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Original poster

Couch to marathon in 4 months…?

38 replies

alwayslemons · 07/06/2023 20:48

I’ve just started the couch to 5k and am quite enjoying it. I’ve never been a runner, but I really want this to be a regular part of my life now. New beginnings, good habits etc. Once I get to the end of it I’m going to start signing up for proper 5k and 10k runs. But there’s a marathon I really want to do this autumn and I keep thinking bugger it, I’ll just sign up, it’ll be good for me to have a goal.

Is it insane to go from zero to marathon in just over 4 months? I have no expectations of getting a decent time, and I’m sure I’ll walk good chunks of it, I just want to do it. I’m 38 and reasonably fit. What do you think?

OP posts:
WonderingWanda · 07/06/2023 21:54

I think that's too much to soon. Couch to 5k is quite gentle. Once you're doing 3 x 5k a week if you try adding another 5k run or increasing the distance of one or more of those runs you will really feel it. I did couch to 5k, was reasonably fit and could probably have managed 5k much quicker than the programme. Then I did a 10 week plan for a half marathon but found it really tough when I got to 7 miles and more. 3 weeks before the end I got a niggle in my knee and kept training on it. Ended up injuring myself and unable to run for months after doing the half.

CrispyBits · 07/06/2023 21:51

I’ve run two marathons and more half marathons than I can count on mixed levels of training.

Go out tomorrow and just try and run 5km. If you are reasonably fit and have done a few weeks of C25K and have a good base fitness it may well be you can already do 5km in which case it’s possible. It won’t be a fast one but you’ll get round and learn a lot! If you struggle with running 5km non-stop then stick to the programme and look at one for next year.

LookWhosInsideAgain · 07/06/2023 21:42

Give it a year. 4 months is optimistic for people who have regularly been running 5-10k twice a week or so for years.

LittleBlueBrioTrain · 07/06/2023 21:40

Aim for next year. It will be a miserable 4 months and a miserable marathon. I've done it and don't recommend it!

megletthesecond · 07/06/2023 21:40

I wouldn't do that. Leave it for next year. Don't risk injury or making running too intense in these early days.

Remember; it's a marathon, not a sprint (literally).

Thelondonone · 07/06/2023 21:39

Is there a half marathon route too? I wouldn’t risk it. I was at a similar point and did a half and am still running. Not sure if I had tried a marathon I’d still be a)alive or b) running.

cocksstrideintheevening · 07/06/2023 21:37

It's a bit of a stretch tbh. Have you even completed the 5k? Do a few park runs then a 10 and a half, then the marathon.

ThatFraggle · 07/06/2023 21:34

There's a wall at 20 miles. The training is to overcome that.

ThePoshUns · 07/06/2023 21:33

I'd say it's not possible. I have been running for years. I wouldn't want to train for a marathon 5 months away.

PostOpOp · 07/06/2023 21:32

Make it your goal for next autumn. Marathons are generally hard but they're HELL if you're not properly trained, even if you're a distance runner. Take your time and keep on enjoying the training and you'll probably end up doing a second marathon!

Pushing too hard is a sure fire way of stopping running either through injury or through it just being horribly hard and no fun at all.

Loverofoxbowlakes · 07/06/2023 21:29

Couch to 5k is 8 weeks. It's a hell of a jump to 42k.

I got up to 13 miles in training for a marathon before picking up a silly injury, was fully recovered for the marathon which was 2 months afterwards and it was horrendous.

Do it next year and work up gradually. Get some 5ks in, then 10ks. Then half marathons. You'll get the bug... 🏃

Applecoresweet · 07/06/2023 21:26

I would injure myself increasing the mileage that quickly.

Bigtom · 07/06/2023 21:21

I would say it’s possible if you don’t mind walking some of it. The biggest risk is that you injure yourself by increasing your mileage too quickly, so make sure you take it slowly and listen to your body.

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