112 people want to...

Run a half marathon, then a marathon.


 

How to run a half marathon, then a marathon. by Sordino78

"Not just a physical learning experience, but a mental test."

How I did it: I didn't run cross country in high school.


I wasn't a workout guru in college.

I never sat down as a kid and said,"You know, I think I'll run a marathon one day."

I had absolutely NO experience running, so if I can do this, anyone can.

It all began as a way to lose weight.  At 28, I was slightly overweight.  I love to eat, so I realized the only way to prevent further weight gain was to start working out.  At first, I started doing Taebo videos.  I dropped about 10 pounds and started getting bored with exercise.  One random day, I decided to try jogging.

It hurt.  

That first day out, I went about half a mile and limped home. I really felt like something was trying to rip my muscles and lungs out of my body. I wasn't about to give up though.  I decided it was war... me against running.  I was going to win.

I started researching.  I looked up different running plans on the internet and in Runner's World.  I bought decent shoes, slowed down my pace, and took every other day off.  After about a week, I could run a mile in 11 minutes without stopping.  

From there, I continued working on distance.  After about 2 months, I could run 3 miles without stopping.  For a while, I was happy with this, and focused on running this distance faster and faster.  

In April of 2007, about 4-5 months after that first day out, I signed up for my first 5K.  My time was 26:44, and it was a small enough race to actually place 2nd in my age group!  I was ecstatic, and hooked on running.

A week later, I finally said the words, "I think I'll run a marathon one day."

That day came 10 months later.

It only made sense to me to sign up for a half-marathon first, which was 2 1/2 months before the full marathon.  I followed Hal Higdon's Novice training plan for the full marathon, and the half-marathon took the place of my long run for that weekend.  

What the research says is true-  the long runs are the most important.  DO NOT SKIP THEM!  During the week, it is important to maintain a regular running schedule, but these runs should stay fairly short.. 3-6 miles, 4 days a week for beginners.  Recovery is also crucial.  Every 3 weeks, cut back on your mileage to prevent injury... even if you're feeling invincible.  

Many people ask me where the determination came from.  It's a valid question... running a marathon is more mental than anything else.  Anyone in halfway decent shape can start training for it and successfully finish it, but not everyone has the determination to go on a 3 hour "jog" once a week.  I won't lie... it can be hard to get out there and do it.  You will feel tired, you will feel pain, and you might get bored.  Here are some things I did to keep myself motivated:

1. On "long run day," I ate WHATEVER I wanted as a reward.

2.  I told everyone I knew I was training for a marathon, and invited my entire family.  I couldn't disappoint them, you know?

3.  I frequently let myself daydream about crossing the finish line.


Trust me, this a goal worth finishing.  A perfect exercise in goal-setting, and the finish line will provide a sense of accomplishment you may have never before experienced.  




Resources: Hal Hidgon's training plans


2 people found this helpful
 

Oct 13, 09:24AM PDT | 1 comment | 5 cheers


People doing this:

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    Entries

    moon_gurl

    Run a Half Marathon 1 week ago

    I ran 15km yesterday, my longest ever run, but it made me realise that i can run the distance, its just a long slow run, tho i needed water SO bad so i might need a camelpack or something along those lines

    Dec 30, 12:26AM PST | 0 comments


    Betto

    Untitled 2 weeks ago

    First… Run Everyday.
    Body for Life Style (Treadmill): every 1 minute; – 5 (grade) to 9, 6 to 9, 6 to 9, 6 to 10, 10 = 2 min., walk 5 in the last minute.
    Total: 20 minutes, minimum.

    Or in an free form at the streets.

    Dec 22, 11:58AM PST | 0 comments


    MaeghenLeigh

    My plan 1 month ago

    I plan on running the Virginia Beach Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon in September and then the Marine Core Marathon in October. I wanted to run the NYC ING race but apparently it is insane to get into, so the Marine Core will be just as good :)

    Nov 24, 09:06PM PST | 0 comments


    Snap08 smile, darn ya, smile.

    Untitled 1 month ago

    I just got a starter schedule from my friend in Austin. I’ll have a cold weather disadvantage living in Michigan! But, I am going to try to overcome! Here’s my starter schedule…

    week one – 3 miles, 5 miles, 4, 3, 3, 5, one off day. – total 23 miles
    week two – 4, 5, 5, 3, 4, 5, one off day- total 26 miles.

    We shall see if I can even do this. I’ve only been running three…

    Nov 23, 03:58PM PST | 2 cheers | 0 comments


    jammi_girl

    Running a marathon 1 month ago

    Take it slow and enjoy it! Training is the most grueling part of this goal, but there’s nothing like training for your first marathon. The pride you’ll feel at the start of the “race” doesn’t compare with the pride you’ll feel at the end, but the anticipation is the most exciting part.

    It’s best NOT to take otc pain medication if you can help it, and definately NOT DAILY during training. Once or twice a week max…it does nasty things to the lining of the stomach. Avoid eating the same things every day if you do take ibuprophin regularly, to avoid developing food sensativities. Sounds wacky, but it happens.

    Nov 22, 08:50AM PST | 0 comments


    TinaSubpeona

    Untitled 3 months ago

    I am learning to love running! A runner’s high is priceless, but you have to work for it.

    Sep 30, 06:29PM PDT | 1 cheer | 1 comment


    Jacob Jones

    omg 4 months ago

    i am sooo sore. for anyone looking for workout plans, go to:

    www.halhigdon.com

    thats for anything, any distance, any skill level. its a great site with a lot of great advice.

    Aug 27, 07:11AM PDT | 2 cheers | 1 comment


    lilpele22

    northeastusc@yahoo.com 5 months ago

    I just recently completed my goal of a half marathon and now i’m training for a full marathon. :D

    Jul 22, 03:36PM PDT | 0 comments


    martknell

    Untitled 6 months ago

    I have signed up to take part in the Great North Run in October and to take part in the London Marathon next April.

    Jun 18, 02:11AM PDT | 0 comments


    KiltGirl

    Journey to self thru 26.2 miles 7 months ago

    Find a Half Marathon in prep for:
    October Mlps Marathon Then Jan 09 Disney Marathon

    May 23, 10:51PM PDT | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    → See all 24 entries

    Ask for advice: Get help from people who've accomplished this goal


    Las Vegas
    		 mw5373 asks, “I am trying to figure out how to incorporate training for a marathon with a job that is already very physical. Any advice? The half marathon I am considering isn't until December. I know I need to incorporate stretching because I am too tight. Thanks”
    — 4 months ago


    		 2 answers

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