beginner marathoner

In article said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running. does

That's like saying "I'm new to driving cars and would like to get into formula 1 racing" (-; There's
a lot of "stuff" in between where you are now and "marathon running".

First, you need develop a reasonable base of fitness (say a consistent 15 miles per week), then
compete in 5-10k races, then spend half a year focusing on half marathons (with some shorter races
in between) -- training as a "half marathon specialist" will develop a good training foundation for
the marathon.

At this stage, you should be ready for a 24 week marathon prep.

Quoted message said:

anyone have a good schedule to follow for training for a marathon? I would

Assuming you're already running 3 miles 3 times a week:

3 months: develop base of fitness. (could be longer if you're out of shape/overweight).

month 1: goal: 12 miles/week (3/3/6) month 2: goal: 15 miles/week (3/3/3/6) month 3: goal: 18
miles/week (3/3/3/3/6)

9 months: 5k-10k racing. Milage should start at about 20mpw, add about 2mpw each month. Then you're
at about 38mpw at the end of the year.

So now you're at Feb 2005. At this stage, you have the milage to start training for half-marathons,
and get ready for a marathon. You should already have a particular goal marathon in mind, pick one
that's in November or December. Marathons need a lot of planning, and some require qualifying times
etc. You should be able to find a few good half marathons in March/April as key races. Also get in
some shorter races, but the priority is the HM. By mid year, you're ready to start a 16 week (or
thereabouts) marathon training program.

Quoted message said:

like to be in shape by the end of the year, if not sooner. Thanks.

If you're new to running, you will not be "in shape" for a marathon this soon.

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi pegasus.rutgers.edu~elflordOpen ↗

"Gery Cook" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running. does anyone have a good schedule
to follow for training for a marathon? I

would

Quoted message said:

like to be in shape by the end of the year, if not sooner. Thanks.

It will probably take some time - I was an lazy, inactive smoker for about 17 years, the best years
of my life, running-wise. Still, I was able to qualify for Boston (sub-3:10) within a year of
quitting smoking and trying a new lifestyle change that included jogging/running.

I'm no elite runner, so taking all those things into consideration, I'm sure lots of other people
can do this too. The overwhelming problem new runners 'run' into is injury, not an inablity to get
faster or run longer. What I'm trying to say is that as long as you train smart and have a little
luck, you'll remain uninjured and therefore get better... but it's a tricky business.

Any reason you have your mind set specifically on marathons?

cheers,
--
David (in Hamilton, ON) www.allfalldown.org

Gery Cook said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running.

New + marathon == Buzzzzzz! Gong! riiiiing! alarm!

does

Quoted message said:

anyone have a good schedule to follow for training for a marathon? I would like to be in shape by
the end of the year, if not sooner. Thanks.

Get a solid year of running experience under your belt and then think about a marathon. If you're
still eager and want to play masochist take a look at Runner's World web page : runnersworld.com0,1300,1 51Open ↗
56,FF.html?site=RunnersWorld

--
Doug Freese "Caveat Lector" [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running. does anyone have a good
schedule to follow for training for a marathon? I would like to be in shape by the end of the
year, if not sooner.

I recommend 2-3 years to do it properly. That is, to work up o 50-70 miles a week and three hour
long runs over that period. Every person I've known whose tried in less than a year has stopped
running due to burn out or injury.

Let me clarify...i didnt mean new to running...i just read what i wrote and
it must have been late. hehe I am an avid running, but right now only
compete in 5k. I want to get into marathon running. I run everyday but
just not geared toward marathons.
"Gery Cook" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running. does anyone have a good schedule
to follow for training for a marathon? I

would

Quoted message said:

like to be in shape by the end of the year, if not sooner. Thanks.

In article said:

Let me clarify...i didnt mean new to running...i just read what i wrote and it must have been
late. hehe I am an avid running, but right now only compete in 5k. I want to get into marathon
running. I run everyday but just not geared toward marathons.

