From couch to marathon?

[Windowss]

I haven’t run before and find it hard but I was so inspired watching a marathon this year that I put myself into the ballot… and now I have a place! I don’t exercise regularly now but I have in the past. AIBU to think it is possible to train for this and be able to go from couch to marathon in 9 months?! I’m not a idiot and this isn’t my normal style but I’ve had some serious sad life things happen recently and I think this challenge could
be good for me. AIBU to think go for it?

You absolutely can do it it you should start now. Not full marathon training but regular running and commitment to building up. A marathon takes a lot out of you. If you start now you’ll build a fitness base you can build on when you start a dedicated program. Be realistic about what you can do. I can’t run more than 3 times a week so found a training plan which worked around that. I followed a 16 week plan but regularly run half marathons in a reasonable time. There are longer plans to build up more slowly.

Absolutely you can do it! You'll need to run and get the miles in your legs building up slowly but also do strength and conditioning stuff so you reduce injury risk.

yes that is definitely doable. Do you have any jiggling injuries or significant weight to lose?

Thank you all for your encouragement, I needed that. The tips are really helpful too, thank you.
I am average weight and no injuries.

You can totally do it, because I did it in 2018, and if I can, anyone can!!

Definitely start now, and build up slowly. Congratulations!!

Of course you can do it!

Start with the couch to 5k programme (there’s an app or various versions online), then once you’re in the habit of running 2-3 times a week, start adding 1km a week for a ‘long run’. So Tuesday and Thursday (for example) would stay at 5k, but on Sunday, you’d go to 6k, 7k, 8k…

Even better, join a local running group, who will help with training but also keep you motivated.

Absolutely you can do it. It might not necessarily be pretty, but 9 months is plenty time to get round.

If you have never run before start off with something like couch to 5k. Take it easy and build up the milage very, very gradually. Really you just need to get the miles in your legs, don't worry about how fast you are going.

When it comes to the marathon once can stay on your feet for long enough it really is more of a mental race as the long training runs are seriously boring, so if you can plan runs around visiting places you don't normally go to so you can treat the runs as an excuse to explore new places - I really love when I'm on holiday planning runs in new areas. Also seek out plenty of podcasts/audiobooks etc!

Really importantly, get yourself to a proper running shop and get your gait analysed for a well fitting pair of running shoes. Buy proper running clothing that won't chafe and get some anti-blister socks and blister plasters, and learn the joys of proper dynamic warmups, flexibility training and the foam roller.

For goodness sake

I've applied about 16 times got in once couldn't run due to pregnancy. Done loads of marathons, half's, 10ks the lot. All I want is a space. The five rejections then a guaranteed space rule was scrapped when I was on 4 consecutive rejections.

Then I read things like this.

Yes of course you can do it, yes it is inclusive as it should be but oh my god it infuriates me. Please do it justice, give up your social life and train for it properly. Accept that it will hurt. Enjoy the race. But don't take a space that runners like me would give a limb for and just walk the thing due to lack of training and lifestyle change.

Sorry I'm bitter as I didn't get in again. Congratulations

Back when London did the "apply 7 times and you definately get in" thing I got up to failed 6 applications and they stopped the scheme. I've still never got a place.

Stupid overrated race anyway.

As a fellow rejected runner, I totally get your disappointment, but don't take it out on people like op. There is always the GFA entry in August if you've ran a qualifying time within the last year.

OP, well done on getting in.

As you know, the ballot entry is very competitive and hard to get in, but now the hard work starts.

As you don't already run regularly, you will need to build your base. Start by running shorter distances regularly and gradually increase it, but not to marathon distance just yet. There is no need to do a marathon distance in training before your race.

Join a running group or club who will have people of all abilities, and who will motivate and support you in your training.

I don't need to tell you the marathon is a hard distance to train amd race. Do not underestimate the intensity of training you will require for it.

There is always a run walk option of course, if nearer the time you've decided that suits you better.

I am a little envious to be honest, but put the hard work in aand celebrate it on race day.

Thank you all for the tips, that is really helpful and appreciated. I’m sorry for others disappointment, I would feel the same. I intent to run all of it and train properly. Thanks for the encouragement and point in the right direction.

Break the training into stages, C25k, 10k, HM, marathon. Work back from the marathon- the high milage won't be until after new year anyway. Allow space for life to get in the way: Christmas, holidays, you'll be ill at some point, so allow some slack rest/ consolidation time between phases. This reduces injury risk, eases the mental pressure and gives smaller acheivable goals.

I used Jeff Galloway's run/ walk method of running 60s/ walking 30s to reduce the risk of an injury recurring, and still felt good through the second half of my marathon, and it kept my pace consistant all the way through.

You don't need to run vast amounts. The long run is critical, but another run or two can stay quite short. For completing rather than aiming for time, injury prevention is a priority. Cross training for strength is more useful than an umpteenth run of the week.

Go to a specialist running shop to get trainers that work for you. You'll probably be on a second pair by the time you get to the long run stage.

