Training for first marathon (moved from Fitness)

Shelga

So, I'm looking to start training this week for my first marathon, hopefully will do the Dublin one in October. I'm 21, female, reasonably fit and active, but not too used to running it must be said. Even if I don't complete the race (worst case scenario), I really want to give it a go!

So can anyone with experience tell me if 16-18 weeks is enough time to train? I'm going for a 4-5k run tomorrow and building up from there. Or am I silly and naive to think I can do it in this amount of time?

Thanks!

flywheel

try the: Athletics / Running / Triathlon forum here

unless a mod here manages to move this thread there for you...

--amadeus--

Not silly and naive but it's not reccomended.

<mini-rant>
The marathon is becoming more and more accsible in the sense that more and more "ordinary" people are doing it. People just like you and me, old young fat thin - teh finish line at a marathon will have them all. Seeing that - plus teh mushrooming of "mini-marathons" - makes more and more people think "how hard can it be? I'll give that a lash..."

Well it's *bloody* hard.

26.2 miles is a long, long way. Drive it or cycle it over the weekend and you'll be surprised. And going in with an attitude of "I might not finish" is a guarantee that (at mile 20 when you are really starting to hurt) you'll really struggle. The distance needs respect, dedication and a lot of training.

</mini-rant>

Now that doesn't mean it's impossible. Lots of people go from little running to a marathon in a few months (2 of teh 3 mods on the running forum did, for example). But it's not the best way of doing things, you run a hugely increased risk of injury, you are not going to enjoy the experience and well most certainly not perform to anything close to your ability.

If I were you I'd take my time, enter and train for some shorter races and maybe peak at a half marathon this year. Then - with 12 months running under your belt - you can go into a training program with the physiological adaptations to distance running made and a better chance of surviving it in one piece and enjoying the process. The marathon isn't going anywhere and most marathoners are significantly older than you are. What's the rush?

If you do decide to go for it this year then pick a good schedule (Google Hal Higdon Novice marathon schedule for an example) and follow it. And drop into the Running forum - lots of good advice in tehre.

And good luck

buck65

Have to agree with Amadeus. I ran a good bit 12 years ago (early 20s) and was aiming for the DCM 96. I had ran maybe 7 races that year (3 to 5 milers) and regularly ran 25 plus miles a week before increasing my milage 2 months before the marathon. Basically 4 weeks before marathon I did a 16 mile run and came home crushed. Swollen ankle and my spirit broken by having ran for almost 3 hours. It took 2 weeks for me to recover and be able to face another mile of running. Needless to say I pulled out of the marathon as I realised I couldn't face another long run for a while.
This year I have put a bit more thought into it and am ticking all the boxes, I started training last November again.
1- 10 mile race in March
2- Half marathon in July
3- 16/18 week build up to DCM 09 beginning after half marathon.
Plenty of massage and a balanced diet. If you are starting out running I feel you need 5/6 monts in the legs before attempting marathon training. Do not underestimate this monster.

Shelga

Thanks for the responses. Yeah I think I am underestimating just how long and difficult 26.2 miles will be. I guess it all comes down to how motivated someone is and how realistic they are in their goals. I definitely don't want to cause myself an injury, but still really feel like I could do it if I trained really hard.. Hmm I'll have to have a think about it, thanks again for the advice!

chinguetti

I would agree with Amadeus. Start gradually and build it up from a 5 kms, 5 mile etc. Wiser people than me say that you shouldn't start doing marathons until your mid 30s.

Did my first marathon in Cork last week. Started running again after 15 years in December 2007 and decided last year to do a marathon. Did 18 weeks of a training plan (450 miles) and still found it incredibly tough.

If you go ahead, the best of luck but get yourself a medical check up first, now matter how fit you are. If you drop out at 20 miles, you'll regret it as the satisfaction is only mighty and there's only one first marathon that you'll ever run

RoyMcC

Shelga, there is some very good advice here. However you shouldn't be downhearted but rather set your sights a bit more longer term. Running isn't all about marathons and you can gain a lot of satisfaction building up your running ability and entering some shorter races first. Then when you really feel you're ready then take the plunge. Marathons will always be there for you.