You *STILL* haven't provided enough useful or relevant information about your training.

How many miles per week do you train ?

In my previous post, I set out a fairly detailed summary of how one could progress from running 5k 3
times per week to running a marathon, over a two year period. You could adjust your "starting point"
in this schedule depending on how long you've been running for and what your current milage is.

If you're doing a consistent 40 miles per week at present, you still have time to enter some early
half-marathons and prepare for a marathon at the end of the year
(e.g. Oct/Nov/Dec). If you're not doing that much milage, I'd recommend a gradual build up to it
along the lines I suggested previously.

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi pegasus.rutgers.edu~elflordOpen ↗

It took me about a year to go from fat couch potato to running my first marathon .. it wasn't fast,
mind you, I'm still not fast, but I did it without walking or dying along the way ... I'd say if you
can run 4 miles comfortably you can start training. The key is consistant running at least three
days a week (if you do some cardio cross training on the off days) or five days a week running --
plus a Saturday or Sunday "long run" .. look at programs for beginners at runnersworld.com ... the
long run starts at about 6 miles, but works up to 20 .. you can do it, I didn't believe it at first
either ... I worked up to a fitness base. It was august when I decided to do a marathon, and I ran
it in january, so I don't think you need 50-70 miles weeks or 2-3 years. I didn't get seriously
hurt, a small bout with ITB soreness (if you don't know, you will) and that's about it.

My best advice: pick a marathon far enough ahead, then tell EVERYONE you know that you're training
... this provides maximum incentive to keep going as people start asking how you're doing ..

Good luck,

[email hidden] (rick++) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running. does anyone have a good
schedule to follow for training for a marathon? I would like to be in shape by the end of the
year, if not sooner.

I recommend 2-3 years to do it properly. That is, to work up o 50-70 miles a week and three hour
long runs over that period. Every person I've known whose tried in less than a year has stopped
running due to burn out or injury.

"Donovan Rebbechi" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, Gery Cook

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Let me clarify...i didnt mean new to running...i just read what i wrote

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it must have been late. hehe I am an avid running, but right now only compete in 5k. I want to
get into marathon running. I run everyday but just not geared toward marathons.

You *STILL* haven't provided enough useful or relevant information about

your training.

Quoted message said:

How many miles per week do you train ?

In my previous post, I set out a fairly detailed summary of how one could

progress from

Quoted message said:

running 5k 3 times per week to running a marathon, over a two year period.

You could adjust

Quoted message said:

your "starting point" in this schedule depending on how long you've been

running for and

Quoted message said:

what your current milage is.

If you're doing a consistent 40 miles per week at present, you still have

time to enter

Quoted message said:

some early half-marathons and prepare for a marathon at the end of the

year

Quoted message said:

(e.g. Oct/Nov/Dec). If you're not doing that much milage, I'd recommend a

gradual build up

Quoted message said:

to it along the lines I suggested previously.

Donavan - although it certainly wouldn't hurt to train thoroughly for a marathon, I think your views
are a little excessive on the issue (but certainly not 'wrong'😉. 🙂

If someone is presently running 40 miles a week, they could run a full marathon well within 60 - 90
days. All it would take is the introduction of a regular longer run. Two months of that is all you
need if you already have base. You wouldn't need to enter a few halfs, etc, *unless* the 'thon is
truly a very important, competitive one - i.e. you've ran a few and want to 'race' one.

Also, just about anyone in reasonable health (not obese, elderly, etc.) can complete a marathon in
reasonable time and with a smile on their face (hidden under the grimace 🙂 within a year of
beginning a running program, provided they are smart, dedicated, and carried out a good program.

