45 yr old mum of two. Can I run a marathon?

heymam

First time poster long time reader. Just looking for some inspiration and advice.

Took up running almost four years ago after giving up a 20 year 20 a day smoking habit. Decided to run the womens mini marathon in 2008 having walked it the previous year. All those women running inspired me:) Did it and was thrilled with myself. Have since ran about another 6 10k runs and 3 half marathons. Not a fast runner by any stretch of the imagination, Barely scrape in under 60 mins in my 10k and the halfs take me about 2hours 15. My times have not improved in the three years but thats not what I am about. I just want to run.

I would love to do just one marathon. Have I left it too late?. Just want to finish it and have a pulse at the end of it:P Could commit to the training as kids are a bit older now. I run on my own which I much prefer as I do all my runs in the morning. But should I join a club and find someone to do the long runs with. Could i run for over 4 and half hours?

Love reading peoples stories here and would be grateful for any comments.

Highway_To_Hell

Age shouldnt be a problem.

In 2008 I was 44 years old, 16+ Stone and smoked 20 a day. When I stopped smoking on Jan 1st I started running to make sure I didnt put on any more weight. I had hadnt run since my early 20's but I ran the Dublin Marathon that year, When I started running I could not run more then 500mts without stopping but slowely built it up and followed a marathon training program. With the running base you already have I don't think the distance should be a problem. (staying injury free might be)

I think long slow runs are the key, I did 3 slow 20+ mile runs prior to my first marathon and this gave me confidence in myself that I could do the distance.

Enjoy the journey to your first marathon.

rainbow kirby

Might be a good idea to have a look at this thread.

Tbh, you have quite a decent base compared to a lot of people approaching the marathon for the first time, given that you've been running for a few years already. Get to the start line injury-free and properly trained and you will get through it. You certainly haven't left it too late - good luck with the training!

ger664

Yes if you put in the training and follow thread linked by RK above.

ManFromAtlantis

you wont regret giving it a lash.
anyhoo 45 is not old for long distance womens running. not by a long shot.

RayCun

If you've already run three half marathons then you are definitely capable of running a full marathon.

Oryx

Yes. Your age has nothing to do with your ability, plenty of people much older than you run marathons. Never use your age as a way of limiting yourself! You are already in the habit of training its just about adjusting your plan for longer mileage, and taking care of your body as it adapts to the extra load. Good luck with it.

RoyMcC

45? You're a spring chicken! As RK says you're in a much better position to train for a marathon than many others. If you've the will and ambition it's yours for the taking.

Mr Slow

You'll have no probems, as the others have said you've a good base.

Group training sessions are posted here

Good Luck!

brownian

Absolutely. Distance running isn't nearly as ageist as many other sports, lots of ART posters are in their 40s and hitting the times of their lives (myself included:)). Not only could you run a marathon, but I don't see any inherent reason why you shouldn't aim for a more ambitious time - you can certainly do the miles, so taking a few seconds off each mile is likely to be feasible too (with care, though, as excessive speed training is a good source of injury).

Do one, and you'll perhaps want to do another - three halfs is a lot better base than many!

aero2k

OP, I ran my first marathon as a relatively fit 19 year old. I got back into running in my 40's, and ran two marathons aged 45 which were much faster than my youthful effort. Age is no barrier. I'm running another in 3 weeks and I wouldn't be surprised to find guys in their 50's ahead of me.

Have a look at the advice on here re. training programe, take it nice and easy and you'll have no trouble.

Oryx

According to the book born to run, all else being equal, a person will have a certain running ability at 19, which peaks at 27, but only returns to the level it was at at age 19, by age 64. So distance running oaps could technically beat teenagers. I like those stats.

brownian

I think the OP has touched a nerve here - lot of us oldsters only too happy to shout that it's not all over when you pass 40

Tho, it's true - it's not all yet

rainbow kirby

Oryx wrote: »

a person will have a certain running ability at 19, which peaks at 27

Feck, I don't want to peak this year :pac:

gerard65

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Feck, I don't want to peak this year :pac:

Yep, its all downhill for you now:eek:

heymam

Thanks so much for all your comments. Am doing the kildare half in a couple of weeks so will decide for definite one way or other after that. Can I just ask one question.

