To think well actually I could

[dontbesillyhenry]

I'm 37. I'm overweight and unfit. I'm not happy about this. Would it be very unreasonable to think I could celebrate my 40th by running the london marathon

[northbynorthwesty]

Yes if you trained for it. It is certainly possible. Why don’t you aim to do a 10k by next year or 38th birthday and take it from there ? You could definitely do it but you need time and dedication for training

Go for it !!

[letsdolunch321]

Anything is possible as long as you are willing to put the time in to train, lose weight and eat healthy. You have two years to get sorted

[SaucyJane]

Of course you could!!

Wish I'd done that - I thought about it at 37 too (got pregnant instead!).

Go for it, you'll never ever regret healthy eating, losing weight and taking up exercise

[yerbutnobut]

Not unreasonable at all but as PP said, perhaps build up by doing smaller challenges. I too am 37 and I'm planning to do the 3 peaks challenge for my 40th. Good luck with your training.

[hilbil21]

If you're on Facebook join a group called run b*tch run. Lots of people on there who will give good advice

[SaucyJane]

As a basic starter, the couch to 5k is really good. I did that a few years ago and went from never having run anywhere since school gym lessons to being able to pound the treadmill/pavement for 50 mins in a few months.

[SaucyJane]

(I don't mean it took me 50 mins to run 5k!!)

[Confusedbeetle]

Almost everyone has the ability to run a half marathon with the right preparation and training. I started running from scratch at 50 in April and did the half marathon in the Sept with the help of a running club. A full marathon is a different matter and should have intense preparation. Start small with 5K, 10K and see if you like the lifestyle, that is what it will need to do a full

[nuttyknitter]

You definitely can! I hit my 50th three stone overweight, and had never done any physical activity. I ran the London marathon three years later and three stone lighter. Fifteen years on I can't run any more because of hip problems, but I've kept the weight off and still walk five to ten miles a day.

[Imnoth3r3]

Certainly NBU...good on you for taking control and best of luck in your marathon!

[Aquamarine1029]

You absolutely could do this. Lose the excuses and tap into your willpower and you can do this.

[LadyLoveYourWhat]

Yes, you could run a marathon - I believe most people can if they commit to training. London is quite hard to get into though, there is a ballot, so luck of the draw unless you are good for your age. Charity places expect you to commit to raising a certain amount and have a really good fundraising plan so are quite competitive too - other marathons do exist!

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I went from nothing to a 10k last year. I run three times a week every week now. 6km today for example. I'm doing a 10k Sunday next.

Marathons are a different thing though. Read up on it. You have to work on your body, your cardio and your head game. Head game is my nemesis.

[sentMai]

You could but small, measurable and achievable steps are what you want, not a huge goal way off in the future.

[ADarkandStormyKnight]

Did my first marathon at 41. Yes you can do it!

Start slowly, find your local park runand/or running club, do some other exercise as well as running to prevent injury.

[Travelledtheworld]

I started running aged 54 by joining Slimming World, lost half a stone and felt so much more energetic.Then I joined a women's running group and started to run to 5k, then 10k.
Buy yourself a part of decent running shoes and a good sports bra.
Set small realistic targets, and enjoy !

[user1471548941]

Yes you can! I was a non runner 6 months ago and am typing this from my hotel room where I have just woken up to eat my first breakfast before the marathon today. I have run up to 20 miles in training (on my own!) and hoping the crowds and atmosphere will help me get the final 6 today!

[Uggie]

This poster can be your inspiration:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3224821-Would-aibu-to-mention-this-at-every-opportunity

[ADarkandStormyKnight]

good luck user!

[adayatthebeach]

I agree with everyone! Yes you can! If by chance this becomes a healthy new habit I’m sure you will lose weight and in the long run your knees will thank you for it!

[RunMummyRun68]

Yes you can!!!

I'm 50 this year and running London marathon today!! I'm a runner but have only been doing it 4/5 years now

I'm so excited for today!!!

[Lotsofplanetshaveanorth]

Yes yes you can. Join parkrun as a start.

I am 38 and hoping to run a marathon in 2020. I did a half pretty kids and run about 20k a week now so will be a massive step up but god loves a trier

[Lotsofplanetshaveanorth]

Have fun runmummyrun

[Givemestrengthorgin]

You absolutely can...why don't you aim for a 10k at 38, half marathon at 39 and London marathon at 40. And do organised events. Gives you shorter training goals to achieve that will keep you motivated and give you race day practice.

Look at doing a park run if you have one near you, they are super!

[Givemestrengthorgin]

Also, don't get too set on the London marathon....loads of other marathons that also have an amazing atmosphere but less of the queing and waiting around to get started.