I could write up a 52-week program for a non runner to become one, then complete a marathon in a
decent time for their age/gender. The person would have to be ready for the challenge, but in *no*
way would the program be unreasonable or 'elite' in expectations.

cheers,
--
David (in Hamilton, ON) www.allfalldown.org

True. It can be done. I'll be running my 2nd on March 28th, all going well. Two weeks later will be
the 1st anniversary of my taking up this ridiculous activity. Whether it proves to have been a good
idea to push as hard as I have remains to be seen. I suspect there will be a price to pay... I
realise I'm being a hypocrite but I would recommend longer than a year's buildup, if for no other
reason than to make the event as enjoyable and pain-free as it should be. More smile, less grimace.

--
Colm

"SwStudio" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
: Donavan - although it certainly wouldn't hurt to train thoroughly for a marathon, I think your
: views are a little excessive on the issue (but certainly not 'wrong'😉. 🙂
:
: If someone is presently running 40 miles a week, they could run a full marathon well within 60 -
: 90 days. All it would take is the introduction of a regular longer run. Two months of that is all
: you need if you already have base. You wouldn't need to enter a few halfs, etc, *unless* the 'thon
: is truly a very important, competitive one - i.e. you've ran a few and want to 'race' one.
:
: Also, just about anyone in reasonable health (not obese, elderly, etc.) can complete a marathon in
: reasonable time and with a smile on their face (hidden under the grimace 🙂 within a year of
: beginning a running program, provided they are smart, dedicated, and carried out a good program.
:
: I could write up a 52-week program for a non runner to become one, then complete a marathon in a
: decent time for their age/gender. The person would have to be ready for the challenge, but in *no*
: way would the program be unreasonable or 'elite' in expectations.

:
:

Gery Cook said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running. does anyone have a good schedule
to follow for training for a marathon? I would like to be in shape by the end of the year, if not
sooner. Thanks.

Gery,

You shouldn't have too much trouble reaching your goal. Look into Higdon's training schedule. I
don't have a direct link, but the web site for the marathon you plan to run will probably have a
link to it. I trained for, ran and finished the 2003 L.A. Marathon with less than 8 weeks training
and preparation. I joined a local running club's marathon group (a little late, 5 months). I was
pretty damned sore but I made it in 5:25:58. This year I started with the same club in August for
the marathon in March. I'm hoping to knock an hour off last years time.

Good luck,

Malcontent

P.S. don't let the snob/elitists dissuade you. You can do it!

First, find a friend to talk you out of it.

It seems to me I heard somewhere that dieshooter wrote in article
<[email hidden]>:

Quoted message said:

It took me about a year to go from fat couch potato to running my first marathon .. it wasn't fast,
mind you, I'm still not fast, but I did it without walking or dying along the way ... I'd say if
you can run 4 miles comfortably you can start training. The key is consistant running at least
three days a week (if you do some cardio cross training on the off days) or five days a week
running -- plus a Saturday or Sunday "long run" .. look at programs for beginners at
runnersworld.com ... the long run starts at about 6 miles, but works up to 20 .. you can do it, I
didn't believe it at first either ... I worked up to a fitness base. It was august when I decided
to do a marathon, and I ran it in january, so I don't think you need 50-70 miles weeks or 2-3
years. I didn't get seriously hurt, a small bout with ITB soreness (if you don't know, you will)
and that's about it.

Good advice based on your own experience. To some extent it all depends on the Gery's goals and
motivation. I think I only reached a 40 mile week once in my marathoning years, and was usually
around 25 - 30 mpw. Long runs were usually three or four at 18 to 20 miles leading up to the race--
often less than I had hoped to log, but I completed all the races I started and for most was
satisfied with what I had managed. I was 58 at my first marathon and 69 at the latest (still hoping
it's not my last). For the early years I managed two, three, or four a year because I was aiming for
the finish line, not specifically to beat anybody. I was usually around the middle of all the
finishers, and around the 35th percentile in my age group--seventh place in my PR race.

Of course if Gery wants to place or be competitive even in his age group he'll (she'll?) want to
consider more long runs and possibly a longer training schedule.

Quoted message said:

My best advice: pick a marathon far enough ahead, then tell EVERYONE you know that you're training
... this provides maximum incentive to keep going as people start asking how you're doing ..

