marathon training

[morgan82]

i have a question for all you runners out there....my friend recently ran a marathon and is encouraging me to begin training for one too. the training is slow and begins with just a mix of walking/jogging/running and builds up to running longer and longer distances. now im overweight at 175 lbs and only 5'6" and my friend was already in great shape.

do you think i could start marathon training now, or should i wait until im in better shape? any suggestions about running a marathon? im pretty nervous to start this whole thing!

[Richt]

Re: marathon training

There is nothing at all wrong with starting the training now. Even if you arent able to run the marathon you are aiming for, the excercise will help you lose those lbs.

So in the long run you will be able to run one.

Does that make sense? As I have sort of confused myself typing that

Rich

[ttdriver]

Re: marathon training

How far are you currently running? If you aren't an experienced runner, I suggest you start with the Couch to 5k training program which will build your endurance slowly. Its a great program and alot of people I know have used it to become full-fledged runners.

I would not attempt the strenuous regimen of marathon training until you have some serious miles under your belt. By serious miles, I mean 30+ miles a week consistently. I began running in November 2003, and just finished my first marathon a month ago and let me tell you, 26.2 miles of running is NOT for beginners. Not saying you shouldn't make it your long-term goal to run a marathon because there's nothing as exhiliarating as finishing it, but to start out training for a distance like that is asking alot. You don't want your running career ended by injury resulting from pushing yourself too hard too fast.

Here's a link to the Couch to 5k program.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

HAPPY TRAILS!

Betty

[Yellow Jacket]

Re: marathon training

It took me about 2 years of running: low mileage runs (3-6 miles) before I was able to do a marathon. One thing is even if your weight is good and you're in decent shape, you have to build up strength in your joints to handle the constant pounding. After I ran my first marathon, my knees and hip joints felt like they were pounded to jelly, and my big toenails were black with bruises. A marathon takes a lot out of you... although it is a lot of fun and very rewarding.

[kelly94942]

Re: marathon training

I'd agree with everyone above... most of what I've read says you should be running pretty consistently for about a year before you start training. I've been running consistently since November-ish and I'm going to go for a halfer this June, and then aim for the Portland Marathon in October 2007.