On April 5th 2009, I will be running my first marathon in Dallas (or trying to at least). 26.2 miles! I have eight full months to train for it. I started walking at the gym I belong to a month ago and have recently felt the need to jog a bit as well. It feels good when I jog up to a point, and then it starts to feel like my knees are going to grind themselves into dust. I'm not in very good shape and I am significantly overweight, (about 60 pounds overweight to be honest). Should I just forget the marathon in April and give myself more time to train or is eight months enough? Anyone got any suggestions for me.
Forums » General Training » Running
I think I bit off more than I can chew!!
(7 posts)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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It is certainly possible to get where you want to be. How about staring with a half marathon at an earlier date? Sometimes setting shorter term goals first makes them seem more attainable and you are less likely to bail on it. I lost 75 lbs two years ago by walking alot! About 6 months ago, I started running. I ran my first 5k in June and have just committed to training for a half marathon in October. My longest run to date is 5.2 miles. There is a nice 12 week training schedule for half marathons on this site. It starts with 3-4 miles. I feel good at 5 miles. I have said that if my knees are dust at 10, I will bail. Running will yield high results on you weight loss and it will get easier on your body as you go. My run is October 19th, one day after my 36th birthday. I have said that my goal is to be a bad ass on my 36th birthday! It is such a great feeling!! Good luck to you and absolutely get your goals and go for it -- but set shorter term goals first so you can feel the high of hittin them before the big one!
Posted 4 years ago # -
I think it's a good goal. When you start running you might try walking for 5 minutes and then jogging for 30 seconds and repeating to meet your time or mileage goal. As you feel more comfortable increase your jogging by 1/2 to 1 minute increments and decrease your walking in the same way. Just don't adjust both at the same time. Check out the running planet website. Right now I'm walking for 2 weeks before I start the 8-week program for beginning runners. I'm hoping to run the ING 1/2 in Atlanta on March 19th (I think that's the date). Anyway if you want to be training buddies I'm game. I have about 100 to lose total. I'm trying to lose 70 by the end of this year. Finally, I agree with the earlier comment if the marathon seems too much consider a half. Take care.....me
Posted 4 years ago # -
I'm so excited that I've found other people who are just beginning, like me! I would consider myself more of a walker than a runner at present, but I too am trying to change that. I'm giving myself about 8 weeks (more or less, depending on how well I keep to the schedule) to ramp up my jogging distance so that I can jump into the Beginner 5k training program that I found on this site. From there, onward and upward!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Hey,
Just wanted to say that I really admire your ambition and drive! I am not overweight, but do have a movement disorder that limits my activity at times. I believe we all have limitations, but in time/training we can overcome them. Good luck to you and the only suggestions I have for you, only from my own experience (i ran a half marathon), is:
1)Do not be afraid to walk!
2)Do interval training on the treadmill. For example:
1 minute at a fast walk, 1 minute run, 1 minute cool down, 1 minute sprint. Repeat the sequence.You will be amazed at how soon the intervals increase and you will be running longer with less walking time.
Posted 4 years ago # -
A year ago I was 80 pounds heavier and last weekend I ran 14 miles. Believe me you can do this! All of the suggestions above are great. Just be patient, don't expect your body to be able to run 4 miles by next week. My run pace 3 months ago is now my walk pace. Good luck!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Wow Magjacks!! Good for you! :)
Posted 4 years ago #
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