That's a very good motivator. Also, if you can find a buddy or a group also training for a marathon
you can motivate each other. I couldn't have finished my first several without my group and in
particular one person I logged a lot of miles with.

Quoted message said:

Good luck,

From me too.

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (rick++) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running. does anyone have a good
schedule to follow for training for a marathon? I would like to be in shape by the end of the
year, if not sooner.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I recommend 2-3 years to do it properly. That is, to work up o 50-70 miles a week and three hour
long runs over that period. Every person I've known whose tried in less than a year has stopped
running due to burn out or injury.

--
Don [email hidden]

In article said:

"Donovan Rebbechi" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

Donavan - although it certainly wouldn't hurt to train thoroughly for a marathon, I think your
views are a little excessive on the issue (but certainly not 'wrong'😉. 🙂

My intention is not to present the least adequate preparation one could do and still manage to
barely hobble through a marathon, I generally don't advocate hobbling through races without doing
enough preparation to do reasonably well.

My intention was to present a plan that would allow someone to be in *good shape* for a marathon.

The plan I presented is simply *a* plan, not *the* plan.

Quoted message said:

If someone is presently running 40 miles a week, they could run a full marathon well within 60 -
90 days.

They could, but I think spending some time racing half-marathons would help considerably. Of course,
if the goal is to just finish safely, less training is required than if the goal is to finish with a
good time (for example, a marathon time that is of comparable standard to ones 10k and half marathon
performances).

Regarding "racing" a marathon vs "running" it : if I wanted to jog a marathon, I'd go and run 4
laps of central park. I run races to race. That's my point of view. I don't know what the other
posters point of view is -- he wants to "race" marathons, but doesn't want to do much training, I
think part of what he needs to do is straighten out/clarify his goals which hopefully the thread
will help him do.

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi pegasus.rutgers.edu~elflordOpen ↗

"Donovan Rebbechi" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, SwStudio wrote:

<snip discussion>

I understand - we differed on our opinion of what the poster was looking for. I certainly wouldn't
advocate a "hobbling" experience, but still believe one can finish a marathon in a decent time,
unhurt, within the guidelines I pointed out.

I agree with you that successfully racing them, or even wanting to run one relatively quickly, is a
different issue entirely, and one that some never figure out.

Looking at it from another angle (and perhaps stirring the pot a little), I ran my first marathon
about five months after I quit the smokes and took it up... it certainly was a tough, poorly
executed race in which I ran the second half 30 minutes slower than the first. But I'm still
running and loving it, and I wonder if I would have even bothered, had someone told me I'd have to
wait two years.

cheers,
--
David (in Hamilton, ON) www.allfalldown.org

"Doug Freese" <[email hidden]> wrote...

Quoted message said:

Gery Cook said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running.

New + marathon == Buzzzzzz! Gong! riiiiing! alarm!

Doug:

I was the same kind of nut. My first race was a marathon (3:21 in 90 degree heat on a hilly course).
Averaged 48 mpw. This was 6 months after starting. I staggered across the finish line, badly
overheated and dehydrated, and said "I'm never doing this again."

I creaked to my car and saw a flyer on my windshield: "Santa Monica Marathon, August 10, 8:00am". I
immediately decided to do it.

And I'm still at it, 24 years later.

--Dan

I read "The Book of Running" cover to cover, multiple times. "Doug Freese" <[email hidden]>
wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Gery Cook said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running.

New + marathon == Buzzzzzz! Gong! riiiiing! alarm!

does

Quoted message said:

anyone have a good schedule to follow for training for a marathon? I

would

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

like to be in shape by the end of the year, if not sooner. Thanks.

