In a moment of utter insanity I have entered the ballot for London 2016

[HookedOnHooking]

1. I am fat
   
2. I am 40
   
3. I haven't done any running for about 10 years (and only then did 5k maximum)
   

Now. Chances are I won't get pulled in the ballot but just in case I need to plan ahead and start.

Help!

[LadyFannyOfOmaha]

Good for you. My friend did it last week, she was overweight, just got it into her head that she would lose weight and run the marathon and did it. I'm in awe of her. Sorry can't give any advice on a training plan, but maybe a local running group could help?

[HookedOnHooking]

My motivation is that H doesn't think I will (or can).

[meglet]

Start with c25k now? Parkrun every Saturday. Sign up for a 10k in sept to give you something to aim for?

[HookedOnHooking]

There's a local half in October. I'll aim for that.

Start with c25k is a good idea.

[MyBlackCat]

I've entered the ballot 3 times and not got in but I also know people who have got in on first attempt.

My advice would be to assume you are running it and start running now, slowly building up to 5km/10km and so on.

Good luck and enjoy it

[HookedOnHooking]

Ooh. There's a parkrun not too far away too!

[HookedOnHooking]

Which c25k app? Does it matter?

[HookedOnHooking]

I was a bit pissed when I decided to do it.

[honeyandfizz]

I've entered the ballot too for the past 5 years and have never got in. Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing! Regular runner but anything past 8 miles I find very tough

[pootlebug]

Chances are you won't get it - but if you do, you'll want to be on the way with training. And let's face it, a bit of running does most people good.

Start with C25K. I'd be aiming to do a 10k by early autumn, to give you a base to build from if you get in.

[Ratracerunner]

I did too! And I'm scared that I'll get picked now!! Have only done half marathons before, this is a massive set up!!

Il be using the marathon training guide on the VLM website.

Good luck!!

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

My husband's in the ballot too. Gulp. He is a running fanatic very keen runner but he's not done a marathon before and he's nearly 60.

I don't run myself (dodgy knees) but from his many endless highly informative remarks about running I second the idea of joining Parkrun. They seem to be a really lovely welcoming lot, incredibly supportive regardless of your standard, and it's FREE.

Good luck!

[isittheweekendyet]

Good luck! I ran my first marathon this year. Prior to kids I'd never even run for the bus. I'm a firm believer that if you put the effort in anyone can do it.

Get yourself a decent pair of trainers (and ideally get a 2nd pair in a few months time so you can swap between the 2) and a decent sports bra and you're good to go!

Do the C25K plan, go to a park run every Sat and sign up for a 10k in a few months time. Then get a half in the diary. Having something to aim for is a great motivation. Eat well. Drink water. You'll probably find you lose some weight too which will then make the running even easier. Most of all have fun!! If you don't get into London chose another without a ballot - I recommend Manchester!!

[HookedOnHooking]

Day 1 c25k done. Also new running bra purchased!

[isittheweekendyet]

Well done! It's a beautiful day for running...hopefully by the time marathon training really kicks in and the weather is shocking you'll be hooked and won't let the wind, rain and cold bother you

[holmessweetholmes]

Liking your motivation . Nothing more annoying than being told you can't do something!

Get some support - Parkrun is wonderful and there's a Parkrunners thread on MN and a general runners ' thread, both of which I'm on. Also if you are on FB, there's a good group called Run Mummy Run - the name is a bit lame but it's actually really good. There are total beginners right up to ultra marathoners and some inspiring stories.

I'm sticking to a half marathon for now - doing my first one in early June .

[HookedOnHooking]

Lovely day so just been out on my for an hour. Knackered. Why are there so many flipping hills here?

[HookedOnHooking]

Week 1 of c25k done.

I can run for 60 seconds!

Now..... how long will 26 miles take me?

[EATmum]

Well done Hooked. I went from
Total non-runner to a half marathon last year, so I'm cheering for you. also scared as I too went into the ballot this year having sworn I never would

[HookedOnHooking]

Today...

C25K week 2 run 1. 90 seconds running. Easy!!!

Plus - painted fence, walked dogs, rode bike to church and back.

Knackered.

[ImperialBlether]

Bloody hell, Hooked! I didn't realise (until looking at the site) that you won't know until October 2015 whether you've got in or not.

That would make me think I'd have a sit down for a while...

[HookedOnHooking]

That's why I need to start now. If I leave it and by some evil twist of fate I actually get pulled in the ballot I'd be screwed. Whereas if I make an effort now hopefully I'll be a wee bit along the way.

[HookedOnHooking]

So. 5 weeks into my insane plan I can now run 5k!!!!

Flipping amazing.

Think I might enter the local half in October.