+ miles.