Marathon questions / minimum training required

DK man

Hi folks - I know this is probably a how long is a piece of string question but a few general pointers would be welcome

How many weeks of training are needed for a marathon -

My fitness level at the moment is not great - was laid up with a back injury / disc which flares up once every 2 yrs and then usually settles down after a few weeks of pain and a bit of physio.

I am just getting back into training again and I'm probably more interested in triathlon events as I am a big lump of a fellow and I'm probably not designed for running. However, I'd like to do one marathon for the experience

I have been dabbling with triathlon for the last few years - no serious training probably bursts and starts type of discipline

Although I'm not a natural runner I say my strength is the ability to keep going slowly even when the legs are hanging off me. I'm back doing a bit for the last 2 weeks usually 5k runs in about 30 mins / some 30- 50 k cycles and a few swims.

I'd say I'd need to get a plan as I'm a bit lazy and have a tendency to procrastinate

Any ideas???

Thanks

dwayneshintzy

Depends entirely on your goal......would you just be running to finish? Or do you want to hit a time?

Hal Higdon has a 30 week program designed for people starting from a very low base; http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51143/Marathon-Novice-Supreme-Training-Program

DK man

Just to finish but would like to do it sub 4.30.

Will have a look at that plan.

Thanks