Get a solid year of running experience under your belt and then think about a marathon. If you're
still eager and want to play masochist take a look at Runner's World web page : runnersworld.com0,1300,1 51Open ↗
56,FF.html?site=RunnersWorld

--
Doug Freese "Caveat Lector" [email hidden]

In article said:

Looking at it from another angle (and perhaps stirring the pot a little), I ran my first marathon
about five months after I quit the smokes and took it up... it certainly was a tough, poorly
executed race in which I ran the second half 30 minutes slower than the first. But I'm still
running and loving it, and I wonder if I would have even bothered, had someone told me I'd have to
wait two years.

I suppose another place where opinions may differ is that I don't view everything that comes before
a marathon as "waiting" (-;

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi pegasus.rutgers.edu~elflordOpen ↗

Rick:

Re the one-year burnout rule...I'm an exception (although I'm probably a rare case):

I went from zero to first marathon (3:21) in 7 months, back in '79.

I burned out from racing after 4 years, (got down to 2:37 & 33:35) but still enjoyed running 40-70
miles/week.

After a 15 year racing hiatus, I started racing ultras at age 50, and I'm still enthusiastic. I run
70-85 miles/week nowadays.

If Gery can get his miles in without falling apart, and the training doesn't feel like punishment,
more power to him. I suspect most people need at least a year or two under their belt before their
bodies can take it.

--Dan

"rick++" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I am new to running and would like to get into marathon running. does anyone have a good
schedule to follow for training for a marathon? I

would

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

like to be in shape by the end of the year, if not sooner.

I recommend 2-3 years to do it properly. That is, to work up o 50-70 miles a week and three hour
long runs over that period. Every person I've known whose tried in less than a year has stopped
running due to burn out or

injury.

Dan Stumpus said:

I was the same kind of nut. My first race was a marathon (3:21 in 90 degree heat on a hilly
course). Averaged 48 mpw. This was 6 months after starting. I staggered across the finish line,
badly overheated and dehydrated, and said "I'm never doing this again."

I creaked to my car and saw a flyer on my windshield: "Santa Monica Marathon, August 10, 8:00am".
I immediately decided to do it.

And I'm still at it, 24 years later.

And Monica did 23 100's in one year and Hans about 20. 😉 It's easy to show exceptions to the rule
but I'll bet if we sliced and diced the numbers of people that jumped immediately to the marathon in
the first year, I would contend:
- the number of people that make it to the starting line is about 50%
- the number that did start and make it to the finish line is maybe 50%
- many that do finish have such a miserable experience they never do another.

So for the preservation of the sport and an a less horrific personal experience I recommend at least
a solid year of running before attempting a marathon and then to use a 4-5 training month schedule
to get ready. The vast majority that take the slower path are still running.

I would sooner suggest the beginer try a trail 50k the first year before the road marathon.

--
Doug Freese "Caveat Lector" [email hidden]

"Doug Freese" <[email hidden]> wrote...

Quoted message said:

Dan Stumpus said:

I was the same kind of nut. My first race was a marathon ... And I'm

still at it, 24 years later.

Quoted message said:

...I would contend: ... many that do finish have such a miserable experience they never do

another.

Quoted message said:

So for the preservation of the sport and an a less horrific personal experience I recommend at
least a solid year of running before attempting a marathon and then to use a 4-5 training month
schedule to get ready. The vast majority that take the slower path are still running.

For the vast majority that is sound advice. However, when someone can comfortably average 40-50
mpw, they're ready to prepare for one. Most people take a goodly time to get to that point. I was
playing 20 hrs of tennis/week at a high level (5+) before I started running, which gave me a leg up
on most people.

I live two blocks from the 23 mile point of the LA marathon. I was shocked to see *thousands* of
people struggling in slower than 5:30 on a warm day. In my opinion, most of these people had no
business being out there. Most of them were walk/jogging and were complete glazed-eyed zombies.
(kind of like the finish of a 100 ;-) They had not averaged 40-50 mpw in training!

Quoted message said:

I would sooner suggest the beginer try a trail 50k the first year before the road marathon.

This is absolutely true! Much easier on the legs, small field, nicer people, time to eat and drink.
I haven't run a road marathon since '86, and don't miss it at all.

--Dan