Couch to 26K?

[Anonymous]

I used to be a runner but now am so out of shape.

In a moment of stupidity earlier this year I entered the lottery for the NYC Marathon. And I just got in. Eek!

Anyway, I've herd of couch to 5k programs but I am wondering if anyone has gone from nothing to a Fall marathon within a year.

Am I foolish to even try? Should I just defer?

[Anonymous]

PS oops I meant 26m

[Anonymous]

Start training NOW.

[Anonymous]

I did a couch to 10 miler (army 10 miler in October). It was very doable... a marathon seems like it would be tough and maybe not that fun. Maybe do something smaller this year and the marathon as the next goal?

[Anonymous]

When I was 29 I literally did exactly this. I started running in January, 3 miles, 3 times a week. I read the Bob Glover Book of Distance Running, and used the 26 week Beginner Running training plan. That November, I ran the New York City Marathon, my first, and it took me almost 5 hours of continuous but really slow running. It was a complete blast, one of the best days of my life. But, I was skinny and 29.

In your case, I would defer the acceptance for one year, and train for 18 months. Do a bunch of 5ks, 10ks, 10 milers and half marathons. It's an awesome thing to do. But do it with respect for the undertaking, and give yourself time to build up to it.


I didn't, but my husband and I were running as part of our honeymoon. So we went for it.

[Anonymous]

If you can get up to 6 miles by the end of June, you can train for a fall marathon. That's what I did.

[Anonymous]

I did something like this using the non-runners marathon training book. In full disclosure, indid end up with plantar fasciitis, but I also didn't own a car and walked everywhere (college town), so I'm sure that contributed as well. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

There are beginner marathon training plans that aren't too bad. I think they start about 4 months before the marathon.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it. You're likely to injure yourself, or end up never running again if you finish. It's a stupid fad. Do a 10 miler or half marathon if you must.