Will be away for a couple weeks end of July. If I started to train for marathon would be about 4/5 weeks into training. Could I get away with only running maybe just 4 times in the two weeks when i am away. Won't be able to run outdoors but will have access to a gym. But don't want to spend my holiday in the gym. Kids and hubbie won't be too happy!!! Thanks a mill for any advice.

Oryx

When I was in the middle of the race plan for DCM, with nowhere near the base that you have, i went on hols and couldnt train properly. I managed a few short runs for that week. It didnt seem to affect my training much at all. As long as everything else is kept consistent before and after,and you manage some running on holiday, Id say youll be fine.

Mr Slow

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Feck, I don't want to peak this year :pac:

Me neither :rolleyes:

TFBubendorfer

heymam wrote: »

Will be away for a couple weeks end of July. If I started to train for marathon would be about 4/5 weeks into training. Could I get away with only running maybe just 4 times in the two weeks when i am away. Won't be able to run outdoors but will have access to a gym. But don't want to spend my holiday in the gym. Kids and hubbie won't be too happy!!! Thanks a mill for any advice.

The more you train during those weeks the better it will be, but yes, you can get away with it. It's just that most people will completely ignore the training during their holidays, despite the best of intentions, and then obviously pay for it during the marathon.

Btw, I just set a new personal best in the marathon at the ripe old age of 41, so forget all that nonsense about being too old. And I've got 4 children, so that's no obstacle either.

RubyK

You have a really good solid base, so you should definitely go for it. Hols in July shouldn't be a problem, just keep yourself ticking over using the gym, swimming etc, you'll have plenty of time to get the longer runs done in Aug/Sept. Best of luck

RayCun

heymam wrote: »

Will be away for a couple weeks end of July. If I started to train for marathon would be about 4/5 weeks into training. Could I get away with only running maybe just 4 times in the two weeks when i am away.

sure, but you should start your marathon training programme 2/3 weeks early (so you're having a break in your training rather than missing training, if you see what I mean)

heymam

thanks so much for all the advice. Am feeling very encouraged.
TFBubendorger well done on your achievement. Keep up the good work!!

slowsteady

As a 50+ year old daddy of four I started with no running base on the marathon programme last June and completed Dublin in October in just under 4 hours so it can be done.

As has been said, folllowing the programme and staying injury free seems to be the secret.

Good luck and its a great feeling at the end!

michelledoh

Sounds like you're doing amazing already! I like your whole attitude! It';s very confident and self assured! I have no doubt that if you throw yourself into training for a full marathon that you will difinatly do it! The Best of Luck to you!

heymam

Thanks so much

dizzymom

me 2 mother of two also, runnin keeps me sane! i think women who come later to running do brill & have waaay less injuries!

once you've completed afew half marathons u cud tackle a full
a build up programme works for me, with long runs at wkends from 10miles, 12,14, 16, 18 and possibly 2 20 milers, try to space the longer ones 2 weeks apart to allow for recovery. i use isogels and train with them on longer runs, also run with someone of similar speed. i think if ur doing yur first maraathon try not to get caught up on times, who cares if it takes 6 hours as long as you do the distance and njoy it,good luck x

heymam

thanks dizzymom for your comments. As you say i am not really bothered about time just want to get around and enjoy it. Was coming back from longford today and saw a sign on motorway Kinegad to Maynooth 34k`. Oh S***** its a long way and another few K on top of that!!! Ha Ha.

Marthastew

Go for it! As everyone has already posted, you have a great fitness base and you should be well able to run a marathon. I'm also a mum who runs on my own in the mornings, I started running three years ago and I've just completed my fifth marathon, the joy and pride I experienced crossing those finish lines is right up there with the birth of my children.
I started reading the posts here when I needed advice and support and have picked up many handy tips. Best of luck and most of all enjoy!