[FoxintheSnow]

Since I'm finally getting into decent shape I want to train for my first marathon. The marathon is 1/06 so Ive got a good amount of time to work with. I'd appreciate any tips, support, etc!

 

[athansor]

No great tips, but I'm gonna follow along. I'd like to run a marathon, but I'm going to work towards a half marathon in the spring for starters, then maybe a full marathon (maybe Oct 06, a good local marathon)

 

[Maltagirl]

I ran a marathon in October of 1998 -- the Marine Corps marathon. I highly recommend, first, that you find a race that will suit you. By that, I mean, if you're the sort that likes to run with other people, check past years' finish times and see if there are lots of people who finished in the same amount of time you think you'll be running. By that same token, if you're going to be slow, make sure the race you choose keeps the course open long enough for you to finish.

I trained by running 4-5 days/week. I did one interval workout (I can give you more details on how to do this if you want), one long run (start where you are and work up to 20 miles...I can give you more details about how to accomplish this as well, just ask

) and 2-3 shorter runs of 3-7 miles each.

I finished in just over 5 hours and it was one of the greatest things I ever did. It was comparable to giving birth, actually...something I definitely want to do again.

Feel free to ask me questions!

 

[Mihelinka]

I was recently thinking about running again and picked up some books by John Bingham (marathoning for mortals, i think is the title, also no need for speed i've read). His book outlines a plan, 13 weeks to train, whether you want to run, walk or run/walk a marathon or half marathon. It was very straightforward no nonsense, easy read book. However, have i started running again :LOL :LOL , no. I just dont have the time, & to train for a marathon you REALLY need the time.
Good luck

 

[mamabeth]

I ran my 1st marathon in January of this year, the Disney. I used Galloway's book "Marathon!" which emphasizes walk breaks, and it worked pretty well for me. I highly recommend it...it was such an amazing thing to accomplish. I have also heard good things about Team in Training if you live in a city that has the program. You have to raise a lot of $$ but you get to train with a group and your travel/hotel is paid for.

Good luck! Check out the running thread, there are a few of us who have marathoned recently.

 

[FoxintheSnow]

I have a long way to go. Since Ive started I can only run a mile. I'm thinking of doing a 5k at a halfway point, but we'll see. Ill keep you all posted.