A good bra, running vest, comfortable pants, and anti-chafe stick will also become invaluable as the milage mounts up. A watch makes monitoring training easier, but Strava is a decent free start. Headphones for podcasts/ music help with focus/ interest too. Bone conductors are good for running as they don't block ambient sound.

Decathlon is a great shop for most basics.

Frequenting the exercise section of MN is a good way to ask questions and chat with others of similar goals.

yes! Just learn to run 5 and 10k between now and Christmas. Start going to parkrun and maybe enter any fun runs you see to keep yourself accountable. Then in the first week in January/last week in December start your 16 week marathon plan and you’ll be fit before you even start it. I’m so jealous, I got yet another rejection email although have done it once for charity. It really is one of the best days of your life 😊 100% go for it

Yes, of course you can do it, but also please note that road running is really hard on your body.

I did nothing, to 5k, to 10k, then did a 1/2 marathon with a marathon booked... But I never made the marathon. It was not fitness, as in, I'd reached a point of fitness where I could keep running for any distance really and not need to stop to walk. But I fucked my hip joints. I pushed myself through the half marathon when I probably shouldn't have, and have had hip problems ever since.

Obviously, many many people run marathons without issue. But don't underestimate what a strain on your body road running can be.

This happened to me in 2018 and it changed my life. I’m now an avid runner and I have run London 3 more times since. It was the best day of my life before we got married, hands down.

I went from non runner (but regular gym goer) to marathon in 6 months and finished the hottest race on record in just over 6 hours. I was cheered the whole way round.

Start with couch to 5k for 8 weeks and also add in some gym strength sessions to get it into your routine as it will be ESSENTIAL to getting you round.

Your specific “marathon” build block will be 16 weeks which is usually starting at Christmas so read some training plans and get an idea in your head of how far you need to be at BEFORE this block (probably 8-10 miles). So you haven between the end of c25k and Xmas to make that build- that’s 3 clear chunks.

i also recommend joining a charity team- you won’t have a fundraising target as you have a ballot place so there is no pressure but you will get to join a team and they will provide support and guidance with training, physio etc, a pasta party the night before and just the feeling of running for a cause- team shirt etc!

Trust the process and have the BEST time.

I run and applied for (I expect) the same marathon but didn’t get a space. Luck of the draw.

But! Well done! And yes you can and should do it.

Start slow and use a tracker like Strava. When training for something I plot my stats into a spreadsheet and work out how much I’m improving etc.

First run literally see if you can manage 1 mile or 2km at a gentle jog and then a rest day and work from there. 9 months is enough. A marathon might be called a race but you’re not going to be breaking records so discount the idea you’re going to be sprinting. Also: it will hurt - your toenails will hate you. But it’s also euphoric.

I’d suggest you aim to do a 5km within 2 months and 10km by end October ish just so you’ve an idea of what running in a race is like and how you can pace and nourish yourself/take on fluids when you come to a much longer race (taking on enough fluids during the race is important but not as easy as you think necessarily). There will be local events you can sign yourself up for that don’t cost much but the experience will really help. Do not overdo it. You do not need to be clocking 25km + a week within a month. That way doth injury and misery lie. If you are tired, take a rest day. If something twinges or hurts, slow down or even stop and abandon your run and walk it off.

Important stuff - find something you’re comfortable running in that doesn’t chafe (it might not chafe after 5km but once you go further it might start to rip you to shreds - test it fully stares at THAT pair of shorts). Get a good sports bra and socks. Get a well fitting pair of running shoes and break them in. You’re going to train through winter so invest in a wicking base layer top and leggings (with reflective bits or a reflective top to wear over them as you will end up running in twilight/the dark at some point) and get a pair of gloves. A buff to wrap around your ears is great all year round as it stops sweat in summer and warms your ears in winter (I don’t like running in hats).

You will need a solid diet and that includes carbohydrates and fats as well as good protein.

Also accept that you might well end up walking part of the course. There is no shame in that.

You got this! Keep us updated on your progress! It’s a super satisfying thing to build yourself up to and whilst you’ll likely feel half dead at the end, it’s a massive achievement.

These posts are so encouraging and practical, thank you! I will use all the tips, they are great. And it’s making me excited and determined.

Hi,
I'm in a similar boat- although I'm have entered the rather less competative (spaces wise) Manchester marathon, so no ballot etc just gauranteed space. I am currently on week 2 of couch to 5k so a way to go but determined to build up to it! Been watching youtube videos of people completing Manchester marathon which is both terifying and inspiring!
It's all part of a bid to reclaim my body after having my daughter 4 years ago and not feeling the same since. She is amazing but want to feel strong and fit again. This feels like a good challenge as part of that process.
Good luck to you- we can do this! xx

Another tip to keep you motivated op is to post in the Exercise section of the forum.

I know AIBU gets a lot of traffic, but you will find more support and helpful information in the Exercise topic from experienced runners.

How did you get on @Windowss ?

I hope you enjoyed the experience and had a wonderful day.

I've got serious marathon blues, it came and went so quickly.