How long to train for a marathon?

[Anonymous]

On and off runner here - I usually run about three miles. I've done 5k, 10k, 15k in the past. I have signed up for a half marathon in November but am secretly hoping that I can bump it up to the marathon. From what I've read and the various training plans I've researched, I have enough time (five months)... I guess the whole idea of doing 26.2 is a little overwhelming, though. I want to do it SO BADLY. Assuming I can train without injury, is this doable? My goal would simply be to finish. The half just doesn't feel like enough of a goal because I used to run 9-10 miles pretty regularly... but 26.2... kind of intimidating!

[Anonymous]

(I should say right now I'm running three miles about four times a week.)

[Anonymous]

I cant remember when Marine Corps Marathon registration was last year, but we (DH an I) decided on registration day (I think it was in May) and were ready by October- so 5months. We were similar- ran a few miles a few days a week and had both run a few half marathons prior. We stuck to a training schedule and it was fine- we felt totally prepared.

[Anonymous]

You should be fine for a fall marathon-- if you can find one that hasn't sold out yet. Here's the training program that I used for my first, which is 18 weeks.

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51137/Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

[Anonymous]

Yes, you could do a November marathon.

[Anonymous]

no problem. agree with previous poster - use Hal Higdon plan.
But, absolutely, follow it!

[Anonymous]

Thanks - I have a plan on my fridge that is pretty similar to the Hal Hidgon (principles are the same)... long runs once a week, leads up to a 20 mile run, tapers a couple of weeks pre-marathon. I am doing the Richmond half and was thinking about waiting to sign up for the full (more out of concern that I'm jumping the gun) but maybe I'll just bump it up now. I've heard it's a great marathon for first timers.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend Rehoboth Marathon in December vs. Richmond in November..............
Better temperature, flat course, smaller.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure you don't care, but I used to be an endurance runner. My body went through a dramatic transformation when I backed off of that and spent 75% of my exercise time on heavy weight lifting....not to mention my chronic issues from extreme overuse completely stopped.

GO into a marathon because you want to, but please not for any sort of health or fitness reasons. Running those kind of distances are so damaging and abusive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure you don't care, but I used to be an endurance runner. My body went through a dramatic transformation when I backed off of that and spent 75% of my exercise time on heavy weight lifting....not to mention my chronic issues from extreme overuse completely stopped.

GO into a marathon because you want to, but please not for any sort of health or fitness reasons. Running those kind of distances are so damaging and abusive.

Yes! And expect your social life to take a hit with all of the training. Lifelong runner here, and I'll never do a marathon.

[Anonymous]

OP here. 16:48 - doing Richmond for personal reasons. Used to live there and cheer the runners on and always thought "one day I'll do it". So, one day is now.

To the others, I'm not doing it for fitness reasons... just want to prove to myself that I can do it. I certainly don't foresee wanting to make it a regular thing but I want to do it once.

[Anonymous]

You can totally do it!! Five months is plenty of time to train. The one thing to know is that it will SUCK doing those long runs in DC during the summer. I trained for (and ran) the Chicago marathon years ago, and was living in DC during much of my training. I'd start my long runs around 5:30 or 6am, and still sweat buckets.

I just say that as a head's up, not to discourage you at all. Invest in some good hot weather running gear and bring plenty of water. Run that marathon and have fun!

[Anonymous]

If you are a runner, and/or do some regular form or cardio. 4-6 months of consistent training is enough.

[Anonymous]

Richmond marathon is my favorite, you have plenty of time, good luck and have fun!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can totally do it!! Five months is plenty of time to train. The one thing to know is that it will SUCK doing those long runs in DC during the summer. I trained for (and ran) the Chicago marathon years ago, and was living in DC during much of my training. I'd start my long runs around 5:30 or 6am, and still sweat buckets.

I just say that as a head's up, not to discourage you at all. Invest in some good hot weather running gear and bring plenty of water. Run that marathon and have fun!

Agreed! Trained for the MCM and after that have never again done a fall marathon. I now do the Rock and Roll in March and that is all!

No fun starting runs at 5am to beat the heat. Plus...isn't richmond September? Still chances of opressive race day heat.