marathon anyone??

[lightthecandle]

I was just wondering if there's anyone out there who's training/wants to/or already done a marathon. i'm pretty fit...as in i've been using the eliptical for the past 3 months for an hour or so everyday (well, almost) . My goal is to run a marathon within a 1 year, 1.5 years, or 2 years. which do you think is the most likely? the problem is i started college this past week and i'm not sure if running everyday for 1 hour will help me to run a marathon in the near future. i'm about 5'5 and was 125 lbs and went to 120lbs, 2 weeks ago. do i need to gain more weight? i really don't want to because i'm trying to lose my baby cheeks, or the fat in my face. anyhow, sometimes i wonder if i will ever get to do a MARATHON bc of my studies interfering with it..mind you, i'm premed. anyhow, my diet hasn't been so great this past month but since Wednesday since i've begun school school, i've been alot better.

anyhow, ANY TIPS ON WHAT I SHOULD DO TO TRAIN FOR A MARATHON WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!!!!!!

[EnduranceNinja]

Running everyday for an hour if I read right is more than enough. I would love to give you more advice later. Have to put the baby to bed now. So please catch me later.

[openeyes]

you may benefit from this advice:

Cool Running :: The Marathon

[Tuumble]

It depends on your target.

If it's to finish - without wishing to undervalue the achievement and training needed - is not beyond most people.

If it's to run a fast time obviously a structured plan needs to be in place.

I've run four London marathons and in order I completed the course in:

5:54
5:35
5:12
6:17

You can knock approximately 15 minutes off all these times for time it takes to cross the start in a big city event.

That PB of 5:12 was done with sporadic training starting just 9 weeks before race day. This was because I got a last minute charity place and it took place at the time of my first child so hectic times.

I ran with a walkman, a camera and just enjoyed it. I took the pressure off myself and therefore I relaxed and i found it much easier.

The last run was slower because I was carrying an injury and I probably shouldn't really have taken part but hey, it's a marathon - you don't do them every day.

You have to be sensible though and be realistic in your expectations.

[NotesMaeve]

Pick up the book Four Months to a Four Hour Marathon. Great book.

Marathons most certainly aren't for me. While I like working out, when my toenails fell off while training for one, that was enough for me.

[Addict]

I seem to have a very low aerobic threshold. I'd love to be able to run a marathon, but I imagine it would take a lot of conditioning. Does anyone have experience on significantly raising your endurance?

[EnduranceNinja]

Addict&lightthecandle,

To raise your aerobic threshold for a marathon you really just need to run more. It's hard to determine since I am not with you observing you run. Just longer runs slow and easy. maybe once a week increase your runs. and only once a week do a longer run. I have my long runs on my day off. Usually a 10+ mile run. the rest of the week is 8 mile runs. another good idea is to do split workouts. try an am run then a pm run. And there is nothing wrong with doing an combination of running and walking. I just posted on my blog the benefits of walking for people getting back into shape. I probably confused you more and I am sorry. There is many books out there that give great info on doing a first marathon from scratch. If you want any help from me just let me know I will give it my best. I could talk all day about this and maybe not even get the answer you need. without background on the athlete. I hope both of you attempt a marathon you will love it. and they are addicting and can lead to toher things such as ultramarathons and/or triathlons. enought said

[Addict]

Thanks. I love the quote in your signature by the way.

[brroha1]

I, too, am training for my first marathon. My goal is just to finish. At this point, I am just taking it slow and easy. I'm not trying to rush anything. I don't want my toenails to fall off.

[shiggityjoe]

I want to run my first marathon on the weekend of my 21st birthday next november. The Philly marathon, and hopefully qualify for Boston (need a 4 hour run I think).

I find Runner's World (RunnersWorld.com) to be an incredible resource. I get the magazine but the website alone is amazing too.

[tjflynn2003]

For those running their first marathon I would recommend any one of the marathon training groups that you might find. Philly Fit Training Programs - 2007 Might be a good one. You have a long training run on Saturdays with an appropriate group, then a schedule to stick to during the week. They also have nutrition, stretching and injury prevention seminars.

Running with a social group helps make you show up and stick to the routine. The support of your running peers through the long runs and race day are critical. Who knows you might meet some very nice people. Good luck!