How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

And were you an avid runner before you ran it? Or did you go from couch to 5K to marathon runner?



I keep thinking about doing the marathon in Vermont memorial day weekend - last year we were there and I told DH I wanted to do it for 2011.

Think I could do it if I trained through the winter? I have not run anything more than 5 miles!!!

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

When I trained for NYC, I started following the training program in July. I had been running for a long time and was running 6-8 milers on the weekend, so I was not a new runner. You definitely have enough time to train for a Memorial Day marathon; my suggestion is to just try to get comfortable running 6 miles and then start the training program once you're at that point. I believe most training programs are just over 4 months, so let's say by January 1, try at be at 6 miles, which sounds like it should definitely not be an issue for you since you're already at 5!! You will do great!!

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

I actually trained with Team in Training and followed their schedule; Hal Higdon is a great one to follow though. It can be tough, especially when you get to the longer runs, but completing a marathon is such an accomplishment that it's all worth it in my opinion. The good thing is that you will not be running 20-milers in 90-degree weather and by the time you have to do longer runs, it won't be that cold out anymore.

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

i just completed my 5th NYC marathon and followed hal higdon's beginner plan and found it totally do-able. i am VERY limited on how much time i can train b/c of work and having a 3 and 1 yr. old... AND i had been on like a 3 year running hiatus so this plan was great to follow. i believe it was 16 weeks. i started in july and the marathon was in november. i followed the program also with the intention of just completing the 26.2 and not doing it for time whatsoever. just wanted to add that marathon training although it can be tedious with the long runs etc. is such an amazing experience. you really learn a lot about yourself. if you decide to do it-enjoy!

ETA for my FIRST marathon i was a casual runner prior..with 6-10 miles being my longest ever runs. but for this marathon i was only running like 4 miles before i started serious training in july.

Message edited 11/21/2010 10:45:23 PM.

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

Posted by ME75

i just completed my 5th NYC marathon and followed hal higdon's beginner plan and found it totally do-able. i am VERY limited on how much time i can train b/c of work and having a 3 and 1 yr. old... AND i had been on like a 3 year running hiatus so this plan was great to follow. i believe it was 16 weeks. i started in july and the marathon was in november. i followed the program also with the intention of just completing the 26.2 and not doing it for time whatsoever. just wanted to add that marathon training although it can be tedious with the long runs etc. is such an amazing experience. you really learn a lot about yourself. if you decide to do it-enjoy!

ETA for my FIRST marathon i was a casual runner prior..with 6-10 miles being my longest ever runs. but for this marathon i was only running like 4 miles before i started serious training in july.

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

I did a 16 week training plan, but it was coming off a training run for my HM PR.

I have trained for a marathon during the winter and it's tough. The days are shorter and I slipped and fell a few times, but you are in better shape for a Mem Day race.

I have two young kids too and it's really not much of a problem as long as you have a good jogging stroller (for shorter runs) and a very supportive DH and family.

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

I would honestly start with a half marathon - just to make sure you are up for the time committment and that your body can sustain the long distances. This is not to say you cannot do a full marathon though!

I would definitely start running abour 4-5 months before the marathon. You need to have a good base of about 10-15 miles a week at a minimum (this is my opinion). Then you build from there. Take it easy and dont overtrain! Also maybe you can find a running group? Go to yuor local running store and ask them if they know if any running groups. I have one I go with and LOVE IT! The girls are great and it really helps me get through those long runs!

ALSO - I didnt answer your question. I was always athletic but never a distance runner. One day (2.5 years ago) I decided I wanted to do a half marathon and also set my sights on a full marathon! I am now addicted and have done 7 half marathons and 2 full. The fulls are not really for me but it feels SO good and amazing to complete one and gives you a complete high for a good 7 days!

Message edited 11/22/2010 11:35:27 AM.

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

Thanks ladies!!

I am trying not to doubt myself - I wanted to do this before but shattered myself with doubt before I can begin the training...

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

I haven't made it to a full marathon, but when i decided to run a half marathon the longest I ran before that was 2 miles. My friend who runs marathons uses the Hal Higeon guide and thats what I use to train for all of the races that I run.

It is a huge time committment to train for a marathon. Training starts about 4 months before the race and the practice runs get you up to 20 miles on a given day.

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

Thanks everyone - after a lot of thinking I decided to start with the half!

Re: How long did you train for your 1st marathon?

I know you said you already decided to start with a half, but just thought I'd share anyway. I trained for 6 months. I had never run more than a mile in my life, and I only did that in school maybe twice. I trained with the AIDS marathon training charity which is sort of like Team in Training.

I don't necessarily recommend this method, as it was a long and difficult marathon, but I finished and was determined to keep running and improve. So it worked for me.

Good luck!